June Reading Recap

I have read 40 books so far this year. That's a pretty good pace, although my nonfiction reading has not been where it usually is. My winter and spring were difficult and I didn't have the mental energy to do too much concentrating on books. By the time I had a change to read, I was too tired and depleted to read nonfiction. But I've picked up the pace the last month and I expect to read a good deal of work-related books this summer.

I read seven books in June. The best book I read last month was Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal. I highly recommend it. I was happy to know there are more books in the series and I plan to read all of them. They were a great blend of history, mystery and a tiny bit of romance. The author has a great way of creating a scene in your head and a time of history that I never experienced felt very real and familiar in her writing. Her character development was well done and while it can be classified as a cozy mystery, it felt much more substantial and richer than the usual cozy. The herione was likeable, smart and down to earth. She didn't do stupid things for no reason and her battles with being a woman in a man's world were relatable and humanizing. I cannot say enough good things about the book.

I continued my way through the Agatha Raisin books via audiobook. Penelope Keith is a great reader and makes Agatha come alive. My favorite Agatha conversation in the last book was:
Lawyer: I can't do anything. I'm not a criminal lawyer. I'm a business lawyer.
Agatha: Well get down here and learn!

I also read Rod Dreher's The Benedict Option. It left me with a lot to think about. I will likely be writing about it in more detail at some point once I've done some thinking about it.

In July, I am eager to read July Hyzy's latest Grace mystery and I'm finally getting around to the latest Spice Shop mystery. And the third book in the "Map of Fates" series comes out this month and I plan to read it in one sitting, as I did the first two in the series.

As for nonfiction, I'm currently re-reading a few books on spiritual formation for something I'm writing. And I plan to start the book "Loving My Actual Life" by Alexandra KuyKendall a little later this month.

What about you? What are you reading? Anything to recommend we read or something we should avoid? Share in the comments!