Following on from 2020 Reading Challenge: Part 1!

The Book Thief. Markus Zusak. So many people have recommended this to me over the years, and I can see why! This is a great story and it brings to life what it must have been like frowning up in Gremany during the second World War.

Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel. Ruth Hogan. Although this book has some lovely bits in it, I just didn’t enjoy it overall. It took me ages to get into it and I just didn’t connect. I am glad I read it though.

Addition. Toni Jordan. I got through this one a lot more quickly than the last! It’s about a woman who is obsessed with routine and counting absolitely everything she comes across, and how she eventually turns her life around. I’ve had this book for years and never got around to reading it. I’m pleased I have now!

Ross Poldark. Winston Graham. I am a huge fan of the series, so I thought I’d give this a go. It’s a good book but it ended up taking months to read. Parts of it were a joy and other bits seemed to drag. Overall, I’m pleased a pushed through and I’m looking forward to starting the next one soon.

Bishop. Ted Woods. I got through this book in less than 24 hours! It is fab! Fast paced and funny, it’s a page turner.

This Is Me. Mrs Hinch. Sophie is a warm and kind woman. She is just the type of person we need as an influencer and role model today. In this book, she explores her journey on Instagram, life as a Mum, trolls and mental health. I’ll be honest, it’s not the best writing in the world, but this book is inspiring and worth reading if you’re a Hincher.

Demelza Poldark. Winston Graham. The second in the Poldark series. I enjoyed this one more than the last. The description of the sea and the surrounding landscapes are stunning. I also enjoyed Demelza’s development across this book.

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. Laurie Vera Rigler. I liked reading this book. Lots of the reviews online are scathing, but I reckon they are from die-hard Austenites. But I thought this book was funny and I enjoyed the idea of a 21st century woman waking up and finding herself in Austen times, struggling to adapt.

Being Reverend. Matt Woodcock. Having loved Matt’s book about vicar school, Becoming Reverend, I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint! This book is funny, heartwarming and honest. It also makes me want to be brave in the way I lead, but it also makes me wonder how many hours are in Matt’s day, because I certainly couldn’t do as much as that with so much energy and enthusiasm! A great book though, I loved it.

Dear Mrs Bird. A J Pearce. This book is about love and courage. It’s about a young lady in London who finds herself answering letters written to a Women’s magazine during WW2. Sad at times, funny in parts, it’s a good read

On Priesthood. Stephen Cottrell. I really enjoyed this book. I reckon all priests in the making should read it, but also people who are already priests! It’s a great reminded of what we are called to be when sometimes we get caught up in all the doing.

Jeremy Poldark. Winston Graham. This isn’t a bad book at all, it was just far too slow for me. It dragged and dragged. I think I’m done with the Poldark series for now!

The Second Sleep. Robert Harris. This is the second Harris book I’ve read and it’s the second time I’ve been frustrated with the ending! I actually shouted as I read the last paragraph! It’s such a good book with an intriguing premise, but the last chapter just lets it down!

Journey With Me. Catherine Campbell. I started this book on January 1st, and even though I was far from constant in my reading, I did enjoy it. I can’t say I agreed with every point in every reflection, but it would be hard to read 365 reflections by any Christian and agree with them all! Overall, a good read.

So, it’s New Year’s Eve and that’s a wrap!

I didn’t manage a book a week, but I did manage 40 in total and I am pleased with that. The 2020 Reading Challenge has helped me fall back in love with reading and I’m so excited to start the next reading challenge tomorrow!

If you’ve got any recommendations, I’d love to hear them.