Seasons of Reading

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed a pattern in my reading habits. Lately, I’ve been reading all in one genre. And since I’ve just finished edits on my latest romantic suspense, I have no interest in reading anything high-powered or action-packed. I want a gentle romance or a quirky rom-com. 

But as I look back on my reading habits, even as a teenager, I gravitated toward certain genres during certain times in my life. 

There are seasons in life we go through. And like the changing of the seasons (yay Fall!), books offer a respite from the cares of the world and the constant twenty-four-hour news cycle. We can grab a book and lose ourselves in a story.

As a young girl, I loved fairy tales. And isn’t that what we all want? To be loved by and share an epic love story with our boyfriend (or girlfriend), fiancé, or spouse? People still fall in love and find their person, someone to spend the rest of their lives with. 

With the changing seasons of life, my book tastes changed. As a young girl, I loved Little House on the Prairie, Little Women, and Jane Eyre. That love of historical dramas carried over into my twenties, and I discovered Grace Livingston Hill, Lori Wick, and Janette Oke. 

Join us today on Pages of My Life where Jennifer Chastain shares about different seasons of reading. Share on X

I love the simpler times of a historical romance—no electronics or cars. Just people connecting. Even though the time period was different, these characters faced many challenges and had the same difficulties we do in modern society. Finding their purpose, finding love. All the emotions of striving to do what is right while overcoming what seem like insurmountable obstacles that are thrown in their paths. 

Now, as I’m older and reflect on the places I’ve lived and the experiences I’ve had, I want books that explore deeper emotions. Sometimes when I’m overwhelmed by work or a deadline, I want a little bit lighter reading material. Last year, I read just about every clean/Christian hockey romance that’s been written. I loved them all. I even started watching hockey! 

Other times, I want a romance that will break my heart but, in the end, show me the couple working through past events and current obstacles to reach their happily ever after with a healthy dose of God’s guidance. Cue Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck.

Now that we’re heading into the last of 2025 (where did summer go?), I want warm embraces, maybe a pumpkin spice latte, and a sweet and cozy romance centered around the holidays.

So yes, I still read novels with a happily-ever-after, but with a healthy dose of realism. Because isn’t that what we long to see and read about? Real people, working through real problems, where love and grace triumph.  

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