Reading Challenge Accepted

Hi friends,

I recently shared that I’m starting a Reading Challenge for 2022. I’m going to read one book a month—all recommended by my lovely readers. I was floored with all the fabulous suggestions. Thank you all so very much! It was super hard to keep the titles to just 12 but here are the ones I chose. All the rest of the awesome suggestions are in my TBR pile, and I’ll be excited for the bonus reads.

Since we’re well into February already, I’ll be reading January’s book in March along with March’s pick.

January’s read: The Mistletoe Countess | Pepper Basham.

I received so many recommendations for Pepper’s Christmas novella, I just had to check it out and it sounds lovely. I also had the pleasure of being in North Carolina a few months ago and got to share lunch with Pepper. She’s such a kind and gracious lady, I can’t wait to dig into my first read of hers.

February’s read: Shadows of Swanford Abbey | Julie Klassen

I love Julie both as a person and a writer. She’s fabulous and so are her stories. This one was described to me as Northanger Abbey meets Agatha Christie. Who wouldn’t love that? Can’t wait to dive in!

March’s read: Brandon | Christy Barritt

I have the pleasure of doing writing retreats with Christy and she’s awesome. So many of her books were recommended to me, but I took one look at the cover and was hooked! Not to mention, the premise grabbed me from the start.

April’s read: A Margin for Murder | Lauren Elliott

Lauren Elliott is a new author for me, though she’s not new by any means. Her reputation for great mysteries is strong so I’m looking forward to digging into the first book in her series. I have a feeling I’ll end up reading them all thus far.

May’s read: Tacos for Two | Besty St. Amant

I had the pleasure of meeting Betsy many years ago. We were both guests at a dear friend’s house in Texas during ACFW in Dallas many years ago. She was a sweetheart and I got so many recommendations for this fun novel. I’m really looking forward to something new and playful in the best sort of way.

June’s read: The Souls of Lost Lake | Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo is awesome. Such a giving heart. We’re taking over each other’s FB Pages for one day in June and I thought what better book to read than her April release. She’s a super talented author so when I saw several recommendations for her, and the back cover copy, I knew I needed to add this one to my list.

July’s read: Of Literature and Lattes | Katherine Reay

I read Katherine’s first book Dear Mr. Knightly in one sitting and I’ve been hooked on her novels ever since. She creates such a rich and vibrant tapestry. I always feel immersed in her story world. I’m not sure how this one slipped off my radar but I’m excited to have it on my list.

August’s read: Murder in the Mystery Suite | Ellery Adams

Again, another new author to me, but hardly a new author. It was so fun getting these recommendations that are out of my usual reading focus. It sounds like a wonderful series so I’m starting with the first one, though I have a feeling it won’t be my last.

September’s read: Come Back to Me | Jody Hedlund

Jody’s books received the most recommendations. Nearly every other email and I’m not at all surprised. She’s a wonderful storyteller and I can’t wait to start this series. The covers alone are captivating, but the story premise is beyond intriguing. I have a feeling, I’ll be powering through the three books in September.

October’s read: In Search of a Prince | Toni Shiloh

I’m ecstatic Toni is with Bethany House! Her cover is exquisite, and the recommendations for In Search of a Prince kept rolling in. It looks like a stunning read, and I’m excited to read my first Toni Shiloh novel.

November’s read: Sunburst | Susan May Warren

Susie’s books are full of adventure and suspense. I’m sure Sunburst will be no exception. I can’t wait to read about an overseas setting and learn about the country of Nigeria. Plus, Ranger Kingston sounds precisely like my kind of hero.

December’s read: Jingle All the Way | Debbie Macomber

I couldn’t go into December without a Christmas read and since none are out yet for 2022, I’m going with a recommended Debbie read. I adore her stories. They exude her warmth and signature style. I plan to curl up and read this one in front of the fireplace with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Thank you all for these recommendations. I’m thrilled to be reading such wonderful-looking novels.

Reader Question: Which novel on this list would you be most excited about reading, or have you already enjoyed?

Blessings,

Dani