Books I Read In October

 

 

In October, I spent two and a half weeks traveling to and from France. It was glorious and filled with familiar faces I don’t get to see often enough. I made enough juicy memories to feed my soul for a while. It was tired and grandiose all at the same time.

I took my Kindle and iPod, full of new books to read or listen to as the case may be. The funny thing is I did far less reading than I expected and far more knitting—socks—than anticipated.

Either way, allow me to share the list of books I read in October.

I am always looking for book recommendations. So, if you have some, leave them in the comment section below.

 

 

Audiobooks

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living

By Shauna Niequist

This book by Shauna Niequist is a gem. Not only is Ms. Niequist a phenomenal—and most candid—author, she is also a master storyteller. Meanwhile, while the book is amazing, the audio version of her book—read by the author—is top notch and was such a delight to listen to.

This book is going on my MUST READ bookshelf.

Shauna recounts her journey from frazzled and unfulfilled to a simpler, more satisfied life.

 

Buy Present Over Perfect 

If you do not have an Audible membership, you can sign up for one month free and get two free books with no commitment to continue your membership.

 

Non-Fiction Books I Read in October

by Michael S. Sorensen  

I did not care for this book and apparently, I am in the minority for it has—as of right now—garnered 4.6 stars on Amazon.

In complete honesty, I did not even finish it.

I agree with the author that people desire and need to feel validated. Indeed, we all want to be listened to and heard. No problem here.

I had an issue with the examples–one to be precise. When a mother expresses her concern that she has not heard from her daughter, the suggested answer is thus: “I don’t blame you for being worried, especially if she told you she’d call an hour ago…” This answer, in my opinion, would make a hard situation worse. I prefer the reflect-listen method which would go like this: “I hear that you are concerned because you were supposed to hear from your daughter in an hour ago.”

This method shows that you were listening and it reflects what you think you heard without putting words in the other person’s mouth. It also gives them the opportunity to agree with your statement or clarify it. It puts the focus on them not you.

Now, understand I am not trying to be critical. I am sure this book has been a blessing to many and I have zero doubt the author is caring and only means to help. His style is just not my thing and the subject is one I am already familiar with, therefore, I chose not to pursue reading this book.

Buy I Hear You

The ebook version of this book is free if you have a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

 

 

Fiction Books

by Luana Ehrlich  

Before I give a summary of this book, I need to preface that this is a Christian based thriller. However, Titus’ newfound faith is not portrayed in a shove-it-down-your-throat manner, just a statement of fact.

Titus Ray is a CIA operative who is on the run from the Iranian secret police. A group of Christian hide him and then smuggle him out of the country into Turkey. Back in the States, he is placed on medical leave for one year.

However, he does not remain low key for long. Before long, he finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation…

This author is new to me. I really enjoyed her style and I find Titus endearing. I planned on reading the rest of the series.

The ebook version of this book is free if you have a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

Buy One Night In Tehran

 

by Luana Ehrlich  

Book two in the Titus Ray Series (see above).

Titus Ray was called out of a forced medical leave to capture assassin Ahmed Al-Amin. Can he do so before it’s too late?

Hezbollah assassin, Ahmed Al-Amin’s mission is to kill a from murdering a high-profile government official. In order to stop him, Titus must unravel a complicated international plot.

The ebook version of this book is free if you have a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

Buy Two Days In Caracas

These books are available in Audible. If you do not have an Audible membership, you can sign up for one month free and get two free books with no commitment to continue your membership.

 

by Christy Barritt

Lisa Garth is the owner of a popular local restaurant on Lantern Beach. During the winter season, she concentrates on creating new—unusual but delicious—recipes. 

When she meets Braden Dillinger things don’t go as planned. He is a former Special Forces officer who has come to the island with the hope he can recover from his invisible—but no less real—battle scars. But, he is dangerous? That’s the question Lisa must answer. Her gut says no, but his erratic behaviors seem to say yes.

Will Lisa be able to find the truth—without getting hurt— and will Braden find the truth and the healing he is searching for?

The ebook version of this book is free if you have a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

Buy Shadow of Intrigue

Books I Read In October: Bought In France

Les Tours De La Rochelle

La Rochelle is the town of my childhood. Where I was born and where I can trace my ancestors–via my father–for a few centuries.

For this reason, I wanted to bring something back for my kids to teach them a bit more about their roots.

This book has an English version as well.

There are three towers of interested in my town. The two you see at the entrance of the harbor and one a bit further you can only see in the far distance.

Their history is fascinating.

Buy Les Tours De La Rochelle

Buy The Towers of La Rochelle

 

de Ann Kramer

Aliénor D’Aquitaine was born in 1122 very close to where I am from. As a matter of fact, my town was part of her duchy. Her father was far wealthier and with more influence than the King of France.

Aliénor was a remarkable woman who became Queen of France–at 15–and later Queen of England. Three of her sons became King.

She also went on a crusade. She played a very important role in the affairs of two countries.

She died at 82.

Buy Il Etait Une Fois…Aliénor D’Aquitaine

 

by Claude Wenzler

Even though I am French by birth and I studied history in school, I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to the kings and queens of France.

Their history can be quite convoluted and I can’t keep up. For this reason, I bought this book in order that I may become better acquainted with the history of the country of my birth.

Buy Généalogie des Rois de France et Epouses Royales