(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

I’ve been a reader since I was a little girl, getting lost in books for hours at a time.

I would curl and read a whole Nancy Drew from cover to cover.

I still always have a book going, feeling a bit lost if I don’t.

HOW TO MAKE TIME TO READ

Do you want to find more time to read? We are all busy and those of us that love to read can find it hard to make time. Here’s how I fit more reading into my day.

I love sharing with you what I read each month so you can read along with me or get ideas for what to read next.

Here’s last month’s post.

Want to get daily encouragement? SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any posts!

You may be wondering, ” what if you don’t fit it all?”

I never worry if I don’t make my reading goals, giving myself grace.

This is only a plan to help me, not structure me so tightly that I don’t enjoy one of my favorite things.

This past month I didn’t finish my Chore Time book The Berry Pickers, so I just keep it going into March.

It’s no big deal, just a way to encourage me to do my best and I hope it encourages you too.

QUIET TIME BOOK 

For my last quiet time book I read She Reads Truth by Rachel Myers & Amanda Bible Williams.

After finishing She Reads Truth, I squeezed in Women of the Word by Jen Wilken.

I am in the last weeks of her Abide Bible Study on 1, 2, 3 John right now in my Tuesday morning Bible Study group and couldn’t wait to dive deeper into Jen’s strategies for studying the Bible.

I’m able to fit in more books some months when I stick to my schedule of reading a chapter a weekday.

This month I’m reading From Where I Stand by Shanna Noel & Sherri Gragg.

Each day of the 30 day devotional takes you on a walk in the footsteps of the women of the Bible.

There’s a short devotion, Scripture reading, questions for reflection, personal applications and guided journaling prompts.

Read From Where I Stand  with me!

WAIT TIME BOOK

Last book club post I was reading The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

This month I’m reading a book that’s been on my stack for a few years.

Do you have one of those piles?

Books you’ve purchased or been loaned just waiting for you to read, your TBR, “to be read” stack.

I’m finally picking up, Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schultz and his philosophy, “It’s not just about winning, but the right way to win”.

My wait time books are usually books for business or personal motivation, books I can set down and pick up easily.

They are books I don’t usually listen to on audio, because I want to highlight so many ideas to remember.

Professionally, books from successful entrepreneurs and company leaders really inspire me, especially if they are like Onward and share the story of struggle to success.

I would love to read a book about Chick-fil-a, Kwik Trip and Culvers.

I’ve heard several podcasts with the owners of Chick-fil-A, like on this episode with Tony Robbins, but not read a book.

If I finish Onward  early, or in the future, I’m going to move onto:

• It’s Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks where Starbucks executive Howard Behar shares how they stressed people over profits.
• The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary by Joseph Michelli and how the customer experience and focus on their employees built an empire.
• Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time by Howard Schultz.

Read Onward with me!

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.

FOR THE LOVE OF READING

Last month I read The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel.

This month I’m reading The Women by Kristin Hannah.

Through this work of historical fiction and the story of one woman’s service in Vietnam, her patriotism and friendships made, Hannah sheds light on the often overlooked women who put themselves in harm’s way, sacrificing with commitment to their country.

I am never disappointed by the novels of Kristin Hannah, like The Nightingale, The Great Alone, I found some of my favorite books, usually not being able to put them down!

Read The Women  with me!

CHORE TIME BOOK

Last month I listened to The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters.

This month I’m listening to The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger.

My chore time books are always on audio, because I can put in my earbuds, push play and get lost in my work while listening.

It makes my cleaning, gardening or drive time so much faster and more enjoyable.

I actually look forward to my to do list because I can’t wait to hear what happens next!

The River We Remember came out this Fall and I’ve been looking forward to reading it ever since after loving some of Krueger’s other books like This Tender Land and Ordinary Grace.

This novel, like his others I’ve enjoyed is set in the midwest, in Minnesota.

The River We Remember is the reflections of a grown man looking back on the summer of 1961 when he was a 13 year old boy in a small town and the tragedies that took place just as he was on the brink of manhood.

Read The River We Remember with me!

I’M SO EXCITED FOR MY FRIENDS’ NEW BOOKS!

• THIS BOOK by my friend Stacy of Bricks ‘n Blooms that just came out!
• My friend Christy has THIS BOOK releasing March 5.
• My friend Rachel’s has this WONDERFUL BOOK.
• THIS MUST HAVE from my friend Kristen.

LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?

You can find links to past books I shared HERE.

And find quick links to the books shared in this post by clicking on the cover images below.

FOLLOW ALONG

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YOU CAN JOIN ONE OF MY FREE FACEBOOK GROUPS:

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Call Me Old Fashioned Group over on Facebook. Request to join ​HERE​.

Join my Fun Finds + Fabulous Deals Group over on Facebook. Request to join​ HERE. 

LOOKING FOR CONNECTION?

Join one of the clubs at my shop located in our Paddle Club. 

We have game nights, book clubs, cookbook clubs, craft clubs, workshops and events.

You can see what’s coming up next and sign up HERE.

The post This Month’s Books to Read: Fireside Book Club No. 54 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

I always love starting a new month, finishing reading from the weeks before and beginning to turn new pages, not just on the calendar, but in a stack of new books. 

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

HOW TO MAKE TIME TO READ

Do you want more time to read? We are all busy and those of us that love to read can find it hard to make time, but here’s how I fit more reading into my day.

Want to get daily encouragement? SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any posts!

QUIET TIME BOOK 

For my last quiet time book I read Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.

