Porch #170 💝 A Valentine's Bookbag
My favorite historical fiction love story ever ... & a superb real life bio follow up. Plus outrageous Kindle deals by authors I love. And the 30 year literary time capsule returns.
i’m reading you this month’s BOOKBAG a few days before it arrives in your inbox, so there might be some updates on those too-good-to-be-true Kindle deals …
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‘Reading Linda’s newsletter each week feels like coming home and being wrapped in a warm blanket. She is delightful.’
- Mel @ Literary Christian Meatloaf
Happy middle of February, all. This month was created for leisurely fireside reads, love stories that capture your heart, and thought-provoking conversations between friends. I’m glad you’re here for this combined edition of PORCH and THE BOOKBAG!
I'm a great big fan of historical fiction. And hands down, Patti Callahan's beautiful saga of the intimate relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman is tops in my book. Becoming Mrs. Lewis is captivating, enthralling, all those good things. The dialogue is so real and rich, their journey into the depths of intellectual and spiritual truths so mesmerizing. And yes, love finds a way although there are numerous twists and turns that finally take them there.
If you're a fan of C.S. Lewis, improbable long distance friendships, a glimpse into the world of British writers, or later-in-life love stories, this is your baby. You won't want the saga to end. I promise.
And last time I looked, the paperback edition is 43% off ! Let’s not wait around for someone to give us a Valentine’s Day gift, ok? Go ahead and treat yourself to this compelling work. ‘This expanded edition includes a map of Oxford, an expanded discussion guide with more than 20 questions that are perfect for book clubs, a timeline of Jack's and Joy's lives, Joy's (imagined) letter to Jack, 10 things you may not know about Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis's love story, and a behind-the-scenes essay on the city of Oxford.’
If you’re a super fan like I am, author Patti Callahan’s website is filled with all kinds of charming not-to-be-missed Becoming Mrs. Lewis behind the scenes videos and other cool bonuses. Her newest historical novel, The Story She Left Behind, debuts on March 18th. And the Kindle edition of The Secret Book of Flora Lea is on sale right now … see below. Another favorite, for sure.
And yes, you’ll find her writing on Substack, of course!
Want a true life follow up to BML? Pick up Abigail Santamaria’s Joy: Poet, Seeker, and the Woman Who Captivated C. S. Lewis. Whether you absolutely loved the intricately complex Joy ... or maybe raised your eyebrow at her pursuit of Lewis, you'll find this fascinating bio to be a wonderfully satisfying read. Just like Joy, author Santamaria pulls no punches. I highly recommend.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ KINDLE DEALS by WRITERS I LOVE
Restless: Because You Were Made for More
Jennie Allen - $1.99
The Complete Works of Jane Austen
Jane Austen - $1.99
9 Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and Life: A Psychologist Learns from His Patients What Really Works & What Doesn't
Henry Cloud - $2.99
Meet Me in Monaco: A Novel of Grace Kelly’s Wedding
Hazel Gaynor - $1.99
The Secret Book of Flora Lea: A Novel
Patti Callahan Henry - $1.99
The Four Loves
C.S. Lewis - $2.99
Letters to Malcolm, Chiefly on Prayer
C.S. Lewis - $1.99
Reflections on the Psalms
C.S. Lewis - $1.99
Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey off the Beaten Path
Erin Loechner - $2.99
A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred
Brennan Manning - $1.99
Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin's Path to God
Brennan Manning - $1.99
Anne Of Green Gables Complete 8 Book Set
L.M. Montgomery - .99
At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe
Tsh Oxenreider - $2.99
Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving From Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation
Pete Scazzero - $1.99
Every Breath
Nicholas Sparks - $2.99
See Me
Nicholas Sparks - $2.99
Two by Two
Nicholas Sparks - $2.99
The Wish
Nicholas Sparks - $2.99
The Pursuit of Christian Maturity: Flourishing in the Grace & Knowledge of Christ
A.W. Tozer - $1.59
Forever: Why You Can't Live Without It
Paul David Tripp - $1.99
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FEBRUARY LITERARY TIME CAPSULE
1 year ago
The Kingdom, the Power, & the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Era of Extremism
Tim Alberta
5 years ago
Come Rain or Come Shine: A Mitford Novel
Jan Karon
10 years ago
The Last Juror: A Novel
John Grisham
15 years ago
Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture
Adam McHugh
20 years ago
The Truths that Free Us: A Woman’s Calling to Spiritual Transformation
Ruth Haley Barton
25 years ago
The Wisdom of Each Other: A Conversation Between Spiritual Friends
Eugene Peterson
30 years ago
😥 - I didn’t read a single book in February
Who doesn’t love to glimpse at what others are paging through?! Click right on over to the comment section and hunker down for some substantial book talk … or take a quick peek at what others are reading. You are sure to meet some exceptionally avid readers! As my friend Lois recently wrote, your comment section is the best. :-')
Well if that’s true, it’s because of readers just like you that take the time to make it happen. Thank you!
See you there,
Linda
PORCH
A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
gentle conversation & calming snapshots
uplifting linkage & occasional surprises
for those who delight in doing life
in the company of kindred spiritsTHE BOOKBAG is a mid-month chat where we compare notes about all things bookish
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you know coming to your blog is like sitting down with a friend and having a good chat over a great cup of coffee. Thanks for being that friend!
Becoming Mrs Lewis is not the type of book I usually read, but I remember reading it because you had recommended it so highly and I enjoyed it. I love that people's recommendations can prompt you to read books you wouldn't have considered.