I tell you which books are worth reading from my Goodreads list in 2024.

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Hey Book Lovers!

Have you heard of Goodreads? I love this free app that lets you set reading goals and track what you’re reading throughout the year. I’ve been using it for over 10 years now, and in 2024 I read 31 books.

The nice thing is that whether you met your goal or not, you get this gorgeous summary at the end of the year! Plus, you can get reading recommendations from others, so let’s be friends!

1. The Lost Bookshop

  • Author: Evie Woods
  • Genre: Historical Fiction/Magical Realism
  • My Rating: ★★★★☆

If you love books about books with a touch of magic, you have to read The Lost Bookshop. It follows three characters whose lives are mysteriously connected to a hidden bookshop that only appears to those who truly need it. The story blends historical fiction with a little magic, making it a cozy, heartwarming read. If you liked The Lost Apothecary or The Book Thief, you’ll probably love this one too!

2. Dare to Bloom: Trusting God Through Painful Ending and New Beginnings

  • Author: Zim Flores
  • Genre: Christian Living/Inspiration
  • My Rating: ★★★★☆

Dare to Bloom is all about embracing change and trusting God through life’s transitions, even when they feel painful. Zim Flores, a daughter of Nigerian immigrants, shares her personal journey of letting go and starting fresh, with wisdom and encouragement for anyone facing uncertainty. It’s a great read if you enjoy books like Rhythms of Renewal.

3. Draw Paint Print Like the Great Artists

  • Author: Marion Deuchars
  • Genre: Art/Creativity
  • My Rating: ★★★★☆

Draw Paint Print is such a fun and inspiring book for anyone who loves making art! It’s filled with hands-on activities that help you experiment with techniques used by famous artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. The pages are beautifully designed, making it feel like a sketchbook you can jump right into. If you liked Steal Like an Artist or books by Flow Magazine, you’ll love this one!

4. If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry

  • Author: Molly Stillman
  • Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Memoir
  • My Rating: ★★★★★

If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry is both hilarious and heartfelt. Molly Stillman shares personal stories of faith, motherhood, and learning to find joy even when life is hard. Her writing is super relatable, and she reminds you that even in difficult seasons, laughter and faith can go hand in hand. If you liked It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way or Love Does, you’ll enjoy this one. Also, her podcast is one of my favorites! I was honored to be interviewed by her this year. You can listen here.

5. Nineteen Steps

  • Author: Millie Bobby Brown
  • Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
  • My Rating: ★★★★☆

I was really curious to read Nineteen Steps since it’s Millie Bobby Brown’s debut novel (You know her as Eleven on Stranger Things!). It’s inspired by her grandmother’s real-life experiences during World War II. The story is touching and covers a little-known event that occurred in London. If you love wartime romances like The Nightingale, you’ll enjoy this.

6. Sacred Holidays

  • Author: Becky Kiser
  • Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Faith-Based Living
  • My Rating: ★★★★☆

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by holidays and wished they were more Christ-centered, Sacred Holidays is for you. Becky Kiser shares practical ways to shift the focus from stress to spiritual meaning in everything from Christmas to birthdays. It’s full of ideas, reflections, and even planning tools to help you celebrate in a way that truly honors Jesus. Great for fans of Unwrapping the Names of Jesus.

7. Return to Me

  • Author: Lynn Austin
  • Genre: Biblical Fiction
  • My Rating: ★★★☆☆

Return to Me is a Biblical fiction novel set during the time of Ezra, following the Israelites as they return from exile. Lynn Austin brings the Bible to life, making this a powerful read for anyone who loves faith-based historical fiction. While I enjoyed the book, the series didn’t hook me enough to move on like it has with her others. If you enjoyed The Mark of the Lion Series or Chronicles of the Kings Series, this is a perfect choice!

8. Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose

  • Author: Rebekah Lyons
  • Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Mental Health
  • My Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Rhythms of Renewal is about breaking free from stress and exhaustion by establishing four key rhythms: rest, restore, connect, and create. Rebekah Lyons shares personal stories and practical ways to find balance in your everyday life. While I enjoyed the premise, it didn’t quite live up to the depth of a similar book I read called The Unplugged Hours.

9. The Unplugged Hours

  • Author: Hannah Brencher
  • Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Mindfulness
  • My Rating: ★★★★☆

This book was exactly what I needed. The Unplugged Hours is about stepping away from distractions and making space for deeper connection—with God, yourself, and others. Hannah Brencher’s writing is so heartfelt and encouraging, reminding you that real life happens in the quiet, unhurried moments. If you loved The Tech-Wise Family or Habits of the Household, this is a must-read!

10. Jesus Through the Eyes of Women

  • Author: Rebecca McLaughlin
  • Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Biblical Studies
  • My Rating: ★★★☆☆

I had high hopes for Jesus Through the Eyes of Women, but it still felt surface-level. I feel like this story had been told before and was looking for a fresh perspective. While it still stuck with the “popular” women of the Bible, I was delighted to find some depth in the next book I tried, The Women of the Bible Speak.

11. The Women of the Bible Speak

  • Author: Shannon Bream
  • Genre: Christian Nonfiction/Biblical Studies
  • My Rating: ★★★★★

I absolutely loved The Women of the Bible Speak because it’s such a powerful read. Shannon Bream highlights the stories of women in the Bible—some well-known, others often overlooked—and shows how their faith, struggles, and courage can inspire us today. It’s an easy-to-read but deeply meaningful book that made a lot of connections I’d never noticed before. If you are excited about my Women of the Old Testament book, this is a must-read!

SHOP MY 2024 BOOKLIST

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Happy Reading!

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