happy weekend

Oliver built a pretty epic cup tower last night. Elliot was crazy about it. Literally crazy. Ha!

Hooray for the weekend! I feel like we are really earning our weekends these days. Friday gets here and we all sigh with relief. We did it! We made it through another week! Phew.

I'm going to put 37 down as the year my body gave up on me. I was running the other day and realized that it was more of a shuffle than a run and I honestly couldn't pick up the pace. That was as fast as I could go! And I wake up with sore hand joints every morning. Does this happen to you, too? I've heard fish oil helps, but haven't committed to it yet. I've never minded getting older, but now I'm not so sure. My friend, Sarah, posted about this book about aging. I think I need to check it out.

I made this baked oatmeal this week and replaced the sugar with two mashed ripe bananas and it was delicious. There is still a sprinkling of brown sugar on top, which gives it just the right amount of crunchy sweetness. Someday, if I keep trying, my kids won't leave a pile of raisins at the bottom of their bowls, right?

This article made me laugh.

And I've seen this one floating around Facebook. Mike once went to a meeting where a family therapist was speaking about pornography. He said that smart phones were the worst thing that had ever happened to his practice. Our daughter, Mabel, is 14 and every single one of her friends has a smart phone. She doesn't even have a phone yet! I tell her she'll thank us someday. That's totally what teenagers want to hear, I'm sure. Do you have thoughts on this?

I have halloween costumes to sew and halloween party lip sync moves to memorize today. What are you up to?

Have a fun weekend!

book review: Year of No Sugar

I related to so much of what Eve Schaub wrote in her memoir, Year of No Sugar. She is funny and smart and real, and her book was a pleasure to read. This memoir follows her family through their "year of no sugar." For one year, they avoided all added sugar, specifically, anything with fructose in it (aside from whole fruit). That means no table sugar, no corn syrup, no honey, no molasses, no agave, no evaporated cane syrup, no maple syrup, no artificial sweeteners, and no fruit juice. She writes about the science behind her decision in a way that is easy to understand. And then she relates their experiences (sometimes funny, sometimes tragic) as they navigated this culture which is so saturated with sugar.

Her family had a few rules for their experiment: Every month, as a family, they chose one sugar treat (like a birthday cake, or a favorite seasonal pie). Each family member had one exception (jam for her girls, diet soda for her husband, and white wine for herself). And they instituted the "birthday party rule", which was that when her children were at school or at a party without parents, they were able to choose for themselves whether or not they ate any sugar.

She talks about how hard it is to eat out, and how making almost everything from scratch is sometimes the best way to avoid added sugar. And she describes how after you haven't had sugar for a long time, your body doesn't want the sugar even though your brain still does. It's a weird conundrum-- your brain wants all of the comfort and good feelings our culture assigns to treats, but your body no longer knows how to deal with it. I've seen that in my life, too. I so look forward to my weekly treat at Sunday dinner, but it inevitably gives me an immediate headache and makes me feel yucky. I also love that she addresses the fact that choosing to not eat sugar is totally a first world problem. Sometimes I feel so silly thinking about food so much, when really, I should just be grateful that I have food to eat!

Anyway, this is a great book to read if you are at all considering reducing the amount of sugar your family eats. While I am not about to embark on a project like this, Ms. Schaub and I have kind of come to the same conclusions: We will avoid added sugar whenever possible, but we aren't going to obsess over it.

The only thing I didn't really like about the book is that the author started substituting powdered dextrose for the sugar in her baking. While dextrose doesn't contain fructose, this still sort of felt like cheating to me. I'm not even sure what dextrose is, but I'd rather just not have the baked goods, you know?

happy weekend

Stella and I loved these humongous dandelions that grow down below my parents' house. There are lots of wishes on those things!

What are you doing this weekend? I'll be busy gearing up for girls' camp, which is next week. I kind of wish it was already next Friday. I plan on spending the entire day in bed with a good book, recovering. Camping is not my thing.

In other news, I want to be better at saying thank you instead of sorry. And please put When Breath Becomes Air on your nightstand asap. I read it this week and it touched me deeply. I was so involved in the story, and even though I knew the ending, it still caught me by surprise. It is beautiful and heartbreaking, and Dr. Kalanithi's words didn't leave me for days. His closing paragraph, a message to his baby daughter, left tears streaming down my face in the middle of Mike's family cabin. He says,

"When you come to one of the many moments in life where you must give an account of yourself, provide a ledger of what you have been, and done, and meant to the world, do not, I pray, discount that you filled a dying man's days with a sated joy unknown to me in all my prior years, a joy that does not hunger for more and more but rests, satisfied. In this time, right now, that is an enormous thing."

