Forsaking All Others

Favorite Book (one of) – 31:30

~ Teresa ~ 5 Comments

For me to say I have a favorite book would be like asking Imelda Marcos to choose a favorite pair of shoes.  Although, I don’t think I have quite as many books as she did shoes, nor, do I think you can compare my love of books with her love of shoes.  I think the motives behind the love are different.  Still, you must get the point.  I could never have just one favorite book.

Some of my books in the book hutch that found me
Some of my books in the book hutch that found me

I love books, and given cash to shop I would more than likely spend the money on books rather than shoes.  Shoes wear out and go out of style.  Books are timeless.  A good book transcends time and is relevant throughout the ages.

This would be where I would now list a very classic book that has been around since forever, proving it’s timelessness, that all great literary persons have read and recommend.  Except, I am not.  The book I have chosen to talk about today would be considered shallow by a lot of book lovers.

It’s a romance novel; one of the few books I’ve read more than once, or even twice and will probably read again at some point in the future.  I love all manner of books. And if you browse my shelves you will notice everything – children’s, classics, novels, self-help, organization, home decor, hymn books, Bibles, bible commentaries, inspirational, devotional, spiritual growth, humor, history, poetry….Some of the books would be profound and some would be fluff.  I have a pretty wide range of interests. But, I have always loved a good romance.

I grew up reading Grace Livingston Hill and Emilie Loring Romance novels.  There were very few books that were mom-approved for my reading list.  Harlequin romance novels were off-limits, although I have read a few in my time.  My mom considered them not fit for my teenage mind.  I think some of them had a few bad words and too much kissing.

As I have gotten older the romance novel has interested me less, unless it is very well-written.  Which is why I think I still like some of the Emilie Loring books.  Even though they can be cliche, she still has somewhat of a classic style.  She has good description and she occasionally quotes snippets of classic poems, showing that she was well-read.  There is of course somewhat of a formula to romance novels, which is to be expected, but I think that was part of the attraction.  They provided a chance to escape for a while.  I could get lost in someone else’s life and imagine my life a little different, if just for awhile.

My favorite Emilie Loring book is Forsaking All Others.  It is about a young and upcoming stage actress who has become the guardian of her young nephew and for the sake of his health must give up her career and move to a better climate.  There is also a very young doctor who needs a wife to protect his reputation in a very gossipy dessert town. Throw in the older, mutual friend, who thinks marriage between the two would solve both their problems and you have the basic plot for a marriage of convenience that might just turn into real love.  Sappy, I know.  What can I say.  But there you have it. One of my favorite all time romance novels is Forsaking All Others.

A few months ago, I decided I needed to find a hardback copy of this book.  I found a first edition library copy at a reasonable price, so purchased it.  When it arrived I read the book again.  It did not disappoint. It now sits in the book hutch that found me waiting patiently to be loved again.

books.cropped

My book hutch now, with a few more books than the first picture. Notice the copy of Shakespeare on the top shelf?
My book hutch now, with a few more books than the first picture. Notice the copy of Shakespeare on the top shelf?  I have other shelves of books too.

What about you?  Do you have a favorite romance book?  A favorite any book?  You can click here for more about my reading habits.

Reading in grace,

Teresa (Sadie Grace)

Five Question Friday

~ Teresa ~ 2 Comments

There is a blog that hosts a link party called Five Question Friday (I know, it is now technically Sunday).  I decided to answer this week’s questions just for fun and because I hadn’t posted for a week.  If you want to see other bloggers answers or link up you can visit My Little Life and join in on the fun.

The Five Questions:

If you were going to be stuck on a deserted island, which 5 books, movies, people and foods would you take along?

Books:   The Bible, Forsaking All Others by Emilie Loring,  Margin by Dr Swenson, a hymn book, and a poetry anthology  (as a book lover narrowing down to five books is really hard, but I think this group could keep me well read and entertained until I was rescued).  I should probably have a blank journal type book, but maybe I can write my stuff on the margins and the blank pages in all the other books and maybe Ty can figure out how to make paper for me.  I’m sure this experience will result in a best seller.

Movies: Green Card, Baby Boom, You’ve Got Mail, Funny Farm, Mary Poppins

Petit Fours & Chocolate Chewies from The Fresh Market

Food:  Pizza (counts as one, right, even with several toppings), walnuts (have to get those omega threes), CHOCOLATE, tomato bisque soup, cheese, crackers.  I’m assuming there will be a freshwater source and plenty of fruit on this tropical island to add to my diet, thereby making it pretty balanced.

People: this one is harder, or maybe not so much.  I’d take my husband of course, he is my main support.  There are a lot of people that I love dearly that I wouldn’t take for various reasons, so I’m thinking the rest of my family could be safe at home, living their lives, praying for my safe return.  So, the other four that I would take – For survival etc I’d want a Doctor( Dr. Andrew Weil), a handyman (Ty Pennington), a comedian (Robin Williams or Chonda Pierce) and a minister (Billy Graham).  I would take these people for what should be obvious reasons.

What is your thought on year round school?

My first instinct as a former teacher is to say no, no, no – I like my three reasons for teaching – June, July and August (off that is).  However, as a former sort of Nanny for a couple of young girls that attended year round school I’d have to say that the schedule is really not that bad.  All their breaks (three that were three weeks and one that was five weeks)  were spread out in such a way as to feel balanced and the time off was about the same as a traditional school year.  So, I could probably do that.  And, it is probably better for the children.

What is your most embarrassing potty story? 

I’m sure I have many…

What’s the temperature where you are?

Cold, we did have sunshine today  – I think earlier I heard  Mr. Piano say it was 55 – that was probably during the warmest part of the day.  I had the inside temp on 73 and was still bundled up in blankets while I read a book.

Are you a winter/spring/fall/summer person?

Definitely Fall – that was the main reason (and the heat) that I was glad to move away from Florida.  Have to have my October blue skies and fire leaves. Fall is also one of the main reasons that I miss my beloved Tennessee mountains.  Spring would be a close second, if I needed a second runner up.

PicMonkey Collage

So, there you have it.  Feel free to leave a comment and tell me some of your answers to these questions.  And please don’t feel free to make me one of your five people as obviously I didn’t choose you – I wanted you safe at home.  I still love you very much though!  However, if you choose Mr. Piano, then I go with, can’t do without him.

Surviving in Grace,

Sadie