Good riddance, wintertime. The books that got me through. Favorite best-selling authors and their Substack homes. Kindle deals. A March literary time capsule. And Nancy Drew visits my mantel.
It's so good to finally have time to sit and catch up with you this morning, friend! I don't have any bookish news to share, but I loved hearing you read aloud about yours. I pray you are doing well and look forward to reading the other posts from you in our inbox.🙏❤😊
I really liked Conclave (the movie) I was thoroughly engaged! I bet the book is the same. I love books that give insight into the human heart as well as other worlds (the papacy not just literal countries) #Talkaboutit TUesday
Lydia, yes, it was engaging! The book was the icing on the cake, filling in all the details that I missed at the movies and giving me a deeper understanding of the whole saga.
Looks like some great reads. I too love to read but nothing has really come to mind these days. I get on a reading kick for a while and then I take a break. I will look back over your list for ideas. Thanks for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I hear ya', Cindy, every once in awhile there's a real literary drought. I heard someone recently say how good it is to have another book ready to go when the one we're reading is done. Sounds like a plan!
I'm with you, Cindy, sometimes ready for a break to refocus on something different or more pressing. But sooner or later, that literary nudge pulls us right back into this sweet comfort zone!
Thank you, Linda! I mostly read fiction. Recently, I enjoyed Lacy Williams' series of Wagon Train Matches. As for nonfiction, the one I'm loving right now is Ruth Chou Simons' "Gracelaced: Discovering Timeless Truths Through Seasons of the Heart." It's filled with her heart-refreshing art and encouraging truths that feed the soul. Love and blessings to you!
Love your list of books, I've read a few of them! Recently I'm looking for quick, easy light reading. I realized a few months ago that the problem with some of the books I was reading, in large print are easily between 500-700 pages!
I know, right? But I wouldn't have it any other way. I think I'm going to end up saying good-bye to all my regular print books unless they're very special in some way. They just don't work for us anymore, do thehy ...
When I was looking for a simple, classic, springtime bookish shot, I didn't hesitate to head over to see what you had for us. I was not disappointed and couldn't grab it fast enough.
I always wanted to meet Queen Elizabeth. As a young girl, I was captivated by a picture book my parent's had of her and Princess Margaret as children. Read a Christmas book in the spring? Why not! And Shauna Niequist is one of my favourite Substack authors, too. Thanks for the list of more Substack authors to check out!
After hitting the PUBLISH button, I thought of a few more. Oh well, another time. When I read Barbara Brown Taylor, especially, it's like I'm reading a snippet of a treasured book. Such a joy.
Quite a collection of reading you have there Mrs. Stoll. :) My reading the past couple of months of '24 and so far this year has been quite different from yours. Following my knee surgery I was limited in my reading (comprehension). Since then I have been reading books of Leadership by Jon Gordon, Patrick Lencioni, James Hunter and Kevin Leman/William Pentak. After reading so must positivity in the first three, I relished the down-to-earth lessons from the latter in 'The Way of the Shepherd." I would recommend them all, but especially the latter if interested in leadership. I also read Brookhaven, a novel by Glynn Young circa Civil War and after. Excellent, excellent book! I join you in the joy of Spring and the anticipation of summer. Bring it on!
I have been working on a succession plan for me and the church. I am 72 and know that I will not stay young forever. :) Our Associate, Ryan, has 3 teens and 4 years until they are gone. He is interested in taking my place when that time comes. My interest is in making this church a place that feels like home and I know it starts with me. Plus I am of the belief that you never stop growing and if I can grow in my leadership, I can help others do so. I was unable to read for about 2 weeks due to needing to sleep and recover. But once that was done I have read a lot to pass the time. It is way past time but I still want to keep reading and growing.
I admire you and the work you're doing in transitioning well, not only into your next season, but specifically as the shepherd of the beloved church you've led for so many years. I've seen this done well in places, and not so much in others. That you're leading the way on this is admirable and wise.
And yes, meanwhile, we're always growing, morphing into our next season. And that is a very healthy thing, not being in stuck in what was but embracing what's to come. As 70 looms, this is something I'm thinking of more than I'd like to admit. The good news is we take our reading life with us and it evolves even as we do ...
Very much true about our reading life Linda. I am still wanting to be able to speak to current events and current trends in the church world so I will read on those as well. But, for right now, I am focusing on leadership. I assume that will abate soon as I tackle other stuff and have to know what people are saying and others are following.
Yep, let's keep on listening to what others are saying. It's too common for us 'old folks' to think we've got all the answers and everything has to be done our way.
Boring.
Let's be perpetual students long after we take down the name plate on our office door.
Recently read Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame, by Olivia Ford (I think you recommended it a little while back?) ... very sweet, fun read, especially for fans of Great British Bake Show.
A plug for my current quiet time read ... Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This book is beyond good! I can only read a few pages at a time because virtually every sentence is loaded with brilliant nuggets that need to be slowly pondered and digested. Highly recommended!
