I Read 55 Books This Year, Here's the Whole List + Book Bundle Giveaway

Rejoice book lovers!

Today I'm sharing the books I read over the year + a HUGE book bundle giveaway.

Today is Day 8 of my 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience and is in partnership with B&H Publishing.

If you are new to my blog, welcome!  If not, then it's old news that I'm a voracious reader.  I've loved reading for as long as I can remember.  Behind cooking and baking, it's easily my second love.  Last year when I was brainstorming these holiday giveaways I knew I wanted to step outside the food zone and giveaway some of my favorite reads.

It went over like gangbusters.

So naturally, I'm here again.  At the start of 2017 my friend told me about the popular Goodreads app {was I living under a rock?} and I set a goal of reading 50 books.  Well, I exceeded that with 55 {probably more, the year isn't over yet}.  I read a varity of books - romance, periods of history, a ton of memoirs, self help books, mysteries basically whatever is popular or I can get my hands on.

Take a moment and browse through each below.  Find a few that stand out to you.  I always say buy a book for yourself and buy a book for a friend, there really is no greater gift.

Then once you get through them all - hang on till the end - I'm giving away a handful of my favorites!  Share this post with all your book lovers, they'll love it!

Historical Fiction

Those Who Save Us - a remarkable tale of two stories, the life of Anna who refuses to speak of her life back in war torn Germany and her daughter Trudy, years later as a professor of German history trying to untangle her Mom's past.

We Were the Lucky Ones - inspired by the true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive and later reunite, spanning six years and five continents, a book that I could not put down.

I Always Loved You - the story of Mary, a painter who moves to Paris after the Civil War trying to escape her ruling father, where she falls for the elusive Edgar who changes her life forever.

Before We Were Yours - a tragic tale of Rill Foss, whose is plucked into an orphanage with her siblings after her parents rush to the hospital while her mother deals with a difficult childbirth.  A riveting tale of her survival.

The Secret Keeper - 16 year old Laurel witnesses a shocking crime at her rural home, yet keeps the secret to herself for years.  Fifty years later her siblings and her gather to celebrate their mother's birthday and she realizes this is her final chance to ask her mother what really happened all those years ago.

The Zookeeper's Wife - a true story in which the husband and wife team of the Warsaw Zoo save hundreds of people from the Nazi's hands.

The Kitchen House - this gripping novel shares the dark secrets of a thriving planation decades before the Civil War.  Lavinia, orphaned from her passage from Ireland, arrives on the steps of the kitchen house and is placed as a servant, but later finds herself becoming part of house staff.

Glory Over Everything - in the sequel to The Kitchen House, following the story of a runaway slave throught the twists and turns of the Underground Railroad, you see how Jamie, a beloved silversmith and ladie's man comes to turn with his past, while trying to save the boy he swore to protect.

The Hideaway - Sara is gifted her late grandmother's B&B and while restoring the old home she happens upon clues to her grandmother's past, you soon dive into two poignant storylines of love lost.

Lilac Girls - a compelling page-turner following the lives of three different women during World War II in Europe, showing us their stories of bravery, love lost and triumphs faced during the war.

My Top Picks: We Were the Lucky Ones and Lilac Girls

Memoirs

My Heart - Julie Manning was in the middle of giving birth, when doctor's noticed an irregularity with her heart.  Within weeks this nurse, mom and marathon runner found herself in active heart failure.

I Said Yes - if you followed Emily's journey on The Bachelor and then The Bachelorette you'll love her life story, the joys, the fun and the tragedy.

Cherries in Winter - when Suzan was laid off from her corporate magazine job in 2008, she needed to cut her budget in many ways including cooking at home, so she found herself digging through her grandmother's recipes and found so much more.

I Hate Everyone, Except You - Clinton Kelly, stylish TV host gives you a glimpse into his hilarious and crazy life from childhood to now working on the popular daytime show, The Chew.

The Antelope in the Living Room - anyone who is married, loves a bit of marriage humor - popular Christian blogger and author Melanie Shankle dives into her marriage and all it's quirks.

