although i have had little spare time in the last couple months, i have managed to read a quite a few books. i love to read at night. sometimes i only read a page before i fall asleep, but i have found it helps me keep my sanity and gets my “to do” list off my mind :) i think i there are four books on the nightstand that i have started (fiction and non-fiction!)
i have discovered a new author (well, at least to me). lynn austin has written a number of books, but i just recently was introduced to her writing. her chronicles of the kings series was recommended to me a while back, but i had not pursued that recommendation. i sure wish i would have! that series is next on my list! because, i am really enjoying her refiner’s fire series which is set in the time period of the civil war. it is powerful historical fiction with a christian message. what i appreciate in her characters and the storyline is that religion is not forced nor contrived. too many christian historical fiction books have become predictable, and well, quite frankly, cheesy. austin’s characters have depth to them, the story line is complex and historically accurate, and i have not found them to be predictable. she also has a couple novels that appear to stand alone; i really enjoyed a proper pursuit. an unconventional female character always holds my attention, and this was no disappointment. set in chicago, during the 1893 world’s fair, it peaked my interest immediately. i loved how she wove a mystery through the storyline as well. i found myself getting quite attached to austin’s characters, and i must admit…i shed a few tears. it’s been a long time since i have read books that made me cry.
deanne gist is another author i stumbled upon. her book a bride most begruding about the jamestown tobacco wives was a storyline i couldn’t pass up. this story tugged at my heart like no other book has done in a very, very long time. i became quite attached to the main character. there were several nights when i fell asleep with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. yes, this is an indication of a great book for me! i look forward to reading more of her work.
well, back to the realities of school. my computer bag is overflowing; heavy enough for me to consider switching to a bag with wheels! of course, i am still trying to catch up from the insanity of my life during the play. ’cause much more interesting projects are awaiting my attention — decorating the house for christmas, making our christmas cards, scrapping, lots more books to read. but, responsibilities win out…at least for a little while.
a snow day tomorrow would be lovely! i won’t get my hopes up, though.
