tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41637334014181462842024-03-14T08:18:30.501-06:00Seasons of HumilityAmber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comBlogger1273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-15047449791731633352020-12-29T00:00:00.302-07:002020-12-29T06:11:58.192-07:00Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Reads of 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/2020/12/my-top-ten-favorite-reads-of-2020/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiYzw4vKQOg7pfm9H1OGmQieoxHVQQsqVRYFfmMf_lHZWYG7UH6R7jOHawp39GPr7oGjWhxdOZgXDaJ_sxTC0GWqENNzIwHs40CjBI88TqRXOKhBA16H_8iOica6HxWvKZ37mCHVV_eM/s320/TTT-BLC.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While I haven't posted here on the blog since January, I have enjoyed some great reads this year, and I would love to share about them with you! This week's <b style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/">Top Ten Tuesday</a>*</b><span style="text-align: left;"> topic is "Favorite Books of 2020," so I'm joining in now to share my picks. I would love to hear about your favorites of the year in the comments section!</span><p></p><p>*Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/2020/12/my-top-ten-favorite-reads-of-2020/">That Artsy Reader Girl</a>. The image above is from Jana's blog.</p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">10 Favorite New-to-Me Reads</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyQDIUx_wqTzHcugoc8wcX_yTDDdxqNaOYQt7Fd0ylo9thiVFN-cZ83eWISAYm2ARhb7VG4YYVjYY2ynFCcHFc2rW9Sw40OgbKQQjJBs1HGC7V-G31MAbsGRsZsx4SvB84BLnnjUEeQE/s1218/The+Printed+Letter+Bookshop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyQDIUx_wqTzHcugoc8wcX_yTDDdxqNaOYQt7Fd0ylo9thiVFN-cZ83eWISAYm2ARhb7VG4YYVjYY2ynFCcHFc2rW9Sw40OgbKQQjJBs1HGC7V-G31MAbsGRsZsx4SvB84BLnnjUEeQE/s320/The+Printed+Letter+Bookshop.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://www.thomasnelson.com/9780785222002/the-printed-letter-bookshop/">The Printed Letter Bookshop</a></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Katherine Reay</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was a lovely, moving read! I really appreciated the emphasis on truth and forgiveness and living in the present. The way the narration alternates between characters is so creative, and the ending is very satisfying. I teared up a few times.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJFQUOkxWcSFbhfhZSAGQx_F39nJ_g5A8Eu2fi4QATLyn14T9N4tlPyaYR4NEKYYG0fMdneDoWidX11vQWXMsiJXnIH8d1mi4xsdLUB0QezCMYfS5QHn1s0J6NWY6l872_ZMo0Az24TA/s320/IMG_2973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJFQUOkxWcSFbhfhZSAGQx_F39nJ_g5A8Eu2fi4QATLyn14T9N4tlPyaYR4NEKYYG0fMdneDoWidX11vQWXMsiJXnIH8d1mi4xsdLUB0QezCMYfS5QHn1s0J6NWY6l872_ZMo0Az24TA/s0/IMG_2973.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Heidi</i></b> </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">by Johanna Spyri</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a very sweet classic! It was great to feature this one for a <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Heidi%20Read-Along">read-along</a> earlier this year, between the lovely setting and the great characters and the faith elements. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4erZhOEYiMG7b162Vptg8nmlcO2w9D7G82x4_HgjXvGUwtX9YzvnexTus4s2mvE8NhBdt5rGsfx15INNc8MrFzxnh7Qes34GNX6e4WjUwhiu3b8Lt6TKEVpY06O6b3PRsYi98iig9ag/s436/Once+Upon+a+Short+Story.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4erZhOEYiMG7b162Vptg8nmlcO2w9D7G82x4_HgjXvGUwtX9YzvnexTus4s2mvE8NhBdt5rGsfx15INNc8MrFzxnh7Qes34GNX6e4WjUwhiu3b8Lt6TKEVpY06O6b3PRsYi98iig9ag/s320/Once+Upon+a+Short+Story.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="http://www.angelagmarshall.com/books.html">Once Upon a Short Story</a></i></b> (Volume One)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">by A.G. Marshall</div><div><br /></div><div>I snatched this up when it was available as a free Kindle ebook, and I'm so glad I did! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed these little fairy-tale retellings. They're familiar but unique, clever and quite sweet. My favorite short stories in the volume might be "The Bruised Princess" and "The Curse of Gold," but it's hard to pick because the others were creative and entertaining too! There was either a sweet romance or the hint/possibility of one in each story, which I appreciated.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxYxRLOe96UuHrqBSAKnxf99AJlWAXuMp6dCytryifYvmeXz1hyWvAI851BoqImhTUx5O1XyCb4Q_bQyhGR8Go9185HsoefqvI_OloUJUq77M5G2q_RJXiWUi9LSSdA7Rf-P4dsvQyg8/s440/Whose+Waves+These+Are.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxYxRLOe96UuHrqBSAKnxf99AJlWAXuMp6dCytryifYvmeXz1hyWvAI851BoqImhTUx5O1XyCb4Q_bQyhGR8Go9185HsoefqvI_OloUJUq77M5G2q_RJXiWUi9LSSdA7Rf-P4dsvQyg8/s320/Whose+Waves+These+Are.jpg" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/whose-waves-these-are/393240">Whose Waves These Are</a></i></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">by Amanda Dykes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I loved the fictional Maine setting and the beautiful heart of this book, full of hope and light. The poetic wording and imagery and themes are lovely, as well as the way the story is puzzled together over the decades and generations. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtycp2FEhyUEn2lKNJ2cuotJqYnaXvS1Hhtc3bO8qLblOA8-Q_dzk04_E8q2OOcZcpBzs2ChvINwZ6VN0mYot1jQfPRvpNzixS15WRhshCrnHovjs_a0X7xytk8XjMyH9aW-RhOc-XEFQ/s450/Little+Women.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="321" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtycp2FEhyUEn2lKNJ2cuotJqYnaXvS1Hhtc3bO8qLblOA8-Q_dzk04_E8q2OOcZcpBzs2ChvINwZ6VN0mYot1jQfPRvpNzixS15WRhshCrnHovjs_a0X7xytk8XjMyH9aW-RhOc-XEFQ/s320/Little+Women.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/316851/little-women-by-louisa-may-alcott/9780147514011">Little Women</a></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Louisa May Alcott</div><div><br /></div><div>While I wish there were more emphasis on grace in this overall lovely saga, perhaps more of a biblical balance in the portrayal of faith, I really loved the lessons for daughters, wives, and mothers in this classic. Lots of great lines and reminders, and an enjoyable story! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnOzkJpCk0ymzwBsUUC1UAwSkCxyFIx-xMSbo9U-Lvm_GfDinedfLrcWvoF0GaRSCLu6ug1jpxz5aKnUA5E_2FnhzL_ujRpS-yTot7HmoB_VmhuJbqcdB5TckPN_Ihd6lgEeeiUU4ofY/s440/Wings+of+a+Dream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnOzkJpCk0ymzwBsUUC1UAwSkCxyFIx-xMSbo9U-Lvm_GfDinedfLrcWvoF0GaRSCLu6ug1jpxz5aKnUA5E_2FnhzL_ujRpS-yTot7HmoB_VmhuJbqcdB5TckPN_Ihd6lgEeeiUU4ofY/s320/Wings+of+a+Dream.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/wings-of-a-dream/328541">Wings of a Dream</a></i></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">by Anne Mateer</div><div><br /></div><div>This book set during the Spanish flu pandemic totally and surprisingly captured me. The heroine is imperfect but still loving and relatable. I loved experiencing her viewpoint and seeing all the twists and turns of her story as she learned to release her dreams and plans to God. Such a great read, and I'm so glad I finally read it (as it's been on my shelf for a long time!).<div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWU0w7elGetT33OFjLbaAqCcx5f5gVR5tNAxAU_vgC-9y_kjatlQagfDUsEXMZJRBDbJFhKdO8gbrFPjOaETPONNrRc1Z3lp9JvvXi5HddKfqS7G830s9yLrQ4BIF194y664yPXZVXvQ/s700/Jane+of+Austin.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWU0w7elGetT33OFjLbaAqCcx5f5gVR5tNAxAU_vgC-9y_kjatlQagfDUsEXMZJRBDbJFhKdO8gbrFPjOaETPONNrRc1Z3lp9JvvXi5HddKfqS7G830s9yLrQ4BIF194y664yPXZVXvQ/s320/Jane+of+Austin.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/538834/jane-of-austin-by-hillary-manton-lodge/">Jane of Austin</a></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Hillary Manton Lodge</div><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoyed this modern retelling of <i>Sense and Sensibility</i>! This author does a great job with food references; I loved all the talk of tea and baked goods. It's also a neat twist to have the "Marianne" character (Jane) be the main character, providing an interesting take on the plot. This story is sweet, creative, and full of great descriptions, and I appreciated how it pulled me in despite my familiarity with the general plot line.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQYwtsdwG_FzG8gPGJT_6_UnerZBqRV-lU1uLNZXfr1jGQGFIEp8Xfa4t8CtAP7KzifBODQKNtzw3P3LDRhT_kOuJ3bdnyzhRuEzJyFXMOMoFe9HTC7tjvj0uMFmleVMIzMJHxHW43gg/s447/The+Faithful+Spy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQYwtsdwG_FzG8gPGJT_6_UnerZBqRV-lU1uLNZXfr1jGQGFIEp8Xfa4t8CtAP7KzifBODQKNtzw3P3LDRhT_kOuJ3bdnyzhRuEzJyFXMOMoFe9HTC7tjvj0uMFmleVMIzMJHxHW43gg/s320/The+Faithful+Spy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37863426-the-faithful-spy">The Faithful Spy</a></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">by John Hendrix</div><div><br /></div><div>This book provides a very compelling presentation of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's story and the historical context of Germany and World War II. The content and illustrations are understandably intense but make for a readable and immersive experience. There's a sequence at the end that is especially beautiful in how it's portrayed. A powerful book!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeEQmy0HUcGTBBDBTE-nnuakQ1sw-4eHWRJ3ltN7VPllJRgfvfKB2SrLP7DYp7I81Gah-1t2ok-LqQ26qgvnyZPpdylsZJ9E5-U2QiMSGUTN1KJS6fTGowRpsGuD3OraXgxR3zG2w3Z0/s475/Book+of+a+Thousand+Days.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeEQmy0HUcGTBBDBTE-nnuakQ1sw-4eHWRJ3ltN7VPllJRgfvfKB2SrLP7DYp7I81Gah-1t2ok-LqQ26qgvnyZPpdylsZJ9E5-U2QiMSGUTN1KJS6fTGowRpsGuD3OraXgxR3zG2w3Z0/s320/Book+of+a+Thousand+Days.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/248484.Book_of_a_Thousand_Days">Book of a Thousand Days</a></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Shannon Hale</div><div><br /></div><div>Such an intense and intriguing fairy-tale retelling! I really like the diary format of this book and the ingenuity of the main character, Dashti. It's awesome how she holds on to hope and life through severe trials. Also, the romance in this story is just too sweet! <br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i74BG6k8K_Qx437exJ49W_-atVKy3xcCvxANwBRDRsJMq79KY468Q9aMCpxUgc576xm_z5KHSYmmdn_GhI_D0MKOEMUzmomHI1Pr7T0ItGFAOf0n3eAFcTUZOieXJkI9IPvJvKEycMY/s1024/in-pursuit-of-a-gentleman-front-cover-darker-gingerbread-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i74BG6k8K_Qx437exJ49W_-atVKy3xcCvxANwBRDRsJMq79KY468Q9aMCpxUgc576xm_z5KHSYmmdn_GhI_D0MKOEMUzmomHI1Pr7T0ItGFAOf0n3eAFcTUZOieXJkI9IPvJvKEycMY/s320/in-pursuit-of-a-gentleman-front-cover-darker-gingerbread-3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://arlemhawks.com/books/">In Pursuit of a Gentleman</a></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Arlem Hawks</div><div><br /></div><div>Such a fun and clever little fairy-tale retelling! Who would think you could have such a cute Regency romance based on "The Gingerbread Man"? I love the way this story is told, including all the delicious gingerbread and bakery descriptions. A sweet wintertime read to savor!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Bonus: Favorite Children's Book</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHU5jbyO55YO4xbLnFgWMHy7euyqYPxQbASZ-CoxGkrG_WycSq10TY3ye3DbTJlAIYcg9abH9zNN8wMBbJNYU6jn8CUw6-BCmVpGCB4lMiLs7Z8D9tOvZHyqq-FOmRjkJVZ7kavpXNzE/s675/Hello+Lighthouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="406" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHU5jbyO55YO4xbLnFgWMHy7euyqYPxQbASZ-CoxGkrG_WycSq10TY3ye3DbTJlAIYcg9abH9zNN8wMBbJNYU6jn8CUw6-BCmVpGCB4lMiLs7Z8D9tOvZHyqq-FOmRjkJVZ7kavpXNzE/s320/Hello+Lighthouse.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://www.lbyr.com/titles/sophie-blackall/hello-lighthouse/9780316362375/">Hello Lighthouse</a></i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Sophie Blackall</div><div><br /></div><div>I fell in love with this children's book when reading it to my daughter. I borrowed it from the library a couple times, and I just recently ordered a copy to have in our home. It shares such a sweet portrayal of family and the time of lighthouse keepers...and the ending is full of nostalgia. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Bonus: Favorite Audiobook</span></b> </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXEdLuY6b2K0-gf26sKQSVOABMbMX1bhJ3QPi00cjIMfOKAVzeDHN_csWClaTgmMzYDf251RVBRBIOLrBQSzlBNG0Hkgz57jGUMpjdcu1f5C-d6FBpdThscZaTmojzX0GNWKXL3Mt5zw/s500/Guernsey+audiobook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXEdLuY6b2K0-gf26sKQSVOABMbMX1bhJ3QPi00cjIMfOKAVzeDHN_csWClaTgmMzYDf251RVBRBIOLrBQSzlBNG0Hkgz57jGUMpjdcu1f5C-d6FBpdThscZaTmojzX0GNWKXL3Mt5zw/s320/Guernsey+audiobook.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Guernsey-Literary-and-Potato-Peel-Pie-Society-Audiobook/B002VA99GI">The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</a></i></b> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows</div><div><br /></div><div>I've read this story before, but I loved hearing it performed as an audiobook with a group of narrators! They do such a great job, and the letters come to life through their accents and emotions. I was glad to revisit the story and characters in this way! </div>Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-877105727278319622020-01-31T00:00:00.000-07:002020-01-31T00:00:31.653-07:00Discussion 4 ~ Heidi Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I1aqT5Ijh9v7kZJ2OpA8oOfXTjJf3F5ovBV3Veb_wYD9jb2DQUf4Wz9VjIeDEd7yAl9NmcG9QiInQoTBXtAiHUK9BcziM91pE5uoJOlJq5VSEOE6C48U3QGDo9jJyCKoZ2gaX3hsAV0/s1600/Heidi+Read-Along+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I1aqT5Ijh9v7kZJ2OpA8oOfXTjJf3F5ovBV3Veb_wYD9jb2DQUf4Wz9VjIeDEd7yAl9NmcG9QiInQoTBXtAiHUK9BcziM91pE5uoJOlJq5VSEOE6C48U3QGDo9jJyCKoZ2gaX3hsAV0/s320/Heidi+Read-Along+Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome to the fourth and final discussion for the <i>Heidi </i>read-along! If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-year-new-read-along-lets-read-and.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
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Today we'll be discussing chapter chapters 5-9 of part 2 (the last five chapters of the book). If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post. (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Heidi%20Read-Along"><i>Heidi</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in when you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Heidi</i>: </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapters 5-9 (Part 2)</span></b><br />
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<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>"Now she had to listen to the wind as it blew down deep and mysterious from the cliffs above, coming nearer and growing mightier, and then leaping into the fir trees, bending and shaking them until it seemed as if it were shouting with delight; and Heidi had to shout too, while she was blown hither and thither like a little leaf."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Do you know why the stars are so full of joy, and wink at us so with their eyes?... Because they see up in heaven how well the dear Lord directs everything for people, so that they need have no worry and can be safe, because everything will happen for the best. That delights them so; see how they wink, that we may be happy too!"</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"The sky was deep blue, and not a single cloud was to be seen anywhere. The great snow field beyond them sparkled like thousands and thousands of gold and silver stars. The gray rocky peaks stood high and steadfast in their places, as they had done for ages, looking down solemnly into the valley below."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"We ought to pray to the dear Lord every day, and about every single thing; for then He will know that we do not forget that we receive everything from Him."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"My good grandmother," broke in Frau Sesemann, "before our Father in heaven we are all equally poor, and it is equally necessary to all of us that He should not forget us."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
<br />
Overall, I found this to be a happy and lovely conclusion to a sweet story!<br />
<br />
Perhaps the one part I'm not so satisfied with is Peter's... While he learns to read and also learns an important lesson about no sin staying secret, I would have liked to see more genuine change. He's able to read the grandmother hymns, but he doesn't seem to care about the words and how they bless the grandmother (as he's willing to just drop the difficult ones!). And when Frau Sesemann basically offers to grant him a wish, he chooses something for himself, unlike Heidi and the grandfather, who want to bless others.<br />
<br />
But that's a good reminder for me! When there's a chance I could receive something I want, I know I'm more like Peter in my thinking, and I can learn a lot from the giving and selfless nature of Heidi and her grandfather.<br />
<br />
One thing that confuses me a bit is Peter's age. In chapter 1 Heidi is said to be about 5 and Peter is 11. So I would think by the end of the book he would be well into his teenage years? I guess I'm not exactly sure, but he seems to be little-boy-like throughout the story...<br />
<br />
I love how much good it does Klara to be on the mountain with Heidi! The two of them find so much joy in the simple things, in the beauty of nature and the taste of goat milk and the starry view from their loft. And as we've all been chatting about throughout this read-along, Heidi's trusting and front-and-center faith is so inspiring! I love how easily she talks about God with those around her and how she's determined to always give Him the glory.<br />
<br />
Of course, it's absolutely wonderful that, through grace and patience and care, Klara finds healing and is able to walk again! It's a great climax for the story. We go from Heidi being dragged up the mountain by an unkind relative in chapter 1 to new friends falling in love with the mountain and a family/community being formed there as spiritual and physical healing take place. So lovely!<br />
<br />
The story ends on a very hopeful note, and I love that the last line talks about praising God "for all that He has done for us" (page 316 in my copy). :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5azLQ7_AH9_lhfVGK88EjWPZd4X5wDZoULyqK5Dy-nWoVEVrOXif5XMved4ik6tN1ntNcsutX-_xuGr_DXF8KS1WM9_7KlmB24A2JUY6YH8yGecLXaNYVZPS6ou118NdLBvHV69XVh7A/s1600/IMG_3103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5azLQ7_AH9_lhfVGK88EjWPZd4X5wDZoULyqK5Dy-nWoVEVrOXif5XMved4ik6tN1ntNcsutX-_xuGr_DXF8KS1WM9_7KlmB24A2JUY6YH8yGecLXaNYVZPS6ou118NdLBvHV69XVh7A/s320/IMG_3103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post.</i><br />
<br />
1. What did you think of Peter's reading lessons and Heidi's teaching methods?<br />
<br />
2. Which scene did you find the most beautiful or memorable in these last chapters?<br />
<br />
3. If you could step into the pages of the book, what would you be most eager to experience? (A night gazing at the stars from the loft? Waking up to the sound of the wind through the fir trees? Sitting among the flowers and goats on the mountain? Or something else?)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you so much for joining the <i>Heidi</i> read-along!</b><br />
<b>It's been a joy to read and discuss the book with you. :)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Johanna Spyri, <i>Heidi</i>, trans. Helen B. Dole (New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1945), 245, 262, 279, 289, 312-313.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-22266575534826523712020-01-24T00:00:00.000-07:002020-01-24T00:00:11.230-07:00Discussion 3 ~ Heidi Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I1aqT5Ijh9v7kZJ2OpA8oOfXTjJf3F5ovBV3Veb_wYD9jb2DQUf4Wz9VjIeDEd7yAl9NmcG9QiInQoTBXtAiHUK9BcziM91pE5uoJOlJq5VSEOE6C48U3QGDo9jJyCKoZ2gaX3hsAV0/s1600/Heidi+Read-Along+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I1aqT5Ijh9v7kZJ2OpA8oOfXTjJf3F5ovBV3Veb_wYD9jb2DQUf4Wz9VjIeDEd7yAl9NmcG9QiInQoTBXtAiHUK9BcziM91pE5uoJOlJq5VSEOE6C48U3QGDo9jJyCKoZ2gaX3hsAV0/s320/Heidi+Read-Along+Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the third discussion for the <i>Heidi </i>read-along! If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-year-new-read-along-lets-read-and.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Today we'll be discussing chapter 14 of part 1 and chapters 1-4 of part 2. If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post. (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Heidi%20Read-Along"><i>Heidi</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in when you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Heidi</i>: Chapter 14 (Part 1)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">and Chapters 1-4 (Part 2)</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>"She no longer had the old expression on her face, but appeared happy and thankful, as if she already looked with new bright eyes into the beautiful heavenly garden."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"She quietly pushed her book in front of her grandfather and said, 'See, how happy he is!' and pointed with her finger to the picture of the son's return home, where he stands in fresh garments beside his father, and once more belongs to him as his son."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"When the people turned to go down the mountain the old man stood for a long time gazing after them, and a warm light was spread over his face, as if the sun shone out from within him. Heidi looked steadily at him and said with delight: 'Grandfather, you never looked so handsome before as you have today!'"</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"The roaring of the wind always stirred the very depths of Heidi's soul and made her feel that she must run out under the great branches."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"The gentleman will have to make the best of it, for if our cooking is plain our dining room is all that could be desired."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Round about, the golden autumn sun shone over the peaks and the distant green valley. Everywhere from the pastures below came the sound of the bells of the herd, so lovely and delightful, as if announcing sweet peace far and wide. The golden sunbeams flashed sparkling and glistening here and there on the great snow fields above, and the gray Falknis lifted its towers of rock in lofty majesty far up into the deep blue sky. The morning breeze blew gently and deliciously over the mountain and softly stirred the last bluebells, still remaining from the great numbers of the summer, and cheerfully nodding their little heads in the warm sunshine." </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"In the evening the moon rose very bright and big, and all night long shone over the vast snow fields, and the next morning the whole mountain from top to bottom glistened and glittered like a crystal."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
<br />
This story is so incredibly sweet! Everything seemed to wrap up so beautifully in chapter 13, but chapter 14 made everything even better. To have Heidi share her childlike faith with her grandfather and to see him repent and find such joy in the Lord—it's wonderful! I loved that he took Heidi down the mountain to church, where he was welcomed back with such warmth and kindness. Ah, such a great ending to part 1!<br />
<br />
Also, between Heidi reading the hymns to the grandmother and then reading the story of the prodigal son to her grandfather, we see what a special gift reading can be for oneself and others. ♥<br />
<br />
Part 2 is proving to be wonderful too. Disappointments arise and are addressed, but there is a constant sense of optimism and gratitude in the main characters. Heidi's interactions with the doctor are so heartfelt and sweet. I'm glad he was the one to go for the autumn visit. :)<br />
<br />
Peter... Well, Klara pretty much has him pegged when she decides she better not designate the gift of sausage in her package solely for him, but make sure his mother divvies it up, LOL. He's a little preoccupied with food and wanting things to go his way. Those preoccupations do make him rather relatable! But I hope he grows up a bit by the end of the story. :)<br />
<br />
Heidi and her grandfather's living situation in Dörfli is interesting! I like how the grandfather did his best to prepare the space and make sure Heidi would be comfortable, and it's fun to see how Heidi embraces the adventure of it. Even though she misses waking up in their home on the mountain, I love how she hears her grandfather and the goats in the morning and "felt that she was at home after all" (page 225 in my copy).<br />
<br />
All in all, I'm continuing to greatly enjoy <i>Heidi</i>! I'm looking forward to seeing how the story wraps up, although it's bittersweet to think we're already nearing the end. I'm thinking this will be a great story to re-read at some point, for sure!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR_kItgYNrGKs6pswxU21j0aL0xVw7Sf6V0Rrktw6a4M3MaBtxne_tuj3jNUu2b7mT88Cb0SCR0cNTlt9wBbphtimEZH_oSI-Dcc-BTgqlJiedimj-kM4xj0gbSIZHxN2nN5ypXFebD8/s1600/IMG_3101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR_kItgYNrGKs6pswxU21j0aL0xVw7Sf6V0Rrktw6a4M3MaBtxne_tuj3jNUu2b7mT88Cb0SCR0cNTlt9wBbphtimEZH_oSI-Dcc-BTgqlJiedimj-kM4xj0gbSIZHxN2nN5ypXFebD8/s320/IMG_3101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post.</i><br />
<br />
1. Which scene in this section made you the most happy when you read it?<br />
<br />
2. In what way has one of the characters inspired you?<br />
<br />
3. How would you feel about living in the "mansion" in Dörfli where Heidi and her grandfather spend the winter?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us next Friday for our fourth and final discussion! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Part 2: Chapters 5-9)</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Johanna Spyri, <i>Heidi</i>, trans. Helen B. Dole (New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1945), 175, 179, 183, 197, 204, 210, 225-226.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-50630682202830709882020-01-17T00:00:00.000-07:002020-01-17T00:00:00.153-07:00Discussion 2 ~ Heidi Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I1aqT5Ijh9v7kZJ2OpA8oOfXTjJf3F5ovBV3Veb_wYD9jb2DQUf4Wz9VjIeDEd7yAl9NmcG9QiInQoTBXtAiHUK9BcziM91pE5uoJOlJq5VSEOE6C48U3QGDo9jJyCKoZ2gaX3hsAV0/s1600/Heidi+Read-Along+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I1aqT5Ijh9v7kZJ2OpA8oOfXTjJf3F5ovBV3Veb_wYD9jb2DQUf4Wz9VjIeDEd7yAl9NmcG9QiInQoTBXtAiHUK9BcziM91pE5uoJOlJq5VSEOE6C48U3QGDo9jJyCKoZ2gaX3hsAV0/s320/Heidi+Read-Along+Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the second discussion for the <i>Heidi </i>read-along! If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-year-new-read-along-lets-read-and.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Today we'll be discussing chapters 9-13 (part 1). If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post. (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Heidi%20Read-Along"><i>Heidi</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in when you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Heidi</i>: Chapters 9-13</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"How do you do, Lady Gracious?"<br />"And why not!" said the grandmamma, laughing. "Is that what you say at home? Did you hear that in the Alps?"<br />"No; no one among us has that name," answered Heidi earnestly.<br />"Neither has anyone here," said the grandmamma, again laughing, and patted Heidi affectionately on the cheek. "It's no matter! In the nursery I am grandmamma, and you shall call me so."</blockquote>
<div>
<ul>
<li>"You see, the dear Lord is a good Father to us all! He always knows what is good for us, if we do not know it."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Rushing into the corner and into the grandmother's lap, she seized her arm and her hands and snuggled up to her, and was unable to say anything more from delight."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"What a blessing you have brought me!" exclaimed the grandmother, when the rolls did not come to an end, but one kept following another. "But the greatest blessing is you yourself, child!"</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Now a red glow fell over the grass at her feet; she turned round; there—she had forgotten the splendor, and never had seen it in her dreams like this—the rocky peaks on Falknis flamed up to the sky, the broad snow field was all aglow, and rosy clouds were drifting high above. The grass all round on the Alm was golden; from all the heights it glimmered and gleamed down, and below, the far-reaching valley swam in a golden vapor. When Heidi stood in the midst of all this glory, bright tears of joy and rapture ran down her cheeks, and she had to fold her hands, and, looking up to heaven, thank the dear Lord aloud that He had brought her back home again."</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
<br />
What an interesting and ultimately happy section this was! I really enjoyed getting to meet Klara's grandmamma. I love that she was so welcoming and encouraging to Heidi, making her feel like she could be herself while also nudging her to learn and grow in her reading, faith, etc. I also love that Heidi finds joy in reading—while we still see that books and stories aren't a substitute for the real relationships and life Heidi craves.<br />
<br />
Then there's the whole "haunted" bit, which was rather comical! It's funny how everyone was affected by the thought of a ghost...except for the little "ghost" herself. :)<br />
<br />
I'm glad the doctor was able to diagnose Heidi's true ailment and help bring about her journey home. And it was very sweet the way Klara wanted to give to Heidi.<br />
<br />
It's a little surprising that Sebastian was so quick to entrust Heidi's care to a stranger, but I guess "all's well that ends well," so at least she made it up the mountain safely. And what touching scenes when she returns to the grandmother and Peter and her grandfather! I love her reunion with the grandmother, how full of love and joy it is, and I love how her grandfather was still his gruff self but obviously happy to have his Heidi back, the same humble and playful girl in essence as she'd been. Hugging the goats, resting peacefully in her cozy hay bed—such sweet scenes!<br />
<br />
I'm really glad Heidi is back with those she loves. Now it will be interesting to see how life might change on the mountain and if there will be any mention of or reunion with the people she'd come to know in Frankfurt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiAkOzGz1bv7uPFG73LL1QpIygwyHI9DhTHQOpKHXzACFIBfvSMtOJls4rQ2g4d50u1ujNBcfMpzaDBQWDiWy-a6VBkWXoN9gVoK1MlESMdSJuTUH96zifW1Wse8b6VI_JImLIFWwMxU/s1600/DSCN6256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiAkOzGz1bv7uPFG73LL1QpIygwyHI9DhTHQOpKHXzACFIBfvSMtOJls4rQ2g4d50u1ujNBcfMpzaDBQWDiWy-a6VBkWXoN9gVoK1MlESMdSJuTUH96zifW1Wse8b6VI_JImLIFWwMxU/s320/DSCN6256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the descriptions of alpenglow in this book!<br />Here's a <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2018/11/grateful-for-beautiful-momentsand.html">post I wrote</a> about an alpenglow experience in Montana.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post.</i><br />
<br />
1. What struck you most from the grandmamma's (Frau Sesemann's) interactions with Heidi?<br />
<br />
2. Do you think Heidi could have learned to thrive in the Sesemann house over time, or do you think she truly needed to go back to the Alm in order to be healthy and happy again?<br />
<br />
3. What was your favorite part about Heidi's return home?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us next Friday for our third discussion! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Part 1: Chapter 14 and Part 2: Chapters 1-4)</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Johanna Spyri, <i>Heidi</i>, trans. Helen B. Dole (New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1945), 118-119, 131, 162, 163, 165.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-48712702404702810752020-01-10T00:00:00.000-07:002020-01-10T00:00:08.264-07:00Discussion 1 ~ Heidi Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I1aqT5Ijh9v7kZJ2OpA8oOfXTjJf3F5ovBV3Veb_wYD9jb2DQUf4Wz9VjIeDEd7yAl9NmcG9QiInQoTBXtAiHUK9BcziM91pE5uoJOlJq5VSEOE6C48U3QGDo9jJyCKoZ2gaX3hsAV0/s1600/Heidi+Read-Along+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I1aqT5Ijh9v7kZJ2OpA8oOfXTjJf3F5ovBV3Veb_wYD9jb2DQUf4Wz9VjIeDEd7yAl9NmcG9QiInQoTBXtAiHUK9BcziM91pE5uoJOlJq5VSEOE6C48U3QGDo9jJyCKoZ2gaX3hsAV0/s320/Heidi+Read-Along+Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the first discussion of the <i>Heidi </i>read-along! If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-year-new-read-along-lets-read-and.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Today we'll be discussing chapters 1-8. If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post. (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Heidi%20Read-Along"><i>Heidi</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in when you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Heidi</i>: Chapters 1-8</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>"The sun does it. When he says good night to the mountains, he sends to them his most beautiful rays so that they may not forget him until he comes back again in the morning."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"More attractive than all else to Heidi on such windy days was the roaring and rushing in the three old fir trees behind the hut. Wherever she happened to be, she had to run to them every little while, for nothing was so fascinating and wonderful as this deep, mysterious sound up in the treetops."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"After many long years a joy had come into the blind grandmother's dreary life, and her days were no more long and dark; for now she always had something pleasant to look forward to."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Sebastian was standing outside the door and had to stop laughing before he could enter the room again. While he was serving Heidi, he had noticed a little cat's head peeping out of her pocket, and when it began to meow he could hardly contain himself long enough to set his tray on the table." </li>
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</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
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I think I'm finding this story to be so much sweeter and more engaging than I might have expected! Heidi's character is adorable and difficult to resist, almost with an <i>Anne of Green Gables</i> quality to her given a description like this: "Heidi was never unhappy, for she always found something about her to enjoy" (page 42 in my copy). She finds so much pleasure in nature and the goats and discovering new things and watching her grandfather work and in simple conversations with an older woman. Even when she ends up in completely foreign-to-her situations, she is quite resilient and brave and quick to find something to delight in.<br />
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It's surprising how young she is in these chapters. It's hard to imagine a five-year-old climbing up a mountainside! But her innocence is so sweet.<br />
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I love how her grandfather is quick to take to her and praise her, and how he watches out for her even while letting her play and grow in independence.<br />
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I'm a little uncertain still about Peter. I like him, but he also has a selfish streak (which, given his youth and circumstances, isn't surprising!). Still, I enjoyed seeing his friendship with Heidi and her grandfather bloom.<br />
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I love Peter's grandmother and the way she revels in Heidi's visits and defends her grandfather. It's so, so sad when Heidi is forced to leave... Ugh, Aunt Dete! Driven by guilt and duty, I suppose, but if only she actually loved Heidi. I hate that she gives Heidi away, then takes her away again when she sees fit, basically deceiving the poor little girl. :(<br />
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As for Heidi's new situation as companion to Klara, I'm torn. I'm glad Heidi has new friends like Klara and Sebastian. Sebastian is pretty awesome, haha! I loved when he paid the boy from the street to play his organ for the girls and cause a scene. And the way he takes care of the kittens and saves Heidi's hat from being thrown away—yep, I like him! But I'm also sad for Heidi, being so young and feeling homesick and trapped.<br />
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I'm curious to see where the next chapters take Heidi...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireDJkQoCIAq2lvBl4nCdltttA4_roMwgU5Ha-BDIIWADHC9zkmEVZwy9QEaysbGsVhIe9hOq0cUN9_sjSVaV5Y4Y02O1YGO6zcnrqQF7S6PsBGGSMRfUL1EFCVBTKC6_RlTaAcw5CMz8/s1600/IMG_3069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireDJkQoCIAq2lvBl4nCdltttA4_roMwgU5Ha-BDIIWADHC9zkmEVZwy9QEaysbGsVhIe9hOq0cUN9_sjSVaV5Y4Y02O1YGO6zcnrqQF7S6PsBGGSMRfUL1EFCVBTKC6_RlTaAcw5CMz8/s320/IMG_3069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snowy illustration seems fitting for this season!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
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<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post.</i><br />
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1. Which character ended up surprising you most in these first eight chapters?<br />
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2. Do you think you would enjoy living the way Heidi's grandfather does? What would you like or dislike about that kind of life and home?<br />
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3. Which scene have you found most touching so far? Most amusing?<br />
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<b>Join us next Friday for our second discussion! </b></div>
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<b>(Chapters 9-13)</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Johanna Spyri, <i>Heidi</i>, trans. Helen B. Dole (New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1945), 40, 42, 55, 94-95.</span></div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-48464898560487856612019-12-27T12:05:00.000-07:002019-12-27T12:05:30.589-07:00New Year, New Read-Along: Let's Read and Discuss Heidi Together!<br />
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Just a few more days until the start of 2020! Happy (almost) New Year, everyone!<br />
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If you're looking for a classic to read/re-read to kick off the new year, or if you simply want to discuss an old favorite with friends, I'd love to have you join the <i><b>Heidi</b></i> read-along. :)<br />
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Here are the details...<br />
<ul>
<li>The read-along will start Wednesday, January 1, and end Friday, January 31.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>We'll read <b>1 chapter per weekday </b>for a total of 23 chapters. (You can use the weekends to catch up or get ahead if you'd like!) </li>
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<li>Discussions will take place here on <b>Fridays</b> (January 10, 17, 24, 31) for a total of 4 discussions.</li>
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<li>I'll provide ideas and questions, and you can take part through commenting on the discussion posts here or creating your own blog posts!</li>
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Here are some examples of past read-alongs I've hosted: <i><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Persuasion%20and%20Prayers%20Read-Along">Persuasion</a></i>, <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Northanger%20Abbey%20Read-Along"><i>Northanger Abbey</i></a>, <i><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Emma%20Read-Along">Emma</a></i>, <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Pride%20and%20Prejudice%20Read%20Along"><i>Pride & Prejudice</i></a>, <i><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Mansfield%20Park%20Read-Along">Mansfield Park</a></i>, <i><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Sense%20and%20Sensibility%20Read-Along">Sense & Sensibility</a></i>, <i><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Silver%20Chair%20Read-Along">The Silver Chair</a>, <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Emily%20of%20New%20Moon%20Read-Along">Emily of New Moon</a>, <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Christy%20read-along">Christy</a></i>.<br />
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I want to say this will be my first time reading <i>Heidi </i>by Johanna Spyri...and I'm looking forward to finally enjoying the beautiful copy featured in the read-along button above. It was a Christmas gift given to me in 1998 by a very sweet lady from my grandparents' church, and she wrote a kind note inside letting me know that the book was once a prize from a spelling contest in 1955, and she hoped I would enjoy the story like she did. ♥<br />
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Do you have a long-cherished copy of the book or special memories from reading it as a child? Please do share in the comments section—and let me know if you'll be participating in the read-along too! (Feel free to use the image in this post and share it on your blog or social media if you'd like to announce your participation!)</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-46884301095263930932019-12-26T17:11:00.001-07:002019-12-26T17:11:47.355-07:00The Gift of Books: Ordered, In the Stocking, and Under the TreeHello again, friends! It is probably no surprise that I get excited about books. ;) So, like an eager little child, I just wanted to share about these ones I got for Christmas this year!<br />
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My aunt and uncle kindly sent Josh and me a gift card, and we really enjoyed picking out books to buy—one for him, one for me, and a children's book to add to our collection for our little girl on the way. :) <b><i>Whose Waves These Are</i></b> by Amanda Dykes was my pick! I've posted about <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2017/12/christmas-snack-size-reviews-to-savor.html">one of her novellas</a> before. She's a great author, and I've heard wonderful things about this book. Between the author and the reviews and the Maine setting and the gorgeous cover, this one seemed like the right choice!<br />
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Josh and I have fun stuffing stockings for each other, picking out little gifts and treats—and you can see my sweet stash from Josh in the picture! I confess I "helped" him pick out the book. ;) And after seeing <a href="https://rissiwrites.com/2019/11/why-you-should-read-my-new-crush-gave-to-me.html">Rissi's review</a>, I was especially excited to receive <b><i>My New Crush Gave to Me</i></b> by Shani Petroff. Should be fun! (And I also can't wait to enjoy those candies!)<br />
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<b><i>The Language of Souls</i></b> by Lena Goldfinch was a gift from my parents, one that I had on my list. Not that I haven't read it before...it was actually the book that introduced me to Lena's delightful work! But I had first read it as an ebook, and now that Lena has updated the cover (so beautiful, right??) and added an epilogue (so sweet!), I loved the thought of finally adding it to my shelf. Yay!<br />
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Another gift from my parents! <b><i>Entertaining with Disney</i></b> by Amy Croushorn caught my eye online, and I had so much fun looking through it yesterday. While I'm not sure when or if I'd be able to actually host a party like the kind this book presents, I'd love to try some of the recipes (cupcakes, cookies, gumbo...lots of neat options)—and the pages are really beautiful for viewing and dreaming!<br />
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What about you? I'd love to hear about any new books you got for Christmas or ones you're excited to borrow/buy/read in 2020! </div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-7095703912644605162019-12-26T16:11:00.000-07:002019-12-26T16:11:07.841-07:00Literary Christmas: More Festive Reads<br />
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<a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-2019-begins-link.html" target="new"><img alt="A Literary Christmas: Reading Challenge // inthebookcase.blogspot.com" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYEbo3loCxFHTZ-AaUbmBVPWKjuh7q8V3OxzktQRk1Pl8is8CDFKEiUaiK8yUhMMDVQhVh-4zVCu690vlkll_eSYMDcKpUo73UtLYqTTKExeZKpszbIBxK6VtNMR65VETmHsPpfhA1As/s1600/aliterarychristmas-button.jpg" title="A Literary Christmas: Reading Challenge // inthebookcase.blogspot.com" /></a>
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Hope you all had a wonderful and merry Christmas yesterday! Today I wanted to catch up on posting for the Literary Christmas challenge (hosted by <b><a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-2019-begins-link.html">In the Bookcase</a></b>). This month I re-read a couple books, which were both on <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/11/literary-christmas-reading-challenge.html">my list for the challenge</a>, and I also read a book that—while not specifically Christmas-y—takes place mostly in December and the holiday season. :)<br />
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<b><i>A Cliché Christmas</i></b> by Nicole Deese<br />
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<i>Learn more about the book on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KQ1LYJE">Amazon</a>.</i><br />
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I believe the first time I read this was in Kindle ebook format, so it was neat to be able to read and enjoy the print copy from my shelf this time around! This is a great romance with plenty of bantering, misunderstanding, engaging scenes, and a sweet amount of depth. It's a case of the heroine falling in love once again with an old flame and her old hometown, but with new hopes and an expanded heart. I'm glad to have this on my shelf and think I'd like to revisit it again some future holiday season. </div>
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<i><b>The Case of the Crafty Christmas Crooks</b></i> by Cindy Vincent</div>
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<i>Learn more about the book on <a href="http://www.cindyvincent.net/MysteryBooksandMore.html">the author's website</a>.</i></div>
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It was great fun to revisit this story simply as a reader (whereas the first time around I was viewing it as an editor)! The characters are so cute, and the book is full of Christmas heart and cheer. One of the cats learns all about Christmas for the first time, and it's so sweet to see the season afresh through his eyes. I finished re-reading this the night of Christmas Eve, which was a great way to end the day, as the book's conclusion is full of love and generosity. :)</div>
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<b><i>Tending Roses</i></b> by Lisa Wingate</div>
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<i>Learn more about the book on <a href="https://lisawingate.com/books/tending-roses/">the author's website</a>.</i></div>
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This book has been on my shelf for a bit, and this month I picked it up to give it a try. It's definitely fitting to read in December, as most of the book takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas (although it continues on into spring). It's not a fast or terribly exciting read, but I'm heading into a similar season of life as the one the heroine experiences (with her first child), and I found the characters' dilemmas and life lessons and interactions compelling. The Christmas elements add a sweet touch, from community events to the family's preparations and celebration. I don't necessarily feel a huge urge to read the rest of the series, but overall I enjoyed this one, and perhaps I'll want to read it again sometime.</div>
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(You can see the series order <a href="https://lisawingate.com/lisas-bookshelf/">HERE</a>. <i>Tending Roses</i> is book 1.)</div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-40605050643296254122019-12-11T09:54:00.000-07:002019-12-11T09:54:12.326-07:00Return to the White Island: Firetrap Cover Reveal!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WJ3n_yb6p3N1p4p0HreRWbM_pmR04BiWzeydFo4rrbPsGBKszaVeVNtm_JgnFJNlFMNLSBTzpe9LBLjfipsWXfATJUmdMzMypRZsxBC9g0i6khHAhRnvt0p6D8uEk74CK9AOJJpvMwg/s1600/Postcard-Front-588x452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="588" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WJ3n_yb6p3N1p4p0HreRWbM_pmR04BiWzeydFo4rrbPsGBKszaVeVNtm_JgnFJNlFMNLSBTzpe9LBLjfipsWXfATJUmdMzMypRZsxBC9g0i6khHAhRnvt0p6D8uEk74CK9AOJJpvMwg/s320/Postcard-Front-588x452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's two weeks till Christmas, and here's an early gift for fans of young-adult fantasy and the awesome Phantom Island series by Krissi Dallas: a cover reveal for the much-anticipated fifth installment!!<br />
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Every now and then you might see me gush about these books on this blog, but you can find my full reviews on <i>The Borrowed Book</i> blog:<br />
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<li><b><a href="http://theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/2012/02/ya-book-review-windchaser.html">Windchaser</a></b> (book 1)</li>
<li><b><a href="http://theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/2012/02/ya-book-review-windfall.html">Windfall</a></b> (book 2)</li>
<li><b><a href="http://theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/2012/03/ya-book-review-watercrossing.html">Watercrossing</a></b> (book 3)</li>
<li><b><a href="http://theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/2013/09/ya-book-review-watermark.html">Watermark</a></b> (book 4)</li>
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After years of suspense, it's thrilling to share the title, cover, and description for book 5...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt5ajUZjjwirpDAmRLvSoin_f7gcet5TKlLByAG7VaszrXUzqX1_Mq88DgLrQ-Ku9W0fZuQtra1KpvOqIla_6e7S54XwdXBuaCJzVkX-IHghisuXWGP3mwvGt4GHOZt2JxRoUNGQzEQ0/s1600/Dallas_FireTrap_LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt5ajUZjjwirpDAmRLvSoin_f7gcet5TKlLByAG7VaszrXUzqX1_Mq88DgLrQ-Ku9W0fZuQtra1KpvOqIla_6e7S54XwdXBuaCJzVkX-IHghisuXWGP3mwvGt4GHOZt2JxRoUNGQzEQ0/s320/Dallas_FireTrap_LR.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">My Thoughts</span></b></div>
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Okay, the cover designer (Kristen McGregor of <b><a href="http://www.astreacreative.com/">Astrea Creative</a></b>) did a fantastic job of continuing the look of this series in an epic way! This cover definitely shouts, "The Phantom Island series is back and bigger than ever! Boom!" The rich colors and active symbolism hold lots of promise, and I love how the text and main illustration go from silver to gold (which suggests that this book won't be broken up into two, I believe, as the first two elements were? But I'm not 100% certain about that. Either way, it's very clever and looks great!). I just love the design of this whole series. ♥</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">About the Book</span></b></div>
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<i>A year has passed, but the Island hasn't forgotten...</i><br />
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As Whitnee Terradora stands on the cusp of her eighteenth birthday, all she can think about is getting through graduation without tripping, boarding that cruise ship, and finally, for crying out loud, snagging her first real kiss with Caleb. Forget that she still hasn't decided where to go to college and that the future intimidates her more than she will admit.<br />
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It's the eve of the Guardianship Festival, and all Gabriel can focus on is getting through the next five days of tribal blessing rituals across the Island, making an historically powerful speech at the opening ceremony, and successfully avoiding any more assassination threats. His determination remains intact even when he is unexpectedly separated from Eden, his personal advisor and confidante. Surely he can handle leadership of the festivities without her.<br />
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But the Island has a different plan. And neither Whitnee nor Gabriel is prepared for—or happy about—the moment their two worlds collide again. Prophecies unravel, friendships are challenged, and attraction ignites as the dark underbelly of the Island reveals itself in this long-awaited fifth installment of the Phantom Island series. For more updates, visit <a href="https://krissidallas.com/"><b>www.KrissiDallas.com</b></a>.
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">About the Author</span></b></div>
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<b>Krissi Dallas</b> loves pop music, mismatched socks, and fried chicken. She lives in Texas with her husband, two strong-willed boys, and two grumpy old Yorkies. She enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, educating her junior high prep school students, and serving in her church and community. The rest of her time is given to daydreams and writing.<br />
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<b>Connect with Krissi:</b> </div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KrissiDallas">Twitter</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/KrissiDallas/">Instagram</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKrissiDallas">Facebook</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Note from the Author</span></b></div>
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The Phantom Island series includes <i>Windchaser</i>, <i>Windfall</i>, <i>Watercrossing</i>, and <i>Watermark</i>—all of which are available and would make fun Christmas gifts! [<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Krissi-Dallas/e/B002BOFWCY/">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Phantom%20Island%22?Ntk=P_Series_Title&Ns=P_Series_Number&Ntx=mode+matchall">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://whiteislandshoppe.wazala.com/">Author's Shoppe</a>] The fifth book, <i>Firetrap</i>, <b>releases in</b> <b>2020</b>. Stay tuned at <a href="https://krissidallas.com/"><b>www.KrissiDallas.com</b></a> for updates.<br />
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<a href="https://krissidallas.com/cover-reveal-firetrap-phantom-island-book-5/"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWp-OaEijvKbgj0yOtXPrjgU7tVQLlPKDOVHiERjsQaaaVKts9EUbkjxxyUdP-6pjSiBUWnwmNTZ_NtmP0LLmobXALHay7HHX-wJKsp_rVOba5lQHkmrE8P9SyF_b9-y5mRXg_sema3E/s320/Firetrap+Instagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can read the first chapter of <i>Firetrap</i> <b><a href="https://krissidallas.com/cover-reveal-firetrap-phantom-island-book-5/">HERE</a></b>! </div>
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WARNING: The first chapter contains spoilers for the first four books in the series!</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-47249967984378311642019-12-09T00:00:00.000-07:002019-12-09T00:00:07.150-07:00A Fast Read Full of Warmth and Charm | Dear Author (Nonfiction) Blog Tour<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10404" height="151" src="https://unicornquester.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Dear-Author-Blog-Tour-Banner-1.png" width="400" />
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<strong>About the Book</strong></h3>
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<img alt="" class="wp-image-10188 alignleft" height="337" src="https://unicornquester.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Dear-Author-643x1024.jpg" width="212" /></div>
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Think your words might not matter? Think again.
Words have the power to change lives, especially when they are used to create meaningful stories. In this collection of letters, bookish fangirl Laura A. Grace addresses topics related to every writer’s journey. From “character conversations,” to embracing one’s unique writing style, to celebrating a release day—there is a letter for every author no matter where they may be in sharing their story with others. </div>
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<b>Dear Author</b><i> includes six illustrations by <a href="https://hsjwilliams.wordpress.com/">Hannah S.J. Williams</a>.</i>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZRQKMDB">Amazon</a> — <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dear-author-laura-a-grace/1134099739">Barnes & Noble</a> — <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Dear-Author-Laura-Grace/9781733376808">Book Depository</a> — <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48473803-dear-author">Goodreads</a></div>
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<strong>My Review</strong></h3>
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Specifically encouraging to fantasy fiction authors but surely able to bring a smile to all authors and readers alike, <i>Dear Author </i>is a sweet little read that celebrates the writing and publication journey. I love the format of this book, the quick letters that are full of enthusiasm and gratitude. Authors can read them all together for a big morale boost or go straight to the letter that speaks to their current joy or struggle—like a book birthday or a delayed publication date or the bittersweet conclusion to their series. And fellow avid readers/fangirls will find a kindred spirit in Laura and plenty to relate to in these thoughts!<br />
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Basically, this book is full of warmth and charm, written with a voice that speaks to its author's unique personality and interests while still capturing general reader feelings. And the handful of illustrations are so adorable, with a little unicorn "Easter egg" in each one. <i>Dear Author</i> is a fast, happy read and a delightful "ode" to the work of novelists.<br />
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*With thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*
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<strong>About the Author</strong></h3>
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<strong><img alt="" class="wp-image-5853 alignleft" height="266" src="https://unicornquester.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/laura-a-grace-350.jpg" width="177" /></strong></div>
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<strong>Laura A. Grace</strong> had a lifelong dream of getting to know authors behind the covers of her favorite reads. Little did she know that one day she would become an author too! Now an avid book blogger at <i>Unicorn Quester</i> and writer of clean, Christian manga, Laura creatively balances her passions of supporting indie authors and feeding her readers new stories. In between, she wields plastic lightsabers with her children and binge-watches anime with her husband. Join her quest to find wandering unicorns for your favorite authors at unicornquester.com!
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<a href="https://unicornquester.com/">Website</a> — <a href="https://unicornquester.com/newsletter/">Newsletter</a> — <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UQ4authors/">Facebook</a> — <a href="https://twitter.com/UQ4authors">Twitter</a> — <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uq4authors/">Instagram</a> — <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-u-2ISJD33-o9YDd-0kv4Q?view_as=public">YouTube</a></div>
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<strong>Blog Tour Schedule </strong></h3>
<strong>Monday, December 2<sup>nd</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Author Interview: <a href="https://thepenofthewriter.weebly.com/">The Pen of the Writer</a></li>
<li>Book Review: <a href="https://cobonham.com/blog-posts/">Cobonham</a></li>
<li>Book Spotlight: <a href="https://kandijwyatt.com/">Where Fantasy and Reality Meet</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Tuesday, December 3<sup>rd</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Guest Post “How an Anime Helped Me Publish (and Market) My Book”: <a href="http://www.rawlse.wordpress.com/">Author E.E. Rawls</a></li>
<li>Book Review: <a href="http://blonderj.wordpress.com/">BlondeRJ</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Wednesday, December 4<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Book Review: <a href="https://thefoldedworld.wordpress.com/">The Folded World</a></li>
<li>Book Spotlight: <a href="https://faithlaneauthor.wordpress.com/">FaithLaneAuthor</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Thursday, December 5<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Book Review: <a href="http://www.teishknits.com/">Teish Knits</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/712601472561404/">Facebook Book Release Party</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Friday, December 6<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Guest Post “Living Chosen Is Obeying”: <a href="http://tabithacaplinger.com/">Tabitha Caplinger</a></li>
<li>Author Interview: <a href="http://authorkacummins.com/">Author K.A. Cummins</a></li>
<li>Author Interview: <a href="http://www.paperinklizard.wordpress.com/">Paper Ink & Lizard</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Saturday, December 7<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Book Spotlight: <a href="https://tammylash.wordpress.com/">Reflections of an Author</a></li>
<li>Book Review: <a href="http://www.iwillnotsaythedayisdone.wordpress.com/">Nor Bid the Stars Farewell</a></li>
</ul>
<strong style="background-color: yellow;">Monday, December 9<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Book Review & Fun Interview from Pam Halter: <a href="http://www.pamhalter.com/fairiesfantasyandfaith">Fairies, Fantasy and Faith</a></li>
<li>Book Review: <a href="http://laurinboyle.wordpress.com/">Coming Up Roses</a></li>
<li>Book Review: <a href="http://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/">Seasons of Humility</a> <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">*You are here!*</span></b></li>
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<strong>Tuesday, December 10<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Book Spotlight: <a href="http://www.triciamingerink.com/">Tricia Mingerink</a></li>
<li>Book Review: <a href="https://rebekahloper.com/">Rebekah Loper, Author</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Wednesday, December 11<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Video Book Review: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbOMGXV7E_Df8Dko1W9Tt5Q">Janeen Ippolito</a></li>
<li>Book Review & Guest Post “Embrace Your Inner Fangirl: Three Easy Ways to Support Authors (That Don’t Require Reviewing or Purchasing Books)”: <a href="https://hopefullifestyle.home.blog/">Wounded but Hopeful</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Thursday, December 12<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Book Review: <a href="http://randbookreviews.wordpress.com/">Rand Reviews</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Friday, December 13<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Book Review:<a href="http://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/"> Jessica Belmont</a></li>
<li>Book Review: <a href="http://www.jlmbewe.com/"> L. Mbewe</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Saturday, December 14<sup>th</sup></strong>
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<ul>
<li>Book Spotlight on Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/simmeringmind">Simmeringmind</a></li>
</ul>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-90352467361215743602019-12-02T11:25:00.000-07:002019-12-02T11:25:35.439-07:00Literary Christmas: Clara's Soldier and One Enchanted Eve (Christmas Novellas)<br />
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<a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-2019-begins-link.html" target="new"><img alt="A Literary Christmas: Reading Challenge // inthebookcase.blogspot.com" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYEbo3loCxFHTZ-AaUbmBVPWKjuh7q8V3OxzktQRk1Pl8is8CDFKEiUaiK8yUhMMDVQhVh-4zVCu690vlkll_eSYMDcKpUo73UtLYqTTKExeZKpszbIBxK6VtNMR65VETmHsPpfhA1As/s1600/aliterarychristmas-button.jpg" title="A Literary Christmas: Reading Challenge // inthebookcase.blogspot.com" /></a>
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Yay for the start of December! Last night I finished reading <i>Clara's Soldier</i>, and even though this novella and <i>One Enchanted Eve</i> weren't on my original list for the Literary Christmas challenge (hosted by <a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-2019-begins-link.html"><b>In the Bookcase</b></a>), I thought I'd still share some quick thoughts. :) </div>
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I picked up these Kindle ebooks while they were free on Amazon recently, and I enjoyed both! It was fun to try out some additional Christmas reading material, and these are well-written stories.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwWL9AzdXzfPJT1NqtOxw_56IOPWr-TbmEg-RoylSK6JjoVCmDX-wA6jIQiE8IhkTz_vFOBzqkqQuW2kz58d_qKTu07u7wf-KZ6iBNfe1y-qsjZx8wqTSJV5DHPEjlg2dIjOJPViPyYk/s1600/Claras-Soldier-ebook-300-dpi-500x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwWL9AzdXzfPJT1NqtOxw_56IOPWr-TbmEg-RoylSK6JjoVCmDX-wA6jIQiE8IhkTz_vFOBzqkqQuW2kz58d_qKTu07u7wf-KZ6iBNfe1y-qsjZx8wqTSJV5DHPEjlg2dIjOJPViPyYk/s320/Claras-Soldier-ebook-300-dpi-500x800.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Clara's Soldier</i></b> by Brittany Fichter</div>
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(currently <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Claras-Soldier-Nutcracker-Brittany-Fichter-ebook/dp/B07HPHT1FV/">$2.99 for Kindle</a>)</div>
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<i>Learn more about the book on <a href="https://www.brittanyfichterfiction.com/?mbt_book=651">the author's website</a>.</i> </div>
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My knowledge of <i>The Nutcracker</i> is rather limited, but even the little elements I'm familiar with made this a neat retelling. <i>Clara's Soldier</i> is a bittersweet post-war story, a historical that takes an interesting turn late at night on Christmas Eve. When I started the story, I found the writing style engaging and the main characters endearing. But then when the story took that interesting turn, I found the plot rather strange and confusing, making me wonder if I wanted to "soldier on." I did, and I'm glad. :) While those mid-story scenes can be somewhat hard to follow, the novella as a whole is thoughtful and sweet, focused on commitment and compassion and hope. A clever, different, and romantic little read for the holiday season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj-GR_M_LRPAUCob9d0Bh_KvyOfymcfa5vnhHzcPXlx6ux4Srg5COpBu_mU_u5hsUD1_vAEZn84aCUbFimmNeYjN8IoLmZrX5U12Iiaw-Wxvwv22chfoNA6K42v8oft-I_VztpwZAW4g/s1600/One+Enchanted+Eve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj-GR_M_LRPAUCob9d0Bh_KvyOfymcfa5vnhHzcPXlx6ux4Srg5COpBu_mU_u5hsUD1_vAEZn84aCUbFimmNeYjN8IoLmZrX5U12Iiaw-Wxvwv22chfoNA6K42v8oft-I_VztpwZAW4g/s320/One+Enchanted+Eve.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i><b>One Enchanted Eve</b></i> by Melissa Tagg</div>
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(currently <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Enchanted-Eve-Christmas-Collection-ebook/dp/B01M9CEAHL/">$1.99 for Kindle</a>)</div>
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<i>Learn more about the book on <a href="http://www.melissatagg.com/books/one-enchanted-eve">the author's website</a>.</i></div>
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It's been a while since I read the first novella in this collection, but this second installment is a lot of fun while featuring the author's trademark small-town atmosphere as the main setting. Being a big fan of Food Network and what I've seen of <i>The Great British Baking Show</i> (earlier seasons), I enjoyed the baking angle to this story! While I wasn't completely wowed by what Rylan produces in the kitchen, I was charmed by her growth and how she opens up. There's some seriousness in the midst of the bantering between her and Colin, some big decisions and revelations for both of them to make. The turn-arounds and progress seem to happen in a rather short amount of time, but such is the satisfying nature of a novella. :) I especially liked how the story celebrates family, and I found this to be a happy-but-not-without-difficulties Christmas-season read!</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-64172413082903012892019-11-30T09:23:00.000-07:002019-11-30T09:23:18.798-07:00Next Read-Along Options and a Personal UpdateHappy last day of November! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. :)<br />
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I've been thinking ahead to the next read-along and hoping it might work in January, after the busyness of the holidays. And I'd love to hear your thoughts!<br />
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Which of these books would you prefer to read and discuss together to kick off 2020?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpxMsSvwSi1KkBaPkc-6PAObMiGO9v9Ge9Vaynbbp8jdS1mXP6SIY_4uGCjHRcSuXIY7NvUYtc42bUGyABK3aZ7KX3_C9RIBbvPSSnJkxTjgcMqb5X1LnrFldvdqXzvh54dYXdwu9sRM/s1600/IMG_2973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpxMsSvwSi1KkBaPkc-6PAObMiGO9v9Ge9Vaynbbp8jdS1mXP6SIY_4uGCjHRcSuXIY7NvUYtc42bUGyABK3aZ7KX3_C9RIBbvPSSnJkxTjgcMqb5X1LnrFldvdqXzvh54dYXdwu9sRM/s320/IMG_2973.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Heidi</span></b></i> </div>
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by Johanna Spyri</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Julie</span></i></b> </div>
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by Catherine Marshall</div>
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I think either book could work well in the month time frame. Let me know in the comments section if you have a preference!</div>
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This might be the last read-along for a little while, as Josh and I are gearing up for a big life change...</div>
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We're thrilled to be expecting our first child in March! A baby girl we can't wait to meet and hold and raise and love. ♥ She's already a cherished member of our little family!</div>
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I'll be entering my third trimester of pregnancy in December, and as long as everything continues to go smoothly, I think January could be a great month for one more read-along. Not to say that there won't ever be more necessarily! But I imagine things will be a little uncertain around here as we adjust to a new rhythm and figure out a new schedule.</div>
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I'm not really sure what my blogging or writing will look like in the days to come. I know I've left stories unfinished (like <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Maya%27s%20story">Maya's story</a>) and a book idea unpublished (<i>Morning Glory</i>), and I'm so sorry to have started and marketed projects like that without following through at this point. :( I confess I haven't really worked on stories in quite a while, and I have no idea if/when that might change.<br />
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I don't want to say I'll never return to writing or publishing books! I'm just unsure. And I want to be better about not publicly celebrating a book without having done the hard work of writing beforehand. I've craved the excitement and attention that comes with a new idea or a new cover, and I've let down my readers by getting ahead of myself and making promises I haven't kept. For that, I sincerely apologize to you all. ♥</div>
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I'm grateful for each of my reader friends and all those I've met around the blogosphere! And I hope to continue chatting about books and life together. :) Speaking of, I'd love to hear about how the holiday season is going for you, what books have recently made an impression on you, or any life updates you'd like to share!</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-3107166889583143212019-11-22T09:46:00.001-07:002019-11-22T09:46:29.342-07:00Literary Christmas: The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall (Plus a Kindle eBook Freebie!)<br />
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<a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-2019-begins-link.html" target="new"><img alt="A Literary Christmas: Reading Challenge // inthebookcase.blogspot.com" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYEbo3loCxFHTZ-AaUbmBVPWKjuh7q8V3OxzktQRk1Pl8is8CDFKEiUaiK8yUhMMDVQhVh-4zVCu690vlkll_eSYMDcKpUo73UtLYqTTKExeZKpszbIBxK6VtNMR65VETmHsPpfhA1As/s1600/aliterarychristmas-button.jpg" title="A Literary Christmas: Reading Challenge // inthebookcase.blogspot.com" /></a></div>
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Happy Friday, friends! I finished reading my first book for the Literary Christmas Reading Challenge (hosted by <a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-2019-begins-link.html"><b>In the Bookcase</b></a>) last night, so I thought I'd share some quick thoughts. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2MCieaqI27Lsy_PKFX95Wh4olJUcKKnjs_iQAtoyRZl1zWkUQzmpSMOWvZ5g5V3HMG4Ug4lLITntn38LUFq8xywMyDPdGtac7Pp7ymCGVSZQDJ0lndHZFhson4mYLyFHoDSudKbHTeo/s1600/The+Sound+of+Sleigh+Bells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2MCieaqI27Lsy_PKFX95Wh4olJUcKKnjs_iQAtoyRZl1zWkUQzmpSMOWvZ5g5V3HMG4Ug4lLITntn38LUFq8xywMyDPdGtac7Pp7ymCGVSZQDJ0lndHZFhson4mYLyFHoDSudKbHTeo/s320/The+Sound+of+Sleigh+Bells.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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<i>Learn more about the book on <b><a href="http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/novellas/the-sound-of-sleigh-bells/">the author's website</a></b>.</i></div>
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I wasn't 100% sure whether or not I had read <i>The Sound of Sleigh Bells</i> before...but it definitely felt like a new experience either way! I really liked the length of it (almost 200 pages in hardcover format)—not too long to be a quick seasonal read, but also not super short. As the story got started, I was concerned about the role of deception, how it might be treated like it's no big deal if the ends justify the means. But given Cindy Woodsmall's deeper writing, I shouldn't have assumed that would be the case! I'm grateful for the way the story ultimately confronts different kinds of lies and celebrates the freedom of truth.<br />
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This isn't a lighthearted Christmas read; it begins in the spring and ends in the winter, and it tackles a painful emotional journey along the way. The heroine's personality and coping mechanisms sometimes rubbed me wrong, but she's still a likable character beneath that, and it's hard not to love the hero. All in all, I found this to be an engaging book with sweet characters and a hard-won romance.<br />
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In other Christmas novella news, yesterday I discovered that one of Melissa Tagg's holiday reads is FREE for Kindle right now! I really enjoyed the first novella in the series, <i>One Enchanted Christmas</i>, which I included on my <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2015/12/top-ten-tuesday-favorite-books-of-2015.html">Favorite Books of 2015 list</a>. So I was excited to snatch up the second novella. :) Here's a graphic the author shared on Facebook, indicating the deals last through November 24, 2019:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaTagg/photos/a.544549325563665/2807870295898212/?type=3&theater"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Hf59Um9fYYWjHsDZCdH-avWr-upxI30vpQtMLUM2E-TXQtL0FQhuC5opdCLkeMxduMoL1qnNroUiXH86D-kMCOW-sjKE9nSV_NtW4kwJjiC5VRYAYYNM7hAiMNxfp4IjTGQ1Y3FPe5U/s400/Melissa+Tagg+-+One+Enchanted+Eve+Freebie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>One Enchanted Christmas</i> (book 1): <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Enchanted-Christmas-Novella-Collection-ebook/dp/B017V6PZGO/">$.99 for Kindle</a></b></div>
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<i>One Enchanted Eve</i> (book 2): <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Enchanted-Eve-Christmas-Collection-ebook/dp/B01M9CEAHL/">FREE for Kindle</a></b></div>
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<i>One Enchanted Noel</i> (book 3): <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Enchanted-No%C3%ABl-Christmas-Collection-ebook/dp/B076XVF4NC/">$2.99 for Kindle</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Happy Christmas reading, everyone!</span></b></div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-4260046266450107522019-11-18T15:30:00.001-07:002019-11-18T15:30:32.262-07:00Literary Christmas Reading Challenge 2019 (Signing Up and Sharing My List!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/search/label/a%20literary%20christmas"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="500" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UdAGvqHpQK8bNP0ZqtQcnRY2zpgZGDGkeNdiNATqLe7jvE7pJXvWnvVFOLHzC6JiCWLAOEHZOO7N9BkfZcWmlEJTCFvcXLvvj1TUEeNXSMElQCDoSzCcNpsUwG4HigKtqNf6-sj-N7s/s400/aliterarychristmas-banner8+-+In+the+Bookcase+Blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found out about the Literary Christmas Reading Challenge through Hamlette (author Rachel Kovaciny) at her blog <a href="https://theedgeoftheprecipice.blogspot.com/2019/11/literary-christmas-challenge-2019.html">The Edge of the Precipice</a>. (Thank you for posting about it, Rachel!) I've had plans to read/reread a few Christmas books this year, and I thought it would be fun to join this lovely challenge and highlight the books I'm revisiting.<br />
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Also, isn't the banner so pretty and festive??<br />
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The challenge is hosted by Tarissa at <a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/">In the Bookcase</a>. Here are the details:<br />
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<li>Pick a Christmas book (or more than one!) to read or reread this holiday season.</li>
<li>Sign up by posting about the challenge on your blog or a social media account.</li>
<li>Link your post to Tarissa's main challenge post <a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-2019-begins-link.html"><b>HERE</b></a>.</li>
<li>Post about the book(s) you read and link up those posts, too, to share the book love!</li>
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The challenge takes place November 8 through December 31, 2019. You can learn more and find all of Tarissa's challenge posts at <b><a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/search/label/a%20literary%20christmas">In the Bookcase</a></b>.</div>
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Tarissa is also hosting a really neat giveaway for US residents! You don't have to participate in the challenge to enter, but you can get extra entries in the drawing if you do. :) Click the image below to check it out...</div>
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<a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-giveaway.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIyG29g_BjJW3KuezmyWiFDPpAFyp52Oloz9BAFx8Ek8bffykgdh86Zt_LSYqDSiDEt7AQQXDR1w4dFZMeK9PF6ln_5g9PijE2Kq9bi4THa1C054UsnfVHLL_9OhdBcW0VoGIiwFBspk/s320/foldbetweenthelines_2019giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's what I'm planning to read for the challenge:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eUmF5xHV4d3hb2tapii8NT6IeQ8MN52CITSaNWPROLLuX860Vw6qC2-3O1xHTyPM_C7m01jT9oJ0UI2XiGRAftTfq2G0Hx4bgHLakL4MhO92co9v4a9wfO1_kxHanD0Y3fCvd9_xZdE/s1600/The+Sound+of+Sleigh+Bells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eUmF5xHV4d3hb2tapii8NT6IeQ8MN52CITSaNWPROLLuX860Vw6qC2-3O1xHTyPM_C7m01jT9oJ0UI2XiGRAftTfq2G0Hx4bgHLakL4MhO92co9v4a9wfO1_kxHanD0Y3fCvd9_xZdE/s320/The+Sound+of+Sleigh+Bells.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/novellas/the-sound-of-sleigh-bells/">The Sound of Sleigh Bells</a></i></b> by Cindy Woodsmall</div>
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I actually started reading this the other day, so I'm already through a couple chapters. :) My uncle gave me a copy last year, I believe, and this is one of those books that I'm not quite sure if I've read before or not... I have read a few other books by this author, which I've enjoyed, and whether this is a new-to-me read or an old-but-not-terribly-familiar friend, I'm looking forward to continuing this story!</div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.nicoledeese.com/">A Cliché Christmas</a></i></b> by Nicole Deese<br />
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This book basically made <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2015/12/top-ten-tuesday-favorite-books-of-2015.html">my favorites list for 2015</a>, although I technically read it in 2014. Here's what I said back then: "This poor book fell through the cracks, as I read it after I announced my favorites of 2014, but before 2015 officially began. I have to mention it now, though, because I marked it as a favorite back then and found it to be a delightful Christmas romance. I'm thinking a re-read might be in order at some point."<br />
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So, here we are! It's been about five years, so I think a reread is definitely warranted. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUD5uBFq44RfTVD3A1ZaFUfqW-KU4_h7XDxL-zq-QVDZIZazFuvBtf5uMLY8G3v0IaOKJJ5-16bx1sSW0RkN_DVdtfjanP8JNsXzDhwcuwkKsONzfUz-5HI_2quY_iP6xZv0jfXVpjlI/s1600/The+Case+of+the+Crafty+Christmas+Crooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUD5uBFq44RfTVD3A1ZaFUfqW-KU4_h7XDxL-zq-QVDZIZazFuvBtf5uMLY8G3v0IaOKJJ5-16bx1sSW0RkN_DVdtfjanP8JNsXzDhwcuwkKsONzfUz-5HI_2quY_iP6xZv0jfXVpjlI/s320/The+Case+of+the+Crafty+Christmas+Crooks.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.cindyvincent.net/MysteryBooksandMore.html">The Case of the Crafty Christmas Crooks</a></i></b> by Cindy Vincent</div>
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This was my introduction to the delightful Cindy Vincent and her books back in 2013, and I loved it! I enjoyed editing this little gem, which features two lovable cat detectives, and then hosting a <a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Case%20of%20the%20Crafty%20Christmas%20Crooks%20Blog%20Tour">blog tour</a> for the book. This year I'd like to revisit this precious installment of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers and experience the Christmas charm once again.</div>
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I don't plan to write full reviews of these books, but I'm hoping to at least share a few thoughts and highlight the stories again during the challenge!</div>
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Don't forget, if you'd like to participate in the challenge, check out <a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-literary-christmas-2019-begins-link.html">In the Bookcase</a>. I'd love to know if you sign up and what Christmas books are on your reading list this year!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Banner and giveaway image are from <a href="http://inthebookcase.blogspot.com/search/label/a%20literary%20christmas">In the Bookcase</a>.</span></div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-55336773954005573952019-11-15T00:00:00.000-07:002019-11-15T00:00:01.825-07:00Final Discussion ~ Christy Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeVNjuz-JmOkg5lcwQyZYdtQiTRpp5TFzQKonRRcMJXy9-7set68jSPLBO4wYvTu3yAc9C6zBz99PLwOYqVMWRpvOrPWhngQSxQthpbTgLYhBtmxuz2oxVLjW_ARttR5kRAounCvhaqo/s1600/Christy+Read-Along+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeVNjuz-JmOkg5lcwQyZYdtQiTRpp5TFzQKonRRcMJXy9-7set68jSPLBO4wYvTu3yAc9C6zBz99PLwOYqVMWRpvOrPWhngQSxQthpbTgLYhBtmxuz2oxVLjW_ARttR5kRAounCvhaqo/s400/Christy+Read-Along+Button.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Welcome to the seventh and final discussion of the <i>Christy </i>read-along! ♥ If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/09/youre-invited-to-christy-read-along.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
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Today we'll be discussing chapters 40-46. If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Christy%20read-along"><i>Christy</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Christy</i>: Chapters 40-46</span></b></div>
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<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>"I knew that I belonged here, helping these mountain people. There was nothing I wanted for myself, I just wanted to give."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"What I didn't understand then was that they were training their wills in the only way a will can be trained—by practicing giving up what we happen to want at the moment."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Relationships can be kept intact without compromising one's own beliefs."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"By then I was a bit wiser and had learned that there's only one way to give advice to the young: give it, and then be perfectly unconcerned as to whether they take it or not. God alone is capable of managing other people—even our own children."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Every one of us belongs in some kind of ministry." </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>Is Miss Alice really saying that David can't love me—or anyone—until he has given himself and his love away to God?</i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"I offer back to You this love You gave. It's all I have to give You, God. Here are our lives—hers and mine—I hold them out to You. Do—with us—as You please."</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
<br />
I confess I'm not quite sure what to say about this book's conclusion! As with the rest of the story, there are plenty of thought-provoking lines and moments. The theme of giving oneself, of living in "ministry," of loving without holding back—definitely challenging and inspiring. I'm not 100% satisfied with how the plot ends, but as a whole, this book has been engaging to read and discuss, and it's definitely a compelling story. :)<br />
<br />
When I finished the book, I found myself wanting answers. I shared a few links in the first discussion post, and I'll re-share a couple here in case you want to visit them again, now that spoilers aren't an issue:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.appalachianhistory.net/2011/11/christy-and-leonora-city-girl-country-gal.html">Christy and Leonora: City Girl, Country Gal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://christyfestinthesmokies.wordpress.com/historian/">Leonora: The Real Christy</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
I found it really interesting to check out the comments section for that first link too! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's intriguing to know that Catherine Marshall's mother married a pastor and had a short engagement, which is what might have happened in the book...but then didn't. With David's state at the end of the book, I'm not disappointed that he and Christy didn't get together. It's not that I believe people need to be in a perfect spiritual state in order to get married. Far from it! That's not possible; we always have room to grow, and it's wonderful when marriage itself is a place where people can do that. But I believe it's important to have a foundation of faith beforehand, and I don't think David had that. He was still searching. He even said (on page 551 in my copy), "I have to stand my ground and find myself right here." So...yeah, I don't think his character was quite ready to start a loving relationship with Christy. (As suggested in the second to last quote in the section above.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But then there's Dr. MacNeill. And I don't know exactly how to feel! Of course, my romantic heart enjoys a happily-ever-after. :) I really liked Dr. MacNeill in the show, and I think overall I liked his character in the book too. (If you're also a romantic, here's a link to a little music video someone put together featuring scenes from the show: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYEZx8zEAO8">It Is You (I Have Loved) [Christy/Neil]</a>) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yet...I feel like his prayer and conversion, as much as I'm glad for them, were too sudden, too convenient to the story. Only a couple chapters before the end, Dr. MacNeill said, "Prayer, Alice, isn't going to change the course of typhoid" (page 540 in my copy). This was right before Christy became bedridden. Of course, his interactions with Christy and Miss Alice might have been on his heart and mind for some time without the reader really knowing it, but I think it would have been helpful to see him somehow wrestling with his faith more before that last scene. Like I said, I'm glad for what happened! I just wish it hadn't been tacked on at the end without more basis in the rest of the story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, as much as an open-ended conclusion can be compelling, so much seems left unsaid. It's a climactic last chapter, but I think I would have enjoyed an epilogue or something to share just a bit more about what happens after Christy's illness. There were undertones of romance throughout the story, but it wasn't necessarily the central element, so it feels a bit odd to have the end be about the romance rather than about the mission and the people of the Cove or even more about faith apart from a romantic relationship.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, apparently I do have a lot to say about the book's conclusion! :) While these last chapters left me wanting more or something a little different, I still really enjoyed the book overall. And I know that as much as I've been complaining about the focus on romance, I'm the one who's been going into detail about my thoughts in that regard, rather than talking about the other stuff that happened! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm inspired by all the sacrifices in these last chapters. With sickness running rampant, the people at the mission gave so much of themselves to care for others, even someone like Lundy who didn't appreciate their efforts. It's so sad his seemingly small act of rebellion with eating eggs was his undoing. :( And yet, Christy and Miss Alice and Ida and Opal were so dedicated in their care of him to the end.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was impressed by Ruby Mae's husband, his willingness to do whatever necessary to help his wife, even at such a young age. And then there was Christy and her small but meaningful kindnesses to Bessie and her family. And the truth about Tom's death, and how there seemed to be a mending there between families. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This last section was not all sunshine and roses, that's for sure! (Although there was sunshine and flowers in the last chapter!) But there were shining moments in the midst of much pain and fear and darkness. I have another of Catherine Marshall's books, <i>Julie</i>, on my shelf, and I'm curious to maybe read another story by her at some point.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!</i><br />
<br />
1. Which story of sickness, whether hopeful or heartbreaking, affected you the most?<br />
<br />
2. Were you satisfied with the conclusion of the story? If so, what did you like most about these last chapters? If not, what do you wish might have been different?<br />
<br />
3. What was your favorite part about <i>Christy</i>? Do you plan to read other books by Catherine Marshall, either fiction or nonfiction?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you so much for joining the <i>Christy</i> read-along!</b><br />
<b>It's been a pleasure discussing the book with you. ♥</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Catherine Marshall, <i>Christy</i> (New York: Avon, 2006), 500-501, 504, 506, 507, 546, 547, 558.</span></div>
</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-13299983244578697772019-11-10T16:53:00.003-07:002019-11-10T16:53:46.113-07:00Dark and Meaningful Fantasy | Review of Dragonwitch<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">About the Book</span></b><br />
(from <a href="http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/dragonwitch/340080">Bethany House</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>Book 5</b> in the Tales of Goldstone Wood Series<br />
<br />
<i>Who Will Dare to Face the Dragonwitch?</i><br />
<br />
Submissive to her father's will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet the future King of the North Country and a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves.<br />
<br />
But within the walls of his castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta's tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the entire nation.<br />
<br />
And far away in a hidden kingdom, a flame burns atop the Citadel of the Living Fire. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice...and for the hero who can wield it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Available Now!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dragonwitch-Tales-Goldstone-Elisabeth-Stengl/dp/0764210270/">Order on Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16110382-dragonwitch">Add to Goodreads</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">My Review</span></b><br />
<br />
I'm embarrassed to confess that this book has been on my shelf for YEARS. From reading the first four books I knew the in-depth, epic nature of this series—and <i>Dragonwitch</i> is no exception. It's not a light or fast or easy-to-binge sort of read. But, as with its predecessors, the story comes together in a powerful and meaningful way.<br />
<br />
When I finally reached a point where I determined to stick with the book rather than stick it back on the shelf for another time, I still almost gave up. I didn't like the darker descriptions of the goblins and the various settings. It felt almost too much for me, and I wasn't sure I wanted to finish.<br />
<br />
Am I glad I did? Yes. While I don't really see myself returning to this story, not wanting to immerse myself in the darker plot once again, I'm glad to know how everything comes together. The beginning mostly zooms in on one place and how various characters meet, but as the story progresses you get to know their true identities and backstories, and it becomes easier and easier to care for them and cheer for them. I loved the personal growth, the development of some sweet relationships, and when various characters encounter and embrace truth. So good!<br />
<br />
Some revelations come a little late in the story, things that seem like they should be obvious earlier on. I liked the surprise of this but also felt like maybe some things came out of left field for me when there should have been more clues in the characters' thoughts and behavior. Maybe that's just me, though! Also, while some elements of the story are unique to this book, it might have helped for me to have a clearer memory of the previous books (instead of years between readings!).<br />
<br />
<i>Dragonwitch</i> is a creatively told fantasy and very satisfying in the way it wraps up, even with the tragic fact that not all the characters make the right choices. As with other books in this series, there's plenty here to inspire and make you think, and the imaginative detail is fantastic. It's a hefty, dark, and intense read, but a valuable addition to the Tales of Goldstone Wood series.<br />
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*With thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*<br />
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<br />
<b>My Reviews of Other Tales of Goldstone Wood Books</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-review-of-veiled-rose.html">Veiled Rose</a> (Book 2)</li>
<li><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-review-of-starflower.html">Starflower</a> (Book 4)</li>
</ul>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-63050540847667292492019-11-08T00:00:00.000-07:002019-11-08T00:00:09.449-07:00Discussion 6 ~ Christy Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the sixth discussion of the <i>Christy </i>read-along! ♥ If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/09/youre-invited-to-christy-read-along.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Today we'll be discussing chapters 33-39. If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Christy%20read-along"><i>Christy</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Christy</i>: Chapters 33-39</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>"I learned that true forgiveness includes total acceptance. And out of acceptance wounds are healed and happiness is possible again."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Only in the mountains had I seen such hues: the dark red of the sourwoods; the brown and bright orange of the red oaks; the luminous gold of the hickories; the crimson of the sumac and the scarlet oaks—always with the purple-blue Smokies for a backdrop, like the stain of ripe Concord grapes."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"After a while the love of God was more real to me than any old ghost. And then all the ghosts went away, and ever since the dark has seemed friendly and cozy."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"This love disclosing itself was no cosmic Creator of a mechanistic universe, for the revelation was intimate, personal. Perhaps the assurance always has to be personal, revealed to the inner person alone, since only man sees other men en masse, whereas God insists on seeing us one by one, each a special case, each inestimably beloved for himself."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"I knew now: God <i>is</i>. I had found my center, my point of reference."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
<br />
Man...there have been some difficult scenes leading up to this section, but I think this week's reading has been the darkest so far between Miss Alice's painful story from her past and the awful nature of Fairlight's passing. These tragic scenes are divided by Ruby Mae's rather wild wedding and the disappointing conversation with David about the school and the creepy talk of Old Marthy, the "witch." It's a lot to take in!<br />
<br />
Even with the really dark moments, though, I love that the light still shines through Miss Alice's recounting of her community's love and acceptance...and Christy's comforting words to Zady...and also Christy's honesty with God and her recognition of His love amid all the uncertainties and unanswered questions.<br />
<br />
I confess I wasn't taken by surprise to find out the identity of Dr. MacNeill's wife, only because it's a big part of the TV series. But I'd be curious to know if those of you who haven't seen the show or read the book before found that to be a shock! And I'm also curious to see how that revelation might affect the last chapters of the book, if at all.<br />
<br />
Dr. MacNeill was...interesting...at the wedding. I like that he's a good dancer. ;) But he's definitely forthright in his opinions about sex and marriage! Not that it's bad to talk about, but if I were in Christy's shoes, I think I'd be uncomfortable hearing a widowed man discuss that topic in that place and context.<br />
<br />
As for David...<i>sigh</i>. He makes me less and less inclined to prefer him as a suitor for Christy. He's preoccupied with kissing her but neglects to encourage her or value her opinions or deal with his own lack of faith. And this from a preacher! Again, <i>sigh</i>.<br />
<br />
I was not prepared for Fairlight's death. That was definitely not something I remember from the show, and her awful terror that never really was soothed makes me so sad. I'm glad she had Christy with her at the end, sharing Scripture and comfort. And I'm glad Christy had Miss Alice to point her to the people in Scripture who asked questions of God and poured out their pain to Him.<br />
<br />
It seems like there's still so much to wrap up with only one week's reading left, and I'm curious how the book will end!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!</i><br />
<br />
1. What do you think of the Folk School idea that Mrs. Browning shared with Christy? Do you feel like it would be beneficial to the people of the Cove?<br />
<br />
2. Do you find nighttime and darkness bothersome or appealing? Have your feelings changed since childhood?<br />
<br />
3. What are some of the things you hope will happen or be resolved in the last chapters? (Or, if you've already read the book, has anything stood out to you differently so far while reading the book this time around?)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us next Friday for our seventh and final discussion! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Chapters 40-46)</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Catherine Marshall, <i>Christy</i> (New York: Avon, 2006), 415, 444, 455, 478-479.</span></div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-59546234015273384292019-11-04T09:00:00.000-07:002019-11-04T09:00:06.303-07:00Cover Reveal! | Dear Author: Letters from a Bookish Fangirl (Sweet Nonfiction for Fiction Authors)Happy Monday, friends!
I'm happy to be teaming up with a fellow blogger and debut author to share the cover for her upcoming release, <b><i>Dear Author</i></b>! :) I've already had the pleasure of reading this gem, and it's such a sweet nonfiction treat for fiction authors who could use some encouragement. I plan to post my review later on, but for now, enjoy this peek at the colorful cover and some exciting pre-order goodies...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong class="tour-meta"><i>Dear Author: Letters from a Bookish Fangirl</i></strong><br />
<a href="https://unicornquester.com/">Laura A. Grace</a><br />
Genres: Self-Help, Motivational<br />
<span class="tour-meta">Publication date: December 3, 2019</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>About the Book</strong></div>
<br />
Think your words might not matter? Think again.
Words have the power to change lives, especially when they are used to create meaningful stories. In this collection of letters, bookish fangirl Laura A. Grace addresses topics related to every writer’s journey. From “character conversations,” to embracing one’s unique writing style, to celebrating a release day—there is a letter for every author no matter where they may be in sharing their story with others.<br />
<em><br /></em>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Dear Author</b><em> includes six illustrations by Hannah S.J. Williams.</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://forms.gle/odbFoBnseMjG96Qi7">Signed Paperback</a> — <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZRQKMDB">Amazon</a> — <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dear-author-laura-a-grace/1134099739">Barnes & Noble</a> — Book Depository (Coming soon!)<br />
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<br />
Pre-order the paperback or e-book and fill out the form below to receive some fun little extras!<br />
(Details can be found in the form.)<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="https://form.jotform.com/93016252186151"><span class="tour-meta">Pre-Order Goodies Form</span></a></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwQXshtRiB3LCSY-3DiIL7b7tN2R8w9r08KiDVKLLKoOH2m6VxddIRlBBbQ_npR2nidseg2oUb2hEu_wki2U_Zgbg-RV3V3sYXkTqpOmyNE9e_23NEF-7NwLoC2Q_H8ZPSDDPSwei_80/s1600/laura-a-grace-350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwQXshtRiB3LCSY-3DiIL7b7tN2R8w9r08KiDVKLLKoOH2m6VxddIRlBBbQ_npR2nidseg2oUb2hEu_wki2U_Zgbg-RV3V3sYXkTqpOmyNE9e_23NEF-7NwLoC2Q_H8ZPSDDPSwei_80/s320/laura-a-grace-350.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<strong>About the Author</strong></div>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Laura A. Grace</strong> had a lifelong dream of getting to know authors behind the covers of her favorite reads. Little did she know that one day she would become an author too! Now an avid book blogger at Unicorn Quester and writer of clean, Christian manga, Laura creatively balances her passions of supporting indie authors and feeding her readers new stories. In between, she wields plastic lightsabers with her children and binge-watches anime with her husband. Join her quest to find wandering unicorns for your favorite authors at unicornquester.com!
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://unicornquester.com/">Website</a> — <a href="https://unicornquester.com/newsletter/">Newsletter</a> — <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UQ4authors/">Facebook</a> — <a href="https://twitter.com/UQ4authors">Twitter</a> — <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uq4authors/">Instagram</a> — <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-u-2ISJD33-o9YDd-0kv4Q?view_as=public">YouTube</a><br />
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-88280794168338760912019-11-01T00:00:00.000-06:002019-11-01T00:00:04.127-06:00Discussion 5 ~ Christy Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the fifth discussion of the <i>Christy </i>read-along! ♥ If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/09/youre-invited-to-christy-read-along.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Today we'll be discussing chapters 26-32. If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Christy%20read-along"><i>Christy</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Christy</i>: Chapters 26-32</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>"It's been the delight of my life to find God far more common-sense and practical than any human I know. The only time I ever find my dealings with God less than clear-cut is when I'm not being honest with Him. The fuzziness is always on my side, not His."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Fixin' onything is man's work," came Opal's firm answer. "Tearin' down or killin', that thar's easy. Any addle-pated fool kin pull the trigger of a rifle-gun or fling a rock. It's <i>fixin'</i> that's hard, takes a heap more doin'."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Ask questions, never be afraid of truth."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Preach the gospel, David, teach it, preach to the hearts of men. That's your business. Then the fruits, including the reforms in other areas, will follow <i>as fruits</i>."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"When your heart is ablaze with the love of God, when you love other people—especially the rip-snorting sinners—so much that you dare to tell them about Jesus with no apologies, then never fear, there will be results."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"The sun sifting through moving branches overhead would splinter the light into diamonds on the water, tossing them back into my eyes with such magic that I would want to shout and dance just for the joy of living—and usually did."</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
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There are some rather suspenseful scenes in this section, from the men harassing the women in the mission house to the standoff at the McHones' home. I love that Opal could see God's love through Christy's appearance in the middle of that tense situation. And I love how Opal appealed to Bird's-Eye (in that second quote above).<br />
<br />
There's also some great tragedy in this section in regards to the death of Tom. The conversation it led to between David and Miss Alice was so powerful. I think it goes really well with the sermon my husband and I heard at the church we visited this past Sunday, which was on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, addressing the utmost importance of the gospel and what we should remember about it. I just love those quotes from Miss Alice above (the fourth and fifth ones on my list), how if David wanted to see true change in the Cove he needed to focus on the gospel. Or, as the pastor we heard from on Sunday reminded us, the real problems in the world today are not politics or loneliness or suffering; the real problem is our sin, as it has always been. Yes, the other issues matter, but we will never find true comfort or undying hope or real direction apart from being made right with the Lord through Jesus' sacrifice and apart from seeking God first. It's so tragic that David doesn't seem to understand the power of the gospel, that he is so determined to fix the outer issues without getting to the heart of it all!<br />
<br />
And as I was thinking about all this, I realized how much it ties in with Christy's conversation with Dr. MacNeill from the last section. He asked her, "Why don't you just concentrate on the school and the good works and forget all about the religious doctrines that just confuse the people anyway?" (page 325 in my copy). But if that's all the mission did, there would be no hope for real heart change in the people...no forgiveness or reconciliation...no purpose beyond their day-to-day lives...no true healing of the soul, only temporary fixes for the body, if that. If the mission focused on "the good works" apart from the gospel, well, they'd never be making a lasting difference or helping the people in the way they truly need it.<br />
<br />
I just love the way the book is helping me think more about important truths through the characters in this story!<br />
<br />
To finish off my thoughts on this section: David's proposal hardly seems loving and came out of the blue. I'm glad Christy didn't rush into an answer or feel pressured to say yes. Of course, I love the scenes with Fairlight and the descriptions of her nature outings with Christy. I'm curious about what might come of the "Compt book" and Bird's-Eye's note to Opal. And the account of the last day of classes was a lot of fun. :)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!</i><br />
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1. What turn of events shocked or surprised you most in this section?<br />
<br />
2. What do you think drove Christy to climb a mountain? Have you ever been driven to do something out of the ordinary or especially challenging for you? What was the experience like?<br />
<br />
3. What was your favorite part or performance from the school's last-day festivities?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us next Friday for our sixth discussion! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Chapters 33-39)</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Catherine Marshall, <i>Christy</i> (New York: Avon, 2006), 341, 354, 365, 374, 375, 383.</span></div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-29190461478045888462019-10-25T00:00:00.000-06:002019-10-25T00:00:06.155-06:00Discussion 4 ~ Christy Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the fourth discussion of the <i>Christy </i>read-along! ♥ If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/09/youre-invited-to-christy-read-along.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Today we'll be discussing chapters 19-25. If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Christy%20read-along"><i>Christy</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Christy</i>: Chapters 19-25</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>"Beware the chasms in thy life, David. Sooner or later thee will fall down in the chasm thyself."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"The Christian religion is not a <i>thing</i>—like a piece of paper—that we can tuck away in the cubbyhole of a rolltop desk and then put the lid down and lock it. Christianity is a <i>life</i> and contains the germ of life in itself."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The sky overhead was an inverted bowl with a pale blue lining; over the far mountains, rose faded to peach, with tiny gray clouds looking as if they had been given their marching orders to tramp as majestically across a twilight sky as small clouds can. "Living in the middle of beauty like this," I said, "we've no call to have puny ideas about God."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Christy," his voice was gentle, "I did not ask you what Alice Henderson believes or for a resume of her latest talk to her Bible class. I wanted to know why Christianity is important to <i>you</i>, what <i>you</i> believe."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
<br />
Well, this was a very interesting section and rather different from what precedes it. Not as uplifting as last week's, but more suspenseful and challenging. It's as if last week's section was showing all the ways Christy had been encouraged and inspired, and now we're seeing her (and David) having her faith and grit put to the test in very stark ways.<br />
<br />
And really, this section centers a lot around David and his reactions and relationships. It starts off with classroom trouble for Christy and escalates to violence, cruelty, and the revelation of an unlawful way of life some of the people of the Cove abide by. David's work ethic and strength are challenged, his horse is sheared, and he finds himself tangled up in the whole blockading affair as he preaches against it and tries to shut it down.<br />
<br />
I hated seeing the women feel so helpless as their husbands treated David unkindly at the working. And I confess I'm torn about David's sermon... At first, I found myself underlining several of his comments about faith and the church and admiring his forthrightness. But I also agree with Christy and even Dr. MacNeill about David's heavy-handedness, the lack of compassion and complete understanding about the situation.<br />
<br />
Sin should be directly addressed, but perhaps lumping the whole congregation together as the target of his harsh words might not have been the best route. He makes some good points, and I think the people were probably aware in advance that the sermon was going to be about an unpleasant topic. But I guess I'm torn about David's methods. As Dr. MacNeill says, "All I know is, when you accuse people, a wall goes up. Then the last thing they're interested in is changing their view or their actions" (p. 299 in my copy). Forthrightness is good and something necessary, but repentance needs the hope of grace and mercy.<br />
<br />
Dr. MacNeill is not necessarily "hero material" at this point, but I do appreciate the last chapter of the section and how he challenges Christy to think critically about her faith and own it. I found it a good prompt for myself too. :) I'm curious how Christy might grow in this way in time.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!</i><br />
<br />
1. Did this section make you want to read faster (because of the suspense) or slow down (because of the heavy topics)?<br />
<br />
2. Imagine yourself in one of these tense situations: hearing Uncle Bogg's story at the working, listening to David's sermon, or coming upon Prince in his sad condition. How would you respond?<br />
<br />
3. If you could help the McHones in even a small way, what would you do?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us next Friday for our fifth discussion! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Chapters 26-32)</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Catherine Marshall, <i>Christy</i> (New York: Avon, 2006), 267, 288, 305, 326.</span></div>
</div>
Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-63510761868414039952019-10-19T11:15:00.001-06:002019-10-19T11:15:06.862-06:00A Lighthearted Take on Friendship Advice | Review of Better Together<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">About the Book</span></b><br />
(from <a href="https://www.moodypublishers.com/books/marriage-and-family/better-together/">Moody Publishers</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Being a mom is hard, but it doesn't have to be lonely. </i></b><br />
<br />
Are you trying to do this mothering thing alone?<br />
So focused on the kids that you're hungry for friendships of your own?<br />
Have good friendships, but you want to enjoy them more?<br />
<br />
Jill Savage, mother of five, knows those challenges well, and she's here to help. Presenting a compelling vision of motherhood as a group effort, <i>Better Together</i> shows how you can:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Combat isolation</b> and enjoy a supportive mothering community </li>
<li><b>Increase your social confidence</b> and stop the comparison game </li>
<li><b>Deepen your friendships</b> as you share life with others </li>
<li><b>Strengthen trust</b> and build friendships without fear </li>
<li><b>Increase your joy</b> and thrive as a mom </li>
</ul>
All these things are possible. Dive into this storehouse of creative ideas for how to make mothering easier, richer, and more fun than you ever thought it could be.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Available Now!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Better-Together-Because-Youre-Meant/dp/080241379X/">Order on Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26166290-better-together">Add to Goodreads</a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyBcV4GffJdQlmRMqSZtH2CGiTK7t2VNDKpy0ViDfGWb8oJVTkRhGCXMN0pqouXBQd7ukRi1gz8AR4IGPuBFX0nVNXNfm-1RkXLZ_BHz6X5WJ-gtZL61TrIUbR3ms1SCnhHqxUR3rkAk/s1600/IMG_2809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyBcV4GffJdQlmRMqSZtH2CGiTK7t2VNDKpy0ViDfGWb8oJVTkRhGCXMN0pqouXBQd7ukRi1gz8AR4IGPuBFX0nVNXNfm-1RkXLZ_BHz6X5WJ-gtZL61TrIUbR3ms1SCnhHqxUR3rkAk/s320/IMG_2809.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">My Review </span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Better Together</i> is a fairly light read that covers the basics of being a good friend. It provides ideas for reaching out, getting together, being there, showing grace in the difficult seasons, and blessing others (and being blessed). I appreciate the scope of the book, and it was fun to take the personality tests included in the back, which correspond with a particular chapter. :)<br />
<br />
I confess the tone felt a little too young for me, given the audience is supposed to be adult women. I realize it's probably meant to be fun and and provide mothering cheerleading, but there were a lot of exclamation points, along with labeling categories of friends and reference to putting on "big-girl panties"—that sort of thing. Some readers might appreciate the lighthearted nature of the book, but it was a bit much for me.<br />
<br />
Some of the ideas also felt a bit much for me in other ways, like the co-op suggestions for cooking lots of meals at once, trading babysitting, etc. But that's probably more a personal issue! Some of those projects sound overwhelming, with a lot of work and prep involved that could be fun when tag-teamed but could also be stressful and difficult to plan.<br />
<br />
I did appreciate chapters like "Helping Together" and "Caring Together"; I love how the authors encourage community and thoughtfulness and ways to be there for someone who is going through a painful time or simply could use a helping hand. It's a good reminder to be on the lookout for ways to love others better.<br />
<br />
On a note that's unrelated to the content, I really like the look and feel of the book! The cover is pretty and the size of the book is great for a paperback. While the tone and some of the ideas in <i>Better Together</i> weren't completely up my alley, this book does have thought-provoking tips and relationship reminders.<br />
<br />
*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-40774179854993124402019-10-18T00:00:00.000-06:002019-10-18T00:00:02.023-06:00Discussion 3 ~ Christy Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the third discussion of the <i>Christy </i>read-along! ♥ If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/09/youre-invited-to-christy-read-along.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Today we'll be discussing chapters 12-18. If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Christy%20read-along"><i>Christy</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Christy</i>: Chapters 12-18</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>"As I came to know the children and to think of them as persons rather than names in my grade book, I forgot my reactions and began to love them. I suppose the principle was that the higher affection will always expel the lower whenever we give the higher affection sway."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Teacher, Teacher, hain't it true, Teacher, that if God loves ever'body, then we'uns got to love ever'body too?" I looked at the six-year-old in astonishment. "Yes, Little Burl, it <i>is</i> true." Forever and forever and forever.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Ye make the Almighty seem—come-at-able."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"Lord," I says, "I don't rightly know whether I'm gonna live or die, but it don't make no differ. From here on, my life belongs to You." And it did too, for a fact. From that day I could feel His love a-feedin' my starvin', thirstin' soul. And the more I tried givin' His love away to my young'uns and my man and the neighbor-folks, the more love He gave back to me.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"The minute I take my leave of this wore-out flesh, that second He'll be a-waitin' for me. Rest yer soul on that, son, like this old lady does."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>She would interrupt her work to call the children and revel with them in the grandeur of thunderheads piling up over the mountain peaks, heat lightning flashing behind the clouds like fireworks. "It lifts the heart," she would say, and that was explanation enough for any interruption.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"It's today I must be livin'."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
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Oh my! These chapters have some of my favorite scenes so far. I just love all that Christy's learning from the people of the Cove, be it a child, a woman on her deathbed, or a mother with five kids. (Speaking of the latter, Fairlight and her family and their way of life are all so delightful! Their joy and love and attitude inspire me.)<br />
<br />
It was interesting to hear Miss Alice tell the story of Dr. MacNeill's family. I enjoyed that! And it was sad to see the setback for the school with the books and maps being ruined. Granted, I think Miss Alice had a good point about Christy's pride in her "accomplishment" of securing the donations from Mr. Smith. I'm not quite sure what to think about the way Christy had approached him... She has such a big heart and a desire to take action, which are both good things! And it's hard to judge her for being materialistic when there are obviously items that would be a big help to her students (like new books). She tried to be careful in her approach, especially once the word <i>materialistic</i> was brought up... But it seems like Christy is still trying to find her way, figuring out what's really needed and how she can be the most help to the mission and the Cove.<br />
<br />
But perhaps the scene that stands out most to me (although I do so love the scenes with Fairlight too!) is when Christy and David go to Aunt Polly's home. First, how lovely is it that her place is next to a waterfall? But more importantly, I find Aunt Polly's words so encouraging.<br />
<br />
I've cried while watching the scene in the TV series, and it's stayed with me. I just love the points that Aunt Polly makes and how, even though David and Christy went to bless her, she really blesses them with her simple, solid faith, her absolute hope and lack of fear in the face of death. It's so beautiful, whether seen on the screen or read from the book. ♥ ♥ ♥<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!</i><br />
<br />
1. Of Christy's students, which one has left the biggest impression on you so far, whether positive or negative?<br />
<br />
2. What are your thoughts on the Sewing Circle? If you were in attendance, how might you contribute to the gathering (hosting, providing snacks, reading Scripture, sharing ideas)? How might you interact with the women of the Cove?<br />
<br />
3. Which character's attitude and perspective has inspired you the most so far in the book?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us next Friday for our fourth discussion! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Chapters 19-25)</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Catherine Marshall, <i>Christy</i> (New York: Avon, 2006), 158, 167, 189, 223, 224, 226.</span></div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-4727715428334569092019-10-15T12:25:00.000-06:002019-10-15T12:30:30.427-06:00Top Ten Tuesday: Extraordinary Book Titles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Un0siRQzBvebtxkGCVDG-3OA3JkhAcmsSnSRApxVMD4p5jBuQvNxKVk49-uhq1V8EIqRA6C-viEoA-jObBVguPSiDLkaYIhrAV2R8pQUfvr43ADT5KJqw9lJdzEtEc5V_F0p5RchDb8/s1600/TTT-NEW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="500" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Un0siRQzBvebtxkGCVDG-3OA3JkhAcmsSnSRApxVMD4p5jBuQvNxKVk49-uhq1V8EIqRA6C-viEoA-jObBVguPSiDLkaYIhrAV2R8pQUfvr43ADT5KJqw9lJdzEtEc5V_F0p5RchDb8/s320/TTT-NEW.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I checked out a few bloggers' posts for this week's <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/top-ten-tuesday/">Top Ten Tuesday</a> topic (a weekly feature hosted by <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/">That Artsy Reader Girl</a>), I felt the urge to go check my shelves and see if I could pick out 10 standout titles. And here they are! :) I picked five fiction and five nonfiction from my shelves of favorites, but I did limit myself to physical books that I've kept (rather than ebooks, audiobooks, or books I've read but no longer have).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Five Fave Fiction Titles</i></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpJs9wbqibBlCcTqddcV1FiYvY_Y6i2um6wpnJRw0kEzv_ZBU1aR-PRRCDtXO8l3C4XhJYlJtFI7pjhpsvQ9JTA6bdfEEF0qgmgx_1NMjeIejD5uOjR5vNWExnCAfaX3apyD5phus2Fk/s1600/IMG_2842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpJs9wbqibBlCcTqddcV1FiYvY_Y6i2um6wpnJRw0kEzv_ZBU1aR-PRRCDtXO8l3C4XhJYlJtFI7pjhpsvQ9JTA6bdfEEF0qgmgx_1NMjeIejD5uOjR5vNWExnCAfaX3apyD5phus2Fk/s320/IMG_2842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Love & Gelato</b></i> by Jenna Evans Welch {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25756328-love-gelato">Goodreads</a>}<br />
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<b><i>Haunting Joy</i></b> by Lena Goldfinch {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32715150-haunting-joy">Goodreads</a>}<br />
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<b><i>Hidden Among the Stars</i></b> by Melanie Dobson {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2558471820">my review</a>}<br />
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<b><i>The Last Sin Eater</i></b> by Francine Rivers {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95622.The_Last_Sin_Eater">Goodreads</a>}<br />
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<b><i>The Shape of Mercy</i></b> by Susan Meissner {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2752607-the-shape-of-mercy">Goodreads</a>}<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Five Fave Nonfiction Titles</i></span></b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMQermh9rQzip54vSQ1KPE8Z3Fh7BefvyoCjOqQilrrQc7ziqsSTO6k6V04mMFMvaX2lGNo2QEgKehTkkyx5Bc2VrVd6CGfQphv3hEPxrDSojHlW3D0wtCwSJobJkFdCWO1d9dokJVKk/s1600/IMG_2844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMQermh9rQzip54vSQ1KPE8Z3Fh7BefvyoCjOqQilrrQc7ziqsSTO6k6V04mMFMvaX2lGNo2QEgKehTkkyx5Bc2VrVd6CGfQphv3hEPxrDSojHlW3D0wtCwSJobJkFdCWO1d9dokJVKk/s320/IMG_2844.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>We Stood Upon Stars</b></i> by Roger W. Thompson {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2018105926">my review</a>}<br />
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<i><b>A Million Little Ways</b></i> by Emily P. Freeman {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17384603-a-million-little-ways">Goodreads</a>}<br />
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<i><b>Blue Like Jazz</b></i> by Donald Miller {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14287150-blue-like-jazz">Goodreads</a>}<br />
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<i><b>The Happiness Dare</b></i> by Jennifer Dukes Lee {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28075704-the-happiness-dare">Goodreads</a>}<br />
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<b><i>Love Does</i></b> by Bob Goff {<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13497505-love-does">Goodreads</a>}<br />
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* * * * *</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out a round-up of other bloggers' picks <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/2019/10/ten-extraordinary-book-titles/">HERE</a>! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which of these titles most appeals to you?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What are some of your favorite book titles?</div>
<br />Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-7119033350539177472019-10-14T16:18:00.001-06:002019-10-14T16:18:34.772-06:00A Thought-Stirring Little Read on Hospitality | Review of The Simplest Way to Change the World<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LJLluRsFDEJnf4uJEscuPcnVJWcs6Sq2-MDvOdI5diu81iiJfqWU024uMu42EUKrtbnRcbDoe4ElKXvN_K73oP06FZLQmP1kvc5mjfGT0ixtCnEfId8USVRtGvUl-uNQLS3FvLqRVCo/s1600/The+Simplest+Way+to+Change+the+World.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="223" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LJLluRsFDEJnf4uJEscuPcnVJWcs6Sq2-MDvOdI5diu81iiJfqWU024uMu42EUKrtbnRcbDoe4ElKXvN_K73oP06FZLQmP1kvc5mjfGT0ixtCnEfId8USVRtGvUl-uNQLS3FvLqRVCo/s320/The+Simplest+Way+to+Change+the+World.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">About the Book</span></b><br />
(from <a href="https://www.moodypublishers.com/books/evangelism-and-discipleship/the-simplest-way-to-change-the-world/">Moody Publishers</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i>How to make disciples using hospitality</i></b><br />
<br />
Deep down, every Christian wants to make a difference. But for many of us, the years come and go and we never do. The good news is: change can be as simple as opening your front door.<br />
<br />
<i>The Simplest Way to Change the World</i> is about biblical hospitality and its power for the gospel. Since people will sooner enter a living room than a church, hospitality is a natural and effective way to build relationships for Christ. You'll learn:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>How the home can be a hub for community </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How hospitality leads to joy, purpose, and belonging </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How it grows families to love the things of God </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How it's not about being the perfect host </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How to be hospitable regardless of your living space </li>
</ul>
<br />
Hospitality is a beautiful legacy of the church, and a great way to make disciples. As you open your life up to others, you share in the very character of God and experience His joy. And you get to witness lives change—including your own.<br />
<br />
<i>Includes 20+ creative ideas for hospitality, plus questions for small groups</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Available Now!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simplest-Way-Change-World-Hospitality/dp/0802414974/">Order on Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30652235-the-simplest-way-to-change-the-world">Add to Goodreads</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuItvs73nY2YJ4mvpXgMSU3bb-lmiiv-nkhJdId1dKk79mUIrL1iqg5TwgeTOXIefndxVEoI3ER4L7BxtwV1-WNndONgvkZEJkJR9KjrzQ4FYkr7ua4Ktx-JhKIsVlNBaRylfVikgGyc/s1600/IMG_2808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuItvs73nY2YJ4mvpXgMSU3bb-lmiiv-nkhJdId1dKk79mUIrL1iqg5TwgeTOXIefndxVEoI3ER4L7BxtwV1-WNndONgvkZEJkJR9KjrzQ4FYkr7ua4Ktx-JhKIsVlNBaRylfVikgGyc/s320/IMG_2808.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">My Review</span></b><br />
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This is an easy-to-read, engaging book that helps you better understand why hospitality matters and how you can embrace it in all seasons and stages of life. Granted, some of the ideas feel more scary to implement than others, but I appreciate that this book challenges the reader in a fun, encouraging way.<br />
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<i>The Simplest Way to Change the World</i> is a fairly quick read, and both authors jump back and forth in sharing their own experiences (or their friends'). While I'd say this book is geared more toward couples (especially ones with kids), the authors do address singles and college students, and a lot of the ideas are general enough to apply to anyone with a space for hosting.<br />
<br />
The "Practical Rhythms of Hospitality" chapter is really neat, offering a variety of ideas for being intentional about inviting others into your life on a weekly, monthly, and/or yearly basis. A lot of the ideas provide a fun, foot-in-the-door sort of approach that can help you start building relationships. One of the weekly ideas involves inviting people over to watch a TV show, and I know that I've been blessed by others who did just that!<br />
<br />
And besides the creative ideas, I appreciate that this book includes chapters like "How Do You Meet Your Neighbors?" and "How Do You Get to the Gospel?" Because, well, we don't want to be creepy or annoying or uncaring! So these chapters provide helpful perspective on being available, reaching out, and truly loving others without shying away from talk of Jesus.<br />
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I like that there's a small-group guide for those who want to study the book and its topics together. This book doesn't impart boldness to you or magically make your schedule more open, but it is a thought-stirring little read that speaks to the importance of hospitality and the need for any and every Christian to have a hospitable heart.<br />
<br />
*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4163733401418146284.post-24273284307294261712019-10-11T10:04:00.000-06:002019-10-11T10:04:05.643-06:00Discussion 2 ~ Christy Read-Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Welcome to the second discussion of the <i>Christy </i>read-along! ♥ If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can view the schedule in this <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/2019/09/youre-invited-to-christy-read-along.html">invitation post</a></b>.<br />
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Today we'll be discussing chapters 5-11. If you've already read these chapters, you can share your thoughts in the comments section below or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to the <b><a href="https://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/search/label/Christy%20read-along"><i>Christy</i> read-along tag</a></b>.) If you still need to catch up on the reading, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :) We're happy to have you join us whenever you can!<br />
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~ ~ ~</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Christy</i>: Chapters 5-11</span></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Discussion format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and three questions to answer for each week's reading</i></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Favorite Quotes*</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>"This is so beautiful that I want to hug it—if you could hug a room. It's like—well, like coming home." "That's the nicest compliment my cabin's ever had." </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"[God] was always right there beside me, looking at the dreadful sights with compassion and love and heartbreak. His caring and His love were too real for bitterness to grow in me."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"You see, Christy, evil is real—and powerful. It has to be fought, not explained away, not fled. And God is against evil all the way. So each of us has to decide where <i>we</i> stand, how we're going to live <i>our</i> lives."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"[God] suffers more than any of us could because His is the deepest emotion and the highest perception."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"What goes on at a deep level inside you, Christy, is <i>not</i> silly, whatever else it may be."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>"When you have something important to say to a man," my mother had always advised, "never say it to a hungry one. Wait until he's had a good meal."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">General Impressions</span></b></div>
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I think some of my favorites scenes from this section (and there are lots of compelling scenes!) are the ones where Christy is talking with Miss Alice. The weighty topics they discuss are approached with appropriate gravity but also hope, and there are some very thought-provoking lines (a few of which I included in the quotes section above). I really love Miss Alice's approach, how she's a great listener, asks important questions, boldly addresses the pain and evil in the Cove, and points to a loving God who has never failed her.<br />
<br />
In these chapters we also get to see Christy's first day teaching school, her unexpected visit to the heartbreaking O'Teale cabin, the letter receiving and writing that leads to lots of donations to the mission, the tragic truth behind the McHone baby's death, unknown men skulking about at night, Dr. MacNeill's cabin full of "contradictions" (chapter 10), and the surprisingly successful start to the mission "store." Phew! That's a lot for Christy to face in such a short time, and a lot to take in as a reader.<br />
<br />
Since I've seen (and I love!) the TV adaptation of <i>Christy</i>, it's interesting to see how some of these scenes were approached differently for the screen. For example, if I remember right, the store idea took longer to form and involved the students more than how it's depicted at the end of chapter 11. I drew a smiley face in my book next to the line about the people of the Cove using the fancy shoes they'd traded for as "door stops." :) Not something you'd probably see very often!<br />
<br />
While the chapter on Christy's first day of school was definitely full and fun, it's interesting to me how Christy's role as teacher hasn't been highlighted too much yet; mostly, we're getting to meet different people and problems in the Cove. I'm curious to see how the book differs further from the TV series and what happens in the next set of chapters!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions</span></b><br />
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<i>Answer any or all three of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!</i><br />
<br />
1. Despite all the sad revelations in this section, what moment or scene stood out to you as either really funny or really uplifting?<br />
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2. Now that we've gotten to know David and Dr. MacNeill a bit better, what are your impressions of them? How do you feel about their characters, their attitudes, and their interactions with others?<br />
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3. What are your thoughts about Christy's requests for donations from friends and various companies? Do you think she was foisting a cause upon others inappropriately? (To reference a conversation in chapter 11.) Or do you think such letters could be a blessing to both giver and receiver? Would you have approached things differently?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us next Friday for our third discussion! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>(Chapters 12-18)</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Catherine Marshall, <i>Christy</i> (New York: Avon, 2006), 59, 102, 103, 104, 113, 149.</span></div>
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Amber Holcombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.com6