Book Review | Different Like Me

Books Review, Children's Fiction, Chronic Illness, Culture, Family, Gender, God's Character, Identity, Picture Book, Writing Spot

With it being a holiday weekend and one usually spent with family while enjoying the last days of summer, reviewing a children’s picture book seemed like the perfect book review post for today. Different Like Me is written by Xochitl Dixon and illustrated by Bonnie Lui.

Book Review | A Mosaic of Wings

Bethany House, Books Review, Christian Fiction, Culture, Family, Gender, Historical Fiction, Novels, Romance, Writing Spot

You need to read A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy. Yes, it’s fiction. Yes, it’s historical. Yes, it’s Christian. You should still read it. And here’s why….

Reading Wednesday | Daughter of Rome

Bible, Biblical Fiction, Books Review, Culture, Gender, Historical Fiction, NetGalley, Novels, Writing Spot

Have you heard of Priscilla and Aquila? If you’ve read the Book of Acts in the Bible, you’ll recognize their names since they’re a couple who worked with the Apostle Paul. Something notable about these two is that Priscilla is not only listed alongside her husband, but listed first, which is nearly unheard of in a highly patriarchal society. With this background, I couldn’t wait to read Tessa Afshar’s historical novel, Daughter of Rome, featuring Priscilla and Aquila.

Make it Monday | Santa Lucia

Activity, Bible, Chronic Illness, Culture, Foods, Gender, General, Holidays, Make it Monday, Personal Thoughts, Recipes, Seasons, Self-care

Whenever I say, ‘Santa Lucia,’ I can’t help picturing – and, frankly, hearing – Don Knots attempting to sing the traditional Italian song as Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show. So many other, better singers have recorded it, but for some reason, Knots’ is the version that sticks in my head.

However, that was not my first interaction with the celebration known as the Feast Day of St. Lucy. I first learned about the primarily Swedish holiday from Kristen’s Surprise, one of the books in Kristen’s American Girl series. Being part Swede and part Italian myself, Santa Lucia Day has become a holiday that fascinates me.

Reading Wednesday | City of Secrets

Books Review, Cozy Mystery, Culture, Gender, Historical Fiction, Writing Spot

What is justice and can it only be accomplished through the rule of law? City of Secrets, the second book of Victoria Thompson’s newest historical fiction series, A Counterfeit Lady, explores this concept when a widow discovers she’s unexpectedly penniless.

Back to Work, a New Journey Begins

America, Culture, Family, Gender, Identity, Personal Thoughts, Personally, Teaching, The Family, Updates, Writing Spot

This past week, I returned to work after my maternity leave. It’s a juggling act, as all moms know, but I love my job and I’m excited to be back at it. With being a working mom fresh on my plate, I thought I’d write down a few thoughts on the subject.