Hello everyone! It was really hard to pick my top ten books from last year 😊 I didn’t read a whole lot and while I read several good ones, there weren’t a whole lot of favorites. Even so there were some super good books that stood out above the rest, and I’m excited to share them with you! (PSST! I hit 33 weeks on Wednesday! How crazy is that??)

(All Book Images are from Goodreads)

Yes, this is a reread. Yes, I have harped on and on about this book and how good it is. Yes, this is one of my top favorite books ever. And yes, it technically rates higher than most of the books on this list. BUT. Sense it is a reread and I do talk about this book a lot, I decided to put it at the bottom and let the new books get some spotlight. Does that mean my love for it has diminished? Not at all *halo* and if you are a fan, comment below so we can fangirl! (Click here for my review!)

*Clears throat* Please reread the above paragraph. Still applies. (Click here for my review!)

This book is undergoing rewrites and hasn’t officially released, but I highly recommend it! I loved the unfinished version I read so much and can’t wait to read the revised edition! It’s the story of a boy named Jay and his journey through trial and triumph as he learns to love again and be loved by they family he never had but always needed. This book is written especially for those who deal with emotional and mental health issues and as someone who deals with mild forms of depression, I found it a balm for my heart. Highly recommend! (Click here for my review!)

When I found out that Victoria Minks had a new book out, I was elated! And to discover it was a series was even better! I’m not a huge fan of the regency-esque era, but this book made me second guess my stance. I decided, because of this book, to take a chance on Jane Austen and I’m not sorry! Some light romance in this story, even though marriage and such is the center of their lives, but it’s more in a comical light than a disgusting “oh, he’s a dreamboat!” fashion. It’s appropriate and well written. And the ending! I was on the edge of my seat! Can’t wait for Episode 2! (Click here for my review!)

This book ripped my heart out. If you ever need a good cry, go get you a copy of this little baby and lock yourself in your room for the afternoon. Tissues recommended. Y’all know I’m a softy for a good military read and this one…yeah, let’s just say I can’t wait to read the next book! (Click here for my review!)

And now, for the top book of 2021…
 

Surprise, surprise XD I predicted in my review post that this would make it onto my top ’21 list and it sure did! I want desperately to reread it, but I have to finish some other books before I can justify pouring over this lovely soldier to civilian compilation. If you get the chance, snag this book! (Click here for my review!)

What were your favorite books of 2021? Comment below and share your favorites!
 
Have a blessed day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn (and Baby Girl Peterson!)

So hard to believe January is over! Two more months to my little Southern Belle will make her appearance! Can’t get here soon enough for me, lol! I never thought I would see the day when simply yawning or sneezing would have me panting for air and totally exhausted. Don’t ask 😊

I didn’t get as much done this month as I anticipated, but you know what? That’s okay! I did what I could and am moving on to the next set of goals! Share your recaps from January in the comments section below!

Haha… well, we finally got snow, so I guess that counts, lol! In all honesty, this month was pretty rough on my health. I’m exhausted most of the time and acid reflux is a near daily occurrence, making me pretty nauseous. Which means I didn’t get much writing or reading done, because pregnancy fog/mental fog left over from my run in with the virus that shall not be named nearly two years ago prevents me from being able to focus much. But audiobooks help!

I did get to visit with my in-laws a lot which was a blessing! I even got to visit with my side of the family for a couple days, so that definitely counts as a highlight! And I got to have a sushi and boba tea date with a friend from church. So, I did have some good days sprinkled in amongst the fatigue XD

Definitely Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have a full review coming soon, but y’all, this book was both hilarious and heartbreaking in all the best ways. I loved the societal satire and the bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout. I found the balls annoying, just saying. Also, I still hate the Enemies to Lovers trope, but this is the best example of it I’ve ever seen! And I was pleased that while this book was all about marriage and such, it really wasn't a romance novel. Love this book!

Five. Quite shy of my goal, but progress none the less! Only two books were on my reading list, but I’m just adding the remaining three I shared to my February list. Three of my books are audiobooks, so hopefully, I can catch back up!

Here’s a round up of this month’s posts, just in case you missed any!

Hello, 2022 || Goodbye, 2021
Reading List: January/February 2022 || Plus 5 Winter Reading Recommendations!
Writing Update || A Note From My Desk
Thoughts on Writing || A Collaboration with Katja L.

