20 Best Books of a Decade (2010-2019)

This Year I decided to do the Best of the Decade list. Which would be books of 2010 to 2019. That means most are on my blog that reviewed. But years 2010 and 2011 are books before I stated my review blog. I was reading before that and some really good ones at that.


I will use my 5 stars rating as my guide to choose my books for this. If I have not 5 stars rating I will use my highest rating for it.

2010

 

The Fakersville Power Station by Patrick H.T. Doyle - It a story about a grandfather and his grandchildren as they search for him to haunt a house. They solve mystery and puzzles.

The Flint Island Treehouse by Patrick H.T. Doyle - It a story about a grandfather and his grandchildren as they search for him to haunt a house. They solve mystery and puzzles.

2011

Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter - I read this before having a blog. I really can not tell you what it about much. I know it a woman that comes home though.

An Amish Christmas by Various authors, It got a review. What it about I can not recall much accept it does dealt with Christmas and families.

2012

 

Wait... Wait for Thunder by Buck Jones was a really good book. It was one of my favorite for that year. I was only just starting out my book review blog. This book was a book tour for me as well.

Fearless by Eric Blehm was really well written. My favorite and still is. I have not come across a book like this one since.

2013

 

The Last Summer of Ordinary Times by Deborah A. Jaeger. It about a the coming of Jesus or the second coming. Jesus Son. It really is good and written well.

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden. It is about Chicago Fire. I loved reading more about the history that happened.

2014

Thief of Glory by Sigmund Brouwer is about a young family that is taken into contraction camp. It about the Nazi and WW2 under Germany and Jews.

Death Never Sleeps by E.J. Simon is about what artificial intelligent and that maybe life after death. It Science fiction and a thriller. It got terrorist plots and drama though out.

2015

Vostok by Steve Alten is about a water world that may not be real. It a science Fiction. It about a world that may not be.

Submarines, Secrets and A Daring Rescue by Robert J. Skead is good for children to learn about history. It tale about history and how the USA became to win against the Japaneses.

2016

 

Killer in the Band by Lauren Carr is a mystery. I really like her books. You will be forever guessing who the bad guy is until the end.

Mistletoe at Moonglow by Deborah Garner is a seasonal lovely story. It Christmas story and perfect of the seasonal holiday.

2017

The Christmas Gate by T.A. Cline is a sweet story. It reminds me of the Christmas Carol only though candles and secret of it.

The Ghost of Mavis by Mary Lynn Plaisnce is a good ghost story. I really do enjoy her books as well. It fun to read and find out how she is to do to get into heaven.

2018

The Shape Shifter's Wife by Carolyn Radmanovich is about Native Americans and slavery, If I recall correctly.

The Celebration by Wanda E. Brunstetter is about coming together and cooking.

2019

Great and Small Prayers for Babies by BH Kids is good for little ones. It prayers for your little baby.

Over the River and Though the Woods by Various authors. It got short stories and poems. It for Thanksgiving though Christmas.

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Book Review: Christmas In London

Book Title: Christmas in London
Author: Anita M. Hughes
Genres: Romance, Holiday, Christmas
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publisher Date: October 3, 2017 (288 Pages, Paperback)

A charming, glamourous love story set at Claridge's in London during the magical week before Christmas starring a sweet NYC baker and the Cooking Channel Producer who could change her life.

It’s a week before Christmas and Louisa Graham is working twelve hour shifts at a bakery on Manhattan's Lower East Side. When a young cooking show assistant comes in from the rain and begs to buy all the cinnamon rolls on her tray, she doesn’t know what to do. Louisa is just the baker, and they aren't hers to sell. But the show burned the rolls they were supposed to film that day, so she agrees.

The next morning, Louisa finds out that her cinnamon rolls were a hit, but the star of the show was allergic, and the whole crew is supposed to leave for London that afternoon. They want Louisa to step in for their annual Christmas Eve Dinner TV special at Claridge's. It’s a great opportunity, and Digby Bunting, Louisa’s famous baking idol, will be there. Even if he does seem more interested in her than her food.

And then there’s Kate, the show's beautiful producer. On their first day in London she runs into the skinny boy she jilted at St. Andrew's in Scotland ten years ago. Now he’s a handsome, brilliant mathematician, and newly divorced. Their familiar spark is still there, but so is the scar of how they left things. Kate and Louisa are busy preparing for the show, but old and new flames are complicating their work.

Set during London's most festive time of year and filled with delicious food, Christmas in London is about love and friendship, and the season's most important lesson: learning how to ask for and give forgiveness.