Have a happy weekend.

happy weekend

Does anyone read blogs during the summer? Or ever anymore? Sometimes I wonder. But I realized long, long ago, that recording my life here was for me and not for anyone else. And so, two weeks into our summer vacation, I thought it was time for a little update.

Last week, I babysat my four nieces and nephews (for a few days by myself, even, while Mike was away at a youth conference), and which included a baby and a three year old. So this week, naturally, has been about recovery. :) We've napped, we've read, we've gone to the pool, we've reveled in the quiet. And as per usual after something stressful, I got sick. Head colds in the summer are so uncalled for.

But I wanted to tell you about two things.

One: Mike, Oliver, and I are in the middle of a 30 day sugar and white flour fast. We're not eating any added sugar. No honey, no syrup, no fruit juice, no artificial sweeteners, etc. After the first couple of really bad headaches (although that could have been attributed to minding 8 children), I started to feel fantastic. I have more energy, I am never bloated, and food has never tasted so good. Honestly, Oliver and I ate some strawberries the other day that I swear were the sweetest, most delicious things we'd ever put in our mouths. I'd like to keep this up. I'd like this to be how I eat for the rest of my life (with some special occasion sweets thrown in from time to time, of course). It feels right to me. For the past year or so, I've had some really weird digestion issues, and they have totally cleared up since I removed sugar from my diet. Now I'm not a doctor, obviously, so I'm not saying that giving up sugar has cured me, or anything. But I can tell you that I feel terrific when I eat this way.

Two: If you are a parent, please read Leonard Sax's new book, The Collapse of Parenting. It probably deserves it's own post, but I'll quickly tell you why I feel it is so important. Before I started the book, I felt pretty confident in my ability to parent. I knew I would agree with a lot of what Dr. Sax had to say, and I did. But Mike and I are about to enter a new world in parenting: the high school years, and I felt completely unprepared for them. This book reminded me that the most important things I can teach my children are to have humility and self-control, that family time should be held above all else, that I need to have fun with my kids and help steer their interests, and that it's ok to maintain high standards even if they are unpopular. And to turn of the devices, for goodness sake! I'm not exaggerating when I say that it brought me to tears more than once. It resonated deeply with me, and Mike and I have made some course corrections since we read it.

I hope your summer is going well. Have a happy weekend!

happy weekend

Do you have a pet? We have a cat. Her name is Inez. As far as cats go, she is really great. She stays off most of the furniture, she goes outside to use the bathroom, and I've never seen a hairball. Aside from the occasional lizard or bird parts I find on the stairs, I'd say she's the best pet we could have. Which actually isn't saying much, because to be honest, I'm not a pet person. And so why she has chosen me, the only person in our house who ignores her, to be her favorite is a total mystery. I laid down the other day to take a nap and she crawled right up on my chest. Mike will be petting her, and she will be completely content, and then I will walk into the room and she'll leave him to come to me. I don't ever intentionally touch her because then I will start sneezing, so why, why does she love me the best?

In other news, tonight Oliver has a campout, Mabel is babysitting, and Stella is having a late night with her cousins. Phew! What are Mike and Elliot and I going to do?

I just finished reading Brooklyn and The Nightingale. I'd easily recommend both.

I just can't get behind the high-waisted denim look.

And here's a super cool little video about my talented surfboard-making brother, Matt.

Have a happy weekend!

happy weekend

Let's see if I can follow my own advice and have another really great weekend. Ha! Sometimes obligations are unavoidable and life is busier than I'd like it to be. This weekend is looking wide open once again, though, and that makes me happy. I am going to try to fill it with the best, most relaxing things. Like finishing my book. Or going on a family walk. Or practicing baseball with the boys in the park.

I've been knee deep in lining lace and shortening hems this week. I have a couple particularly beautiful dresses to work on, and it is such a pleasure to be surrounded by such pretty things and happy brides.

A tip for locals: I was at SAS in Tempe the other day and they had piles and piles of swimsuit fabric. I found a couple really cute ones and I am going to try my hand at making a suit for Mabel. I've never made one before, but with just a few dollars spent on fabric, I figured it was worth a shot.

What's on your docket this weekend? Mike and I never made it to the movies last weekend, so maybe we'll do that. We want to see this.

