My Top Five Reads of 2019

Happy Tuesday, pals. I'm jumping on the bandwagon and sharing my top reads of 2019. Enjoy the recs and take a moment to appreciate my lousy photography skills. xD

Clara's Soldier by Brittany Fichter

Oh my stars, you guys. I assumed I would enjoy this book when I read the synopsis. But-but...THIS BOOK.

• a retelling of the Nutcracker 
• tender, beautiful WWII love story 
• just enough hints of mystery and intrigue to give a magical feel
• the sacrifices of loving someone broken <33

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis

As some of you already knew or had gathered, I used to read a ton of Amish fiction. Like, a TON. I don't read as much as I used to, but I read this trilogy last year and thoroughly enjoyed the story and the trip down memory lane.

• elegant and poetic writing style, even while depicting the ins and outs of daily life in a small Amish community 
• bittersweet saga of love and the warmth of a family 
• much more engaging and thoughtful than the typical amish-girl-meets-english-boy plot
• a full circle story of love ultimately bringing you home <33

Made for the Journey by Elisabeth Elliot

Hey, look, a non-fic made the list. My favorite nonfiction of 2019, out of the ten I read last year, penned by a hero of the faith.

• recounting life anecdotes, thoughts, and lessons of Elliot's first introduction to the jungles of South America  
• vulnerable struggles and challenging questions, presented in journalistic prose
• thoughtful reflections from the mission field <33
• { review here }

When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Seidel Levine

A book I grabbed from the library on a whim, relying solely on the fact that I've adored nearly all the other books I've read from the Dear America series. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

• touching inside view of the heart, mind, and life of one of the Allies' first "Hello Girls" of the First World War
• a personal and descriptive account of the brutalities of war, told through a seventeen-year-old girl
• patriotism, grief, family, and hope
• survival of young love in the midst of war <33

Beloved by Kaitlyn Krispense 

This geeeemmmm. My friend and I dual-released novels last fall, that both dealt with the infamous topic of suicide. As you know, this is hers. <3

• an estranged teen in need of love, family, and home 
• the epic gang of brothers, who's methods of connection aren't always as heartfelt as their intentions  
• finding a reason to live <33
• { review here }

what's your top read(s) of 2019? favorite book so far this year?