• About

Pick Well

~ Just another WordPress.com site

Pick Well

Category Archives: Books I LOVE

So Close to Amazing~ KariAnne Wood

22 Tuesday Aug 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

book recommendations, Book Review, DIY, KariAnne Wood, So Close to Amazing, Thistlewoodfarms

so close to amazing

 

Hands down, this book was the most unexpected surprise of the summer. For starters, I had never actually heard of author, blogger, KariAnne Wood until I saw a friends repost of one of her Instagram posts. A few clicks later, I couldn’t wait to read her book. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew it would be fantastic, and I was right!

KariAnne Wood tells the story of her family’s move from Texas to Kentucky in So Close To Amazing. Her story is about their move, making new friends, and the renovation of a truly amazing farm-house that I am pretty sure I would like to buy! After reading So Close to Amazing, I am certain KariAnne and I would be best friends. She is hilarious, genuine, and an original. She is the kind of woman I admire.  Not only did I retell some of her stories to my husband so he could laugh too (about blueberry pancakes..and a pot roast), but I also found myself inspired to furnish my sparse house in more creative ways.

My list of favorite books from this year is unusually short this year, but So Close to Amazing definitely has a spot at the top.  It is unlike any book I have read and I absolutely loved it! You can find more from KariAnne Wood on her blog Thistlewoodfarms.com.  I requested a copy of KariAnne’s book from Tyndale House publishers. I was not required to give this book a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

24 Monday Jul 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Recently Read

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Best of 2017, Christian Historical Fiction, New Historical Fiction, Tamera Alexander, To Wager Her Hear

to wager her heart

 

Tamera Alexander is by far one of the best story tellers in historical fiction. Her attention to detail, realistic characters, and ability to convey genuine emotion make every novel she pens one that I will read over and over again. To Wager Her Heart is no exception. Like the two books that precede it, To Whisper Her Name and To Win Her Favor, I was captivated from the first chapter. I quickly became invested in the story of Alexandra Jamison and Sylas Rutledge.

Alexandra Jamison is a young woman who has known tragedy and loss. Looking for purpose, Alexandra takes on a teaching position at Fisk University and loses what is left of her family. She meets an undignified Sylas Rutledge who becomes an important friend despite her first impressions. I love the way this story unfolds! I so appreciate the way the relationship between Alexandra and Sylas develops.  I also enjoyed the history Tamera Alexander included regarding Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers. There is a moment in the beginning of the novel where Alexandra mistakes a generous colleague for a maid.  It was in that part of the story, that I began to appreciate how well Tamera Alexander creates flawed characters that we can fall in love with! I was literally embarrassed for the main character…I felt what she felt. This is the mark of a great novel.

If you love historical fiction, To Wager Her Heart is a must read!  I am admittedly a huge Tamera Alexander fan and I am always aware of when she has a new release coming out. I have read every single novel she has written and they are all fantastic. However, I must say, the Belle Meade Plantation Novels have been my favorite. You do not have to read them in sequential order as they easily stand alone. But you should definitely read the entire series! I was given an Advanced Reader’s Copy by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. ( I would have purchased this book anyway…it was on my MUST READ list.)

Fantastic Retelling of Sense and Sensibility!

01 Saturday Jul 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Best Fiction of 2017, Best reads of 2017, Hillary Manton Lodge, Jane Austen, Jane of Austin

Jane of Austen

 

This my friends is a Jane Austen retelling done well! One of my all time favorite Jane Austen novels is Sense and Sensibility.   Jane of Austin is a funny, interesting, and lovely rewrite by author Hillary Manton Lodge. Lodge does a masterful job weaving in the original story to her current day rendition. It is was so fun to catch all the moments that were from the original.  I think the best thing about this book, is that while it echoes the Jane Austen original, it has its own authentic wonderfulness.

I think sometimes when authors attempt to do a retelling, it goes south fast because they either missed what was great in the original, or they fail to make it their own in fear of butchering a classic.   Jane of Austin is none of the above. Author Hillary Manton Lodge tells the story of three sisters who lose everything and must leave their family home in San Francisco. Celia, Jane, and Margot Woodward move to Austin when a kind but exuberant relative offers them housing and a chance to start over.  In Austin, Jane meets the oh so handsome Sean Willis (see John Willoughby) who whisks her off her feet. We all know where relationships with a John Willoughby will take you. Even though I knew what was coming, I read late into the night just to be certain.

I really do hope that this novel makes its way into becoming a movie. I loved it and I can’t wait to pass my copy to a fellow Jane Austen enthusiast. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BloggingforBooks. I was not required to give a positive review and I have not been compensated in any way.

About the Author

Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.