This month I’m reading She Reads Truth by Rachel Myers & Amanda Bible Williams.

This Fall I was out exploring and shopping in some small towns in Iowa while down visiting with one of my dearest friends.

In one of the cute gift shops a book caught my eye for the title and the colors.

The Advent books I’ve been reading the past several seasons were written by She Reads Truth and I had listened to the founders speak on several podcasts.

This is their story, two very different stories that both point to one truth, that God is exactly who He says He is.

Within their stories is woven biblical application and scripture pointing to how God and His Word remain the same even as the world around shifts and slips away.

Read She Reads Truth with me!

WAIT TIME BOOK

Last book club post I was reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.

This month I’m reading The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

One of my favorite things is when words are given to thoughts and beliefs I have.

I felt this reading Unreasonable Hospitality and I feel it again with The Gap and the Gain.

Living life in the Gain, where you see what you’ve already accomplished while still working toward goals.

Living life in the Gain, where you see the learning in every struggle.

Living in the Gain, where the power of a positive mindset brings forward process.

Life in the Gain is a far better place to find happiness, success and confidence than in the GAP where nothing is enough and everything is a frustration.

Lots to underline and highlight in this coaching session in the pages between the covers.

Read The Gap and the Gain with me!

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.

FOR THE LOVE OF READING

Last month I read Homecoming by Kate Morton.

This month I’m reading The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel.

I like reading many genres of books, but my historical fiction stack of waiting books is high because I am so drawn by them.

This story though heart wrenching and suspenseful is full of hope as the surprising story of a kidnapped German girl finds herself alone after her abductor dies.

Living in the forest she comes upon a group of Jews running from the Nazis in 1941 and teaches them what she’s learned about living in the woods.

She ends up learning a lot from them in return.

Read The Forest of Vanishing Stars with me!

CHORE TIME BOOK

Last month I listened to Tom Lake written by Ann Patchett. 

This month I’m listening to The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters.

When looking for a new audiobook to listen to I head straight for my iBook app and see what I have waiting in my want to listen to library and check the new and recommended audiobooks.

That’s where I found The Berry Pickers, near the top of the list of the New & Trending Fiction.

In 1962 when a young indigenous girl goes missing from the blueberry patch where her family has been picking fear strikes the small Maine town and mystery goes unsolved for almost fifty years.

Little four year old Ruthie was last seen by her six year old brother. His life is haunted by this in the years to come.

A little girl growing up in a wealthy family begins to have memories and intuition that there is more to her story and the family raising her.

She take decades to unravel the secrets and we, the readers, are spellbound as we travel through the trauma and resilience in this story.

Listen to or read The Berry Pickers with Me! 

MORE TO READ THIS MONTH

This is a month I’ve been able to fit in more books. Here’s the rest of what I’m reading:

• For my local book club, The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller.
• For the book club at my shop, Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal.
• The Cookbook Club at my shop, The Snowy Cabin Cookbook by Marnie Hanel and Jen Stevenson.
• My local Bible Study is studying Abide by Jen Wilkin over the next ten weeks.

My shop, White Arrows Home, hosts a monthly Book Club and Cookbook Club. Follow along HERE to keep up to date and information on what books we are doing and how to sign up.

I’M SO EXCITED FOR MY FRIENDS’ NEW BOOKS!

• PreOrder THIS BOOK by my friend Stacy of Bricks ‘n Blooms that comes out in February!

LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?

You can find links to past books I shared HERE.

BOOKS THIS MONTH

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post This Month’s Books To Read: Fireside Book Club No. 53 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

The past few years I have purchased the Advent studies from She Reads Truth.

I have really enjoyed the daily devotions and the extras included during the week for adding holiday traditions and recipes to connect the season to all that is special about Advent.

Often the themes are based on a favorite Christmas hymn title and lyrics.

This year it’s He Alone is Worthy.

One of the things I love about the She Reads Truth studies is that they do a book focused around the same readings but for men with He Reads Truth.

I gift the books to my daughters and sons so that we are already the same devotions together and can talk about it throughout the season so having the men’s and women’s books works so well.

There are so many wonderful devotion books out there.

Many of them I have carried in my shop and they have been great sellers and are from wonderful authors from esteemed publishers.

Here are some I recommend.

The 25 Days of Christmas: A Family Devotional to Help You Celebrate Jesus

As I do for my young adult and teen kids, these devotionals make great gifts.

Gift one to your mom and sister and read together.

Pull together a group of friends to read together for the season.

The Gifts of Christmas: 25 Joy-Filled Devotions for Advent 

Reading an advent devotion book helps to keep us focused on what the Christmas season is truly about.

Making time to read each day can give us the moments of slowness and reflection that are hearts so crave in such a busy time.

Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent

Even though we may have heard the Christmas story many times, there is still so much to learn.

There are new insights that each book can bring to light.

The Bible is God’s living word so is active and intended to speak to us right where we are in the year and day of our life we are living.

What the author’s of these devotions pull out of The Word and teach us through their writing will be a blessing.

Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always

You could read the same devotion every Advent year after year and different parts will touch you each year.

You could also choose a new book each year to start a collection of beautiful Christmas devotions.

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional

Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos

These devotions I’m sharing are perfect for your personal quiet time this Christmas, but there are lots of Advent devotions written for families and couples too you can easily search out.

Some of the books are a short reading that takes minutes and others are more in depth.

Choose what is best for you.

Many of these are from some of the most respected pastors, speakers and writers and have books, devotions, podcasts or talks to listen to all year long.

