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Monthly Archives: June 2019

National Parks and Historical Fiction

26 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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Ever Faithful, historical fiction, Karen Barnett, National Parks, Yellowstone

Ever Faithful

 

My husband and I have spent the last few years trying to see as many National Parks as possible with our kids. So far we have traveled to 23, including Yellowstone! I was so exited to learn about this book series by Karen Barnett. Barnett does a lovely job of writing about Yellowstone in a historical setting with interesting  details of the park. More than that, she tells a heartfelt story about two people from different places that are brought together through the park and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

As part of FDR’s New Deal, young men were paid to enlist in the CCC.  They traveled to many of our nations’s parks to improve their conditions. The parks benefited as did the young men who were previously without work. Barnett writes about a young man, Nate Webber, who enlists in the CCC and is assigned to Yellowstone.  It is there that he meets Elsie Brooks, a ranger’s daughter.  Nate and Elsie have a slow but steady relationship. Their story is believable, just a bit slow at times. This book begins with back story, and lots of details to help build the foundation for Nate and Elsie. There are also quite a few characters to get to know.  I found myself getting a little impatient with the plot, but I am glad I stuck with it!

Ever Faithful is an excellent read for anyone who loves historical fiction.  It is definitely appropriate for all age of reader from tween to adult. There is no language or inappropriate scenes.  I requested a copy of this book to review from the publisher based on the cover and the topic. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are my own.

The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker

04 Tuesday Jun 2019

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Food for thought, Reviewed Books

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book recommendations, Book Review, Lisa Jo Baker, The Middle Matters

The Middle Matters

 

“The middle is worth remembering while you are actually living it, because you won’t pass by this way again.” -Lisa-Jo Baker

I can clearly remember my dad’s over-the-hill party like it was yesterday. He turned 40 when I was in middle school. Now, I have a middle school son and I am staring 40 in the face. Lisa-Jo Baker’s new book, The Middle Matters, is the refreshment and encouragement I have needed! It is a reminder that this part of life is sweet, important, and can be just as fantastic as the 20’s felt.

I was first introduced to Lisa-Jo Baker on Instagram from another author’s mention. From there, I began to listen to her Out of the Ordinary podcast that she does with author Christy Purifoy. ( It is such an uplifting, cup-filling podcast! You should listen!) When Lisa-Jo announced she was releasing a book this year, I knew I had to have it! I was so right!

The Middle Matters is a collection of essays by Lisa-Jo about everyday, ordinary life. The book is divided into eight parts. There are essays about marriage, parenthood, faith, failures, body image, and friendship, Reading these essays is like sitting down with one of your closest friends and hearing their heart.  I feel like Lisa-Jo hits on so many things I have been feeling. The ordinary, everyday life stuff matters. Even in the middle.

I requested an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher. If I had not been selected to receive a copy, I would have bought it!! All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated in any way.

Recent Posts

  • Wonderful Historical Fiction
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  • The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker
  • What is the Next Right Thing?
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