Linda the Librarian

We picked up child number 2 from school this week.  It's quite a trip, about 10 hours each way, and it's a perfect time to get some reading done (my husband prefers to do all of the driving). The Ladies of Ivy Cottage and The Bride of Ivy Green are books 2 and 3 in the Tales from Ivy Hill trilogy.  They're set in Regency era England about 10 years after Jane Austen's novels would have taken place, if you enjoy Jane Austen's work, I think you might enjoy these stories.  They aren't written on the level of Austen, but there are elements that have a familiar Austen feel.  The trilogy follows friends Jane Bell, Mercy Grove, and Rachel Ashford, three single women trying to find their way and make ends meet in an era when not having a husband (or rich brother, father, or uncle) could be difficult on a good day.  What I liked:  There was romance, but it didn't dominate the story line.  The situations the ladies found themselves in were pretty plausible (Jan

In honor of Screen Free Week, I will not be on my devices at all this week.  I'll be reading, writing letters, catching up with friends, and all sorts of other things.  If you'd like to participate, but don't know where to start I recommend that you check out  events for Screen Free Week  that are happening near you. See you on May 6!

Death Comes to the School by Catherine Lloyd This is book five in the Kurland St. Mary Mystery Series that I read AFTER I read book six.  Clearly I was a little confused when I checked these out of the library!  Mysterious notes without a return address begin arriving at different homes around the village of St. Mary, nasty notes that threaten to reveal secrets that the villagers would prefer were left hidden.  Then the school teacher, Miss Broomfield, is found at her desk - dead!  Is Miss Broomfield's death somehow connected to the notes?  Did she write them?  Did someone else?   Even though I read the books out of order, the mystery itself wasn't ruined for me in any way.  It was still a fun way to spend my weekend with just enough suspense to keep me guessing.  Some of the relationship story between Lord and Lady Kurland I already knew how it was going to resolve, because I read the books out of order, but as I said it didn't ruin the main story for me.  I e

Death Comes to Bath by Catherine Lloyd When Sir Robert and Lady Kurland take themselves to Bath for the improvement of Sir Robert's health, they have an opportunity to make a new friend in Sir William Benson.  Their pleasant trip is unpleasantly interrupted by the murder of the very wealthy Sir William Benson.  The Kurlands come to the aid of the Benson family and sleuth out "whodunnit" and find the missing will.   This is the sixth book in the series.  The mysteries themselves are stand alone stories, but you will want to read them in order to find out how Sir Robert and Lady Lucy Kurland meet and marry.  The first book in the series is called Death Comes to the Village.  All of the mysteries were fun and clean.  I confess, I had an idea of who committed the murder about three quarters into the book, but my reasoning for the motivation was wrong.  These are still great books to just kick back and enjoy on a relaxing weekend or as a beach read. Until next

I wanted to know what the buzz was about and why I kept seeing this book go through the library at lightning speed, so I put the book on hold and finally read it last weekend.  Ms. Hollis is an engaging writer and excellent story teller.  I can totally understand why people enjoy her website, blog, and books.  I do think that we women have a tendency to put ourselves last and not achieve the goals we hope to do and she had some great advice on how to change that.  Before or right after you read this book, I suggest that you read this  review .  There is good advice to be had from this book, but we need to be wise in what counsel we follow.  There were some pieces of advice I intend to follow, but I recommend this book to you with reservations.

I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers What I liked about this book: This was a challenging read.  Regardless of which party you are registered with or how you voted in the last election, you will be challenged to think differently if you read this book.  We all need that.  I liked that we were encouraged to speak graciously and listen kindly.  Seriously, the screaming has got to stop if we intend to move forward as a nation. Their mantra is "both things can be true" - as in maybe we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater.  Sometimes we are able to take part of your answer and part of my answer and bring them together to make a third solution that is better and more complete than either of our solutions would have been on their own.  What I didn't like about this book: There was no call to personal responsibility.  In discussing the opioid  crisis, the responsibility was placed s

