43 Audiobooks I Listened to in December 2023

The book titles in bold are those I’d recommend…

The Christmas Pig by JK Rowling- This was a fun story about toys and lost things. I enjoyed the witty puns throughout as J.K. Rowling added many items we mention we have “lost” in life such as a lost voice, lost hope, etc. Some reviews have said it is not for kids because of the divorce situation. I did not feel like that was too heavy. Many, many kids are part of a divorced family or know someone who is; an additional perspective is good for sympathy, compassion, and empathy.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens- I listened to this last Christmas and I may keep it a tradition. The audiobook read by Hugh Grant is fantastic. I loved this book.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry- This was one of my favorite books in Jr. High school. It was nice to listen to it again. It’s a great entrance into the difficult and saddening subject of WWII.
Make Your Bed Book by Admiral William H. As someone who doesn’t always make the bed, I was hesitant to listen to this book but it had great reviews, so I gave it a try. He doesn’t push making your bed too much and instead focuses on lessons he learned in the military. It was exciting and well-written. I have put his other books on the hold list.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle- I have read this multiple times growing up and it was a fun re-read. I love the story and the message. It’s a great book.
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman- This is another re-read. I haven’t listened to/read the five love languages for quite some time. But it is a great book and has helped in my life. To realize that my husband, children, and I do not share the same love language and to seek to find out how best to show them love is a great way to strengthen relationships.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho- This was another re-read and is a great classic.
Dare Greatly by Brené Brown- I just love Brené Brown. I think she is a powerful force for good in the world. I’ve read many of her books and listened to her TED talks and many of her YouTube videos. Each time I listen to her, I feel validated, encouraged, and inspired to become a better person, wife, and parent.
Christmas at the Gingerbread Inn by Michelle Stimpson- This is a romance about two people who reunite after many, many years. I enjoyed it as a Christmas romance. It was cute, had good character development, and was clean. It was a great read.
The Christmas Star by Kate Forster- This was a fun Christmas romance that is clean. The plot was a twist of a few common Christmas plots.
The Upside Down Christmas by Kate Forster- This was a cute Christmas romance however, I did like Kate Forster’s “The Christmas Star” better.
The Best Worst Christmas by Kate Forster- This was my least favorite of the three Christmas romances I listened to by Kate Forster this month. It had some swearing and just was too negative and grouchy for my taste.
Snobbery with Violence by MC Beaton- This was a great book by MC Beaton. The plot and character development were well done. It is a four-book series.
Hasty Death by MC Beaton- The second book in the four-book series. These are murder mysteries that the main characters help to solve with a romance woven into the plot.
Sick of Shadows by MC Beaton- Captain Harry Cathcart and Lady Rose Summer have entered into an engagement of convenience so Rose can avoid being sent to India
Our Lady of Pain by MC Beaton- This was a sequel. I enjoyed how it progressed and ended.
Defiant by Brandon Sanderson- This is a sequel to the Skyward series. While good, it wasn’t my favorite installment. I really cannot believe I’m not writing in bold for the title of a Brandon Sanderson book, but this one just fell flat for me.
Live Not by Lies by Rod Dreher- This inspiring book about standing up for freedom. I was inspired by many examples Rod Dreher uses in the book. So many strong people have fought the fight for freedom (personal, religious, etc.). I hope I can do my part in life to support proper laws and leaders.The rest of the books listed are written by Agatha Christie; most are short stories, and some are long. They were engaging, great, and fun to listen to.
The Affair at the Victory Ball by Agatha Christie
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan by Agatha Christie
The King of Clubs by Agatha Christie
The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim by Agatha Christie
The Plymouth Express by Agatha Christie
The Adventure of “The Western Star” by Agatha Christie
The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor by Agatha Christie
The Kidnapped Prime Minister by Agatha Christie
The Million Dollar Bond Robbery by Agatha Christie
The Adventure of the Cheap Flat by Agatha Christie
The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge by Agatha Christie
The Chocolate Box by Agatha Christie
The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb by Agatha Christie
The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly by Agatha Christie
The Market Basing Mystery by Agatha Christie
The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman by Agatha Christie
The Case of the Missing Will by Agatha Christie
The Incredible Theft by Agatha Christie
The Adventure of the Clapham Cook by Agatha Christie
The Lost Mine by Agatha Christie
The Cornish Mystery by Agatha Christie
The Double Clue by Agatha Christie
The Theft of the Royal Ruby by Agatha Christie
The Lemesurier Inheritance by Agatha Christie
The Under Dog by Agatha Christie