December Book Review

We made it through the whole year! My goal for 2016 was to read fifty books. I accomplished that a little over halfway through the year but kept going because I am a bibliophile. My final total for 2016 was 81 books! You can read more about December's reads below. If you want to read previous months' book reads, click the appropriate link: January,  February,  March,  April,  May,  June,  July,  August,  September,  October,  November.

1. The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

  I have heard a lot about the Gaines' but haven't watched any of their shows. I knew that they were Christian, have a popular store in Waco, and Joanna is a great designer. I am always interested in decorating ideas and thought it might be that type of a book. It really wasn't, but I usually enjoy a good biography and this was pretty close to that. I enjoyed hearing about their story, how God intertwined their lives and has provided for them as they've dreamed and created and risked. I found it to be an encouraging read that might inspire one to pursue their own dreams.

2. These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon

  This was the third book in The Mitford Series. Father Tim and Cynthia are recently married and learning the ins and outs of combining two lives at a more mature age. We continue to learn about the lives were were previously introduced to as well as a few new ones. Father Tim is tasked with finding a chaplain for the new Senior living center and becomes entangled in the well-being of a girl who lives in the rough part of town. It is more of the same enchanting, small town adventures I have come to expect and enjoy.

3. The Mitford Snowmen by Jan Karon

  I happened to see this short story at the library when I was in there and had to pick it up. I like reading Christmas-themed books in December. It was a fun little story about the business owners on Main Street having a snowman building contest which turned out not to actually be a contest until the mayor happened along and declared herself the judge.

4. Esther's Gift by Jan Karon

  I saw this other Christmas-time short story at the same time and, of course, checked it out as well. Esther Bolick is known for her orange marmalade cakes and has over the years given them to people for celebratory occasions. She has decided to make seven for various people for Christmas but decides she'd like to know how much it costs her to make one. She gets her husband involved and is shocked to find out the total. She then wrestles with just how generous she should be. There is a recipe for her famous cake at the back for the adventurous.

5. Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard by Jennie Allen

  I joined Jennie Allen's FB group, The Village, because I was interested in learning more about the new book she was trying to write in three weeks. I have not read anything else by her but the subject for this one was something I was quite familiar with feeling and was curious as to what she would say about it. I managed to be one of the lucky ones to receive an ARC of the book, available January 31st.

  I really enjoyed the format of the book. At the end of each chapter is a related verse along with an exercise to complete that asks you to admit where you are weak in a particular area and then reach out to or share with others. I like that it pushes the reader to apply what they have just read to their lives.

  I really enjoyed the subject of feeling like I'm not enough and feeling the need or desire to strive or perform for others or God. She uses some stories from the book of John in the Bible to show us what Jesus was trying to teach his disciples and us. I felt that she shared a lot of truth and wisdom and I felt encouraged and freed to rest securely in my identity in Christ. I gained a better understanding of what it looks like to abide in Christ. I think this is a wonderful book for anyone who is tired of feeling like they are not enough but not realizing that this is God's invitation for us to draw nearer to him.

6. Starry Night: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber

  I searched for available Christmas themed e-books at my local library and this was one of my options. I have read a couple of books by Debbie Macomber and have enjoyed the reads. This one was no exception. Chicago Herald reporter Carrie Slayton is longing to get off of the social column and into real news reporting. Her editor tells her that if she can interview author Finn Dalton about his best-selling book Alone then she can have practically any section of the paper she desires. Carrie agrees to the deal before learning that hundreds of reporters have tried and failed to find the elusive Dalton. Carrie is determined to be the one to find him and starts the hunt.

  She finds him but finds much more than a homely reclusive man. She finds a stubborn, very masculine man that is determined not to grant her or anyone else an interview. While stuck in Alaska with Finn for two days in his cabin, his animosity slowly changes to amity and then attraction. Though the attraction is palpable, Finn is determined not to let her in. It was a fun, light, romantic read for the Christmas season.

7. The Bible

  I decided to read through the Bible again. It took me about two years to read the entire thing. I tend to get bogged down by the dryness of the middle of the Old Testament (Numbers, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles) so I chose to read through the book in no particular order, switching between Old and New Testament books. I kept a list and crossed each one off as I finished it. Luke and Acts were my final two books. I always enjoy reading through the books that aren't in the regular rotation.

