July-September Round-Up

Here it is, the end of another quarter! I have to say, my round-up posts have become some of my favorite posts to write, because I love looking back at the past three months and remember all the books I read and just what I loved about them. This quarter, I’ve read a decent number of books, even though it isn’t quite as many as I’ve read in the past. Despite that, I’ve read a bunch of fantastic novels, and I’m excited to share them with you!

April-June Round-Up

        It’s the end of another quarter! It’s been another three months full of reading and blogging and reviewing, and that means it’s time for a round-up post of all the books I’ve read in the last three months. I’ve always loved keeping track of all the books I read, so this is one of my favorite posts to write. It helps me to see all the things I’ve read, those I’ve loved and those that have fallen flat, and it’s so fun to look back on it all! So, here are the books I’ve read this past April, May, and June! Oh, and click on any of the colored titles in my descriptions to see my full reviews of each book!

Quarterly Round-Up: January-March

        Here is my quarterly round-up of all of the books that I have read the past three months. It’s actually a pretty impressive number, 32 to be exact, but I’ve also listed the books that are in my pictures but I either never got a chance to read or didn’t finish. Also, if you click on any of the green-colored titles, it will take you to my full review of that book. So, without further ado, let me get this long post underway.

Betting on Hope

        Betting on Hope is the first book in Debra Clopton’s Four of Hearts Ranch Romance series, and was also the first book I had ever read by her. I have to say, I really enjoyed this novel; in fact I couldn’t get enough of it. 

Quarterly Round-Up: October-December

        Here is a list of all of the books I have read the past three months! It isn’t as many as I would like, but hopefully I will be able to read more next quarter! I’m just going to highlight a little about the book and whether I liked it or not; to see the full review of each novel just click on the highlighted titles in the text.

 

The Midwife’s Tale

        The Midwife’s Tale is the first book in Delia Parr’s At Home in Trinity series, and is the novel that has gotten me completely hooked on both Delia’s writing and this series. It was definitely one of my more enjoyable reads of the quarter, and I know that I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

 

Healer of Carthage

        Healer of Carthage is the first book in Lynne Gentry’s Carthage Chronicles series, and is the first book I ever read by her. It quickly got me hooked on her writing, however, and I am glad to say it is a novel I definitely enjoyed.

 

At Bluebonnet Lake

        At Bluebonnet Lake is the first book in Amanda Cabot’s Texas Crossroads series, but was not one of the better books I’ve read the past few months. While I enjoyed the storyline to a certain degree, many parts of the novel were just a little too cheesy/cliché for me, and I felt that the ending fell a little flat.

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

        Beautiful Star of Bethlehem by Lori Copeland was a sweet novel, but it definitely wasn’t one of my favorites of the quarter. Although I still awarded it with all five bookshelves, it was so completely different from anything I expected or have read before that I don’t really know what I think of it. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, but right now, I’m leaning more towards the latter.

 

An Endless Christmas

        An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti may be only the second Christmas novella I’ve ever read, but it definitely is the best novella I’ve read, Christmas or otherwise. It was so sweet, wonderful, and unforgettable that I know I will want to read it again soon, so I am really glad I own a copy of this one.

The Golden Braid

        The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson is one of the many fairy-tale retellings she has written and I have read and, although it isn’t my favorite, it is definitely a wonderful novel that I love and that is another great example of what a talented author Melanie is. This novel is one of my favorites I’ve read this quarter, and I know I will most likely be reading it again soon.

 

Love Without End

        Love Without End is the first book in Robin Lee Hatcher’s King’s Meadow Romance series, and was also the first book I had ever read by her. I enjoyed this novel immensely, and have since added Robin to my list of favorite authors.

Whenever You Come Around

        Whenever You Come Around is the second book in Robin Lee Hatcher’s King’s Meadow Romance series—coming after Love Without End—and is by far my favorite of the two. While I really did enjoy the first book, this novel was just so, so wonderful it really blew that one away. But, no matter which one was better, I have become a fan of Robin’s writing, and I have fallen in love with this series.

