I grew up in a small town, back when we stayed outside until the streetlights came on and drank water straight from the hose. Looking back, I realize just how much freedom I had.
One of my favorite adventures began when I was about ten years old: riding my bike three-quarters of a mile to our downtown library. It was a small building tucked into a quiet side street, but it held more than enough stories to keep me busy all summer. I was already hooked on “cozy” mysteries like Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Hardy Boys, and Cherry Ames. I’d load three or four books into my bag and pedal home eager to begin reading.
Later, at my Christian high school, we were assigned classics like Pilgrim’s Progress, The Hiding Place, and In His Steps. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate their significance. Instead, a couple of friends and I were more interested in sharing chapters from the novels we were trying to write ourselves.
These days, my reading has come full circle. I still enjoy mystery and suspense series, especially cozy mysteries, often listening to them on audiobook while doing chores, traveling, or winding down before bed. Discovering Agatha Christie opened the door to both classic mysteries and audiobooks, two things I never expected to enjoy as much as I do.
Other classics eventually found their way back in my reading life too. When I included them in our homeschool studies, I read right alongside my son. Stories like Frankenstein, Sherlock Holmes, and To Kill a Mockingbird turned out to be more engaging than I’d imagined.
Welcome to My Reading Life
Looking back, I can see that reading has been woven through every season of my life. While my writing at Crafted by His Grace centers on faith and encouragement for midlife women, books have always been part of that story. Reading has strengthened my faith, inspired creativity, and offered encouragement during difficult seasons.
Mysteries remain my favorite escape—a chance to step into another world filled with adventure, memorable characters, and the satisfying promise that, in the end, justice will prevail.
If you’re a fellow book lover, I’d love to show you around this corner of Crafted by His Grace. Whether you’re looking for your next mystery, rediscovering a classic, or exploring audiobooks, these are some of my favorite places to begin.
Rediscover the Classics
Some stories have endured for generations because they continue to challenge, encourage, and inspire readers today. Whether you missed them in school or are ready to revisit them with fresh eyes, these classic recommendations might surprise you.
Why These 10 Banned Classic Books Still Matter Today —Some of the world’s most influential books have also been among the most challenged. Here’s why many of them still deserve a place on our reading lists.
7 Banned 19th Century Classics Every Woman Should Read —Several of these books were childhood favorites, while others became meaningful discoveries later in life.
Escape with Cozy Mysteries
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a clever mystery with memorable characters, charming settings, and justice served by the final chapter. I’ve gathered several reading lists to help you discover a new series.
Classic Cozy Mystery Series Still Worth Reading Today
These longtime favorites prove that a well-crafted mystery never goes out of style.
6 Historical and Modern Cozy Mystery Series Worth Reading
Whether you enjoy historical settings or contemporary sleuths, these series offer plenty of page-turning adventures.
5 Best Picks for Cozy Mystery Series Set in the 1920s and 1930s
Step back into the Golden Age of mystery with charming settings and unforgettable amateur detectives.
Discover 5 Must-Read Cozy Victorian Mysteries
If you love gas lamps, country estates, and Victorian intrigue, these mysteries are a wonderful place to start.
7 Cozy Mystery Series with Recent Releases
Looking for something newer? These recent releases prove the cozy mystery genre is as strong as ever.
Enjoy Reading with Audiobooks
Audiobooks have transformed the way I experience books, making it easier to fit reading into everyday life while still enjoying great stories.
Unlock Your Reading Potential: A Complete Guide to Audiobooks
New to audiobooks? This guide is the perfect place to start.
6 Wellness Benefits of Listening to Audiobooks
Discover how listening to books can reduce stress, encourage lifelong learning, and make everyday routines more enjoyable.
Why Audiobooks May Not Be Working for You (and How to Fix it)
If you’ve tried audiobooks before without success, these simple changes may completely change your experience.
How to Build an Audiobook Library Without Spending a Fortune
My favorite free and affordable resources for finding great audiobooks without spending a fortune.
Looking back, I’m thankful that a little library on a quiet side street sparked a lifelong love of reading. While the formats have changed—from paperbacks to audiobooks—and my bookshelves have grown over the years, the joy of discovering a great story hasn’t. I hope you’ll find something here that inspires your next reading adventure.
I'd love to hear what you think!