Read Across America

Read Across America is celebrated on March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday, 

and the following week. 

I attribute my reading journey to his many books for children.

Hop on Pop, One Fish Two Fish, and Green Eggs and Ham 

are some of my earliest reading memories.

Encourage reading. Read to a child on Saturday, March 2. 

Model reading. Give books as gifts.

Children benefit in so many ways from the written word.

I still love to read!

 

And God Inspired Books

In this world of constant attention grabbing and alarm creating social media and news, I am thankful for the solid consistency of books.

When I write books, the words go through a process. The stories are not just thrown together and posted without forethought. Instead, they are vetted by me, my critique partner, my beta reader, and finally my editor.

I thank God for books, especially the book He inspired most. I find myself excited to read the stories in the Bible. David’s Psalms inspire me and give me hope and confidence in God. Luke’s accounts in the book of Acts teach me perseverance and inspiration. The gospels teach the truth of Jesus.

God created words for us to communicate truth, to tell stories, and to learn and share.

Do you have a favorite book? A favorite book of the Bible?

The God-breathed Word

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

The Bible speaks to our hearts.

photo from pixaby

In a book launch team I am part of, I was asked which of the four seasons is my favorite. For anyone who knows me well, you know I answered winter. I also love spring when beautiful flowers bloom, summer when I swim with my grands, and of course fall, a gorgeous time to be outside appreciating the colorful leaves.

Yet, winter remains my favorite because it is a time of peace. When snow blankets the ground and the nothing has touched the pureness, I’m reminded of 1 Thessalonians—my life verse. I love quiet, and strive to lead a quiet life. I try to mind my own business, unless God lays on my heart to speak up. I work with my hands, either on the computer, with arts and crafts or around the house. Tim and I depend on God, daily. He is the one who provides us opportunities to work and grow.

Do you have a life verse, a scripture that speaks to your heart about everyday life? Is there a scripture God has placed on your heart? One you strive to follow? There are many verses in the Bible I rely on for wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord..., “ John 3:16, the book of James, the Psalms. 

We have so many wonderful, life-changing scriptures at our fingertips.

God has given us the gift of the Bible. Have you read any scripture today?

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Enter to Win!!!

I am excited to announce my book, Home Where She Belongs, is part of the Basketful of Books Giveaway. This giveaway runs 5/16 through 5/21, and the prize consists of twelve Christian books. The 1st place winner will receive all twelve books (authors' choice of format) and the 2nd place winner will receive three books (authors' choice of format) of their choosing. A variety of genres, from fantasy to historical romance to suspense and more, are featured.

You can enter to win here:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bfce54d32/?

#basketfulofbooks #christianbookgiveaway #readingcommunity #freebooks

 

Historical Fiction Book Review: The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Story Description:

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn't expected: love.

Inspired by the true events of the Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.

My Thoughts:

Suzanne Woods Fisher's story delves into the tragedy of adults who, often by no fault of their own, never learned to read. Reminiscent of Catherine Marshall's Christy, a beloved telling of Appalachian life, The Moonlight School tells the tale of Miss Lucy, a young lady from the city, who learns, with some surprise, life in the mountains has a beauty all its own. I particularly enjoyed the story of Brother Wyatt and his heart for the folks in the mountains. A variety of characters sprinkled through the story have lived fascinating lives. Cora's story, based on the real person who started the moonlight schools is inspiring. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book, including a thread of mystery. I agree with the description I found on Amazon—as I finished the last pages, I thanked God for the privilege of reading. As someone who worked in an elementary school library and as a volunteer in my daughter's first grade class, I'm accustomed to the excitement and delight little ones share when they learn to read. To read about adults who found satisfaction in the written word thrilled my heart. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.