Better Late Than Never

Somehow March just flew by and I (almost) missed the YLCF blog event "March of Books." Thankfully, they have allowed the deadline to extend into April (for people like me). Take a look at their collection of book reviews-- 68 and counting! What a delight for book lovers!

Instead of reviewing just one book, I decided to do several mini-reviews of a few favorites. Some of are recent finds, and some are treasured from years ago...

Fiction: Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Need I really expand? She was one of my best friends in my pre-teen and teen years, and continues to be such a part of me that I've been nicknamed after her. Author Maud shows such mastery in her weaving of words that you feel you've always known the delightful characters, that you've been to Prince Edward Island with all its breathtaking beauty. You see what they see, and you feel what they feel.

Mystery: A Quarter for a Kiss, by Mindy Starns Clark. This one is actually from the Million Dollar Mysteries series, by my favorite Christian mystery author. Main character Callie Webber is a young widow and private investigator who investigates charities requesting grants. She's such a neat blend of intelligence, strength, and femininity. The hero's not too bad, either, let me tell you. And the mysteries keep me guessing to the end. Warning-- don't start one of these books unless you have a lot of time-- because you may not be able to do anything else until you finish it!

Christian Inspiration: When Wallflowers Dance, by Angela Thomas. This is a recent gem I found through the library. Angela's honest and heartfelt, casual-yet-passionate style of writing drew me in. The author repeatedly directs our attention to God and His unending providence and love. She asks us to trust Him and learn to dance with Him through life instead of sitting safely on the sidelines. I wasn't quite sure this book was for me in the beginning, yet as I closed the back cover, I realized Angela had become a friend and mentor through the pages. My favorite chapter was Chapter 9, where she lists and explains several actions and attitudes to persevere in no matter what the circumstances.

Magazine: Citizen, from Focus on the Family. I'm so grateful for this publication, and for the many courageous Christians who are working to bring our country back to its original God-honoring principles. In my own little bubble, it's easy to forget the bigger picture. This magazine keeps me aware of the important issues that DO affect us as a nation whether we realize it or not. It convicts me-- to stand up and speak more, and to kneel down and pray more...that God will heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Classic: I thought about An Old-Fashioned Girl, by Louisa May Alcott, (my official favorite book), but it's already been reviewed on YLCF, so instead we're giving the award to...Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. Undoubtedly one of my top five, P&P has all the essentials to an undying classic--great writing, great characters, great plot-- yet I feel any review I could attempt would fall short of adequately showing its merits. So I think I might just read it again instead.

Series: Redemption series, by Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury. My mom, my sister, and I went on a craze with this series a year or so ago. The series follows the God-honoring Baxter family through the ups and downs of life. My favorite thing about them is that they're just. so. real. I know they're fictional characters, but I truly believe my faith was strengthened by their stories and enduring faith.

Mmm...books are such a blessing! I'm cozied up at the coffee shop as I write this post (and enjoying my white chocolate-raspberry scone and chai tea!) and as I review all these books, I'm reminded of how books have had such a huge influence on me throughout my life. I'm so indescribably grateful for this-- for the ability to read and the availability of books.

Life is beautiful with books.

Thank you, Lord.