 Prepare Him Room: A Daily Advent Devotional

Whether you take time to read in the quiet early morning, or at night by the twinkling lights of the tree, establish an Advent routine that you look forward to each day to keep you accountable.

Curl up under a cozy blanket with a cup of your favorite warm drink.

Underline the parts that speak to you and put the date inside.

Jesus Listens–for Advent and Christmas, Padded Hardcover, with Full Scriptures: Prayers for the Season

Pick out a journal for the season as well and journal your thoughts and reflections each day from what you are learning and applying.

Add in special memories with friends and family too.

You’ll have a beautiful memory book of this Advent to go back to.

Joy To The World: Daily Readings For Advent

Is there anyone you could share this post with to spread the Advent reading tradition with?

Pass on the link or gift them a copy that interests you too.

Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ

The First Songs of Christmas: A 31-Day Advent Devotional: Meditations on Luke 1 & 2

The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas

Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here

Your heart may be yearning for just what an Advent reading can give.

Some devotions even have extensions like adult coloring books, journals or scripture memory cards.

I pray that this Christmas will hold even deeper meaning for you and a focus on Jesus Christ our Savior’s birth and that one of these devotion books can help you do just that.

Shop Advent Devotions

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The post Advent Devotional Books to Add Meaning to the Christmas Season appeared first on White Arrows Home.

I love starting a new month, finishing reading from the weeks before and beginning to turn new pages, not just on the calendar, but in a stack of new books. 

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

HOW TO MAKE TIME TO READ

Do you want more time to read? All of us are so busy and those of us that love to read can still find it hard to make time. Here’s how I fit more reading into my day.

Want to get daily encouragement? SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any posts!

QUIET TIME BOOK 

For my quiet time book last month I read Starved by Amy Sieffert.

This month I’m reading Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.

There is so much great insight in this book for how to pray for our husband’s and the power of God to work the impossible when we ask.

Reading a chapter each morning and praying for my husband as I start my day is a great habit I’m continuing to be encouraged by.

Read Power of a Praying Wife with me!

WAIT TIME BOOK

Last month I read The Anxious Teen by Brock Morgan.

It was full of insight on today’s teenager and was recommended by our youth pastor who was doing some parenting workshops on the topic.

This month I’m reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.

I first heard Will talk about this on a TedTalk and I was captivated, because I finally had a term for how we conduct business at White Arrows Home.

The book is full of wisdom for business owners and managers who want to build strong teams and unforgettable customer experiences.

Read Unreasonable Hospitality with me!

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.

FOR THE LOVE OF READING

Last month I read The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaimie Jo Wright.

I’ve really enjoyed all of her books I’ve read so far, the mysteries and the settings she puts them in. She writes characters you befriend and root for.

This month I’m reading a book I’ve been waiting for!

My favorite author is Kate Morton and her book Homecoming just released.

I love the settings and backdrops of the mysteries Kate Morton writes wrapped up in pieces of historical fiction often bouncing between decades.

Homecoming goes back and forth between current day and the 1950s Australia.

Read Homecoming with me!

CHORE TIME BOOK

Last month I listened to a few books, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Grams and Five Little Indians by Michelle Good.

This month I’m listening to Tom Lake written by Ann Patchett.

It’s another Reece’s book club pick.

But, I chose it because the cover grabbed my attention looking like beautiful floral wallpaper.

I also chose to listen to it on audio because its narrated by Meryl Streep.

Ann Patchett’s book, The Dutch House, I listened to a few years ago. I loved that it was narrated by Tom Hanks, but didn’t particularly enjoy the story. So I’m excited to see how I feel about Tom Lake.

Her books though are winners for their covers and narrators! Will definitely be excited to see what she comes out with next!

Listen to or read Tom Lake with Me! 

MORE TO READ THIS MONTH

This is a month I’ve been able to fit in more books. Here’s the rest of what I’m reading:

• For my local book club, The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
• For the book club at my shop, The Open-Air Life by Linda Åkeson McGurk
• The Cookbook Club at my shop, Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard

My shop, White Arrows Home, hosts a monthly Book Club and Cookbook Club. Follow along HERE to keep up to date and information on what books we are doing and how to sign up.

I’m so excited for my friends’ new books!

• KariAnne’s new release 10-Minute Decorating Ideas
• Lana’s The Grace Filled Homestead Cookbook
• Pre Order my friend Stacy’s Guide to a Beautiful and Easy-Care Flower Garden

LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?

You can find links to past books I shared HERE.

BOOKS THIS MONTH

FOLLOW ALONG

Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ YouTube ~ Tik Tok ~ Liketoknow.it

The post This Month’s Books to Read: Fireside Book Club No. 52 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

Several years ago, back in 2019, I wrote a post with an interview with one of my favorite bloggers, KariAnne Wood.

She had published a book that I couldn’t wait to share with all of you.

Since that time, I’ve gotten to know KariAnne and that she’s not only amazing on the pages of her blog and books, but in real life.

I attended her Inspire Workshop at her home in McKinney, Texas.

I was a member of her Mastermind Group where I learned so much.

Recently, I saw her on my trip to Texas at the Dallas Market where she spoke at the Harvest House booth.

She has published many books since this post was first published and I knew you’d want to keep up and grab copies of the ones you’ve missed!

Her newest release, Ten-Minute Decorating Ideas, comes out soon.

You can pre-order your copy HERE.

Q & A with KariAnne Wood

Enjoy my republished post from before and the inspiration from my Q & A with KariAnne.

When I first started reading blogs, one of the things that stuck out most to me was how personal they were.

