Grace Livingston Hill

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)

31:20,21 – the Weekend is for Reading

~ Teresa ~ 1 Comment

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” 
― Marcus Tullius Cicero

I believe that rooms are helped by a good book.  Readers are helped even more. Below is the Book Hutch that found me and so beautifully houses many of my books.

I love books.  I  have lots of books.  They have been moved several times, which is how I know I have lots of books. The hutch in the above picture is now crammed full of books and I have one other cupboard and three shelves that all house mostly books.  I have a table in my living room that holds books and magazines and there are usually a few books laying on the ottoman.  These are the one’s that have been most recently picked up.

 I tend to read several books at a time.  Some I finish in a day or two, others I read over a period of time.  I may spend an evening reading most of a book, then when I’m down to the last chapter or section, it may rest for a while before I finish it.  Some books I will read off and on over a period of several months or even years, depending on the type of book.  The bottom line is I love to read, but I don’t read enough.  And I always am reading multiple books.

I am currently in a relationship with at least 13-15 books and am considering a couple more.  Does this make me fickle?  I think not.  Actually, it makes me faithful.  A faithful reader.  Reading feeds the mind and the soul, and it inspires me.  As a writer, I need to read what others have written.  I need to explore and grow.  Writers should be reading.  Always.

I think I will find some quiet time this weekend to read a book or two.  Currently, there are, in addition to my Bible and Sunday School book, One magazine, five books in progress and one in waiting on my ottoman. (I’ll save the table for later) These represent the most recent, or ongoing reads.  I will share those with you:

1.  Mere Christianity by CS Lewis – I was interrupted on page 164, of 227, so need to get this one finished.  This book was on my shelf for several years and I recently decided I should read it.  A powerful book.

2.  Writing Down The Bones by Natalie Goldberg – I’ve been reading this one for awhile – it is a great book for writers and a book that can be read in short spurts.

3.  Grace For The Good Girl by Emily Freeman – recently bought this book on Amazon and am loving it.

4.  Where Two Ways Met by Grace Livingston Hill – GLH wrote several Christian based romance novels.  I grew up reading her novels, as they were pretty much the only one’s approved by my mother.  I always wanted to be a GLH girl.

5.  Jesus Calling by Sarah Young – I found this book in July and have been reading it (not every day).  I find that the days I read from this book, the topic is exactly what I need for that day.

6.  Grace by Max Lucado – I have not started this one yet, but am going to soon.  I purchased it at the same time I purchased Grace For The Good Girl – I’m sensing a theme here.

7.  The magazine is HGTV magazine – the October / November 2012 issue.  I love decor magazines and books.

I also have a kindle (gift from an office Christmas party – I actually prefer the book in my hand).  On my kindle I am reading Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. I also read The Writers Manifesto by Jeff Goins on my kindle.

As you can see I read on a variety of topics and all at once.  It is messy but oh so rewarding.  I really must go now and answer the call of the read!

Reading in Grace,

Sadie