Uncommon Summer Reading

25 Sunday Jun 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Carey Scott, faith, Summer Reading, Uncommon

Uncommon_3D_book

My gracious I love this new book by author Carey Scott! I love it because it challenges me everyday to live differently, to choose to live Uncommon. This book is a standout from the  white noise that can be Christian Living books. It is the perfect summer read for a mental reset and a refocusing of life in all areas. I highly recommend this book to any woman who feels like she is stuck and desperate for some encouragement.

deep_waters

Uncommon addresses many of the real struggles women face everyday: forgiveness, kindness, leadership, and courage. No matter where you are in your walk with God, there is something in this book for you. Author Carey Scott spends each chapter encouraging us to live uncommon. To be generous, forgiving, loving, kind and to have faith to name just a few of the topics she covers in this book. In each chapter you will find her personal reflection, stories from the Bible, scripture, a personal challenge, and a prayer.  I couldn’t have stumbled upon a better daily quiet time guide. It isn’t a Bible study, but you certainly could use it as one.

“No matter the mistakes you’ve made, the bridges you’ve burned, the moral failures you’ve committed, the painful words you’ve spewed, the hurtful things you have done… no matter your fears and insecurities, no matter your long list of excuses… with Jesus, you have all you need to be uncommon.”
Carey Scott #beUncommon

I first stumbled upon author Carey Scott on her blog, careyscott.org. I have always found her writing to be so practical and challenging. This new book releases in July, but it can be preordered now! You should check it out! Because I already knew and was confident in Carey Scott I requested an advanced copy of this book.  I was so excited to read it! I am so glad I did! I was not required to give this book a positive review and I was not compensated in any way.

hard

This post was inspired by the book Uncommon: Living a Life or Purpose and Pursuit by Carey Scott. Preorder and submit your receipt details at http://careyscott.org/uncommon/ by June 3oth to receive a PDF download of the Uncommon Companion Study Guide, exclusive access to Carey’s “Diving Deeper” video series and 5” x 7” printable of 10 Ways to Live Uncommon.

Lovely Summer Read!

28 Sunday May 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2017 Summer Reads, Celeste Fletcher McHale, Christian Fiction, fiction, Romance, The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories

Sweet Magnolias

After reading Celeste Fletcher McHale’s debut novel, The Secret to Hummingbird Cake,  I have been anxiously awaiting her next novel. If you have not read The Secret to Hummingbird Cake, you must! I recommended it to more friends last year than I can remember. This new novel by McHale is also a page turner and an excellent choice for summer reading.

I love the use and reference to the magnolia in this novel. The central character in this book, Jacey, is both strong and soft, much like the magnolia. Jacey suffered PTSD from an experience she had in the flood waters of the Mississippi.  She doesn’t want to remember the terrible day that her life was forever changed, but she also can’t forget.  Mostly, she can’t forget the man she spent three days with during the flood, Colin. They had an instant connection, but somehow in the turmoil of rescue, they lost one another. In this novel, Jacey and Colin try to find their way back to each other.

I enjoyed this book for its southern flair and interesting twists and turns.  Like any good book I read, I managed to finish in just a few late night binges. I didn’t love it quite as much as McHale’s first novel,  but I would definitely recommend it without hesitation. I would have loved a little more page time between Jacey and Colin. Other than that, this book is a must read! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and BookLookBloggers.  I was not required to give this book a positive. review. I have not been compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

 

Book Review: Sacred Privilege

07 Sunday May 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Kay Warren, Pastor Wife, Pastor Wife Resources, Revell Publishing, Sacred Privilege

Sacred Privilage

 

I knew I wanted to read this book the minute I saw the title and the author! Kay Warren is the wife of Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church.  I hold Rick and Kay Warren in high esteem because of the way they live out their lives and the way they have served the Lord in their years of ministry. Reading Sacred Privilege was like sitting with Kay Warren over coffee and asking her all of my burning questions about her life as a pastor’s wife. Fourteen years ago I married a pastor and I always appreciate wise counsel from a woman who has walked the road I am on and done so with grace.

This book is for wives of pastors of all distinctions. Kay Warren does not just write for the lead pastor’s wife, but to all pastor’s wives.  She has amazing wisdom to share! I enjoyed the entire book, but I had a few take aways that I will remember forever.

  • From Chapter 2: My husbands most valuable resource in ministry is me. Above everything else, I am vital to his work in ministry and visa versa.
  • From Chapter 6: I should not be afraid to use my own live as an example. My own struggles are meant to encourage others.
  • From Chapter 7: I need to nourish my own inner life. Warren uses an illustration from High Call, High Privilege by Gail MacDonald in this chapter.  He says, “Untended fires soon die and become a pile of ashes.” How true this is!  I cannot be of help to anyone if I have allowed my own fire to go out.
  • From Chapter 7:  I would also like a coffee mug that says Easy Like Sunday Morning. 
  • From Chapter 9: I should live the same in my private life as I do my public life. So good!

