#write31days | October 10
It’s been a while since my last Book Review, so I thought now was a good time to #doitagain. I read a lot at the end of summer and through September, this review is a mix of a wide range of books.
I left off the last post having finished The Wife Between Us and these were the books in the stack I had remaining. I started with We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter and unfortunately this is the only picture I have! This book is set in Poland, during the War and is about a family who gets separated, the trials they go through individually during the war and their longing to be reunited together again as a family. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and this book was inspired by a true story, so it wasn’t “just a story”. It is at times heavy, but I read it quickly and didn’t feel bogged down like I sometimes do. Status: Definitely recommend.
I read The Wedding Date thinking it would be a light chic lit. It was a book without even a story except two people who meet in an elevator and their hook-ups (with a lot of details) for a few months while they figure out if they should long distance date or not. I really try not to read books like this, I’m a believer in what you put in your mind stays and this is one that I wish I had never read. I saw the recommendation on several blogs, but this book reminded me even when I like most recommendations, I don’t like all. The better part of this picture? The Astros game on TV. Status: Don’t read.
Thankfully I keep a book with me, or on my Kindle app, most of the time. I got to a meeting early and sat for a few minutes in my car reading Truly Madly Guilty by Laine Moriarty. The story is built around the before and after of a neighborhood BBQ, and honestly I couldn’t figure out what happened at the BBQ until I got to that point in the story. And, it wasn’t what I thought. Or anywhere close to what I thought. I like Laine Moriarty and this was another good read. Especially after a heavy historical fiction book and a terrible book. Status: Recommend.
The last fiction book I read was The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand. First off, there is no such thing as “the perfect couple” so I knew there was a story behind that title. The book begins with a wedding party in Nantucket and a bride finding her maid of honor floating in the water which led to investigations of all of the wedding party, uncovering of secrets and navigating illness. All of the couples art intertwined and you’ll question what went on until near the end, when all of the pieces finally come together. Status: Recommend. 
And then I turned in that book, the rest of the books from the stack I had and I suspended all of my library holds to read some non-fiction.
First, I finished two books that had bookmarks in them for a while with a little left to finish. A Bible Study by Lisa Harper, The Sacrament of Happy, and Love Does by Bob Goff. Both reminded me of where we find joy in our lives and how to love well. Neither come from perfect circumstances, but both can be found by following Jesus.
I pre-ordered George & Barbara Bush, A Great American Love Story by their granddaughter Ellie Sosa shortly after First Lady Barbara Bush passed away. This was a sweet memoir of their love story, with lots of family memories shared. From meeting at a dance, to their courtship and marriage, the way George loved Barbara all the years before there was every a spotlight on their marriage was so tender. And, they continued that same love through public offices and into their lives of service beyond the White House. I loved seeing the pictures of namesake Barbara Bush’s wedding this past weekend at Walker’s Point, where George and Barbara’s story began. George was there in the front row watching his granddaughter marry her love in a small family ceremony. If only I could have two minutes to hear his thoughts of that day, surely it was a full circle moment for him and the beautiful life he and his Barbara created together. Status: Definitely Recommend.
Next up was The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson, which has been the premise of this year’s #write31days theme. I’ll write more about it later, but if you haven’t figured it out yet, status is DEFINITELY READ.
I had a couple of books from authors I’ve had the opportunity to meet, (pictured in this post) when these next two books were still in edits and cover designs weren’t yet final. We talked all about their writing and got to preview some cover designs while gathered around a table. I ended up giving both of these books away via my Instagram and hope they will bless someone else. Maybe they will pass them on, too!
If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey is her story of coming to terms with decisions she made in her life, the effects they have and why her story matters. Oftentimes these are the very things we are shameful of and think “if you only knew”, then you’d never ___________ (like me, employ me, date me, recommend me, etc.). Jamie’s words lead to freedom she found in her story because of God’s unconditional love and how his love has changed her life. Status: Recommend.
The second book is Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You by Sharon Miller. She shares her story of coming to terms with insecurities and gives seven ways our self-focus can sabotage our lives and four very practical applications to living life focused outward instead of inward. There were so many moments I said “YES” outloud while reading this book. It is such practical truth, and simple reminders that will change your views about yourself. Status: Definitely recommend.
This wraps up this edition of what I’ve been reading. Next up I’m reading Love Lives Here by Maria Goff and my current Bible Study is The Faithful. If you haven’t picked up a book in a while, #doitagain.
If you’re just joining in from #write31days, I’m so glad you’re here!
You can {click here} to find links for all posts in this series.