Home Giveaways 10 Wonderful Winter Reads (2014 Edition) and $100 Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY!

10 Wonderful Winter Reads (2014 Edition) and $100 Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY!

by Jamie

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Twice a year I share a new list of wonderful books that I loved reading and highly recommend. The list I have to share with you today is super fabulous. I don’t know how I got lucky enough to run across so many great reads over the past 6 months, but man it has been a true pleasure. I gave all the books listed below a 4 or 5 star rating (on Goodreads, you can follow me over there by clicking this link). You can see my past book recommendation posts by clicking here.

In addition to the list of books, I would love to give one of you $100 Amazon Gift Card so you can buy a book or two, some new boots or maybe a clock for your pretty wall. Whatever you would like to use it for, please do. 🙂

To enter the giveaway leave me a comment telling me at least one book you loved reading  and would recommend to the rest of us. You may enter from now until Tuesday February 4th. Winner will be announced and contacted on Wednesday February 5th. I can’t wait to see what you recommend!

Now, without further ramblings…here is the list, complete with my review of each one. Enjoy!

 

The Homecoming of Samuel lakeThe Homecoming of Samuel Lake: by Jenny Wingfield 

I haven’t read a book in quite some time, with characters as love-able and endearing as those that grace the pages of The Homecoming of Samuel Lake. (Excepting two, that I hated with a passion right from the beginning). The authors writing style is clever, engaging, humorous (I read with a big grin on my face for much of it!) and enlightening. While there are some events that take place in the story that are heartbreaking and sad to read, the main message of the book is founded on the intricate ties of family unity and love. I loved it.

 

 

The Glass CastleThe Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeanette Walls

I read this book a couple of months ago, and I still think about it frequently. It’s the memoir of Jeanette Walls (a journalist for CNN). She grew up in ASTOUNDING poverty, with parents that were wildly unpredictable, slightly endearing and maddeningly negligent in many ways. I was amazed at the resilience Janette and her siblings had, their support of one another and their will to make a better life for themselves. It’s a modern-day story of survival.

 

 

 

Me Before YouMe Before You: A Novel  by Jo Ho Moyes

I think I cried 5 layers of makeup off my face during the last 50 pages of this book. It’s a tear jerker to say the least. That said…I don’t think I have ever read a book that made me so sad and happy at the same time. It’s about abilities and disabilities, overcoming fears and living a beautiful, full life. The ending is not what I expected, but was so powerful and got me thinking about the amazing gift it is to be able to choose (agency, if you will) and how it’s such a basic and simple blessing that most of us overlook everyday. I wanted to be a better person after I read this book and take on a few of my own personal fears (like sledding down a snowy hill at warp speed, which I have always avoided due to the fact that I’m sure I’ll break my body and my life will be over…working up my courage, man. I am working it up. See you on a snowy hill sometime soon.)

 

BlackmooreBlackmoore (Proper Romances) by Julianne Donaldson (she also wrote Edenbrooke)

If you are looking for an awesome love story, this is it. If you love Downton Abby and wish you could roam the grand halls of a mansion in England, then read this book. It’s a clean, quick read that will keep you turning the pages well into the night. I loved it. Through and through.

 

 

 

 

Saveing Cee Cee HoneycuttSaving CeeCee Honeycutt: A Novel by Beth Hoffman

I loved this sweet book. It’s kind of a mix between The Secret Life of Bees and The Help. The main character is a girl whose mother has severe mental heath issues and the story is about love and healing. My 14 year old daughter read it and love it as well. “I totally cried my face off, Mom! It was so good.” were her words to be exact. I loved, loved, loved the main character and the wonderful women who helped to take care of her.

 

 

 

The Rent CollectorThe Rent Collector by Camron Wright

This book is about a little family living in the middle of the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. I was so shocked by the living conditions they faced and amazed with the main characters will to improve her life. It’s about education, literacy, the power of knowledge and hope.

