Friday Book Round-Up kicks off 2019 with five must-read books to read while staying warm! #amreading

Welcome to this week’s edition of Friday Book Round-Up. Happy New Year, readers! It’s a new year with an unlimited number of books to read. Over on Goodreads, I signed up for the 2019 reading challenge. I pledged to read 1400 books. I know it may seem steep but to be fair, Mr. N and I read 1501 books last year. I’ve started the year slow but am currently reading quite a few books at the same time.

January reading always brings a scene of snuggling under a warm blanket next to a roaring fire in the fireplace with a book while it’s snowing outside. With the snuggling in mind, here are five of my all-time favorite books to read in January:

Holy Cow! by Harry Caray

Writing with Chicago Tribune sports columnist Verdi, Harry Caray recaps his decades in the booth, paying special attention to the owners he has dealt with, particularly Gussie Busch, Charley Finley and Bill Veeck. He also explains his philosophy of success in the booth, which is to think of himself primarily as a fan explaining the game to his fellow fans and pointing out players' failures as well as strengths. In this memoir, he recalls players he has admired, beginning with his all-time favorite, Stan Musial, and including Reggie Jackson, Richie Allen, and Ryne Sandberg.

The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes tales are rightly ranked among the seminal works of mystery and detective fiction. The splendid illustrations in this collection more than befit that classic status. Included are all four full-length Holmes novels and more than forty short masterpieces—from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes to The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes and more. At the center of each stands the iconic figure of Holmes—brilliant, eccentric, and capable of amazing feats of deductive reasoning. By his side is Dr. John Watson, his steadfast assistant and our trusty narrator.

The Lost Order: A Novel (Cotton Malone Book 12) by Steve Berry

The Knights of the Golden Circle was the largest and most dangerous clandestine organization in American history. It amassed billions in stolen gold and silver, all buried in hidden caches across the United States. Since 1865 treasure hunters have searched, but little of that immense wealth has ever been found.

Now, one hundred and sixty years later, two factions of what remains of the Knights of the Golden Circle want that lost treasure—one to spend it for their own ends, the other to preserve it.

Thrust into this battle is former Justice Department agent Cotton Malone, whose connection to the knights is far deeper than he ever imagined. At the center is the Smithsonian Institution—linked to the knights, its treasure, and Malone himself through an ancestor, a Confederate spy named Angus “Cotton” Adams, whose story holds the key to everything. Complicating matters are the political ambitions of a reckless Speaker of the House and the bitter widow of a United States Senator, who together are planning radical changes to the country. And while Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt face the past, ex-president Danny Daniels and Stephanie Nelle confront a new and unexpected challenge, a threat that may cost one of them their life.

From the backrooms of the Smithsonian to the deepest woods in rural Arkansas, and finally up into the rugged mountains of northern New Mexico, The Lost Order by Steve Berry is a perilous adventure into our country’s dark past, and a potentially even darker future.

The Artist's Way: 25th Anniversary Edition by Julia Cameron

"Without The Artist's Way, there would have been no Eat, Pray, Love.” —Elizabeth Gilbert

The Artist’s Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist’s life. Still as vital today—or perhaps even more so—than it was when it was first published twenty five years ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. Julia Cameron reflects upon the impact of The Artist’s Way and shares additional insights into the creative process that she has gained. Updated and expanded, this anniversary edition reframes The Artist’s Way for today's creatives.

The Unusual Story of the Silent Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Emma Linfield

New beginnings hurt, but sometimes they are worth every teardrop...

Strange things come with the storm, things that can change one's life forever. On just such a dark night, a mysterious voiceless girl arrives at the doorstep of the powerful Duke of Rutland, Neil Arnold. Thanks to her, his gloomy soul will see its first sunny days after a very long time.

Her silence, though, hides secrets, and whatever evil force made her run for her life that dreadful stormy night is coming after her...

The Duke, while still trying to find his way back to happiness, will have to find the strength to protect not only the mysterious stranger that stole his heart but also his innocent daughter. He can't afford to lose the ones he loves for the second time. But the danger is resting closer than he thinks as no one can be trusted.

*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then The Unusual Story of the Silent Duchess is the novel for you.

Emma Linfield's 7th book is a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Pick up "The Unusual Story of the Silent Duchess" today to discover Emma's new amazing story!

Have you a book recommendation to kick start 2019? Share in the comments below and don’t forget to share using the buttons below.

MRS N, Book Addict