{"id":11132,"date":"2024-11-15T09:57:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T15:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/?p=11132"},"modified":"2025-05-14T16:53:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T21:53:51","slug":"2024-book-recommendations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/2024-book-recommendations\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 Book Recommendations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All_The_Books_I_Read_In_2024\"><\/span>All The Books I Read In 2024<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6986d1c6b5bc7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6986d1c6b5bc7\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/2024-book-recommendations\/#All_The_Books_I_Read_In_2024\" >All The Books I Read In 2024<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/2024-book-recommendations\/#Number_of_Books_Read\" >Number of Books Read<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/2024-book-recommendations\/#Nonfiction_Books_Read_in_2024\" >Nonfiction Books Read in 2024<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/2024-book-recommendations\/#Fiction_Books_Read_in_2024\" >Fiction Books Read in 2024<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-anchor-fm-inc wp-block-embed-anchor-fm-inc wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"208: 2024 Book Report and Recommendations by Spiritually Inspired: Manifesting, Mindfulness, And Magic\" src=\"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/spiritually-inspired\/embed\/episodes\/208-2024-Book-Report-and-Recommendations-e2qqb6v#?secret=UHt2GwxZ1q\" data-secret=\"UHt2GwxZ1q\" height=\"102px\" width=\"400px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s time for my FAVORITE post of the whole year!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>A total roundup of all the books I\u2019ve read over the last twelve months, whether I loved them or not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This has become an annual tradition on the podcast. It\u2019s become kind of cathartic for me because part of my soul just needs to go on a long, uninterrupted spiel about the books that have entered my life most recently.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>And trust me, I spare you the BULK of the thoughts I have about each book for the sake of avoiding spoilers. But just know that I have many MANY more things to say about each of these books and if you ever decide to read them, make sure to message me so we can actually talk about the details!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I feel like this is the post that no one asks for but most people seem to enjoy it. And honestly it\u2019s the type of episode that I create for the pure joy and love of books. It makes my heart happy and I hope if you choose to read that you\u2019ll walk away with many awesome recommendations to add to those never-ending TO BE READ lists.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This will probably be a long one so let\u2019s just get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/manifesting\/\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics-.png\" alt=\"Your FREE Manifesting Bundle is available now! Get a manifesting masterclass, ebook, and 30 day Law of Attraction workbook when you sign up.\" class=\"wp-image-10762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics-.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics--300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics--1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics--150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics--768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics--500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics--800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics--600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/advertising-graphics--100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Number_of_Books_Read\"><\/span>Number of Books Read<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>At the start of 2024, I was pregnant and at max capacity. I had terrible pregnancy brain and had very little energy for reading. Even audiobooks took too much out of me. So I read very little until the second half of the year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I don\u2019t set \u201creading goals\u201d so I wasn\u2019t super concerned about reaching a particular number. But I will say my heart ached for a fantastic story and I could tell that there was just a little less magic in my life. That little break from reading definitely reminded me why I love books so much.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The grand total of books read this year is *drum roll* 35!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>23 novels&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>12 nonfiction&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s a pretty big number considering I didn\u2019t really start reading until the summer. And as I\u2019m writing this, I have plans to read at least one Christmas themed novel to be festive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also at least 10 books that I started reading and didn\u2019t finish\u2013because life is too short to force yourself to read books you\u2019re not enjoying!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Now comes the part where I start listing the books. And not in any particular order because I didn\u2019t organize my massive book tracking spreadsheet in the order that I have read them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>The titles on this list are all affiliate links that will take you directly to the book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready? LET\u2019S DO THIS.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.buymeacoffee.com\/sararae\/membership\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/become-a-member-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/become-a-member-2.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/become-a-member-2-500x262.png 500w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/become-a-member-2-800x419.png 800w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/become-a-member-2-600x314.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nonfiction_Books_Read_in_2024\"><\/span>Nonfiction Books Read in 2024<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3USZTZf\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Relaxed Author by Joanna Penn<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>These first two nonfiction books of 2024 were actually rereads. I remember that I did read these in January because that\u2019s the time of year I always feel like I need a refresher on my career goals at the start of the year. And one of my biggest career focuses is writing and publishing more books! I\u2019ve already self published a few that I am very proud of. And I intend to keep that goal through 2025 and beyond. Which should be much easier now that I\u2019m not pregnant and done having babies!