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. 

 

 

Book Review: Becoming Sage

 Our faith changes as we get older. Have you noticed? Do you have experiences and questions that could only have come out of the soil of midlife and beyond?  

Michelle Van Loon, in Becoming Sage: Cultivating Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife, explains how our faith journey can be described in stages, based on the work of Janet Hagberg, Robert Guelich, and James Fowler.  These stages from the 'infancy of first belief until the final, self-giving love of a matured faith" each carry their own sets of challenges and tasks. Van Loon describes these stages simply and weaves these truths throughout the book.  

I found her book very readable and relatable. As we get older and experience more - highs and lows, serendipities and deep disappointments - we will grow in wisdom if we allow ourselves to let go of preconceived ideas about how our lives should have played out. We release the grip we have held on so tightly, trying to do everything 'right', hoping for expected outcomes. We realize that Jesus walks with us each step of the way, through the messes and the miracles. Our focus doesn't necessarily look like 'doing great things for God', but being faithful in making the world a better place, laying down our lives for others in simple ways, and becoming more comfortable with being loved by God, no strings attached. We don't have to be 'productive' to be loved. We never have.  As we get older, we are able to use our personal experiences to go deeper with God and others. 

"Maturity is forged from the beautiful and terrible and mundane stuff of our lives as we seek to crawl, stand, walk, and run with Jesus on our way to Real."  

Becoming Sage is an honest,  hopeful book, and one that will encourage those in the second half of life. If you are questioning and looking back at your life, as well as looking ahead, this book will be a great companion. 

Thanks to  Moody Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Your Future Self Will Thank You

Personal growth is an ongoing interest of mine, and when I came across Drew Dyck's Your Future Self Will Thank You,I was intrigued. I've heard Drew Dyck several times on a podcast I enjoy, and he is funny! A book that can talk about self-control, the Bible, and brain science, all while making me chuckle is worth taking the time to investigate. 

This is not a preachy book by any means. Drew Dyck honestly writes about his fruitless efforts to complete goals, practice self-control, and learn new habits to improve his life and what research has taught him. This fact-based book makes it very trustworthy. There is evidence to prove that what he suggests works. He intersperses each chapter/topic with his own real life situations and how he did or did not succeed in his efforts, and why.

 If you’re looking for some practical tips on how to create a habit loop, how to grow (and replenish!) your willpower, and how to conquer your weaknesses, this is the book for you. There are a lot of gems in here, and it will be worth your while to learn the secrets to self-control. Who doesn’t want to be freer, happier, and more productive, as well as being more at peace?

I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. 

That To-Be-Read Pile

About 11 months ago, I challenged myself to tackle the fiction books on my unread bookshelf. I was going to give myself over a year to accomplish this. That seemed very doable to me. But... I didn't factor in the strong pull of my local library and the bookish podcasts I love to listen to. My unread books continued to languish on the shelf. I never seemed to get to them. Then I heard a recommendation on the Currently Reading podcast on how to overcome this problem.

The idea was to pick up the chosen unread book- the one I kept saying I wanted to read but never quite got around to it -  and read a certain number of pages each day. How simple would that be? I decided 12 was the number of pages for me. It didn't seem like a lot and I knew I'd make some headway and perhaps get deep enough into the book that I'd want to read more. As long as I felt the book was worth reading, I'd continue on until it was finished.

Well, it worked!

I finished reading Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson today, using that method. To be honest, I didn't read from it every day, but keeping it by my bed reminded me that it was there.

No, I wouldn't call it one of my favourites, but it was definitely worth reading, even just for some of the prose and description. The story grew on me and I read more than I needed to today to finish off the book, because I wanted to know what was going to happen. It's a book that lends itself to slow reading, and even rereading some passages to ponder the meaning. 

Now, if there's book you'd like to get sucked into that's pretty hard to put down, try The Mother In Law by Sally Hepworth (I borrowed this one from my local library). I dare you to stop at 12 pages!

