From the Shelves {Spring Reads}

Welcome to the Spring edition of From the Shelves! 

Once again, I've compiled some book recommendations for the spring season. I hope y'all enjoy these as much as I enjoy coming up with the books and putting the post together! 

Won't you join me? :)

Historical. 

Oh my stars, I love these books so much! Out of all eight of the Millie books, this is one of my favorites. (Gordon, y'all... <3) A truly beautiful story of trusting God when all seems dark and hopeless... trusting that spring will come. 

christian fiction // historical // life in a small town // family stories // faith-filled 

Although a bit slow in the beginning, this book was so good and packed with oodles of historical details. It covers many months, but begins in the spring of the year—and its most definitely a story of new beginnings! 

christian fiction // historical // early 1700s // amish

Similar to the previous, this book covers over a year, but much time and several chapters are spent through the spring portion. The romance was sweet and learning about the canal was super cool. :D 

christian fiction // historical // romance // canal setting 

Contemporary. 

Ahh, this series is so amazing! I've read all ten of the books multiple times, and the first five which are included in this volume are among my favorites. Secrets in the Willows (book #2) is a springtime story! 

christian fiction // contemporary // YA fiction 

I really enjoyed this 6-part serial, The Discovery: A Lancaster County Saga," when I first read it in 2013. This wasn't my favorite of the series, but it was still good, and since I loved the serial over all, I chose to include the 'spring' segment. :D

christian fiction // contemporary // amish // part 3 of a serial 

TBR. 

// Spring's Gentle Promise by Janette Oke // 

Josh Jones realizes his family isn't typical, but it's the only life he's ever known. Aunt Lou, Gramps, Uncle Charlie, Grandpa—they all have shaped the young man he has become. But as he grows into manhood, Josh begins to face important questions about life, love, and faith.

Every Janette Oke book I've read has been darling. I'm looking forward to finishing up this series soon! :) 

// Laylie's Daring Quest by Kersten Hamilton // 

Laylie, an energetic and intelligent seven-year-old girl born into slavery, must keep a secret---she and her older brother Luke are planning an escape. Whentheir plan takes them south to Roseland's Plantation, Laylie meets fifteen-year-old Millie Keith, a strong abolitionist who helps Laylie understand a freedom more precious than any other. With this new discovery, Laylie's life of faith begins as she and Luke make their way north, against impossible odds, to New York City and to true freedom.

After adoring the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series last year, I can't wait to read this tie-in story. :D 

Have you read any of these? What are your favorite spring-themed reads? 

~Faith 

From the Shelves. {Easter Reads}

Greetings, readers! :)

Welcome to the Easter edition of From the Shelves! I got six book recs for y'all, and two books that I'm reading/planning to read this Easter season.

Instead of the usual recommendations (with books only from my shelves), I'm including 3 ebooks this time around. Easter reads aren't that easy to come up with... :P 

Let's dive in!

From the Shelves. 

Ahh, I love this story so much. ^_^ It would technically fall under the category of 'summery road-trip story' in my opinion, but it does end with Easter...and it's a lovely tale of grace and redemption. So I decided to include it here. <3

contemporary // christian fiction // romance // road trip // story of grace

This series is absolutely amazing. I've loved all of the A Life of Faith books that I've had the pleasure of reading, this one being no exception. Kathleen's stories will always be special to me. Easter Sunday plays an important part in this one! 

historical fiction // christian fiction // great depression era

This book is tiny, well under 100 pages, but it's so sweet. The story of Madeline and her father is darling. I love Max Lucado's writing. It's like he's sitting there having a heart-to-heart conversation with you. <3

christian // non-fiction // grace & salvation

From the Kindle.

Father, Forgive Them is story of the crucifixion, written from the point-of-view of an eyewitness. I don't usually like Biblical fiction, but I really enjoyed this one. Well done!

biblical fiction // christian fiction // short story

This short story presents a challenging question: How would our lives change if we truly lived like we believe Christ rose again? It packs quite the convicting punch for being so short.

christian fiction // contemporary // short story

An intriguing what-if story, based on the Biblical accounts of Joseph of Arimathea, the rich young ruler, and the road to Emmaus. Quite thought-provoking! 

biblical fiction // christian fiction // short story

TBR.

