The 11 books I read in 2020 were a mix of historical fiction, leadership material and memoirs. For todays post I will group the books I read into 2 categories, fiction and non fiction.
I share my honest thoughts about each of the books I read. Hope you enjoy my short reviews.
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Table of Contents
Non Fiction Books I Read in 2020
Don’t Give Up by Kyle Idleman
I listened to Don’t Give Up as an audio book on Christian Audio. The author, a pastor, goes to the scripture to examine what the Bible has to say about not giving up.
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I found myself encouraged. For me, it is a book I believe will bring me needed encouragement each time I listen. So, it is going on my calendar to listen again in 2021.
Thinking Like a Boss by Kate Crocco
I choose Thinking Like a Boss to listen to as a download from Christian Audio because I desire to grow my leadership skills. This also, is a book I want to listen to again this year.
Kate walks her reader through lies holding them back from their potential as a leader. There is unpacked information waiting for me. I will glean a better understanding of my strengths and limitations as a leader. A process which needs to repeat itself on a yearly basis.
Acres of Diamonds by Jentezen Franklin
I was gifted a copy of Acres of Diamonds to read as a part of the launch team. My biggest take away reminded me to stay put. The best of life is not out there, but rather here.
I found Acres of Diamonds a fresh reminder and affirmation to stay where I am. The phrase “trust the progress” speaks of not becoming distracted, shiny object syndrome, and giving up. Acres of Diamonds encouraged me to continue the drudgery and continue doing the hard work.
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On page 49 the author speaks to being planted like a tree. The concept spoke loudly to me on the importance of staying. As a teen and into adulthood, I displayed a desire to run from the uncomfortable things of life. I had no idea how to stay put and deal.
If I did not know how to deal, I moved on. Literally, I moved 8 times in 5 years. I am learning here on the farm about facing my struggle. How am I learning? Practice. Staying put and learning how to turn to Jesus for answers to hard stuff.
Similar to the concept of bloom where I am planted. Treasure is here to find; I need to keep looking and refuse to give up.
I don’t want to give the story away behind the title, so I will say no more on the topic. There is hard work to be done, but running away to find a treasure, may in fact be leaving your treasure or mine for someone else to find and develop.
Good Husbandry by Kristin Kimball
Kristen tells stories from Essex Farm located in upstate New York. Reading it one might believe the events happened 100 and 50 years ago. But in all actuality, they took place in the last 10 years. I felt transported back in time, imagining the lake nearby, the small town and the slopes the farm was nestled against.
Living life with old school farming practices and values and providing for a family grabs my attention. Many famers across America need a full time 40-hour week job, and government subsidies to produce food.
The realities are brutal but survival often is. There are tender moments too, in the realities of a farm. Life is not about keeping up with Jones. Life is about keeping food on the table for their family and the folks who purchase from them.
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I found myself encouraged reading their story, encouraged for the possibilities here on CG Heartbeats Farm. Several important segments spoke to my heart, reminding me of why I desire a homestead life. I am not as alone in my perspective and values as what it seems.
Praying Though by Jarrett Stevens
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Praying Through encouraged me to look deeper into my prayer life and come to a better understanding of my belief about prayer.
We are given the privilege to take our cares to a loving God and Father, the Creator of the universe. We can speak to Him about everything after all even our thoughts are not hidden from Him.
Praying Women by Sheila Walsh
Sheila opens up about her beliefs about prayer from childhood. She talks through out the book of her journey to understand what powerful gift we have been given to communicate with our Creator.
The questions she struggles with prompted me to take a closer look at my deeper belief about prayer and areas I see a need for growth in my own prayer life.
Do you what a copy for yourself? Click on the picture above.
Historical Fiction Books I Read in 2020
The simpler way of life lived out by the characters in these stories take me back in time to a world focused on survival. I am transported to a time when many folks lived on homesteads. Their stories although fiction keep me remembering my goals.
Brides of Hope Mountain Series by Mary Connealy
A series about 3 independent sisters who lived on a mountain top away from civilization. Each book tells the story of one girl coming to know herself, her God and a man.
I found myself drawn to each of the 3 characters. Each girl possessed unique survival skills, an independence, and determination I could not help but admire.
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Beyond This Moment by Tamara Alexander
Historical fiction westerns are easy for me to consume in a physical or audio copy. Beyond this Moment brought historic facts of the way life used to be woven into a plot with a few twists and turns I did not see coming.
I recall listening one Saturday evening as I pulled weeds from the horse paddock. I enjoyed the story so much I wanted to keep pulling weeds and not go on to my next task.
So, friend, I did exactly that. The captivating story kept my attention as I worked at the insanely boring job of pulling weeds.
From the stage coach accident to the secrets the main character carried, Beyond This Moment conveys important life lessons on honesty and facing the facts from a Biblical perspective.
Beyond This Moment is the second book in a series titled, Timber Ridge Reflections. I intend to add books 1 and 3 to my reading list for 2021.
Stem of the Wildflower by Lois Slater
First in a series of 4 books, Stem of the Wildflower, tells the story of a family who faces harsh realities of life on a Wyoming ranch. One of my favorite reasons to share this book with you has a story of its own. While attending the Buffalo Wyoming Christmas Market I met the author, Lois Slater. Her face lit up as she shared her inspiration for the books and a brief introduction to a few of the characters.
The first 4 chapters I read as I could but then the plot took off. I finished the book in a day or two. I found myself surprised at the twists and turns. Others were forewarned, but I desired to believe the best of a character. I reminded myself of who I am as a person. I want happy endings and not every relationship will provide the warm, cozy feeling in real life or in books.
As a precaution, there is a bit of violence as one might find in a western novel. The characters have not yet encountered Christ (I am not sure they do) and the books do not appear to be based on biblical principles.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series, but I proceed with caution as I do carefully guard what I put into my mind these days. Meeting Lois, the author, as a part of attending the Buffalo Christmas Market is indeed a fond memory. I am happy I did.
In Conclusion
I enjoyed each of these books I read in 2020 and learned a new thing to apply or a better understanding of myself. Will you leave a comment below sharing your favorite books of 2020. I may want to add them to my 2021 list.