R is for Reading

To watch a little person enjoy a book is so satisfying. Our dear little grandson just loves to be read to.
He loves interactive books. I love to bring out books I've saved, purchased, or found at thrift stores. Some of my favorite moments with him are when we're reading bedtime stories.

One book that my children have enjoyed when they were babies and now C has enjoyed it too, is Pat the Bunny, a children's classic. The drawings and text are simple and so appealing and relevant to children.

Sally Lloyd Jones has some beautifully illustrated and written children's books.  I'm waiting till C is a little older before I read from the Jesus Storybook Bible. It is one all ages will enjoy.

What would life be without books? I may be a bit biased here. I know not everyone loves to read, but.. I think they are missing out if they NEVER read anything for the sheer enjoyment of it.

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. 

purchased, borrowed, and thrifted - My TBR Pile

Here's the list of books from my previous post on first lines, just in case you're interested! These are books on my shelves, which I have set a goal to read by the end of 2019. I gravitate to and would rather be reading nonfiction (and will carry on) , so this is a bit of a challenge to me. As well, I know I'm going to come across more good reads as the months go by, which will tempt me to push these aside!

 I purchased these at book sales or thrift stores, and several have been gifted or ordered from Amazon. Two of these books are technically not owned by me: my current read is borrowed from our local library, and my daughter has lent me the other. Here they are in order of the 'first lines' given previously:

1. My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
2. The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope J. Stokes
3. My Antonia by Willa Cather
4. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
5. The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
6. The Bees by Laline Paull
7. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
8. All She Ever Wanted by Lynn Austin
9. The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler
10. Dwelling Places by Vinita Hampton Wright
11. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
12. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
13. Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

and an extra, thrown in for good measure: The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin.

I've read many wonderful fiction books over the years and I hope to recommend books from this list to you. Have you read any of these books? Any recommendations or cautions? Do share!

The Pile from my personal library. Not in the correct order! 

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.

The books are coming!

I've been on a sort of book binge lately. I received a generous Amazon gift card from my previous employer when I moved on to other adventures at the end of June. To me Amazon equates books, even though I could order so many other items,  and so I began loading up my cart, looking for both new and used good reads. I finally clicked on 'checkout' and now I'm happily awaiting the mail carrier each day to see if there's another package to open.

Here is one I received this past week. The Power of a Praying Grandparent by Stormie Omartian is  a book of encouragement and prayers to remind me to pray consistently for my grandchildren (one dear little boy and one on the way so far!). It reminds me to focus on encouraging my son and his wife as they start out their parenting adventure. I remember how exhausting it can be with little ones and it's such a huge responsibility (and a privilege) to raise children. These days there are so many more waters to navigate with our ever changing times, including the explosion of the internet. It seems we had an easier time in some ways.

Becoming a grandparent was one of the happiest days of my entire life, and I want to be the best I can be and a force for good in my grandchildren's lives. My mom has been a great role model, of which I am so thankful!

We are promised that our prayers won't return void. God is always working, even though we may not see it or feel it. And so I will continue to pray!

"Having a grandchild is to forever have your heart walk around outside your body" 

~Door~

I've been thinking about the word 'door' and have not been inspired to write anything. This is a toughie! But, here goes.... 

Day 11 Door

It’s been said that a person who won’t read is really at as much of a disadvantage as a person who can’t read. I understand that there are some people who really only read for information, and not for enjoyment. I get that.  But, still,  I do feel that he/she is missing out.  

Reading is a door that opens to so many interesting worlds. Worlds that couldn’t be experienced, practically speaking, any other way. 

I just finished reading The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah , a story set in Alaska in the 70’s. That book helped me imagine what life would be like living in Alaska. All I could think as I read the book was ‘Well, that’s one place I will never choose to live’. Not sure if the author intended that, but the story and setting were enough to convince me that Alaska and me would not get along. Winters are long enough where I live!  Harsh climates and harsh circumstances --no thanks. 

That doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t want to do an Alaskan cruise, mind you. I think Alaska is BEAUTIFUL (from pics I’ve seen). But the door to driving up to Alaska and spending time up there has been forever closed, in my mind. 

Photo by Christian Walker on Unsplash

Have you read any fiction books lately that impacted you?

I’ve  joined the 31 Days of Five Minute Freewrites. Read more about it here.

Book Review: Born to Wander

Do you consider yourself  a spiritual tourist, settler,  pilgrim or spiritually aimless?

In Born to Wander, Michelle Van Loon shows us the value of our pilgrim identity, as she walks us from Genesis through to Revelation, identifying pilgrimage throughout. It is a part of our identity and purpose as God's people. Security is not our purpose in life, but rather finding rest in the wandering that we all experience in our lives. She shares her thoughts on the meaning of contentment,  what our true identity is, hope, and where our wandering takes us. All of our stories and journeys are different, depending on so many things including our personalities, passions, and circumstances. Our lives involve moral, physical, and interior pilgrimages, and when centered on God, we have purpose, and transformation occurs.

 I especially loved the prayers at the end of each chapter - they were powerful and helpful in summarizing each chapter. As well, there are study questions for each chapter, which makes this book a great one to read along with a friend. 

A lot of study and research has gone into this book and I didn't find it a quick read. I appreciated definitions of key words focusing on Greek roots.  This book is one to read or reread  with a pencil in hand. Recommended! 

"We are born to wander, but we are born again to wander home". Michelle Van Loon

 This book was provided free by Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Moody! 

Controversy!

•  having 'the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good!" (Eugene Peterson)

•  "...the greatest deception foisted on the church in the last 200 years"  (Professor of NT language and literature James B. DeYoung.) 

• "...a life-changer, a transformer"

• "..it hides false doctrines in a feel-good story.."

• "..spiritually profound, theologically enlightening and life impacting"

• "..will leave you craving for the presence of God" (Michael W. Smith)

While sitting in the theatre a couple of weeks back, the trailer for  The Shack played.  I had read this book written by  W. Paul Young when it came out almost 10 years ago and I remember being riveted while reading the first few chapters but then my interest flagged a little as I continued on.  Maybe I just wasn't that interested in the book at that time, or I wondered if it was just too weird for me. Perhaps, this was just not the right time to read it. I am going to delve into it again before I view the movie.

The Shack is a fictional story about a grieving man who receives a mysterious letter inviting him to meet with God at a cabin in the Oregon woods, the location of his greatest pain. This leads to a weekend long encounter with three people - in fact, the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Mack, the main character, wrestles with his faith, and is transformed through this weekend encounter.

Apparently the upcoming movie has rekindled people's strong and polarized opinions about the book. Is it heresy? Is it a true picture of God's love? Is it harmful or helpful?

I sat beside an acquaintance/friend at a hockey game last night and we began chatting about church and change and.. then The Shack came up. He didn't mince words as he told me about a blog he read listing out the 12 heresies coming from this book that will lead people astray. Why would we want our friends to watch it?  he pondered.  I didn't say too much but interjected that it, at least, would be an interesting movie to watch, and make people think.

Honestly, I want to reread the book and watch the movie and then decide whether or not I think this book is promoting false teachings or even harmful ones. Or perhaps it's really a great picture of God's unconditional love and care for the world.

And since I'm not one to enjoy conflict, I won't be debating this publicly with anyone!

But a conversation about the book would be interesting. I would like to know whether you've read the book, if you plan to, and if you are going to see the movie. I'd like to know your thoughts on the movie, too (it's coming out in early March).

I read. I listen. I waffle.

So, I am working on my book stack, but for some strange reason, now that I've banned myself from purchasing any new books this year, I am going crazy finding books to borrow! It's like I can't help being rebellious, even to myself! Can you say sabotage?

I am going to have to be ruthless with my self-imposed book stack and weed out the ones I hoped I'd like, but are dropping further down the pile, because I'm losing interest?  Maybe I don't want to read them as badly as I thought I did.

