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Monday, August 19, 2013

The Stories of Summer (Part 2)

Here is a continuation of the books I completed this summer, 9 through 16!

9. A Walk With Jane Austen (Lori Smith)
Lori Smith's journey across England and into the deeper questions of her Christian life is recorded in A Walk With Jane Austen. Though I do not agree with parts of the philosophy contained in the book, it is an enjoyable read filled with beauty and meaning and wit.

10. The Five Love Languages (Gary Chapman)
The Five Love Languages explains the five basic human love expressions and how to understand and cultivate them, particularly in the context of Christian marriage. With simplicity and discretion, Gary Chapman teaches men and women several vital truths that can strengthen their marriages, whether they have been married for years or have not yet entered the bonds of matrimony.

11. Roses for Mama (Janette Oke)
A fictional tale of sorrow, strength, family, and God's faithfulness, Roses for Mama is sweet, simple, and beautiful. A brother and sister struggling to raise their younger siblings learn the true meaning of life, discover something they did not even know they longed for, and become godly witnesses for their neighbors.

12. They Called Her Mrs. Doc (Janette Oke)
Another stand-alone Janette Oke novel, this story is of Cassandra, the girl from the city who falls in love and is taken to the country. Her feeble faith in God is tested in numerous ways, but she learns from a lady who has an unbelievable past the secret of God's goodness. Because of God's grace, her heart begins to change--toward her husband, her situation, her town, and her very life's purpose. . .

13. A Man Called Peter (Catherine Marshall) (read for the second time)
I can scarcely put into words how deeply this true story has impacted me for the past several years. I reread it this summer and plan to reread it again and again in years to come. For a more in-depth synopsis, click on this link from a past post: Peter Marshall: A True Hero

14. Real Spirit: Fun Ideas for Refreshing, Relaxing, and Staying Strong (American Girl book)
From proper eating, to relaxing techniques, to healthful habits and exercises, this American Girl book is beneficial to girls of any age. A brief, educational read, Real Spirit is a book to refer to again and again.

15. Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen)
The third of the Austen novels I have yet completed, Sense and Sensibility proved to be filled with fascinating characters, deals with the thoughts and intents of the heart, and illustrates the truth of the Scriptural principle "You reap what you sow." However, had I not seen a movie version of the story, I would likely have become confused as to what was occurring in some parts of the novel; Austen novels, in my experience, are best enjoyed when read after familiarizing oneself with the story beforehand.

16. Beezus and Ramona (Beverly Cleary)
For lighthearted, laugh-out-loud children's novels, look no further than Beverly Cleary. Each of her books delivers charming and character-building stories, and Beezus and Ramona is no exception. I must admit, it was quite a transition to go directly from Sense and Sensibility to Beezus and Ramona, but I love the novels both dearly.

What have YOU been reading? :)

~Miss Emily Elizabeth


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