 

 

 

 

The Magic of Ordinary DaysThe Magic of Ordinary Days: A Novel by Ann Howard Creel

This is a thoughtful, quiet book set in Colorado during the 1940’s. It gives the reader a glimpse into Japanese Internment Camps, as well as  the simple life of a farm wife during WWII. I loved the development of the main character, how she learned to understand herself, her losses and the situation she was in.

 

 

 

 

Between Shades of GrayBetween Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

If you enjoy reading historical fiction, I would highly recommend this book. It’s about WWII and the Russian occupation of Lithuania. I have read many, many books on WWII, but never any that depict the events that took place in this part of the world. The story is about a young girl who is taken captive from her comfortable home and made to work in prison camps. I was touched, particularly by her mother who was so brave and kind to all those they came in contact with.

 

 

 

My StoryMy Story by Elizabeth Smart

I’m sure most of you are familiar with Elizabeth Smart and the story of her kidnapping, 9 month captivity and ultimate rescue.  I was worried about reading it, considering the horrific subject matter. However, Elizabeth Smart is very tactful in her telling, giving the reader the story of what she endured without specific and detailed description of the terrible things that were done to her. She is an amazing, wonderful woman who persevered through this awful experience with a lot of grace and strength. I couldn’t get over the fact that she was only 14 years old at the time it all took place. I was so impressed with her ability to heal, and go on to live a full and beautiful life. It’s well worth the read. She is an incredible example. So glad I read it.

 

 

Mrs.mikeMrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman and Nancy Freedman

I picked this book up to read, because so many of you have recommended it to me. Thank you! It has been around for forever (ok, maybe just 50 years or so) and I am surprised I haven’t come to know of it before. It’s a story about a 16-year-old girl who falls in love with well-respected sergeant in the Canadian Mounted Police. It reminded me a lot of “These is my Words”. It’s about love, trust, terrible challenges and difficult surroundings. I loved the messages that were intertwined throughout. It reminded me to cherish the little things in life, the “small things that make up a day”. Such great advice to all of us in the trenches of motherhood. 🙂

Leave a Comment

451 comments

Betty Taylor January 29, 2014 - 10:56 pm

I buy Harlequin Inspired for my mother in the nursing home. She enjoys a good clean romance which is hard to find. I’ve read a few after she finished them and they have several good series of families. Mysteries good too.

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AmyP January 29, 2014 - 11:01 pm

I read “The Fault in the Stars” by John Green. It’s a YA novel, but I loved it.

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Jennifer Gasper January 29, 2014 - 11:59 pm

Hello Everyone,
I have recently read Charlottes Web, with my daughter. I grew up with this book and even today I still enjoy it!
Thanks,
Jennifer

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Kelly T January 30, 2014 - 4:57 am

I just read the third book from the Hunger Games. Not something I would usually read but after my daughter dragged me to see the second movie I had to read the end of the story. I’m going to start from the beginning now and read all three books. I guess if you go outside of your normal box and open your mind up you will find all kinds of wonderful things!

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LindaF January 30, 2014 - 6:13 am

Hi Jamie! I have a recommendation for a book I really enjoyed. “The Goodbye Quilt” by Susan Wiggs. It was such an enjoyable read about a mother/daughter relationship when the daughter will be going off to college. They take a road trip to take the daughter to college and the mom finishes a quilt she’s making for the daughter putting in memorable scraps from her childhood. I also wanted to say that a friend recommended your site recently and I have been having such fun making several of your recipes! Really great food!

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P.J. January 30, 2014 - 7:35 am

“Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple. It’s about a 15 year old girl and her kooky mother, who disappears before they’re supposed to go to Antarctica. The girl tries to put together information from her mom’s receipts, emails, etc to figure out what happened.

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Debbie Howard January 30, 2014 - 7:35 am

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas is an all-time favorite. Roman soldier/officer wins the “robe” of Christ in a gamble, experiences the early Christian church and the persecution, and becomes a believer. POWERFUL!

