Book Recap: January 2026

I started the year off with nine books. I enjoyed them all. 

Before We Were Us was the first book I read this year. Three of the four contemporary romances that I read are a complete series: Memory Lane, Rocky Road and Uneasy Street. I loved the entire series very much.

I listened to The Count of Monte Cristo because it was such a HUGE book. I knew I could listen while I did other things and I could speed it up if I wanted to. It was really in-depth that at times it was hard to keep track of all the people and situations. Things all fell into place towards the end of the book. 

The two suspense novels were not from the same series, but they were from the same author. Unexpected Danger and Deadly Secrets kept me on my toes trying to figure out how it would unfold. 

The two historical novels were very different. To Love a Beast was a fun Beauty and the Beast retelling. It is now one of my favorite retellings. Against the Rain is number five in a six-book series that takes place in Alaska. The family dynamics is such a draw for me. Can't wait for book six to come out. 

You can check out my full reviews with their individual posts. And follow me on Goodreads. 

I've got so many wonderful books on my TBR pile, and it just keeps getting bigger. My goal is to read one classic each month that I haven't read or haven't read in a while. I want to read some of the older titles each month along with the newer books and new releases that I can't help but get. I love supporting the authors and gracing my shelves with beautiful books at the same time. I do read a lot on my kindle with KU. It helps me decide what I need to get for my shelves. Honestly, I'd love to be able to get all the books, but I have limited shelf space and funds. That doesn't seem to stop me in MANY cases. 

I can't wait to share with you the books for February! I have a book review I need to write and am in the process of reading two other books.  

As always, 

~A Simple Texas Girl living life on the Jesus Way!