J. A. McPhail
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Reading Nook

As a writer, it's important for me to read - especially in the area in which I am writing, which up to 2018 was upper middle-grade. After writing my second non-fiction book in 2020, my focus and direction has changed for my next book, to adult Christian speculative fiction or supernatural realism. So my reading lists are changing and I am concentrating on that genre, which happens to be one of my favorites, so it works out well. However, I always have a non-fiction book on my shelf also, usually one that will build my faith, but occasionally something historical. And my Bible always comes first.

I've been known to frequent book stores and my local library, so some of the titles listed below may be out of print. You may have to dig to find them, or ask a librarian. I want to get kids, and adults, to know the joy of holding a real book, which often means going back a few years to the classics, or what some may think is old-fashioned. I want everyone to discover this truth: Good books are timeless.

This list updates regularly, so check back often to see what I'm reading! 
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Goal met for 2022 total books read—68! In the past I have tried to read at least one more book than the previous year. But in 2023, I will not only be reading books, but writing my new adult supernatural realism series! So, my reading goal for this year is 40 Books. I may exceed that, but my priority this year is my next book! And part of my assignment since Kingdom Corner Connection was published in 2020, was to buy, read, review, and encourage other authors. I have loved the experience! Several of titles you see here will be books written by my writer/author friends. Those will be marked with an *. 

2022 Most Read Author: 20 titles by Ted Dekker
This author has been around for years, but I just discovered his books in 2022. I read several series in speculative and fantasy genres, all with spiritual parallels or underlying messages. Dekker’s mystery/thriller series and Middle-Grade series are on on my 2023 list. 

Reading List

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Kingdom Corner

Devotions
Every day I spend time in my "Kingdom Corner" (read my series, Trinity Tales of Tresia  to find out what that is.) Prayer and Bible study are first on the list, but I read devotionals too.

2023 Daily Devotionals:
Bible - I use different Bibles during a year. This year I’m trading out the Bible I have been using at church. I will study all chapters that contain sermon notes from 2020-2022. I take notes in the Bible margins during services, and this year I want to study the passages and notes I’ve written over the last three years, insights from Holy Spirit and my pastor. 

Smith Wigglesworth 365-Day Devotional

Non-Fiction

Craft of Writing Books: 
Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy
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Other Non-fiction:
What’s so Special About Church? by Julie A. Hundley
Earth’s Last Empire by John Hagee
How to Age Without Getting Old by Joyce Meyer

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Adult Fiction

The O’Malley series by Dee Henderson ​​
   Read in 2022: Danger in the Shadows prequel, The Negotiator, The Guardian
   The Truth Seeker, The Protector, The Healer, The Rescuer 

Mystery series by Ted Dekker
Truth Series #3 by F.D. Adkins *coming soon 
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Upper Middle Grade and YA

Melanie at Camp Redwoods (#2 The NorCal Girls) by J.D. Rempel *coming this spring 
Keys to History series #2 by Kathy Rae *coming soon 
MG series by Ted Dekker 


​ *I am concentrating on adult fiction now, but will list here if I read any middle-grade this year. Check out my Pinterest board for middle-grades I have read previously. Link below.

Picture Book Favorites

The Little Jeep Who Couldn’t Beep by Rosie Williams
Marigold and the Snoring King by J.D. Rempel
Raggedy Ann and Andy books
Clifford, the Big Red Dog books
Any book with Library, Librarian, or Books in the title

The Cowee Sam series by Claire Suminski and Annie Suminski - There are several titles so far in this series. I met Claire at a Book Festival at the library. The Suminski's and Sam live in the same Cowee Valley we now call home. Great stories for young kids with activities and extras. Perfect for homeschooling. 

Books

Kingdom Corner Connection
​Tresia Book III -- A Perfectly Magnificent Cane (Includes short allegory, A Glimpse, The Truly Excellent Scepter)
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Tresia Book II -- A Quite Extraordinary Umbrella
Tresia Book I -- A Most Remarkable Hat

I Will Not Fear A Chosen Life
Dawn of Day


Writing

Kingdom Corner
Jewels for the Journey (Blog)
Reading Nook
Newsletter

​Vision

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