{A guest post from my friend, Tina — you’ll see her around here quite often ;-)} It’s been a strange summer for me, marked by a lingering sadness over the deaths of a family member and a family friend. In the midst of it all — the slow goodbye, the devastating phone call, the questions … [Read more...] about The Books that Saved My Summer
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Beach Reads for Summer Respite
"Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity." ~G.K. Chesterton Is there anything better than reading books on the beach? In my opinion, no. It's my favorite. Not surprisingly, I have some suggestions for you ;-). {My caveat to you: You'll find that most often, the books that find their … [Read more...] about Beach Reads for Summer Respite
Mother’s Day Book Picks & Inspiration!
May is here and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you are looking for a good fiction read about moms, looking for encouragement in your day-to-day mothering of little ones, or are a mother looking for ways to connect with a tween or teen daughter, we’ve got some recommendations for … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Book Picks & Inspiration!
Make ‘Em Laugh – {reads to lighten the spirit}
{A guest post from my book loving friend, Tina. She's a frequent visitor around here.} “As Hagrid had said, what would come, would come...and he would have to meet it when it did.” ~Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire And with those ominous words I finished reading aloud to my daughter the … [Read more...] about Make ‘Em Laugh – {reads to lighten the spirit}
Read with Your Tween Daughter ~ {6 books that infuse courage & character}
As I talk with my girls, two themes often resurface — they must have courage and their character matters. I don’t believe I’m alone in feeling overwhelmed and often anxious with the task of raising girls in this world. What I know is that I want my girls to be courageous, but not without character. … [Read more...] about Read with Your Tween Daughter ~ {6 books that infuse courage & character}
“We had cake and laughter.” {my sentence for the year}
This post was meant to make its appearance at an earlier date — at least for the Chinese New Year. But today, March 4th — March Forth, seemed just right. We have had a wearying year so far. I was sick for six straight weeks. My husband and each of my children battled illness within these weeks … [Read more...] about “We had cake and laughter.” {my sentence for the year}
And So It Begins {stepping into the New Year + books to guide you}
I begin this New Year hesitant and hopeful. I'm not yet prepared to charge or even briskly greet the possibilities of the next 365 days. I feel as if I'm peeking around the corner -- looking at new vistas but also comprehending that my scenery will not change dramatically. I view this calendar … [Read more...] about And So It Begins {stepping into the New Year + books to guide you}
The Wisdom of Kathleen Kelly {You’ve Got Mail turns 20!}
In our complicated, divided times, Kathleen Kelly is the hero we need. I’ve long considered Kathleen Kelly to be kindred spirit. She’s a fellow bibliophile and anglophile who makes me want to move to New York City and own a children’s book store. Yes, she is a fictional character. Yes, I may … [Read more...] about The Wisdom of Kathleen Kelly {You’ve Got Mail turns 20!}
A Soul-Shaped Reader ~ {the influence of childhood reading}
{A Guest Post from Tina, Co-Creator for our LitKits. Looking for books in the New Year to savor with your family? Check out the selections in our SHOP. New books to be featured in January!} This month is the twentieth anniversary of You've Got Mail. Watch it again to fall in love with Kathleen … [Read more...] about A Soul-Shaped Reader ~ {the influence of childhood reading}
Our Family Favorites {Christmas Movies + Themed Treats!}
“Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” — C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity A couple weeks ago on a frigidly windy day, we popped Elf featuring … [Read more...] about Our Family Favorites {Christmas Movies + Themed Treats!}
Books About Books ~ {books that help you find the best books}
{Another post from my friend, Tina ~ I also own two of these three books. Book Girl has been one of my favorite new books this year. Lovely!} The month of December is in full swing which means the frenzy that is Christmas shopping has begun as well. This has been an excellent year for books written … [Read more...] about Books About Books ~ {books that help you find the best books}
A Christmas Booklist ~ Be Still & Gather Together
I read enough and have a crazy enough schedule to know that pulling everyone together for a family reading time can be challenging. In spite of this, with my whole heart, I recommend picking one book to read together this Christmas season. Or each choose a book and all read together in the living … [Read more...] about A Christmas Booklist ~ Be Still & Gather Together
Books for Fall & Winter Reading
a blanket + a cup of tea + books to get lost in and series perfect for binge reading Yes, please! These suggestions come from my bookish friend, Tina. Also my partner in crime for creating Lit Kits. {The shop is open!} I added a few recommendations of my own too. * * * * * FOR KIDS: (but adults will … [Read more...] about Books for Fall & Winter Reading
Host A Christmas Literary Party!
The lovely autumn leaves have long since fluttered to the ground (thank you early snow storm) and although the days are crisp and blue and sunshiny, Thanksgiving just passed us by and Christmas stealthily tiptoed behind as it usually does. This season is crazy. I know it, I get it, BUT it is the … [Read more...] about Host A Christmas Literary Party!
Christmas Gift Guide 2018 ~ {bookish finds & gifts that make a difference}
I love giving gifts. But I also like to find the right gift for each person I shop for. As I look toward the Christmas season, I see that the people in my life don't really need anything. This does not mean I do not search for a gift. A well-chosen gift is more about showing my people that I see … [Read more...] about Christmas Gift Guide 2018 ~ {bookish finds & gifts that make a difference}