Top Reads 2018

How is it the END of 2018 already? So much has happened this year that it seems impossible that it is already over. Being that I haven't featured ALL of the books I read this year here on the blog...I figured I had better make you a list so that you can go read some of these incredible stories!

This year TWO new adventures began for me. 

1. I started working for Roseanna White. I have had so much fun brainstorming, bantering, and working alongside her, albeit, virtually. She is such an incredible person (and boss). 

2. Along with Reading is my SuperPower, Just Commonly, and Faithfully Bookish, we launched a magazine! Eeeep! Check out HopebytheBook.com for more info. (Use the code BOOKISH when you subscribe for a special discount.)

Now, let us discover some amazing reads. This year was an INCREDIBLE year for books. SO many good ones. Click the cover images to find out more about each of these books and why I love them so much!

Pepper Basham

I am almost in my third year working for the amazing Pepper Basham! I hope you have checked out her latest books...because they are amazing!!!! And Pepper's books will always be on my "Forever Favorite" shelf. 

Roseanna White

Roseanna's books have long been favorites of mine. And the two books she published this year are no exception. Have you read these yet? If not, what are you waiting for?

The Six Star Rating

If you are unfamiliar with my rating system, you can check it out HERE. Here are the two books that earned a 6 star rating this year. Drop what you are doing and go read them, now! But not back-to-back...you're heart will never forgive you...

Hope by the Book Reviews

A few of this year's top reads I reviewed for Hope by the Book. To find out more, check out my reviews over on the magazine website.

Reviewed for Winter 2018 Issue

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All the Books...
I know that I can be generous with my 5 stars...But I am also super picky about which books I read. I know my own tastes and tend to stick to them. Yes, I venture out into new genres and authors...but let's face it, I just have good  taste 😜

Books Without Reviews...
I discovered an AMAZING website called SCRIBD this year. It's like Netflix for books! Through this (and because we spent a lot of time remodeling our home this year) I listened to a lot of audiobooks this year. I was also a slacker and didn't review all the book I read this year on the blog. So here are a few of my top reads that I haven't reviewed yet.

Curious to see what other books I read this year? You can check them out on my Goodreads Challenge HERE.

10 Email Marketing Do's & Don'ts - Guest Post

Hello, my reader friends! Today's post is a little different, I know. So all my fellow bloggers and author friends who have a newsletter...This post is for you! 😘

Does anyone else out there feel out of their depth when it comes to email marketing? I know that I can find it quite daunting at times. How do I get subscibers to actually READ newsletters? What content should I share? WHEN should I share? Stats? How do I even read those? The list just goes on and on. 

Today I want to pass on a guest post from Campaign Monitor that shares a few easy and quick “upgrades” that we can make to our email campaigns. I found this article super helpful and encouraging (because I am already doing most of the things on this list, YAY!). Reaching people with content that is relevant to them is our main goal as bloggers. These tips will help you to grow your audience and ensure that you consistently deliver quality content to your readers. 

Are you already doing some of these things? What are some of the areas that you need to work on? Personally, I love having #6 options through Mad Mimi Email Marketing that I use as an Author Assistant. However, now I know that I need to work on #10....oops....

Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started! 

Share your thoughts below!

Source: 10 Email Marketing Do’s and Don’ts by Campaign Monitor

This article is sponsored by Anagram Interactive. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Searching for You - Orphan Train Book 3 - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won’t abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he’s in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

My Thoughts

You can check out my review for this incredible story on Hope by the Book's website. 

I received a complimentary copy of Searching for You from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Free Prequel

Don't miss An Awakened Heart! Free e-novella and a very important prequel to the Orphan Train Series. Free to read. Download and start reading now. If you have never read a Jody Hedlund book before, this is an excellent way to sample her style and try out her new series. It is amazing! Absolutely love Jody's books! 

Amazon // Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and Christy Award, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Facebook // Goodreads // Pinterest // Twitter // Website

More Books by Jody Hedlund on Bookworm Mama

Beacons of Hope Series

Newton & Polly

Luther & Katharina

Young Adult

An Uncertain Choice Series

Don't miss out on Jody's upcoming series!

Releasing June 4, 2019