October Reads

A month of twelve travel days and five days in my glasses, where pretty much all I could do was read! Thus, quite a few books this month. Here’s the run-down. 

A Laborer in the Vineyard of Love by Alexander McCall Smith

This is the second installment of the Perfect Passion Company serial. Love both the quick romance of the particular story plus the slower-moving one between the main characters. And I so enjoy being able to picture some of the places in Edinburgh that get mentioned. 

Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson

I’ve enjoyed the two or three other books I’ve read by Melissa. It took me a little while to connect with the heroine of the story, but once I did, I loved it. Think city mouse meets country mouse. Kind of. 

A Return to Hawthorne House by Kristi Ann Hunter

This is actually two stories that are attached to the characters of Kristi Ann’s Hawthorne House series, which I loved. And I so enjoyed them both! One is the backstory of Lady Hawthorne’s second marriage, which has already happened when the series begins. The other involves two of the Hawthorne family servants. Very fun. 

Ribbons of Scarlet by various authors

It took a good while for me to finish this, simply because the French Revolution is a heavy read.  But the history of each of the six women was so different and so interesting. And I loved that the timeline for the revolution moved forward with each story. A unique way to tell the whole thing. 

The Edge of Promise by Mesu Andrews

Three stories that take us through the wilderness journey of the children of Isreal. Mesu, as always, does a great job combining scripture and fiction. This was especially of interest to me since we are studying Exodus in Life Group. 

It’s Your Love by Rachel D. Russell

Number Two of the Fox Family series, set in Deep Haven. I always love the unique ways each author gets us back to that familiar place. And I do love a good cowboy story. 

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connally

This one has been on my list since it was released, but I never imagined how much I would enjoy it! What I loved about this Titanic story was its focus on the Carpathia—the ship that rescued Titanic survivors—and its captain, who had a deep faith. A book of hope and the sovereignty of God. 

Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict

I love how the author took an unaccounted for shift in a prominent figure’s character and created a plausible story for it. And I loved the connection to her own family history. I will confess that this one didn’t pull me quickly through the chapters but it was still a good read.

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Another that has been on my list a good while. I listened to this one and the narration was great. As usual, a gripping story full of history. This book made me think—about the world, about myself—which is what good fiction has the power to do. It moved me in so many ways. I will remember this book for a very long time. (warning: about a dozen curse words in the whole thing)

Friendship Can Save the World by Carrie and Morgan Stephens

Another book that really challenged me to think beyond what I have before. This book uses the Biblical story of Ruth as a model for relationships that cross racial and socio-economic lines. I won’t ever look at the book of Ruth the same way again. It is now so much richer than it was before. And I am even more privileged to call Carrie and Morgan friends. 

All My Knotted-Up Life by Beth Moore

Another audiobook (read by the author herself, which I loved), and another book that will stay with me for a long time. For me, this book is all about God’s story. And how our personal spiritual journey is not singular but entwined in ways we sometimes don’t realize, to the spiritual journey of those we love. Beth’s heart to know Jesus and make him known comes through loud and clear. 

Ten books! And you know what’s up next month:

Christmas books!

Well, those and the few other books I’m currently reading.

Stay tuned . . .