There's nothing quite like finishing off a cool autumn day with a bonfire and some smores. So I think it is fitting that we are ending Five Fall Favorites with Bonfires and going over my favorite books of the year, so far.

1. Beloved by Rachel Starr Thomson

This whole series was not only amazingly written, but impactful. This last book made me so happy with its inspiring ending. I couldn't read anything else for a couple of days because they seemed so pale in comparison. 

2. A Holy Passion by Alicia G. Ruggieri

This book is the perfect mix of history and fiction. I love how real this story is about emotions and desires, yet handled in a godly way. I've never liked books that pretended that girls could choose not to have feelings almost as much as I disliked books that acted as if we have no control over them. I knew a little bit about David Brainard and quite a bit about Jonathan and Sarah Edwards, but this book made me want to read more about their lives.  

3. Monster by Mirriam Neal

I've wanted to read this book since the day it came out. I finally read it on Kindle Unlimited and will probably be buying the paperback early next year because it was so good. This is a deep look at the sanctity of life and what that really means. This book isn't easy to get through, but it is powerful.

4. Letters to Julia by Meredith Allady

I loved the first book in this series but I think I enjoyed this one even more. I fell in love with this family in the first book and it was so fun to see them again and continue their story. If you like Jane Austen, only you want something with more faith in it, this book is for you.

5. The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

White is a masterful storyteller. While I love many authors, there are a few that just stand out, and she is one of them. This story gripped my heart and didn't let go. I was a puddle of emotion during the whole book (as my sisters will attest to).

 

Yes, that's right, it's time to have bushels and bushels of fun again! I'm taking part again in the Five Fall Favorites event where you will find bushels of great books. With the harvest rolling in and all those lovely fall smells, its a great time to curl up with a new book.

Many of the lovely blogs are talking about their top five pro-life books. I couldn't think of five books that spoke on this subject, so I've decided to join my sister, Mikayla, in talking about my five favorite inspirational non-fiction.

1. Connecting by Larry Crabb

This is a  book that I highly recommend to every believer. It is a powerful book about having deep, meaningful relationships with people. It is also about helping those who are hurting. 

2. Loving God With All Your Mind by Elizabeth George

I read this book in my late teen years and it was transformative and has helped in the years since. I recently listened through the audiobook and was again reminded of the powerful truths. This book has helped me through depression, dealing with wrong thinking, and periods of worried. It had reminded me of powerful, important, biblical truths. 

3. Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murry 

I read this book last year right before a difficult time in my life. I needed it so desperately. I bought myself a hardback and reread parts of it and have underlined others. It is a powerful book about being totally surrendered to God. 

4. How to Listen So People Will Talk by Becky Harling 

This is one of the last books I requested for review. and I was so blessed by it. I did all but one of the exercises and it really helped some areas I needed to work on, and some of my strengths. I loved that it was not only about how to listen to others but also how to listen to God. 

5. The Remarkable Women of the Bible by Elizabeth George