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts This is a work of historical fiction about Maud Gage Baum, L. Frank Baum (the author of Wizard of Oz), and the making of the movie.  The story is told in a flashback format alternating between 1939 when Judy Garland was making the movie and the 1880's when the Baums met, courted, and eventually married.  This was well-written and I wanted to finish the book (I didn't have to force myself to).  I learned many things I didn't know about the author, the writing process, and the movie industry in the late 30's.   Quiet Girl in a Noisy World by Debbie Tung Full confession:  This is a re-read from last year.  I loved this graphic novel so much that I needed to re-read it before I read her new graphic novel.  As an introvert I totally identified with many of the things that Ms. Tung described in her book.  I laughed out loud on several occasions - scaring my husband! Book Love by Debbie Tung If you are a rea

Yesterday when I was walking through our church foyer, I heard someone call my name.  A dear friend said to me, "Linda!  Happy National Libraries Week!" and then gave me a big hug.  So to you I say, Happy National Libraries Week!  Go visit your local library today and make a librarian smile. Enjoy  this  video from honorary National Libraries Week chair Melinda Gates.

This book is a yearly read, because I need the regular reminder that God does His part and I need to do my part to grow in Christ-likeness. This is a great read if you need direction for getting out of debt or just a resetting of your attitude toward money.   If you enjoy historical fiction, this may be the book for you. This is the author's idea of what a possible back story for King Hezekiah and Queen Hephzibah might have been.  I enjoyed it from beginning to end.  Because sometimes you need a good picture book. I think we all go through mid-faith crisis at least once - probably more than once in our lives.  I appreciated her honesty and I could see myself in some of her story. I liked the authors' take on cancer prevention and treatment.  They really put a lot of power back into the hands of the patient.  We have more control (for good or for ill) over our own health than we realize, I think. Enjoy!  And please let me know what

My husband has a new job.  After several months of joblessness, we are very thankful for his job.  With his new job came a new schedule.  I've been struggling a bit to find time to read and blog.  It's worth the struggle, because the struggle means that God chose to provide this particular job for my Beloved.  It may take some time, but I'll figure out my new routine soon and be back to blogging regularly.  Thank you for your patience.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Our library has been adding Playaway books to our collection.  I think they're pretty cool!  They're battery powered recorded books that fit into the palm of your hand.  All you do is plug your earphones into the device and you're good to go!  I was using mine when I was doing dishes, folding laundry, and whatever other household tasks needed to be accomplished. I'd never read Agatha Christie before this fall.  Murder on the Orient Express is one of the titles that our high school students need to read for summer reading.  It intrigued me, so after the students were done reading it and completing their projects I read it and loved it.  When I saw this book come through, I thought I'd give it a whirl. Ten people receive an invitation for a party at a house on Soldier Island off the coast of England.  The 10 guests don't have any apparent connection and seem an odd assortment for a house party.  Each o

In Times Gone By by Tracie Peterson Kenzie left her life back in Kansas to forget the humiliation of being jilted at the altar.  She came to San Francisco not only to forget, but also to help her cousin in his chocolate business.  As she tries to heal and forget, the handsome Dr. Fisher tries hard to help her think about the possibility of true love.  She rebuffs him at every opportunity.  Will she be able to keep love out of her heart forever?  Will Dr. Fisher be able to win her?  There's only one way to find out! I liked this book because it was a light and relaxing read.  I also appreciated that part of the series was set during the great San Francisco earthquake and the city's time of recovery.  At the end of the book Ms. Peterson includes an overview of the characters in the story who are historical figures and what parts of the story were true events.  I learned some things about that era of our nation's history.  If you're looking for a pleasant, wee

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne I had absolutely no idea what this book was going to be about when I picked it up, but the cover intrigued me.  If you've ever been involved with a multi-level marketing scheme, you've probably had to read positive thinking books to keep your excitement level high.  This would be the type of book you'd read.   You conceive, believe, and achieve your dream. That's what this book is like.  I got about a third of the way into it and had to take it back to the library.   On to the next book!

The other day a patron was having trouble locating a book.  After I found it for him this is the conversation that followed: Patron:  You found it!  I looked all over for it! Me:  It was hiding.  Don't worry you haven't lost your mind.  It may have wandered off, but it's not gone. Patron:  Can I get that in writing? Me:  For your wife? Patron:  Yes!!