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Amy January 30, 2014 - 7:39 am

Tuesdays With Morrie
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
The Education of Little Tree
Pigs In Heaven (which is a sequel but can be read as a stand alone)
Musicophilia

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Sheila Lehmenkuler January 30, 2014 - 7:41 am

I love Magic of the Ordinary Days. It’s also a Hallmark movie. I read lots of books set in WWII, even with a war on, life was so simple then.

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StephA January 30, 2014 - 7:42 am

The book theif!

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Stephanie January 30, 2014 - 7:44 am

I read ALL the Anne of Green Gabel books for the first time & loved them to pieces. Now I’m reading them again with my girls!

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Katie Wells January 30, 2014 - 8:02 am

I am new to running, so I’m reading “Run Like A Mother”. It’s full of great tips and inspiration to get me going!

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KRISTEN January 30, 2014 - 8:32 am

You have GOT to read Light Between Oceans. Simply amazing and beautifully written.
And also Calling Me Home.
Those are my favorites of the year.

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Nancy January 30, 2014 - 8:36 am

Where’d You Go, Bernadette

The Rosie Project

Moon Over Manifest

The Running Dream

Maisie Dobbs

Code Name Verity

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Pam Harris January 30, 2014 - 8:51 am

I loved the seventeen second miracle.

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Terah January 30, 2014 - 9:09 am

The Shoemakers Wife

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Heather Jones January 30, 2014 - 9:09 am

I loved “I am not but I know I am” as far as a Christian book goes. My kids and I have all loved reading the Pearcy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. They are full of adventure and Greek Mythology that keep my kids enthralled.

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sandi r January 30, 2014 - 9:37 am

I love to read the Laura Childs tea mystery series books. She has a new one out about every year..But the best one I read was the Amish book The Confession and really enjoyed it enough to go to Sugar Creek and see the play.. This last years was called Half-stitched but did not read the book only saw the play. Wonderful….

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Brittany January 30, 2014 - 9:44 am

I really enjoyed the book “Let it go” by Chris Williams. A very powerful true story about forgiving the unforgivable.

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Brianne January 30, 2014 - 9:45 am

My favorite book that I just read was Blackmoore. I can attest to the fact that it is a wonderful, fun, clean romance. I have read some of the books on your list and look forward to reading the rest. Thanks!!

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Rachel January 30, 2014 - 9:57 am

Friendship Bread by Darien Gee. A sweet, uplifting story involving Amish friendship bread. Fun read!

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Adrienne January 30, 2014 - 10:01 am

If you liked The Glass Castle then you have to read Half Broke Horses also by Jeannette Walls. I am almost finished with The Shoemaker’s Wife and I am loving it! Thanks for the book suggestions, I love them almost as much as your wonderful recipes! 🙂

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Christina January 30, 2014 - 10:08 am

I just read the Hunger Games trilogy. Wasn’t going to but MANY people suggested to me. Was a very good read.

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Kelly January 30, 2014 - 10:25 am

I know it’s been out for awhile but I just finished reading “The Wedding” by Nicholas Sparks. Great book!

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Amy January 30, 2014 - 10:30 am

I read “Me Before You” when it was on the readers choice list and I got hooked. When I realized what was happening, I wasn’t sure I wanted to finish it, but I did and even though it didn’t end the way I wanted it to, it was still a really great read.

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Romie January 30, 2014 - 10:33 am

Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick, nonfiction about life in North Korea, by a reporter who interviewed several people who escaped.

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Fox January 30, 2014 - 11:01 am

Being a Neil Gaiman fan, I would wholeheartedly recommend “Anansi Boys” to anyone looking for a contemporary fantasy novel with as much wit as intrigue.

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Jennifer January 30, 2014 - 11:21 am

I loved the Glass Castle. It was one of those books that stays with you for a long time… one that you tell people about and recommend to others. Not long after I read it, I found out that Jeanette Walls was going to be doing a speaking engagement at my local university. I took my teenage son along to hear her story.

