The Queen's Rival by Raymond Wemm;inger

The Queen's Rival My Rating: 4.7

Lady Margaret Clifford is seventh in line to the English throne, so she expects her marriage to be a matter of great political importance. At just sixteen, she is stunned when her father considers a proposal from Sir Andrew Dudley, a mere knight.

As the powerful Dudley family maneuvers to strengthen its influence, Margaret finds herself caught in the dangerous politics surrounding the young King Edward VI. With Edward failing to produce an heir, the Dudleys place Lady Jane Grey on the throne in a bold attempt to secure their power.

When Edward dies, however, everything changes. Lady Jane's brief reign comes to a tragic end, Queen Mary claims the throne, and Margaret is sent to court as one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting. Although the Dudleys quickly fall from favor, Margaret still hopes to make a marriage worthy of her royal blood. First, though, she must earn the trust of a queen who sees rivals everywhere.

I enjoyed The Queen's Rival, but I was especially glad I had already read Philippa Gregory's Tudor novels. While Wimminger tells the story from a different perspective, I felt he moved through many major historical events fairly quickly. Because I already knew the broader history surrounding Lady Jane Grey, Queen Mary, and the political struggles of the period, I found this novel much richer than I think I would have otherwise.

If this had been my introduction to these events, I would have wanted more depth and detail. Instead, the book offers a lighter, faster-paced take on Tudor history. It reads more like a historical novel set during the period than a deeply immersive historical fiction. For readers who enjoy Tudor history but prefer a quicker, more accessible read than Philippa Gregory's novels, this is an enjoyable choice. I will definitely continue on with this series.

The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig

The Whistling Season My Rating: 4.8

Set in rural Montana in 1909, The Whistling Season begins when widower Oliver Milliron answers a newspaper ad from Rose Llewellyn, a cheerful housekeeper who arrives with her brilliant, unconventional brother, Morris Morgan. When the local schoolteacher unexpectedly leaves, Morris steps in, bringing lessons that extend far beyond the classroom and forever change the lives of Oliver, his sons, and the children of the small farming community.

I started this as an audiobook, but the narration made it feel overly syrupy sweet, and I almost DNF'd it. Thankfully, I switched to the Kindle version and decided to give it another chance. I'm so glad I did—it turned out to be a wonderful, heartwarming story with memorable characters and plenty of wisdom. I highly recommend this book, but I'd skip the audiobook and read it instead. I will be interested to hear what my book club thinks of this when we meet next week.

The Levee by William Kent Kreuger

The Levee  My Rating: 4.0

Set during the catastrophic Mississippi River flood of 1927, The Levee follows four men in a small rowboat as they attempt to rescue a family stranded behind a massive circular levee. Three of the men are convicts temporarily released from prison to help with rescue efforts, while their leader has motives of his own. When they reach the family estate, they discover that not everyone wants to leave, and as the floodwaters continue to rise, secrets, pride, greed, and loyalty complicate every decision.

I enjoyed this unique storyline, which read more like a murder mystery than a historical novel. The suspense kept me engaged, and I especially enjoyed listening to the audiobook. While it wasn't a favorite, it was an entertaining and worthwhile read.

Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

Fervent My Rating: 5.0

You have an enemy—and he is determined to destroy what you hold dear and keep you from experiencing the abundant life Christ offers. His attacks aren't random or one-size-fits-all. They're personal, targeted, and designed specifically for your weaknesses.

Fervent shows you how to fight back through intentional, strategic prayer. Each chapter helps you develop prayer strategies that target the enemy's tactics with the power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit. It's an empowering reminder that prayer is one of the most powerful weapons we have.

I love Priscilla Shirer's writing. It's passionate, authentic, and incredibly relatable. She helps you recognize the enemy's schemes and identify areas where you may be vulnerable, making it easier to stay alert and put on the full armor of God to protect yourself and your family.

This is a book I will return to, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to strengthen their prayer life and grow spiritually.

