My Favorite Reads in 2024
Hey friends, happy (almost) New Year! It’s crazy to think that we are entering 2025. I’ve enjoyed looking back at my journal and photos of this year, realizing how blessed I was to be able to do so many wonderful things and spend time with my family. Most importantly, I’m thankful for the ever-present nearness of my Savior. He is good.
Each year, I like to set a reading goal and start fresh with some new books. This year I didn’t read as much as I typically do, but I still have some great books to recommend to you. Feel free to share this post with any friends who love reading too. Enjoy!
For Such a Time as This by Kayleigh McEnany. I really enjoyed this read. Kayleigh McEnany served as President Trump’s press secretary in 2020, during a time of high pressure. Drawing on her faith for strength, she takes you behind the scenes into the White House press room during the many high-profile events that took place that year. Although I certainly didn’t agree with all of her choices/priorities, I still found this to be an easy and insightful read that I’d recommend.
Saving My Assassin: A Memoir by Virginia Prodan. Wow! This was probably my favorite non-fiction read, and it was absolutely riveting. The things that God allowed this tiny, unpretentious woman to accomplish are almost unbelievable. Virginia risked everything to help His people suffering under a Communist regime. This book challenged me to remember that God can use anyone, no matter how weak or unlikely. Virginia’s bold faith and courage in the face of great danger and fear are so inspiring. Filled with intrigue and on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments, you will not regret reading this one.
Standing in the Fire by Tom Doyle. “Courageous Christians Living in Frightening Times.” So, so good. l stayed up way too late reading this one through a couple of times this year. Eight incredible stories of Syrian believers living under fire for their faith. This book will challenge you to take your faith to another level and remind you that no one is beyond the reach of the gospel. These are stories that took place in very recent times. I very highly recommend this one for adults.
Women Who Risk by Tom and Joann Doyle. “Secret Agents for Jesus in the Muslim World.” A friend recommended this one to me awhile back, so I was very excited when the kindle version went on sale. And I was not disappointed. So many of the stories are heart-wrenching and eye-opening, to realize what a lot of women go through in the Islamic world. And yet, once they embrace Christ, their faith is courageous and triumphant. An exciting, hard-to-put-down read that again, I would highly recommend for adults. Your faith will be shaken in the best way.
The Robber’s Cave by Charlotte Maria Tucker. When young Horace is captured by a vicious band of robbers in Italy and held for ransom, he is forced to confront his own mortality and the weakness of his faith. I first heard the audio drama version of this from Lamplighter Theatre, and found it to be an exciting and touching story. Enjoy this old fiction read from the 1800’s.
Garden Maker by Christine Purifoy. “Growing a Life of Beauty and Wonder with Flowers.” A truly delightful book, with whimsical reflections on gardening and gorgeous photos. I was given a beautiful English rosebush this year, and it brought me so much happiness. This book has a lot of practical tips as well, and it was just a super fun read.
Placemaker by Christine Purifoy. Journey with author Christine Purifoy as she takes you along in search of home. I didn’t finish this one (it had to go back to the library before I was done), but I will certainly continue my read of it in the future. It was a slow, reflective read with so many good insights into how God created us to, in turn, continue the work of creating home wherever He puts us.
Modern Dried Flowers by Angela Maynard. This would make a wonderful coffee table book. It was so much fun to flip through and admire the beautiful, creative arrangements of dried flowers featured throughout.
Did you enjoy any great books during this past year? What are you looking forward to reading in 2025? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