Yes, I loved Mrs. Quinn ... she was one of my top reads last year. It really was a delight. And you won't believe it, but I went on to our Clams library site about an hour before you arrived here and put that exact book on hold.
Um ... so many interesting happenstances these days, huh? What's God up to?
Thanks so much for all of the book recommendations, I am still on a book hiatus. I am loving digging more into the Bible, studying the book of Exodus with my hubby! Wishing you a lovely spring, Linda!
I can't begin to tell you how much I admire the love of God's Word and the depth of Bible Study that you and your husband share, Pam. Sadly, this is a rare thing, to give up books and focus solely on THE Book with your life partner. Thank you so much for sharing this practice with us. My heart is stirred.
Linda, I absolutely love reading and have since I was a child. As I began to approach my late 60’s, I realized I was spending way too much time reading good books, but little time reading and studying The Book. My husband retired and we both decided we needed to study line upon line of God’s Holy Word. It has been life changing to study together. I regret this didn’t happen in our 20’s.
Mmm ... makes me wonder what all our marriages would have looked like if we had made these kind of choices way back in the day. The good news is that it's never too late. Thank You, Lord, for grace ... and a fresh direction.
We're all a mess, or have been, in one way or another. Thankfully God knows our hearts, forgives our stuff, and gives us new life. May you know, without a doubt, that He loves you even amidst the endless pain and hourly struggle.
Praying for you and Barb even as we speak, friend.
Ps: Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month 🌼🤗
I'm adding Christmas With The Queen and The Lake House to my list. Your such a treasure to me.
Oh I think you'll love them both, Paula. Let me know, ok?
It's so good to finally have time to sit and catch up with you this morning, friend! I don't have any bookish news to share, but I loved hearing you read aloud about yours. I pray you are doing well and look forward to reading the other posts from you in our inbox.🙏❤😊
I'm hoping that today's a good one for you, Cheryl, filled with sweet glimpses of His joy.
your Nancy Drew spring mantel is fantastic!
Since the new year, these are some of the books I have enjoyed:
Leif Enger's I Cheerfully Refuse
Dorthy Canfield Fisher's Understood Betsy
Michelle Moran's Maria
Daniel Ragusa's Fullness of Joy
Wendell Berry's A Place on Earth
Brooke, I love a whole bunch of new titles to sift through. Thanks for bringing these choices here with you this morning ...
I really liked Conclave (the movie) I was thoroughly engaged! I bet the book is the same. I love books that give insight into the human heart as well as other worlds (the papacy not just literal countries) #Talkaboutit TUesday
Lydia, yes, it was engaging! The book was the icing on the cake, filling in all the details that I missed at the movies and giving me a deeper understanding of the whole saga.
Looks like some great reads. I too love to read but nothing has really come to mind these days. I get on a reading kick for a while and then I take a break. I will look back over your list for ideas. Thanks for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I hear ya', Cindy, every once in awhile there's a real literary drought. I heard someone recently say how good it is to have another book ready to go when the one we're reading is done. Sounds like a plan!
I'm with you, Cindy, sometimes ready for a break to refocus on something different or more pressing. But sooner or later, that literary nudge pulls us right back into this sweet comfort zone!
You've got some great reads in your bookbag! I've read several of your bookbag suggestions. Love the quote you shared! Blessings :)
Happy Thursday morning, friend!
Thank you, Linda! I mostly read fiction. Recently, I enjoyed Lacy Williams' series of Wagon Train Matches. As for nonfiction, the one I'm loving right now is Ruth Chou Simons' "Gracelaced: Discovering Timeless Truths Through Seasons of the Heart." It's filled with her heart-refreshing art and encouraging truths that feed the soul. Love and blessings to you!
'It's filled with her heart-refreshing art and encouraging truths that feed the soul.'
I'm in. Sounds like it has my name on it. Thanks for the recommendation, Trudy.
Love your list of books, I've read a few of them! Recently I'm looking for quick, easy light reading. I realized a few months ago that the problem with some of the books I was reading, in large print are easily between 500-700 pages!
I know, right? But I wouldn't have it any other way. I think I'm going to end up saying good-bye to all my regular print books unless they're very special in some way. They just don't work for us anymore, do thehy ...
I appreciate your mix of books you present to us. As always, thank you for your kindness in sharing my photography. ♡
When I was looking for a simple, classic, springtime bookish shot, I didn't hesitate to head over to see what you had for us. I was not disappointed and couldn't grab it fast enough.
Are you taking many pictures these days?
I always wanted to meet Queen Elizabeth. As a young girl, I was captivated by a picture book my parent's had of her and Princess Margaret as children. Read a Christmas book in the spring? Why not! And Shauna Niequist is one of my favourite Substack authors, too. Thanks for the list of more Substack authors to check out!