The Tie That Binds by Kent Haruf

The Tie That Binds My Rating: 4.9

Colorado, January 1977. Eighty-year-old Edith Goodnough lies in a hospital bed, IV taped to the back of her hand, police officer at her door. She is charged with murder. The clues: a sack of chicken feed slit with a knife, a milky-eyed dog tied outdoors one cold afternoon. The motives: the brutal business of farming and a family code of ethics as unforgiving as the winter prairie itself. Here, Kent Haruf delivers the sweeping tale of a woman of the American High Plains, as told by her neighbor, Sanders Roscoe. As Roscoe shares what he knows, Edith's tragedies unfold: a childhood of pre-dawn chores, a mother's death, a violence that leaves a father dependent on his children, forever enraged. Here is the story of a woman who sacrifices her happiness in the name of family--and then, in one gesture, reclaims her freedom.

Kent Haruf has a gift for writing that completely draws you into the lives of his characters. His prose is quiet and understated, yet so immersive that I felt as though I was living alongside them, experiencing every hardship and triumph.

From the very beginning, I loved Sandy's voice as he recounted the story of Edith, her family, and the events that shaped their lives. As the layers of the story unfolded, I found myself completely captivated. Haruf is a master storyteller, creating deeply human characters and an unforgettable sense of place without ever resorting to unnecessary drama.

His books continue to be among my favorites, and this one was no exception. I highly recommend it.

The Color of Water by James McBride

My Rating: 3.0

The Color of Water blends James McBride's own story with the life of his mother, Ruth McBride, born Rachel Shilsky. Through alternating chapters, readers learn about Ruth's difficult childhood as the daughter of an abusive Orthodox rabbi, her escape from a painful home in Virginia, her marriages, and her determination to raise twelve children despite poverty, racism, and hardship.

McBride weaves his own coming-of-age story throughout the book, sharing his experiences growing up as a mixed-race child, his struggles with identity, and the path that eventually led him to a successful life.

If you enjoy nonfiction and memoirs, you'll probably appreciate this book more than I did. While Ruth's story certainly contained its share of hardship and perseverance, I found myself much more interested in James McBride's chapters about his own childhood and his siblings than in Ruth's earlier life. The book explores themes of family, identity, race, and resilience, but overall it just wasn't a favorite for me.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Theo of Golden My Rating: 10 out of 5

One spring morning, a stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern town of Golden. He offers little explanation of where he came from or why he's there. But when he visits the local coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the town's residents line the walls, he begins purchasing them one by one and giving each portrait to the person it depicts. In return, he asks for only one thing: their story.

Portrait by portrait and person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are quietly transformed.

A story about giving and receiving, seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of human connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness.

This was a touching, wholesome, and absolutely wonderful book. Tears were shed.

This is the kind of book I want to recommend to everyone—even complete strangers. Don't read reviews or look up the plot. Just pick it up and read it.

I wish I would have read it last month when my book club discussed it but, better late than never. Though it's a short, gentle novel, its impact is lasting. It stays with you long after you've turned the final page and leaves you wanting to treat others with the same kindness, compassion, and quiet grace that Theo showed everyone he met.

We Are The Brennans by Tracey Lange

We Are The Brennans My Rating: 4.5

When twenty-nine-year-old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital, bruised and battered after a drunk driving accident she caused, she swallows her pride and goes home to her family in New York. But it’s not easy. She deserted them all—and her high school sweetheart—five years before with little explanation, and they've got questions.

Sunday is determined to rebuild her life back on the east coast, even if it does mean tiptoeing around resentful brothers and an ex-fiancé. The longer she stays, however, the more she realizes they need her just as much as she needs them. When a dangerous man from her past brings her family’s pub business to the brink of financial ruin, the only way to protect them is to upend all their secrets—secrets that have damaged the family for generations and will threaten everything they know about their lives. In the aftermath, the Brennan family is forced to confront painful mistakes—and ultimately find a way forward, together.

