“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

I believe C.S. Lewis is fundamentally right in the same way I believe Paula Dean loves butter. Of course, I’m not too old to set another goal Clive—I’m simply too tired to aspire right now. Rae’s ahead of me, once again. I’m liable to steal her first two resolutions when I begin mine on the Chinese New Year. Yep, that’s right, I’m going to hunker down with big resolve when the lunar calendar begins this year on Friday, February 16th. It’s the Year of the Dog, which is what I’m going to work like. I too need a win. In the meantime, here are my top picks from 2017, the year of the rooster.

MY TOP THREE

I ended 2017 with a bang of a book: The Baker’s Secret. Stephen P. Kiernan took me to an otherwise sleepy Normandy village on the coast of France during World War II. That’s where I met twenty-two-year old Emma, a gifted baker tasked with making baguettes daily for the occupying army. Her story of survival is impressive. Emma’s covert service to her neighbors and overall selflessness is 100% inspiring. I love a strong heroine. Author Mary Morris shared this observation about Kiernan’s latest: “I’m not sure I’ve ever read a novel that so poignantly depicts the brevity of life, the significance of each moment, the impact we have on one another.”

Rae and I can’t stop clamoring over Pino Lella. If you read Sullivan’s story inspired by true events, you’re bound to gush too. Beneath A Scarlet Sky tops both our lists with good reason.

All these months later and I’m still so glad I got to know Ona Vitkus. It’s hard to resist books that revolve around unlikely but memorable friendships. You can read more about Ona in my post if you’re still on the fence.

Like Rae, I want to thank you for allowing us to share the beautiful pages with you. Here, here—to a new year with new reads and more books, glorious books.