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyway the Relaxed Author, just like all of Joanna Penn\u2019s work, is a wonderful motivator if you have any aspirations at all to write books like me. Whether or not you make a business out of it, I definitely recommend this one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YTH89k\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How To Market A Book by Joanna Penn<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Now if you do want to make a business out of writing books like myself, then this book is amazing. I\u2019ve read it before and I revisited it again this year. It\u2019s very simple, easy to understand, and makes the whole idea of advertising books you\u2019ve written much less intimidating. So again, if you do have aspirations of making money as an author, check out any of the books or podcasts by Joanna Penn.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4fFqMIs\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Creation Frequency by Mike Murphy<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This one was okay. I honestly forgot I even read it. Which is why I keep massive lists of what I\u2019m reading. Once I remembered this one, it made me realize that I am probably going to try stepping out of my nonfiction book bubble. For at least the last decade, most nonfiction books I\u2019ve read were along these lines. And this book was short so I read it one sitting, but there was virtually no new information. If you\u2019re new to spirituality and energy perhaps you\u2019d find this one revolutionary. But for me, I realized I want to find something a bit more advanced for my own reading so I can continue learning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4hNVrVI\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>So with that being said, I then reached for this book which was exactly what I needed at the time. Another short and sweet read but quite profound. I picked this one up at the library and instantly remembered that it\u2019s been on my TO BE READ list for a long time. Then it found me right when I needed it. This was one of a small handful of books I read while I was pregnant with my son Brock. It was light enough that it didn\u2019t rack my brain but also profound enough to leave me thinking a lot afterwards. I renewed it a few times before finally returning it to the library. I think any regular listener to this podcast would find value in this one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Z5kAnt\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England&#8217;s Kings and Queens by David Mitchell<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the few other books I read while pregnant earlier this year. And it convinced me that I need to read many more history books written by comedians! First of all, David Mitchell is hilarious and very well articulated. He is a quintessential British man writing about his own country\u2019s history. It was indeed ridiculous and funny while also being quite insightful. I discovered this book while listening to my personal favorite podcast titled You\u2019re Dead To Me by BBC Radio 4. Both are the exact intersection of comedy and history that I adore.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/sessions\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics--300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics--1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics--150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics--768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics--500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics--800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics--600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics--100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3CuoSfi\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande, Robert Petkoff<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This one wasn\u2019t nearly as funny but just as insightful. If not more. It was all about aging with grace and focusing on what matters as you get older. Many elderly people are expected to live out their lives in a certain way that isn\u2019t good for their personalities, their needs, or their preferences. It was kind of a grim topic discussed in a nonjudgmental way. It definitely made me rethink what I\u2019m \u201csupposed\u201d to do as I get older, especially having parents who are retired. It made me rethink what I can do to support them too as they enjoy their golden years. This one was good, although it might be slightly triggering for some.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/40QokdI\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This one was okay. Not super remarkable in my opinion but I did enjoy it. It had a lot of great little tidbits that I thought were helpful. But overall I didn\u2019t get nearly as much out of it as I thought I would. Maybe it just didn\u2019t quite resonate with me because of where I am in my life now. I felt like it was validating because I already figured out a lot of the revelations the author was writing about. But with that came not a lot of new information for me. Maybe you\u2019d enjoy it if you feel like you have no idea what you want to do with your life?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4fQDa8b\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran, Michael Lennington<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This one I revisited a few times this year. It was a quick read and definitely very actionable which I highly appreciate. I already planned my work year in quarters (or 12 weeks) and this book gave me so much more to work with within that time frame. If you\u2019re a business owner or just building a career, or simply trying to make the most of your time throughout the year, I recommend this one. It makes achieving goals so much better. And a lot of the goal achieving concepts I talk about alongside manifesting is discussed in this book so I think it supports my personal beliefs really well. So if you resonate with that on this podcast then you\u2019ll probably resonate with this one too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YQdjXd\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Creating Superfans by Brittany Hodak<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Another book I\u2019d recommend if you are entrepreneurial in any way. I thought this book was quite refreshing in this particular niche. I appreciated her chit-chatty style and it sparked a bit of inspiration to rethink how I do things online. She also laid things out in convenient steps and bulleted lists which I absolutely need when it comes to any sort of information that needs to be implemented. She also has a nice email newsletter that I enjoy reading each month.