My Top Ten Books of 2015

Christmas is right around the corner. So is New Years. Because of that, I thought maybe I should drop by and give you the best books I read in the year of 2015...

10. Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke

One of the best I've read from Mrs. Oke. This book had little pieces of wisdom I enjoyed stumbling upon. And that Christmas scene with Edward and the scarf? Yeah, that was fun.



9. Secret of the Lost Settlement by John J. Horn

I reread this in August, I think. I was again brought to tears and impressed by the amazing message. It was gritty, adventurous, heart-pounding, and even humorous in rare moments.

 




















8. The Island Queen by R.M. Ballantyne

When three ship-wrecked siblings end up on an island that's deserted, more castaways show up, and a 'government' forms, you're in for a fun ride! I liked this book a lot - it's one of the best of Ballantyne's! It was very humorous and lots of fun! I smiled through almost a whole chapter. Yup. That happened. ;)



7. Becoming Nikki by Ashley Elliot

This book was really cool! The main characters were, interestingly enough, brother and sister. They're broken relationship needs mending - little do they think that a horrible accident will become the starting point. I really enjoyed the story and some of the characters. It was funny, touching, and sweet.



6. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

Man, this book. I cried multiple times. I saw World War II in a whole new light - it changed my perspective on the time. The Hiding Place was highly interesting, engaging, touching, and had such a great message.



5. The Heart of Arcrea by Nicole Sager

Surprisingly, this one made it on the list. I say surprisingly because as I read each book in the Arcrean Conquest series, the one I had just finished became my favorite Arcrean book. However, after months of not really thinking about the books, I thought about them again and ended up realizing that the first novel in the series, The Heart of Arcrea, was, honestly, the best. We're introduced to fun characters and taken along a sometimes agonizing but interesting and life-changing journey. I loved the way that Druet, the hero of the tale, followed God's leading. Not many books have that in it, and I thought it was really cool. Plus, it's fantasy - a really fun, non-magical fantasy in a land that is seriously unique. You won't forget it.



4. Fighting the Flames: A Tale of the London Fire Brigade by R.M. Ballantyne

A book about the London Fire Brigade in the mid-1800s? How cool is that!? I really enjoyed reading this. I loved the story and Willie Willders, one of the main characters. It was interesting and fun and one of the best by Ballantyne I've read.

 


 
















3. Millie's Steadfast Love by Martha Finley

Granted, I did re-read this one, (okay, okay! And the one below...), but I loved it all over again. The characters and the story are so fun. I adore this book. The Millie Keith series holds a special place on my ever burgeoning bookshelves.



2. Brothers at Arms: Treasure and Treachery in the Amazon by John J. Horn

This book has been one of my favorite novels for a few years now. It still holds a very special place in my heart and is one of the best books I have read to date. Fun, heart-pounding adventure, charming characters, exotic locations... It's incredibly fun, and I'm so looking forward to rereading it AGAIN with my younger brother.



















1. To Get to You by Joanne Bischoff

This book is all about redemption, grace, and second chances. Though the message isn't forced, it seeps into the crevasses of the story (and your heart). I enjoyed it a lot! The characters were fun, and the whole road-trip/broken-son-and-father-relationship story was fantastic and really well done. Intertwined was an adorable romance between the unlikely hero and the homeschooled heroine. (Yes, she's homeschooled.) Super cute.



And theeeeeeeere you have it! The top ten books that I read this year. Totally check 'em all out, and totally let me know if you do. (Or if you've already read any of the above books, and if you liked them as much as I did!) ;)

They all come recommended (and I've reviewed most of them too. Either here, on my blog, or on Goodreads.)

That's all for now, but be on the lookout for another 'Top Ten' post!

Merry Christmas!

~Micaiah K.~

Quote of the Week

"But God does use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. It doesn't matter who we are really, just who He is." - Martha Finley, Millie's Faithful Heart (A Life of Faith: Millie Keith #4)

Quote of the Week

"God calls us to a wild adventure, not a tea party, my dear. I don't follow Jesus because He can give me a life without pain. I follow Him because He is good. Someday I will follow him right through death, and into our Heavenly Father's house." - Martha Finley, Millie's Unsettled Season (A Life of Faith: Millie Keith #1)

A Life of Fatih: Millie Keith (Millie's Courageous Days, Book Review #2)

Millie's Courageous Days
(A Life of Faith: Millie Keith, Book Two)
Rating: 5 stars
Ages: 11 and up (for a somewhat intense scene where someone was badly injured, etc.)