Have a good one!

happy weekend

Great news. The Winter Sea has a sequel! It's called The Firebird, and it continues the story of Anna, Sophia's daughter. I'm about a third of the way into it and I am really liking it so far. The bad news is that all I want to do is sit under a warm blanket and read that book. My to-do list is really suffering.

On that note: Dear 2015, give me my motivation back! Please! I had some grand plans this new year to take another stab at minimalism, but I haven't seemed able to follow through yet. I know the urge will come, and with it the energy to get it done. Until then, I am biding my time. Sometimes it can be forced, but sometimes it's better to wait until it happens naturally. Also, what do minimalists do with teenaged daughters who really really love clothes? I don't know, but I'll tell you what this minimalist-wannabe is doing about it -- letting it go. I need to stop holding my daughter to the standard I've set for myself and let her have a million t-shirts, if that's what she wants. What's the big deal, anyway?

One resolution I have managed to keep so far is journaling while I read my scriptures. I'd never done it before, but I am loving what it adds to my study. I just write one line that stood out to me, or a thought that I had while reading. It only takes a minute, but it's made such a difference! What I am reading all of a sudden applies directly to my life, every single time. It's amazing.

In other news, Mike is neck deep in his marathon training, and for the most part, I've been training right along beside him. It feels good to stretch myself and run farther than I am used to. But I've drawn the line at 14 miles. After 14 miles, he's on his own.

This week, I found this pretty blog, wore these comfortable jeans (in petite -- life changing!), and drank this chocolate smoothie for breakfast.

Have a good weekend!

happy weekend

Oh man, I'm glad this week is over. It's been sort of a wash. Mike and I have gone back and forth all week, taking turns feeling yucky. Luckily none of the kids have gotten it, but it's like the stomach bug that won't quit. So hopefully this weekend will bring better health and more energy to our house. And maybe some sunshine, too! It's been rainy and gray everyday, which is a nice change for these parts, but I miss the sun. I can't believe I just said that.

One highlight from the week: I met my friend, Julie, for lunch at my favorite antique store/cafe and found that pretty floral oil painting (and got some chocolate croissants, too, of course). When I go to thrift or antique stores, I always look for three things: white dishes, real paintings, and small tables/stools. Otherwise, I can feel really overwhelmed. If I stick to those three things, I have a really fun time poking through all of the other junk to find what I'm looking for.

I guess another good thing about feeling sick all week is that I've been making great headway in my book. I'm reading The Winter Sea for the second time and loving it just as much as the first. It is romantic and historic and clean and just a really fun read. I had gotten a big load of books from the library, but they all felt heavy, so I sent them back and picked this from my shelf to read instead. Sometimes I just want something easy, you know? Have you read anything good lately?

Here's to a good weekend!


Teeny painting of baby Jesus that is too pretty to display only at Christmastime by Beth Allen.

for good books

I picked up a load of books that I'd reserved at the library this morning, including the newest in the adorable Little Elliot series. I am excited to dive into them. I am thankful for good books. I might be a minimalist at heart, but I don't think one can ever have too many books. If you are in need of something good to read, here is a list of some of my favorites (I hope you'll share yours in the comments!):

Ahab's Wife

Jane Eyre

All the Light We Cannot See

May the Road Rise Up to Meet You

The Greenlanders

These is My Words

a good video to share with your kids

This video teaches kids what to do when they see pornography in a way that they can easily understand. Oh man, it is so important! I love how it explains that feelings of attraction are meant to create and build strong families, and that those feelings should be aimed at real people, not at screens or photos. I'm watching it with my kids when they get home from school today.

Also, check out the highly recommended book Good Pictures Bad Pictures on which the video is based.

happy weekend

We woke up this morning to thunder, but no rain. I am hoping the rain comes soon. We need a good storm to start off the weekend. My in-laws bought a cabin in the nearby mountains recently, so we are headed there for a bit later today as a last hurrah before school starts next week. I am looking forward to wearing jeans and maybe even a sweater and hunkering down inside while it storms.

I've been trying to get us back on a school-appropriate bedtime routine around here. We are easing ourselves into it. We did pretty well this week, and still had time to read in bed - my favorite.

Have you read anything good lately? I just picked up Pope Joan at the used bookstore and I am looking forward to cracking it open.

Have a fun weekend!

self-help book report 3

I'm not usually drawn to the self-help variety of book, but I've read three books this summer that sort of fall into that category and I thought a book report was in order.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin is a very in-depth look at one woman's search for greater happiness. Ms. Rubin created a twelve month long experiment for herself. Each month, she focused on a different aspect of her life and set measurable goals which she marked off on a spreadsheet. One month she focused on finding more happiness in her marriage, another month it was in her professional life, etc.

