2026 Reading Recap: Quarter 2

I’ve clocked in 35 books for this quarter; for the whole year, this means that I’m over halfway towards my 2026 reading goal of 140 books.

I’ve tried to categorize these reviews to make it easier to find books that are interesting to you! I’ve also boldened the titles of the books that I particularly enjoyed.

Have you read any of these? What’s next on your reading list?

Apologetics / Christian Living

Collected Writings on Scripture by D.A. Carson

Read for a writing project. It took me a good bit to get through it but was helpful. The last half of the book is book reviews, but there is good information in those chapters even if you haven’t read the books being reviewed.

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Thorough, fully convincing, accessible. Glad that I finally read this, and I can see why it has been huge in the apologetics movement! I also loved the courtroom and crime stories and how he connected the logic of the legal system to his search for the truth about Christ. There were a few theologians interviewed that I would differ on majorly with theology. But overall, very helpful in laying out a case for Christ.

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

This was a re-read for me! I originally finished it a year and a half earlier. This time, I got to work through this book with our community group. The study guide and added questions are so helpful and we had in-depth discussions. The author explains sins that have become acceptable to Christians today; he maintains a humble tone while being bold to call out sin. I have a lot to think about after finishing this book!

Productivity

How To Use a Planner Without Wasting Time: A Busy Mom’s Guide by Mystic Winckler

The 3/5 star review is because this book was a mix of things I’ve either already heard elsewhere, a few positive new ideas that I noted, but most of all the lack of big picture/long term goals. The author states that it is difficult/impossible for moms to make long term goals (which can be true) so therefore it’s a hindrance to actually using a planner. I so disagree with this. 90% of my tasks and daily things come from long term goals I set and having a life vision. Moms absolutely can be visionary, we just need to learn how to tweak the typical advice (create a five year plan) to make sense for the season of motherhood. Also, as mothers and Christian women, we need to be able to create spiritual vision for one’s self and her family. As I said above, there were some good ideas here but this won’t be a book I go back to because it just didn’t fit my life or vision for productivity. This might be a better fit for type B moms who genuinely cannot figure out how to make a planner work for them.

Redeeming Productivity: Getting More Done for the Glory of God by Reagan Rose

FANTASTIC! I’ve read a number of productivity books and this one is top of my list (next is Tim Challis’ book Do More Better) What sets Rose and Challies apart is they look at productivity from the perspective of glorying God, not being personally productive for selfish reasons. So many productivity gurus, even Christians, have bought into these things. That’s why this book is important! A MUST read.

Suffering/Trials

Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotionals for Weary Souls by Joni Eareckson Tada

So encouraging! Joni explores 25 hymns that point us towards the Lord and help us suffer well. What a blessing this book is as it combines worship with devotionals to fully engage us with God’s word.

When Suffering is Redemptive: Stories of How Anguish and Pain Accomplish God’s Mission (edited by Larry J. Waters)

This was a timely read. Eight people share their stories of suffering and how God has worked through their pain. I related more to some chapters than others, but found them all equally convicting and encouraging. The first four chapters were especially helpful to me, as I underlined much and appreciated the way the authors used Scripture! Highly recommend to anyone who has gone through any time of suffering or pain in life.

Consider the Lillies: Finding Perfect Peace in the Character of God by Jonny Ardavanis

A must read for anyone going through trials, difficulties, struggles with anxiety or worry, or really any Christian. This book gets to the heart of anxiety, framing it Biblically, while showing how God’s character is able to bring us peace. This book was so encouraging! I got it from the library, but will be looking to purchase my own copy. There are also helpful application questions at the end of each chapter.

Motherhood

Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations to Behold Christ in Motherhood by Whitney Newby

This book is based on Psalm 121, one of my favorite Psalms. While I had thought it would be a more in depth study of the actual psalm, it was actually a topical book on motherhood, centered around the theme of keeping your eyes on Christ. The chapters were a good blend of encouraging and visionary while also being practical. I was also excited to read my signed copy, having met the author at a conference!

