April Reads

This month I read....

1. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley ****

So my mom actually told me about this book. She was reading an article somewhere and heard how great this book was supposed to be and since she knows I love to read- she told me about it. It was the first of Foley's books I've ever read and I really enjoyed it. I felt like it kept me in suspense until the very end!! I can't wait to read her next one!

2. Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis ***

While this wasn't one of my favorites in the series, I did still enjoy it. And I highly recommend the entire series!!!

3. The Path Between Us....... by Suzanne Stabile ***

Since I already own (and love) the book: The Road Back To You and am totally obsessed with all things enneagram right now, when my Bible Study mentioned this book I put it on hold right away! This month I finally got to read it. It deals mainly with the relationships between the numbers, which has definitely helped at work. If just choosing one though, I would recommend and prefer The Road Back To You over this one. 

4. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Bali Kaur Jaswel ****

Recommended by a friend, I wasn't sure what I was getting into (with the title alone I felt hesitant). I really enjoyed this book though! The premise is a group of Indian women living in England (and most are widows- all have been married) sign up for a writing class with a young Indian/English tutor. The stories turn out to be very provocative (and amazing) and the story that unfolds throughout the classes is a great plot twist. The best part though, is definitely looking at the idea of marriage in different cultures and what they have taught women about marriage end even sex and if that should still be taught and accepted. 

5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid ****

This is the first of Reid's books I've read and I really liked it. It was surprising and revealing and I enjoyed the entire thing. I love how Reid broke up the story telling into sections about each husband. It makes you wonder about all the Hollywood stars of the past and their true backgrounds!

6. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn ****

This was the book we had picked for our Ashes Book Club (my work). While the quarantine meant that we weren't able to meet in person like we normally do after Afternoon Tea- we did meet virtually to discuss. The writing was great and the story itself was heartbreakingly beautiful.  It then started me on a World War 2, set in France genre. 

7. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah *****

So while this book was actually written about World War 1 (and present times)- it also was set in France. Kristin Hannah is a phenomenal author and this book is by far one of my favorites. 

8. The Kommandant's Girl by Pam Jenoff ****

Another World War 2 book that deals with what happens when you are forced to work under the enemy, but then fall for him?  I liked that while the theme was similar to the others I read- it was it's own book with its own plot twists. 

9. Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid ***

I figured I would jump on the DJ&TS train, especially since I loved the last book by Reid I had read. Based in the 60's and 70's about a fictional band (that is mirrored after Fleetwood Mac-- one of my favorites) I was super excited to delve in. Unlike her other novel though, this one was written like an interview. So while the story was interesting- with so many characters talking it took awhile for my confusion to subside and my interest in it to peek. Someone recommended listening to this one on audible and I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if I had. 

10. The Library Book by Susan Orlean ***1/2

A friend of mine not only recommended this book to me, but also lent it to me as well. Switching from fiction to nonfiction can be difficult to me, which is why it's only 3 1/2 stars instead of higher. I will say though, I love Orlean's writing. It is enamoring and a true work of art. I also loved the topic, since libraries have always been one of my favorite places- an entire book written about a specific library was intriguing to me. The only thing that I didn't enjoy was how she broke up the chapters- I couldn't understand the back and forth order and therefore it took me a bit longer to get back into the flow of things. Overall though- I loved this book and will forever recommend it!

11. The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis ***

Another of the Chronicles of Narnia Series. This one really dug deeper into the devil aspect and what it looks like when we think we are following the right one, only to find out we were misled. It's a slippery slope. C.S. Lewis and his work of talking about God and big picture subjects in a mythical way for kids to enjoy baffles me and I love him for his amazing creativity! 

12. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis ****

The LAST of the Chronicles series and the end is truly heartbreaking. This part of the series really made me question how God can love us when we are so awful. But His grace and love are shown throughout this story and makes me love Him all the more. 

until next time,

xo, kel

Living in the time of COVID-19

Our lives are definitely different right now. And even in this uncertainty, it's almost therapeutic knowing that we are all in it together. Not that I for any reason like that so many people are suffering right now, but at least we all know what this is like and can be there for one another.

Unity and Community.

Another uplifting quote I keep hearing and trying to live by is "Faith over fear". Because that's what this pandemic is trying to do to us- cause fear. Because the enemy knows that "Fear eats faith" as my pastor put it in one of his current sermons.  I think it's so easy to look around us right now and keep tally of all the awful things being shoved in our faces. Because it is all around us.


It's terrifying if I let myself dwell on all of it. On the fact that I don't know when I'll be paid again. That Austin's night job has stopped paying it's workers. That I had to stop seeing my mom and step-dad for over a month. That my best friend's wedding has been postponed...twice.

So instead, I'm trying to have faith. To rely on God and His provision. To find joy even when times are tough. Because even if this continues, for however long it continues, our God is a God that is going through it with us.  He is also a God that takes terrible, awful, crappy things and makes something good from it.

And sometimes it's really freaking hard. This week has been one of those where I haven't wanted to do much more than cuddle up on the sofa or in bed and cry. Don't get me wrong- this faith of mine, this God of mine is still very present. But for some reason this week it's been more of a struggle to believe things will be back to normal, or even okay. And I think it's okay to feel that way -- as long as we don't dwell in it, because that's where it becomes isolating and overwhelming. And that's what I'm working on this week- not to dwell. Austin has been amazing in trying to get me outside and doing things to get my mind off of the terrifying reality that is. But I've also realized it's something only I can myself to do.

So have faith friend, if you are feeling crappy right now- you are not alone. I am not alone. And whatever comes of this- whatever our new "normal" becomes, God will be with us through it all. One thing I keep reminding myself, even in my lowest of lows, is that even if I'm in the pit, He is there with me. And it's reassuring to know that even if I'm in the midst of awful- I am not alone in it. I never have been and I never will be. And that is what has gotten me through each day.

<3 kel