  Last year a friend of mine talked about a practice she does toward the end of a year. She goes through each book of the Bible and writes down a verse from the chapter that coordinates with the coming year (last year all of the 16th chapters). Some books don't have sixteen chapters so then she would just pick a verse from the book. I tried it last year, choosing the 16th verse of some books with few chapters and sometimes using the 6th verse if the 16th didn't exist. I really enjoyed reading through them and seeing what was highlighted for the year. I wanted to do it again this year so I have done it for all of the 17th chapters (or verses). When I had options, I tried to pick ones that resonated with me form this year or that I wanted to be relevant for the coming year. It's a neat exercise if you are interested in reading the Bible in a new way.

8. No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending by Esther Fleece

  I had the opportunity to receive and Advance Reader Copy of this book, officially available January 10, 2017. I was very curious to read it because I often struggle with feeling like I cannot be honest about how I am feeling with the world around me. I have often responded "Fine" when asked the generic "How are you?" by acquaintances. I was interested to see what Ms. Fleece had to say about ending the pretending.

  This book focuses on learning the practice of lament. Many of the Psalms in the Bible are laments by people who are struggling and wondering where God is amidst the difficulty. In fact, there's a whole book titled "Lamentations". In this book, we learn about Esther's tumultuous childhood and the effects it has continued to have on her life despite her desire to forget the past and move on. She learns that the best way to find healing is to address the wounds and a wonderful way of doing so is through learning to lament our hurts. Lamenting involves speaking honestly to God about the hurts in our lives, trusting that he is still good, still loving, still for us, and believing that he will bring about justice on our behalf. Through the process of being honest about our negative feelings, we will find healing. The process is painful but it's better than staying stuck in bitterness and hurt.

  I gained some useful tools and insight into acknowledging, addressing and finding healing for my hurts in God. We all experience pain in this world and we have a choice in how we will deal with it. Will we believe that God can use our pain for good and healing or will we choose to believe the lies of our enemy that God is not loving or present or trustworthy. I recommend this book for anyone who is feeling stuck or wallowing in hurt and desires healing and freedom, hope and new life.

9. The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting by Ilana Wiles

  I have followed the Mommy Shorts blog off and on along with @AverageParentProblems on Instagram. I thought it would be fun to read a book about her experiences with parenting and those of her blog followers. It did not disappoint.

  In the book you will find a humorous but fairly accurate view of parenting - starting with pregnancy through the first few years of raising two children (because that's as far as she's gotten in her parenting journey). It would be a good read for future parents that will hopefully help them prepare for parenting but understand that perfection is impossible. It's also a fun read for parents in the trenches because they will be able to relate and laugh at the ridiculousness that is parenting at times. If you need a laugh, definitely check out the book (but avoid if you're not a fan of spicy language).

10. Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

  This was another of the holiday books I read in December. I have read a couple of David Sedaris' other collections of essays and they were interesting. This one was a compilation of memories of winters past along with random holiday-related essays such as one very crazy holiday newsletter and an account of neighbors trying to one-up one another in the giving department in very twisted ways. I cringed through some of the stories. It was rather crude in language but that's not unexpected if you've read other works by Sedaris. I probably wouldn't recommend it to many though his experience as an elf in a department store during the Christmas season was rather eye-opening.


How many books did you read this year? Did you have a favorite that you would recommend? I don't think I'll set a goal for books in 2017 because I want to cut back on commitments so that I can enjoy my current season without feeling like I have a long to-do list waiting for me. I did enjoy the challenge that pushed me to make time for reading, though. It is such a refreshing task for me.

May Book Review

It's finally summer break! I hope that means time to read even more books (crosses fingers). I had read 28 books through April, more than half-way to my goal of 50! This month I finished seven books. You can see my selection below. If you want to catch up on my former reads, check out my posts from January, February, March and April.


1. How Can I Help?: Caring For People Without Harming Them or Yourself by Lynda D. Elliott

   A good friend told me that our pastor suggest that she and I read this book together. So we started to and both were enjoying the book. Then life got busy and we have not had time to talk more about the book. I continued to read it (and told her I was going to) because I found it to be full of useful information about helping people dealing with various issues. I have a friend who is now in the midst of a lot of stress and upheaval and have found some wisdom in this book that I hope is encouraging her in her process. It covers a variety of topics - helping someone with anger, fear, depression, abuse, grief, illness, betrayal, poor self-image and bitterness. I know we all deal with some of these in our own lives. I tend to be someone who becomes a safe place to share struggles so I want to be as equipped as I can to offer encouragement and healing. I anticipate referencing this book often when helping others.

