Do you like to read, but just don’t seem to take the time? You really should take the time and do this enjoyable hobby for yourself.
With the invention of audible books, it is even easier to work in a book here and there. Just think of listening to a great book while driving to pick up the kids and waiting in the pickup line. How about during your commute to work, shopping or whatever.
You will be looking for ways to sneak away to read the next chapter. If you are an Amazon Prime member you might want to look into Kindle Unlimited Reading.
But there are tons of book options out there.
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Here Are My 6 Favorite Books For 2017
#1
Beneath the Scarlet sky
by Mark Sullivan
Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, the #1 Amazon Charts bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours.
Pino Lella wants nothing to do with the war or the Nazis. He’s a normal Italian teenager—obsessed with music, food, and girls—but his days of innocence are numbered. When his family home in Milan is destroyed by Allied bombs, Pino joins an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps, and falls for Anna, a beautiful widow six years his senior.
In an attempt to protect him, Pino’s parents force him to enlist as a German soldier—a move they think will keep him out of combat. But after Pino is injured, he is recruited at the tender age of eighteen to become the personal driver for Adolf Hitler’s left hand in Italy, General Hans Leyers, one of the Third Reich’s most mysterious and powerful commanders.
Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret, his courage bolstered by his love for Anna and for the life he dreams they will one day share.
Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love.
My Take: I read this book not knowing much about the Italians during this war. Very enlightening and so interesting. Gives knew meaning to perseverance and courage. A wonderful love story.
#2
While You Were Mine
by Ann Howard Creel
Everything she loved could so easily be lost.
The end of World War II should have brought joy to Gwen Mullen. But on V-J Day, her worst fear is realized. As celebrating crowds gather in Times Square, a soldier appears on her doorstep to claim Mary, the baby abandoned to Gwen one year earlier. Suddenly Gwen is on the verge of losing the child she has nurtured and loves dearly.
With no legal claim to Mary, Gwen begins to teach Lieutenant John McKee how to care for his child, knowing that he will ultimately take Mary away. What starts as a contentious relationship, however, turns into something more, and Gwen must open her heart to learn that love means taking chances.
This was a beautiful story of a WWII nurse who stumbled upon motherhood when her roommate abandoned her child to her. The father comes home, after being away at war and not a POW camp. A friendship is forged and, blossoms into a love born from a bond from one little girl.
#3
From Sand and Ash
By Amy Harmon
Amason Excerpt: As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.
Beautiful, heartbreaking and inspirational story. Loved it! Amy Harmon has become one of my favorite authors. Each of her books that I’ve read has been incredibly emotional and touching.
‘From Sand and Ash’ is a gripping account of true love in WWII-era Italy. This story held my attention from start to finish. I fell in love with the characters and the visually rich setting. This book was so beautifully crafted that the scenes were nearly tangible.
#4
Leftovers: A Novel about friendship, love and the power of pasta
by Stella Newman
‘A brutally honest tale of life and love (or the lack of it) and an exploration of the heroine’s tremendous affection for food … Sharp and funny it’s a celebration of why life is more than just falling in love.’ Woman magazine
According to a magazine, Susie is a ‘Leftover’ – a post Bridget-Jones 30 something who has neither her dream man, job, nor home. She doesn’t even own six matching dinner plates.
According to her friend Rebecca, Susie needs to get over her ex, Jake, start online dating – or at least stop being so rude to every guy who tries to chat her up.
Susie’s got a plan. If she can just make it the 307 days till her promotion and bonus, she can finally quit and pursue her dream career in food
My Take: I love this book. Its an easy read, quirky, funny and sometimes sad. You will adore Susie and be rooting her on to hopefully, get her dream job.
#5
The Pillars of the Earth
A departure for the bestselling thriller writer, this historical epic—a twelfth-century tale of the building of a mighty Gothic cathedral—stunned readers and critics alike with its ambitious scope and gripping humanity
Goodreads: Story centers around several commoner types, with a few exceptions, whose lives intertwine in the eventual struggle to build a glorious cathedral. Without revealing too much and generalizing this story has: lurid scenes of lust, violence, intrigue, political disputes, wars, loves gained, loves lost, main characters dying, a child abandoned at birth and much more. And, to enthusiasts of History, it even teaches readers of the period.
And, for those too lazy to read the novel, there’s now a miniseries.
My Take: I enjoyed this book tremendously, but you have to like this time period. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones then you will enjoy this book. Pillars of the Earth” is a very long book. It’s got a lot of twists and turns – including mistaken identities, illicit marriages, illicit lack of marriage, illegitimate children, questionable parentage, love triangles, revenge, greed, power, a few murders, rape, witches, politics, knights, swords and horses. There’s also lots of architecture.
#6
Something Blue
by Emily Giffin
Darcy Rhone has always been able to rely on a few things: Her beauty and charm. Her fiance, Dex. Her lifelong best friend, Rachel. She never needed anything else. Or so she thinks until Dex calls off their dream wedding and she uncovers the ultimate betrayal. Blaming everyone but herself, Darcy flees to London and attempts to re-create her glamorous life on a new continent. But to her dismay, she discovers that her tried-and-true tricks no longer apply–and that her luck has finally expired. It is only then that she can begin her journey toward redemption, forgiveness, and true love.
My Take: One of my all time favorite books. Darcy is a spoiled, indulgent woman. She is one of those people that everything is about her until the day it isn’t. You will love this book.
NOTE: If I had to pick one book from this list for you to read, it would be Something Blue.
Now grab a book and enjoy a few hours of escape from reality. ENJOY!