These talented ladies could make you feel like you had been their friend forever and were sitting down having coffee with them while you learned new things and found inspiration.

One of my favorites has always been Thistlewood Farms.

The voice behind the blog, KariAnne Wood, is the perfect example of this.

Not only is she creative, fun and a DIY guru, she’s beautiful inside and out and just being in her virtual presence leaves you feeling like you are too.

If you are like me, you will feel like you’ve got a mentor and best girlfriend encouraging you each step of the way.

When I chose KariAnne’s book, So Close to Amazing for my book club this month, I had the crazy idea to email and ask her if she would answer a few questions for me.

I wanted to share more about her with my readers.

SHE SAID YES! I am so honored to share with you below our conversation through Q & A.

I read So Close to Amazing cover to cover in one sitting and LOVED it!

If you didn’t get a chance to read it with us this month, you’ll want to grab a copy for yourself!

Consider gifting it to your mother, mother-in-law, sister or a sweet friend this Mother’s Day.

It would make a great gift!

So grab your favorite beverage, head to your coziest spot to curl up and enjoy my conversation with KariAnne!

Intro

What were you like as a little girl? 

I was exactly like I am now—full of sass and ready to take on the world. I had so much confidence that I took on any challenge. Here’s a post I wrote that describes me perfectly:  https://thistlewoodfarms.com/confidence-is-a-good-thing/

Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room blog, uses the term, “So Close to Amazing Sisterhood”. What has been most surprising for you about how much the book is resonating with readers?

I wrote the book to encourage others to embrace the amazingness that is within all of us—if only we look. I’m surprised at how many people e-mail and tell me stories of how they stepped out on faith or jumped or faced down a T-Rex. I think we all need a little encouragement sometimes.

You gave a beautiful dedication to your Dad. What influence has he left most in your life?

He never let me quit. Ever. I still remember when I came home from my first job at Dairy Queen and wanted to quit—he told me no. And when I stuck it out for the entire summer? He gave me a plaque with my name on it!

Writing the Book

What was the journey from blog to book? What sparked your idea to write it?

It started with that pancake story. That was the first story I ever shared in the blog. I loved how people “got” the story and celebrated imperfection with me.

How long did it take to write So Close to Amazing? How did you fit time to write it into your already busy schedule?

It took me about 4 months. I would write 1000 words a day and then I’d stop. The next day I’d look at the words I’d written and kept some of them and discarded some and write another 1000. I just kept going until I had 40,000 words and I was finished.

It is such a beautiful book. The cover, the layout, the colors… How much input did you get to have in it’s design?

Tyndale (the publisher) was AMAZING through the process. They showed me ideas and then we kept tweaking until we had a cover that we both loved.

Were the DIYs in the book ones you had previously done or did you come up with them for the book?

Some of them I’d done before–but some are original to the book!

What’s your favorite DIY of all time? 

The recipe wall!

You are so honest and share your stories with so much humor. Was this always your personality or a confidence you have grown into? 

I learned a long time ago that if you are authentic and keep it real there are always people who see themselves in the story. It’s like I say in the book–let me go first.

Your total asides in the book are classic!! I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you in person (yet!), do you talk the way you write? 

LOL! EXACTLY. It’s always focus KARIANNE FOCUS.

Faith

The lessons God has taught you along the way are one of my favorite parts of the book. What message would you give to your younger self?

Don’t worry.

Live every minute.

Let the small stuff go.

You are skinnier than you think you are.

What’s your favorite Bible Verse?

Philippians 4:13

I love when you said, “farmhouses can be testimony” on page 145. Can you unpack that? What does that mean to you?

I think every house is part of our testimony. The family stories and the love and laughter we share in every room builds a foundation for the next generation.

Family

The love for you kids stands out so much in this book, what’s your favorite advice to give fellow parents?

Just try.

The journey isn’t easy. It’s challenging and full of mountains and valleys. God doesn’t call us to be perfect. He calls us to wake up every morning and pour our selves and our love and his word into our family.

You and Denton come across as having such a deep friendship and love, what do you think gives your marriage so much strength? 

And you are right! We are best friends. I think the most important thing we do is to focus on the other person in the relationship. When everyone is ego-centric it makes compromise so much harder.

On page 162, you remind us that “you don’t have to always add sugar to the guest list”. I struggle with this too. What are a few of your favorite healthy snacks?

Celery

Almonds

Rice cakes

Sugar free yogurt 

I love the “Parable of the French Fry.” What is your go to thought to keep you grounded in the “joy of the journey”.

Life is short. I don’t want to miss a minute. I don’t want to live with regrets. I want my family to know that I love them.

Home Decor

I love that you have a “BA in Decorating Shows”! What is your favorite show currently?

I really like Fixer Upper—just like everyone else on the planet. I went to Baylor and lived in Waco–so it’s like going home when I watch it.

Who is your design hero?

Bunny Williams

What is a project you have yet to tackle, that’s on your bucket list? 

I want to pull up the carpet in our bedroom and paint the wood floors.

You have received many well deserved honors for your blog. What has meant the most to you personally?

Awards are great and I really am honored–but truly? The comments and e-mails I get about the blog impacting their life and their journey are what I treasure the most!

Thank You! Where can my readers find you?

https://thistlewoodfarms.com

I have Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

You’ll want to check out KariAnne’s new book, The Style Finder!

Where to Purchase Thistlewood Products

Since this post KariAnne has shared and published so much more so be sure to give her a follow on her social media like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and her blog to catch up.