2. When They First Met (Short Story) by Debbie Macomber

   I borrowed this from the library. When I checked it out I did not realize it was a short story. Apparently it's the prequel to the Rose Harbor series she has been writing. I thought it was the story that told the meet/romance/marry story of a couple who bought an inn in Rose Harbor and then the other books would tell the stories of the occupants. Apparently the first full book of the series takes place after the man in this story, Paul, dies and his wife, Jo Marie, purchases an inn. The short story moved along fairly quickly and did not have any twists to it. Short, sweet, to the point. I suppose if you choose to read the Rose Harbor series, it might be good background information for you. I don't know that I'll read the first book, The Inn at Rose Harbor.

3. Deeply Devoted: A Novel by Maggie Brendan

   This book is about a mail-order bride who moves from Holland to Wyoming with her two sisters to marry a man she has corresponded with for six months. She has secrets from her past that she is hesitant to share with her husband. She dives into learning life as the wife of a wheat farmer. Her new husband's mother is not keen on his choosing a mail-order bride over the woman she had picked out for him and stirs up trouble for the newlyweds. 

   I like historical fiction, especially with a faith-based bent, and this hit those marks. The story was enjoyable, but predictable. I believe there are additional books about each of the sisters and I'm sure they would also be a nice read. Nothing world-changing, but a nice summer read.

4. Sacred Pathways: Discover Your Soul's Path to God by Gary Thomas

   This book states that there are nine spiritual temperaments that describe how people relate to and worship God. It has a chapter for each temperament, talking about what worship and relating look like, various ways of practicing the temperament and potential weaknesses of the temperament. Gary states that people tend to be a combination of several of them. There is a quiz at the end of teach temperament chapter for the reader to determine how well that temperament fits them. He encourages the reader not to completely ignore the weaker scored temperaments, reminding us that we can learn something from each one. The temperaments listed are: naturalist, sensate, traditionalist, ascetic, activist, caregiver, enthusiast, contemplative and intellectual.

   I very much enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the descriptions of different ways people feel closer to God and choose to worship him. I know I have tended to think that the way I spend time with God is the best way and, perhaps it's the best way for me, but it's not for everyone. I also have times when I feel like my quiet times become rote and I desire something to shake it up and make it new and refreshing again. This book gives me ideas on how to relate with God in a new way. I filled out the survey and discovered my top three are ascetic, contemplative and traditionalist. I was very low in sensate and activist. It wasn't surprising to me, but I enjoyed feeling affirmed in my temperament/personality. 

   I would very much recommend this book if you are feeling like your time spent with God is not fulfilling or helping you feel closer to him. It can spark ideas for drawing closer to him and worshiping in meaningful ways. It's a great book to refer back to and to help others who feel confined by the general prescription of "30 minutes in prayer and reading the Bible". 

5. Transformed from the Ashes of Brokenness: A Step-by-Step Plan Toward Wholeness by Donna Adams

   This book was written by a member of the church I attend. I was interested in learning more about her story and supporting her as an author. I only know her as a woman who is deeply in love with Jesus, has a strong, effective prayer life and is passionate about caring for people. I did not know about her traumatic past and all of the hardships she has endured. This book gave me more insight into how God transformed the woman I know and given her victory, hope and life in spite of her history and circumstances. 

   Donna's experiences have given her a desire to see healing come to all others and has provided a way for healing to come through her book. Each chapter talks about a way she found healing and freedom and provides an exercise for the reader to complete in order that he/she might begin his/her own healing process. It is a practical and useful book.

6. Four Letter Words: Finding Hope in a Tiny Wild Life by Krista Wilbur

   This is a memoir-type book that reads like fiction. Krista Wilbur opens up about her 30+ years of living and shares the good, the bad and the ugly. Her childhood and adolescence are heart-breaking. Reading about her history of neglect, abuse and being shuffled between family for most of her youth, I just wanted to scoop her little girl self up and tell her that she is loved and valued and that I would protect her. It hurts my heart to learn of all that she experienced and to know that there are many others who could tell a similar story.