After hitting the PUBLISH button, I thought of a few more. Oh well, another time. When I read Barbara Brown Taylor, especially, it's like I'm reading a snippet of a treasured book. Such a joy.
The Lake House sounds SO good as does Christmas with the Queen.
Joanne, I think it's safe to say you'll LOVE both! I'll keep an eye out on your book posts ...
Quite a collection of reading you have there Mrs. Stoll. :) My reading the past couple of months of '24 and so far this year has been quite different from yours. Following my knee surgery I was limited in my reading (comprehension). Since then I have been reading books of Leadership by Jon Gordon, Patrick Lencioni, James Hunter and Kevin Leman/William Pentak. After reading so must positivity in the first three, I relished the down-to-earth lessons from the latter in 'The Way of the Shepherd." I would recommend them all, but especially the latter if interested in leadership. I also read Brookhaven, a novel by Glynn Young circa Civil War and after. Excellent, excellent book! I join you in the joy of Spring and the anticipation of summer. Bring it on!
Thanks for the list of leadership books, Bill. I know they'll catch some eyes in the coming days. So what prompted that interest and focus?
And also, it's interesting how our health impacts our reading ... for good or not.
I have been working on a succession plan for me and the church. I am 72 and know that I will not stay young forever. :) Our Associate, Ryan, has 3 teens and 4 years until they are gone. He is interested in taking my place when that time comes. My interest is in making this church a place that feels like home and I know it starts with me. Plus I am of the belief that you never stop growing and if I can grow in my leadership, I can help others do so. I was unable to read for about 2 weeks due to needing to sleep and recover. But once that was done I have read a lot to pass the time. It is way past time but I still want to keep reading and growing.
I admire you and the work you're doing in transitioning well, not only into your next season, but specifically as the shepherd of the beloved church you've led for so many years. I've seen this done well in places, and not so much in others. That you're leading the way on this is admirable and wise.
And yes, meanwhile, we're always growing, morphing into our next season. And that is a very healthy thing, not being in stuck in what was but embracing what's to come. As 70 looms, this is something I'm thinking of more than I'd like to admit. The good news is we take our reading life with us and it evolves even as we do ...
Very much true about our reading life Linda. I am still wanting to be able to speak to current events and current trends in the church world so I will read on those as well. But, for right now, I am focusing on leadership. I assume that will abate soon as I tackle other stuff and have to know what people are saying and others are following.
Yep, let's keep on listening to what others are saying. It's too common for us 'old folks' to think we've got all the answers and everything has to be done our way.
Boring.
Let's be perpetual students long after we take down the name plate on our office door.
Love your Nancy Drew mantle!
Recently read Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame, by Olivia Ford (I think you recommended it a little while back?) ... very sweet, fun read, especially for fans of Great British Bake Show.
A plug for my current quiet time read ... Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This book is beyond good! I can only read a few pages at a time because virtually every sentence is loaded with brilliant nuggets that need to be slowly pondered and digested. Highly recommended!
Yes, I loved Mrs. Quinn ... she was one of my top reads last year. It really was a delight. And you won't believe it, but I went on to our Clams library site about an hour before you arrived here and put that exact book on hold.
Um ... so many interesting happenstances these days, huh? What's God up to?
Thanks so much for all of the book recommendations, I am still on a book hiatus. I am loving digging more into the Bible, studying the book of Exodus with my hubby! Wishing you a lovely spring, Linda!
Pam @ Everyday Living
I can't begin to tell you how much I admire the love of God's Word and the depth of Bible Study that you and your husband share, Pam. Sadly, this is a rare thing, to give up books and focus solely on THE Book with your life partner. Thank you so much for sharing this practice with us. My heart is stirred.
Linda, I absolutely love reading and have since I was a child. As I began to approach my late 60’s, I realized I was spending way too much time reading good books, but little time reading and studying The Book. My husband retired and we both decided we needed to study line upon line of God’s Holy Word. It has been life changing to study together. I regret this didn’t happen in our 20’s.
Mmm ... makes me wonder what all our marriages would have looked like if we had made these kind of choices way back in the day. The good news is that it's never too late. Thank You, Lord, for grace ... and a fresh direction.
Amen!
I wish that they could speak to me,
the characters I knew so well,
but I guess they'd rather be
somewhere else than cancer's hell,
and so I turn to .. really, what?
to escape the fear and pain,
but it seems I'm fated not
to find refuge, and remain
on an island, hot and drear,
watching all the boats go by.
They are there and I am here,
and was I such an awful guy
to deserve this dismal close?
God ain't talking, but He knows.
We're all a mess, or have been, in one way or another. Thankfully God knows our hearts, forgives our stuff, and gives us new life. May you know, without a doubt, that He loves you even amidst the endless pain and hourly struggle.
Praying for you and Barb even as we speak, friend.
It's all gotten very hard. Very tired now.
I'm sorry.
Thanks. Still here, though.
I know.