I hope you will continue to follow me! Sign up below to receive my emails and follow along on your favorite social media site!

Join Me as I share more inspiration with you each day on:

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The post Q & A with KariAnne of Thistlewood Farms appeared first on White Arrows Home.

I love starting a new month, wrapping up reading from the weeks before and starting to turn new pages, not just in the calendar, but in a stack of new reads.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

HOW TO MAKE TIME TO READ

Do you want to find more time to read? We are all so busy and even those of us that love to read can find it hard to make time. Here’s how I fit more reading into my day.

Want to get daily encouragement? SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any posts!

Quiet Time Book

Last month and into this week I read two amazing books for Lent, The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs and If the Tomb is Empty by Joby Martin. Both are faith filling and I have learned so much.

I gifted The Women of Easter to my daughters and If the Tomb is Empty to my son at the beginning of Lent. We read a book together over Advent and this year I added a Lenten reading tradition too.

This month I’m reading Starved by Amy Seiffert. The tagline sums it up “Why We Need a Spiritual Diet Change to Move Us from Tired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed to Fulfilled, Whole, and Free.”  Seiffert says “We’re consuming, we’re filling up, we’re taking in, but at the end of the day, our souls are still starving.”

She offers us hope and an alternative to what we tend to reach for- social media, food, shopping, so many things that can lead us to addicting impostors that do not satisfy. Instead we can be filled with silence, service and Sabbath leading us toward fullness in Jesus.

Read Starved with me!

Wait Time Book

Last month I read What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and Oprah Winfrey. Even if we aren’t touched by trauma personally, we care about someone who has been. This book helps as I continue to build my understanding on these topics.

This month I’m reading The Anxious Teen by Brock Morgan.

The youth pastor at our church did a parent night while the kids were in youth group one night and shared what he had been learning from this book. He encouraged all of us to read it, letting us know that even though it’s written for ministry we could get a lot out of it as well.

In The Anxious Teen Morgan covers how teens are struggling more than ever with stress, anxiety, and fear. Social media, nonstop news, pandemics, mental health crises, school pressures and stresses at home like finances, make life very different than it was for teenagers of the past.

He teaches skills and practices that can be developed in each of us and in our youth to move forward in a lasting, healthy faith.

Read The Anxious Teen with me!

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.

For the Love of Reading

Last month I read The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes. The title grabbed me right away because I live in a house in the pines and it was a Reece Witherspoon book club choice. I have to admit though, that I did not enjoy it. I disliked the characters and the storyline dragged for me.

This month I’m reading The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaimie Jo Wright.

I read her book The House on Foster Hill a year or so ago and I’m excited to pick up another of her novels.

In The Vanishing at Castle Moreau Wright tells the tale from two different times, 1870 and the present day and two different women. Both Daisy and Cleo are trying to uncover the mysteries of the castle and find the light in the darkness of a secret buried deep.

A few elements that draw me to Wright’s books are:

• Their mystery and suspense, which takes me outside my typical choice of historical fiction.
• That Wright is a Wisconsin writer.
• The settings and importance of place in her stories. The houses and other places become like characters as well.

Read The Vanishing at Castle Moreau with me!

Chore Time Book

Last month I read

This month I’m listening to The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers. Francine Rivers is a favorite author of several of my friends, my daughter and myself so I’m excited to start listening to this new book.

You may have read Redeeming Love or seen the movie? I also enjoyed her book, The Masterpiece.

TIP: As you get used to listening to audiobooks you can speed up the sound by touching the 1X in the bottom left corner of your device. I usually listen at 1 1/2 and am able to get through books much quicker and make time for more!

Listen to The Lady’s Mine or read with Me!

More to Read This Month

This is a month I’ve been able to fit in more books. Here’s the rest of what I’m reading:

• For my local book club we are reading Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson. I’m hosting this month and will be excited for the discussion this read brings on topics like family, environmental protection and forestry.
• My passion for hospitality has me excited for the new book Teatime Discipleship by Sally Clarkson.
• I have always loved doing Beth Moore’s Bible Studies. I listened to her new memoir, All My Knotted Up Life, with her as the narrator. Being so familiar with her voice as a teacher and mentor in her video studies, it was such an audio hug to have her read her story to me.

Looking For More Ideas?

You can find links to past books I shared HERE.

Books This Month

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The post This Month’s Books to Read: Fireside Book Club No. 51 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

I often say, I’m lost without a book. Whenever I sit down I have a book nearby. If I’m going in the car, even to run errands, I’ll have a book. What if there’s some wait time? I’ve learned to love audiobooks- passionately. I’d love to help you:

• find ideas for books to read
• find more time to read
• learn to love time with books

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

HOW TO MAKE TIME TO READ

Do you struggle finding time to fit in reading? We are all so busy and even those of us that love to read can find it hard to make time. Maybe my strategy can help you.

This month I’ve actually added in one more reading spot. I enjoy going in our home sauna and have started leaving a book inside. My goal is at least four sauna sessions for 20 minutes. So stacking in reading with it, works well for me. Find out what I’m reading in the sauna this month later in this post.

Speaking of saunas, have you heard the benefits? The cardiovascular benefits are great as well as elevated mood, and general health. Read more about the benefits HERE. Even in our small community we have a spa that has a drop in sauna/cold plunge. Check your local area if you don’t have one at home.

Want to get daily encouragement? SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any posts!

Quiet Time Book

Back in December, I read an Advent book from She Reads Truth. Their Advent books have become a tradition. They publish a men’s and a women’s version and I not only get one for myself, but gift them to my children over Thanksgiving. It is an amazing experience to be reading the same scriptures throughout the season with the guidance in their books.