// Vinegar Boy by Alberta Hawse // 

Abandoned by his parents and shunned from society, Vinegar Boy is certain he'll be adoped once Jesus removes the ugly birthmark that scars his cheek. But when he carries the drugged vinegar wine to a crucifixion, he finds himself face to face with the only One who can heal his face. Is there still time for a miracle?

A gripping story of a boy's dramatic encounter with Christ on the cross, this book is a classic work of fiction that has inspired thousands of Christians for decades.

We picked this up off a free table at a homeschool book sale, but I've never read it! It sounds like a great story. :D 

// The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs // 

This season of grace, deepen your faith in God, Who so loved the world that He gave us His Son.

You're about to meet three women named Mary, each of whom has a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Mary of Bethany prepares the way for the Lord's burial when she anoints His feet and fills the air with her perfume. His mother, Mary of Nazareth, remains by His side from His first breath to His last, her loyalty unwavering. Mary Magdalene, delivered of seven demons, bravely supports her Teacher through His darkest hours and then proclaims the glorious news of His resurrection. What a trio. What a Savior!

I'm actually already a couple chapters into this one. It's so, so good. I love Mrs. Higgs' writing. <3

Have you read any of these? What will you be reading over Easter weekend? 

~Faith 

From the Shelves {Winter Reads}

Welcome to the winter edition of From the Shelves! Today I bring to you six winter-ish books, in three fun genres, and two books from winter TBR. :)

My prop for this picture is a dandelion decoration that a friend gave me. It makes me think of a snowflake too, so I figured it would work for this. ;)

It certainly feels like winter here lately – lots of cold! Unfortunately, no snow recently, but maybe soon. 

Here goes! :D

Historical. 

Ahh, the Little House books. I have read this series at least two or three times. When my brother and I were young, we read the entire series aloud as a family more than once, and then I read the series as a unit study in fifth grade. The Long Winter is one of my favorites and a definite winter read!

classic // historical fiction // always re-readable

This is another precious series that I've read more than once! Caleb's Story is my least favorite of the five, probably because it's from Caleb's POV and the others are from one of the sisters' POVs. It's a very sweet story though. I just love Cassie and Grandpa! <3

historical fiction // children's book // reunion story

I was scouring my shelves for wintery books, thinking I needed a Janette Oke book to make the selection complete, when I spotted this one. It starts with a blizzard, so it's obviously a winter book... And such a wonderful one too! :D

historical fiction // christian fiction // romance // western

This is a super sweet story of winter on a family farm in the '30s!! I really enjoyed the A Life of Faith: Kathleen McKenzie series, and this was one of my favorite books! The extended McKenzie family is barrels of fun. ;)

historial fiction // christian fiction // great depression era

Contemporary.

The Rachel Yoder: Always Trouble Somewhere series was one that I really enjoyed as a preteen. Book three, Out of Control, is a wintery book that has to do with snow and sledding and the like. Very cute story!

contemporary // amish // juvenile fiction

Fantasy. 

The Blades of Acktar is an amazing fantasy series, and one of my top favorites. Dare starts with one of our main characters walking around during a blizzard... Definitely a winter book! It's been around two years since I started reading them, and I'm looking forward to re-reading these books soon. 

*Read my full review of this book here. 

fantasy // christian fiction // no magic

TBR. 

// Little Women by Louisa May Alcott // 

In New England while their chaplain father serves during the Civil War, mother "Marmee" watches the four March sisters grow up. Beautiful capable Meg, tomboy writer Jo, shy musical Beth, and selfish temperamental Amy struggle to pursue their dreams. Kindly neighbor Mr Laurence and his grandson "Teddie" soon become part of the friendly family.

I actually started this book last month, but I'm only about one-quarter of the way through it. It's so sweet and whimsy! I'm really enjoying it. Winter is the perfect time for lengthy reads.

// Winter is not Forever by Janette Oke // 

"What are you gonna do after graduation?"

Everybody's been askin' me that question. With graduation only a month away, it seems like I'm the only one in our little school who doesn't know what he's gonna do after the big day. I've been prayin' about it, but I still don't have an answer.

Is God nudgin' me to become a minister? A farmer? A husband? Life is filled with choices. The hard thing is figurin' out what to do!