   I hoped continuously throughout my reading for her rescue and restoration. I was grateful to read about her resilience and strength and God's pursuit of her. I was quickly captured by the way she shared her story and was very engaged and emotionally moved throughout the book. I appreciate how she has allowed God to love her, change her thoughts and beliefs and use her experiences for the benefit of others and God's glory.
   I greatly admire Krista's transparency, vulnerability and truthfulness. I was encouraged by her story, her strength and the reminder that God can redeem all of us and give our history purpose and meaning.

7. The Invention of Wings: A Novel by Sue Monk Kidd

   I chose this book from a recommendation off of The Happy Hour podcast. I had read The Secret Life of Bees a long time ago and remembered enjoying it. This book is a fictionalized account of Sarah Grimke's life, a young woman who grew up on a plantation in Charleston and had an abolitionist's heart from an early age. The book is told from both Sarah's point of view and Hetty's, a slave that was given to Sarah on her eleventh birthday to be her maid. 

  I did not realize that Sarah Grimke was a real person. I looked it up after I recognized the name Lucretia Mott. I enjoyed getting to see the viewpoint of both Sarah and Hetty as it allows the reader to be more knowledgeable about what was going on in various circles during the early to mid-1800s. 

  I found the book very interesting and engaging. I am rather fond of historical fiction. If you are, too, I would recommend this book.

January Book Review

We're at the end of the month so it's time for the first (of twelve) edition of Books Megan Read This Month! I'm sure you're quite excited (wish I had a sarcasm font). I realize I may be the only one who ends up reviewing these pages but I'm okay with that as it will be a handy refresher for me.

1. Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned That Saying No Can Lead to Life's Biggest Yes by Kristen Welch

Full disclosure: I applied for and was selected to be part of the launch team for this book. I applied because the title was quite appealing to me as a mother. I LOVED this book! I have a more detailed review of the book in a different post but I highly recommend this book to all of my parent friends out there. In addition to being encouraged that it is possible to teach our children gratitude and contentment I was also reminded that I am not responsible for my children's entertainment every waking hour of the day (which, as a SAHM, I sometimes feel like that's part of the job description and can feel guilty about trying to get housework or errands done instead of playing with my kids non-stop). Here's a favorite quote:

I bought into the lie that it's my job to make my kids' childhood magical and fun, to guarantee that every day will be an adventure all about them.                                         Our children need to be bored. They need to kick their feet and wait outside of bathroom doors, unanswered. They need to be sent outside or to their rooms to play. They need to turn over the bag of tricks and find it empty.                                                               Because that's when they will discover they don't need stuff to fill their time. They don't need a plan for entertainment. They can create their own. p.74 

2. A Girl's Guide to Moving On: A Novel by Debbie Macomber

 It seems like I've read something else by her because her name is familiar but I'm not certain. I did a quick search and learned that this book will not be officially released until February 23rd. I think I found it on NetGalley, a book site where you can submit a request to read books in digital versions before their official release. Anyway, I found it to be quite an engaging read. It was fairly predictable in its rhythm and conclusion but I like books with positive endings so I was okay with that. It's a good fiction read about a woman and her mother-in-law helping each other get through their divorces and start fresh.

3. Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) by Sherri Wilson Johnson

I have previously read all of Sherri's "Hope of the South" historical Christian fiction novels and thoroughly enjoyed them. We are friends so I am working on reading all of her books. This was the fourth of five for me. This one is contemporary Christian fiction. It is a very engaging story about a young woman trying to move on from her past who gets stranded in a small town in Georgia on her way to visit her parents in Florida. If you like books with an encouraging message and positive ending, check out this book.

4. Time Management Mama: Making Use of the Margins to Pursue Your Passions by Sarah Korhnak and Beth Anne Schwamberger

This was a quick and helpful read. I have wanted to figure out how to make more time to work on my blog without casting my other responsibilities aside. This book is written by two entrepreneurial women with families who have plenty of experience in the trenches. The chapters offer helpful tips and advice for various avenues of a woman's life - family, household chores, business needs, personal aspirations, etc. The end of each chapter has a synopsis of suggestions for using your time wisely in that particular area. The book helped me to define my passions and come up with a measurable goal to work on this year in each of them. It reminded me that I don't have time to do everything so I need to focus on what's most important to me right now. Perhaps there will be time for my other goals next year or when I complete one of my current goals. My time is valuable and I want to use it the best way I can. If you feel like there's no time in your schedule to pursue activities that are important to you, check out this book. You may find ways to be more productive that allow you to free up some time for your passions.