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"10\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Z88WYY\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Amazon Keywords for Books: How to Use Keywords for Better Discovery on Amazon by Dale L. Roberts<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This book was pretty good. It was actually three books in one. Dale is another author like Joanna Penn that I follow because I want to build a career as an author. If you do too, follow Dale! He\u2019s great and makes everything very simple and actionable. I read this book because I wanted to make sure the books I\u2019ve already self published were doing the best they can. And I can definitely say I saw a difference in my sales when I implemented these strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"11\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4eEWcOc\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">I&#8217;m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette Mccurdy<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay this one and the next one made me realize that I really enjoy reading memoirs. This book was incredible, heart wrenching, and relatable in so many ways. Jeanette Mccurdy is the actress who played Sam on iCarly if you remember that show. She was also Sam on Sam and Cat which I never watched but she wrote about extensively in her memoir. She talked about her struggles with alcohol addiction, anorexia, and dealing with her horribly narcissistic mother along the way. I recommend it for all who love to hear real raw stories of women who overcome generational trauma.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"12\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4fLBY6a\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Pilgrimage by JF Penn<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This is also a memoir, and has convinced me to add \u201cpilgrimage\u201d to my travel bucket lists. I have always been interested in hiking, but pilgrimage is more than hiking. And I have never really considered what the differences were until I read this book. The author is again Joanna Penn, and she wrote about her struggles with depression, menopause, and being incredibly sick and how taking three ancient pilgrimages changed her life. Very inspiring and beautiful. I hope I can go on a pilgrimage or two one day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/blog-featured-images-1000x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11163\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fiction_Books_Read_in_2024\"><\/span>Fiction Books Read in 2024<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4hLK0h7\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Siege (Guardians of Ga&#8217;hoole Series #3) by Kathryn Lasky<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This series is about a race of owls that have to overcome a shadow government, essentially. It\u2019s good for kids who enjoy fantasy for sure,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you guys remember this series from when we were adolescents? It\u2019s my husband\u2019s favorite book series, there\u2019s probably a dozen or so books in it. And I\u2019ve now read the first three. I don\u2019t know if I will keep going with them honestly. I didn\u2019t dislike them, I just kind of forgot about them. I got caught up with wanting to read other books. Maybe I\u2019ll keep going some time in the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4er1vk0\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Book Thief by Markus Zusak<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>A young girl is growing up with her foster family and her best friend in Nazi Germany as she comes to terms with the harsh realities of war.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a classic book that I\u2019m sure many of you have read. It wasn\u2019t quite what I was expecting, because I like to go into books completely blind. I prefer knowing almost nothing about the story I\u2019m about to read so I can really enjoy the ride. For this one, I only knew it took place in Germany during the second world war and followed a girl who loved books.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>And while that was true, I wasn\u2019t expecting Death to be the narrator, or for the extremely heavy ending. But it was pretty good overall. The movie did not do it justice at all. The book was much better. If you like historical fiction like me, you\u2019ll like this one for sure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3USdSyL\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Howl&#8217;s Moving Castle (Howl&#8217;s Moving Castle Series #1) by Diana Wynne Jones<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>A young woman who is resigned to a quiet life is cursed by a witch and must break the spell with a wizard and his companions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I went on a kick of reading books because I wanted to watch the movies. I really wanted to watch Howl\u2019s Moving Castle, but then I learned it was a book first and I just had to read it. And let me tell you, it was SO cute and charming and delightful. I absolutely adored it. I wasn\u2019t expecting it to be as enjoyable as it was. Imagine my excitement when I learned it was a trilogy too!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>The movie was good too, by the way. Stunning animation. But I\u2019ll say that it deviates from the book quite a bit so I probably didn\u2019t need to wait to watch it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/product\/manifest-on-purpose\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1.png\" alt=\"Break through your manifesting ceiling, again and again with a\u00a0flexible manifesting roadmap tailored to your specific intentions, intuitive gifts, and healing journey.\" class=\"wp-image-11013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/advertising-graphics-1-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YMwD7T\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Castle In The Air by Diana Wynne Jones<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>A young carpet salesman who daydreams a lot acquires a magic carpet that takes him to meet the love of his life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>The second book of the Howl\u2019s Moving Castle series. In this one, we follow a completely different character. He was just as intriguing as Howl in the first book, even though we don\u2019t see Howl or the moving castle again for a while despite the book\u2019s title.