'"If God is in control, why did He make Fan fall?" Millie asked desperately. "I thought I was doing so well with the promise God gave me when we left Lansdale. And now it's all come to pieces! If He lets terrible things like this happen, how can anyone trust Him?"
         "Oh, Millie," said Aunt Wealthy. "God didn't make Fan fall, although He did allow it. But we must trust Him," she said passionately. "We cannot give up hope - no matter what the doctor says."' (Excerpt from Chapter Two)

Millie Keith put her faith in the promises of God when her parents moved the entire family out to the wild frontier, where life is full of surprises, adventure, and danger. But now Millie, just turned thirteen, finds her faith tested again when tragedy strikes her family, when she loses her best friend because of her faith, and when deadly fevers stalk the town. Can she trust God with life...and death?
         Millie's Courageous Days, the second book in the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series, continues the captivating story of Millie Keith. Although she is best known as cousin to the famous fictional heroine Elsie Dinsmore, in this faith-filled, modern-language adaption of the 19th century work by Martha Finley, Millie stands as a strong heroine herself - and one to which 21st century girls can easily relate. 

Millie's Courageous Days is one of the best books of the whole Millie Keith series! It was captivating, intriguing, and adventurous. Full of touching, heart-felt moments and gripping, page-turning chapters, this book is on my favorites shelf.

It was incredibly exciting. It was definitely more intense than the first book - there are a few major injuries and an epidemic, which are some of the main points of the story - but I loved it all the same.

The characters from Millie's Unsettled Season - both new and old - are back, and are loads of fun. Honestly, a lot of my favorite characters would be from the A Life of Faith series, if I named them! I love Cyril, Gordon Lightcap, Millie, and Aunt Wealthy, just to name a few.

Millie's faith is definitely tested, numerous times, throughout this novel. But it is called the 'A Life of Faith series,' right? ;) I would highly recommend Millie's Courageous Days! An awesome addition to the series. Be sure to pick this one up! I absolutely loved it!

Tag - Chocolatey Books

Hey there! Mikayla H. from The Bubblegum Ballerina tagged me to do the Chocolate Book tag! I was excited when I saw my name! Thanks, Mikayla, for the tag!

All right, with out further ado, the questions:

1. Dark Chocolate (A book that covers a dark topic)

I don't really read dark books...but, From the Dark to the Dawn by Alicia Willis was pretty intense - plus, I cried and teared up numerous times.

2. White Chocolate (A light-hearted, humorous read)

When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke. It wasn't really humorous (well, sorta, but that could've just been me and my sister!), but it was one of the most light-hearted books I've read! ;)

3. Milk Chocolate (A book with a lot of hype that you really want to read)

I really want to read Captive of Raven Castle by Jessica Greyson! I really enjoyed Annabeth's War! I also want to read A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker.

4. Caramel-filled Chocolate (A romantic book)

When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke (again), and the romance in Brothers at Arms was cute!

5. Wafer-less Kit-Kat (A book that surprised you)

God's Smuggler - for some odd reason I was really expecting it to be boring, so I wasn't very happy about reading it, but I actually ended up loving it. Annabeth's War - whatever I was expecting when I opened the first pages was not what I got! It was a lot more fun and adventurous - and maybe just different than what I was thinking it would be (in a good way, of course)! The expectations we put on books... ;)

 6. Snickers (A book you are going nuts about)

As always, Brothers at Arms: Treasure and Treachery in the Amazon by John J. Horn. #favoritebook It's funny (to me, at least. My sister says it's dry humor - whatever that really means ;) - but I think it's so humorous!), adventurous, lively, gripping...need I go on? In one word: Amazing.

7. Hot Chocolate with Mini Marshmallows (A book that you go to for comfort)

The Bible. But otherwise I think it'd be the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith and Violet Travilla series by Martha Finely. Those series are really what got me started reading, and I love the characters!

8. A Box of Chocolates (A series you feel has something for everyone)

Oh, gosh, I don't think I've read one of those! ;) I thought about saying the Men of Grit series by John J. Horn, but that's more just under the genre adventure. So...I don't know!

Oh, and what do you think of this picture below as my blog button - at least, for now? I'd love to hear what you think!