Discliamer: I was got a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Want to Buy: Amazon
Add To: Goodreads

This book I thought would be more about one couple getting to know each other and the other being a young man they get together and see more of London at Christmas. This did somewhat happen though not the way I pictured it.

It about two women, one a pastry chef and the other network producer. The one named Kate was a better storyline that kept me reading. I was half attempting to not complete reading it and making it DNF. It was boring to read. It was a romance. There was not much going on about this cooking show. The woman Louisa was more worried about her dreams. She did not see that she had two men falling for her. If the author had made it more about cooking and her recipes. I would then see how Louisa was acting. No, that not what I got.

The subplot with Kate seems more like what I was expecting. Her penning for her love and see London with her lost love. She runs into him at the hotel and spends the week sightseeing. This story is a better storyline and more enjoyable. I enjoy meeting Trevor. Their story was more of a love story and seeing their experience in London at Christmas.

I enjoyed hearing about some of the places in London. Imaging the couples there experiencing London during Christmas. Kate and Trevor's story is one that I would have read more about. Trevor and Kate have a history together. Reading about St. Andrews and their past. I may be happy to read. I was could picture the area. Scotland and some of the landmark the best parts.

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Book Tour: An Amish Christmas Bakery

 

Book Title: An Amish Christmas Bakery
Author: Kathleen Fuller, Beth Wiseman, Kelly Irvin, Amy Clipston
Genre: Amish Fiction, Romance, Holiday, Christmas
Publisher:  Zondervan
Publisher Date: October 2, 2019 ( 300 Pages, e-book)

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four delicious novellas perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the holiday season.

Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston
As Christmas draws near, Alyssa Byler dreams of a window display for the bakery where she works. When she decides to design and build a sugar cookie nativity scene, all she needs is the right cookie cutters-and handsome blacksmith Kyle Smoker is the one she asks for help. Using Kyle’s handmade cutters, Alyssa creates a striking display that brings more tourists to the bakery than she can handle.
And when shoppers request handmade cookie cutters of their own, Kyle finds himself overwhelmed by the demand. As Christmas approaches, Alyssa realizes she’s been too caught up in work to focus on the true meaning of Christmas-and too distracted to explore the feelings she has for Kyle. Together, they put aside the holiday rush and spend their time celebrating the season that has brought them together.

Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman
As the only girl in a family of eight, Katie Swartzentruber has been left in charge of her family’s bakery while her mother recuperates from surgery. At first, Katie doesn’t think tending to the bakery alone will be difficult. She’s worked alongside her mother for years. But Christmas is coming, and with the holiday comes a flood of patrons, both regulars and tourists. When Katie becomes overwhelmed with the orders she is receiving, she is tempted to move her Old Order family into the modern world by purchasing propane ovens to help with the workload. She finds help from an unexpected source-childhood friend Henry Hershberger, who has harbored a secret crush on Katie for years. He’s been afraid to tell her how he feels, but he’s sure that this Christmas is his moment. As the demands of the bakery only get more intense, both Katie and Henry have to decide what really matters . . . and find the courage within themselves to go after it.

Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller
Mattie Shetler is an expert baker, so when her aunt Carolyn begs for help during the busy Christmas rush, Mattie eagerly packs her bags and heads to Birch Creek. What she doesn’t know is that her uncle has also asked for help with the bakery’s new expansion, and he’s asked none other than Peter Kaufman, Mattie’s sworn en Pagesemy. As the two work side by side, though, Mattie discovers not all is as it seems. With Christmas just around the corner, Mattie and Peter open their hearts for the greatest gifts of the season: forgiveness and maybe even love.

Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin
Martha Ropp works hard at her family’s bakery, making cakes and pies in preparation not only for Christmas but the many community weddings, including her sister’s. To help during this busy season, Martha’s mother hires Ambrose Hershberger to make deliveries. Martha remembers Ambrose as a gentle giant from her school days, but soon discovers that still waters run deep. The more they work together, the more they want to spend time together outside of the bakery, but both Martha and Ambrose are too timid to make the first move. That’s when the town matchmakers step in.

Disclaimer: I received  free copy of this book from Netgalley and though Celebrate Lit Book Tour for an honest review
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Want to read an Excerpt:  Read an excerpt of An Amish Christmas Bakery

Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston:
Alyssa Byler dreaming of the next holiday window display for her work. As she draws out her idea for the window display and then she gets permission to create it. She needs to ask someone to make the cookie cutters for her. As Alyssa Byler get more ideas. Will they be all good. She asks Kyle Smoker to make the Cookie Cutters will happen when there is more demand?