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I enjoyed this book but out of the three, I would rank it third. But I definitely think you should read both of these books JUST so you can read the next one, which lives on in my heart because I enjoyed it so much.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3UWQEr5\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>A sheltered young woman begins to house-sit her great-uncle\u2019s labyrinth house filled with magic while also taking on a personal assignment from the King.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;THIS book was sooooo wonderful. I absolutely loved it. I have a really positive association with it, sitting under my deck umbrella in the middle of summer rocking my brand new baby while listening to this story. Even without that positive association I still adored this story. It was just as charming and delightful as the first in this trilogy. Along with tons of character growth from the main character which is my favorite thing to see in a story. I might reread this one soon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4hIATxX\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">My Sister&#8217;s Keeper by Jodi Picoult<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>A 13 year old girl sues her own parents for medical emancipation so she wouldn\u2019t have to be her sister\u2019s donor anymore, even though that means she\u2019ll likely die of cancer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Another book I picked up because I wanted to watch the movie. After crying at the end of the book, I decided <em>not<\/em> to <em>ever<\/em> watch the movie. I literally don\u2019t think I\u2019m strong enough to watch that movie. It was such a good story all along until a crazy twist right at the end that I did <em>not <\/em>see coming that absolutely wrecked me. I didn\u2019t read for multiple weeks after this one. So if you love soap opera drama-type stories that make you ugly cry, you\u2019ll like this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3UPcBsb\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Stone of Fire (ARKANE series) by JF Penn<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>An Israeli soldier turned Oxford academic has to team up with a secret organization (that specializes in curating powerful religious artifacts) when her sister and niece are kidnapped.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>JF Penn is the same person as Joanna Penn. I feel like every year I read at least a few of her books. She\u2019s got an extensive backlog and now I am finally starting her main thriller series. Although I will say I wish this first book went a little deeper with the characters and the plot line, it&#8217;s clear the focus is actually the adventure not necessarily the development. I\u2019ll keep going with the series to see if I like the rest of them. Even though I wouldn\u2019t say I\u2019m dying to pick up the next one. If you like short, action packed reads with strong female leads then I\u2019d recommend this one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4eujHsZ\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Castle Maneuver (Tournament of Shadows Book 5) by Tilly Wallace<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>The only woman mage in hundreds of years finds herself falsely imprisoned and her magic suppressed, while a conspiracy rages outside the prison walls that threatens England and King George.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>You might recall that my favorite series of all time is called Manners and Monsters. This book is #5 of the prequel series called Tournament of Shadows. I liked this one quite a bit because the overall setting of the story was so much different than any of the other ones. Sera is one of my favorite characters I\u2019ve ever read. I want to be her when I grow up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4eyvWF9\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Mage&#8217;s End Game (Tournament of Shadows Book 6) by Tilly Wallace<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>The conclusion of the story of a young female mage fighting for her right to freedom in Georgian England.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>What I loved about this series is the strong feminist themes, the endless magic, the cozy mystery vibes, and the romance that comes along with the self discovery. I could go on and on about how wonderful all 12 of these books are, but that would be multiple hours worth of a podcast and I won\u2019t rob you of the joy of discovering the themes for yourself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I said it last year and I\u2019ll say it again\u2013someone needs to make a detailed TV show in this story! There\u2019s so much going on and yet it\u2019s easy to follow and lighthearted. If you love fantasy and magic as much as I do, I know you\u2019ll love all of Tilly Wallace\u2019s books.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/34q2SQYYEVOolqlTF7wi9x\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"3000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER.png 3000w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-2048x2048.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-1280x1280.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-1920x1920.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SPIRITUALLY-INSPIRED-PODCAST-COVER-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"10\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/48TLlON\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Secrets to Reveal (Highland Wolves 1) by Tilly Wallace<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of Tilly Wallace, I read even more of her books this year than I normally do!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This Highland Wolves series was so much more awesome than I thought it was going to be. It\u2019s a four part series that is so well written, magical, and takes place between the events of Tournament of Shadows and Manners and Monsters. It doesn\u2019t follow Serafina or her family, but rather a pack of Highland Wolves as they work to prevent an impending magical attack on English soil from the French. All while finding true love and discovering what they\u2019re capable of too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I will warn you, these books are <em>much<\/em> spicier than the other two series in this universe. Manners and Monsters is closed door romance\u2013where the scenes that involve sex fade to black and you as the reader don\u2019t actually see any of the intimacy happening. Tournament of Shadows is somewhere between closed and open door romance\u2013it\u2019s not like you\u2019re reading porn but nothing is really inferred when it comes to the sex scenes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>The Highland Wolves series, however, is a totally open door romance. And let me tell you, I was NOT expecting it! I\u2019m totally okay with it\u2013I\u2019d even say I prefer open door romance that leaves nothing to the imagination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>These four books are very heavy in the spicy romance department. There is still a great plot line that connects all the books, but the romance is the focus. I think if you like supernatural romance with some magic and historical fiction thrown in, you\u2019ll enjoy these ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This first book was a lot of set up, but also quite romantic and also had a \u201cfound family\u201d feel to it. That\u2019s a trope I really enjoy in books, where people come together to form a new family when they didn\u2019t have one before.