She Reads Truth has Study Books and Scripture Reading Plans for anytime of the year as well as other resources and a podcast.

This month I’m reading The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. I had read her Women of the Bible Speak and I learned so much, I was excited she published another one.

In this book biblical characters’ stories are shared as examples of real faith lived out as God’s plans unfold in ways they they couldn’t even imagine. There is a lot of encouragement as we read these stories and Bream gives us more historical background and understanding behind the story.

Read The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak with me!

Wait Time Book

Last month I read  Be Our Guest by The Disney Institute.

This month I’m reading Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday. My dad gets the credit for introducing me to the Stoics. After he retired he and some his friends started a Stoic Club, where they discuss the books they are reading and stoic principles. I never spent much time on Philosophy in my school studies so it has been interesting to learn more about these great philosophical giants.

One of the reasons Stoicism has become more interesting to me is because of the work of Ryan Holiday. His book Courage is Calling was one of my past month’s reads and I was very excited when his second in the series, Discipline is Destiny came out a few months ago. This series will each focus on one of the four pillars of virtue:

In this book Holiday uses, as he does so well in all his books, stories of historical figures- Eisenhower, Teddy Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth and many more, to demonstrate the powerful effects of Self Discipline, the virtue of Temperance. It’s a guide to master ourselves- emotions, thoughts and actions.

Read Discipline is Destiny with me!

More by Ryan Holiday

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.

For the Love of Reading

Last month I read All That We Carried by Erin Bartels. She’s one of my favorite Midwest authors.

This month I’m reading The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. It seemed the perfect fit for a Winter read. I spent a great deal of time yesterday by the fire watching the snow outside while I read this one.

It’s the magical story of a couple in the 1920s who are still trying to come to grips with the loss of their child. A move to the harsh frontier of Alaska will either bring healing or disaster. In a rare moment of joy, they build a snow girl during the first snow fall. The next day she appears to have come to life.

This is Ivey’s first novel. She weaves a tale for the reader in a cold, desperate setting. Will love be able to warm the characters enough to give them all the family they have always dreamed of or will the end with this with this mysterious child from the woods not be what it seems?

Read The Snow Child with me!

Chore Time Book

The last two months I have listened to eight books and I have a new favorite author. At bible study a new friend recommended The Restoration Chronicles, by Lynn Austin. I listened to them eagerly one after the other and then went to see what else she had written choosing another of her series, Chronicles of the Kings. There are five books in the Chronicles of the Kings.

My bible study is doing an Isaiah study right now and several of the Chronicles of the Kings books cover King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah. Lynn Austin really brought the characters and the times to life for me, making this Isaiah study so much richer.

This month I’m listening to If I Were You by Lynn Austin. This book, unlike the others I read the past few months is in more recent times, not biblical. It takes place before, during and after WWII in England and then America.

I read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but this has been one of my favorites. Her character development and understanding of the times comes out so clearly keeping me entranced. The mystery unfolding does as well as we learn more about the deep friendship between a girl of the gentry and her former scullery maid and how one ends up pretending to be the other.

TIP: As you get used to listening to audiobooks you can speed up the sound by touching the 1X in the bottom left corner of your device. I usually listen at 1 1/2 and am able to get through books much quicker and make time for more!

I have really enjoyed the narrators of the Lynn Austin books I’ve listened to so far as well. That really adds a lot to the story, to hear the accents and names pronounced correctly.

Listen to or read If I Were You with Me!

More to Read This Month

This is a month I’ve been able to fit in more books. Here’s the rest of what I’m reading:

• I start each day with a devotion from Prevail by Susie Larson. A dear friend gifted it to me. It really speaks to my heart. Looking for a great “just because” gift for a friend or a way to encourage one in need? This book is a great idea!
• My local bookclub is reading Spare by Prince Harry. I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it, but want to be part of the discussion. Let me know if you’ve read it and your thoughts.
• I am working always working on ways to be a better leader. This month I picked up The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. It’s my sauna book (I shared about up above.) As the owner of a business I care a lot about what kind of leader I am and how I can build a strong team. I care just as much about what type of teammate I am.

Looking For More Ideas?

You can find links to other books I shared HERE. I keep a Pinterest Board called “What to Read Next”. You can start one too pinning the photos from this post.

Books This Month

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post This Month’s Books to Read: Fireside Book Club No. 50 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

• Do you feel lost without a book?
• Do you struggle to find time to read?
• Do you wish you were a reader?
• Do you have a hard time deciding what to read?

I hope my suggestions and tips can help you find ways to fit more reading into your busy life and give you ideas for some books to read. You can read along with me! Read two of them, three or all four. Or choose just one.

We all have different seasons in our life where we can do more or need to pull back and do less. If you are in a less time right now, give yourself grace and just do what you can.

I always try to tell myself that each day I just need to do All I can, the Best I can. And that’s it. We fill our days with good intentions, hard work and leave margins for spontaneity.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

HOW TO MAKE TIME TO READ

Do you struggle finding time to fit in reading? We are all so busy and even those of us that love to read can find it hard to make time.

Want to get daily encouragement? SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any posts!

Quiet Time Book

Last month I read Let’s All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs.

This month I’m reading When Strivings Cease by Ruth Chou Simons.

There are so many areas of life where we are striving to find achievement, success, more balance. It’s hard to not feel like we’re always behind, not enough, and failing. We are trying to juggle home, work, friends, and time with God and never quite feeling like we get there.

