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.
Gender
Book Review | A Mosaic of Wings
Bethany House, Books Review, Christian Fiction, Culture, Family, Gender, Historical Fiction, Novels, Romance, Writing SpotYou 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 SpotHave 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-careWhenever 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 SpotWhat 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.
Reading Wednesday|City of Lies
Books Review, Culture, Gender, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Novels, Writing SpotCity of Lies is one of the best books I have read in awhile. This historical mystery by Victoria Thompson, brings to life the struggles of suffergist women in the early 1900s.
Back to Work, a New Journey Begins
America, Culture, Family, Gender, Identity, Personal Thoughts, Personally, Teaching, The Family, Updates, Writing SpotThis 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.