The Magnolia Story - ever wonder how Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of Fixer Upper, got started?  The tell-all dives into their childhoods, when they started dating and just how those cameras are now following them around.

Mud Season - the true story of how one woman's dream of moving to Vermont to raise her children, their animals and to run an old country store basically turn into one calamity after another.

Yes, Please - popular comedian and actress Amy Poehler, shares her hilarious rise to fame from 

growing up on the East coast, her first jobs, SNL, marriage, divorce and being a mom.

Sisters First - former first daughters Barbara & Jenna Bush, share their journey of growing up famous, in West Texas and later in the White House, with tid-bits of their family life and now be adults themselves.

Troublemaker - a fascinating tell-all of actress' Leah Remini's life growing up in Sciencetology.  Leah does not hold back - you'll read about her making it big in Hollywood and the many reasons why she left everything she ever knew.

No Baggage - Clara finds herself in a quarter-life meltdown, so she jets out of the country with her new online dating boyfriend and travels through eight countries in three weeks with just the clothes on her back.

Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance tells the true story of growing up in a poor Rust Belt town to a loving, yet very dysfunctional family.  Later becoming a marine and Yale graduate he recounts how he escaped abuse, alcoholism, poverty and more.

The Bright Hour - an exquisite memoir about how to live and love, when death is in the room.  Nina was just 37 when initally diagnosed with breast cancer, yet within a year this mother of two learned it was terminal - funny, yet deeply moving.

The Sound of Gravel - as the 39th of her father's 42 children, Ruth grew up in a polygamist family in rural Mexico.  She finds repreive in her grandparents, yet that safety still cannot save some of her family - deeply haunting, yet a testimony of survival.

Talking as Fast as I Can - actress Lauren Graham takes a look back at her life, growing up, sharing her stories from the sets of Gilmore Girls, Parenthood and rambling on those in Hollywood.

Between Breaths - Elizabeth Vargas, prominent newscaster and journalist speaks the truth of being an alcoholic - growing up with anxiety, living in denial, keeping her addiction a secret, being in rehab and finally coming clean.

My Top Picks: Troublemaker and The Sound of Gravel

Mystery

The Woman in Cabin 10 - journalist, Lo Blacklock, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime - a week stay on a luxury cruise.  She witnesses a terrifying nightmare, a woman being thrown overboard.  The problem?  All passengers are accounted for.

That Night -  Toni didn't have the perfect childhood, but she certainly didn't ever imagine she and her boyfriend would be convicted of her sister's murder.  Now 34, she is out on parole and back in her hometown, but soon finds that her past is still following her.

Stillhouse Lake - Gina, is a typical Midwestern wife and mom, but when a car accident revels her husband is a serial killer, her life changes forever.  Her family embarks on a journey to escape the hate and with her ex now in prison, she hopes to find peace, but can she?

Those Girls - a suspenseful tale of three sisters, who during one night their life turns upside down, forcing them to runaway and create new lives, until 18 years later when one of the sisters goes missing and they are pulled back into the past.

Behind Closed Doors - Jack and Grace look perfect on the outside, but what really goes on behind closed doors?  People wonder why Grace never answers the phone, commits to dates, doesn't work and stays so slim.  You never know until you live it.

The Widows of Braxton County - Kate is looking forward leaving the big city and moving to a rural farm with her new husband, but it quickly turns into a web of dangerous, unexplainable events.

Missing Pieces - Sarah's husband Jack has long been haunted by his mother's death, so when called back to his hometown, Sarah finds herself in a rabbit hole of Jack's past.  The further she digs, the harder it is for her to get out.

Into the Water - a single mother turns up dead in a river and leaves her teenage daughter behind, while earlier in the summer another girl died of the same fate.  The mother's sister is brought back to try and pick up the pieces.  A page turning that has you guessing until the end.

Big Little Lies - three mothers all with children attending the same elementary school, all three dealing with ex-husbands, second wives, mothers and more - and in the end one of their husbands is dead.

