Top Ten 2020 Reads

We all know that 2020 was a hard year, so I’m not going to make things harder for myself by trying to rank my favorites. If you’re looking for even more recommendations, you can see my year in books on Goodreads HERE or hit me up for specific genres in the comments. I’m always ready to talk about books!

Here is my favorite reads of 2020 in no particular order.

The Book of Lost Friends, by Lisa Wingate, is a book that changes the way you look at the world around you. Lisa juxtaposes two very different and yet brilliantly connected story threads — one of three young girls searching for family in the aftermath of the Civil War, and the other of a modern teacher trying to make a difference in a rural community that still suffers from the injustices of the past. If you haven’t read this book yet, please do yourself a favor and get it.

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Becoming Mrs. Lewis, Patty Callahan, was quite simply brilliant. If you love C.S. Lewis or even if you don’t, you will love this beautifully insightful portrait of his late-in-life wife and fascinating woman in her own right, Joy Lewis.

Mexican Gothic, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, is not for the faint of heart. It is most definitely gothic, bordering on horror. If you’re looking for a twisted family drama, a heroine determined to save her sister, and a dose of toxic mushrooms then this is the book for you.

Where the Lost Wander. Amy Harmon is one of my favorite authors because she consistently and deftly gives her readers beautiful storylines, fascinating history, and compelling characters from the first chapter to the last. This book delivered an exceptional story of both pioneers and native Americans. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who wants their historical fiction to look at all points of view.

Left to Tell, Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, Immaculée Ilibagiza. This is a harrowing true story of one girl’s experience during the Rwandan genocide and how she learned to trust in God and forgive in the midst of unspeakable evil. Not an easy read, but an important one.

Apologies to my blog subscribers! Blame the last day of 2020 for the technical difficulties that sent the wrong post to your inboxes this morning. This is what you should have received:

In This House of Brede, by Rumor Godden, was a book I’d been meaning to get to for decades, and 2020 was the year I managed it. I’ll admit, it was hard to get into and took some determination. But so, so worth it. Consider reading In This House of Brede if you like your fiction to have a large cast of interesting characters and subtle but memorable storylines.

The Dutch House, Ann Patchett. I have to admit this makes it into my top ten because of Tom Hanks‘ utterly fantastic narration in the audio version. He can make even the chapter headings seem rich with meaning. The story revolves around a family in a remarkable house outside Philadelphia and is about parental expectations, sibling love, and overcoming (or not overcoming) the past.

The London Restoration, by Rachel McMillan. As I said right here in my blog post about WWII novels, this is a novel to settle down and enjoy. Romance, espionage, architecture, and London. All of it beautifully written with atmospheric descriptions and wise insights on love, marriage, and independence.

The Haunting of Maddie Clare, by Simone St. James. After I read this ghostly novel, I went on to read several more of Simone’s books and plan on reading all of them. These are slightly spooky historical mysteries that are hard to put down. This one was scary enough to have me looking over my shoulder on a walk in the woods!

The Matrimonial Advertisement, Mimi Matthews. This is another new-t0-me author for 2020 and one I absolutely love. Mimi Matthews doesn’t write your typical Victorian romance but still delivers a swoon-worthy story. Her characters are genuine and historically accurate, while still being relatable. I’ve loved every one of her Parish Orphans series, but I think this one is my favorite.

Hope this list gives you head start on what you might want to read in 2021. And don’t forget to put In A Far-Off Land on your list for May reading! You might even want to preorder it from your favorite Indie bookstore.

Valley Bookseller in Stillwater, MN is one HERE

Baker Bookhouse is another HERE

Or there’s always pre-orders available on AMAZON

Here’s to many good books and a happy 2021!!