Currently (from the book stack) I am reading Farewell Four Waters and it is riveting. It's a contemporary novel based on real experiences of a female aid worker living in Afghanistan. I'm only about 1/3 of the way, and the tension is constantly building. Have you ever experienced reading a book that feels like you're watching a movie? That's my experience here. Looking forward to the evening, so I can continue reading!

I really enjoy listening to podcasts, having quite a few on the go, and will almost always listen to them when I'm driving here and there, or when I'm making supper or sitting down for a length of time. Sometimes I even listen to them when I'm doing mindless work (the joys of working from home).

I used to listen to Moody's Midday Connection radio program faithfully, but that was cancelled this past Spring, after many years (at the time I was supremely bummed about it) but I've found other podcasts to replace it. Well, maybe replaced isn't the right word. I loved that program a lot. Not surprisingly, though, life goes on and I've found some gems to keep me going. Sometimes I listen for a while, then delete, find another one, and so on and so on..

A few of my current favorites: 

One of Midday's former hosts has her own podcast now called Faith Conversations. A great place to start if you're looking for honest, relevant interviews and topics. Focused more on - how shall I say this -- women in midlife? But not exclusively. There are so many podcasts for women and by women in their 20's and 30's (and I do love those, too!)  but it's nice to find one geared to a little older demographic.

Sorta Awesome - I've only been listening for a little while, but this podcast is just plain fun and uplifting, too! Each episode the hosts and guests share their 'awesome of the week', which is always interesting. Maybe it was a book, an experience, a recipe, a movie.. anything really.. It's like listening in on a fun, interesting conversation every time.

What Should I Read Next? with Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy)
Anne Bogel interviews guests about what they like to read and then suggests more they might like as well. A great way to find a good book! This is a brand spanking new podcast and I love it. I have already put a few recommended books on hold at the library.

Not that I'm ever going to read all the books on my 'want to read' list, but oh well.

Switched on Pop - I just happened to hear about this podcast via another one and had to check it out. It is fascinating, although I'm very selective about which episode I listen to. A musicologist and his co-host talk about musical artists and 'dissect' their popular songs to explain why they work and how the message of the song is conveyed through the music. I'm not a musician by any stretch (play a little piano and guitar), but I have always listened to  and enjoyed a variety of music genres and this just meets a need in me to know WHY something works as well as it does. So far my favorites have been on Adele and Taylor Swift.

Do you listen to podcasts? Which do you recommend?

Poof! Gone!

Just like the year 2015, my latest published post just up and disappeared on me. Poof! Gone! I still can't figure out what happened there, but suffice it to say, 2016 will be just fine without that post.

I had written about a challenge I had given myself on how to get my 'to read' booklist under control. In a nutshell, I've decided not to purchase any new books in 2016 (except with a gift card, etc). So, I've begun unsubscribing from Kindle ebook deals. It was tough, but sometimes the big guns have to come out. I've got the shakes, but I think I'll be okay. ;)

I made a list of about 21 books I want to complete before I read anything else. These have been set aside for easy access.  In the last two days, I've completed two, so I'm already whittling away.

My fiction to nonfiction ratio is about 2:19, which must be remedied. I need a little more FICTION in my life.  Honey For A Woman's Heart - growing your world through reading great books is a book I already own which I'm planning to refer to once my to-read pile has dwindled.

I'm also going to be ruthless about which books to complete. If it feels like work to get through them, I will add them to my giveaway pile. I feel better already!

Here's to another great year of enjoying and pondering new ideas, old ideas, truths and mysteries, fact and fiction.



Do you have specific reading plans this year? Are you a fiction or non fiction fan?

Reading update 2016

Finished/recommended:
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
In Awe of God by Rita Peters

Enjoying:
Two Steps Forward by Sharon Garlough Brown (book 2)
A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle
Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James

Next in line: 
Farewell Four Waters by Kate McCord

For the Win!

Last month I submitted several words on our local library website, describing what my local library means to me. And then promptly forgot about it.