I'm glad I read it, but I admit to skimming a lot of it. I really loved her honesty. She put herself out there, faults and all, which was refreshing. I felt like I could read about her experience and learn from it, without having to go through my own year long experiment. I really liked that she didn't want to change her life, she just wanted to feel happier in the midst of it. I can relate to that.

It turns out that it is the little things that add up to a happier life, which is something I've believed all along. And deciding to be happier almost always leads to being happier. It made me take a look at my own life and decide that I could probably stand to be a little more cheerful at home, more selfless, and more giving. That holding my tongue is usually a happier way to live, and giving others the benefit of the doubt will improve my outlook. Making small changes in these areas can make for quite a bit more happiness overall.

Have you read it? What did you think?

self-help book report 2

I'm not usually drawn to the self-help variety of book, but I've read three books this summer that sort of fall into that category and I thought a book report was in order.

I loved, loved, loved Real Moms, Making it Up as We Go by Lisa Valentine Clark. It is a quick, easy read, but that doesn't mean it isn't deep and meaningful, too. Lisa is hilarious, down to earth, and genuine. I loved reading what she had to say. She inspired me to be a better mother, and gave examples from her own life that helped me to see how to do just that. 

One of my favorite paragraphs:

"It amazes me that most kids today truly don't know how to open up a van door. This happens 100 percent of the time anyone under the age of twenty-one comes into my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan: They stand in front of the door, waiting for it to open automatically. It doesn't. This car was built before most of them were born. I yell, 'You have to open the door! It's not one of those that open . . . you're just going to have to slide it . . yank it open!' At this point they look confused and inevitably shrug, presumably looking for a doorknob/handle/lever, and about 23 percent of them locate it, but of those 23 percent, none of them can successfully operate it to open the door. Not one. It's the weirdest phenomenon. (Has our reliance on technology atrophied our arm muscles already? Are we living in the future NOW?) They yank. They look confused, and preemptively, while my own kids have been starting at the door or looking aimlessly around at no one in particular, I've been telling them, 'Just do it. Just open the door. Just . . . ' and soon my kids are telling their friends (like its obvious), 'JUST PUSH THE BUTTON AND SLIDE THE DOOR OPEN!' Twelve percent of that group is able to, and I usually sigh at this point. (My youngest, Margaret, always asks me why I sigh so loud. I tell her I'm just trying to catch my breath. Which I am. I'm also reevaluating the choices that brought me to this point. This 'point of sigh.')"

But she's really spiritual, too. For example:

"We mothers are often accused by our children of asking too many questions, of being too intrusive, meddling, smothering, and interfering, but that happens because we often err on the side of loving too much instead of not enough. We love too much. (You're welcome, children.) Is that even possible? Our job as mothers is to love our kids, to teach them, care for them, and prepare them for the journey ahead because we don't know what that road will look like. One of the hiccups in parenting our kids with a prescriptive list is that we can't predict the future. There is so much I want to teach my kids that, if I make a list, not only does it seem overwhelming (although I wouldn't hate it if they all knew how to play the piano), but is conditional on so many things that are out of my control: their choices, the choices of others, accidents, surprises, changes in society, technology, and a million other variables. If I can show them how to find answers to their questions (by studying, learning, and seeking personal revelation through prayer and listening to the Holy Ghost), and where to look for guidance (by studying the scriptures, words of the prophets, and worthy mentors), then they can find their own way to find lasting joy, no matter what the path ahead turns out to be."

I really feel like I could quote this whole book. I can't recommend it enough. Mostly, Lisa made me feel hopeful about the heavy responsibility I bear as a mother. She made me want to get to know my kids better and enjoy their company more. And she did it in the most positive, uplifting, and happy way. 

You can find more of Lisa on her Youtube Series, Pretty Darn Funny.

self-help book report 1

I'm not usually drawn to the self-help variety of book, but I've read three books this summer that sort of fall into that category and I thought a book report was in order.

First up, majorly popular The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. There were lots of things I really liked about this book, and some things that I didn't. Instead of leaving me feeling motivated, I finished the book and felt completely overwhelmed. And it took me a long time to shake that feeling. In the book's defense, I read it right before I had a lot of things going on in my life (like the pioneer trek and girl's camp and a long vacation) and no time to implement its practices. The method the author promotes is very specific, and that kind of turned me off. So I guess I would suggest reading it only if you can set aside plenty of time to purge your house.