The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis I love Narnia!  Have I mentioned that I love Narnia?  After listening to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe I needed to continue the series posthaste!   This is a story of what happens to the Pevensie children during their reign over Narnia.  At the end of book two they are no longer children in Narnia, but all grown up.  The Horse and His Boy tells a little about Narnia's relationship with some of the surrounding kingdoms and how they handled a particularly sticky relationship. King Edmond and Queen Susan are visiting Calormen, Prince Rabadash has proposed to Queen Susan and is waiting impatiently for her answer.  When King Edmond discovers a bit of treachery, he and Queen Susan and their trusted advisers need to figure out a way to get home to Narnia.  After they escape, a young boy, Shasta, must carry important news to the friends of Narnia to rescue them all from Prince Rabadash's wrath.  He and his traveling companio

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis I was talking to a friend and patron at the library about this series.  I told her the other day that I want so much to be Lucy, but I think I may be Susan (a little too cynical and slow to believe).  I love re-reading these books.  I cry in the same places and rejoice in the same places every single time.   This is the first adventure of Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy Pevensie in Narnia.  They enter Narnia through a magical wardrobe in fulfillment of an old Narnian prophecy - that all will be made right when Aslan returns and two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve sit on the thrones of Cair Paravel.   I'll just share my favorite scene from the whole book: "You'll understand when you see him." "But shall we see him?" asked Susan. "Why, Daughter of Eve, that's what I brought you here for.  I'm to lead you where you shall meet him," said Mr. Beaver. "

In Dreams Forgotten by Tracie Peterson The last two weeks have leant themselves to fun, relaxing reads.  It's been gray and snowy here, not great weather for deep thought and wrestling with big ideas.  So I read book two in the breezy Golden Gate Secrets trilogy by Tracie Peterson. After the deaths of her parents, Judith Gladstone travels to San Francisco with the hope of finding her aunt and possibly other family members as well.  Friend and lawyer Caleb Coulter does everything he can to assist her in the search.  What will she find?  Who will she find?  Will she find love in the process?  I won't tell you because that would spoil all of your fun!   If you're looking for a pleasant way to spend a weekend or several evenings with hot cups of tea I can recommend this book to you.  The plot is predictable, but enjoyable.  I felt relaxed and happy at the conclusion of this book.   Until next time...

My TBR pile for the next few weeks.  What's waiting to be read at your house?

Pinfluence by Beth Hayden The title of the book really is the book's purpose statement.  Ms. Hayden is writing to help people know how to use Pinterest to promote and grow their businesses.  The book is older (it was published in 2012), so some of the information is dated (e.g. there is no more "like" option).  However, I still found this a worthwhile read.  I didn't read the book cover to cover, I skimmed a lot of it and deeply read the sections that were applicable to my use of Pinterest in a nonprofit setting. I thought it was clear and very readable.  She packed the book with real life examples from businesses - some businesses you would recognize.  It was practical and many of the strategies could be immediately applied.  Pinfluence made me rethink some of how we use our Pinterest account in the library setting.  There will be changes to our Pinterest account in the near future, I think!   If you are a business owner or are the person in charge of

The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis We watched the 2005 version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe while our girls were home for Christmas.  I realized once again how much I love all things Narnia so I decided to read (actually listen to) the stories once again.  I'm listening to them in Narnian chronological order rather than in the order of publication. The Magician's Nephew is the story of Digory and his friend Polly who are tricked by Digory's Uncle Andrew into taking a trip to other worlds.  They meet  evil Queen Jadis from the rapidly dying world of Charn.  When they realize just how evil she is they try to leave Charn without her, but end up bringing her back to our world.  They try to lose her again, but accidentally take her to Narnia at the time when Aslan is first creating Narnia.  Aslan tells the children that Jadis will be kept in check for a time, but then she will do harm to Narnia. I love C. S. Lewis.  I love the way he describes

This weekend provided a very natural and good excuse to stay indoors with a good book...or two!  It was snowy, windy, and bitterly cold, so my crazy little dog and I curled up with a blanket and some fun reading.  In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson is the first book in a trilogy called Golden Gates Secrets.  Camri Coulter travels from Chicago to San Francisco in 1905 to find her brother Caleb from whom they haven't heard a word in about three months.  Along the way she meets two other young ladies also on a search for people and answers of their own.  Is Caleb still alive?  Will Camri find him?  Will she find love in San Francisco?  There's only one way to find out.  You need to read the book!  This was a light, breezy read that was a pleasant way to spend my time indoors with cups of tea and hours of classical or light jazz music (variety is the spice of life!). The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott is the first novel she wrote at the age of 17.  If you are saying, &qu