Alyssa Byler seems to get pulled into the hustle and bustle and forget the most important thing about her lifestyle. As the season approves and gets busier. Everyone is trying to remind her of what import at this time when Christmas is coming.

Will she learn it and ask to be forgiven. Kyle and Alyssa's relationship grows. Will they make it through the rough patch. Celebrate the coming to Christ as it meant to be. Will Alyssa ask the one person to help give her a solution for her to be with her family and Kyle and help her friend Denise?

Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman:
What would you do if you were left in charge of the bakery during the holiday season? Well, Katie is and she seems to be seeing someone. Though we learn that she is the only girl in a family of eight. So she got to help once her mother is put on bed rest after surgery.

Henry has finally has been able to feel up to ask Katie out on a date. Will, he finally asks her or will it be too late? Henry seems to have some issues with his feelings. He is a family friend of Katie and her family.

There seems to be a woman that comes into the bakery and asks Katie if she can get her order and have it ready by Friday. As she was about the work on the order and miss lunch when David comes in take Katie out to dinner. What will she do?

It seems things get more interesting as the story goes on. What happens between Katie and David? What will happen between Claire and Henry? Katie's brother Jonas stops by as well. What will happen when Katie takes the new oven gift from David?

The woman seems to have ordered twelve loaves of bread. What she does with them. You will be surprised. Katie seems to want her wood ovens after trying it and some mishaps. This woman seems to give Katie a loaf of bread.

The woman talks about the number of twelve. There seem to be quite a few things in the bible the number twelve. She just says the lord was to give it to her and that she calls the bread “Loaves of Love” and then leaves the bakery. You will not believe how it ends when Katie sees another loaf of bread on the counter?

Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller:
Have you ever thought you were friends with someone and it turns out they are not your friend? Well, It seems this is the case with Mattie. Does Mattie think she would be like her best friend? Though maybe she should decide for herself.

Mattie is asked to come to help her aunt when she calls her. Though she after a few weeks. She finds out that Peter is coming. Though her aunt and uncle doe not know she strongly dislikes him. Though she believes Peter is horrible.

Peter arrives and things get more interesting between Mattie and Peter. Does Mattie know her friend is using her? Mattie seems to believe that Peter is someone that bad and not to be trusted? But maybe he's a nice guy but can not admit it. Mattie seems to tear between her beliefs and her feelings.

Peter comes to help out with an additional job that Atlee as offered him. Peter seems to be around Mattie. You will be surprised at how this ends. Who will trust who? Mattie's aunt Caroline and her Uncle Atlee get some unexpected news. They are shocked by the news. I do not want to give away the ending to either of the couples mentioned. Is Lizzy more mean and curl and why?

Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin:
How would you feel if you were picked on when doing your job? It boys that do it and find out they do it on purpose. Well, Ambrose gets treated differently. Most everyone likes him. You will be surprised to learn about him.

Martha seems to be at a loss when she finds out her mother passes away. Leaving her and her sister Elsie and her younger siblings to care for. Martha seems to have a bit hard time with the loss of her mother. But will she find love?

Ambrose and Martha seem like they like each other. What will happen when they want to spend more time together? Martha wants to help Ambrose learn to read. Will happen. Burke and Catrina seem to want to help her and Ambrose out as well.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, December 7

The Avid Reader, December 7
Chas Ray’ Book Nerd Corner, December 7
Inklings and notions, December 8
Books, Life, and Christ, December 8
preciousbitsandmusings, December 8
Quiet Quilter, December 9
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9
Life as Lanhams, December 10
Britt Reads Fiction, December 10
D’S QUILTS &BOOKS, December 10
Emily Yager, December 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11
Texas Book-aholic, December 11
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 12
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 12
Older & Smarter?, December 13
Miss Tinas Amish Book Review, December 13
janicesbookreviews, December 13
Bigreadersite, December 14
Batya’s Bits, December 14
For Him and My Family, December 14
Splashes of Joy, December 15
Lighthouse Academy, December 15
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 15
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 16
Nighttime Reading Center, December 16
EmpowerMoms, December 16
My Devotional Thoughts, December 17
Blossoms and Blessings, December 17
Hallie Reads, December 18
Inspiration Clothesline, December 18
Mary Hake, December 18
Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 19
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, December 19
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 19
 Reader’s Brain, December 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 20

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Book Review: Which Shape Should I Be?