 

Gabriel’s Atonement

        Gabriel’s Atonement is the first book in Vickie McDonough’s Land Rush Dreams series, and was the first full length novel I had ever read by her. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I quickly fell in love with it and all of the characters involved.

Joline’s Redemption

        Joline’s Redemption is the second book in Vickie McDonough’s Land Rush Dreams series, coming after Gabriel’s Atonement, and is definitely my favorite of the two. Although I definitely really enjoyed the first novel, there was just something about this second one that put it over the top.

 

Secrets of Sloane House

        Secrets of Sloane House is the first book in Shelley Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series, and is the beginning of my favorite series that I read this year. Although this didn’t end up my favorite novel of the three, that’s just because each one was even better than the first, even though this one was wonderful enough to make it onto my all-time favorites list.

Deception on Sable Hill

        Deception on Sable Hill is the second book in Shelley Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series, coming after Secrets of Sloane House. While I absolutely loved the first novel, I enjoyed this one even more, although it isn’t my favorite either. It is one of my favorites I’ve read this year, however.

 

Whispers in the Reading Room

        Whispers in the Reading Room is the third book in Shelley Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series, coming after Secrets of Sloane House and Deception on Sable Hill. This, by far, is my favorite novel of the series, and is one of my top five books I’ve read this quarter. It is absolutely amazing.

A Thousand Shall Fall

        A Thousand Shall Fall is the first book in Andrea Boeshaar’s Shenandoah Valley series, and is the first book I ever read by her. It is also the novel that caused me to add Andrea to my list of favorite authors. This book was another one of my top five, and I cannot wait to read more in the series.

 

The Mountain Midwife

        The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes is the first book I ever read by her, and was definitely a novel that I enjoyed. It was also one of my favorite novels I read this quarter.

 

Petticoat Detective

        Petticoat Detective is the first book in Margaret Brownley’s Undercover Ladies series, and is also the first novel I ever read by her. It quickly became one of my favorite books of all time, and I also added Margaret to my list of favorite authors. This novel was wonderful enough to do that.

 

The Trouble with Patience

        The Trouble with Patience is the first book in Maggie Brendan’s Virtues and Vices of the Old West series, but cannot be the first novel I read by her because I didn’t actually finish it. Although I hate to give a bad review to anyone’s hard work, I just couldn’t finish this novel because it was a little too slow for my tastes.

Hearts Made Whole

        Hearts Made Whole is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Beacons of Hope series, coming after Love Unexpected. Although I really, really enjoyed the first book, I absolutely LOVED this novel that much more.

 

Irish Meadows

        Irish Meadows is the first book in Susan Anne Mason’s Courage to Dream series, and is the first book I have ever read by her. It is a wonderful novel that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I cannot wait to read more by Susan in the future.

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge

        The Inn at Ocean’s Edge is the first book in Colleen Coble’s Sunset Cove series, but isn’t the first novel I’ve read by her. I have been a huge fan of Colleen’s for a while now, so I was extremely excited when I got the chance to read another one of her books. I absolutely LOVED this one, and cannot wait to read more of her work!

 

The Painter’s Daughter

        The Painter’s Daughter by Julie Klassen is her latest release, and was the only book she has ever written that I hadn’t read, until I finished it only a few days after it came out. it was by far one of my favorites of her books…but then, I love all of her novels.

        So, those are the books I’ve read this quarter!

        Happy reading!

To see where I'm linking up, check out my Where I Party page.

All credit for the wonderful pictures go to my sister Allie, whose blog you can visit here.

Quarterly Round-Up: July-September

        Here are all of the novels I have read this quarter!

  

How to Catch a Prince

        How to Catch a Prince, the third book in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series, is one of my favorite books I’ve read this quarter. It was such a sweet, romantic novel that was the perfect conclusion to this series. I already cannot wait to read it again!