A Life of Faith: Millie Keith (Millie's Unsettled Season, Book Review #1)

You can read my introduction to the series here!

 

The A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series is wonderful. I have only read the adapted versions of the Millie novels, not the originals, but I have to say that I love the updated versions. They are humorous, well-written, full of fun, adventurous, dramatic, and Godly. I would recommend the whole series to Christian girls looking for a good, clean read. The Millie Keith books are filled to the brim with hilarious, amazing characters that you won't soon forget. I can't even begin to explain my love for these books.

 

In all seriousness, I owe my love of the Victorian era and my love of historical fiction to the A Life of Faith series (not just Millie Keith, but also the Violet Travilla and Elsie Dinsmore series).

 

*Note: The Millie series ranges from 1833-1844, starting just a few years before the Victorian era. The Elsie series starts in the early 1840s and ends in 1874. The Violet books start just three years after the Elsie series - 1877. The last tale of the whole A Life of Faith series - Violet's Foreign Intrigue - is set in 1886.*

 

I would have to say, though, that out of all of the A Life of Faith book series, Millie's tales would be my favorite. Why? Well, Millie and I are more alike than any of the other heroines, and her story is adventurous, funny, and so enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, both the Violet and Elsie series are great too, and all of them hold a special place in my heart (and always will!), but the Millie Keith novels hold a very special place in my heart.

Here is a review of the first book (be looking out for reviews on all seven other books in the series as well!):
 

Millie's Unsettled Season
(A Life of Faith: Millie Keith, Book One)
By: Martha Finley
Rating: 5 stars
Ages: 10-14

'"Oh, Aunt Wealthy," Millie cried, as Wealthy's boot touched solid ground. "It's decided!"
    "My child, what is it?" asked the older lady, dropping the letter to take the girl's hand and draw her to the sofa. "What is decided?"
         Millie spoke with a determined effort to be calm. "This morning at breakfast, Pappa told us - us children, I mean - he and Mamma had talked it over last night, and you know they have been praying about it, and..."

        "And?" Wealthy clasped Millie's hand to her heart.

        "We're moving...to...to...Pleasant Plains, Indiana."

        "The frontier!" Wealthy gasped, sinking back on the couch.' (excerpt from Chapter One)

 

Meet Millie Keith, a bright and energetic twelve-year-old living in the charming town of  Lansdale, Ohio, in 1833. Her world is about to be turned upside down when her Pappa announces that he is moving the family west to an undeveloped town on the frontier. The eldest daughter of eight lively children, Millie must shoulder responsibility for her mischievous brothers and sisters on the perilous journey and learn to trust God for her uncertain future. Will her Christian faith sustain her as she leaves behind friendships and everything she has ever known?

 

Millie's Unsettled Season is the opening chapter, the first glimpse of Millie's world that we get. Millie's father and mother, Stuart and Marcia, decide to move their family from charming Lansdale, Ohio to Indiana (it's for the best, really). ;) Devastated, Millie is forced to leave behind her beloved house and neighborhood, her friends, and a life of ease and comfort to take the long, grueling trip to an undeveloped town on the frontier - Pleasant Plains.

 

I loved the story of their journey, and I love the way her family interacts, especially the twins, Cyril and Don. They are so mischievous and funny! Honestly, all the times they made me smile or laugh... Cyril is actually one of my favorite characters of the whole series! If you read the books, you'd know why! His story was so awesome and fun! I could almost tear up just thinking about it... ;)

 

It was fun being introduced to a new town right along side Millie. She bravely faced the hardships of finding new friends, meeting and helping Indians, and just adapting to living life in a harsh, unforgiving environment - an environment where there are epidemics about every year, and life can get hard and frustrating. As always, though, there are the charms that make Pleasant Plains a wonderful place to live - such as the wonderful, absolutely superb cast mem-, er...townspeople who also call Pleasant Plains their home, and the vast, beautiful landscape!  

 

The whole story was an interesting and good opening. It was a fantastic novel! It was a delightful, informative look into the strength it took to endure life on the frontier. You really learn a lot about the Victorian era and the Western frontier without even realizing it! Wonderful. Highly recommended! 

Introduction to the A Life of Faith Book Series!

The A Life of Faith series - Millie Keith, Elsie Dinsmore, and Violet Travilla - written by Martha Finley, have been a big part of my life for years. They are stories of young ladies of the Victorian era who each faced struggles and hard times of their own, but each with the same, strong faith.