But there were lots of things that resonated with me. Like, only keeping and buying things that "spark joy". I love that idea! I don't need to limit my belongings to a particular number or amount, I just need to limit them to what brings me joy. It feels really good to look in my closet or into a kitchen cupboard and only see things that I love. Granted, some things might not spark joy but are necessary to my household. I like to think that their necessity sparks a sort of joy.

Something else I liked was how the author describes thanking your belongings for their service. It sounds totally crazy, but thanking a dress for it's service before getting rid of it makes getting rid of it a lot less painful. Same goes for gifts. If someone gives me a gift that I don't need or use or like, I can thank the item for the joy it brought me when I received it and then I can feel ok about getting rid of it. And Ms. Kondo gives us the go-ahead to throw all of our papers away! It's really liberating to think that I don't need to keep every paper that comes home from school, or all of those old bank statements or credit card bills.

I fold our clothes differently now, and the kids' drawers are no longer overflowing. And that feels good. But I still roll our socks together, because that's just what makes the most sense for us.

Have you read it? I'd love to hear what you thought about it. Did it make you feel energized or overwhelmed?

happy weekend

The other night, we finished the always hectic homework/dinner/bath/bedtime routine with a little time to spare. I love when that happens. One of my greatest pleasures is reading in bed, and I love when my children are able to do that, too. Stella is discovering chapter books and it makes my heart happy for her.

Any fun plans this weekend? I think yard work might be on our agenda. And maybe ice cream. So I guess that makes the yard work ok.

I hope the morning air is crisp and the leaves are starting to turn wherever you are! Have a good weekend.

happy weekend

This photo is a pretty accurate description of our week here at home. Meaning, it has been very quiet, just the way I like it. Last week, I was looking for a new book to read, so I checked my to-read list on Goodreads and requested some of the books from our library. Then they all came ready on the same day! So I've had my nose stuck in a book every moment I could spare (and some that I could not). I'll post about the books soon. There have been some good ones in the bunch, like The Invention of Wings. A must-read!

Have you read anything good lately? I'm always looking to add to my list.

I hope you have a good weekend. The weather here has actually been bearable the last couple of days. It gives me hope for fall. How about let's all bake something pumpkiny this weekend. Sound good?

p.s. Happy birthday to my wonderful mother!

Spring Break 2014

It was a good thing that we didn't have anything exciting planned this week, because Elliot spent most of it on the couch battling a fever. He's better now, thank goodness, and we finally left the house for the first time yesterday. We met Mike for lunch and then friends for shaved ice. When you haven't left the house all week, little things seem like lots of fun. There's the secret to a successful spring break right there, folks. Happy Spring Break to us!

However, it was awfully nice to lay in bed with my book* in the mornings instead of rushing to get breakfast on the table and kids out the door. As much as Stella loves school, she is already dreading having to wake up early again. We all are. Sigh. Summer break will be here before we know it, I'm sure.

Two questions: Did you do anything fun this week? And what are you reading right now? I finished my book and I'm looking for something new.

p.s. My friend Sarah started an interesting new series about why women choose to stay at home on her blog, called Coming Home. If you have a minute, I hope you'll check it out. It is really fantastic.

p.p.s. Have a good weekend.


*Katherine, by Anya Seton. So good, even the second time.

for good books

I'm in the middle of reading Lark Rise to Candleford at the moment. It is less of a story and more of a description of life in the small English hamlet of Lark Rise in the 1800s, so it isn't quite what I was expecting, but I am enjoying it anyway.

While I finish it up, I thought I'd share a few other books that I've read lately. I really love to read, and good books are definitely something that I am thankful for. I love that quote that says when you read you become a thousand men and yet remain yourself. It is so true. When I read a good book, I live another life, full of fascinating people and interesting places, all while staying put in my little living room here in Arizona. And as grateful as I am for my own good books, I am even more grateful for children who love to read. Sometimes I feel like the best part of our day was spent reading together on the couch.

May the Road Rise Up to Meet You - Oh, I loved this book! It follows four different characters, from very different places, as the country is heading into the Civil War. To see the different story lines finally come together was so satisfying. A must read. Five stars (out of five).

The Snow Child - This is the interesting story of an older, childless couple and their adopted "snow" child in the wilds of Alaska. Sad and sweet and full of love. Four stars.

I'll Watch the Moon - This story takes place in a boarding house during a polio outbreak, soon after the end of World War II. It is touching and tender. Four stars.

