2026 Reading Challenge (Quarter 1)

Book 4 finds Daeson grasping at every possibility to find his beloved Raviel who has been lost to time and space. While traveling through time himself, he realizes that the people of Rael have turned their hearts from Soverign Ell Yon. WIll Lord Dracus be victorious or will a Navi guide the people’s hearts back where they belong?

Love, love this series!

The story shifts to Brae Thornton, a girl who has grown up with wild stories but who struggles to rectify them with the real world. Her battle for faith and for her future wages. A man whe cannot stand and a mysterious child alter the course of her life forever.

I listen to these on audiobook and cannot put them down! The sound effects make it so real, and the story is riveting.

Brae, Rhett, and Jeshu have come to an important part in their relationships, and in the history of the universe. Lord Dracus is determined to once and for all put an end to the will and love of Soverign Ell Yon. Will Jeshu be defeated or will he overcome all obstacles to prove his love for the Rayleans?

This was a fascinating survival story of a young woman in 15th century France. Although the story was intriguing, there are some things to be wary of! 

-There are two parts with sexual content. The second is brief and mild, but the first is quite descriptive.

-There is A LOT of Catholicism throughout. Praying to virgin Mary, the rosary, etc. I understand that this corresponds with the historical time period and the quest to expand the Catholic faith to new lands, but it is something to be aware of when deciding if this is a book for you.

I decided to pre-read this for my daughter knowing it’s hailed as a “must-read classic.” Well, I wasn’t a fan. As far as story plot, it felt like it built up a lot of suspense and then the ending felt easy and abrupt. 

I decided to pass on my daughter reading this because of the mentions of a witch, medium, crystal ball, and sadist.

This story was utterly beautiful. It follows Theo, a mysterious, older gentleman who has a heart bent on being a blessing and encouragement to others. I want to be vague as to not give anything away, but he bestows gifts on different invididuals in the town of Golden and changes their lives forever. 

The story reminded me of the power of one life given to loving others and the greater beauty of the life believers have to come with the Lord.

NOTE: I was very disappointed in the amount of language in this book. It mainly comes from two characters- a rough, war veteran and a homeless woman. Those sections, the veteran in particular, were riddled with cursing. There are also multiple references to alcohol and one suggestive reference made to the figure of a young woman.

I loved and highly recommend the other two books by Lara Briden, Period repair Manual and Hormone repair Manual. but this one was a disappointment. It had SO much evolution and evolutionary thinking. As a Christian, I feel like the science could have been much better supported from a Christian worldview acknowledging God’s perfect design for the body.

She also states again and again that being obese is not the person’s fault. I understand there are many factors that contribute to eweight, but I do believe we have some responsibility and stewardship in our choices regarding health, food, and exercise. 

I do not believe I have insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction so this might be better reviewed if I was reading just for that specific info, but as a woman just tyring to learn more about health, I didn’t enjoy this much. 

“The darkest corners that seem the farthest from God are the places He delights to be and to work.”

“The hidden beauty of knowing a loved one is dying is this: tucked into the folds of their fading are flashes of the new life that’s beginning.”

“The very valley I feared the most became the mountaintop from which I peered into the glory of God.” 

This book explores the complex emotions that come with walking through the death of a loved one providing hope and confidence in our certain future. 

Stacie takes readers on a journey through the different feasts recorded in the Bible. She shows how believers today can celebrate these times of reflection and remembrance drawing our hearts closer to Jesus Christ. Family devotional prompts and recipes are included.

Note: It was fascinating to learn more about the biblical feasts. I do not hold to the opinion that they are something that believers today must or even need to celebrate, but there is a richness gleaned from having a greater understanding of these celebrations and corresponding Scripture passages.

This book was a complication of 18 letters written by pastor’s wives in a variety of seasons and ministries. As a pastor’s wife myself, I gleaned so much from their years of experience and wisdom! Each letter focuses on a different struggle or challenge a pastor’s wife might face providing encouragment for each.

