August Book Club Selection

This morning we completed our July meeting for A shepherd looks at the 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller. We had 4 people in attendance but discussion was great. We all agreed that we are so thankful to be a sheep in our shepherd's care!

We also decided on the August Book Club Selection which will be Redemption by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley. This is Karen's first book in her Redemption series about the famous Baxter family. BUT the only requirement for August is the first book and it's up to you if you choose to continue with the series later. Don't worry it doesn't end in a cliff hanger! :) This book is inspirational Christian fiction and the author's address everyday real life issues. The book is 384 pages long. Here is what the back of the book tells us about this book:

A Betrayal: Kari Baxter Jacobs is furious, hurt, and confused. Her husband, Tim, a respected professor of journalism, is having an affair with a student. Stunned, Kari returns home to the Baxter family to sort things out. But when an old flame shows up, she is more confused than ever.

A Decision: How can Kari forgive her husband? And what about her own revived feelings for Ryan, a man she knows she should avoid? What remedy could possibly ease the pain?

A Hope: The gifted writing team of Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury brings us a profound story of redemption. A betrayal. A broken marriage. Will Kari ever love again? A story of love at all costs. (end quote)

I know that several at the church have read this series before but I also know many of you who haven't.I'm hoping more of you haven't! :) I read the book for the first time this past month and couldn't put it down! Remember we read a Karen Kingsbury book last year in September, One Tuesday Morning and you all seemed to love it. I hope that this month's book finds your favor as well. This book has a copy in our Church Library, local libraries and may be at the $5 book store. Kathy will let you know about a book order if needed for anyone.

Our August meeting will be Saturday August 28th at 8:30-10:00 in Swift's new building. Thanks so much for your participation!!! Remember I LOVE book suggestions and am here if you have any questions or need some other book ideas to read when you finish the monthly book. You can also check out the blog and see What other books I read and review as I try to find books for the club and for my own enjoyment. Check it out!

Happy Reading!

A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell

This week I finished reading the book, A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell. This book is about 384 pages of historical christian fiction although the Christian part of the description is quite downplayed. Here is a brief description of the book from Amazon:


"Born with the face of an angel, Marget Barnardsen is blessed. Her father is a knight, and now she is to be married to the Earl of Lytham. Her destiny is guaranteed ... at least, it would seem so. But when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget fears she's lost her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she'll do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and capture again the love of a man bound to the queen." (end quote)


This book historically takes place during the time of the first Queen Elizabeth's reign in England. This book was odd for me. It was compelling in the sense that it kept me wanting to turn the pages and see what happens next but at the same time it was lacking. Lots of parts felt repeating and then the end finished up so quickly that it left you wondering why the book took so long to get to the climatic point and then just end. I have to say it was quite interesting learning about the ways of beauty during that time and how it can certainly be compared to the lengths people will go to be accepted among their peers. All in all.. I can't say it was a bad read but I do question the overall structure and quick ending. I was torn as to whether have it as a book club selection or not and have decided not to read it at this time as a group. And whether you decide to pick it up or not, I do hope that you enjoy it as I know others have! To each their own! :) Happy Reading!

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

Recently I read the book, Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury. I was looking about for something for the book club and after a family member recommended this one I decided to check it out. Karen is the author of many many books and this is one of her stand alone titles. This is Christian life changing fiction and about 336 pages. Here is a description of the book:

"Sometimes hope lies somewhere in the shades of blue. Brad Cutler, twenty-eight, is a rising star at his New York ad agency, about to marry the girl of his dreams. Anyone would agree he has it all … a great career, a beautiful and loving fiancee, and a fairy tale life ahead of him—when memories of a high school girlfriend begin to torment him. Lost innocence and one very difficult choice flood his conscience, and he is no longer sure what the future will bring except for this: He must find his old love and make amends. Haunted by the past and confused about the future, he turns to God seeking forgiveness and redemption. Three people must work through the repercussions of a decision made long ago before any of them can look toward a new future." (end quote)

Spoiler alert... what I'm about to tell you tells you what the book offers healing from and I know it doesn't tell you in the description but feel like it's something you should know about going into it. This book deals with healing and forgiveness between a man and a woman that went through an abortion in their younger years. There are several great themes that the author incorporates into the book other than just that and it is a good read. I'm sure that if you or someone you know (man or woman) had been effected by an abortion that this book might help look at things differently and help them in their healing. Our book club won't be reading this at this time but still thought I would share with you in case you are interested! You can check out Karen's site here and see all the comments and reviews. Happy Reading!

June/July News

This past month we had our meeting on June 26th. We had 4 people in attendance and conversation was great! Everyone in our group agreed that they would recommend the book to others and were interested in reading other books by Deeanne Gist. One thing that was really neat about this author was that several of her books have Christian Book Club discussion guides ready for you! Click Here to check it out. The $5 book store in the outlet mall usually carries several of her books if you would like to read some others. And If you still would like to purchase this book or would want to purchase it for someone else, Kathy may still have one extra if someone hasn't snagged it yet!

Our July book as you already know is, A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller. At the meeting last month I noticed that there were 4 copies available in our church library as well. This is a very short book so it's not to late to pick it up and read it so you can attend our meeting! Our July meeting will be on Saturday, July 31st at 8:30 AM. I know since we are in the middle of Summer this could mean even less participation in the meetings but we are still going to keep going strong. The RSVP system has been working well so when you get your reminders before the meeting, I appreciate your reply. I hope you enjoy this month's book and have a great July! If you have any recommendations, please share them with me! Our June book was another pick from a book club member and we would love to have a pick from everyone! So keep telling me what you are reading! I need some books for the next few months! I hope to have the August book announcement out soon. Thank you so much for your continued participation!

Happy Reading!