Writers hear it time and time again: Writers must be readers. And I agree with the statement. I enjoy audiobooks, ebooks, and physical books, and always have several on the go at any one time.

Below are some of the books I am currently reading (and some I finished not that long ago) and what I enjoy about each genre.

Undeniable Faith by Stacey Weeks

Undeniable Faith is a 30-day Bible study on the book of James. Each day examines a brief passage from this New Testament epistle, including written prayers to use as a springboard for the reader’s personal prayer time as well as a brief reflection on the passage and several related scripture verses. It is a challenging and encouraging study, one which I highly recommend.

#1 Reason I Read Devotionals: to grow in my faith

All My Knotted-Up Life by Beth Moore

Memoir is not my go-to genre, but I found All My Knotted-Up Life insightful and compelling. Whether you’re familiar with Beth Moore or not, I would encourage you to read her story. It showed me once again that we don’t know as much as we think we do about public figures. I rarely reread books, but this is one I’m sure I will return to in the not-too-distant future.

#1 Reason I Read Memoir: to make “the human connection”

Independent for Life by Will Harlow

As “a woman of a certain age” (in my case, 65), I want to do what I can to stay healthy and active as long as possible. This isn’t just another exercise program. It was created by a physiotherapist who focuses on helping older adults maintain day-to-day functionality while continuing to improve their mobility and strength. No matter how old you are, I highly recommend this book. It clearly lays out an increasingly challenging program that is incredibly easy to follow.

#1 Reason I Read Health and Fitness Books: to motivate me to develop an exercise routine I will stick with

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

This is one of the author’s older fantasy novels, which I came across this past summer. As I mentioned above, I rarely reread books, especially novels, but I will likely make an exception when it comes to Warbreaker. The ending especially surprised and delighted me. If you like fantasy novels (or want to dip your toe into the genre), this would be a good place to start. (You may also want to give Tress of the Emerald Sea a try. I read it, loved it, and read it to my hubby when we’re on road trips. It’s different than other fantasy stories, and I found it laugh out loud funny.)

#1 Reason I Read Fantasy: to get caught-up in an unputdownable read

Broken Wishes by Marcy Kennedy

Broken Wishes in the second book in a trilogy. (The series also includes the prequel, Stolen Wishes.) It, too, is a fantasy novel. The author does an incredible job of combining action, tension, and the development of authentic relationships. To get the backstory, I recommend reading the prequel before moving on to Book 1, Cursed Wishes.

Ink and Ivy by Ashley Willingham

Seriously, Stephanie? I just realized I listed three fantasy books in a row. That was 100 percent unintentional; I assure you. However, Ink and Ivy deserves a shout-out. I will admit it took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I absolutely loved it. Just today I downloaded the sequel, Briar and Bloom.

To Have and To Fold by Emma St. Clair

Emma St. Clair is one of my must-buy authors. If she writes it, I reads it. <grin> To Have and to Fold is the last book in her Sheet Cake series. Each rom-com focuses on a different member of the fictional Graham family. And thought not necessary, it’s best to read them in order. This book features Tank, the widowed patriarch of the family. I have just nicely gotten into the story, but I am sure I will love it. While the author’s stories are lighthearted and often laugh out loud funny, she doesn’t shy away from tough, heartrending topics. Love. Love. Love.

#1 Reason I Read Kissing-Only Rom-Coms: to find a story that makes me LOL

The Honeyed Truth by Sandra Orchard

This cozy mystery is set in Yorkshire, England, and is the second installment in the Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm Series. It isn’t your typical cozy mystery, more… Why are the bees dying? Will the lavender farm survive? What’s up with my secretive relative? I’ve been a fan of the author for several years. Two thumbs up!

#1 Reason I Read Cozy Mysteries: to enjoy lighthearted fun

Scent of Peril by Darlene L. Turner

Each of the author’s books is better than the previous one. I am approximately halfway through Scent of Peril and look forward to beginning her latest release, Coordinates of Death.

#1 Reason I Read Living Inspired Suspense: to be swept away by the action, knowing the main characters will have their happily ever after (HEA) or at least their happy-for-now

My To-Be-Read and Am-Reading piles are in danger of toppling overs. Still, I would love to hear about some of your favourite books (including those you have written).

Happy Reading!