February reads

A little bitty month (even with a day extra!) but several great big reads—including 2 (yes, you read that right—2!) non-fiction books! Here you go. . .

The Relentless Elimination of Hurry by David Mark Comer

A fascinating and convicting recounting of his own struggle out of a hurry lifestyle. What I appreciated most was that even when talking through some of the ways he has, for instance, simplified his life, he makes it clear that those are his examples and that everyone’s life will look different from his. The whole point of the book is slowly down your life so that you don’t miss spending time with the Lord and living the life He’s called you to live—one that looks like Jesus’ might if he were in your time and place and situation. I’m still chewing on much of what he said. 

Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

Wow. This memoir grabbed my heart in so many ways. It made me weepy, both for what it conveyed about people and what it conveyed about Christ. I listened to this one, and I’m so glad I did. I wouldn’t have known how to pronounce many things, so I liked being able to hear the words spoken. (Daniel Nayeri himself reads the book.) Anyway, I was very convicted about how many times I gloss over people, never wondering—let alone asking—about their story. It also reminded me again how young America is as a culture. We often forget that, posturing ourselves as having figured out so much and done it “right” when there are people whose cultures have been around literally since the beginning of time. Highly recommended. 

A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen

This is the 2nd book in the series On Devonshire Shores. I love this family full of daughters. What I especially loved about this quiet, slow-brewing romance was that it centered around Queen Victoria’s parents, who visited this town when Victoria was a baby. (I won’t say more. No spoilers!) Anytime history like that can be infused into the fictional story is wonderful!

The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

What a wonderful next installment of the Belles of London! The back and forth between hero and heroine is electric. And the story kept me guessing how they’d end up together. Can Mimi Matthews write anything less? (For those who need to know, a few mild curse words.)

The Way You Love Me by Michelle Sass Aleckson

Fox Family (A Deep Haven series) #3. Oh, how I ached for Oliver as he worked to make amends for all his past failures—and learned that only grace is the way forward. I even teared up at the end. 

Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham

Another audiobook, which I have to say I wish I hadn’t done. I discovered that I definitely prefer to read epistolary novels. But such a sweet story. And it makes me excited to read (not listen!) to Luke’s story soon. 

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Oh, how I loved this book! I’ve known Ariel for many years and she graciously gave me some of her time years ago to talk books and writing. What I especially loved about this novel is that it grew out of a Pulitzer Prize-winning history book I read in college for one of my classes. It’s a lovely picture not only of life in Maine in the late 1700s, but a portrait of a loving marriage, of kids who don’t always do things the way you wish they would have, and a woman determined to tell the truth and find justice for a heinous crime committed in their town by a powerful person. (If you need to know, there are maybe a dozen mild curse words in the 400 or so pages.) 

One Last Shot by Susan May Warren

New Alaska series with some past favorites making appearances! As usual, there are many heart-pounding moments of both danger and romance. I never can turn the pages fast enough! And of course, it leaves open a few larger questions for the next book. So thankful Susie writes fast! 

Rocky Road by Becky Wade

This was a fun opposites attract/fake relationship romance that worked on every level. And we got a couple of other romances from other characters in the bargain! 

Little House in the Highlands by Melissa Wiley

I found this at a library sale and snatched it up. It’s written in the Little House on the Prairie style but is about Laura’s great-grandmother, Martha, who grew up in the Scottish Highlands. Definitely written as a chapter book for 8-12 year olds but I loved all the insights into Scottish life and culture in the late 1700s. I can’t wait to share it with my granddaughters when they reach the ages for it!