In When Strivings Cease, Ruth shares how she was always always trying to prove herself, then she began to understand what really makes us enough, the abundance of grace from God.

She shares personal stories, biblical truths and practical applications. The book also has some of Ruth’s beautiful artwork throughout.

Read When Strivings Cease with me!

Wait Time Book

Last month I read The Power of One More by Ed Mylett.

This month I’m reading Be Our Guest by The Disney Institute. I took my kids to Disney when they were in early elementary school. I took my older two together and then my younger two together. My husband had absolutely no desire to go, so my mom went along with me. We made wonderful memories and it was a great experience.

One of my memories the first visit was on a day we stopped to watch one of the parades. I had bought popcorn for the kids and we sat down on the curb to watch the passing characters. My son spilled his popcorn and before I could even react, a Disney employe, cast member, had a new bag of popcorn in front of him. Disney has systems in place to exceed visitor expectations, staff training and the why behind customer experience thought through.

As a shop owner now, I’m always curious about customer tendencies and wanting to give them not only a place to come shop, but a place to experience. I want their visit to White Arrows Home to be memorable, special and have them feel welcomed more than anywhere else.

There’s a lot to learn from Disney about the “business behind the magic of quality service.”

I am always striving to find encouragement and learn new ideas and insights into how to make our business better and this book is a wonderful resource to learn from a company who has been one of the best for over 85 years.

Read Be Our Guest with me!

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.

For the Love of Reading

Last month I read When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett.

I always like to have a book going to read just for the pure please of curling up and getting lost in a book. This month I’m reading All That We Carried by Erin Bartels.

Sisters Olivia and Melanie’s parents have died and they grow apart as they deal with the loss on their own, in different ways.

They are now going on a hike together in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. While in the wilderness they will face their fears, question their beliefs, and try to start moving forward.

This story of grief, faith, and sisterhood comes from one of my favorite authors. I interviewed her in THIS POST.

I love reading books set in our neck of the woods, this one in the U.P. of Michigan, just an hour north of us.

Other Erin Bartels Books I’ve Loved:

• The Words Between Us
• We Hope For Better Things
• The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water

And PreOrder Her New Book, Everything is Just Beginning, set to Release in January!

Read All That We Carried with me!

Chore Time Book

Last month I read The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki.

This month I’m listening to The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain. Her whole life, Riley has thought that her older sister committed suicide as a teenager. This experience influenced her entire life and those of her brother and family.

It’s now twenty years later and her father has passed away. As she’s cleaning out his house she finds an unbelievable truth, her sister is alive and living under a new identity. She begins to uncover the secrets that have been kept as she tries to find out why and find her.

I often listen to my audiobooks while I’m driving by myself. I may be driving the long way home so I can listen longer to this one!

TIP: As you get used to listening to audiobooks you can speed up the sound by touching the 1X in the bottom left corner of your device. I usually listen at 1 1/2 and am able to get through books much quicker and make time for more!

Listen to or read The Silent Sister with Me!

Looking For More Ideas?

You can find links to other books I shared HERE. I keep a Pinterest Board called “What to Read Next”. You can start one too pinning the photos from this post.

Let me know if you are reading any of these along with me. Also let me know if you’d be interested in having a LIVE conversation about the books at the end of the month. I think it would be fun!

Books This Month

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post This Month’s Books to Read: Fireside Book Club No. 49 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

I have always loved to read and feel lost without a book, like something is missing if I don’t have one I’m in the middle of. My days are full of activity though and I get asked how I can fit everything in, things like reading.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

HOW TO MAKE TIME TO READ

I realized a few years ago that I actually have a strategy that I had developed without even knowing it to fit in more reading time and extra books.

My my want to read book list is always long so this plan helps me read at least four books or more a month too.

Each month I like to share with you what I’m reading. It might give you some ideas of books you’d like to read as well. You can read one of them, some of them or all of them or add them to your own lists for when you need ideas.

Want to get daily encouragement? SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don’t miss any posts!

Quiet Time Book

Last month I read Undistracted by Bob Goff.

This month I’m reading Let’s All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs. It’s a book full of her personal stories tied to bible passages about living a life of bravery where we are willing to try hard things and chasing our dreams.

Often the books I choose have been books I’ve had in my Amazon cart or on a list for a long time. Let’s All Be Brave is one of those books. I first read Annie’s book Looking For Lovely a couple of years ago and then started listening to her Podcast, That Sounds Fun.

I really enjoy her podcast and the interviews she has on it. It’s very encouraging and full of great wisdom from her guests.

Read Let’s All Be Brave with me!

Wait Time Book

Last month I read Brighter by the Day by Robin Roberts.

This month I’m reading The Power of One More by Ed Mylett. It’s just coincidence that two of my books this month are from the hosts of two of my favorite podcasts. One of the podcasts I listen to most is Ed Mylett’s. His interviews have been some of the most powerful influences in my life the past few years. He has experts on in the fields of health and nutrition, performance and so much more.

Ed just published another book The Power of One More and it’s full of chapters about how doing just one more thing in many different areas of your life can make a profound difference.

Read The Power of One More with me!

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.

For the Love of Reading

Last month I read Undiscovered Country by Kelly O’Connor McNees.

This month I’m reading When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett. I have been so excited for this book to come out. I first became a fan of Karen Barnett when my daughter was reading her Vintage National Parks books and told me to read them too.