Book Title: Which Shape Should I Be?
Author: BH Kids
Genres: Children, Educational, Shapes
Age Group: Newborn - 04 (Babies to 4 years olds)
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Publisher Date: 2019-11-05 (22 Pages, Board Book)

God knows the perfect shape for everything to be!

A circle, a square—each shape everywhere . . . Can you choose which shape each picture should be? In this delightful concept board book, toddlers will giggle at the silliness of a square egg or a round star, all while learning to recognize nine shapes. And they’ll learn that God made each of us the perfect shape too!

In the Little Words Matter™ board books, it only takes a few words to tell a big story. Crafted especially for toddlers, these books make biblical truths easily understandable and enjoyable for little ones and their parents too!

Discliamer: I received this book free though BH Blogger for an honest review
Want to Buy: Amazon | Lifeway
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Do you have a Toddler that you are looking for a good book for them play with? Well, this book called “What Shape Should I Be?” is just the one for you.

The book is made for babies and Toddlers. It a board book that is good for toddlers and babies along with young children. What a book that will help teach children or toddlers a bit of there shapes. This book does just that. It is good to entertain little children by allowing them to point and play with the book. It made for that.

This book is really good for toddlers and parents. I know toddlers like to play with books or parents want books that work with little children. They can do that with this book. Children and toddlers and point and see if they can find the shapes the book is asking them too.

I love books that can teach and learn about different things. It is cute but enjoyable. It is good for the ages of 00 to 04. Which I say is newborn to 4 years olds. The book is colorful. The words are big and so are the shapes. Children can try and pick out the shape they are showing. They can even enjoy pointing and checking out the pictures and turning the pages.

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Book Review: Claudette's Miraculous Motown Adventure

Book Title: Claudette's Miraculous Motown Adventure
Author: Claudette Robinson, A.K. Morris
Publisher: Heavenly Enterprises Midwest, Limited
Publisher Date: September 19, 2019 (42 Pages, Paperback
Genre: Children, Children Literature, Music, Adventure

Little Claudette lives in the magic kingdom of Motown, where all the happy children sing and dance in the streets. Then one day, an angry witch casts a spell, and the kingdom descends into dark silence. Unhappy and bored, Claudette finds a box of Miracles in her attic. Inside are four little fellows—Smokey, Bobby, Ronnie, and Pete—who sing music so sweet. Claudette and the Miracles begin to sing together, but will it be enough to bring light and laughter back to the kingdom of Motown?

Discliamer: I received this book free from the publicist of Smith Publicity Inc for an honesty review. My opinions are my own.
Want to buy: Amazon
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Are you looking for a fun book about music? Well, Claudette Miraculous Mototown Adventure is a good one. You will be able to read to your children. They can learn a little bit about the Miracles and their first lady of Motown.

This is about a girl who needs to help save the day. Will Claudette be able to save the town of Motown? The way this is done is sweet. The story plot is easy to understand. It shows that even when all things are dark and gloomy. There might still be hope to bring back the happiness and cheer to Motown.

The pictures are done well. Kids can look at the pictures. The pictures tell the story. There is rhyming in the book. The book can teach young readers to read. Though they may need help with some of the words depending on their reading level.

The book as music throughout the book. You will learn some things about the band and group “The Miracles.” The author wants to preserve the music history of this band or time. In doing so she decided to write this book so that it fun and enjoyable.

As an original member of The Miracles, the first act to sign with Berry Gordy’s Tamla/Motown Records, Claudette Robinson was also the iconic label’s very first female artist. In 1960, The Miracles’ “Shop Around” became Tamla/Motown’s first million-seller, prompting Mr. Gordy to bestow a special official title on Claudette: “The First Lady of Motown.”

Born Claudette Annette Rogers in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was bright and adventurous. At a very young age she embraced her grandmother’s Christian values and service to her church when she sang in the choir.

Claudette’s family relocated to Detroit, Michigan where she excelled academically with honors and graduated from Commerce High School at the young age of 15. At age 16, she attended Wayne State University through her sophomore year of college, before joining the United States Marine Corps Reserves, where she was a member of the Rifle Team with accomplished sharpshooter status.

Claudette always had a love for music, and in her free time, she sang with several female groups and performed in local talent shows in the Detroit area. While her brother Emerson “Sonny” Rogers was away serving in the Army, his Matadors groupmate was William “Smokey” Robinson. Claudette was a member of their sister group, the Matadorettes. As fate would have it, they met Motown founder Berry Gordy in 1957. A friendship and partnership was created that has thrived for more than 60 years.