In the future I will try to post a friend's posts round up, but I am way behind this month, haha!

Romans 5:1-5— “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Ha. I intended to have TSAL fully edited this month. But as you saw in my intro, there was not much writing going on XD But I did manage to get six chapters edited and only lack about four now! Hopefully they will be finished next month and I can get this book finished before Little Missy makes her appearance, lol! She seems intent on trying to kick her way out of my stomach some days and I’m just grateful she hasn’t sent me into pre-term labor! But I’m thankful for her movements, letting me know all is well! It’s rough, but I know the end results will be worth it *heart emoji* (Missing my emoji add-on from my last computer! Gonna have to find it again!)

*Wince* Let’s see how this went!

Writing||
          Complete edits on To Save A Life-- Nope. Did not happen. But I still got work do on it, so I’m glad of that! *Hears Pollyanna in my head and smiles*
          Batch Posts for February--Also didn’t happen. My devotional got me hung up and my brain forgot to remind me I could just skip it and write the other posts and come back to it later, *eye roll emoji* I feel like the devil has really been fighting me on this devotional so please pray I can complete it for next week!

Reading||
            Read 10 books minimum--Ha! Nope! But it’s okay, because I really enjoyed most of the books I read (one was a two star ☹)! Pride and Prejudice was worth the low read count *halo*
            Complete one of my devotional books from last year 😉--Also didn’t complete this, but I did make great headway on a Joshua study! Hoping to finish it this week and return it to my dad next time I see him, lol!

Life||
            Stay on top of grading for school (A huge struggle!)--For the most part, yes! I have a little bit to catch up on, but I am very pleased with how it’s been going!
            Make our baby registry (Yeah, I’m way behind!)--YES! I DID THIS 😉 I have a list of things to add, but Lord Willing, I will be finishing that up tonight!
            Eat more veggies (gotta keep me, hubby and baby healthy!)--Also did this! I love carrots and sugar snap peas, so being able to eat more of them and more salads has been a huge boost!
            Journal daily (Something I’ve been wanting to get back to!)--Umm… I didn’t even touch my journal… so fail. But I’m not giving up! I want to journal more and I really want to make it a priority!

Writing||
          Complete edits on To Save A Life
          Batch Posts for February and March

Reading||
            Read 10 books minimum
            Complete one of my devotional books from last year 😉

Life||
            Work towards coming home (Nesting time!)
            Get everything set up for Baby Peterson! (I’ve got some organizing to do!)
            Drink More Water! (Why is this so hard??)
            Journal (Gotta do it!)
 
How was your January? What are your goals for February? Share the scoop below!
 
Have a Blessed Day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello and welcome back to Life of Heritage Corner! I hope you are having a beautiful day! I love reading and last year was NOT a good reading year for me. I normally read close to a hundred and in 2021, I didn’t even hit 40 books! But you know what, it’s okay! I don’t know how many books I’ll be able to fit in my schedule this year, because I’ll be adding a newborn to the mix! But that being said, I’m optimistic for 2022, because I will be doing a lot of sit down activities because of said newborn 😉

So my plan for these posts are to share five books I specifically want to read this month and five for next month. I hope to read more, but there’s a lot of stuff up in the air, so I won’t bog you down with my full list, lol! Instead, I will focus on books I hope to review on the blog. And then, before we go, I will share 5 Winter Recs with you as well! So let’s get started!

1| Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This is a book I’ve been curious about for some time but brushed off as just another cheesy romance. At the collective gasps of indignation from many a dear friend, I have decided to amend my prior judgement and give her a try! Have you read P&P? Tell me your thoughts below!

2-3| Dare (reread) and Deny by Tricia Mingerink
I have read Dare twice with the intent to read this series through and every time another book came up that demanded my immediate attention. The series premise is basically the persecuted church in a dystopian medieval type setting. It’s pretty intense.

Dare was very interesting and I do want to do a full post about it, so stay tuned. I will say there is a hint of what I believe is Calvinism in this book, so I will be addressing that in my review. For clarification, I do NOT agree with Calvinism and stand firmly against it, as it is unbiblical and cruel. However, it is not my intention to attack anyone here, so when I write this post, I will not be doing a hit piece, just noting my beliefs and sharing scripture for what I believe. That is all. We should always speak the truth with boldness, but also with love.

