If you are anything like me, books have been wonderfully kind companions in 2020. I have traveled, been caught up in whirlwind adventures, grown in my faith, felt encouraged, entertained, and enthralled—all without leaving the comfort of home! Perhaps this year I’ve been more grateful than ever for the gift of books. And so, as is my custom, I’ve painstakingly selected six of my favorites from the fifty or so I’ve read this year to share with you, my bookish friends…

‘Tis the season, friends, whether we’re ready or not… Advent is approaching and Christmas is coming! The calendar pays no heed to pandemics and the like, even though this year it’s going to be a little different in terms of gathering and celebrating and traditions. We take comfort in the fact that one thing is still the same: Jesus. And maybe this will be the year we see Him even more clearly at the center of it all. Our world might be bone-weary but we can still rejoice—because of Jesus…

Remember. Honour. Give thanks. Every November, the appearance of bright red poppies on lapels reminds us of the sacrifice of others. It’s an opportunity for us all to pause, even for one precious minute, and think about the selfless, the heroes, the generous brave who have fought—and are still fighting—for our peace and protection. And for the book lovers among us, we can remember by reading and immersing ourselves in stories of that unimaginable era and allowing our hearts to bubble with gratitude…

We all know there’s no place like home, but this year we have spent an extraordinary amount of time holed up in our houses. (Some of us do not mind this one bit.) 😬  So when I saw three new books on homes and hospitality were being released this autumn, I thought it would be timely to choose one and remind myself what hospitality truly is and how I can make my home more enjoyable for all. I may have “accidentally” bought all three…

Anyone else need a little perspective about now? Perhaps take a step back, inhale a deep breath, use a wide-angle lens? We don’t need reminding this year has been tumultuous but perhaps we do need reminding of our smallness. God’s bigness. That the seasons are still changing and life is still happening around us. And for me personally, there’s nothing like a humpback whale to get my attention…

In a clamorous house on the picturesque southern coast of England, a young girl twirled a long strand of hair in her fingers as her eyes darted across the page. Immersed in the book she was reading, she was oblivious to the chaos and family drama that ensued—she was a bonafide bookworm. Absorbed in adventures. Captivated by characters. Fascinated by fiction. Yes, I had a writing dream…

You know how that say “love where you live”? Well, I really do. Our home-sweet-home is in a unique valley where all four seasons are embraced along with lake living and world-class skiing on our mountains—plus, it’s wine country. Serious wine country, as in 185 licensed wineries, many boasting award-winning vintages. Therefore, the recently released Chasing Vines book caught my eye and I’ve learned that one can deep dive into the whole wine world and discover so much not only about grapes and soil and vineyards, but also about life…

Bambi is in my backyard. Two of them actually. I know they’re very young, less than three months old (thank you, Google) and they are causing quite the ruckus while I’m on my deck trying to write. I can’t concentrate for the life of me as it appears they are lost. The fawns are not having a good day. And as I sit here sipping my cappuccino, I wonder if perhaps we’re all feeling a little disoriented in this season. Unmoored. Adrift. Or just plain lost…

Friend, I realize that right now the words “safe” and “hands” may be rather trigger-ish with the pandemic’s stay safe and wash your hands mantras heavy on our minds—but what about the word “REST”? Being at peace in our very souls? Many of us are concerned about health, finances, and futures for ourselves—but also there’s the added layer of anxiety about loved ones we can’t be with, across the city or across the globe. Today, can our souls find rest as we entrust everything and everyone into God’s safe hands? 

Welcome to my “Six Sweet Summer Reads” post with some fabulous book recommendations just for you, PLUS the SUMMER LOVING BLOG TOUR with my fellow Anaiah Press authors! We have some amazing bookish prizes and the giveaway is on right now…