I Can Do Hard Things with God (Ganel-Lyn Condie)

Why I have this book: I recently purchased it because it looked good.

I really liked this book. I admit the first story had a part that was difficult for me to read (although others might not be bothered by it), but I tried to put it into a frame that I could understand and that helped.

Each chapter was written by a different author, and each described their journey through a particular trial and how their relationship with God sustained them.

I liked that most of them didn't sugar coat how difficult it was. I liked that they pointed out the things that people said that weren't helpful. One author was somewhat sarcastic, and I liked that, too. It was good to hear the honest emotions behind the "I'm fine" and the distance we often keep when we are hurting.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants some perspective on life and anyone who wants to read about hope in action.

Clean.

Lost Melody (Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith)

Why I have this book: It was deep in the archives on my Kindle. I'm guessing I got it when it was up on a discount (or maybe even free.)

I felt compelled to keep reading this book to find out what big thing was going to happen. I knew it was coming and I was curious to know what happened. Then it happened and I was like, "Oh."

But "curious" is different than really caring, and I never really cared that much about anyone in the book, except maybe the mom and grandma. I even read the alternate ending on the website, because I was curious again. Haha. The ending that was published was much better, but either way, I'm still not sure the point of the story. The whole "dream" stuff was just weird to me, especially because I just don't see the moral of the story.

Anyway, that's about all I can say.

Clean.

Francesca's Kitchen (Peter Pezzelli)

Why I have this book: It had been on my Wish List for quite a while, then it came up on Book Bub. I bought it for only $2.51. :)

I really enjoyed this book about a widowed Italian grandma who takes on a nanny/babysitter position. It was kind of predictable at the end, but it was such a fun read along the way. I thought Mr. Pezzelli did a great job being the voice of the women in this novel.

This is the second book by the author that I've read. I'll read more, for sure.

Clean, although the characters use the Lord's name on occasion as an exclamation of emotion. There is a scene where it is implied that an unmarried couple spends the night together.

A Spool of Blue Thread (Anne Tyler)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library… mostly because I liked the cover. You might think it ties into a quilting series, kind of like, say, "Cobble Court Quilts," but you would be wrong. There is no quilting in this book. There's not even much sewing.

In any case, I'm not sure what to say. I liked it, and it kept my interest… but I'm not really sure what it was about. I mean, it was about a family, but it didn't seem to have a specific storyline. And I really was perplexed and a little bothered by the ending.

But Anne Tyler books tend to be a little on the quirky side, so if you like her other books, you would probably like this one, too.

There was some occasional swearing and one couple in the book had some risqué moments... but nothing graphic and those parts were mostly awkward-like. Haha...