Welcome to the final edition of Books that Changed Me 2025 Winter! I have loved sharing some of the very best books over the last seven years, but I won’t be doing this in the new year. I’m sure I’ll find another way to highlight books and will continue posting my reviews. Past books will still be available on my website if you ever need a book to read.
Here are my final books, and as many great books have recently been released, this could have easily been a much longer list. I am including their cover and blurb since you’ve already seen my review. Thank you for following along all these years.
BLURB
Some babies are born with invisible fetters. They may strut about in their homes with wishes of flying high, but their wings never grow, and if they do, they are clipped by the diktats of traditions. Such stories remain within the hearts of girls, as their lips are sealed by cultural compulsions.
Earthy is one such girl, but her determination to break free could never be vanquished. She yearns to grow up again, to feel the sunshine that filters through the arms of her parents, to soak in the showers of harmony, to giggle with abandon and swirl with her dreams, but the sudden, untimely demise of her father rips her whole world apart, and the little joys of childhood vanish. From emotional deluge to resilience and detachment, she treads the paths of her life, struggling to rise above the average.
Dolly’s freedom takes her away from her family, and her choices boomerang. Imperceptible fetters follow her in the garb of love that she chooses. Should we pay attention to Grandma’s wise words – “we are tied to our destiny?” ‘Beyond the Fetters’ explores the possibilities of girls looking beyond their so-called destiny.
BLURB
For over 100 years, no one wanted to be sent to the Sheldon Poor Farm. By 1968, no one wanted to leave.
Amid the social turmoil of 1968, the last poor farm in Vermont is slated for closure. By the end of the year, the twelve destitute residents remaining will be dispatched to whatever institutions will take them, their personal stories lost forever.
Hazel Morgan and her husband Paul have been matron and manager at the Sheldon Poor Farm for the past 20 years. Unlike her husband, Hazel refuses to believe the impending closure will happen. She believes that if she just cares deeply enough and works hard enough, the Sheldon Poor Farm will continue to be a safe haven for those in need, herself and Paul included.
On a frigid January afternoon, the overseer of the poor and the town constable from a nearby town deliver a stranger to the poor farm for an emergency stay. She refuses to tell them her name, where she came from, or what her story is. It soon becomes apparent to Hazel that whatever the woman’s story is, she is deeply ashamed of it.
Hazel fights to keep the stranger with them until she is strong enough to face, then resume, her life–while Hazel must face the tragedies of her own past that still haunt her.
Told with compassion and humor, The Weight of Snow & Regret tells the poignant story of what it means to care for others in a rapidly changing world.
Edge of Twilight: Legends of Madeira
By Joan Hall
BLURB
Death comes to those who seek the treasure…
Two hours before her wedding, Blaire Edwards walks away from everything—comfortable home, lucrative job, accomplished fiancé—rather than bending to her mother’s pre-laid plans for her life. In a sad but serendipitous turn of events,Blaire inherits a 25,000-acre ranch from her maternal grandfather, a man she never met because she was told he died years earlier. Within days, she moves to Madeira, New Mexico, to claim her birthright despite knowing nothing about ranching or country living.
Employees quickly warm to her. Not only does she intend to keep operations as they are, but she’s nothing like her mom. Many remember Roslyn, and few have a favorable impression.
Blaire soon realizes her mother lied about a lot of things, but family secrets aren’t the only mysteries. A rash of rustling costs the ranch several head of cattle, unexplained lights linked to a legend about treasure appear on her property at twilight, someone nearly kills her dog, and one of the wranglers is murdered.
Then comes the most shocking news of all.
Amanda in Ireland: The Body in the Bog
BLURB
Twelve-year-old Amanda Jane Ross is invited to be a bridesmaid for her cousin’s wedding in Ireland! She falls in love with the Emerald Isle the moment she lands in Dublin. The warm, friendly Irish people immediately make her feel at home. Towering castles, ancient graveyards, and the stunning green countryside are filled with fascinating legends, enthralling folktales, and alarming secrets.
