Last week for backlist book picks I shared two memoirs that I loved. It is no secret that we love nonfiction and we love to encourage others to read nonfiction. But we also read and love fiction.
Today for backlist books I am sharing two fiction books that I really enjoyed. Both books were published in 2011, so they are definitely backlist books that many people have forgotten about.
I am picky when it comes to my fiction. I like it to be historically accurate. I like it to have great writing and a thought provoking story.
I also like clean fiction. So much fiction is PG-13 or worse. Both of these books are what I would consider clean fiction with a great story and a great writing, which is why I really enjoyed them.
I would love to hear your thoughts if you have read either of these. Or if you have read other books by these authors what are your favorites?
The Heart Mender
The Heart Mender was one of my favorite books for 2017. It is a story of life, loss, and reconciliation, that reminds us of the power of love and forgiveness. This WWII story is unlike any other that I have read. It is about the Gulf Coast during WWII which makes this story even more fascinating. After reading this book, I instantly wanted to learn more about the Gulf Coast and WWII.
The Scent of Water
The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge is the first book by Elizabeth Goudge that I have read and I can’t wait to read more by her. I have heard so many people say that they love her style of writing, so when I found The Scent of Water at a used book store on vacation I knew I had to buy it. It ended up being the perfect vacation read. I read it in one day. It loved it. Can I just say that the picture at the top of the post makes me I wish I was on the Oregon coast vacationing like I was last summer when I read this book…
I don’t know how else to describe this besides to say that it is a charming story set in a rural English village. The author deals with difficult issues in an unexpected but well done way. Her writing and description of characters and place is great. It draws you into the characters lives and story.
I loved The Scent of Water. So many beautiful passages.
From Cousin Mary’s diary: “It may take me my lifetime to know the vileness of my own sin, and perhaps not even then, perhaps not till later, but until I do know I will not know God.”
“What is the scent of water?”
“Renewal. The goodness of God coming down like dew.”
Lovely. I, too, am looking forward to reading more of Goudge’s books.
I agree. Her writing is so good! I am not a huge rereader but I can definitely see myself reading The Scent of Water again in a few years. It is one I could read again for sure.