More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell One of the great things about having daughters in university is that they will sometimes bring home textbooks that interest me.  One of my daughters took a class about the life of Christ and this was one of her textbooks.  I've read the older version before, but this one is updated and co-authored by the father and son team.  I'm not going to add my words, I'm just going to share one story from the book that I especially loved and encourage you to read the book for yourself.  Whether you have questions about who Jesus Christ is or you know Him, but want to know Him better this book is for you. At this point many people ask the natural question, "Why couldn't God just forgive without requiring payment?"...Wherever there is forgiveness, there is payment.  For example, let's say my daughter breaks a lamp in my home.  I'm a loving and forgiving father, so I hug her and say, "Don&#

It seems you can't watch television without seeing an advertisement for medication to treat some form of depression or anxiety.  Is all of that medication necessary?  Can we do something to alleviate the problem or heal ourselves?  This book definitely gives direction for those seeking an alternative way to care for anxiety and fluctuating moods.  Each chapter deals with a different aspect of our health as it relates to food (sugar and blood sugar swings, caffeine, alcohol,  nicotine, gluten and other food sensitivities, digestion, and taking supplements).  Really what a lot of this boils down to is paying attention to our bodies when we eat and noting how food makes us feel (both physically and emotionally).  Ms. Scott encourages food journaling to track what was eaten and what our reaction was to the food.  She also shares real life stories of  her patients that relate to the topic in each chapter.  I don't believe that we should all swear off doctors and medicine as

Reading about Wallace the American Pitbull Terrier with my little Jack Russell Terrier! I love stories about underdogs who make good.  Wallace was a misunderstood Pitbull living in an animal shelter with his life hanging in the balance.  People thought he was aggressive, but he was really overstimulated with no outlet for his energy.  Enter Roo and Clara Yori, the couple who could see his potential and loved him for who he was.  They took him home and found ways to channel his energy.  With the help of his humans he became a champion disc dog.  After you read the book, check out videos on You Tube to see them in action.   Needless to say, this book has a very happy ending.  I enjoyed the book immensely and I'm glad I met Wallace through hearing his story.   Until next time....

Practicing His Presence by Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach This is one of the books I try to read yearly.  I have certainly not perfected keeping Christ in mind every moment of every day, hence the reason this book needs to be read yearly.  I find that different passages stand out to me each time I read this little book (it's only 106 pages).  I thought I'd share the passages that spoke to me this reading. This is the best way to act: talk a great deal to the Lord.  Frank Laubach page 23 We ought not to be discouraged on account of our sins; rather, simply pray for the Lord's grace with perfect confidence, relying upon the infinite mercies of the Lord Jesus Christ.  God has never failed offering us His grace at each action.  I can distinctly perceive that grace, and I am never without a sense of that grace unless it is when my thoughts have wandered from a sense of God's presence or I have forgotten to ask the Lord for His assistance.   Brother L

I tried to read this book, but I couldn't get into it.  I think the subject matter is worthwhile, but the author's writing style didn't appeal to me.  Let me know if you read this book and enjoy it.  You just might! Until next time...

We're going to have an evening filled with popcorn and Pooh Bear!  I'm pretty excited.  What do you have planned for this evening?

Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist Confession time, I actually read Cold Tangerines before the calendar flipped to January 1 and Bittersweet I started December 30 and finished on January 1, but I thought close enough was good enough for this post.  Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet are the second and third books respectively that I've read by Shauna Niequist.  I came across them on another blogger's post on Pinterest of books that helped them when they were struggling with depression.  Both are collections of essays describing times of difficulty and transition in Ms. Niequist's life.   The theme of Cold Tangerines is celebration. I think she was trying to describe how even in times of difficulty and transition we can celebrate God's activity in our lives.  Honestly, I didn't think the book felt celebratory.  I didn't come away with a more hopeful outlook.  The theme of Bittersweet is that even in difficulty and transition there is a