Monday, January 25

Monthly Bookshelf Review - January 2021

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee.



Things have been relatively quiet here, especially on my blogs, and I didn't get a whole lot of reading done. I've been busy with several other things, including trying to get a new computer up and running, and I'm surprised how quickly the month has slipped by!


January's Books Completed and Reviewed

The Christmas Bargain by Shanna Hatfield - Luke Granger agrees to settle the debt of a ne'er-do-well farmer by taking his daughter in as his housekeeper. At first it's because he doesn't want the young lady mistreated any further, but it doesn't take long before he starts to see the marriage of convenience as a possible love match after all - if he can win her over! (Read my full review HERE)



The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking - This charming little book about the elements that contribute to a warm and cozy hospitality and happiness was part of my book club theme reading for January. (Read my full review HERE)


Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare - My Literature class wrapped this up earlier this month, but I still need to write a review.

 

Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer - I did my December wrap-up before posting a review of this book. So if you're still interested, you can read my full review HERE.



During January I started reading:

Messiah: Biblical Retellings by C.A. Gray - A collection of short stories retelling the miracles of Jesus, along with a little commentary, and the passages of Scripture from which the stories are taken. Watch for my BookSirens review of this coming soon!



Timeless Treasure by MaryLu Tyndall - The only possessions Lexie has of her mother's are an old coin and some letters, and they lead her to a connection with a professor as they search for a pirate's treasure.




During January I continued reading:

A Pretty Deceit by Anna Lee Huber - I'm finishing this one tonight so hopefully the review will be up soon! Verity and Sidney are hunting for evidence sufficient to stop the suspected traitor Lord Ardmore when thefts and a murder at the estate of Verity's aunt also claim their attention.
 


Coming Up in February!

The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen




On my blogs recently . . . 

Besides the reviews, here on Just A Second you'll find:



And on my homeschool blog, Homeschool Coffee Break:



This post will be linked at the January 2021 Wrap-Up Roundup and Giveaway hosted by Feed Your Fiction Addiction; (and at the weekly reading list meme hosted at Book Date.)

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. 

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


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Recent Reads - The Little Book of Hygge

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 


The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking - A book about the "Danish Secrets to Happy Living" by the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute sounds intriguing even if you're not familiar with the concept of hygge, doesn't it? Hygge can be difficult to define or explain, as Wiking acknowledges, but it encompasses the feelings of being warm, safe, and comfortable, and a sense of togetherness with loved ones. It's a big deal to Scandinavians, and in this little book Wiking describes it and all the elements that Danes consider to be essential to achieving it.

It's a quick read, with a lot of fascinating facts and statistics as well as charming illustrations like the one on the cover. Probably the most important aspect of hygge is light, and an entire chapter is devoted to explaining the Dane's love of candles and softer ambient light. Hygge also means togetherness, comforting foods, and cozy clothing and surroundings. Wiking includes some recipes, and plenty of ideas for creating a hyggelich atmosphere in your home and workplace, and for hyggelich activities throughout the year. 

The takeaway - at least for me - is that hygge is the cozy and homey brand of hospitality that I already try to practice, but didn't have a name for. And the best part is that it doesn't need to cost a lot of money and effort. 

This review will be included in my summary for the Online Book Club for January 2021 on Homeschool Coffee Break.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Saturday, January 23

Scripture and a Snapshot - Be Transformed


Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

~Romans 12:1-2~





Thank you for joining Scripture & A Snapshot. Leave a link to your own post sharing a Scripture and a Snapshot. Take time to visit some of the other links and bless each other with comments.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea's Photos 'n Scribbles; and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.


©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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Saturday, January 16

Scripture and a Snapshot - Hope




Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

~Romans 5:1-2, 5~





Thank you for joining Scripture & A Snapshot. Leave a link to your own post sharing a Scripture and a Snapshot. Take time to visit some of the other links and bless each other with comments.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

I also link up at Sunday Scripture Blessings, hosted by Peabea's Photos 'n Scribbles; and at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.


©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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Wednesday, January 13

Wordless Wednesday - Icy Bridge

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 








This post will be linked at Pictorial Tuesday, hosted by Peabea Scribbles.

Pictorial Tuesday
 
©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Monday, January 11

What I'm Reading - January 11, 2021

This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

This weekly reading list meme is hosted at Book Date. Join in to see what others are reading and maybe get some ideas of what to read next! Although the Book Date link-up happens weekly, I don't manage to post that often. I aim to post and link about once a month, although I sometimes link up my monthly summary as well. 

I have been having trouble with the book covers linked to Amazon not showing properly. If anyone knows why this might be happening, feel free to comment with suggestions to fix it.

I finished reading . . . 

Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer - A little book with suggestions and encouragement to make memories and celebrate everyday special occasions with your family. (Read my full review HERE)





The Christmas Bargain by Shanna Hatfield - Luke Granger agrees to a marriage of convenience to rescue Philamena from her father's home, and it turns out to be a beneficial arrangement for both of them. (Read my full review HERE)





Silas Marner by George Eliot - A reclusive weaver finds new meaning in life when he takes in a young orphan. I finished reading some time ago but hadn't posted my review as of my last update. (You can now find that review HERE)




I'm currently reading . . .

A Pretty Deceit by Anna Lee Huber - Verity and Sydney stumble upon a suspicious death at her aunt's estate and they speculate whether it could be related to other activities or to their ongoing pursuit of the traitorous Lord Ardmore.




Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare - This is what my Lit class has been reading, and we'll be wrapping it up this week. Hopefully I'll be able to write my summary in a timely manner!


 


The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking - this is the first book I started working on for my January online book club. Our theme is winter.


 

Messiah: Biblical Retellings by C.A. Gray - A collection of short stories retelling the miracles of Jesus.



Timeless Treasure by MaryLu Tyndall - The only possessions Lexie has of her mother's are an old coin and some letters, and they lead her to a connection with a professor as they search for a pirate's treasure.



Next on the stack... 

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas


What I'm Highlighting . . . Along with a few blogging friends, I'm participating in an Online Book Club that will be a little different. Instead of all reading the same title, we'll be reading books that have a theme in common. That way readers of all ages, homeschoolers or not, can participate. Our theme for January is Winter. Stop by Homeschool Coffee Break to find out more.



©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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