This was an entertaining audio book of an Irish family and their relationship and drama. A lot of secrets that unraveled throughout the book but brought the family closer together. If you like a good Irish Catholic family story, this is for you.

The Reckoning by Sharon Kay Penman

The Reckoning  My Rating: 4.9

"Never forget, Llewelyn, that the world's greatest fool is a Welshman who trusts an English king."

His father's words haunt Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales, who has been ruling uneasily over his fractious countrymen. Above all else, Llewelyn fears that his life and his own dream—of an independent, united Wales—might be lost to Edward I's desire to expand his English empire.

Alive from the pages of history, this is the hauntingly beautiful and compelling tale of a game poised to play itself out to its bloody finale as English and Welsh cross swords in a reckoning that must mean disaster for one side or the other.

For anyone who has ever wanted to experience the rich tapestry of British history and lore, this bold and romantic adventure must be read.

This is the third and final book in the *Prince of Wales* trilogy, and I'm genuinely sad it's over. It was an incredibly immersive journey through history, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Not only did I learn so much about this fascinating period of Welsh and English history, but I also fell completely in love with many of the characters—both Llewelyns, Simon, Nell, Ellen, and so many others. Sharon Kay Penman has an extraordinary gift for bringing historical figures to life, making them feel like people you truly know and care about.

On the other hand, I was appalled by the weakness of King Henry II and the ruthless, autocratic rule of King Edward I. Penman portrays both the triumphs and tragedies of history with remarkable depth, making the emotional impact even more powerful.

One warning: don't Google any of the historical characters until you've finished the trilogy. Even a quick search can reveal major spoilers about the real historical events and the fates of the characters, which is much more rewarding to discover through Penman's storytelling.

This trilogy has become one of my favorite historical fiction series, and I can't wait to read more of Sharon Kay Penman's books.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

 Burial Rites My Rating: 1.0

Agnes is charged with the brutal murder of her former master and sent to await execution on an isolated farm. Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. Only  a priest Agnes has mysteriously chosen to be her spiritual guardian, seeks to understand her. 

As Agnes's death looms, the farmer's wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they've heard. 

I’m so glad I read The Good People first because if I had started with Burial Rites, I doubt I would have picked up another book by this author. What a disappointment.

I listened to the audiobook, and the whispery, breathy narration didn't help, but the bigger issue was the story itself. I never connected with a single character, and the novel felt like it had almost no plot. It was a long, drawn-out story where very little happened.

The writing itself is undeniably beautiful, but beautiful prose isn't enough for me. I need characters I care about and at least some sense of momentum. I think we were meant to feel sympathy for Agnes and the priest, but I never became invested in either of them.

I should have DNF'd this one, but I kept waiting for it to get better. It never did. Lesson learned.

Falls The Shadow by Sharon Kay Penman

Falls The Shadow My Rating: 4.9

Simon de Montfort was a man ahead of his time in the thirteenth century, a disinherited Frenchman who talked his way into an English earldom and married Eleanor ("Nell"), the sister of King Henry III. A charismatic, obstinate leader, Simon soon grew frustrated with the king's incompetence and inability to keep his word, and found himself the champion of the common people.

This is his story, and the story of Henry III, two men whose opposing personalities and convictions set them on a collision course that would end in violence, betrayal, and one of the most dramatic conflicts in English history.

This time period is completely new to me. I didn't know about Simon and didn't realize how weak Henry III was (ick!). Sharon Kay Penman brings these historical figures to life so vividly that I was completely immersed, especially in Simon's relationship with his remarkable wife, Nell.

I highly recommend this book and am jumping right into the third and final novel in the series.

Love Like You Mean It by Bob Lepine

Love Like You Mean It My Rating: 5.0

Every year, millions of men and women stand before family and friends and pledge their lifelong love and commitment to one another. But do they truly understand what marriage is meant to be?

Sadly, many people have only a shallow, superficial view of marriage. As a result, many marriages fail, while countless others simply survive instead of thriving.

