Dear Devoted Readers ~
Book are our treasured companions, our lifelong friends. They were meant to be ingested and savored, highlighted and bookmarked, shared and discussed, given and received.
A book is such a personal gift, isn't it. You can tell when someone has gone out of their way to find a volume that fits you to a T. It makes you cherish the giver and the gift all the more as you appreciate the thoughtful kindness that's gone into their selection.
I've purposefully chosen these ten books for Christmas giving because I've gained renewed life and fresh energy from their pages. Along the way, my thirsty soul, over-stimulated brain, jangled emotions, tired daily routines, untended relationships and/or blah living spaces have been enriched in one way or another.
Four of these selections have been Book Club picks here on the blog. Check out the conversations we've had to get more insight into why these are must-reads. You'll find those links at the end of the reviews.
May you feel gently calmed, motivated, and blessed as you spend time with me here today. And then have fun making up your Christmas shopping list ... and your own very personal wish list, too!
Filled with soothing, personal, Christ-centered devotional readings, favorite Scripture, and stunning wintertime photography, this is one gorgeous book. I feel like a kid in a candy store as I've often leisurely wandered through these pages.
BUY the Hardcover
Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey off the Beaten Path
- Erin Loechner
'Renew your priorities with prompts and charts that ask you to consider your words and choices. Shift your focus with recipes and resources to help slow your life. Refresh your perspective with insights worth sharing to uncomplicate your life.'
Welcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating and Hosting All Year Round
- Myquillyn Smith
'A home that's ready for the seasons is automatically ready to host all sorts of seasonal celebrations. Be the one who volunteers her home to host because you're finally confident and ready.'
This is not a typical home decorating how-to, but instead a common sense approach to creating your own signature home style that will leave you smiling and wondering why you waited so long. Myquillyn's keep-it-simple hostessing tips will make opening your doors to others a more natural and relaxed experience.
Because it's not about your domestic expertise. It's all about the hospitality.
BUY the Hardcover
Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode - and into a Life of Connection and Joy
- Aundi Kolber, MA, LPC
'One of the best parts of learning to open myself up to God and allowing him to sit with me in my joy and grief is this: I have learned to see myself as He sees me ... during our hardest, scariest times - whether our bodies feel stressed and jumpy or sluggish and slow - God is there to reassure us that we are no defined by our best days or our worst days. We are His beloved.'
For those who've been living in survival mode, Aundi's wise counsel is soothing and life-altering. Even the book's title will cause you to exhale just a bit deeper after living on high alert for far too long. This process of finding gentle healing from continued anxiety and stress is necessary, a sacred work so we are able to move ahead into whatever God has for us to be and to do.
BUY the Paperback
I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life
- Anne Bogel
'In this book, we'll dive into the personal nature of reading - what shapes us as readers, what we bring to the page. We'll explore how to read, how to choose good books, and what happens when we read bad ones. We'll dive into why we connect with some books so powerfully. We'll peek into other people's reading lives. And we'll enjoy every minute of it because that's the kind of people we are. How good it is to be among people who are reading.'
Anne's ode to the bookish life is every book aficionado's delight. If you view books as vital to your daily life, this lovely, whimsical read has your name on it.
The perfect gift for your favorite bibliophile. And a perfect size to toss into your bag as you head out the door. Because you'd rather be reading.
Book Club, October 2019
BUY the Hardcover
Invitation to Solitude & Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence
- Ruth Haley Barton
'The image of the jar of river water captured what I knew to be true about myself. I could not avoid the realization that I was the jar of river water all shaken up and the sediment that swirled inside the jar was the busyness, the emotions, the thoughts, the inner wrestlings I had not been able to control. It was a moment of self-discovery - which is where all good spiritual journeying begins.'
This was the book that started it all for me ... the pursuit of a deeper, more reflective spiritual life. This little guidebook helped deepen my walk with the Lord in ways that have been life-changing.
If your relationship with the Lover of your soul has become rote or stagnant, may He be pleased to use this volume to draw you into a deeper, more substantial love relationship with Himself.
Book Club, February 2018
Buy the Hardcover
*
I'm reading Gentle and Lowly right now!
ReplyDeleteOh so good! I look forward to reading your review ...
DeleteThese books all sound great, Linda! I'd especially like to read Chasing Slow, Freely and Lightly, and those Welcome Home and Cozy White Cottage books! I'll have to add these to my reading list! :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, Nancy! Just reading those titles again makes me smile.
