Lots of fun reads this month!
As I look back over my reads this past month they seem kind of shallow. Oh well! Lots of fun, relaxing reads and one that has been a great help to my spiritual life. We are visiting family in Arkansas for Thanksgiving so I am confident next month’s list will be a little more varied. I’m hoping to pass the majority of time in the car happily lost in any number of books. (It makes me such a happier traveler.) 😉
The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis As always this book was just as I expected-lovely. When it comes to a good fiction book I can just lose myself in for a couple of hours Beverly Lewis is my kind of author. I love Christian Amish fiction novels and hers are my favorite. I have read every single one! The book chronicles the story of Joanna who has been a bridesmaid three times but never a bride. Overall this book was great. Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers. The review did not have to be favorable. All opinions are my own.
Overcoming, Fear, Worry, and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick. Elyse Fitzpatrick is one of my favorite women authors right up there next to Elisabeth Elliot so I had high hopes for this book. I was not disappointed in the least bit! I have had the privilege of studying this book over the past couple of months in a ladies Bible Study. Words cannot express how God has used this book to challenge me and convict me of the sin of worrying in my own life. The book could not have been more timely in my life. Over the past couple of weeks it seems I have worried about all sorts of things that I usually don’t (the election for example). This book has helped identify sources of worry and fear in my own life that I didn’t realize were there among many other things. I would HIGHLY recommend this book.
A Home in Drayton Valley by Kim Vogel Sawyer. This book chronicles the journey of Tarsie Raines as she escapes the poor conditions of New York City during the period of Reconstruction. After tragedy strikes Tarsie is thrown together with Joss in a way she never expected. I found this book to be quite enjoyable as I really enjoy historical fiction. I did find a little bit of the book to be a little bit far-fetched similar to how I would view many events that are typical of a Lifetime Movie. 😉 Overall the book was a nice read that I enjoyed while hanging out with my family. Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers. The review did not have to be favorable. All opinions are my own.
French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billion This book chronicles how Le Billion and her family moved to France and how her family adapted to eating in the French culture. She was able to cure picky eating, put an end to snacking, and came up with 10 rules for raising healthy, happy eaters. I loved this book! I found myself agreeing with the great majority of this book. I love how she emphasizes the importance of family dinners. We eat dinner together as a family every night and also have the privilege of eating breakfast AND lunch together most days. When we had Elijah we were determined not to cater to picky eating in our home and thankfully so far (Eli is nearly 3) have succeeded for the time being. (I do realize more food battles will come again later.) Most of the time eating healthy food (even vegetables)with our son is a joy. One of his favorite foods is actually salad! I did think it was lame that when the author moved back to Canada she allowed her children to eat lots of junk food because of peer pressure. Overall this book was great.
Pretty in Patchwork Holidays by John Q. Adams. I picked up this book from our library but I won’t lie. I am sorely tempted to buy it myself! The only thing holding me back (besides trying to be frugal) is the fact that all of the projects are patchwork which is kind of like miniature quilting. Confession: I don’t think I have ever done a patchwork or quilt type of project of any kind. I guess this would be a great way to stretch myself right? 😉 The following projects have definitely caught my eye: Drawstring Gift Bag, Insulated Buffet Runner,Harvest Vine Table Runner, Gift Card Giver (as an ornament), and Holiday Shopping List Folio. The patterns in the back do have to be enlarged which is a pet peeve of mine since our printer doesn’t enlarge things. Overall a nice Christmas sewing book. Since I haven’t made any of the projects I can’t really vouch for how wonderful the directions are.
Christmas Crafts: Scandinavian Style by Tone Stenklov and Miriam Nilsen Morken. This book was pretty disappointing. The projects were okay I guess but just not really my style. I’m not planning on making any of the projects. Glad this one was from the library! 😉
Emerson Family 
I wish I’d known you were a fan of Amish fiction when I was working in publishing! I could’ve sent you tons of free Amish novels. 🙂 I’ve only read one series, but it was by Beverly Lewis. The first book in the series was, I believe, called “The Shunning.” It was interesting, but I prefer Regency-era if I’m reading Christian fiction (think Julie Klassen). Maybe I should check out some Amish books soon, though! I’ve been wanting to eat “French Kids Eat Everything” – any practical tips you drew from that title?
As far as French Kids Eat Everything-the best tip I drew from the book was probably to keep giving your kids the same thing even if they say they don’t like it. It takes a while (maybe 10 times?) for a kid to decide they like something. The book also talked about how peer pressure can be a good thing to get kids eating their vegetables. 😉 Personally we don’t ever talk about any food being gross or nasty even if we feel that way.
i just finished reading “overcoming fear” its a good book!
How neat! Have you read any of Elyse Fitzpatrick’s other books? I’ve read a handful of them and they are all wonderful!
the only other one i’ve read is “because he loves me,” which i did like better than the “overcoming worry” book (but maybe because of the topic). i’ve been wanting to check out her “give them grace” book on parenting and the book she has on marriage.