Happy end of August! Not that it’s really sunk in yet that summer is pretty much over – we are looking forward to vacation next week (finally one we are going on together!!!) which includes a wedding, lots of time with friends and family and possibly buying a car! EEK!
This month has been one full of reading a rather random assortment of books. But, really, it would be boring to read all one genre in a month wouldn’t it? 
The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas – On the brink of the happiest day of his life, Edward Dantes is thrown in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Years later, he learns of a treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo. He then focuses on escaping the grim fortress and, after finding the treasure- exacting revenge on the three men who ruined him. — I am reading this on my phone, which means it’s going much slower than if I had a book to pick up! I am loving the complexities of the story, and realizing that, of course, the movie changed some major components of it. I might need to get a copy just so I can actually finish it.
The Problem of Pain – C.S. Lewis – Man has been plagued by one question for years – ‘if God is good, why does he allow pain?” Lewis, who is known as the ‘greatest Christian thinker of our time’, answers this complicated question and seeks to heal a hurting world. – I have this next to my bed to read before falling asleep = it’s taking me a very long time to get through….But I am learning from it and figure it will become a yearly read.
The Storekeeper’s Daughter – Wanda E. Brunstetter – Daughters of Lancaster County, book 1 – In Amish country in Pennsylvania, tragedy strikes – Naomi Fisher’s mother dies in an accident. At the time when she should be going to singings and riding in a courting buggy, she is instead taking care of her seven siblings and helping her father in the family store. Just when she thinks she can’t take one more day in the restrictive world she now finds herself, the unthinkable happens. And any confidence she, or her family, had in her is shattered – will she be able to continue on? – This was a re-read for me but still just as enjoyable. Brunstetter rarely lets you down with her novels. The gospel message is clear throughout, without being overkill. I hope you know what I mean by that….I enjoy the slow-paced nature of books set in the Amish world, and inevitably feel incredibly lazy with having washers for clothes and dishes….and plenty of time to read novels!
The Hero and the Crown – Robin Mckinley – She had always known the story of how her mother, the witchwoman, had used a spell to get the king to marry her. Aerin had heard it from beginning to end many times – how, after giving birth to a daughter instead of the longed-for son, her mother had turned to the wall and died of despair. Being the daughter cast her into a difficult position – one with a destiny she couldn’t see. But through determination and with a willing war-horse, Aerin would learn that her destiny was far greater than anyone believed – she was to be the hero who would wield the Blue Sword, Gonturan. – I picked this book up (along with #2 in the series) at Jupiter’s bookstore in Cannon Beach Or. Seriously, I love going to that bookstore. No matter what else I do while in the cute seaside town, I spend at least an hour in the cram-packed-full-of-used-books bookstore. I have read a few of Mckinley’s books – Beauty being one of my favorites – so I decided it was worth risking it. It is fantastic. A new world and language to get sucked into, plus it’s about a sword-wielding heroine? Yes please. The twists and turns and the growing that the heroine does from beginning to end are engrossing.
The Secret – Charlotte Bronte – A collection of short stories by Charlotte and her siblings are in this light read. Each are set in the imagined world of Verdopolis and are full of intrigue, lies and love. – These were very fun to read even though due to taking so long to read them I did get a little confused about the repeating characters. The heroines are all gorgeous and brave and true while the heros are handsome and trustworthy and the villians easy to spot by their dark brows and evil intent – all in all, very charming stories.
The Blue Sword – Robin Mckinley – Harry Crewe, newly orphaned, has come to the desert land of Damar, a place of secretive, magical Hillfolk and the Outlanders. Her life is a bit dull and ordinary – until she is kidnapped by Corlath, the king of the Hillfolk. She begins training in the arts of war, even though she doesn’t understand it. – This is the second book in the series (not sure it’s actually a ‘series’ though) of the world of Damar. Absolutely engrossing so far. Fantastic characters and I do love a bit of magic in my novels. And when a book can make me forget I’m eating lunch, well, you know it’s good.
Hope you find something to fill the coming weekend,
Laura
What are you reading lately?
the start of a good life 
I’m reading three books at the moment: Prayer by Timothy Keller, Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers, and Be Courageous (a look at Joshua) by Warren Wiesbe. All very good books in their own right! Courage seems to be a theme right now since one of Lineage of Grace features women from the line of the Messiah, Rahab being one of them. I wonder if God is trying to tell me something?! 🙂
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wow – all of those books look good, thanks for sharing Liv!
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I recently read The Doctor and the Word by Reginald Cherry M.D. For one who is very anti-drugs, (and medical doctors in general) this did open my eyes a bit. He tells us that we must pray for our pathway to healing. It may be an instantaneous (or not) miraculous healing, it may be surgery and/or it may be medications. He gave an example of 2 women who both had breast cancer (I believe). In prayer, the Lord told him that he and 1 of the women needed to pray and believe God for her healing, the other, the Lord told him surgery. The 1st woman was healed. The 2nd refused the surgery, stubbornly believing for a miraculous healing–she died.
I have just begun The Prayer that Changes Everything the Hidden Power of Praising God by Stormie Omartian. Having read (twice) Merlin Carouthers books on Praise I thought this would help my growth in that area. I love how she has it laid out: 15 reasons to praise God and 15 times when praising God is crucial.
Do you think The Storekeeper’s Daughter would be encouraging to me in my situation?
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Thanks for coming by!! First off I don’t think i’ve ever heard of a book that combines believing in ‘instantaneous’ healing and through medical. second, i have read a few of Omartian’s books and they are good. Third, I do like how Brunstetter shares various aspects of the Word in her novels – this one being trusting in Him through everything – so I could see it being encouraging for sure.
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This pic >
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