November 2024 | Reads & Recommendations

I’m back with my monthly Reads & Recommendations post; this time, I’ve got much to share. and I have to say, November was a total surprise! Usually, I’m happy to finish 3-4 books a month, but this November, I somehow managed to devour 8 books!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “How did you manage that?” Well, it turns out that the combination of Thanksgiving and a generally relaxed month provided the perfect opportunity for some serious reading. I was able to curl up with a good book, sip on some Starbucks Holiday Blend coffee and Tea made in my Keurig, and just let the world drift away.

So, if you’re looking for new reads to add to your TBR pile, check out my November recommendations. I’ve got something for everyone.

Take a look

The Rainbow: Absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction based on a true story by Carly Schabowski. (via Kindle Unlimited)

The Rainbow by Carly Schabowski is a captivating historical fiction novel inspired by a true story set in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II. It follows the intertwined lives of two characters:

Tomasz: A young Polish man forced to join the German army to protect his loved ones from the horrors of concentration camps. Despite being a soldier for the enemy, he secretly fights against the Nazis, driven by love and a desire to liberate his homeland.

Isla: A modern-day woman who discovers a hidden secret from her grandfather’s past while preparing for his 95th birthday. This revelation leads her on a journey to uncover the truth about his wartime experiences and the sacrifices he made for love and freedom.

The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, courage, and the enduring power of hope. As Isla delves deeper into her grandfather’s story, she uncovers a heartbreaking tale of love and loss and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they cherish. The Rainbow is a poignant and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you finish the final page.

The Keeper of Hidden Books: A Novel by Madeline Martin. (via Kindle Unlimited)

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin is a captivating historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of the devastating Nazi occupation of Warsaw during World War II. The story follows Zofia, a young woman deeply passionate about books, and her closest friend, Janina.

As the city is ravaged by war, Zofia witnesses the destruction of libraries and the banning of books by the oppressive regime. Driven by her love of literature and a desire to preserve Polish culture, she embarks on a perilous mission to safeguard books and share them with others. Zofia and her friends create a clandestine book club, meeting in secret to discuss their favorite works and find solace in the power of stories.

The novel delves into the challenges faced by Zofia and her companions as they navigate the dangers of the occupation. They risk their lives to smuggle books into the Warsaw Ghetto, providing hope and a sense of normalcy to those confined within its walls. Through their courageous acts, they demonstrate the enduring power of literature to inspire, comfort, and unite people in the darkest of times.

The Keeper of Hidden Books is a poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and the transformative impact of books. It pays homage to the real-life heroes who fought to preserve knowledge and culture during one of history’s darkest chapters.

The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy. (via Kindle Unlimited)

The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy is a captivating historical fiction novel that spans two time periods and continents. The story follows two generations of strong women connected by their shared love of nature and adventure.

In 1927, Violet Mackenzie-Grant embarks on her dream of studying at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself drawn to the allure of the Himalayas. She embarks on a life-changing expedition to Nepal, where she discovers a hidden world of beauty and resilience.

In 2020, Daisy Laverock, a divorced and empty-nester, inherits her great-great-aunt Violet’s journals. Inspired by Violet’s adventurous spirit, Daisy decides to retrace her footsteps and embark on a similar journey to Nepal. As she delves into Violet’s past, she uncovers long-held secrets and discovers a deeper connection to her own family history.

The Sky Beneath Us is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of love, loss, courage, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the importance of following one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Sisterchicks on the Loose (Sisterchicks Series Book 1) by Robin Jones Gunn. (via Kindle Unlimited)

“Sisterchicks on the Loose” is the first book in Robin Jones Gunn’s beloved Sisterchicks series. It introduces us to two unforgettable characters: Sharon, a quiet and devoted mother of four, and Penny, a free-spirited former flower child and motorcycle enthusiast.

When Penny impulsively decides to embark on a journey to Finland to reconnect with her long-lost relatives, she invites Sharon to join her. Together, these unlikely friends embark on an adventure filled with laughter, unexpected challenges, and profound spiritual growth.

As they traverse the stunning landscapes of Finland, Sharon and Penny learn to embrace the unknown, step outside their comfort zones, and discover a deeper connection with each other and their faith. They face cultural differences, language barriers, and humorous mishaps with grace and humor.

Through their shared experiences, Sharon and Penny realize the true meaning of friendship, the power of faith, and the importance of seizing life’s opportunities. Their bond strengthens as they support each other through personal struggles and celebrate triumphs.

“Sisterchicks on the Loose” is a heartwarming and inspiring story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It’s a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and faith, offering a reminder that even the most ordinary lives can hold extraordinary moments.