I've read the first two books in this series and somehow it's taken me forever to get around to reading the last two! What better time than winter to read it wth a title like that, am I right? ;)

Have you read any of these? Got any favorite winter reads? :D

~Faith

From the Shelves {Christmas Reads}

Welcome to the second From the Shelves post, darling readers! :D 

This edition will be Christmas recommendations, and I've chosen some goodies. ^.^ All of which are either Amish fiction or WWII (hmm...how ironic). One is even both, sooo. xD 

On another note, my area got over a foot of snow in the past two days. *is very happy* I'm happily getting lots of reading done, while somehow not getting too distracted by the beautiful view. :P

Let's dive into the books! 

Amish. 

Ahh, this book brings back memories. I've read it 3 times, I believe – a fact which my copy bears proof of – and I'm hoping to read it again this year. I don't know why, but I always love the stories of people who were adopted when they were young, and are reunited with someone (or more than one someones) years later. White Christmas Pie is a lovely story, that definitely has that. <3 

*Read my semi-coherent, really-bad review here.

amish // contemporary // christian fiction // romance // re-read worthy 

This was such a sweet story! Like the previous book, it deals with an adoptee and her search for her birth family. (This is not gonna be a trend here – promise.) I read this one in early 2016, and I'm hoping to read it again soon. :D 

amish // WWII era // romance // christian fiction 

It's been a couple years since I read this book, but I recall really enjoying it. It's told from an English couple, who end up stranded with an Amish family around Christmas. Sweet story!! 

amish // christian fiction // contemporary 

WWII. 

*all the heart-eyes* This book, y'all...this book. I snagged it from CBD because Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors, and then I ended up liking the other two stories (it's a three-in-one, but they're all related) equally or maybe even more than hers! 110% recommended. xD 

WWII era // christian fiction // romance // three-in-one // family story

EEPS, this little book is precious. A combination of WWII, Christmas, and a darling Cinderella retelling... What's not to love, y'all?! (Plus my critique partner wrote it, soooo. *nods* It's epic. Go read the thing, pals.) 

*Read my full review here.

WWII era // christian fiction // romance // cinderella retelling // novella 

I recently read this book with my reading buddy *wink*, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would! Even if the synopsis doesn't appeal to you...read the book. It's quite a bit different from the synopsis. xD I'll hopefully be reviewing this one in the next couple weeks, so watch for that! 

WWII era // christian fiction // teen-boy POV

TBR. 

// The Angel of Bastogne by Gilbert Morris // 

In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and John Grisham's Skipping Christmas… 

Newspaper reporter Ben Raines is a full-fledged cynic trying to bypass what he feels is the least wonderful time of the year-Christmas. But his plan to escape on a dream vacation overseas is foiled when the boss assigns him to write the annual front-page holiday story. With a humbug twist, Ben chooses to investigate a World War II legend involving his own father that will expose the fallacies of religion and everything related to December 25th. 

Willy Raines fought in the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne during Christmas 1944 and – to Ben's embarrassment – believes a real angel saved the lives of every man in the 101st Airborne unit. Some angel that was. Life was never easy for Willy after the war, and he was far from heroic in his son's eyes. 

Ben sets out to find other veterans who witnessed the angel of Bastogne, sure to return empty-handed. Instead, he comes home with a heart that is overflowing. 

Doesn't this sound great?! I found it by chance at 2nd & Charles awhile back, and I'm really looking forward to reading it this Christmas!! :) 

// A Simple Christmas Wish by Melody Carlson // 

Rachel Milligan is caring for her seven-year-old niece, Holly, at her home in Chicago when she receives devastating news: Holly's parents have been killed in a plane crash. Because Rachel is Holly's only known relative, she assumes that she will be her beloved niece's guardian. However, custody is awarded to Lydia, a distant aunt who happens to be Amish. 

Just a week before Christmas, Rachel takes Holly to the Amish community in the hopes of persuading Aunt Lydia to relinquish custody. Instead, Lydia sets out to teach Holly to live according to the Amish way. As family secrets emerge and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs. 

Combining an Amish family saga with the anticipation of Christmas cheer and the promise of a budding romance, this newest Christmas story from beloved author Melody Carlson is sure to please.

I'd had this book on my TBR for some time, and I found it at 2nd & Charles too. (I know this for sure, because I peeled off the stickers before snapping pics xD) Sounds cute!! 

Hope y'all enjoyed and found some Christmasy reads! Don't forget – the 12 Days of Christmas party starts on Thursday. ;) 

~Faith