The Brickmaker’s Bride

        Although I did enjoy this novel to a certain degree, there were quite a few things that bothered me about the storyline, characters, and way that the book was written. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it unless those type of things don’t bother you, if you’re already a fan of Judith Miller and want to read this and find out for yourself, or if you don’t mind reading books like that anyway.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

        This was the first novel I had ever read by Regina Jennings, and I loved it! It made me an immediate fan of her writing. This book was funny and sweet and left my heart melted in a puddle by the end. I would definitely read it again, and know that I am anticipating reading more of her novels in the future!

For Such a Time

        Kate Breslin’s debut novel, For Such a Time, was another book that made me an immediate follower of the author. This World War II based version of Esther was by far one of my new favorite novels, and I would recommend it to anyone. It is intriguing, mysterious, and sweet, and I just know you would love it.

A Worthy Pursuit

        Since I have already read almost every book by Karen Witemeyer, I knew I would love this novel, but I didn’t realize it would quickly become another one of my favorites. I was captivated by every page, loved the mysterious aspect to it, and completely fell for the characters and their love story.

Lady Maybe

        I love Julie Klassen’s work. Everything she writes is amazing, and this novel was no exception. It had so many unexpected twists and turns, and I just loved the happy ending. Besides, the characters and setting were absolutely amazing.

The Curiosity Keeper

        Sarah E. Ladd is another one of my favorite authors. She does an amazing job of spinning captivating historical romances that are impossible to put down, and this book was no exception. Add to that the mysterious aspect of it, and you’ve got yourself a book you’re sure to enjoy.

The Colonel’s Lady

        This was the first book I had ever read by Laura Frantz, but it quickly became one of my favorite novels, which added her to my list of favorite novels. This book was super intriguing and sweet, and I loved all of the twists and turns it took. It easily became one of the best Revolutionary War era novels I have ever read.

The Decision

        Although I have been a fan of Wanda E. Brunstetter’s work in the past, I am sorry to say I did not enjoy this novel. At all. The plotline was slow and a bit uninteresting, the characters were extremely difficult to like, and the ending—while unpredictable—was not at all happy or enjoyable. I was very disappointed with this novel, so I would not necessarily recommend it.

Not By Sight

        Kate Breslin’s sophomore novel, Not By Sight, wowed me just as much as her first. It was such a sweet, intriguing novel that had one of the best love stories I have ever read. And the mystery aspect of it just put this book over the top for me.

The Captive Maiden

        I love, love, loved this book!!! Melanie Dickerson writes THE BEST fairy-tale retellings that are always full of gripping scenes and breathtaking romances, and this novel was one of the best examples of that. I read the entire thing in one sitting simply because as soon as I would try to put it down, I would pick it right back up!

Murder Freshly Baked

        As the third book in Vannetta Chapman’s Amish Villiage Mysteries series, I knew coming in that this would most likely be an excellent book, since I read the first two that is. I didn’t expect, however, that it would be as intense as it was, or that they mystery would be quite that hard to figure out. I definitely enjoyed this book, and was sad to see the series come to an end.

Sweetwater Gap

        I recently became a huge fan of Denise Hunter’s, and this book reminded me just why I love her writing. It had such a heart-wrenching storyline that captivated me from the start and made me weep for the main characters as the story went on.

Brightest and Best

        Although this book started out very slowly for me, I really did come to enjoy it, especially as I got deeper and deeper into the heart of the Amish’s struggle with the public school system. The history that filled this novel was wonderful, and I loved the romance that went along with it.

Your Best Happily Ever After

        This was the first non-fic I had ever reviewed, but I must say I enjoyed it immensely and loved having the chance to review such an inspiring book. Ginger Kolbaba’s tips on how to have your best happily ever after were all things I immediately wanted to put into practice, and her funny quips and stories made this a book I know I will read again and again.

The Prayer Box

        This was the first book I had ever read by Lisa Wingate, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I quickly fell in love with her writing style, the storyline, and the characters, and knew that I had found another author for my favorites list.

The Lost Heiress

        Roseanna M. White has been one of my absolute favorite authors for quite some time now—ever since I read her Culper Ring series—so I knew that I would really enjoy this book. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. This novel was absolutely amazing, every last bit of it was captivating and swoon worthy, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series as it comes out.