In Love Like You Mean It, Bob Lepine provides a biblical understanding of what genuine love looks like by unpacking the ten attributes of love found in 1 Corinthians 13. He reminds us that lasting marital love is not primarily built on emotions but on daily choices and actions that, over time, deepen love and strengthen a marriage.

Whether you're married, engaged, considering marriage, or simply want to better understand God's design for marriage, this book offers practical, Scripture-based wisdom that is both convicting and encouraging.

This book was outstanding.

I thought my marriage was in pretty good shape until I read this book and realized, through Scripture, just how far I still have to go in loving my husband the way Christ calls me to. It challenged me in ways I wasn't expecting and gave me a much deeper understanding of what biblical love truly looks like.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to every married couple. If you're engaged or even thinking about getting married someday, read it before you say, "I do." I only wish I had discovered it 40 years ago. It's one of the best books on Christian marriage I've ever read.

The General's Daughter by Nelson DeMille

The General's Daughter My Rating: 4.4

When a respected career military officer is found raped and murdered, the investigation quickly uncovers evidence that points to a scandal reaching the highest levels of the military. The lead investigator is less than thrilled to discover he'll be working alongside a woman with whom he shared a turbulent romance years earlier. As they dig deeper, they realize the victim—the military's "golden girl"—had connections to several powerful people, any one of whom may have wanted her dead.

We listened to this audiobook during our commute between our two homes, and it kept us both entertained and guessing until the end. We really enjoy Nelson DeMille's writing, and now we're thinking about watching the movie starring John Travolta to see how it compares.

The Homesman by Glendon Swarthout

 The Homesman My Rating: 4.2

Set in the American West during the 1850s, The Homesman shines a light on a side of pioneer life that is often overlooked—the women. Life on the frontier was brutally hard, and many women were broken by the isolation, loss, and relentless hardships of homesteading.

When several women can no longer cope with life on the plains and must be escorted back East to a sanitarium, a "homesman" is needed to make the dangerous journey. When none of the local men volunteers, the task falls to Mary Bee Cuddy, a former teacher and unmarried woman who is both resourceful and remarkably determined.

The story follows their trek eastward, moving against the tide of westward expansion while facing harsh weather, loneliness, Indian attacks, and countless other dangers. It is a powerful and compelling tale filled with adventure, courage, and resilience.

I found this to be a wonderfully paced novel with strong character development. The vivid descriptions create an authentic sense of time and place, transporting the reader to an era when hardship, bravery, and loneliness were simply part of building a home and raising a family on the plains. Reading about the realities of frontier life made me realize there is no way I could have survived back then!

I was surprised to learn that this book was adapted into a movie, and after enjoying the novel so much, I may have to check it out.

Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman

Here Be Dragons My Rating: 4.9

Thirteenth-century Wales is a divided country, ever at the mercy of England's ruthless, power-hungry King John. Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, secures an uneasy truce by marrying the English king's beloved illegitimate daughter, Joanna, who slowly grows to love her charismatic and courageous husband. But as John's attentions turn again and again to subduing Wales---and Llewelyn---Joanna must decide where her love and loyalties truly lie.

The turbulent clashes of two disparate worlds and the destinies of the individuals caught between them spring to life in this magnificent novel of power and passion, loyalty and lies. The book that began the trilogy that includes Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning, Here Be Dragons brings thirteenth-century England, France, and Wales to tangled, tempestuous life.

Despite the title, this is not fantasy - it is exceptional historical fiction. While the story is filled with battles and political conflicts, the real strength of the novel lies in its characters. They are so richly developed and compelling that I found myself staying up far too late reading because I simply had to know what happened next.

Sharon Kay Penman brings history to life in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal. By the time I turned the final page, I was completely invested in these characters and their world. I am thrilled that this is a trilogy because I cannot wait to continue the journey in the next book.

A definite recommendation and an easy addition to my "Best Of" list.