Fall Reads

I still can't believe I took a three month break from blogging.  I had every intention of sharing but our life has been so crazy the past three months.  We went on two separate vacations (including Disney) in the month of September so I had plenty of time to read to my heart’s content!  The above photograph only includes about half of the books that I managed to read in September and early October.  I accidentally returned the rest of the library books before I snapped a picture!  Then I found out that we were MOVING to a new town!  I'll share more about that later but for now here are the books I managed to read this fall.  I read ZERO books in the month of November but I hope to add reading back into my life sometime this month!  

True Companion: Thoughts on Being a Pastor's Wife by Nancy Wilson: This dear book felt as though I had invited Mrs. Wilson over to visit for an afternoon of fellowship where I asked her a myriad of questions.  It was delightful and chocked full of sound, godly advice on blessing your husband.  For those of you who might not be aware I became a pastor's wife the day I said "I do" at age 23.  One of the best pieces of advice I was given early on is the fact that my marriage is very unique because I am married to a minister.  It has its own sets of challenges that other couples don't face.  My marriage also gets to experience many joys and special blessings.  I really enjoyed reading Wilson's book and would recommend it to anyone whose husband is in the ministry.  

Wee Alphas by wee society:  Although not technically a book, I found this assortment of postcards to be simply delightful.  There is one for each letter of the alphabet.  I think the children and I will be using them to surprise some cousins and friends with snail mail sometime later this month!  What’s more fun than receiving a cute postcard in the mail?  I think they would also be cute used as nursery decor.  Please note that I did receive a review copy of Wee Alphas from Blogging for Books.  All opinions are my own. 

The Wish by Beverly Lewis:  One of the things I really enjoy about Lewis’ books is the fact that they are so similar.  Every once in a while (and usually while on vacation) I’m in the mood to curl up with one of her delicious Amish fiction novels.  This one was no different.  I read it while on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains and it was just delightful.  In this book Leona seeks out her friend Gloria after Gloria and her family mysteriously disappear after her father is expelled.  Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book from Bethany House publishers.  All opinions are my own. 

Mrs. Lincoln's  Dressmaker by Jen Chiaverini: As a history nerd and seamstress I found this book absolutely fascinating.  It details the life of modiste Elizabeth Keckley dressmaker and personal friend of Mary Todd Lincoln.  Born a slave, Ms. Keckley earned her freedom by the skill of her needle and lived life as an accomplished black free woman.  This historical fiction book was a delight to read.  

Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends by Rachel Anne Ridge: While the story line of this book was adorable it left me longing for so much more.  If I am going to shell out $13 for a “Christian children’s book” I really expect the book to be oozing with Jesus.  Is that snobby?  We own oodles of books but if I choose to purchase a children's book brand new it has to be absolutely stellar.  The last page of the book does include Proverbs 11:30 but I just had much higher expectations for this book.  I think this was the first Christian children’s book that I have ever reviewed and I just expected that the book would be similar to many of the other Christian books that we have in our home library for our children.  Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

The Midwife by Jolina Petersheim: I knew from the back cover that this was a book that I would enjoy.  It marries two interests of mine: Amish/Mennonite living and bio-ethics.  As if the issue of surrogacy was not complicated enough, Beth Winslow finds herself in the midst of difficulties when early tests indicate possible abnormalities.  Not willing to terminate the pregnancy she escapes and seeks refuge at Hopen Haus.  There she spends the next 20 years of her life hiding from her past.  Her own past comes back when a young woman named Amelia arrives.  This book was fabulous.  So good in fact that I laid awake in our tent (we were camping in the Smokies while I read the book) and simply could not sleep.  I really should have just finished the book then but I thought my head lamp would wake everyone up.  

Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield: This book was fascinating and so challenging.  I was first introduced to Rosaria Butterfield while listening to a series on  Revive our Hearts broadcast.  Mrs. Butterfield challenged me to think about current issues in light of the Gospel in such a fresh new way.  I look forward to hearing more from this author in the future.  I would recommend this book to anyone and I have no doubt that it will prove to be one of the most insightful books I read in 2016.  

Books I'm Currently Reading:
The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore (her first novel) 
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift 

Books I Abandoned:

Homeschooling with Joy 

What books did you read last month?  I would love to hear any of your suggestions!  I'm planning on exploring our new library sometime this week.