I’ve shared my routine with you before. I read books on my Kindle (checked out from my library via the Libby app) while I eat breakfast. It, quite honestly, is one of my favorite parts of the day. It helps me get out of bed; I look forward to it. I used to be a CRAZY reader who kind of died during college/seminary but I’m so glad she’s back.
Without further ado, here’s what I read and (mostly) loved in 2023:
Ruth Gallway novels by Elly Griffiths. I counted them up; I read EIGHT of these books in 2023. It’s no secret; I love a good series that guides me to what I should read next. Ruth is an archaeology professor in England who gets wrapped up in helping the local police force solve crimes. They’re a bit corny, easy reads but, oh dear, how I have come to love Ruth as a character. There are two books left in the series; they’re currently on my holds list with the library. I will cry when it’s over.
Veronica Speedwell Mysteries by Deanna Raybourn. I read the first two of these novels this year and again, love how it leads me to add the next one to my holds list. They’re fun reads.
Historical fiction: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict.
(I think I really like mysteries. Huh. The whodunit calls to me.) The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse. We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz. In the Woods by Tana French.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. (So lovely. Still have yet to watch the Apple TV series!)
Upgrade by Blake Crouch.
How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior. I remember crying a lot with this one; like good crying.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell.
The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey by Serena Burdick. A novel that bounces between two time periods.
Truth or Beard by Penny Reid. A silly little romance, corny and a bit ridiculous. (But I’ll still read the next one.)
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I literally JUST finished this one tonight. I love fantasy/other-world novels. This one was a little, erm, graphic romantically which I could have done with a little less but, OF COURSE, it ended with a HUGE surprise and now I need to read the next one in the series like tomorrow (but will need to wait patiently until it’s my turn on Libby to check it out).
there's no place like gnome. 
Great selection. I hardly read a book until covid year. My day starts the same way. I am an early riser anyway but I make sure I am all ready by 6:00. I leave for my school van route at 6:45 to pick up 3 kids for school in Blooming Prairie. Special needs kids and get there by 7:40, Not gone long but I get a 45 minute cup of coffee and 2 chapters of my current book read. Gets the day off to a great start. I end the day sitting in the bathroom of our master bath reading again before bed. I never read books until Happy New Year and may 2024 be a blessing.