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Amber January 30, 2014 - 11:35 am

I am a big Nicholas Sparks fan, so I would have to recommend his book “The Choice”

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Jereen January 30, 2014 - 12:05 pm

I really enjoyed “the kitchen counter cooking school” by Kathleen Flinn

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Ashlee January 30, 2014 - 12:15 pm

I loved the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

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Jenna January 30, 2014 - 1:07 pm

I wish I could recommend something current for adults…..but with two little ones keeping me on the go (I live vicariously through you!!) I am unable to sit and get anything read! I am currently reading aloud to them at night “The Little House” series!

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kathy stesdman January 30, 2014 - 1:12 pm

Always have to recommend the hiding place by corrie ten boom. So inspiring.

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Angela January 30, 2014 - 1:16 pm

I just finished Unbroken by Laura Hildabrand. It lived up to all the “hype!” Its a WWII true story that is wonderfully written.

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Melissa January 30, 2014 - 1:25 pm

Phantom by Susan Kay. This is told from the viewpoint of the Phantom of the Opera. Hands down, one of my favorites!

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Tracy January 30, 2014 - 1:33 pm

My favorite author is Isabel Allende, so most of her books are must reads. She has such a lyrical, magical way of writing. Thanks for your suggestions. I love adding books to read to my Amazon Wish List, so I don’t forget about them!

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Kim January 30, 2014 - 1:43 pm

One of the most memorable books I’ve read in awhile is The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. I always love your book list and pass them on to my sister, as well. I’ve read a couple on your list already, but will look for others at the library. I’d love to win the Amazon gift card, too.

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Tanya January 30, 2014 - 1:44 pm

I’ve read “The Rent Collector,” and “My Story,” by Elizabeth Smart. Both excellent books. Thank you so much for recommending these other books. I actually went to the library yesterday and was able to get 4 of them, and the rest I put on hold. Can’t wait to read all of them!!

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Ronette Hofeling January 30, 2014 - 1:49 pm

Shattered Silence:The untold story of a serial killers daughter by Melissa Grace Moore
A good read!

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Vanessa January 30, 2014 - 2:05 pm

One of my favorite books I’ve read recently is “The Secret Keeper” by Kate Morton. I loved it!

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Marty Cyrus January 30, 2014 - 2:21 pm

The Christmas Jar by Jason F. Wright is an amazing story of when we least expect something, miracles can happen. As a result of this book we have created a family Christmas tradition of filling a jar with coins and giving it to someone in need.

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Ryan Richeal January 30, 2014 - 2:23 pm

I just finished reading The Narina books to my daughter and loved them! It was a first time read for me!

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mysweetiepiepie January 30, 2014 - 2:49 pm

I really enjoyed “The Wedding” by Nicholas Sparks.

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Heidi January 30, 2014 - 2:51 pm

I adored Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson and Dear Mr. Knightley by katherine Reay.

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Tammy W January 30, 2014 - 2:52 pm

I’ve been enjoying the outlander series. I loved the rent collector! I always enjoy reading your book recommendations!,

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tammigirl January 30, 2014 - 3:11 pm

I read The Red Tent and thought it was quite interesting.

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Jen R January 30, 2014 - 3:18 pm

I recently finished The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton, one of your recommendations and loved it. Right now I am reading The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. My Mom recommended it to me and I am finding it well researched and insightful.

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Brandy Rhea January 30, 2014 - 3:46 pm

I loved the book Dear John by Nicholas sparks…. Loved it

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AnnaMarie Judd January 30, 2014 - 3:53 pm

The Language of Flowers. Absolutely wonderful book! I raead it about a year ago and when someone asks me about a good book, it’s the one I think of. Read it!

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Barb January 30, 2014 - 5:04 pm

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett – Not my usual subject matter but just so beautiful. I did not want the story to end.

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