Things take a dark turn when disaster strikes. Amanda wonders if there will be a wedding at all. As she joins the search for a missing horse, she stumbles upon a world of screaming banshees, bloody battles, and dangerous peat bogs. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become. Will she become another body in the bog?
NOTE:
- These books were chosen, and the post was made a couple of weeks ago, which makes Joan’s book here even more special.
- Tomorrow is the last post of the year. Don’t miss all the amazing results for the challenge!
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book this holiday season! Happy Holidays—Denise
They all seem like really interesting and intriguing books. I should say I have seen them before but I haven’t bought them yet. I should do that.
You can’t go wrong with any of them, Thomas:) Would make for some good winter reading.
Thank you so much for including Amanda in Ireland on this list of awesome books. I have read some and the others are on my Kindle. I love that you do this! Seeing Joan’s book here is bittersweet.
It couldn’t not be on the list, Darlene 🙂 You have some good reads ahead. Yes, very bittersweet. Xo
I think I would enjoy these books very much!
You can’t go wrong with any of them, Kymber 🙂
I’ve read and enjoyed these books too. They’re all wonderful, but I particularly liked The Weight of Snow and Regret, so beautifully written.
I agree about The Weight of Snow, Priscilla, it was. Thanks for adding in your recommendation!
Thank you, Priscilla.
I read and really enjoyed three of the four. Now I look forward to reading Darlene’s treasure. Congratulations and merry Christmas to all! 🎄❤️🎄
You have a fun read ahead, Gwen 🙂 Thank you for adding your recommendation. Merry Christmas!
Great of you to post these excellent reads, Denise.
Thank you, Timothy! Happy to share these.
😊
Excellent choices, Denise!
Thanks, Teri. Always hard to pick with our talented community.
A great collection to offer us, Denise. A couple are already on my TBR list!
Thank you, Noelle :),You have some great reading ahead!
Excellent collection. Love my Indie authors.
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 Me too!
Great selections, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Happy to share them, John:)
I love your reviews, Denise and these extraordinary authors. Each one is so gifted. Thanks for sharing! ❣️
Thank you, Cindy 🙂 You can’t go wrong with any of them! xo
Hope my comment made it through. Love your reviews and these authors all so talented!!!! ❣️
The comments can be slowing in loading, sorry and thanks for making sure! xo
You’re welcome 😇 hopeful they make it!
❤️
Great reviews by outstanding authors, Denise.
Well done, thanks for sharing with us❣️
Thank you, Cindy 🙂 Happy to share them! Xo
I have some of these coming up, Denise. I wasn’t aware of Joan’s. That is special. If I miss your final post, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
You have some great reads coming up, Dan. Yes she left us with an amazing story. Thank you, Happy Holidays🙂
These are all wonderful selections! Thanks so much for bringing our attention to these books, Denise. 💜
Thank you, Colleen 🙂 Always happy to share great stories here. Xo
Thank you very much for including The Weight of Snow and Regret on your list of books that changed you, Denise! It means a lot to me.
It couldn’t not be there, Liz! You wrote a classic.
Aww, thanks, Denise. 😊
A wonderful selection, Denise, and I’ve read a few. Thanks for the new suggestions too, and Congrats to the authors. xo
Thank you, Lauren for adding your recommendation! Definitely good ones 🙂
My pleasure, Denise!
Fantastic choices, Denise!! I’ve read all but Balroop’s. Thank you for sharing. I’m SO out of the loop and far behind on everything. I worked 11 hours yesterday. 🙂
Thanks, Jan 🙂 That’s a lot of hours and would pit me out of the loop too. Hope you get a nice break soon xo
I read three of these! Great recommendations. Have a Merry Christmas, Denise!
All good ones, Dawn 🙂 Merry Christmas xo