I was surprised I only finished 5 books in May and that they were all on kindle. I did put a lot of time into the Kindred's Curse books, and they get progressively longer- book 3 is over 1000 pages.
I had two audio books that both returned before I finished listening, I was pretty mad about that. Maybe I'll finish them in June.
34 Secrets of the Revolution by Megan Soja 5/1 (kindle/own)★★★★★
I received an advance copy of this book as part of the launch team. I couldn't love it more. I can hardly wait for the next book to come out! (Which isn't until next year.)
This story picks up with Will, the brother of Patience from book 1. It was interesting to see his story expand. He crosses paths with Hannah who is the apothecary's daughter. She has secrets of her own trying to keep her father's shop running as his health declines. I loved watching their story unfold along side the start of our country. Wonderful faith threads also woven throughout.
Papa always taught that trust is a choice. One we must make each day, sometimes even minute by minute.
35 Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole 5/6 (kindle/kindle unlimited)★★★★
I picked this up because
The Fantasy Fangirls were reading this for their next deep dive and I was still on a bit of a Onyx Storm book hangover.
As so often happens with a parent’s hope-filled dreams for their children, things did not go exactly to plan.
What if our story isn’t over, Diem Bellator? What if it’s only beginning?
36 Lowcountry Lost by T I Lowe 5/8 (kindle/own)★★★★★
This book is so good! I devoured it in just a couple days. I love the idea of flipping houses, my heart always feels so sad when I see homes that have fallen into disrepair. So I think that's one reason this book appealed to me. It was also highly recommended by Megan from the Faith and Fables podcast. I get a lot of book rec's from her these days. I also loved Indigo Isle by this author and was hoping to love this one too. It did not disappoint. An interesting cast of characters including a thieving dog named Preacher. A story of loss, grief, hurt, redemption, 2nd chance romance, healing, found family. This one ticked so many of my boxes.
*This book does include miscarriage and infant loss
That’s the thing with grief, long expanses of time can go by with it lying dormant, but one tiny phrase or suggestion can trigger it.
Once my nightly routine was complete, I climbed into bed and closed my eyes. I tried praying, asking God for help, but my mind felt like it was full of sludge. Maudie told me once that even though my mind might not know what to say to God, he heard my heart’s cry, so I settled on a simple, “Please, God, help.”
37 Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole 5/14 (kindle/kindle unlimited)★★★★
Book #2 of The Kindred's Curse Saga. I think I liked it more than book 1. Diem's journey continues as she discovers more about who she truly is. I'm also deep into book 3 and I have to think hard about where one book ends and the next begins. I'm definitely invested in the story at this point. I'm eager to finish book 3 so I can listen to the podcast deep dive. 😂
She arched her neck and let out a deafening bellow. The small group of guards that had gathered took a few steps back in alarm. To my ears, it might as well have been a purr. The sound of it soothed some innate wildness in my soul, the answer to a question I hadn’t even known I’d asked. I strode forward, hand extended.
A scar is a sign of survival,” I continued. “Of endurance. It’s a sign that its bearer triumphed over what might have killed a lesser person. To show off your scars is to tell the world you’re not ashamed of what you’ve overcome.
Everyone says this phoenix represents dying and coming back as something new, but I disagree. I think it’s a symbol of surviving when the world burns down around us. It’s a reminder that no challenge can destroy the parts of us that truly matter. We’re not reborn in the flames. We’re revealed.
You are the fate my heart was spared for. As long as it beats, you will never fight alone.
38 The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham 5/29 (kindle/kindle unlimited)★★★★
I read this book for the Faith&Fables book club. I began it in the truck on the way home for Hershey when I realized the author talk was days away and I hadn't even started the book. It hooked me pretty quickly an I very much enjoyed the story. Set in Buffalo in the 1920s, our two main characters are pen pals anonymously leaving their letter for the other in a tree in Buffalo zoo. A family feud and a bit of a mystery and romance.
There’s nothing like spring in Buffalo. Makes you want to get out of doors and celebrate.
“No.” Mrs. Guskin shook her head. “She’d tell you she trusts you to make the right choice. She’d probably take your hand and say that the road might be bumpy, but it’ll get you there.” A grin spread across her face, so big that creases formed in the corners.
Total: 5 2025: 38
Kindle/Ebook: 5 Print: Audio:
Library: Owned: 2 Kindle Unlimited: 3
Favorite: Secrets of the Revolution
Challenges: I don't think I read a single book that qualified for a challenge. I'll have to get back on track in June.
