{ Books read in March }

 

I am usually not consistent in keeping track of the books I have read, but this year, I seem to be devouring books faster than I can open them.  I have always been an avid reader, since I was a child, but life sometimes gets strange and I will go months and sometimes a year, without picking up a book.  It's sad!

 

However, this year, I have renewed or maybe refound my love for reading and have been loving it.  I have read 13 books so far this year, which is phenomenal for me, and I am not slowing down.

 

A big part of is the current mood I am in to read everything and anything that is Christian Fiction, Christian non fiction and Christian Biblical Fiction and there are so many good and new to me authors, that I do believe I will be in this phase for a long time, possibly the rest of the year.

 

So, let me just show tell you about the books I read in March.  I never used to do this on the blog, but it helps me keep track of what I'm reading and have read.

 

Christian Fiction:

 

  

Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor 

 

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented characters of the New Testament is Martha. Often painted in the colors of reproach, Martha seems to be the poster child for how not to be a follower of Jesus. From the mind of Diana Wallis Taylor comes this touching, well-researched portrayal of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus. Through Taylor's lush descriptions and inspired combination of imagined and recorded dialogue, Martha's world--her trials, triumphs, and loves--vibrantly comes to life. Follow Martha as she is jilted by her betrothed, falls in love with a Roman soldier, grieves the death of her father, cares for her siblings, and serves her Lord with dignity and grace. Readers will never read the biblical story of Martha the same way again.

 

 

Lisbon by Valerie Sherwood

 

 

As this sprawling, frothy romance set in 18th-century England and Portugal opens, orphaned 15-year-old Charlotte Vayle falls in love with dashing young adventurer Tom Westig. It is the day when "she first realized what it could be like between a man and a woman." When Charlotte learns that her profligate uncle plans to pay his debts by marrying her off to foppish Lord Pimmerston, she and Westig make a dash for Scotland (where they can be legally wed), but are intercepted by her uncle's men, who throw Tom off a cliff, presumably to his death. Charlotte is then tricked into marriage with the violent, mysterious but sexually charismatic Rowan Keynes and bears him two daughters, the elder closely resembling Tom Westig. Charlotte and Tom meet again in Lisbon but are found out by Keynes; Charlotte is abandoned and Tom, presumably, put to death again. After following the lives of Charlotte's daughters in England, the narrative brings the entire cast to Lisbon for the denouement.

 

 

 

 

A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson

 

Born into affluence, Mia Stanley is a winsome socialite with a knack for matchmaking. She's also a writer for Godey's Lady's Book magazine, much to the disdain of her family--and their society friends. A proper young lady of her social standing isn't meant to labor in such a way, but Mia has always had a way with words...

When her writing draws her into the world of downtrodden seamen's wives on Philadelphia's docks, Mia uncovers a scheme that puts her in harm's way. But her heart ends up on the line as well...Has her determination to always make a match driven away the one man whose esteem she covets? 

 

 

 

Christian Non Fiction:

 

 

The Faith to Flourish by Christine Caine

 

Sometimes it feels like hardships and struggles are endless. Like a new storm is always brewing on the horizon. You face challenging circumstances, strained relationships, or shattered dreams. And the weight of it all can feel crushing. You simply long for rest. But how can you flourish when you feel like you can barely breathe from it all?

 

In The Faith to Flourish, Christine shows you that it's possible to thrive in every season of life—including the hardest ones—by grounding yourself in God's truth and activating the peace, resilience, and purpose he gives you. Using the biblical symbolism of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, Christine unpacks how you can.

 

 

 

 

 And She Got Up by Courtney Pray Duke

 

Have you found yourself wondering, Will I ever be able to make sense of the disappointments and disasters I've endured? Can I trust God with my pain? Will my life ever be restored? Perhaps you've done everything you can to rebuild the ruins of your life, but true restoration still seems so far off, if not impossible. And She Got Up is a firsthand account of being knocked down by tragedy and loss while relying on the power and presence of Jesus to rise and heal.

After being widowed at twenty-nine, Courtney Pray Duke found herself lying next to her husband's grave feeling like she couldn't go on. But she had three young kids who needed her and a faithful God who she knew could do anything.

 

 

The Divine Counselor by Alex Seeley

 

At a time when many feel anxious and discouraged, the idea of living whole, healed, and empowered sounds wonderful--but often out of reach. Counseling, self-help books, and podcasts seem to offer temporary relief, but what about life-changing transformation?

 

In The Divine Counselor, Pastor Alex Seeley introduces readers to the best therapist they'll ever meet: the Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

I am usually not a huge non fiction book reader, I have to be in the mood for those, but I have enjoyed the three that I have read this past month of March.  

 

The Christian fiction ones were amazing, both the Martha biblical fiction and Tracie Peterson's book which is the first in her Ladies of High Regard trilogy.  

 

The third book however, is not Christian and certainly not a clean read, it doesn't have a lot of spice or smut, but it definitely had some kissing and other nonsense going on.  I did not know that it would have that, and while I am not a prude, it's something I am choosing not to read right now, so while the story itself was wonderful and it was the usual typical romance book, it's not something I would recommend if you are not into clean reading stories.

 

With that said, I don't regret reading it, I really enjoyed it, but yes, I am definitely sticking with the clean, no spice Christian fiction books and I am just loving all the new to me authors.