The landscape has been illuminated with snow that clung to the trees for several days in an icy chill. The days have grown shorter, but that only means more time to read.
I’ve read a lot of books this year, over 100 again, which I will share in January. However, reading that many good books make it hard to narrow my list of favorites each season. The books I post here have entertained me and found their way into my heart. It’s why I call my favorites “Books that Changed Me.” Because when you read a great story, it doesn’t go away once you close the book. It stays around, lingering in your thoughts and heart.
I offer three beautiful books and a heartwarming Christmas story you don’t want to miss. You might remember them from my reviews.
In no particular order, here they are:
Fairies, Myths, & Magic II: Book 2: A Winter Celebration
BLURB
In this second book in the Fairies, Myths, & Magic series, step into a world where dark fairies and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by winter and the celebration of the winter solstice.
From autumn’s scary fairies to the forgotten female characters of Yule, prepare to embrace the magical winter solstice myths from around the world. Meet Frau Holle in the Wild Hunt, Befana—the Christmas Witch of Italy, and the Japanese goddess Ameratasu who controls the springtime. Prepare to embrace the Scottish trows, the Irish Goddess of Winter—the Cailleach Béara, and Snegurochka—the Snow Girl.
Learn how to make Yuletide rituals part of your celebration by embracing the symbols of Yule by decorating with evergreens and crystals.
Saddled Heart (The White Rune Series Book 3)
By Jan Sikes
BLURB
Colt Layne owns the Layne Horse Sanctuary. He lives an idyllic life, between caring for the animals and playing music with his band. That is until a stranger appears with unreasonable demands. When someone murders the man, Colt is arrested. He’s been framed, but by whom and why?
He needs to talk with his deceased grandfather. But that’s impossible. Or is it?
Sage Coventry is gifted with the ability to communicate with the deceased. Skeptical but desperate, when Colt consults with her, he gets more than messages from beyond the grave as she breezes into his heart with sweet patchouli fragrance and tempting lips he longs to kiss.
The race against time to clear his name and save the ranch launches them on a mission that brings shocking revelations.
By Sandra Cox
BLURB
It’s summer break and Dr. Luke Geller, history prof and part-time archeologist is in Nevada looking for potsherds. What he discovers is an antique rifle and a portal in time.
Touching an ancient piece of Chiastolite crystal, the earth rumbles, the skies darken and the ground opens. He’s hurled straight to the core of the earth then shot back up and spewed out.
When he stumbles to his feet, he finds himself where he began. Same, yet different. There are no winding roads. No parking lots. No cars. No town with bright lights in the distance. Only Lily Winter Tremaine, an angry young woman pointing a gun at him, demanding he hand over her rifle.
All thoughts of primitive pottery disappear as Luke finds himself fighting alongside three young women trying to hold onto their ranch against a dangerous scoundrel who intends to have the ranch by whatever means possible. Then there’s the little fact that Luke’s mightily attracted to the young woman he’s working for. A woman old enough to be his great-great granny. And Miss Lily Winter Tremaine does not figure into any of tenured professor Luke Geller’s lesson plans.
A Heartwarming Christmas Read
Hope‘s Angel
By Linda Broday
BLURB
Christmas? It’s nothing to celebrate and brings memories of everything he seeks to forget.
When a horrendous accident leaves Jericho Cane disfigured, he retreats to the dark refuge of his childhood home. People label him a monster, a phantom. Only while the town sleeps can he find courage to venture out and seek solace in midnight rides.
But who is making mysterious repairs to broken items, leaving food on doorsteps and wooden angels on children’s graves?
Newly arrived, Irish doctor Kathleen O’Shea, has no fear of Jericho Cane. Armed with determination, she offers hope where he can live again. Still, can he thrive walking in daylight amongst the ones who call him a monster? If she fails, the darkness will consume him for good.
A holiday read that will touch your heart and remind you that Christmas is a time of acceptance, kindness, and for healing wounds.
I know this is a day early but Happy Winter Solstice! I also want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Holidays, and Happy New Year. D. L. Finn
Congratulations to all the authors on these wonderful recommendations. I have some of these waiting for me already and will be sure to check out the others! I love books that have an impact long after we’ve finished them. Thanks for sharing, Denise. Wishing you a happy holiday season. Hugs 💕🙂
Yes, it is special when a story or poetry lingers long after you’ve read it, Harmony. The words have become magical. I wish you a happy holiday season too! Hugs back xo
Kudos for reaching your reading goal, and congratulations to the authors on the “favorites” reviews! Happy Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!!
