Each week I share books I’m reading for my Read 100 Challenge, as well as podcasts I’m listening to and links I love from around the blogosphere. I love to get recommendations, so please let me know what you are reading!
Books I’m Reading
The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
I have been a big fan of Shannon Hale’s Young Adult novels for years, but I didn’t realize that she had written for adults until recently. I decided to pick up this novel based on a recommendation that called it a “Notting Hill” of literature. The plot–an famous actor unexpectedly becomes best friends with a housewife from Utah–sounded very appealing. And, while the premise is interesting, I found that the book dragged in parts, some points seemed belabored, and there were many Mormon references and themes I found disturbing. All together, not a book that will make it into my top 10 for the year. However, I do still love Hale’s YA novels. If you haven’t read any, I would recommend The Princess Academy and Goose Girl.
Tea and Crumples by Summer Kinard
I am halfway through Summer Kinard’s latest book, and I’m in love. Tea and Crumples tells the story of Siena, a woman who lost her unborn daughter in a late miscarriage, her husband, her friends, their new tea shop, and their faith. I will be giving a full review in a couple of weeks, so I won’t give everything away just now. Suffice it to say, if you are looking for a good book to give a friend, sister-in-law, or mother as a Christmas gift, you have found it.
Links I Love
Faith
Seeing The Home as a Little Church The Enduring Home gives an excellent reflection on St. John Chrysostom’s admonition to make the home a little church.
Walking With Luke on the Road to Emmaus Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick gives insight into the life of St. Luke the Evangelist.
Family
10 Things Organized People Do Regularly I want to be more organized, but my good intentions never seem to get me anywhere. The Crazy Organizing Blog has some ideas that may help me out!
How to Instill Good Sleep Habits in Children If you are struggling to help your children get to bed and to sleep, take a look at Tidbits of Experience’s post.
Frugal Living
Stock Your Pantry For Less Building up a good stockpile can really help you save money on groceries. Tickling the Wheat will show you how to begin.
When You’re Sick of Saving and Want to Splurge Six Figures Under (one of my favorite personal finance blogs) has a fantastic post to encourage you when you are just plain tired of frugal living.
This Week on The Orthodox Mama
Children’s Books That Are Totally Worth Re-reading
One Simple Secret to Saving More Money
Helping Your Child Prepare for Confession
What are you reading this week?
(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)
Thanks for sharing Sarah! I’m always impressed how much reading you get in! 🙂
Thanks, Stephanie. It helps that I teach reading to middle schoolers. They inspire me to keep reading so I can make recommendations for them. (Plus, their books are a little quicker to read 🙂 )
Thanks for the mention, Sarah! Also, thanks for the honest book reviews. I can’t wait to read your full review of Tea and Crumpels. It sounds so good! I just downloaded it, so I’m going to have to hurry and read it. 😉
You’re very welcome, Alison. Look for the review next week!