The Couple Next Door - they seem to have it all, but one night when they are at a dinner party next door a terrible crime is committed.  Suspicion lands on them, but the truth is a much more complicated story.

My Top Picks: Behind Closed Doors and Big Little Lies

Romance

The Horse Dancer - when a young lawyer falls into the troubled life of a young girl, while still living with her ex-husband, she never realizes that girl will help to bring her life back together.

The Island House - Courtney never forgets the magical summers spent in Nantucket with her "adoptive" family.  Should she return home and try and see if her past crush feels the same way about her?

Two by Two - at 32, Russell has it all, a stunning wife, an adorable daughter, a great job - he is living the life, but soon it is all turned upside down.  Throwing himself into single parenting he has to find a new path for this life.

Always - Kailey cannot believer her great fortune - a great job and a wonderful fiance.  Upon leaving a fancy dinner with her current love, she happens upon a homeless man outside of the restaurant.  Walking up to him to give him her leftovers their eyes meet and she realizes this man is a former love.

Before We Were Strangers - they were their first loves in college and then life happened and they spent 15 years apart.  When a chance encounter on the subway brings them together again, can they make it work?

The Weekenders - Riley returns to Belle Island for Memorial Day weekend, assuming her husband will meet her there, yet he is nowhere to be found.  Her summer turns into money problems, an unexpected death and a new love.

Spring Fever - she thinks she is over her husband, but upon returning to her hometown for a family wedding, she wonders if she made the right choice.

One Plus One - suppose your life sucks - your husband is gone, your teenage son is getting bullied and you can't afford your daughter's dream.  Until you meet Ed, while cleaning his house and a new adventure begins.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Monique is a journalist called to a dream assisgnment, one of interviewing the glamourous, famous actress Evelyn Hugo, but the assignment turns out to be one she never imagined - hearing this actress' life story, writing her biography with a shocking twist tied to her.

The Last Anniversary - Sophie wonders if Thomas was the one who got away, so when she moves back to his hometown island, she falls into their family life and everything becomes increasingly complicated.

My Top Picks: Always and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Self-Help and Christian

A Beautiful Mess - this bible study books for Moms, will make your life feel normal in a complicated world.

Never Unfriended - in a world where you can unfriend a person with the swipe of a finger, how do you find meaningful relationships?  This book is a step-by-step guide to finding meaningful, lasting friendships.

You'll Get Through This - losing a close loved one, going through a divorce, being laid off from your job - getting through trials will not be painless or quick, but with compassion God redeems with good.

Of Mess and Moxie - Jen Hatmaker reminds us women that it's okay to hide in our car and eat chocolate, but no matter what these moments lead to vibrant and courageous grace-filled lives.

The Turquoise Table - Kristin put an ordinary picnic table in her front yard, painted it turquoise and begain inviting neighbors and friends to join her at the table.  What happened next was nothing short of brillant.

Come and Eat - Bri offers her favorite recipes, tips and conversation starters for gathering around the table while reminding us to make room for God and others.

Love Lives Here - Maria Goff shares a collection of stories from her life of how her and her husband navigated life without clear instructions or a road map and how they've made their lives meaningful.

Oola for Women - oola is a state of awesomness you experience when your life is balanced and growing in all keys areas of health and well-being - find ways to achieve this in simple ways.

If You Only Knew - popular blogger and podcaster Jamie Ivey shares the life that most people didn't know she had - moments of her past she's struggled with, her journey with her faith and how she overcame it all.

My Top Picks: Love Lives Here and The Turquoise Table

It's giveaway time!  I hand picked 5 of my favorites from the past year to give to a lucky reader.  For whatever reason these five pulled me in.  Two of them were gifted to me from B&H Publishing.  They have long been a supporter of my blog and are happy to send books my way whenever I come calling {which is a lot, thank you for putting up with my nagging}.

Please enter below via the Rafflecopter entry form.  U.S. residents only please.  One random winner will be chosen on December 11th.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway