What I've Been Reading

I thought I would share with you some of the fiction books I have enjoyed so far this year. In January I read "A Lantern in Her Hand" by Bess Streeter Aldrich. The story spans the lifetime of the main character, Abby Deals; beginning with her childhood in "The Big Woods",  progressing to her young womanhood as a teacher, how she meets her husband, marries and moves even farther west to the territory that would become the state Nebraska. It truly is a touching a story, that tells of the hardship and love that settled the west. By the end of the book I was crying, and I can't say that I often cry when reading a book!

During the winter months I also read "Sweet Love's Atonement" and it's sequel "Zenobia's Suitor" by E.D.E.N. Southworth. I have enjoyed the writings of Mrs. Southworth ever since reading her book "The Hidden Hand" republished by Lamplighter. Her stories are generally set in the mountain region of Virginia, and include some form of mystery and intrigue. I love her style of writing and the fact that I never seem able to put her books down. I think for the most part her books were originally published in the format of magazine serials, so they have a tendency to leave the reader dying to turn the next page. I must admit I did find it hard to put these two books down, but feel that I cannot wholeheartedly recommend them. The story line is filled with deceit and violence. There are characters that display godly character in contrast to the evil characters, but I still felt that each night I was becoming a little too distressed before bed. : )

The next two books I read were purchased from Lamplighter a wonderful source for beautiful literature! Not only are the stories inspiring, but I love the design and binding of their books! Both "The King's Gold" and "When You Least Expect It" were wonderful stories that I found encouraging and uplifting. If you click on the titles you can read a brief synopsis of each on the Lamplighter website.

The book I most recently finished is "Through These Fires" by Grace Livingston Hill. If you have followed my blog over the past two year you will have undoubtedly noticed that Mrs. Hill is one of my favorite authors! Her stories are so wholesome and filled with the kind of people you would like to meet ,mostly... there were a few stinkers in this story I would hope never to encounter in real life. : ) "Through These Fires" is a heartwarming tale set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War Two. The story tells of a soldier experiencing the literal fires of war in Europe and a young lady back home, in the US, experiencing the figurative fires of life.

Currently I am reading "Forrest House" by Mary J. Holmes. It is an enjoyable story, somewhat like all of her other books, but a fun read. I am moving a little slowly through this novel as I find myself anxious to knit or crochet baby things each evening before bed!

 Adam many times will read aloud as I work on my current project, and his latest book is part of the "Jeeves" series by P.G. Wodehouse. Adam does a great job reading in different voices for the many characters, and I usually find something to chuckle about in the story.

What books have you been enjoying lately? Have you read any of the books mentioned in this post?