This afternoon, I received a call informing me that I was one of the winners of the Canadian Library Month contest and invited to pick up my prize at the downtown library.

I'll be browsing the aisles of our local Chapters book store soon, with a $25 gift certificate in hand! Should be fun!

Very Interesting

I've recently been following a blog that has quickly become one of my favourites. There are so many people out there with encouraging things to say and Joel Malm is one of them. Go check him out!

I am putting a twist on one of his recent blog posts-- hope that's okay! (I'm stealing like an artist ;)

I agree that each one of us is unique, created for a purpose, and can change the world for the better in both small and big ways. We can choose to keep our gifts or share them. No gift is too small or insignificant in God's eyes. And He is good at multiplying the little we might think we have to offer.

Signs that you are probably a very interesting individual: 

You create. I recently read Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. Good stuff. How many times have you heard the comment "I'm not creative". I've said that many, many times but I know it's a lie. We are ALL creative! But our creativity might look very different from someone else's. No sense comparing. In our culture, we often default to passive entertainment, which steals our God-gifted creativity. Creativity takes time to grow.

You read. It's a great way to experience things you might not be able to see or do first hand. And it opens up your mind to how others live and think.  It's not always comfortable to step out and read others' views when yours might be pretty entrenched. But it's healthy. And it helps you  to understand where others are coming from.  It's the best way to help  figure out what you really believe and it can make for some interesting and lively discussion.

You take risks. Remember what you consider a risk might be a piece of cake to someone else. I tell myself that a lot! Do you regularly do something that 'scares' you?

You ask questions. The most fascinating people are the ones who don't have all the answers. And they aren't afraid to ask the questions. Interesting, scary, uncomfortable ones sometimes. Asking questions usually leads to finding answers. But sometimes it's good to just sit with the questions until answers come.

You learn new things. And then you share your experiences to enrich others' lives.

You listen. You look people in the eye and you focus on them. You are interested in what others believe, think, and experience. You don't have to have all the answers. You are open to learning. That makes you very attractive.

You admit mistakes. A wise person once said, "Do you want to be right or be happy?" I want to be happy. Winning an argument is never a win/win, is it? I don't enjoy being around people who are continually wanting to be right. Sometimes that person is me. Ouch. Often the most beautiful (and hardest words to say) are "I'm sorry, I was wrong, I apologize".

You need people. We are made for community. And we don't often do this well. You include people. You meet new people. You are honest. Your bravest word might be "Help".

You care for others. In your own unique way, in the small and big things, you care for God's creation - people, animals, all of creation. You do what you are able to do because it's the right thing to do. We are all in this together.

You take time for YOU. Self care is so important and it's not selfish unless it takes up all of your time and interest. Then it's self-absorption. We care for ourselves so we can care for others.

Can you add to this list? Disagree with any of these signs?

Winter In Full Bloom

Once upon a time, I wrote a NaNoWriMo novel about identical twin sisters separated at birth. I'm telling you that only to say that when I saw this book available for review, it piqued my interest! I found the cover attractive, as well, and sometimes I do judge a book (initially) by its cover.

At a crossroads in her life, 39 year old empty nester and widow Lily Winter decides to head to Australia to search for her identical twin sister, who was raised by another family. With the help of a handsome, single stranger, she reunites with her sister Camille. But reunions aren't as easy as they seem. And everyone seems to have some sort of baggage to work through as they work towards a happy ending. Will Lily find love again? Will Camille and Lily be able to forgive and heal from a painful past? Will Marcus Averill deal with his own inner demons? Will Dragan change her name? ;) Winter In Full Bloom by Anita Higman answers these questions (except the last one) and more.

This book began somewhat slow, with many details and conversations that seemed unnecessary, and I contemplated not finishing it (I don't usually continue reading books that don't grab me in the first few chapters -- I am a little ADD that way). The characters and situations sometimes pushed the boundaries of realism. Several times I found myself asking, "Would people really say this? Would people really DO this? Would this REALLY happen?" I enjoy realistic contemporary fiction and I wasn't too sure this was going to be that. I pushed through, however, and honestly, it got somewhat better as the story moved along. There were some plot surprises, which helped to keep my interest.

