January 2026 is the first month I’ve officially decided to document my reading goals… which means I now have to actually stick to them. So here we go. 😊
I’ve realized that I almost always have three books going at once (am I the only one? Is it weird?):
1. A book by an author friend or a new release from a favorite author
2. A “make me smarter” book (I don’t love self-help books, but I’m trying)
3. A classic
I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. We even made classics a priority when we homeschooled our kids. And yet… I can’t remember what I had for breakfast most days, let alone a book I read when I was fourteen. So, I’m reading them again.
There’s also the small detail that I can’t read anything even slightly scary anywhere near bedtime. 😅 That’s usually why the classic moves at a slower pace—it’s my “safe before sleep” book.
This year, I’ve decided to up my game and read in two-week segments. It gives me a rhythm, keeps me accountable, and helps me stay intentional with what I’m choosing.
Here’s where I am at the moment…
January 1-15 (ish) 📚☺️
-1-
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (but I rounded up to 5 stars because I like this author)
I really liked this story. Ira and Patience are strong, believable characters, shaped by the scars of the Civil War and the years that followed. Ira’s struggle to heal and live with ongoing pain adds real depth to his character, and I love Patience’s struggle to live up to her name, as we all would. The danger in Dry Springs keeps the story exciting and moving fast, while faith filled quiet moments give it heart. Though I would have loved to see them fully get together (and maybe share at least one kiss), the ending made me want to keep reading and see where their story goes next.
-2-
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just finished this one and… wow. Warning- not an easy read. This one takes some concentration, so load up on caffeine and some Holy Spirit!
If you grew up Presbyterian like I did, this can be a touchy subject. But why? Is it because we don’t fully understand it? Because it’s easier to shrug and say too strange, too scary, no thanks? 🙂↔️
What if we’re actually missing out on something really special? 🤔
-3-
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Guys, it’s not my favorite. Here are a couple re-read thoughts:
• Beautiful. Timeless. Mostly.
• Jane? Unforgettable.
• Also… very long.
• Very wordy.
• Occasionally felt like watching paint dry.
I skimmed. I survived.
Still a classic. Still glad I read it.
Please, future me—do not pick this up again.
January 15-31ish 📚😉
-1-
⭐⭐⭐⭐Love, lies, murder, & alibis!
This book had a very Knives Out–style mystery with lots of twists and secrets. It took me a little while to get into and to keep all the characters straight, but the writing is really strong and creative. While this isn’t usually my genre, I still enjoyed the story. A solid read from a talented indie author.
-2-
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐loved loved loved this book
My thoughts…
1. My daughter Camryn and I heard Greg speak at a Dare 2 Share conference years ago, and he is the real deal. Just a normal guy, gifted by the Lord, who loves people and points them to Jesus—no judgment, nothing fancy, just Jesus. That’s exactly what comes through in this book.
2. I struggle with heavy, intellectual reads (too distracted), but this isn’t that—and I mean that in the best way. It’s down-to-earth, easy to read, and deeply inspiring whether you’re a brand-new believer or have walked with Christ for decades like I have.
(Here’s my controversial thought… ⬇️)
3. This book calls us back to what matters: living and loving like Jesus. Not politics. Not arguments. Not the latest thing to be triggered by. Not immigration. Not Trump. Not… whatever the new thing is…
Just Jesus. Period.
-3-
Stars? Can’t say, I’m only at 10%. In my defense, the book is like 1500 pages long. Cut me some slack, friends, this is the behemoth of all classics. But so far, loving it.
Here are my thoughts so far…
– Yes, it was written in 1844. But I’m not bored and skipping paragraphs! What! 😳
– Edmond Dantès has officially stolen my heart. 💗
– Still waiting on the sword fighting. Patiently. Somewhat. ⚔️
I’m only around 300 pages in, so it’s possible that I could change my mind. I reserve the right. 📚🔥
February… what’s next?📚💕
- The Count of Monte Cristo–obviously
- Pieces of April by Jennifer Lynn Cary–I’m excited for this one.
- The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning–because I forgot I haven’t finished; it’s been in my TBR a long time.
Alright fellow book lovers (or not), tell me your thoughts. What classic should I add after The Count… if I survive it?
Books wait patiently.
Laundry, dishes, deadlines win.
Someday, dear pages. 📚🧺⏰
Heidi xoxo