A Woman’s Place: (World War II Fiction) by Lynn Austin. (via Kindle Unlimited)

A Woman’s Place by Lynn Austin is a historical fiction novel set during World War II. It follows the stories of four women who are brought together by their work at a shipyard in Northern Michigan. Each woman comes from a different background and has her own unique struggles and dreams.

The novel explores themes of friendship, love, loss, and the changing roles of women during wartime. As the women work together, they form deep bonds and support each other through their challenges. They also face discrimination and prejudice as they strive to prove themselves in a male-dominated industry.

The story is set against the backdrop of the war, and the characters’ lives are affected by the conflict. They worry about their loved ones who are fighting overseas and experience the hardships of rationing and wartime shortages.

Through their experiences, the women learn about themselves and the world around them. They discover the strength and resilience they possess, and they find new meaning in their lives.

Two Hearts: An Adoptee’s Journey Through Grief to Gratitude by Linda Hoye. (via Kindle Unlimited)

I recently enjoyed reading Linda Hoye’s memoir, Two Hearts: An Adoptee’s Journey Through Grief to Gratitude; I had it on my Kindle Unlimited TBR list and am glad to have read it now. I was deeply moved by her honest and heartfelt storytelling. Linda’s book is a poignant exploration of adoption, loss, and the enduring power of love.

As Linda takes us through her life story, we witness her journey of self-discovery, healing, and, ultimately, gratitude. She shares her experiences with raw vulnerability, allowing us to connect with her on a profound level. Her ability to transform pain into beauty is genuinely inspiring.

Whether you’re an adoptee, a birth parent, an adoptive parent, or simply someone who appreciates a heart-to-heart, honest, vulnerable story, Two Hearts will resonate with you. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand the complexities of adoption and the human spirit’s capacity for resilience.

I smiled with Linda, I cried with Linda, and I felt like I was right there beside her every step of the way. I’m grateful to call Linda my friend— though we met in the Christian blogosphere, she is nonetheless my friend through the miles.

Let Linda’s story touch your heart and inspire you to embrace life’s challenges with grace and gratitude.

The Answer Is No: A Short Story by Fredrik Backman. (via Kindle Unlimited)

“The Answer Is No: A Short Story” by Fredrik Backman is a humorous and heartwarming tale about a man named Lucas who cherishes his solitary existence. Lucas finds joy in life’s simple pleasures: video games, wine, and his beloved pad Thai. However, his tranquil routine is disrupted when the apartment board demands to inspect his frying pan due to a misplaced one found near the recycling room.

Lucas’s insistence on the straightforward solution of removing the errant pan clashes with the board’s bureaucratic determination to find the culprit. This seemingly minor incident escalates into a series of comical and unexpected events, forcing Lucas out of his comfort zone and into social interactions he would rather avoid. As the story unfolds, Lucas encounters a variety of eccentric characters, from the overly enthusiastic neighbor to the overly cautious apartment board members.

Through these encounters, Lucas begins to question his own beliefs about solitude and community. He learns that saying “no” can sometimes lead to unexpected connections and a deeper understanding of oneself and others. Backman’s signature wit and relatable characters shine throughout the story, making it a delightful read for anyone who appreciates a good laugh and a heartwarming tale of human connection.

The Cypress Maze: by Fiona Valpy. (via Kindle Unlimited)

Fiona Valpy’s The Sky Beneath Us is a captivating dual-timeline novel that weaves together the lives of two women separated by nearly a century.

Violet Mackenzie-Grant, a young and adventurous botanist in 1927, embarks on a life-changing journey to Nepal. In 2020, her great-great-niece, Daisy, seeks solace in the same Himalayan mountains, hoping to connect with her family’s past and find herself.

Ms. Valpy is one of my favorite authors. Her exquisite prose brings the stunning landscapes of Nepal to life, immersing readers in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. She masterfully captures the spirit of adventure and the transformative power of nature, and it feels like you’re right there with the characters experiencing what they are. Her details are stunning, and your senses explode in your mind’s eye.

As the two timelines converge, the reader is drawn into a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family. I smiled, and I cried. Ms.Valpy delves into the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the importance of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection.

The Sky Beneath Us is a poignant and uplifting tale that celebrates the enduring spirit of the human heart. It is a testament to Ms. Valpy’s ability to craft compelling stories that stay with you long after the final page; it sure did for me. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or contemporary literary fiction, this book is sure to captivate and inspire.

That’s a wrap

And that’s a wrap on another month of reading adventures! November was filled with captivating stories, intriguing characters, and plenty of page-turning excitement.

I hope you enjoyed my November reads and recommendations. Let me know in the comments what you’ve been reading this month and if you have any book suggestions for me!

Until next time, happy reading! 📚✨

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