Note: I believe these letters were written by Southern Baptist pastor’s wives, several with reformed theology. I did not agree with everything they said, but did glean much truth.

This book came highly recommended to me. Wow, is it full of interesting information regarding our metabolic health, biomarkers, lifestyle habits that impact good health, astounding statistics regarding disesases and mental health, and the breakdown of the conventional hospital system. I learned much and plan to implement many things into my own life and health.

Note: The author has an evolutionarly viewpoint, so you much read with a Biblical lens. This was more predominant in some of the final chapeters which I skimmed through.

Oh my goodness! This is my new favorite fiction series! 

Libby is a timecrosser. She has one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg, and when she goes to sleep there, she wakes up to her life in 1914 New York City. Events in both lives sweep her away as emotions and uncertainty run high. She has til her 21st birthday to decide which path she wants to forfeit. Unforseen events force her on a path she would have never chosen for herself. Can her story be redeemed? Does God still have a plan in it all? 

Note: On one path, Libby is forced into a loveless marriage. Because of this, two instances occur where her husband forces himself on her. Both are handled very discreetly and tactfully, but there are heavy emotionaly ramifications for the character, and hence the reader.

This was a beautiful biblical/historical fiction book full of rich plot, sweet romance, and royal mystery.

Roxannah finds herself dreaming of a future, yet being held back by her abusive, alcholic father and his unwise decisions. An unfortunate turn of events gives her the freedom to follow her dreams, yet limitations and fears still abound. In that midst of that, a handsome doctor steps onto the scene, but he has his own broken past. They find their lives being intertwined as they serve in Queen Esther’s Persian court.

A continuation of the Starlore Legacy. For the first half of the book, I struggled to gain interested. But then a very unexpected twist of plot caused me to not be able to put the book down! 

Brae and Rhett seek to be true to Jeshu in the midst of persecution, parenting challenges, and revelation of utter heartbreak. Can their faith and devotion withstand the sorrows life brings their way? 

Sourdough is my current endeavor in my homemaking, and Lisa Bass has been my go-to girl! Her wisdom in this area, tips and tricks, and recipes have resulted in delicious, nutritious breads for my family. 

I have long been daunted by sourdough, but Lisa answers so many questions and makes it achieveable!

Some of my favorite recipes I’ve tried so far are the bagels, pizza dough, and banana bread.

A moving story of a WWII Holocaust survivor. This man lives through things that are difficult to read. The atrocities he faced and the heartless people he encountered made him question, is life even worth living? But he perservered and was able to find a beautiful life after the pain. In later years, Eddie Jaku would call himself “the happiest man on earth.” 

Note: I cannot begin to imagine the horros of the Holocaust. This book differs from a book like The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom in that, Corrie was able to find hope and forgiveness in Christ. There is no clear understanding given that Eddie Jaku trusted Christ as His Savior. As a believer, I don’t know how one could recover from the hurt he experienced without the supernatural love and grace of the Lord.

The kids and I enjoyed joureying with Pa, Ma, Mary, Laura, and Baby Carrie as they crossed the wide, open prarie. From fires to illness to strangers, there was no shortage of action in their little log home!

Note: There is much negative talk about the Native Americans. It was very appropriate to that time in history, but it would not be acceptable today. 

This book was a complication of essays written by a variety of homeschool mothers and fathers. Each had a unique story, circumstances, family dynamics, etc. which gave a broad spectrum of insight. I enjoyed some chapters better than others.

Sally Clarkson delivers again! This book is her reflections during her time living abroad in Oxford, England. As she finds herself in a later seasons of life, she looks back over a life well lived and shares truth that inspires me.

“Being a steward over human beings can have great impact over generations if the faithfulness and generosity of the queen is purposefully focused and lived out over a lifetime.” 

“What you practice in small areas of life impacts what you become in other areas.”