When Choosing Fiction, Don’t Settle for Less

To borrow and repurpose a related quote: The book you want exists. Don’t settle until you find it. It’s fun to browse around the library's “New and Notable” shelves. I read plenty of classic fiction so I appreciate it when others recommend new novels and authors. But I have noticed something in the past five … Continue reading When Choosing Fiction, Don’t Settle for Less →

Valentine’s Day Toss-up: Something old, something new

With all the romance novels out there, it's hard to know where the good quality reads are. So here are some recommendations of clean, well-written romance novels I've read over the past couple years. Some are set in past history, others are set in present day, and one is both!   Falling for June by Ryan … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Toss-up: Something old, something new →

A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson

What a joy to know that this 1885 book is still current, and still bringing the same wonder and delight to new generations of children--and adults!   A Child's Garden of Verses is my VERY favorite children's book ...as evidenced by the fact that I have 3 versions of it. It is the author's imagination … Continue reading A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson →

Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter

In 1894, a publisher held a writing competition to obtain the best manuscript that would inspire a child’s Christian faith. Florence Kingsley submitted her manuscript for Titus: A Comrade of the Cross and won the $1,000 award. In six weeks, 200,000 copies had been printed to meet demand. The story is about a young boy … Continue reading Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter →

Valentine’s Day Romance – The Naturalist by Christina Dudley

Most Valentine's Days, I've reviewed a favorite romance. As far as I am concerned, Jane Austen, Rosamunde Pilcher and Georgette Heyer are by far the most reliable authors for a quality, wholesome romance novel. But I have discovered a new author of great talent, Christina Dudley! I still haven't figured out how I even ran … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Romance – The Naturalist by Christina Dudley →

Faulkner’s Favorite – Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes

I regularly recommend this novel as one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the pleasure of this story! Actually, the full title of the novel is El Ingenioso Hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha (The Ingenious Low-Born Noble Don Quixote of La Mancha). And, apparently, … Continue reading Faulkner’s Favorite – Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes →

Positive, uplifting, and humorous reads

I've just realized how much time I spend looking for good, upbeat, contemporary fiction. My friend said she doesn't want to read depressing books and did I have any to recommend, so I browsed my yearly lists of books read for happy fiction. I was surprised at how many serious titles were on there and … Continue reading Positive, uplifting, and humorous reads →