A Lady of Esteem

        A Lady of Esteem is the e-short prequel to Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne House series, and was the first book she ever published. I stumbled upon it by chance one day, and immediately fell in love with Kristi Ann’s writing and the Hawthorne family. This short novel was super cute and funny, and I really felt like it told the whole story without rushing it too much, although I would have loved to hear more about its main characters.

A Noble Masquerade

        The first book in Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne House series, I began anticipating this novel as soon as I began A Lady of Esteem. When I finally got a chance to read this novel—right before it released—I was ecstatic, and I immediately fell in love with the story. I already loved the Hawthorne family, but as I got to know the other main character, I loved him as well. This book was the perfect debut novel for Kristi Ann, and I cannot wait to read all about the rest of the Hawthornes.

The Chase

        A super sweet book about trusting God with your happily ever after, The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky was the second non-fic I finished/reviewed this year. I really enjoyed reading about how Kyle and Kelsey advise young girls to trust God, chase after Him, and then when the time is right let their Prince Charming chase after them. It really was a God-inspired book, and I really applaud them for taking the time to write something that will be such a great source of inspiration for young women around the world.

Falling Like Snowflakes

        As I said earlier, I am a HUGE fan of Denise Hunter’s. So, when I heard she was coming out with a new series, I practically jumped up and down with excitement. I almost immediately hurried to preorder this novel, and I anxiously waited for it until it released a few weeks ago. I devoured this book, loved every single bit of it, and promptly ordered another copy to send to my friend for her birthday. This book is that good.

The Selection

        Although I typically stick to Christian novels when it comes to any type of fiction, I took a chance on Kiara Cass when it came to this novel, and I ended up enjoying it immensely. Because there was a little bit of language in this book, I would not necessarily recommend it, but I definitely did like the way Kiara set up her futuristic version of our world.

The Elite

        Since I enjoyed the first novel in the series, I picked up this second book in The Selection series by Kiara Cass, and I have to say I liked this one as well. Although I’m not entirely sure I agree with all the twists and turns she took throughout this book, I am looking forward to being able to finish this series.

When Mercy Rains

        I have been a fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer for quite some time now, so I was sure I would enjoy this series. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how touching this novel would be. It was so sweet and inspiring, and I absolutely loved the storyline.

When Grace Sings

        I (obviously) loved this second novel in the series as well, and was very pleased with how Kim Vogel Sawyer continued the previous themes in this book, while still creating this novel a story of its own. I really loved getting the chance to continue to get to know the Zimmerman family, and I cannot wait to read the final book in this series as soon as I get the chance.

The Governess of Highland Hall

        Another debut novel, this was (obviously) the first book I had ever read by Carrie Turansky. I immediately fell in love with her early 20^th century historical, and with the many characters she introduced in this novel. It was such a sweet, interesting story that made me a definite fan of Carrie’s.

The Daughter of Highland Hall

        As the second book by Carrie Turansky, I knew a little more about what I was getting into when I picked up this novel. I already loved one of the main characters—I had met her in the previous novel—and I quickly fell for the other, and their story together. Now I cannot wait for the final book in the series!

The Promise of Palm Grove

        This was such a cute, sweet little book that was such fun, fluffy reading to fill my summer. I really enjoy the way Shelley Shepard Gray spins her Amish stories, and that, added to some loveable characters, made for a wonderful series that I have been enjoying.

The Proposal at Siesta Key

        The second book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, The Proposal at Siesta Key is my favorite one so far, even though I’ve only read two. It was just as sweet, cute, and fluffy as the one before it, but I liked the love story just a little bit better. Or a lot. Either way, this was another enjoyable summer read.

        And those are the books I’ve read this quarter! What about you? How many books have you read the last three months?

        Happy Fall!

Linking up at Let it Shine, Monday's Musings, Literacy Musing Mondays, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the photos featuring the wonderful outdoor scenery goes to my awesome sister Allie. Check out her blog here.