Claudette and her groupmates William “Smokey” Robinson, Warren “Pete” Moore, Ronald “Ronnie” White, and Robert “Bobby” Rogers became The Miracles. Their first Tamla single, “Got A Job,” was released on February 19, 1958.

During The Miracles’ six-decade career, the group has sold more than 60 million records to date. Four Miracles hits -- “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “Shop Around,” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”-- have been selected by the National Recording Preservation Board for the United States Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, which honors and preserves culturally, historically and aesthetically significant American recordings. These same four Miracles songs have also been inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame, honoring recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance.

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Book Review: The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting by Randall Goodgame

Book Title: The Society of Extraordinary Raccoon Society on Boasting
Author: Randall Goodgame
Publisher: B Kids
Publisher Date: 2019-10-15 (32 Pages, Hardcover
Genres: Children, Christian, Animals,

Even when Slugs & Bugs music isn’t playing, old and new friends of the brand can now enjoy its witty world and biblical wisdom. The SOERS are favorite characters from the Slugs & Bugs songs, and these new picture books explore their world and their fun message about giving.

Young Maggie and Morty are the newest recruits to the SOERS, and they’ve given up their previous thieving ways. But when Maggie starts boasting that her newfound generosity is better than Morty’s, the young raccoons must learn a lesson about bragging from Matthew 6:2–3 and learn to give quietly instead.

Disclaimer: I received this book from BH Bloggers / Lifeway for an honesty review
Want to buy: Amazon
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Did your kids or children try to outdo the other? Well, this book might be a good one for you and children or grandchildren. It is good for your nieces and nephews to read too. They all can learn through this book.

This book is about boasting and learning about it. Morty and Maggie learn about this though the SOERS group they join. Maggie says something that makes Morty upset.

I love the fact that these main characters need to learn about different things. They do it by making mistakes but by helping those in need in their community. This is what SOERS do and still learn lessons. Your children can learn along with with Morty and Maggie though this book.

The author does a wonderful job of teaching a lesson but also making it fun. The book does rhyme while reading the story. It is good for first-time readers as well. Children can learn to rhyme and learn a moral lesson about boasting. Learn the best way to do that through the lord.

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Book Review: The Perfect Christmas

Book Title: The Perfect Christmas
Author: Bell Renshaw
Series: Winter Montana #2
Genre: Romance, Christian, Holiday, Christmas
Publisher: Pine Mountain Publishing
Publisher Date: October 1, 2019 (197 Pages, Paperback)

Will the perfect Christmas be enough to convince Beau that a life with Ansley could be equally perfect?

Born and raised in Winter, Montana, Beau Bradley can’t imagine life anywhere else. During the holiday season his coffee shop, Mountain Grounds, is as busy as ever and now that his girlfriend is back in town, things finally seem to be lining up—until he gets a call that could change it all.

Ansley Strauss is back in Winter after a nine-month, art intensive in Canada and she’s ready to celebrate the Christmas season in the tried and true Winter-style. There’s only one problem: her boyfriend lacks Christmas spirit. Her solution? Make this Christmas perfect to remind Beau just how special this time of year is.

Set on a course for ultimate Christmas joy, Ansley and Beau find that life doesn’t always work out the way they hope it will. Beau faces the reality that plans can’t account for everything and sometimes risking it all is the only way. Ansley will have to come to the realization that no matter how perfect things are, it’s the imperfections in life that make it worth living.

It’s another Christmas in Winter, Montana where the coffee is always hot and the mistletoe beckons lovers to share a kiss.

Discliamer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for and honest review and for being on her Street Team.
Want To Buy: Amazon |
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Did you ever doubt your love and if you should give it up for someone else? If you say a person is slow or cautious with everything? It feels like you are good enough for you. Well, this book somewhat shows that struggle with the two main characters Beau and Ansley?

Beau Bradley has some struggles he seems to fight? But maybe it has to do with what happened with his father passing? Ansley has a problem of her own to deal with that she wants a perfect in everything or at least in things. Will she realize that all things are mean to go as perfect as she wants them? Will Beau realize that all things can be planed out?

The author does wonderful with the job with the story and making the world and characters so real. Is Love worth the risk? If you enjoyed the first book, this one is quite more of a good story of two slow-moving into love and take a risk for it all? The perfect Christmas is the second story of the story of Beau Bradley and his girlfriend. We catch up with Holt and Jessica a little bit.

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