Bin Readin'

 Of course, I'm always reading, it seems. I prefer reading to watching movies or TV series, for the most part. Unless the shows are REALLY good! 

These days, I haven't been reading fiction much at all, but my sister sent me a book for my birthday. I generally steer pretty clear of  fictional romance novels. They're just usually too sappy and unrealistic for me.  I requested this book without much thought.. I needed a book that wouldn't require a lot of thinking, but something with substance, to enjoy for bedtime reading. I love most of Lynn Austin's books, so I decided to request the historical fiction Waves of Mercy 

Waves of Mercy is about a Dutch community which emigrates to the States in the mid 1800's, eventually settling in the town of Holland, Michigan. Since I have Dutch heritage, this attracted me. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, one of love, hard times, faith questions, and trust. Although it took a me a bit to settle into the flipping back and forth in the 50 year time difference, I ended up anticipating getting back to the book each evening. Definitely worth the read..... and I was thrilled to realize there was a sequel! 

I just finished the sequel a few days ago (our library had it!). In order to find out what happens to the characters in the first book, you must read this one. However, I did not enjoy this storyline half as much as the first one. Funny thing is, as I was reading, I couldn't help think that Anna, the socialite, needed to have a few psychotherapy sessions with Dr. Henry Cloud, the author of Boundaries! ;) This women needs help! Was it just the era? I don't think so! If you read this book, let me know your opinion. 

Anyway, I'd recommend this set if you enjoy light historical fiction that offers some spiritual insights and encouragement as well. And you're looking for a story to get lost in for a few hours. 

 

 

A readerly afternoon

One of my favorite pastimes is reading, as my friends and family know. I listen to some bookish podcasts, which helps me keep a list of books that sound promising. I have an Amazon wish list that I will never get through, even if I live to be 120 years old!   As well, it's easy to follow others' recommendations on Goodreads. Of course, just talking books with other book-loving friends helps too! A trip to the library to pick up holds is usually a highlight for me.

Today is one of those lazy days. I'm fighting a bit of a cold, so I decided it was okay to pamper myself and spend a few hours in the middle of the day to finish off a book I'd been really enjoying. 

Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg is a book about residents coming together finding the true power of community. It's a  follow up to The Story of Arthur Truluv. Both books are heartwarming fiction taking place in the small town of Mason, Missouri.  

Berg has a way of developing realistic characters and situations and although there's a sweetness to these two particular books, there's also pain and sorrow. Her books are always full of beauty and hope in the middle of ordinary days and trying life circumstances. She understands the complexities of life. She writes about all ages and stages of living, and in these two books, the older characters are portrayed so well. 

I've read several Elizabeth Berg novels over the years, and have enjoyed the majority of them. She writes women's fiction really well. The first book I ever read of hers (quite a number of years ago) was about a marriage that was falling apart. I had just finished reading a similar book by a Christian author, and Berg's book rang much more honest and believable to me. 

It's a joy to find fiction books that I lose myself in. It doesn't always happen. 

Thursday 13 - First Lines

I thought it'd be fun to join in on the Thursday 13 link up! It'll be my first time. This week I'm going to list 13 opening lines (not including the prologues) of yet unread fiction books sitting on my shelves, all patiently waiting for me to read them! I usually prefer nonfiction over fiction, but these are books I am planning to delve into beginning now and throughout 2019! If I find a story that pulls me in in the first few chapters, I will mostl likely finish it in short order.  I am a rather picky reader, though!

Which opening line intrigues you most? If you leave your answer in the comments, I'll tell you what the title is :)

1. There was a time, and it was many years ago now, when I had to stay in a hospital for almost nine weeks.

2. In the watery dimness of a December afternoon, the attic looked dismal and a little spooky.

3. I first heard of Antonia on what seemed to me an interminable journey across the great midland plain of North America.

4. I told you last night that I might be gone sometime, and you said, Where, and I said, To be with the Good Lord, and you said, Why, and I said, Because I'm old, and you said, I don't think you're old.

5. Because the three Plumbs had agreed on the phone the previous evening that they should not drink in front of their brother Leo, they were all - unbeknownst to one another - sitting in separate bars in and around Grand Central, savoring a furtive cocktail before lunch.

6. The cell squeezed her, and the air was hot and fetid.

7. I was sitting in a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster.

8. This wouldn't be the first time Kathleen Seymour left home and never returned.

9. Anyone in the neighborhood could tell you how Michael and Pauline first met.

10. In Beulah, Iowa, widow women all over town garden in clothes of deceased husbands.

11. The first time Cora heard the name Louise Brooks, she was parked outside the Wichita Library in a Model-T Ford.

12. "I'm fine," said the woman. "There's nothing wrong with me."

13. My name is Ruth.