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April's Books Completed and Reviewed
Boundaries with Teens: When to Say Yes, How to Say No
by Dr. John Townsend - This book reminded me that it is, in fact, healthy for teens to challenge their parents as they begin to separate in preparation to be adults in their own right. This is a process that has to happen, but it needs to happen in a healthy way, which is why the boundaries are so important! I found the book very helpful and insightful, and practical for parents. Best of all, it's an encouraging and uplifting advice book that gives parents solid advice from someone who's been counseling families and raising his own teens.
(Read my full review
HERE.)
Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far
by Amy Grant - I've admired Amy Grant and enjoyed her music since very early in her career, so now that I've finally read this collection of her thoughts and stories of what has shaped her as a person and an artist, I feel that I know her a little better, perhaps a bit more personally. Interspersed throughout Amy's memories are the lyrics to the songs that were inspired or related to the events and emotions she tells about. It was a quick read, but an enjoyable one.
(Read my full review
HERE.)
In our lives the darkest times, the days that are bleak and black, add depth to every other experience. Like the dark bits of color in a mosaic they add the contrast and shadows that give beauty to the whole, but they are just a small part of the big picture.
The Adventuress: A Lady Emily Mystery
by Tasha Alexander - Lady Emily has been one of my favorite fictional sleuths for quite some time, so I was eagerly awaiting the latest installment of her adventures. And an adventure it was, as the title indicates! (Read my full review
HERE.)
As I returned to standing, two wretched sounds accosted me: the creak of metal scraping against metal and the thud of a solid mass of wood. I could not move, knowing all too well what I would find when I turned around to face the door. It would be closed.
Counted With the Stars (Out From Egypt)
by Connilyn Cossette - Seeing the plagues and Exodus through the eyes of one of the foreigners, and even from the perspective of Hebrews who were far enough away from Goshen that news about Moses came through the grapevine was fascinating. Cossette has crafted a beautiful cast of characters and a sweeping story that shows what the Exodus may have been like for the Hebrews near the back of the procession out of Egypt and the foreigners who joined themselves to Yahweh. (Read my full review
HERE.)
A lament met my ears, the cry of slaves to their god, begging for mercy, pleading to be heard and freed from their captivity. My heart had sung that song every day, but my gods were silent. Their hearts had sung that song, and their God had heard.
During April I continued reading:
Wuthering Heights
by Emily Bronte - I'm not sure I like any of the characters in this book, but my interest in the story is growing.
The Coffee Trader: A Novel
by David Liss - I've been reading this only a bit at a time, but it's full of intrigues and the politics of trade.
The next day he felt weary, but if that was the price of productivity he was willing to pay. In any case, morning coffee paid the debts incurred by the coffee of the previous night.
During April I started reading:
The Prophetess: Deborah's Story (Daughters of the Promised Land)
by Jill Eileen Smith - For a long time I've been curious about how a woman could have become revered as a prophetess, judge, and leader in the patriarchal world of ancient Israel. So far this novel of her story has made that very believable!
In a heartbeat, she knew Lappidoth was right. The vision had truly come to her from the Lord. "If I am to be God's prophet," she said softly, "I think it is time I let you teach me to read."
These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer - I thought it was time for another Heyer novel, as she can be counted on to provide a humorous glimpse into Regency society. This one has been delightful already. On a whim, an English duke purchases a street urchin fleeing a beating and makes him his page. He soon verifies his suspicion that Leon is a girl disguised as a boy, and determines to find out the other secrets of her past.
'My infant, it has become necessary for me to put an end to the little comedy you and I have been playing.' He paused, and saw the big eyes grow apprehensive. 'I am very fond of Leon, my child, but it is time he was Leonie.'
During April I shelved:
White Nights and Other Stories
by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - My apologies to Mr Dostoyevsky, but I left this on the shelf for now. I do hope to finish it soon, and since it's a collection of stories, it's not bothering me to leave it for a longer time.
Coming Up in May!
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by Sarah E. Ladd
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by Ben Carson, MD
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