BOOKS THAT MOTIVATE, some THAT ENCOURAGE AND BOOKS I Just CAN’T PUT DOWN are all ON MY READING LIST THIS MONTH.
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MAKING TIME TO READ
Finding time to read may seem hard, but there are ways I have found to fit it in without it feeling like something on my to do list.
I love to read many genres of books, for different reasons.
One day I realized, I actually have a strategy for how I was making room for a variety of titles.
The way I approach reading lets me read at least four books a month, usually more, in a way I really enjoy.
![How to Fit in Reading](https://whitearrowshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Fit-in-Reading-1-683x1024.jpg)
Each month, I love sharing with you what I’ll be reading so you can read along with me or get ideas for what to read next.
Enjoy these past Fireside Book Club posts.
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My life goes through seasons where sometimes I have more time to read, and some where I don’t. I’m sure you can relate.
But books have always been a part of my life, and I treasure what they provide for me- relaxation, encouragement, knowledge, entertainment and so much more.
So here’s the natural flow of reading that works for me.
QUIET TIME BOOK
For my last quiet time book I read From Where I Stand by Shanna Noel & Sherri Gragg.
I’m able to fit in more books some months when I stick to my schedule of reading a chapter each weekday.
This month I am reading Closer Than Your Next Breath by Susie Larson.
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Susie writes some of my favorite devotions and I get so much encouragement in the reading! She’s also a podcaster, speaker and radio host so there are many ways to follow and learn from her.
A friend gifted me her book, Prevail, and it has been an encouraging part of my morning quiet time ever since.
Each morning I take time to pray, read my Bible and read a chapter of my Quiet Time book.
Starting my day this way truly gives me a foundation to get my heart and mindset right before heading into the day.
In Closer Than Your Next Breath, Susie shares how we can boldly walk in our faith, expecting the Holy Spirit to draw near to us as we draw near to Him. We may believe in our minds that God is all things, powerful, knowing, and present, but what about when we can’t feel how close he is? She gives encouragement for experiencing God’s love, even when we feel far away from Him and how we can grow in trust.
Read Closer Than Your Next Breath with me!
Kristin Lenz, Author
Guess what? I wrote a book and it comes out October 1st! It’s available now for preorder online!
Check out my Book Page to get all the details and put in your preorder.
Preorders really help get the book into more hands so your early order helps greatly.
So many of you have already ordered and I appreciate it so much!
![Adventure Awaits by Kristin Lenz](https://whitearrowshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Adventure-Awaits.jpg)
The whole journey to this moment has been amazing and I can’t wait to see it on store shelves soon where women can connect with the message of encouragement to live fully in the gifts God has give each of us.
WAIT TIME BOOK
In my last book club post I was reading Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schultz
This month I’m reading a book I highly recommend for everyone to read whether you are a parent or not, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
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Typically my wait time books are for business or personal motivation, books that I can set down and pick up easily.
I highlight in these books and take notes, so I don’t tend to listen to these on audio.
Many of us have worried about the rises in mental illnesses we hear about or have maybe experienced personally with children and teens we know. Social Psychologist, Jonathan Haidt shares facts shared across the world about how the nature of childhood has changed in The Anxious Generation . In the 1980s “play-based childhood” began declining and with “phone-based childhood” in the early 2010s, it has been almost wiped out.
This book was easy to understand, brought out great issues, but he also includes a clear call to action giving the suggestion of four simple rules that can make a change for the better. He gives steps that parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments can take if working together “to end the epidemic of mental illness and restore a more humane childhood.”
This book would make a great: book club read and discussion.
Read The Anxious Generation 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 These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas.
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A hidden betrayal scattered three young friends seven years ago as they live in the shadow of Biltmore, the stunning Vanderbilt mansion.
In 1924, when Biltmore Industries Lorna Blankenship, their master weaver, is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt’s wedding, she knows she doesn’t have the creativity needed.
She knows there’s an artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could help.
To track down the elusive weaver Lorna must seek out relationships she left behind.
As she pulls at each tangled thread from her past, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of life long ago. She’ll have to risk the job that shapes her identity, as well as the hope of friendship–and love–restored.
The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, weaving together themes of faith and grace amidst personal trials and societal pressures.
Sarah Loudin Thomas is known for her heartfelt storytelling and her ability to depict the rich tapestry of human emotions within a historical setting.
Read These Tangled Threads with me!
CHORE TIME BOOK
Last month I listened to The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger.
This month I’m listening to When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin.
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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!
I was excited to start this book because I have enjoyed so many of Charles Martin’s books.
In When Crickets Cry a man and young girl share a journey toward healing for both of them deep in their hearts.
From the backdrop of a s sleepy Southern town Charles Martin weaves a story of how miracles show up in unexpected ways.
Southern Living chose it as a book of the month selection and said, “Charming characters and twists that keep the pages turning.” —Southern Living
Read/Listen to When Crickets Cry with Me!
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.
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