5. The Girl on the Train: A Novel by Paula Hawkins

I didn't know much about this book other than it was popular last year. It sucked me in quite quickly and reminded me a bit of Gone Girl which I read last year. A woman (Megan - kind of weird to read about someone with the same name) goes missing and a woman (Rachel) who used to watch her in her yard from the train she road nearly daily wants to figure out what happened. She knows she was in the vicinity the night Megan went missing and wonders if perhaps she knows something but can't remember (because she is a heavy drinker and has blackout periods where she has no recollection of large chunks of time). I spent the majority of the book trying to figure out what happened and whether Rachel was involved. The book shifts between time periods (before and after the disappearance) and the point of view of Rachel, Megan and a third woman, Anna. This is a book that can be read in a day if you are able to sit and read without distraction (I have two kids so this isn't possible for me). It was very engaging and had my mind trying to solve the mystery throughout. I did not find it predictable in the least.

6. King of the Comics by Stephan Pastis

This is a book containing a bunch of Pearls Before Swine comic strips. I have read this comic off and on. My parents introduced me to it. The zebra and crocodile story line is generally quite entertaining. Pig is one of my favorite characters because of his innocence and naivety. Stephan uses a lot of puns in his strips and also makes fun of this use. It's a clever and entertaining comic.

7. Guilt Free Motherhood: A 5 Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Time, Health and Well-Being by Amber Khan

I don't know any mom who doesn't have something about motherhood that she feels guilty about. It could be not spending enough time with her kids, not contributing financially to the household, spending time on her health and well-being, not keeping the house clean enough, not being like the other moms. It could be any number of things. This book addresses just about anything you could be feeling guilty about and offers suggestions to help you in your particular struggle. The author is British so some of the sayings and words are a bit unusual. It's a fairly quick read which is good as most moms don't have a ton of free time. 

8. Secrets Among the Cedars (Intertwined Book 2) by Sherri Wilson Johnson

This is the second book in the series. I know there is at least one more planned. This book is about a district attorney in Cedar Key, Florida who is trying to find a key piece of evidence for a murder trial she is prosecuting. She meets a man who used to be a defense attorney and he ends up trying to help her while protecting her from threats she is receiving. There is suspense, danger and a little romance. A fun read.

9. Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home by Richard J. Foster

This was a wonderful book! A very in depth guide to various types and practices of prayer. The book is broken into three sections: Inward, Upward, and Outward prayer. I enjoyed gaining a better understanding of what various prayer focuses consist of. Part way through the book I felt like I was a terrible prayer because I feel like most of my prayers are self-focused (but, I was assured, that is also an acceptable type of prayer). I also am a perfectionist so I struggle with wanting each prayer time to consist of ALL the various types of prayer, which is impossible and a little ridiculous. I'm glad I kept reading because I was comforted to know that it's okay to be where I am in my prayer life. God will continue to guide me as I consistently spend time in prayer. This is a book I would like to keep as a reference for when I am struggling and in need of direction. Unfortunately for me, this is a borrowed book so I will have to acquire my own copy. If you are desiring to grow in your prayer life I highly recommend this book.

10. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This was a very quick and engaging read. The main character reminded me some of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. A genetics scientist and professor, Don Tillman, has decided that he is ready to find a life partner so he begins "The Wife Project". He enlists help from his friend, Gene, to sort through the completed questionnaires for matches. He mistakenly thinks a woman named Rosie, whom Gene sends to his office, is a match from the questionnaire and asks her on a date. Chaos and humorous circumstances ensue from there. I quickly became endeared to Don and Rosie and hoped that they would both find what they was searching for. I would recommend this as a good fiction read that really sucks you in and takes you for an enjoyable ride.

Wow! Ten books! I doubt I will have such a high count in future months. Five fiction, four non-fiction, one comic. Not a bad distribution. I attribute the high number to the fiction. I can read multiple chapters in one sitting whereas with non-fiction I usually have to put the book down after each chapter to ruminate on what I've read. I'm excited that I've found so many engaging fiction books already this year. That's usually my biggest challenge. 

If you have read any engaging fiction, I'd appreciate a recommendation!