Salt Leaven and Light

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One of my goals this year is to read 25 pages a day from a book of my choice. I knew this would be a challenge due to my busy schedule, but following through with that committment has been so rewarding. The books I have read, and am in the midst of reading, have blessed and inspired me. Reading has also helped me relax at the end of each day.

2023 FIRST QUARTER BOOKS READ

THE SISTERS OF AUSCHWITZ
by Roxane van Iperen
This book about two sisters who joined the Dutch Resistance during WWII, saved many lives, and were captured by the Nazis was filled with the love of family, suspense, and surprises. I enjoyed learning more about the role Denmark played during the war.

NATURE’S ENGRAVER: A LIFE OF THOMAS BEWICK
by Jenny Uglow
An engaging biography, Thomas Bewick’s life story was as fascinating to me as are his famous woodcuts. I enjoyed hearing more about what life was like in England during the American Revolutionary War.

THE KEEPER OF THE BEES
by Gene Stratton-Porter
The story of a wounded man during WWI who found physical and emotional restoration and healing through nature, his relationship with others, and beekeeping. I learned many fascinating things about bees. The last chapters in the book reveal important truths about identity; what was shared was profound. This book had an enormous impact me due to the life lessons that were sprinkled throughout the story.

TILL THE BOYS COME HOME
by Jerry Borrowman
I was eager to read this book to learn more about WWI. I’m not much of a reader of fiction, but this book kept me engaged. The war scenes were a bit too graphic for my liking, but the story had a great message, and I loved the added information on the history of WWI at the end of the book.

THIS IS WHERE YOU BELONG
by Melody Warnick
This book inspired me to put forth the effort to learn to love where I live. The author shared her personal journey of learning to love her small town using eleven key suggestions for engaging with one’s community. The eleven suggestions, each with their own chapter, spoke to me and inspired me to take action. A practical and engaging book!

DRAWING ON THE POWERS OF HEAVEN
by Grand Von Harrison
This book teaches exactly how one can more fully draw upon the powers of heaven. I went away with a desire to increase my capacity to seek for and develop spiritual gifts.

TABLE TALK: The Household
These magazine articles emphasize the importance home and family life, the sacredness of male and female roles, and the role God plays in our lives. These articles align well with what is taught in The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

ROMANCED TO DEATH
A fascinating, and occasionally disturbing, look into the sexual seduction of American culture. I learned so much from the information shared and wish every adult would read this book!

THE LAST BOOKSHOP IN LONDON
by Madeline Martin
A clean and engaging book that had me caught up in life London during WWII. The love story between the characters was endearing. These are the types of books our teens should be reading–books full of character and positive role models. Highly recommend!

FARMHOUSE
by Sophie Blackall
Yes, this is a children’s book. I love children’s books with captivating storylines and illustrations, and this book has both. The story is told in one sentence (one loooong sentence!), and the illustrations are incredibly unique, and so much fun to learn about. The jacket cover is different than the cover of the actual book. This was a fun surprise to discover. I shared this book with my teens and they loved it, too. This is a book that will be passed down for generations.

THE BIRDS’ CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Kate Douglas Wiggin
I read this aloud to my teens in January (we ran out of time in December) and we loved it! It was such a touching story, and was filled with humor. We laughed and laughed. A fast and fun read for all ages! Perfect for a family read aloud.

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2023 SECOND QUARTER: BOOKS CURRENTLY BEING READ

MARTIN LUTHER
by Eric Metaxas

JOAN OF ARC
by Mark Twain

THE PILGRAM HYPOTHESIS
by Timothy Ballard

BONDS THAT MAKE US FREE
by C. Terry Warner

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS
by Robin Wall Kimmerer

What books have impacted your life for good?

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