 

There is so much good stuff in this book! The five take aways I listed are the ones that really stood out to me. I honestly could have listed ten more. If there is a pastor’s wife in your life, consider getting this book for her. It would make a lovely mother’s day gift! I was given my copy by the publisher. I am passing it on to another pastor’s wife because I think it is that well written. Sacred Privilege is easily five stars! Kay Warren, thank you for barring your soul for all of us pastor’s wives. We so appreciate the encouragement, wisdom, advice, and love you put into every chapter.

My Pick for Mother’s Day

13 Thursday Apr 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Family, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Hands Free Mama, Mother's Day Gift, Only Love Today, Rachel Macy Stafford

Only Love Today

 

I absolutely love this book of daily readings from Rachel Macy Stafford, Only Love Today. Stafford is the author of Hands Free Mama and is perhaps the most in-touch voice I have heard lately in regards to life as a Mom and Wife. This book put simply is daily encouragement. Mother’s Day is coming, and this is the best gift you could give to any Mom.

To begin, this book is beautiful, which I realize isn’t essential….but it helps!! The title on the cover is like a giant sticky note gently reminding me to choose love. The book’s hard cover and bright colors invite me to pick it up and enjoy. Inside, you will find an undated daily reading. There are four sections to correspond with the four seasons. Each reading is short, most just a page. I literally can read each day in just a minute or two. There is no daily Bible scripture reading in these readings. Stafford references God in this book, but this book is not a daily devotional.

By far, my favorite thing about this book is the daily reminder to chill out! I am type A for sure, and I always have a to-do list running in the back of mind. I measure daily success by checkmarks, and while I accomplish a lot, I can leave a wake of hurry, stress, and anxiety behind me. Thank you Rachel Stafford for this wonderful book that is sure to encourage so many. It is clear that your heart and soul are in every page. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BookLookBloggers. I was not required to give a positive review, all opinions are my own, and I have not been compensated. As a book blogger, I only choose books I want to read. I was so right on this choice! I am excited to gift this book to a few of my Mom friends.

Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns

16 Thursday Mar 2017

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Grover Cleveland, Grover Cleveland Again, homeschool, Ken Burns, Learning the Presidents, Presidents, Presidents reference

61Jfhu+W2PL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_

 

I honestly can’t recall how I came to know about this wonderful book by Ken Burns. Burns is my favorite documentary film maker and historian. He has done some pretty amazing things with film including a series on the National Parks. Grover Cleveland, Again! is another fantastic work by Burns.

Ken Burns shares in this book that he use to run through the names of the Presidents with  his children at bedtime. He would say George, they would answer Washington. Burns would run through all of the Presidents in this way. Grover Cleveland was the only president to have ever been president for two non-consecutive terms. So when Burns would call out Grover the second time, his children would answer, Grover Cleveland, Again! I am playing the same game with my boys.

Usually on Mondays, we sit on the sofa before we begin school for the day and we read a new president. Burns writes a few paragraphs about each president along with some really fun facts, like the crazy pets they owned.

Grover Cleveland

It wasn’t so long ago that my son mentioned Martin Van Buren in passing… like it was no big deal. He remembers everything we read in this incredible book! I was a political science major in college, so I find this book absolutely essential for our home classroom. It gives a framework to history, and an understanding of democracy. I love that Burns reinforces the idea that anyone can be president.  He says:

Can you be president? If you born in the United States and are at least thirty-five years old, you can be president. It doesn’t matter if you weigh as much as William Howard Taft (332 pounds) or as little as James Madison (100 pounds). It doesn’t matter if you are as tall as Abraham Lincoln, who was six-foot four, or as short as James Madison (again!), who was five foot four. It doesn’t matter if you’re born really rich like Thomas Jefferson or really poor like Ulysses S. Grant……

He goes on to highlight Barack Obama who is black,  John F. Kennedy who was Catholic, Franklin D. Roosevelt who had polio, and Woodrow Wilson who was dyslexic. I love this book! It is so encouraging and inspiring. I am not reviewing this book for a publisher. I just adore it. For homeschooling parents this book is a must!

 

My New Favorite Cookbook and Skillet Strata!

13 Monday Mar 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Food, Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Molly Gilbert, One Pan Meals, Quick Dinner Ideas, Skillet Strata, What's for Dinner

One Pan and Done

 

I rely heavily on new cookbooks and food bloggers for dinner inspiration.  The monotony  of the same old meals is unbearable to me. At least once a week, I attempt something new to feed my people! One Pan & Done by author and food blogger Molly Gilbert is a pretty incredible resource for fantastic ideas that can be made in one pan…veggies and all.

