2024 was a year to remember, for so many different reasons. From travels to life changes to career milestones, it had it all—and there were even a few good books in there too!
In fact, I would go so far as to say there were ONLY good books in 2024. Every single book that I read, I loved. I feel like last year I really “spread my wings” so to speak as a reader, and read in more different genres than I typically do. I also re-read a favorite book that reminded me just how much I love the art of story, and why I’m so passionate about it!
When we total it all up, I read… *drumroll please* ELEVEN BOOKS!!! Which ones were they? Keep reading to see the list and why I enjoyed each one! (In NO particular order)
Book One: The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar
This book came out near the tail-end of 2023, but I didn’t get around to reading it until mid-2024. I really shouldn’t have waited that long! It was so good, and I had SO MUCH FUN! As per usual with sequels, I was happy to see favorite characters return, but I was also a bit sad since I knew that this was meant to be a duology and while it was a follow-up, it was also an ending of sorts. I guess that’s the mark of a good book though: it leaves you wanting more! Swoony heroes, daring plots, action and adventure… This book has it all, and I think I actually liked it even better than its predecessor, The Hidden Prince.
Book Two: The Uncertainty of Fire by Stephanie Daniels
I discovered this author thanks to the wonders and joys of local, independent bookstores. Stephanie writes historical fiction that is geared toward YA readers, or as she says “young adults and the young at heart.” This riveting story takes place during and after the Chicago Fire—one of my favorite historical time periods. Stephanie expertly brings the world to life, and also brings characters to life that I believe will draw in and be relatable to younger readers. Even if I might not be the right physical age for this story, I still enjoyed it and PROUDLY keep a copy on my shelves. Plus, it’s a great book to recommend to my younger family members and friends. Learn more about Stephanie here.
Book Three: Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright
This book WINS the category for best surprise of the year. I stumbled upon this mystery story in the middle of October, when the wind was blowing and the leaves were falling and the mornings were foggy… and everything seemed right for this story! The cover immediately spoke to me, and the description sealed the deal. A split-time murder mystery, with parts of the story taking place in the 1920s? Please! Count me in! I don’t know HOW it took me THIS LONG to discover Jaime’s books, but a binge-read of her backlist is definitely in my near future… I enjoyed BOTH timelines and BOTH stories in this book equally. If the themes seem heavy to you then, of course, read at your own discretion; but I really loved the way Jaime balanced the dark circumstances without being too dark, uncovered the truth behind the mysterious happenings, and pointed back to the light.
Book Four: Up From Dust by Heather Kaufman
Heather Kaufman has a few other books in her backlist, but this was her first ever Biblical fiction novel to be published. It’s obvious, however, from page one that Heather is a master in her craft. Of all the books I read this year, this one changed me the most. Took my breath away. Shaped the way I felt about God and His word. I highlighted more pages in this story than any other. Simply put, I can’t wait for Before the King (book two!) to release this month. If you think you know the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus… consider reading this book. It may change how you think about these real, historical figures, or give you some food for thought about how you would’ve responded to the Savior if you’d been in their shoes.
Book Five: Brave by Mesu Andrews
This was the last book I read in 2024, and WOW. Mesu Andrews never misses. Another hit! Brave brings to life the story of Ahinoam, one of David’s wives, in an achingly beautiful tale that—like many of these books—makes you wonder and think, specifically about what it would’ve been like to love the man that the Bible refers to as being after God’s own heart. Their story is complicated, of course, as David’s path to the title of King is not an easy one, but this book does such a fantastic job of covering the history surrounding that era. As always, Mesu Andrews has done her research, and it shows. If you love good, strong historical fiction that teaches you a thing or two, you’ll adore this story as much as I did.
Book Six: Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette
Let’s just say, I have not been able to read, sing, hear, or think about the words “I will not be shaken” in the same way ever since I read this book. My friends, this story shows more than any other book I’ve ever read that God truly is a fortress and an ever-present help, always by our side. Because of that, we will not be shaken! The love story of Zevi and Yochana is perfection, the research is astonishing, the world and the adventure are stellar. Connilyn Cossette is, simply put, my favorite author. I am forever waiting for the next CC book.
Literally…
Forever…
Book Seven: The Edge of Promise by Mesu Andrews
When I read this book, I was in the midst of a very busy season. I wanted something that I could pick up and put down easily, since reading breaks at the time were often short and unpredictable. I found exactly what I was looking for in this short story collection featuring Aaron’s Wife, The Shepherd Boy, and Rahab’s Sister. Each were just as immersive as a full-length novel! And since each of them took place during the time following the Exodus/Israel’s wandering and return to the land of Canaan, it instantly made my favorites list. You know I’ll read and love ANYTHING if it’s related to Moses/Joshua. I loved feeling like I was back in the world of Mesu’s “Treasures of the Nile” series, and I love being able to say that I read two books by Mesu this year!
Book Eight: The Warrior Prince by Ashton E. Dorow
The Warrior Prince by Ashton E. Dorow is book four in the Royals of Acuniel series, a collection of books set in the medieval era (think knights and princesses and castles) in which each story is a re-imagined Bible story. The previous book in the series was The Runaway Prince, a prodigal son story. This book followed the other brother—AKA, the one who stayed behind while the prodigal went on his journey. It was also inspired in part by the story of Othniel from the Biblical book of Judges. I didn’t think it was possible for me to enjoy this story more than its predecessors, but here we are again… Impressed, in love, and longing to frolic through a field wearing a sparkly crown and a glittery gown. If you enjoy this era and are looking for books with strong Christian values appropriate for all ages, I think you’ll like Ashton’s work!
Book Nine: Not My Will by Francena Arnold (Re-read)
Can we make it a mission to re-read more books? I read this book with a friend for the I-don’t-know-how-many-times-it’s-been time, and it really reminded me of why I love books so much in the first place! This book in particular played a pivotal role in my journey to faith when I was younger, and not only did I re-live that experience as I read—I also re-lived falling in love with the world of Christian fiction. If you’re ever stuck in a reading slump, I highly recommend going back and reading through an old favorite again. It may seem counter-productive, but for me, the nostalgia really ignited a passion for consuming stories in my heart once more.
Books Ten & Eleven: Daughter of the Most High and The Lion of Philippi!
Yes, I am putting my own books on this list. Yes, I debated counting them in my total multiple times. But you know what? I not only wrote these books, but I read them. MULTIPLE. TIMES. And in multiple different iterations over the course of drafting, editing, and proofreading! My total number of books read in a year may have gone down over the past few years, but it’s only because I’m also splitting my time by writing my own novels. I think it’s only fair to count these stories, because if I’m being honest, I would’ve loved them even if I hadn’t been the one writing them! And I hope those of you who’ve read them have enjoyed them too. All glory to God! Here’s to another year of reading, writing, and gushing about books.
Jenna Van Mourik 
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