One of my resolutions for this year is to read one book a week. These are the books I have read in January.
I chose one from each of my four categories: fiction, personal development, a children’s book and other. Other means something that catches my eye. It could be related to home, finance, a biography or something inspirational. I enjoyed each of these books.
My January Books
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
I have been a fan of Kate Morton’s books for a while now and am slowly making my way through her novels.
The House at Riverton is a story about an aristocratic family in England, a mysterious death that occurred during a party at the family estate and a secret that has been kept for for a lifetime, told from the viewpoint of a woman who worked for the family.
Of course, the public version of events is not the full story.
I found this novel to be a page turner. The story alternates between past and present. It explores Edwardian England and what it was like to work in service. I loved reading about everyone’s lives and the family’s secrets as they were slowly revealed.
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
The Compound Effect is about making small consistent steps to help develop good routines and habits, which will yield great results in your life over the long term.
I found this to be an easy to read personal development book. It is simple in its approach and will provide the motivation to creating small, but lasting changes in your life.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Black Beauty is a novel written by Anna Sewell and published in 1877. When Anna was fourteen she had an accident which made it difficult for her to walk or stand. Because of this, she used to travel around in horse drawn carriages. When she was in her fifties, she had the idea of writing a book about horses. She wanted it to be read by those who worked with horses to teach them about horse husbandry, stable management and to treat horses with kindness and compassion. This story is now considered a classic for children.
The story is narrated by Black Beauty. It is a memoir of his life and he tells of his friends, the many owners he has had and his joys and hardships.
I read this as a child and wanted to read it again. I have always loved horses. It is a beautifully told story and shows a slice of life in Victorian England. This book tugged at my heartstrings and it will be a keeper on my bookshelf.
Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane
I have been a fan of Georgianna’s work for many years. Paris in Bloom is a stunning floral tour of the city of Paris. Georgianna describes this book as her love letter to the city and that is just what it is.
Each photograph in this book is gorgeous. Paris is a beautiful city and Georgianna has captured it in all its glory.
Thanks for sharing about Black Beauty. I haven’t read that in years! Now that I have grandkids, I’ll want to get that book so I can read it to them. 🙂