The first one I read was Where the Fire Falls and takes place in Yosemite National Park in the and I was hooked. Historical Fiction is my favorite genre and Karen’s books are beautifully written and hard to put down.

When Stone Wings Fly just came out and I am excited to be part of the launch team! This story takes place in The Great Smokey Mountains during the 1930s and present day. Kieran’s grandmother is battling dementia and Kieran is working to uncover a long lost family story of their home and life in Tennessee before her grandmother is unable to share more memories with her.

Read When Stone Wings Fly with me!

Chore Time Book

Last month I read People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.

This month I’m listening to The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki.

I love learning about people, events and stories I never knew about and I knew nothing about the Post cereal heiress’s life until I listened to this book. One of my friends recommended it to me and it didn’t disappoint.

Marjorie’s life spans decades and she was directly involved in so many parts or our country’s history as she befriends presidents, marries an ambassador and uses her wealth to aid the War efforts in two great wars.

It’s an amazing story of the American Dream where an idea and hard work begun by Marjorie’s father built an empire.

TIP: As you get used to listening to audiobooks you can speed up the sound by touching the 1X in the bottom left corner of your device. I usually listen at 1 1/2 and am able to get through books much quicker and make time for more!

Listen to or read The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post with Me!

Looking For More Ideas?

You can find links to other books I shared HERE. I keep a Pinterest Board called “What to Read Next”. You can start one too pinning the photos from this post.

Books This Month

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post This Month’s Books to Read: Fireside Book Club No. 48 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

I love the Winter months and curling up to read, but this time of year I’m getting antsy for reading:

• in the hammock
• on the dock
• in a rocker on the porch
• at the park between ball games
• on the boat

Where is your favorite place to read in Spring and Summer? Here’s what I’m reading this month and I hope it inspires you to read along and enjoy a book in some beautiful, peaceful places.

Little Free Library

I always had a dream of having a Little Free Library and when I opened my shop, that dream came true.

When I was out thrifting I found a beautiful antique stained glass window and I gave it to my carpenter with my ideas. It turned out exactly like I wanted it to.

Now people stop to drop off books in it that they are finished with and others stop and grab a new one to read. It’s so fun to see books come and go!

So if you are looking for something the read, and are in the area, stop by! We are registered (#126490) with littlefreelibrary.org and have our official plaque and are on their map.

What a fun adventure to add into your travels to visit Little Free Libraries, pick up a book and leave a book.

How To Make Time To Read

Do you struggle finding time to fit in reading? We are all so busy and even those of us that love to read can find it hard to make time.

Quiet Time Book

Last month I read The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream.

This month I’m reading Undistracted by Bob Goff. I’ve read all of Bob’s books. They are full of wonderful stories and are quick reads because they keep you so engaged. I am always inspired by his words.

Read Undistracted with me!

Wait Time Book

Last month I read The Ride of a Lifetime , Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger.

This month I’m reading Brighter by the Day by Robin Roberts. I am drawn to positive people. I love when people can see the bright side even in hard times. I’ve always been inspired by the positive attitude of Robin Roberts when I watched her over the years on Good Morning America.

In Brighter by the Day she shares her personal stories, advice and knowledge she’s learned along the way through her own hard times and how she keeps optimism a practiced skill.

Read Brighter by the Day with me!

Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.

For the Love of Reading

Last month I read The President’s Daughter by Bill Clinton and James Patterson.

This month I’m reading Undiscovered Country by Kelly O’Connor McNees. This book was part of my birthday gift from my girl friends. A book is always a perfect gift for me!

The Depression Era in a West Virginia coal mine and two characters history is familiar with, Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena “Hick” Hickok take center stage in this novel of historical fiction. Hick’s life is forever changed when she’s assigned to write a feature on FDR’s wife and then to accompany the first lady to Scotts Run, West Virginia. The author combines fiction with fact through Hick’s voice based on the more than three thousand letters between Hick and Eleanor.

Read Undiscovered Country with me!

Chore Time Book

Last month I read It All Comes Back to You by Beth Dukes.

I have a group of friends that I have coffee with every Wednesday, a few of us love to read and were talking about what we read over Spring Break. One of my friends recommended what I’ll be reading this month, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.

This one sounds like the perfect Summer read, a When Harry Met Sally kind of story. Poppy and Alex have nothing in common and their personalities could not be more opposite, but when they share a ride home from college for the Summer they become friends. Over the years their friendship continues for their weeklong vacation until one year when everything falls apart. Years later when Poppy is feeling miserable she remembers the last time she felt truly happy was being with Alex. Will they reconnect? Will they fall in love?

TIP: As you get used to listening to audiobooks you can speed up the sound by touching the 1X in the bottom left corner of your device. I usually listen at 1 1/2 and am able to get through books much quicker and make time for more!

Listen to or read People We Meet on Vacation with Me!

More to Read This Month

This is a month I’ve been able to fit in more books. Here’s the rest of what I’m reading:

• I’m working through all of Brené Brown’s books and just finished Braving the Wilderness.
• My local bookclub just read Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher about women growing older.
• I am working on “lightening up”. My age is making it difficult right now, but so are my cravings. When I’m at Target I always go through the book aisle and I recently picked up I’ll Start Again Monday by Lisa Terkeurst about breaking the cycle of unhealthy eating habits with lasting spiritual satisfaction.

Looking For More Ideas?

You can find links to other books I shared HERE. I keep a Pinterest Board called “What to Read Next”. You can start one too pinning the photos from this post.

Books This Month

FOLLOW ALONG

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The post Books to Read This Spring appeared first on White Arrows Home.