4| Koala Beach Outbreak by Robert Elmer
This book is part of the Adventures Down Under Series! I need to look back and review the books between this one and the last one I reviewed, but so far I have immensely enjoyed this reread of the series! This book focuses on the Chinese in Australia and an outbreak of some type of fever. This book is special to me because it is the book I was reading when my grandmother passed away in 2006. So it’s been awhile… I can’t wait to read it again 😊

5| Rebel Wave by Tor Thibeaux
This is a short episode in a 12 part series that I saw going around Goodreads. Some friends were reading it, it looked interesting, and I thought I would see what the fuss was about 😉 Its basically a sort of sci-fi story set under water in a submarine style survival colony fleet? That’s my understanding anyway, lol! If you have read this book, fill us in below!

1| Confederate Black Ops by Charles Tilton II
This is a reread to help me prepare for rewrites of the 5th book in my Battle for Heritage Series! It’s an excellent read all about the inner working of the Confederate spy rings, secret service and special operations! Written by a Green Beret, this is an epic read!

2| Heretics of the Piedmont by D. J. Speckals
This book was released last year and I am so excited to read it! It’s about the Waldensians of Europe and Baptist history has always been a favorite of mine, so of course I had to get it 😉 It was also written by the brother of a young lady I met last year, so that’s always fun!

3| The Dawn of a Life by Rachel McBride (Davis)
I loved this series growing up and I need to reread these so bad! It’s high time I dig out my favorite western and read it again for the 25th time (okay slight exaggeration, but I have read this over a dozen times growing up!) This series follows the life of Sam Goodton and Tom Sampson and I just can’t wait to visit these characters again as they travel the wagon trains from Indiana to Montana!

4-5| The Land of Cotton and Our Heritage to Save by Yours Truly
This is for research purposes for writing book 5. So, you can read about them here *halo*

1| Dare by Tricia Mingerink
I may have mentioned this on a winter list before, I cannot remember, but it really has a strong winter vibe for me, so I’m throwing it in there again, haha! The beginning of the story is set in winter but not necessarily Christmas, so that’s a plus as well!

2| The Case of the Very Bad Cat by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick
This is book 4 of 5 of the Kitten Files series and is so adorable! The story follows Mia as she tries to get to the bottom of who is leaving dead mice on a neighbor’s porch. It’s set just before Christmas, but it’s not about Christmas, so there ya go, haha!

3| Befriending the Beast by Amanda Tero
I don’t even know if winter is mentioned in this book at all, but the general feel of the story just makes be feel like it should be so we’re going with that, lol! A father-daughter retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this is one of my favorite reads by this author!

4| The Holy War by John Bunyan
This book is an allegory and set in a medieval time era and this just screams winter to me. It’s cold and a little dark, but the light breaks through and AGH! I need to reread this this year…

5| Modern Warriors by Pete Hegseth
Sue me, this isn’t set in winter, but because I read it last January, it will always be a winter book to me. Loved it so much! (Read my review here!) It’s a compilations of Soldier Stories and the patriotism and lessons they have for us and the way they try to bridge the soldier/civilian gap just makes me so happy…
 
What are you reading this month? What books would you recommend to be read during the winter? Share them with us below in the comments so we can grow our TBR lists!
 
Have a blessed day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn (and Baby Peterson 😉)
Jude 22

Hello and welcome to the final day of Five Fall Favorites, hosted by Rebekah Morris! (Be sure and visit her site for more fun content and links to more posts!)

For those who are new to FFF, this is a week-long fall celebration of books we love from different genres! Each day, each participant will have a different theme and one of them is a Book Room with a free story so make sure you check every post! My theme for the day is…

Bikes!

Oh man, I miss my bike so bad! It’s been ages since I’ve gone biking! I have a pretty vintage style brown and cream bike that transported me back to olden times, smuggling babies in the Netherlands under the Nazis’ noses or trying to outrun my imaginary older brothers who were much better bikers than me 😊 My siblings and I have been resistance workers, cowgirls (and a cowboy!) or just normal people of all things XD
 
So, while you’re here for the bike trails, let’s fill the basket with my top 5 reads of 2021 (so far)!
 
1| Modern Warriors by Pete Hegseth
Yes, this book needs a little censoring for a handful of words but other than that, I can’t recommend this book enough! Best book I’ve read all year! (My review is here!) Seriously, I got this book on a whim and I don’t regret it at all! It’s literally like sitting down and talking with a veteran rather than reading a book. It sucks you in and makes you think. 10/10 recommendation!
 
2| The Colour Red by Katja Labonte
This book y’all… She’s revising it right now, but oh! If you have the opportunity to read this gem, do yourself a favor and do it ASAP! It has found-family, deal with anxiety and mental health in a way that actually makes sense and provides hope for those dealing with what feels like a never ending cycle of pain. It honors police, so you know I’m all about that! Just please read this book so I can fangirl with you XD
 
3| O The Fallen by Abigail K. Harris
Broke. My. Heart. Based off of two heart wrenching songs about our soldiers, this story ripped my heart out and ran it through a paper shredder… Highly recommend. (some mild romance)
 
4| Firestorm at Kookaburra Station by Robert Elmer
This is part of the Adventures Down Under Series and I loved it so much! I love how it teaches about not judging people by their looks and being willing to listen. The hot air balloon was a fun twist too XD
 
5| Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson
In all honesty, this one will probably get bumped off pretty soon XD It’s the middle grade version of Manhunt, but not half as good in my opinion. You can see my reasons in this post so I don’t have to rehash it all here XD

Don’t forget to stop by the Literary Lodge for more Fall Favorites Fun!

What are your favorite reads of 2021?? Are you adding any of these to your TBR list? Share them below!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello and welcome to the fifth day of Five Fall Favorites, hosted by Rebekah Morris! (Be sure and visit her site for more fun content and links to more posts!)

For those who are new to FFF, this is a week-long fall celebration of books we love from different genres! Each day, each participant will have a different theme and one of them is a Book Room with a free story so make sure you check every post! My theme for the day is…

Blankets!

I adore blankets! Here, I have a basket full for you to pick from! My husband teases me cause I’m always cold and grabbing a blanket XD I love ultra soft ones with fun patterns. What’s you’re favorite blanket? Grab it or borrow one of mine and we’ll talk about some bookish Babies! Yep, today’s books are all about the babies!
 
1| The Dawn of an Adventure by Rachel McBride (Davis)
While the baby does grow up quite a bit in this book, the very beginning of this fun western is all about an adoption battle and a new widower raising the only child of his best friend with help from his little boys. Little Misty may very well get a little spoiled with all the attention she gets. But thankfully Grandma Pitt saves the day XP A lovely story of life in 1800’s Montana and found family!
 
2| The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin
This is a story with a pro-life storyline that broke my heart. This is a 21+ book, because it handles some very sad situations in a more detailed fashion than I prefer. But the beautiful message that life is precious and deserves a chance despite the sins of the father is so well written. And the little miracle God gave the couple in the story is so precious. Baby Helen stole my heart and I’m still waiting for her to give it back.

Content: (Email me for more information concerning my above comments.) Deception, half-truths, guys speaking disrespectfully to ladies (shown as wrong), over used racism cliches, mixed raced couples.
 
3| Strength and Honor by T. Elizabeth Renich
This is series is one I don’t talk about very much because I did have to censor a lot of unnecessary romance/situations from the story. I personally felt it was worth it, but most wouldn’t want to invest the time (these books are super long and small print!) But this book was better. Not my favorite plot wise, but it had some sweet baby moments in it that just give it a special place in my heart. Baby Glory’s birth story was one of my favorites XD I don’t remember all the content in this book in particular, but if you have any questions about the Shadow Creek Chronicles, shoot me an email and I would be glad to fill you in on what needs tweaking 😉
 
4| A Question of Courage by Jesseca Wheaton
This book was a good wrap up to the trilogy though I won’t lie, I wanted one more book *halo* I will admit, I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the sweet lil guy in this story, only that he was the sweetest lil dumpling ever and I just wanted to hug him XD Seems like there may have been some romance in this story, but it doesn’t stand out to me, so it may have been mild if it was there? It’s been a few years, y’all XD
 
5| Left to Die by Hailey Rose
This book is all about the orphanage crisis in China and oh my heart, this book hurt. Reading about the disregard for these precious little babies broke my heart. Watching Lindy care for Gia was beautiful though personally I thought the guy in the story got in the way, but that’s just me XD

Content: Romance, mild medical details.

Don’t forget to stop by the Literary Lodge for more Fall Favorites Fun!

What are your favorite Baby reads?? Are you adding any of these to your TBR list? Share them below!

Ryana Lynn
Jude 22