Thank you Liz 🙂 I loved every moment of it! Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Year to you too!
You’re welcome, Denise!
I love this category. I’ve read all of those books and have to agree–they are powerful in their message.
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 Yes, all offer us something special.
Excellent reviews, Denise. Congratulations to the authors.
Thanks, John 🙂 I’m glad to shine the light on them again.
😁
Oh, Denise, I am honored to see Saddled Hearts here in your winter edition of books that changed you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And, I’m thrilled to see my sister’s book as well. Sending big hugs and warm holiday wishes your way!
It was a great story and series, Jan! I dream of living on that ranch. It wasn’t planned but you both ended up here 🙂 Big hugs back and warm holiday wishes sent your way too!
I like what you said about the shorter daylight. More time to read. You have some nice selections. Congrats to the authors.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Joan 🙂 Yes, cozy nights to read! Merry Christmas.
What a lovely surprise. Luke and I are honored to be included. And congrats to the talented authors: Jan, Colleen and Linda. Happy Solstice, my friend. scoxo
Glad to have Luke be able to visit 😉 It had to be here! Happy Solstice. Xo hugs
Fantastic! With a title like that (Books That Changed Me), I instantly pay attention. I believe, like you, that books have the power to change us for the better. I’ll be looking your selections over more closely.
Thank you, Pete 🙂 You can’t go wrong with any of these reads! Hope you are doing okay after the quake.
I have read both Hope’s Angel and Saddled Hearts. I will agree that these 2 are in my top favorites of the year. Both are amazing. Thank you for sharing your list. Now I know what other books I need to read.
They were great reads, and you can’t go with with the others. Each different in their own way. Thank you, Tonya and happy reading!
Thank you for sharing your reviews, Denise. Ooo, Hope’s Angel is completely new to me. It sounds fantastic! Actually, I didn’t read this post until the winter solstice, so happy winter solstice to you, too, Denise, and have a merry Christmas!
Happy to share these books here once more 🙂 I believe you’ll enjoy Hope’s Angel, Priscilla. Perfect timing in reading this! Happy winter solstice and a very Merry Christmas to you too! Xo
Thanks again, Denise. I’m thrilled to make your list, along with the other wonderful authors you mentioned. ❤️
I’m thrilled to have your wonderful book here, Colleen. Hugs. xo
I like the idea of dark fairies in short story and poetry form. Very appealing.
Hope you’re having a great one and that your weather is behaving.
scoxox
I think you’d enjoy it. Our weather is behaving. Might have a warm Christmas. I hoo3 yours is behaving too. Xo
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Denise! Best wishes for a fabulous 2023! xo
Merry Christmas to you and yours too, Natalie. Thank you, nay it be a wonderful year. 🙂 xo
Hi Denise, wonderful book choices. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Robbie 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of them. Merry Christmas!
All the books are wonderful. I would love to read Hope’s Angel. 🙂 Thanks Denise!
Thank you, Anshika 🙂 It’s a great reada
Wonderful selection of reads Denise. Enjoy your holiday season <3 xx
Thank you, Debby! You too. Hugs xo
<3 xx
Thank you, Debby! Happy 2023 xo
<3 xx
Over 100 books read? That’s awesome, Denise! Congrats to all the authors on this list- well deserved.
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
Thanks, Jacquie:) It was a great reading year! I wish the very same for you and your family 🙂 Happy 2023! xo
Congratulations to those who made the list! I’ll have to add them to the TBR. !00 books is quite an accomplishment, Denise, I bet it wasn’t an easy choice to narrow them down to this list. 🙂
Thank you, Mark! You won’t be disappointed with any of them. It is hard to pick with so much talent in our community.
Wonderful reviews, Denise. I haven’t read Linda’s book yet, but the other three were all wonderful and I couldn’t agree more with your praise. Congrats to the authors!
Thanks, Diana 🙂 All great books that deserved a second view. I’d think you’d enjoy Linda’s story.