You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls by Abbie Halberstadt

An excellent study on the eternal investment that motherhood is. As always, practical advice paired with scriptural principles—exactly what I love about Abbie. The questions and prompts at the end of each chapter are incredibly helpful for anyone who wants to take this to the next step. I especially enjoyed discussing with a group of likeminded Christian mamas!

Other Nonfiction

The Perfect Loaf: The Craft and Science of Sourdough Breads, Sweets, and More by Leo Maurizio

This has been so helpful in troubleshooting some issues with my current sourdough process. I’m excited to try the suggestions in this book! Also, the recipes at the end look AMAZING! I’ll have to update this review after I’ve tried them

Historical Fiction

The Root of the Matter by Lynne Tagawa

This was SO GOOD. I knew nothing about it going into the book, so was thrown completely off guard multiple times as more of the plot and world-building was revealed. It’s not just a historical novel, but a time travel novel. Also, dystopian. And maybe the tiniest bit of romance. Totally unique in how it combined all these genres!

Most of all, I love how the faith element was developed throughout the novel; it was not just an afterthought, but really the point, and I loved how the early American puritans played a role in it as well. Lastly, the writing was masterful—even down the planning and the plot of the book—excellent writing!! I’m so sad that the sequel isn’t published yet!

The Brendan Chronicles by Virginia Gaffney

I loved this story and flew through the last half of the book in one day. To be honest, the introduction described a violent and horrific murder, and I really considered if I wanted to continue reading. I’m glad I did; the rest of the book is not nearly so graphic. (If any sensitive readers wish to skip the introduction, you can without missing part of the story as it is recalled later in the book by different characters.)

This book focuses on a few characters as they are forced to grapple with slavery. It is such an evil institution, and that was clear. There was excellent character development in this area. I loved how characters were challenged to find out what the Bible says about slavery for themselves. It was terrible and disgusting to realize how many slave owners justified slavery with the Bible! Yet, the fictional account was encouraging as it showed how some southern people were willing to be different! Something else that I enjoyed was the politics. I had no idea how policies and passions had led to secession, and enjoyed how historical meetings, votes, debates, and speeches were included. That was fascinating to read from the perspective of the south.

#2 On To Richmond: 1861-1862

I enjoyed finding out what happened from book 1, but I did feel like this sequel didn’t have much pacing to it. The reoccurrence of different characters who just happened to be in certain places at certain times made it difficult to believe as well. I may look up to see how this series ends, however!! Note- I was disappointed by the inclusion of several curse words including the Lord’s name taken in vain.

Timeless Series by Gabrielle Meyer

#1 When the Day Comes

Wow, I loved this! At first, knowing a little about the book, I thought it would be cheesy. Time traveling meets historical fiction meets Christianity—it just doesn’t seem like it could go well. But it very quickly picked up the pace to be one of the most unique stories that I have read. The last half I could not put the book down.

It can be hard to work faith themes into fiction without it being cliche or feeling forced, but this author does so wonderfully. The main character must learn to trust God and relinquish control from her life as she walks in faith. These lessons are very relatable. I also appreciated the way unborn life is valued.

Notes: part of this book is heavy. There is a character who experiences sexual abuse within marriage, although it is not descriptive, it is part of the story. I would hesitate to recommend to younger readers or sensitive readers for that reason. Despite the heaviness, there is a wonderful surprise happy ending that even I didn’t see coming.

#2 In This Moment

Soooo good. I didn’t know how the three timelines would work, but it kept me enthralled right until the end. There were so many unexpected twists and turns, but the ending is perfect!

The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin

This is a very riveting story. I found it a bit too intense for me—references to torture from secret police and different people who are killed for resisting the Nazis—but I did like the original plot and the way the two women, working in different countries and not knowing each other, were able to save a Jewish mother and son.

All My Secrets by Lynn Austin

I’ve already read the Christmas novella with these characters, so I was looking forward to this novel with their love story! I loved the three generations represented and the flashbacks. I gave it four stars only because the love story at the end seemed too easy. I would have loved to see the tension of a love match with a poor man and how that played out in society.

Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin

Another excellent book by Sarah Sundin!! I enjoyed this one set in the Jersey island, with great character development, spiritual journeys, tangled family relationships and enemies to lovers romance.

Indie/Fantasy

Lady Agatha Speaks Her Mind by Elizabeth Aimee Brown

In this King Thrushbeard retelling, characters must grapple with their wishes, gifts, and expectations of others while being placed in a difficult situation. The extensive arguing between the main characters got a bit old for me. However, it was an extremely funny read!

Alliance Bride by Jaye L. Knight

I really loved this and actually finished it within 24 hrs… I had to know what would happen. The way the author integrated the Christian beliefs of the main character was well done, especially as she depicted the false mythological gods of the fantasy world. At the end, the final scenario seemed a bit unbelievable (I didn’t quite understand why so many opposed the alliance, so that could have been better developed potentially). However, it was a really good romantic story that was clean! (Be sure to read the content warnings for violence and mention of abuse as it does get intense.)

Beyond the Filigree Wall by Melissa Wright

Intriguing enough to hold my attention, but not a series I’ll continue. I found the fantasy world had a lot of potential but the lack of explanation throughout the book made it confusing to follow.

Mysteries

Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney

This was recommended to me as a cozy mystery, and indeed, it was cozy. Ancient bookstore, English history, quirky characters; check check check. The mystery wasn’t that hard to figure out (maybe that’s part of being a cozy mystery; you don’t have to work too hard to understand it). A few things to note for sensitive readers: one or two instances of language, and a side character has a lesbian partner and characters are very angry and shocked at people who hadn’t approved of the relationship. This isn’t a major part of the plot, but just to be aware it is mentioned. Another character justifies an affair they had in the past.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

This was such a good mystery, but the characters were depressing and wearying (except Poirot, of course!).

Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie

Another thrilling mystery. I didn’t love the characters in this one; it was hard to find good qualities about most of them. But the story took so many twists and turns that I loved. And I’m glad to say I identified the killer right away.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

A bit more generic than I had anticipated, but I liked how each chapter was its own mystery. It allowed me to read each story in a single sitting, which was fun. Some of the mysteries were a little creepy.

The Tuesday Night Club by Agatha Christie

Each chapter is its own mystery, which was different and enjoyable. Some of them are a little creepy. Overall, not my favorite Miss Marple mystery.

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

I loved Maisie, the detailed writing, and intriguing mystery. There were a few things I didn’t love about the plot itself, a few instances of language, and the flashbacks—but altogether have to admit the writing was brilliant and I’m intrigued enough to read on to the next book in the series!

Other Fiction

Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden

This was a really fascinating plot and mystery, and great writing. I didn’t love the romance aspect, as the characters appeared to be Christians but their relationship seemed worldly to me. The book is definitely not theologically solid, with mention of at least one character going to heaven because they were a good person. I have another book from this author on my reading list, and since she’s an excellent writer I’m hoping that I’ll find that to be a better fit.

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

I’m pretty sure I read this as a child but couldn’t remember how it ended. Now as an adult, some of the main characters decisions were a little iffy, but it ended up as a sweet love story.

Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

It’s always interesting rereading childhood favorites as an adult. Emily was a bit more… new agey? Than I remembered. But it was still just as charming and of course, I still connect with Emily and her love for words and stories.

The Wedding Kimono by Camy Tang

A short novella I downloaded for free. Since I haven’t read any of the author’s books, the characters were unfamiliar to me. It was still an interesting story!

Loving the Warrior’s Heart by Misty M. Beller
This wasn’t my favorite. Nothing about the plot or characters seemed believable.

A Pony Express Romance by Misty M. Beller

This was a clean, Faith filled romance story, but it missed the mark for me in a few areas. The middle of the book has a four year jump where major changes happen to one of the characters. I would have loved this part being the main gist of the book since that’s where most of the character development happened. The romance felt overly simple, with the characters mainly kissing a lot, haha.

Beneath a Michigan Moon by Candice Sue Patterson

An interesting premise (marriage of convenience between a female lighthouse keeper and logger) but this wasn’t a win for me.