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"11\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3AJROiK\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Kisses to Steal (Highland Wolves 2) by Tilly Wallace<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This one had the most interesting plot line between the lovers I think. It wasn\u2019t quite enemies to lovers but it was similar in the sense that one person was much more reluctant than the other one so it was a bit of a slow burn.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"12\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4hIbQuG\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Layers to Peel (Highland Wolves 3) by Tilly Wallace<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I think this one was my favorite of the four in this series. It was very romantic and I loved the way the two characters created such an intimate relationship despite the fact that neither one of them ever wanted to have that in the first place. I don\u2019t want to spoil anything but there was an awesome amount of character growth for the couple together and as individuals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"13\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3UON3eQ\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Souls to Heal (Highland Wolves 4) by Tilly Wallace<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This one was the closest to sweet romance out of all of them. And the overarching story came to a head in this one so it definitely focused more on that than any smutty romance. Not that the smut wasn\u2019t there, it just wasn\u2019t most of the book the way the other ones were. So to me, they were the perfect amount of sex and story.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"14\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Z6Apdr\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Piranesi by Susanna Clarke<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay I\u2019ve been really excited to talk about this one. This was probably one of the most interesting and unique books I\u2019ve ever read. The official description is: \u201cPiranesi\u2019s house is no ordinary building. Its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, its walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I normally get really frustrated with books that slowly reveal the truth of the characters and the situation they\u2019re in. This book does just that, but you as the reader know just as much as the narrator, Piranesi does. So it\u2019s not like the narrator is purposefully omitting information. You go together on a journey of literal self discovery in this crazy world that doesn\u2019t make a lot of sense. It\u2019s trippy and I genuinely loved it. Although I will say that I sincerely wish that the antagonist suffered more. I don\u2019t want to spoil it but they got off too easy in my opinion and I just need to say it out loud!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Read this one if you like magic and mysteries and things that are slightly weird.&nbsp; Then message me and tell me your thoughts because I haven\u2019t met anyone else that\u2019s read it and I have many opinions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"15\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3AQZ5xe\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">A Court of Thorns and Roses #1 by Sarah J. Maas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Feyra and her family are nearly starving when she finally kills a faerie wolf in the woods. But then she gets kidnapped and taken to the faerie lands where she\u2019s sentenced to live out the rest of her days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay okay, this series is pretty well known and I\u2019m sure at least some of you listening have read it. I totally loved it. I thought it was a near-perfect series, with plenty of character development and flaws, intense world building, very graphic sex scenes and battle scenes too. If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen me posting in real time about how this entire series swept me away! I don\u2019t normally go after best sellers, but I\u2019m really glad I did with this one because it was awesome all the way through.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This first one in the series took such a wild turn towards the end. And there were so many details and mysteries to uncover that I never felt like there was a lull in the story. It\u2019s the type of story that is best read a few times so you can really soak up all the details. The cast of characters are awesome even if some of them are highly unlikeable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"16\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/40RSmxJ\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">A Court of Mist and Fury #2 by Sarah J. Maas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This one and the last one fight for my favorites in the whole series. This one is beautiful, romantic, heroing, and builds so much story that you can\u2019t help but immediately pick up the next one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs Feya navigates a dark web of politics, passion and power, a greater evil looms.\u201d The way she starts in this book and the way she ends it makes me love this main character. She might not be perfect but I think she is very complex and interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I am definitely going to read this one again. It was super romantic despite the fact that it banks on one of my least favorite romance tropes ever: enemies to lovers. But the way it ends makes up for it! So damn intense and such a cliffhanger that I am very grateful I was able to immediately pick up the next one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"17\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4eNnrpT\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">A Court of Wings and Ruin #3 by Sarah J. Maas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This book was super duper intense as well. And quite bloody too. The battle scenes were just as graphic as the sex scenes. It felt right in the series and this book. There\u2019s so much happening in this book that it took me almost two full weeks to read it. But honestly loved every second of it. It\u2019s so hard to tell you my thoughts on it without spoiling anything! Just know that there\u2019s a massive war and the WOMEN are the reason anyone survives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"18\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4fN7vVs\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">A Court of Frost and Starling #4 by Sarah J. Maas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>What I really liked about this book is that every character reacted normally after some incredibly traumatic events. It\u2019s also a Christmas book\u2013it\u2019s significantly shorter than its predecessor and it takes place over all of their winter solstice celebrations. I loved it, it was such a nice reprieve from the intensity of the first three books.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"19\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3AJ1zOc\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">A Court of Silver Flames #5 by Sarah J. Maas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Let this book be the reason why you read this entire series. This one, and the second one, are the absolute best ones in the entire series. This book might even be one of my favorite novels I read all year. It had everything I love in it\u2013explicit sex scenes, immense character growth, women supporting women, and great twists at the end too. I absolutely loved this one. It shows how anyone can heal no matter how broken they are.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This book follows Feyra\u2019s sister Nesta, probably one of the absolutely worst characters ever written. She\u2019s bratty, entitled, cold, mean, and so much more. But she\u2019s eventually forced into a situation where she must improve her life or leave everything and everyone behind. This book is fantastic for book club discussion\u2013the internet has so many opinions on it. I have lots of opinions on it myself, mostly good.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/34q2SQYYEVOolqlTF7wi9x\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SIDEBAR-PHOTOS-3-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"20\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ObiqfO\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Stray Spells (Nine Lives Magic #7) by Danielle Garrett<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3CoS6vW\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Mystic Meow (Nine Lives Magic #8) by Danielle Garrett<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Z7Pzzj\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Catnip Charms (Nine Lives Magic #9) by Danielle Garrett<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>So these three books are part of a much larger series of cozy mysteries that also have overarching stories that connect them all together. And I have a love\/hate relationship with these ones. I\u2019ve read almost all of the books in this series already, despite the fact that I don\u2019t love the relationship between the two main characters. And I don\u2019t typically go after urban fantasies (stories where magic exists in the modern world) but I feel very invested at this point.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>The entire series follows Cora, an air witch who lives in the magical town of Winterspell in the Pacific Northwest. She owns a very successful candle shop where she hand creates illusion candles infused with her magic. She has a cat familiar named Selene who is \u201csassy.\u201d I read the first few in this series because I loved Selene. But now that I\u2019m waist deep in the series, I have to say that Cora and Selene\u2019s relationship is highly toxic and it\u2019s extremely frustrating to read about. Selene is insufferable, yet I keep reading the books. It\u2019s weird but I can\u2019t stop! Would I recommend it? Yeah, maybe, if you like the type of cozy mysteries where everything always conveniently works out for the main characters. Ain\u2019t nothing wrong with that.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"23\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3OctyZQ\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Gates: A Novel by John Connolly<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAn 11-year-old boy, his dachshund and an outcast demon must stop hell on Earth on Halloween night after the hadron collider malfunctions.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>I picked up this one because I wanted to read a Halloween book to get in the mood. I enjoy reading books for the season and this one was not really what I thought it was going to be but I was very pleasantly surprised.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>This one read with the wit of a Neil Gaiman book, and it was very charming and weirdly adorable all throughout. It was a bit predictable, but the more I read the more it became about the style of the story rather than the outcome. I highly recommend this one to anyone who likes bizarre things and coming of age stories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you so much for reading! I\u2019m Sara Rae, your manifesting coach and crystal reiki master, and as you go on your way today, know that I\u2019m sending you an abundance of love, light, and inspiration. Blessed be!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"247\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/new-signature.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5064\"\/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>All The Books I Read In 2024 It\u2019s time for my FAVORITE post of the whole year!&nbsp; A total roundup of all the books I\u2019ve read over the last twelve months, whether I loved them or not.&nbsp; This has become an annual tradition on the podcast. It\u2019s become kind of cathartic for me because part [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11163,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1054],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-11132","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-book-reviews","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11132","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11132"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11309,"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11132\/revisions\/11309"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spirituallyinspired.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}