Delete;-)
Wonderful and timely. Thank you, Linda!
ReplyDeleteDebby, thanks ...
DeleteSounds like some great books. I am a fan of Sarah Young too! I done a book clean out a few years back and gave so many to our church library and friends. Mercy I had too as I needed one room for JUST BOOKS! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteHey Cindy, sounds like you've got the makings for a great big library! Wouldn't it be wonderful if every house included a room lined with shelves just for our literary friends!
DeleteWonderful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here!
DeleteThanks, Linda…I am always looking for books to give as gifts!
ReplyDeleteOh good, Pam! I hope that some of these fit the bill for you.
DeleteMy eyebrows shot up when I saw the "Chasing Slow" book and I immediately ordered it from another library. God's been working on me to embrace the fact that I am an introvert and am fulfilled when I am not chasing after life, but slowing down and treasuring quiet moments and allowing myself to be ok with that part of me. Society says you have to do it all but it's a lie. This wonderful quote came across my desk.............."If you are humble, nothing can touch you. Neither praise or discouragement. Because you know who you are". I don't need to chase praise anymore or be sidelined by discouragement!! I can't wait to read this book and see what gems I can find!!!
ReplyDeleteThere's a peaceful serenity for those of us who are introverts {or extroverts!} when we finally embrace the truth that God Himself shaped us that way! Being aware of what feeds and what drains us are some of the most important lessons we'll learn in living our lives well.
DeleteAs we allow God to fill our wells in ways that work best, we are much more able to embrace life with all its ups and downs ... and be effective in the callings He's placed on our lives.
I hope this book helps clear space for you to breathe and reflect, Val.
What a great list of books, Linda! I really need to re-read The Listening Life, so I am glad it made this list because I had forgotten how impactful that book was (I first heard about it on your blog, for which I am so thankful!). I added a few others to my TBR: Chasing Slow, Cozy White Cottage, and Gentle and Lowly. I think they are just what I need the next few months!
ReplyDeleteHere are my recent reads, if interested! https://elle-alice.blogspot.com/2021/10/october-book-reviews.html
Wow, we have been bumping into each other here and there for a long time, Elena! It's always fun to pick up where we left off ... always, always, our love for Jesus and those perfect reads!
DeleteP.S. The Kitchen Front was one of my favorite fiction books this year. Reading your review reminded me how very good it was!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, to yours.
So many books to read. I'll have to write faster!
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
You, my British friend, are a prolific writer and I think it'd be fair to say that your books are held in hands by appreciative readers all over the world.
DeleteSome of these sound really lovely, Linda. I'd add Anne Lamott's "Help, Thanks, Wow" to the list. Her work always inspires me and helps heal, but this one is exceptional.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love that our prayers don't need to be long-winded and formal? Even better that God hears the cry of our hearts that isn't even spoken!
DeleteHelp. Thanks. Wow. Those 3 words say it all, Jeanie.
Such a great round up of books here, Linda! Thank you for putting this together for us!
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure!
DeleteThank you for these reviews Linda!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jennifer
You're so welcome!
DeleteThank you for sharing your recommendations. I've just ordered The Listening Life on my kindle.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know what you think!
DeleteI've added several of these books to my list, Linda. It's always helpful to receive recommendations from someone you trust. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTrust is huge. I don't take that lightly. Thank you, friend.
DeleteWhat a great list, Linda! I value your recommendations and appreciate the reviews.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad we're reconnecting this week, Kitty! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours ...
DeleteI am reading Gentle and Lowly now. Almost done. And I see another on your list to read next :) Thank you for the recommendations which I always appreciate.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you've found your next read, Joanne!
DeleteSuper blog
ReplyDeleteWelcome!
DeleteGreat list and I only have read a few. More to come!!!
ReplyDeleteSo many books, so little time!
Delete;-}
Just reading your list of books made me want to cuddle up in a chair with a book! Thanks for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, Lauren. These are all books to cozy up with ... I love how you put it!
DeleteI always appreciate your wonderful book recommendations, Linda. I didn't even know there was Jesus Calling for Christmas. The Listening Life was a powerful book for me too. I'll be looking up Try Softer.
ReplyDeleteThat Jesus Calling book is so stunning, Lisa ... I just can't say enough about it.
DeleteI'm thinking Try Softer might be a perfect fit for you as I see you as a gentle, tender, loving soul ...