Sisters' Bright Winter Reading in February

 Charity and I enjoy the Brighter Winter reading challenge each year. We both read lots of great books, but here are a few of books we especially enjoyed in February. 

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Charity - Read a book from a tumultuous time in history

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

This novel is set during World War 2 in London. The main character moves to London and begins working in a small bookshop right before the Blitz begins and found that books can be a haven during hard days. I was inspired by the power of stories to bring hope even during hardship. 

Gina - Read a book by someone who shares your initials

Reaching America by Gary Miller

A few ladies from my church read and discussed Reaching America last month. Miller delves into the changes in religious understanding in the American popultion and why traditional witnessing may not bear as much fruit as in pass generations. His book shows practical ways to reach out to our neighbors and gave examples of how to interact with people who are searching for meaning in their lives. Our evening of conversation around this book was inspiring and challenging.

Charity - Do a blind book exchage with a friend

Placemaker by Christie Purifoy

Gina chose Placemaker for me, in which the author weaves together the stories of her homes, past and present. She challenged me to make our homes beautiful, welcoming, and life giving. I found myself lingering over the masterful way she writes and clinging to the beauty of the words.

Gina - Blind book exchange

Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry

Charity gave me Gay Girl, Good God. I expected it to be a story of conversion to a life serving Jesus Christ - and it was. But I was pleasantly surprised that Perry emphasized the character of God. I love that God's mercy and redeeming power shined in this book.

What were the highlights of your winter reading?

Sisters' Spring Reading Challenge

With the Brighter Winter reading challenge over, Charity and I are beginning our seasonal reading challenge again. We are both looking forward to diving into some of the books that have been on our shelves. Want to join us?

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Sisters' Spring Reading Challenge

1. Read a book that is longer than your average read. 

Here is a chance to tackle a book that is daunting because of its page count. Maybe you'd like to tackle a long classic like Les Miserables, Bleak House, or The Lord of the Rings. Maybe you are drawn to nonficiton like Truman by David McCullough or a modern novel such as All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr but haven't wanted to commit to a longer book.

If you start a book today and read a chapter or so a week, by the end of May, even if you haven't completed the book, you would have made headway. 

2. In honor of Charity's anticipated motherhood, read a book about motherhood or a book that has a mother as the main character.

Examples: Missional Motherhood, A Garden to Keep, Little Women, Stepping Heavenward, Anne of Ingleside, Mary Emma and Company. And now I have a problem because I'd love to reread all of these books.

3. Choose a bookshelf (in your house, the library, or your friend's house), count the fifth book from the right and read it. 

I have a whole shelf of books that I want to read, so hopefully this will help me decide which book to read next. 

Make this challenge fit you. If you don't care to read the first book you select, find another bookshelf!

4. Choose a word or phrase in the Bible and look up five or so verses that contain that word and read them in context. 

Example: peace, joy, tree of life, light, kingdom of heaven

Looking forward to a good spring of reading.