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Jean Wise's avatar

I am not a big fiction reader but that underground library one sounds interesting so order it from my library. Thanks for the suggestion. Also the In Our Lives First: Meditations for Counselors sounds so good too. Your lists are great!!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I just found out today that the Kindle edition of In Our Lives First is now on sale for $2.99!

GRAB THIS DEAL, EVERYONE!

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Jean Wise's avatar

Thanks for sharing this. I just got it!!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I was so excited when I saw the price drop!

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Stacie's avatar

I loved The Kitchen Front so I'll have to look for The Underground Library!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

You're prompting me to do a re-read of The Kitchen Front sooner rather than later, Stacie. Thanks!

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Maryleigh's avatar

The Underground Library, In Our Lives, and Good Soil sound like books that I would love a read through with. I'm still working on the list you recommended in an earlier post - it looks like it might be a Fall list, too.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I hear ya, Maryleigh. I'm working my way through a summer reading challenge and am pretty sure it's going to continue on into September. No rush, no pressure, no hurry. Those books will still be around next week, next month.

Happy reading, friend.

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Cheryl's avatar

Thank you so much for all you put into these posts! I can't imagine how long it took to include all these resources. May the Lord richly bless you!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I must be a list maker at heart, Cheryl. I have so much fun pulling all these Kindle deals together!

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Lisa's avatar

In our lives first… I just ordered the paperback. Thank you for all the recommendations. I’m looking forward to another resource to help me walk alongside the hurting - physically and emotionally - with greater compassion. I’m asking for a ministry of tears . I am close, but God has more work to doin my heart. 💜

I appreciate your work and recommendations.🌸🌿

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh Lisa, the ministry of tears. What a needed offering ... and rare as hen's teeth in this world where we so often feel the need to fill the room with noise.

Bless you, friend. And check out Larry Crabb's books on that long-winded Kindle list. I think you just might find a kindred spirit.

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

Loved Jennifer Ryan's Chilbury Choir book so will look forward to The Underground Library. Thank you, Linda!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Yep, the Choir book is on my TBR list, Nancy!

Once I find an author I love, I tend to read everything they write. I'm not always successful, but it's a fun goal to set.

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

I often do the same! 😁

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Bill Grandi's avatar

Summer has played havoc with my reading Linda. Between ballgames the young people have been in and all the other things which need done, I have fallen off the wagon. :) I have read some, reread Becoming Mrs Lewis (loaned both of her books to my chiropractor's assistant), and reading for sermon prep, it has been a less than stellar summer of "fun" reading. I just finished "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" so I am rereading the Chronicles of Narnia.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh that's too weird, Bill, I'm in the middle of re-reading Becoming Mrs. Lewis even as we speak.

I love when that happens.

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Marilyn Davidson's avatar

Your recommendations look good! I just finished The Story She Left Behind and really liked it! The descriptions of the England countryside were beautiful and I could picture in my mind what it would look like. I figured the mother was living in one of the three cottages early in the book, so it wasn't surprising. I liked the development of the characters.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Sounds like you figured things out long before I did. But what else is new?! I knew you'd like the book, Mah ...

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Lynn J Simpson's avatar

I love your recommendations, Linda. You've helped my little book club discover our next reads!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh, tell us about your book club and what you'll be reading! I'd love to know!

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Lynn J Simpson's avatar

We just finished "This Promised Land" by Cathy Gohlke. Previously, Cathy Gohlke graciously joined our book club meeting via Zoom to discuss her book "Ladies of the Lake." I'd suggest book clubs reach out to the authors of their book choices since many authors are more than happy to join in with the discussion! We're reading "Rewriting Adam" by Connie Inglis next. She is part of my writing group, and her first novel won The World Guild "best speculative fiction" award in 2022. And now I have slotted in "The Underground Library" for our fall season read. :)

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh this sounds like a great group, Lynn. I'm checking out your reads even as we speak. Thanks for that tip for book clubs to connect with authors. It's like taking the gathering to the next level. So cool.

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Cindy's Book Corner's avatar

I have read The Jennie Allen book on your Kindle Deals. I am currently reading Untangle Your Emotions by her, and it is so good. I have not had as many duds this year as I have in past years. I really know my reading preferences and have learned how to avoid smutty/trashy books. I have read so many good books already this year. I am currently binge-reading The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion by Beth Brower; they are SO good, especially if you like historical fiction.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

The Unselected Journals is ringing my bell, Cindy. I'm going to be checking it out. Thanks for this rec!

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Paula's avatar

I just read The Story She Left Behind. It was one I had my eye on them you wrote about it earlier. So I had to get it when it was on sale the Amazon Days sale. And it's definitely going to be in my top reads of 2025. Yes, I so love your book bag recommendations.

Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.

xo

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I know, right?! Wasn't it simply awesome! Talk about a top read, Paula. Yes, yes.

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Joanne's avatar

These do sound good! I'll have to keep an eye out for The First Gentleman... though I really need to read their last one The Presidents Daughter that has been sitting in my drawer for over a year now!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

'Sitting in my drawer'

I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that about a book, Joanne! I love that you know where it is ... it's far too easy for something that lands in a drawer to stay there forever. Let me know what you think of it ...

These guys are putting out stellar writing.

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Cathy's avatar

I love these bookish post too! ☺️ Just finished Gretchen Rubin’s “Life in Five Senses” which was inspiring and just plain FUN. Halfway through Liane Moriarty’s “Apples Never Fall”—and for non-fiction I picked up “One Long River of Song” a book of collected essays by Brian Doyle…my goodness!!!! Beautiful beautiful writing. ✨

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I need a book that's just plain FUN! Thanks for the recommendations, Cathy. I'm off to check them out. Appreciate you connecting this weekend ... I hope it's a lovely one for you.

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Lisa notes's avatar

Page 50 is my cut-off too. Glad to see you highlighting Jeff Chu's book. I really liked his first one too. I didn't know Bill Clinton and James Patterson have continued writing together - I read the first novel but obviously I'm two books behind now! :) Thanks for the book bag, Linda. Always good to see what you're reading and add to my own list.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I love that you and I check in with each other on the regular to hear what the other's reading. You've certainly nudged me out of my well worn comfort zone along the way, Lisa. I'm grateful that we have stay connected over the years (or is it decades now?!)

Happy Sunday afternoon to you, friend.

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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

Got a book to give me cheer,

and Barb's got equipment in the car

that touch each neighbour's worstest fear:

"How To Play Metal Guitar"

No acoustic twingy-twang,

for a balladeer I ain't.

It's time to join Headbanger Gang

and make the congregation faint

(though the pastor's clearly down

with upping church's music style...

he'll call our new band Thorny Crown,

and he said it with a smile)

so, dear friend, please watch this space

for a bit of Metal Grace.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh my! Let's all sing along!

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Joan's avatar

I have read "The Underground Library" and highly recommend it. I tend to be drawn to books about libraries and book clubs. I have "The First Gentleman" on my book shelf but have not read it yet. My husband has and he recommends it.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I'd love to hear what you think of it when you're done, Joan. If you're like me, you'll read it much quicker than you thought!

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