5-Star Rated Reads
I’ve read a lot of books in 2019 and I’d love to highlight my favorites for you! There are a variety of genres and I’ll continue to add to this list as I finish up November and December!
Use the links below to find the genre you would like to read about.
Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde
A new friendship blossoms between a teenage boy and a 92 year old woman as they try to find Luis Velez.
My Heart From Inside by Aviva Gat
Two IVF mothers have had their embryos accidentally switch so that they end up carrying the other’s child without knowing. When they discover the error, everyone has a different opinion about what to do.
Summer at Enid’s by Britt Laux
Lydia goes to live with her grandmother, Enid. Enid is a spunky, wonderful 90 year old with so much to share. This story follows Lydia as she and Weston, the caretaker start to fall in love.
The Child of Auschwitz by Lily Graham
A woman’s story of love, loss, and a baby in Auschwitz. This was so beautifully written and I was utterly captivated. My favorite book from October 2019.
![A Fire Sparkling by [MacLean, Julianne]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41pLLGgRRUL.jpg)
A Fire Sparkling by Julianne Maclean
A time-jump story set in today and World War II. A family mystery to be unraveled surrounding a photograph of a woman and a Nazi soldier.
From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
Historical fiction set in World War II, but located in Italy. The story focuses on a young woman and a priest hiding people in churches.
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
An architect in World War II France designs hiding places to fool the German soldiers and hide hunted Jewish people.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Highly recommend the audio version of this. Tina Fey tells her story from childhood to Emmy-Award winner.
Hidden Pearl by J.E. Laufer
A memoir of a Jewish family hiding from the Nazi’s in a forest. The children then pretend to be orphans, asking for work on farms in the area to find food and shelter. Absolutely amazing read.
Of Bitter Herbs and Sweet Confections by Susan Shalev
A young girl’s family goes on the run from Poland and the Nazi’s in this WWII fictionalized memoir. Based on the true account of a family’s struggle, this story gets you invested in their lives. What I liked about this was that it was not about a concentration camp, but gave a new view of ways people were treated during WWII.
The Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent
Two sisters left in their woodland home so mama can visit the doctor. Months go by without mama, then a stranger comes asking questions about her. Terrified, they escape, running to the woods without survival supplies or any sense of where to go. They come upon Nicolette’s home, tired, cold, and hungry. From there, the mystery of their lives, their mama, and where their sister Evie is, unravel at a heart-racing pace.
The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison
Gritty story of a young woman surviving a massive epidemic leaving few people left alive on earth.
The Book of Flora by Meg Elison
Post-Apocalyptic final book in The Book of the Unnamed Midwife series. A great ending to a fabulous series!
The Wanderlust Diaries by Maria Martinico
Charlie has planned year of travel and her first stop is Bangkok. She gets the chance to assist in the rescue of an elephant before heading to her next location. She journeys from place to place telling us of her escapades along the way and then she meets Malakai. She finds herself in a blissful world where she hopes to never walk away from, but she has secrets. Her past catches up to her and her world is flipped upside down.
The Other Wife by Claire McGowan
A young wife has had an affair and now her secret lover has disappeared from her life. A new neighbor moves in next door and she seems to know more than she’s saying.
Seven Crows by Kate Kessler
An ex-con’s niece has been abducted by a criminal enemy from her past. Only Killian’s special set of skills can save her niece.
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
My absolute favorite November 2019 read! It is a mix of Hunger Games, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Crucible. This book is a dystopian world where women are controlled and feared for their “magic”. They are sent to an island for their Grace Year to get the magic out.
Nineteen by Arly Carmack
Nineteen is a book so stuffed with emotions, you cannot help but be completely sucked in. Arly Carmack writes with such real love, sorrow, and passion, I felt everything the main character, Cameron was feeling. The story was written so vividly and Cameron’s experiences were so authentic, it just connected with me. I expect that it will connect with many other readers as well.
She Just Loves Books 