I’ve been faithfully spending more time reading over the past few years and have found planning out what to read in advance has aided me in completing more books. It has simultaneously caused me to set a number goal of how many to finish, a goal I’ve never met until last year. Shooting a little higher than I did the year prior, I completed 12 books in 2020 and I am just giddy!

So, this year, in an effort to push myself a bit more, I’ve chosen 15 books that I’d like to complete by the end of 2021. This year’s list includes a mix of Historical Fiction, Christian memoirs, and fun beach reads. I already own a couple of these books so I am anxious to get started! Without further ado, here is this year’s list!

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid || This is the only book on my 2020 list that I didn’t get to (I actually had 13 books on my list last year since I was halfway through one going into 2020!) and I’m still so excited to read this one. It is a story of race, privilege, and the complications around being a grown-up set around a mom and blogger, her Black babysitter, and a misunderstanding that unravels a deeper connection between the two.

The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward || I’ll admit, I initially saw the cover of this one and was immediately intrigued. This novel captures the story of the Perkins family who end up on the vacation of a lifetime when the matriarch wins a Mediterranean cruise. They all pack their bags and hope for smooth sailing – oh, did I mention the Perkins children are estranged?

Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren || Okay, maybe I just need a vacation but this one sounds (and looks!) like the perfect beach read! When the entire wedding party, aside from the Maid of Honor and Best Man, gets food poisoning, the two set aside their personal differences for a free vacation. A little white lie ends up spiraling out of control, forcing this maid of honor and best man to play newlyweds… and turns out, she kind of likes it.

Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks || I’ve never met a Nicholas Sparks book that I didn’t like! It has been a few years since I read one of his books, and when I was gifted a copy of this last year, it seemed like the perfect book to add to my list! This New York Times Best Selling love story follows the crossed paths of two strangers – one from Zimbabwe and one from North Carolina – and the difficult decision between family responsibility and personal happiness.

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty || I noticed this book on my mom’s bookshelf a few months ago, not making the connection until recently that it was the same author who wrote Truly, Madly, Guilty, one of my favorite books of 2018! This story follows Cecilia as she finds a letter from her husband, meant for her after he passed away. Except, he is very much alive. And contains his darkest secret. This book is currently sitting on my coffee table out of the corner of my eye, and I’m trying very hard to finish this post and not pick it up right now!

Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist || I loved Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist, so I knew that I had to add this one to my list this year. These collections of essays are rooted in leaving behind the hustle for a simpler way of living – which lines up exactly with my goals this year!!

Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman || Tuesday is the most ordinary day of the week and author Emily Freeman helps readers find contentment in the small moments and learn to breath in a fast-paced world. This is another book that lines up with my goals and I have just come to learn there is a coloring book that goes along with it!

Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons || This is another book that seems to perfectly align with my goals this year! Through testimony and personal stories, Rebakah Lyons shares advice on how to let go of stress and anxiety for peace and purpose in daily life.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah || This book was actually just announced as the Book of the Month on the Today Show’s “Read With Jenna” segment! I actually had another one of Kristin Hannah’s books originally on my list until I saw this one the other day. Based during the Great Depression, and main character Elsa has to make the decision many faced – to fight for her land to leave it in search of better times. I haven’t read much set during this era, aside from American Girl books as a young girl, so I’m excited to bring this chapter of history to life!

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn || I’m on a roll for historical fiction this year! This novel is set after the the second World War, but flashes back thirty years to set the scene for this compelling story about truth and revenge between an American Socialite and an English spy recruited to the Alice Network in France. It has been on multiple best-seller lists, and I’m hoping for some Nancy Drew vibes through this story!

The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda || I’ve already decided – this will be my book for October! Set on the coast of Maine, this novel follows to story of unlikely friends, Sadie and Avery, until Sadie turns up dead. Avery fights to clear her name while the facts get twisted against her. Sounds like the perfect thrilling read to me!

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty || Yes, I realize this story is now a series on HBO but I wanted to read it before I watch it! I also downloaded it on my iPad a while ago, so I figured it was time to see what the fuss is all about! If you aren’t familiar with the plot, basically three women all end up at the same place and someone ends up dead. There are scandals and lies and I’m sure another great book by Liane Moriarty!

American Royals by Katharine McGee || Imagine if America had a royal family! I am a huge fan of The Crown, all things HRH, and America, so it is only natural that I would be attracted to this book. Cheekily planning to read this during the month of our nation’s birth!

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris || I’ve been wanting to read this one as long as I can remember! A concentration camp prisoner is put to work as a tattooist, where he observes the brutality of hatred and acts of bravery and compassion for more than two years. He then mets another prisoner, who he vows to survive and marry her. Seems like a testament of love and humanity amidst the most horrible conditions.

One Day in December by Josie Silver || I read a review that said this is up the same alley as “Love Actually”, so I was immediately sold. It is a heartwarming love story between three people, experiencing multiple chances, and hopefully a happy ending! I can’t think of a better story to close out the year!

I’d love to hear: Have you read any of these books? Would you like to read along side me? Let’s chat! I would love to tackle this list with you!