7 of Sally Clarkson’s Favorite Recent Novels
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Sally Clarkson is the beloved and best-selling author of twenty-five books about womanhood, motherhood, and family. But when she’s not writing books, she’s reading them. As a huge proponent of the power of words and stories, we thought it would be fun to feature some of her favorite novels she’s read in the past few years.
So if you’re in the market for a new novel, look no further — here are 7 of Sally Clarkson’s favorite books she’s recently read.
01 | The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows & Mary Ann Shaffer
This sweet, adventurous historical-fiction novel, taking place in London and the island of Guernsey in 1946, will keep you turning its pages as you get to know its eccentric, loveable characters.
Our favorite quote: “I don’t want to be married just to be married. I can’t think of spending the rest of my life with someone I can’t talk to, or worse, someone I can’t be silent with.”
02 | A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Set over the course of thirty years, this incredible story centers around a man who is sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a hotel in Russia, in the midst of some of its most troubling times.
Our favorite quote: “…what matters in life is not whether we receive a round of applause; what matters is whether we have the courage to venture forth despite the uncertainty of acclaim.”
03 | The Last Bookshop in London by Madeleine Martin
This WWII-centered novel tells the story of a woman who moves to London in 1939 and finds herself working at an old bookshop; there, she discovers the power of stories, and what light they can offer one’s life, especially in the darkest of times.
Our favorite quote: “I think within all of us, there is a void, a gap waiting to be filled by something. For me, that something is books and all their proffered experiences.”
04 | The Keeper of the Bees by Gene Stratton-Porter
Set in 1920s California, this captivating, heartfelt tale tells us the story of a wounded WWI veteran, the deeply healing powers of both nature and kindness, and focuses on the undeniable joy of life through its hardships.
Our favorite quote: “It is the law that none of us can suffer without making someone else suffer, but in some way it must be that everything works out for the best, even if we can't possibly see how that could be when things are happening that hurt us so.”
05 | Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan
Based on a true story, this epic novel tells the story of a young Italian man during WWII who becomes a spy for the Allies, finding the courage to do what was right in the midst of his country’s darkest times.
Our favorite quote: “But after everything, and even when the skies turn scarlet and threatening, I still believe that if we are lucky enough to be alive, we must give thanks for the miracle of every day, no matter how flawed.”
06 | The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
This unforgettable, lovely book tells the story of a neglected little girl who, when her brother is shipped out to London to escape the war, sneaks out to join him — a decision that saves her life.
Our favorite quote: “It had been awful, but I hadn't quit. I had persisted. In battle I had won.”
07 | Christy by Catherine Marshall
As 19-year-old teacher Christy leaves her hometown of Asheville and life of ease for a fictional Appalachian village, she is confronted with challenges as she attempts to bring beauty and truth to a community so different from her own.
Our favorite quote: “When your heart is ablaze with the love of God, when you love other people — especially the ripsnorting sinners — so much that you dare to tell them about Jesus with no apologies, then never fear, there will be results.”