Jim the Boy - I had read the sequel to this book, The Blue Star, years ago without knowing it was a sequel. I was so happy to finally read this first book. It is quiet and sweet. I loved it. Four Stars.

Mrs. Mike - I mean, I had to read this one, right? It was a fun, quick, romantic (but clean) read, following a handsome Canadian Mountie and his young bride. Four stars.

The Shoemaker's Wife - This is the sort of book where you wonder if the main characters (two Italian immigrants) are ever going to get together. And then they do! And they have a happy life. I really enjoyed it, but felt like the last quarter or so was rushed. Still, it was a great story. Four stars.

The Sandcastle Girls - This book dealt with a subject that I was completely unfamiliar with - the Armenian genocide that occurred right before WWI in Syria. It follows a modern-day woman of Armenian descent as she uncovers the history of her family. The story is well-told, and manages to be hopeful despite such tragic circumstances. Three stars.

What have you read lately? I love hearing your recommendations.

National Book Lovers Day

National Book Lovers Day sounds like a made up holiday if I've ever heard one. But as a major book lover, I'll take it! In honor of the big day, my friend Kayla, a big-time blogger/babble writer, put together a slide show of favorite book character inspired outfits and she asked me to participate! I used Orleanna Price from one of my very favorite books, the Poisonwood Bible, as my inspiration. It was so fun. You can see the whole thing here.

Also, I couldn't let this special day pass without sharing some book reviews, could I?  Here are some books I've enjoyed lately:

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats - Julia is on a quest to find her missing father in Burma. What she finds instead is an unbelievable story about a father she realizes she hardly knew. I really liked this one. 4 out of 5 stars.

The Orchardist - I frequently find myself drawn to stories set in the early American west.  This one drew me in immediately. It follows a lonely and unassuming orchardist as he navigates love and loss and his relationship with the women who become his family. Heartbreaking and quiet, this novel was a winner. 5 out of 5 stars.

22 Britannia Road - Like stories from the wild west, I am equally drawn to books that take place during WWII. This powerful novel follows a husband and wife and the separate lives they led during the war, the choices they made to survive, and the difficult task of coming back together in peacetime. 4 out of 5 stars.

In Sunlight and in Shadow - I am a big fan of Mark Helprin, and I thought this book was wonderful. It was not a quick read, but there are passages that are stunning, especially the chapters that deal with WWII. His descriptions of New York City are beautiful. 4 out of 5 stars, with some mild language.

The Light Between Oceans - This book follows a stalwart lighthouse keeper and his young bride and the choices they make while living on their remote island off the coast of Australia after WWI. Oh, it is painful! But so beautiful, too. 5 out of 5 stars.

I'm in the middle of May the Road Rise Up to Meet You and I am loving it so far. What are you reading?

some books I've read lately and enjoyed + a truth

truth via

The Glass Castle. This is the unbelievable account of the author's childhood. It was fascinating and sort of sad, but an easy and quick read. That Jeannette Walls was able to move on from the difficulties of her upbringing is remarkable to me. If you liked Half Broke Horses, then you'll like this one, too. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

The Lost Wife. Oh, this one was good! Heavy, but good. It takes place during World War II, and follows a man as he starts a new life in the United States, and a woman, who is sent to a concentration camp. It is completely engrossing and hopeful, despite some rather dismal and tragic circumstances. 4 out of 5 stars.

The Stone Carvers. This is an interesting story, following two siblings from a small town in Canada during the first World War. Klara, is a wood carver and a tailor. Tilman, a runaway, a hobo, and a soldier. There is love and loss and love again. 3 out of 5 stars.

Call the Midwife. If you like to read birth stories, then you will like this book. It is a work of fiction, but is based on real experiences of midwives in England in the 1950s. It was fascinating, and made me very grateful for the ease and comfort of my own life. I think it's been made into a miniseries? 4 out of 5 stars.

The American Heiress. I wanted to like this one more than I did. It follows American Cora Cash, and her life as the new wife of an English Duke at the turn of the twentieth century. Good but not great. 3 out of 5 stars.

All Other Nights. Jacob is a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. He is sent to the South on some daring missions, and ends up finding love. It is sweet, funny, romantic, sometimes tragic, full of suspense and intrigue. I enjoyed every page. 4 out of 5 stars.

The Winter Sea. It's difficult to find a really clean romantic novel, but this one fits the bill. It follows Carrie, an author, as she writes her latest novel on the coast of Scotland, which happens to be the story of one of her ancestors. Not surprisingly, both heroines find love. I loved this one. 4 out of 5 stars.


What have you read and loved lately?