Welcome to the BOOKS section of Something Splendid! I love love love reading. I especially enjoy historical fiction and rom coms. Unsurprisingly, I also like to read historical romance. Occasionally I branch out from these types of books, especially if I have a strong recommendation from a friend.
Find book-related posts here. These posts might be a review of a book or series, a description of a study around a given book, or a feature of an author. I also enjoy preparing discussion questions to use for personal study, with a friend, or with a book club.
Book-related posts:
featured authors:
- author Laura Frantz: rich history, captivating romance, and inspiring faith
- author Annah Conwell: read, swoon repeat
- author Christina Dudley: delightful historical romance
- authors Jenny Proctor and Emma St. Clair: romance magic that’s sweet, swoony, and laugh-out-loud
- author Kristin Harmel: captivating historical fiction
- author recommendations in historical romance (sweet and clean)
- featured author: Kristin Hannah
- featured author: Rebecca Connolly
- featured author: Dana LeCheminant
historical fiction:
- The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel: five stars!
- The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner: five stars!
- books that shaped my year (2025)
- The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel: five stars!
- The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar: five stars!
- Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict: five stars!
- The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn: a five-star masterpiece!
- The Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull: historical fiction spotlight
- Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris: five stars!
- Three Sisters by Heather Morris: five stars!
- The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel: five stars!
- author Kristin Harmel: captivating historical fiction
- The Dutch Wife by Ellen Keith: survival, sacrifice, and secrets
- book review: Under the Cover of Mercy
- book review: A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice
- featured author: Kristin Hannah
- book review: The Women
- book review: Hidden Yellow Stars
historical romance:
- books that shaped my year (2025)
- author Laura Frantz: rich history, captivating romance, and inspiring faith
- author Christina Dudley: delightful historical romance
- author recommendations in historical romance (sweet and clean)
- a delightful adaptation of the classic novel North and South
- the best holiday romance books for comfy and cozy reading (contains recommendations of several multi-author historical romance holiday series)
sweet romantic comedies:
- the Tate Brothers series by Deb Goodman: charm, courage, and second chances
- books that shaped my year (2025)
- author Annah Conwell: read, swoon repeat
- authors Jenny Proctor and Emma St. Clair: romance magic that’s sweet, swoony, and laugh-out-loud
- Hail Marry by Martha Keyes: grumpy-sunshine perfection!
- the best holiday romance books for comfy and cozy reading
- featured author: Dana LeCheminant
- book review: She Likes It, Hey Michah
- book review: The Chad Next Door
- book review: Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs
- book review: Houston, We Have a Problem
fiction:
nonfiction:
- books that shaped my year (2025)
- The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin: five stars!
- 4 best devotional books: grounded and growing
- How to Know a Person by David Brooks: five stars!
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: five stars!
- blessings from brokenness: insights from Draw Near by Hadassah Treu
book club resources:
- Reese’s book club: what an adventure!
- books Oprah loves (and you will too!)
- book club list: a year of excellent reading
- An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: book club discussion
- book club books
- The Mystic Jesus by Marianne Williamson: book club discussion
Fondly,
Crysti