Elsie grew up most of her childhood father and motherless, as her father finished college and traveled abroad and her mother  had passed away when she was only a baby. She lived in the home of her hard, bitter grandfather and his unkind wife, with only her nursemaid to guide her through life.

Millie had to leave a life filled with friends and wealth behind in Ohio when her father decided to move his family to a rough, undeveloped frontier town - Pleasant Plains, Indiana - where they suffered hot summers and epidemics.

Violet grew up in a wealthy neighborhood with a large family and all the happiness in the world. But she then has to face her father passing away, the threatening trials of running a mission house in a notorious neighborhood, and many other trying times. Why are these books so dear to me?

The characters. The faith that each book portrays. The excitement that each book brings. The settings and time period. I adore this series. I've fallen in love with so many of the characters - Millie Keith, Violet Travilla, Edward Travilla, Horace Dinsmore Jr., Zoe Love, Cyril Keith, Ed Travilla, Gordon Lightcap, Walter Dinsmore, Charles Landreth, Marcus Darius Raymond, Wealthy Stanhope, and so, so many more! All of the stories interweaved into all of the books make them riveting, exciting, and fun. There's action, adventure, humor, tear-jerking moments...

These books are incredible. They are Christ-centered, have perfectly sweet (yet clean) romance, and faith-trying struggles that each character faces in their life. They are perfect for girls trying to find Godly books that are gripping and fun. Suffice to say, I own all 24 books, and I love them!

After now having introduced you my beloved A Life of Faith series, I will be doing a series of book reviews for each of the Millie, Violet, and Elsie novels, starting with the Millie Keith series.

Keep a good lookout! Coming soon...

Favorite Secondary Characters

Some of my favorite characters are secondary - the ones who are always in the background, who most often never get their own story. Secondary characters are what make a good story a great one. 

Here are some of my favorite secondary fictional characters (from books):

 

Edmund Burke

From: The Boy Colonel: A Soldier Without a Name, and Secret of the Lost Settlement: The Duty of Warriors by John J. Horn.

Why: Edmund was such a fun character. He was a good (awesome, actually) friend to Nobody - in everyday life, in battle, and in the hard times. Edmund's the type of friend that would go to the ends of the earth for you. He's incredibly brave. He was also hilariously similar to Peterkin Gay from The Coral Island - they are kindred spirits. And if I love Peterkin, then I love Edmund. But instead of talking to a cat (like Peterkin did), Edmund decided to talk to a candle...similar, indeed. ;)

Cyril Keith

From: All eight of the books in the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series, and Violet's Amazing Summer by Martha Finley.

Why: Honestly, when I thought of mentioning Cyril in this post, I went with it. His story was so incredibly wonderful. So touching. His turnaround was so sweet. And, of course, I loved him as the young, mischievous boy that he was throughout most of the Millie books. I wish that we would've been given a bit more to his story (I want to know if he married- Well, I can't tell you who...what kind of blogger would I be if I did?), but we know he turned out pretty good. :) He was really fun to have around (and humorous), and, for some reason, he was always my favorite of Millie's many siblings.

Zoe Love

From: All of the A Life of Faith: Violet Travilla books after book one by Martha Finley.

Why: She's sweet, independent, totally perfect for Eddie, and remarkably wise beyond her years. Zoe is a wonderful friend to Vi, and her story leading up to (a certain happening I shan't mention) was fascinating.

Charles Landreth

From: Millie's Remarkable Journey, Millie's Faithful Heart, Millie's Steadfast Love, Millie's Grand Adventure, and every book after by Martha Finley.

Why: Charles was such a gentleman. He was also loads of fun. I loved having him around throughout some of the Millie books. I loved his humorous ways of trying to win Millie's heart. But he was also caring, charming, and gallant, willing to sacrifice his place in the South to help Millie. And if it weren't for Charles's dear friend, Otis Lochneer, things would have gone smoothly - or would they have?

I could go on and on, and mention secondary characters such as Patrick O'Malley, Gordon Lightcap, Jackson Spivy, Horace Dinsmore Jr., Trip Dinsmore, Edward Travilla, Frank Osborne, Pacarina Garnica, and, well, a whole lot of others...but I'll spare you.

Or maybe I'll just save them for another post...

Who are some of your favorite secondary characters?