Thursday, June 12, 2014

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?



14 comments:

  1. I've read A Lantern in Her Hand and really enjoyed it. That's a little disappointing about the next two, as The Hidden Hand is one of my favorite books! I haven't read Through These Fires, but will definitely check the church library for it. G.L.Hill is one of my favorite authors too! Haven't read Forrest House either. I'm re-reading the Mitford series right now. It's fun, light reading. :-)
    Enjoy your hand work for the baby! :-)
    Blessings,
    Anne♥

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  2. I am a big fan of grace Livingston hill. One year my husband bought me a large assortment of her books for my birthday.
    I ordered a catalog from lamplight. Thankyou for the recommendations. Its so good to see you posting more often. Are you going to find out the gender of the baby? Id love to see the little baby things. I have seven. Its been about eight years since I've had a tiny one around;). Blessings!
    Christina

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    1. Hi Julian,

      What a terrific birthday gift! : )

      We are having a little girl. I am so excited. I hope to post photos soon of some of projects. I have several projects I am working on and it takes me a little longer to complete them that way.

      May you have a blessed day!

      -Sarah

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    2. Oooh a little girl! I have three and four boys! Little girls are so much fun to dress!:) cant wait to see the projects!:) Christina
      ps. Julian is my husband I just reply under his name;)

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    3. Thank you Christina! Sorry about confusing your name! I will be sure to remember now. : )

      -Sarah

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  3. Dear Sarah,
    I just love your selection of books...I have several lamplighter books and Grace Livingston Hill on my bookshelf. I keep a little list with me when I go into the local thrift stores...I've found several this way...and paid just pennies for them.

    Hope you have a lovely weekend!
    Blessings,
    Laura

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  4. Hi there! I saw your comment from Roxy's blog about vintage dresses and was delighted so I decided to make a visit over! Looks like we have a lot in common though I am a bit older in years :) The year you graduated homeschool, I began homeschooling our daughter! Well, I collected 8 volumes of E.D.E.N. Southworth novels so far because I was smitten with the Hidden Hand and Ishmael too. They are full of intrigue and a Romans 8:28 message (all in all) but I will have to decide which ones are suited to keep in our home library. I do have a volume by Mary J. Holmes but haven't had a chance to read her books yet. I don't know if you have heard of Isabella Alden (she was aunt and mentor to Grace Livingston Hill) and I love her novels and messages. They really challenge you in your daily walk with Christ. I am sure you would love them very much based on your choices above. I too love the old fashioned life and homemaking so I look forward to reading what you share! Nice to "meet" you ~ JES

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    1. Hi Jes,

      So nice to meet you too! I agree for the most part E.D.E.N. Southworth always weaves a wonderful message throughout her stories. I have several of her books now and have loved them all, this series was darker than what I enjoy reading. I have heard of Isabella Alden, but have never read any of her books- I will have to read one soon. : )

      May you have a blessed day!

      -Sarah

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  5. Dear Sarah, I posted a comment but it was lost as I do not see it here! Well any ways, I loved the book A Lantern In her Hand!
    Rest and enjoy your peace dear friend, read and rest...
    Tell Adam Happy Fathers Day!
    Miss Roxy

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    1. Thank you Roxy! I passed your message on to Adam. : )

      -Sarah

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  6. I just love these old books - what a lovely selection you have been reading:))

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  7. My mother gave me many of the vintage Grace Livingston Hill books, many of which had belonged to her own mother. They both passed away within the past year (at ages 74 and 99), and I brought home even more vintage treasures. My favorite recent one was Where Beauty Dwells by Emilie Loring. It gave me a sweet vision of creating a beautiful home for a loved one - in this case her invalid sister - and for standing up for what is rightfully yours.

    I also read Lantern in Her Hand many years ago, and found it to be very profound. Gene Stratton Porter is another favorite author from yesteryear, with A Girl of the Limberlost and Keeper of the Bees.

    You might like to see part of my vintage book and heirloom collection in this post: http://comewearymoms.blogspot.com/2013/09/sacramental-big-words.html

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  8. I love seeing what other people are reading! Thank you for sharing. The things I love to read can be found here: http://forgivenformerfeminist.blogspot.com/p/books-to-read.html
    Gig'em and God Bless http://forgivenformerfeminist.blogspot.com

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  9. Oh, I loved Lantern in Her Hand. I need to get it out and read it again. And P. G. Wodehouse -- another favorite. I love reading old books. I lost so many of mine in a house fire, but my sister has bookcases full of them. My daughter is using them in her wedding. She's a bookie, too. ~Pamela

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