Those who enjoy Hallmark movies would probably really enjoy this book (I am not a Hallmark movie buff). There are enough twists and turns later in the book to keep one interested and a hopeful ending is anticipated. Issues are faced, forgiveness is extended, and healing begins. How that all happens is why you want to read the book! If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction, which includes a little romance and wraps up quite neatly, you will want to check this out.

This book was received free from Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review.

The Book Stack July 2015 Edition

So, it's officially summer break for me, which could translate into lots of time for summer reading. And I'm well prepared...

As you can see, true to form, there aren't a lot of fiction books in this stack. In fact, there is only one. Hello, my name is Aneta and I'm a nonfiction junkie. Always have been. Probably always will be. I'm hopeless.

BUT, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy some good fiction.  I've purchased some for my Kindle recently and I'm looking forward to more bedtime, poolside, or beach reading. I'll let you know if I hit the jackpot with any of them.

Have you read any of these?:

The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead by Diane Noble

Blue Hole Back Home: A Novel by Joy Jordan-Lake

A Heart Deceived: A Novel by Michelle Griep

How Sweet the Sound: A Novel by Amy K. Sorrells

And if you look closely at this photo, you'll see what's really been keeping me in my cozy chair.  It's not the books..

He's called a lap dog for good reason!

It was a dark and boring night....

Near the end of our dinner last night, the lights flickered. Off. On. Off again. On Again. Then Off.  

We waited. 

Nothing.  

No power. 

And no hope for restoration until past our bedtime, it turned out! 

So, that meant my plans for getting some computer work done in the evening were dashed. (bittersweet, really)

There we sat, the 3 of us, as the room grew darker. We moved to more comfortable chairs in  our little sitting room off of the kitchen and chatted for a while. I lit some candles. I sipped wine. I shared some chocolate. We checked our phones on and off. I pulled out my Kindle, the one with the light attached.

 

Want me to read a story, I asked? (just like the good ol' homeschooling read- aloud days). I know I'm strange, but I LIKE reading out loud. 

They nodded.  Not excitedly (I should have noticed). 

Just..well... resignedly. 

I brought them up to speed on the story of one man's journey hiking the 2000 mile Appalachian Trail.

And then I began..

After about a half hour or so (maybe longer), I looked up at my quiet, respectful listeners and asked.. shall I continue to the next chapter? This was so good! 

Um.. I think I'm heading downstairs, said one.  

I think I slept through most of that, said the other. 

Oh, said me. 

Really? I thought to myself. 

I looked down at my Kindle, clicked to the next chapter and silently read on, destined to enjoy this book alone. 

To each his own. 

surviving a power outage 

small talk by amy julia becker

small talk- learning from my children about what matters most by amy julia becker was a book I was drawn to because my own experiences have shown me that God teaches us a lot about ourselves and Himself through our children.  I was interested in the revelations Becker would share. As well, I have several nieces and nephews and friends with young families and I hope to pass this book on to one of them.

 This  book includes a lot of details about the activities and conversations the author engages in with her young children, including Penny who has Down Syndrome.  The author ponders theological truths spurred on by these interactions. She writes transparently and honestly about her relationship with her children and their relationship with each other, and in doing so, reminds parents of the very important role they play in the spiritual development of their children, simply by listening to them and engaging them in discussions, not having to be 'perfect parents'.

If you have younger children you will relate to this book. If you have adult children, you will still glean much from this book. If you have never had children, you will still benefit from reading this book. Becker's thoughts remind us all that God uses simple things to teach us truth.  Some great topics for discussion include those on prayer, disability, laughter, tragedy, and baptism. This book is written honestly and simply, is easy to read, yet full of wisdom. The descriptions of family interactions may be most appreciated by those with little ones, because they are so relatable. The theological musing, however, will certainly be of interest to all readers.

I have received a free copy of small talk from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review.