December 2022 Reading Recap & January 2023 TBR

My December 2022 Reads: 

Christmas break provided me with extra reading time and I'm thankful for it. 😊 I managed to complete my 2022 Goodreads challenge of reading 75 books this year. In a few days, I'll be posting my lists of favorite reads.

1. All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. Suncoast Empire: Bertha Honore Palmer, Her Family, and the Rise of Sarasota by Frank A. Cassell - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


3. Giving Your Words by Sally and Clay Clarkson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


4. A Life Renewed by Olivia Rae - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review available 1/12/23.


5. In Love's Time by Kate Breslin  - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


6. Entertaining Angels: True Stories and Art Inspired by Divine Encounters by Anne Neilson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


7. Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph with a gender-swapped, fantasy setting. Interesting, with some really good spiritual truths.


8. Just Enough Luck by Aspen Hadley - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - My favorite of The Drake Duology. Fun to read once.


9. Just Enough Magic by Aspen Hadley - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 


10. A Winter at the White Queen by Denise Weimer - ⭐⭐ - Though I received a finished copy, the novella held a weak story and errors in spelling and grammar (particularly in the first few chapters).

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Expected January 2023 Reads:

Looking at this list, it looks like I'll be adding lots of poetry to my reading. 👍

1. Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels.


2. The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz. - Laura is one of my favorite authors and I'm looking forward to this one!


3. Peace in the Midst of the Storm by Kaleb Thompson. - Inspirational poetry!


4. Walking with my Angel by Adam Scott Campbell.


5. Poems by C. S. Lewis. - Currently reading.


6. Woman of God by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - Currently reading.


7. Endless Grace by Dan Wilt and Ryan Smith. - Prayers inspired by Psalms 76-150.

What will you read this month?

Book Review: Entertaining Angels by Anne Neilson

About the Book:

Have you ever had a moment when you were certain angels were protecting you? Or perhaps in a time of need, you've longed for a reminder that God's angels are nearby.

Experience amazing stories of the angels among us in Entertaining Angels, alongside breathtaking art that will remind you clearly of the words of Scripture: "Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"

Popular fine artist and writer Anne Neilson has personally experienced the presence of God's angels. In her newest book, Entertaining Angels, Anne and several guest contributors share thought-provoking, moving, and inspiring stories of their own angel encounters. Each entry recounts a story of an angel among us—accompanied by Scripture, reminders of God's love in the promise of the angels around us, and gorgeous original angel paintings by Anne.

Inside, read personal stories from notable guest contributors including:

• Kathie Lee Gifford, actress, author, and singer
• New York Times bestselling author Ron Hall
• Singer-songwriter Sheila Walsh
• Award-winning country music artist Jimmy Wayne
• Cheryl Scruggs, author and host of Thriving Beyond Belief podcast
• And many more

Known for painting with both passion and purpose, Anne is committed to donating to those experiencing homelessness and poverty in our world, ensuring that Entertaining Angels will continue to give back for years to come.

Let the compelling heartfelt stories and the beauty of Entertaining Angels inspire you to become more present to the divine encounters in your own life.

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My Thoughts:

Entertaining Angels: True Stories and Art Inspired by Divine Encounters by Anne Neilson is a beautiful, hardcover (with dust jacket), gift book. Prior to ordering this book, I had never heard of Anne Neilson, but her angel art is beautiful. I loved how the angels were drawn. Some of the poses repeated throughout the book, but the vibrant colors differentiated the paintings. The art photos capture the paintings’ textures and essences as well as possible, but I would love to view these in person.

The stories of divine encounters in Entertaining Angels were less angelic than I expected. Though some entries contain miraculous elements, many of the stories are people (aka everyday angels) that help others, sometimes based on divine instruction, but often just to show kindness. I enjoyed reading the uplifting stories even though the book wasn’t quite what I had anticipated.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.