This is a five-star cook book for its ease of use, variety of ideas, and full flavor offerings. The true test of a great cook book for me is the number of recipes I dog ear my first time flipping through the pages. I have quite a list of Molly’s recipes on my menu this week. Saturday morning I made her Skillet Strata. It was amazing to eat and beautiful to see. I would also add, this recipe for Skillet Strata was so easy to make and could be easily used as a base recipe. There are so many ways I could change this recipe and still be left with a delicious breakfast, brunch, or even lunch.

Here is what you need to make this lovely strata!

2 tablespoons evoo

12 ounces of maple breakfast sausage links cut into 1/2 thick slices

1 small onion, thinly sliced (I diced)

2 cups cremini mushrooms sliced

6 large eggs

1 cup whole milk or half-and-half ( I used 2% b/c that’s what I had on hand, worked great)

1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

4 cups 1-inch bread cubes (I used her suggestion of ciabatta)

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, about six ounces

10-inch iron skillet

Preheat oven to 400.

Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Make your life easy and chop everything before you get started. Once oil is shimmering, add sausage to pan and saute until well browned and cook through. Stir in onion and mushrooms to soften, about 7 minutes.

strata 1

While veggies cook, in a separate bowl,  whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, chives, and some salt and pepper. (again, do this before you get started to make it less stressful)

Add the cubed bread to the skillet in a single layer. and top with the cheese. Remove from heat and pour over egg mixture, distributing it evenly over the pan. Press the bread down with a spoon to help it soak up the mixture. (I sorta tossed the bread a little to get some of the sausage to the top to make my end product look as pretty as Molly’s.

strata 2

Transfer skillet to the oven and bake until the strata is browned, about 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle more chopped chives over strata and serve warm.

strata 3

This was really delicious!! I can highly recommend this recipe and the book! This week I am also making her Shepherd’s Pot Pie and her Oat and Date Breakfast Bars.I received a review copy of this book from BloggingforBooks. You can find more from Molly Gilbert at dunkandcrumble.com.

 

 

 

 

Billy Graham Devotional for Kids!

02 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Family, Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Baptisim gift, Billy Graham, Children's devotionals, Easter Basket gift, Easter basket idea, Hope for Each Day

hope

 

For awhile now I have been searching for a simple and user-friendly devotional to do with my kids in the morning before we start school each day. I love this new devotional for kids from Billy Graham! It is bright, sunny, and practical. It also gives a great entry point for children to begin a daily quiet time.

Hope for Each Day is a year-long devotional organized by month and day.  Each day includes a short memorable Bible Verses. The verses are mostly taken from the New King James, but also the Amplified Bible, the ESV, the Good News Translation, the International Children’s Bible, and other translations.  Following the verse is a short Bible story, lesson, or other story. These are just a few paragraphs long and would take no longer than three or four minutes to read.

The scripture for today, March 2, is “Lord, teach us to pray” take from the book of Luke 11:1.  This devotion is a challenge to pray and to do so daily, not just in times of trouble.  I love this book for its simple design and ease of use. It is appropriate for both boys and girls ages 5 to 10. Hope for Each Day would make a fantastic Easter basket addition, birthday, or baptism gift. I was going to gift my review copy, however I have decided to keep it because I want to use it with my two boys. I was given a review copy of this book by Booklookbloggers. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Recent Posts

  • Wonderful Historical Fiction
  • National Parks and Historical Fiction
  • The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker
  • What is the Next Right Thing?
  • Something New from Jocelyn Green

A Dog Named Dolly Parton Backyard Garden Books I LOVE Cleaning House Family Favorites Food Food for thought homeschool Out West Trip Recently Read Reviewed Books Saving Money Travel Uncategorized Virginia

Twitter Updates

  • RT @BethMooreLPM: I keep thinking how often we on this whirling orb of thorn, dust, wind and thistle live out the reality of “hurry up & wa… 2 months ago
  • This! All of it. #HeisstillLord twitter.com/BethMooreLPM/s… 2 months ago
  • RT @PatsyClairmont: Today may we not be weighed down by our weaknesses but may we be lifted and amazed by Christ’s grace. 3 months ago
  • RT @bobgoff: Hope doesn’t go to sleep just because it’s dark outside; it lights a candle and stays up waiting for the rest of the story. 3 months ago
  • RT @ImmanuelNash: To all who are weary and need rest... @rayortlund https://t.co/MiTpssmN8Y 4 months ago
Follow @jenpickwell

Archives

  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • February 2012
  • January 2011
  • October 2010

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 112 other followers

Follow Pick Well on WordPress.com

Goodreads

NetGalley

Blogging for Books

NetGalley

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy