Books in Progress: What I’ve Been Reading Lately – January 2020

It’s a brand new year filled with lots of brand new (and backlist) books and I’m super stoked about all of it. As I do every month, I’m about to share the books I’ve recently finished, what I’m currently reading, and what I plan to read next. But, with it being the beginning of the year and all, there are a couple of books that don’t fit into any of those categories.

The first is War and Peace. For the last few years, my reading goals have centered around the number of books I wanted to read. This year I decided to try something different, so I’m going to knock out this classic doorstop in 2020. I’m taking a slow, but steady approach with the help of my Serial Reader app. If I’m feeling ambitious after I finish it I might even get started on Anna Karenina. ‘Twill be the year of Tolstoy.

The next book that doesn’t quite fit is the yearly devotional I started on January 1st. Technically it will be in the currently reading category for the next twelve months, so rather than repeatedly list it, I decided to just put in a plug for it here. It’s a 365 day study (which actually leaves me one devotional short, since it’s a leap year) called Jesus, Day by Day that takes you through the Bible chronologically. I love year long devotionals because they help keep me on track, so I’m excited about this one taking me through the entire Bible a few chapters at a time. I guess that kind of counts as a slow and steady read too, in a way.

Now, on to the shorter term reads.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I might make some extra coffee money at no extra expense to you if you buy something through one of my links. Read more about that here.

Just Finished:

The Way of the Brave

So. Good. I won’t take a bunch of space to talk about it here because I recently posted a full review that you can read for my complete thoughts, but I will say that I’m joyful that Susan May Warren is so prolific because I just adore her books. There always seems to be a new one coming out and she has an extensive backlist, so I can scratch my action/romance itch whenever I need to.

A Bound Heart

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned before that I have a peculiarly specific interest in historical fiction set in Scotland. A Bound Heart starts out in Scotland, but the story involves forced immigration to the American colonies, and it was so interesting. The main female character works as a stillroom mistress, and I enjoyed hearing descriptions of different plants, herbs, and concoctions that were used to treat ailments at the time. Loved every second of this story!

The Hope of Azure Springs

This book is the first in a series that I read out of order (which is somewhat unusual for me). I started with Yours Truly, Thomas a few months ago, and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to return to Azure Springs. This is a historical mystery about a malnourished girl named Em who is found shot. A complicated story unfolds as she reveals how she came to be in Azure Springs, and Sheriff Caleb Reynolds has his hands full keeping her safe as he investigates. While I think I might have enjoyed it slightly more if I had read them in order, overall I don’t think it matters that much with this series.

In Progress:

Coral

Who likes a mermaid story? I don’t know that I’ve ever read a Little Mermaid retelling before, so this is something new for me and I’m enjoying it. It’s told from three points of view and explores issues of mental health and what it means to love someone. I can honestly say I’ve never read anything like it and I’m liking getting into something a little bit different.

Pastry for Beginners

Carbs. Carbs. Carbs. Loving this new cookbook from friend and fellow food blogger Sharon over at Certified Pastry Aficionado. When most people think of pastries they think of sweets, and while she does have plenty of sweet treats in this book, she also includes savory pastry recipes as well! I’m planning to post a full review of this one next week, so stay tuned for more.

Tate

Another Susan May Warren book? Why, yes, indeed it is. Tate is a bodyguard in love with the girl he’s protecting. Glo is attracted to him too, but past hurts make her keep pushing him away. The goal of this book is for everyone to stay alive and have a happy ending, and with danger and manipulation around every corner that’s not an easy ask. Loving the action scenes in this book! Tate can really throw a punch, and so can all of his four brothers.

Where the Crawdads Sing

If you look on Amazon you’ll notice that this book has an average 4.7 star rating out of over 33k review. Thirty-three thousand! I’m only about a third of the way in, but I can see why it has captured so much attention. I felt invested in Kya’s story from the very beginning and I’m waiting to see how she connects with the murder mystery surrounding a young man found dead in the swamp. I think there’s a good chance this book will come to be known as a modern classic.

Up Next:

The Bronte Plot

Let’s here it for books as gifts! I asked for this book for Christmas because I really like Katherine Reay and the way she writes literary themed stories, and I’m trying to work my way through her backlist. She is so great at writing books about books with interesting characters and lots of heart. Can’t wait to get started on this one as soon as I finish some of these library books I have to return soon!

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

Yes, I know, this was on my list to read next last month. I haven’t gotten to it yet (those library books again), but I’m really going to try hard to make it happen before the end of the month. This author is great for a funny, entertaining story, so I hope I can get to it soon!

Storm Rising

I’ve never read a Ronie Kendrig book before, but this book has gotten a lot of buzz on Instagram. I placed a library hold on it when it entered my radar, and it came in last week so it’s time to give it go and see what all the fuss is about.

---

Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and if you want more book talk you can check out Modern Mrs. Darcy and her monthly quick-lit linkup.