For the first time in a long time, I’ve been in a reading slump.  I’ve put several down.  I’ve struggled through others that just didn’t connect.  Then last week I was home sick for several days and managed to blow through a handful of really solid books and for that I’m thankful.

1.  Devoted by Jennifer Mathieu – inspired by families like the Duggars who follow the Quiverful movement, I found this book to be incredibly powerful and quietly moving.  It won’t be for everyone – the religious aspect could be a turn off for some, but if you enjoy character-driven stories with strong voice, this could be a winner.  I enjoyed Mathieu’s previous novel but this one blew me away.

2.  I Was Here by Gayle Forman – this was a really difficult book to read.  It deals with suicide and the characters are never particularly likable, but the writing has such beauty that I couldn’t put it down.  Forman knows her way around an inner monologue!

3.  No More Confessions by Louise Rozett – the third in the Confessions series was the result of fans like me begging Rozett to write it.  I love these characters so much and will carry them with me.  I’m grateful for the realistic conclusion!  If you haven’t read this series, please give it a try.  One of my very favorites.

4.  Leaving Amarillo by Caisey Quinn – my first CQ book!  This is a smart, steam New Adult novel perfect for fans of Nashville.  Really looking forward to the next in the series and following up with these complex characters.

I’ve also been doing some beta/advanced reading for some of my agency sisters and two books you want to add to your list are The Stars Turned Away by Lisa Maxwell and The One Thing by Marci Lyn Curtis.

What are you reading?  What’s blown you away that I need to try?