motivation | encouragement | support
Posts based on books, either featuring an author or offering a book review. I only review books I love.
What an amazing book! I loved this beautiful story and its diverse cast of characters. Captivated from the start, I was quickly caught up in the emotions, dreams, and fears of this motley group. I strongly recommend The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner! Summary of The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner In the … Read more
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been a holiday favorite for nearly two centuries. Beyond the Victorian setting and colorful characters, the story carries timeless truths about transformation, generosity, and hope. Even today, Scrooge’s journey invites us to reflect on our own lives and the ways we engage with the Christmas season. Let’s explore some … Read more
Every December I like to look back at the books that shaped my year. Some come from beloved authors I follow closely, while others were received as recommendations from friends. Each left something behind: a fresh idea, a deeper faith, a spark of joy. Reading has a way of helping me cultivate growth and stay … Read more
A dear friend gifted me The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin, and it’s absolutely delightful. Reading it feels like you’re sitting down with Shannan with cocoa and talking about life. What is important? What have we learned? How can we do better? How can we laugh at ourselves? It’s full of wisdom, sweetness, … Read more
A dear friend introduced me to author Laura Frantz many years ago. Her books are meticulously researched and offer a captivating blend of history, romance, and faith. I’d like to share a little bit about her and highlight several of her books. I highly recommend them all! Who is author Laura Frantz? Laura Frantz, a … Read more
I’ve just finished The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel, and I offer an enthusiastic five stars! Set primarily in Paris during the second world war, it’s a beautiful story of courage and love. I learned so much about the French Resistance and their heroic efforts to help downed RAF pilots escape. A riveting … Read more
Are you looking for a devotional that fits your life and values? Whether you’re drawn to the rhythms of the lectionary, looking for a weekly theme to reflect on, or hoping to dive deeper into your spiritual journey, there’s a devotional out there for you. In this post, I’ll feature a handful of meaningful devotional … Read more
My sister-in-law recommended The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar to me ages ago, and I finally picked it up. Wow, now I understand why she was so enthusiastic! The novel weaves together the lives of two young women living in very different eras but facing equally challenging circumstances. With chapters shifting between the … Read more
I’ve always been a Reese Witherspoon fan. When my sister-in-law introduced me to Reese’s book club, I knew I’d want to investigate. Reese selects a book each month, and it’s always something she has found to be meaningful. Part of what she wants to accomplish with the club is fostering connection. There’s something special about … Read more
Photo attribution (above): Unknown photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Caption: Tea at Chartwell in August 1927 (left to right): Thérèse Sickert, Diana Mitford (later Mosley), Eddie Marsh, Churchill, Professor Frederick Lindemann, Randolph Churchill, Diana Churchill, Clementine, and Walter Sickert. Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict is a fictionalized biography of Clementine Churchill. Clementine’s work behind … Read more