What's on My Nightstand? {September 2013}

It's the fourth Tuesday of the month, so it's time to check in to see what everyone is reading with What's on Your Nightstand at 5 Minutes for Books.

I feel like I didn't read much this month, likely because I spent much of the month in the same non-fiction title of Bonhoeffer.  But, really, I did okay.  This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.

Non-Fiction
Glimpses of Graceby Gloria Furman.  (Linked to full review.)  This is a book that encourages women and moms to go after Jesus especially in the craziness of life.  I did like it.


Ever After: Life Lessons Learned in My Castle of Chaos, by Vicki Courtney.  This was a gift on my Kindle.  And oh, my!  I loved it!  I have so much highlighted.  Vicki writes about the happily-ever-after expectations of marriage...and the realism of life!  I like her candid and honest approach, focus on Jesus, and good writing.  I definitely highly recommend this!  Read Bluerose's Heart full review.  This will be a favorite of the year!

Fiction
Whispers from the Shadows, by Roseanna M. White.  I finished this book in record time.  Not only did it captivate my interest from the get-go, but I set aside some laundry and other household chores to do it.  As book 2 in The Culper Ring Series (though there is another free e-book novella in between), I definitely enjoyed meeting the children of the main characters from the first book.  Set in 1812, two countries at war...when a British general sends his daughter away to Annopolis for her safety mysteries abound.  Though a romance, there were plenty of mysteries in this book, along with twists and turns that I was riveted!  Definitely recommend this Christian fiction title.  (Book 1 Ring of Secrets review.)  This was definitely my favorite fiction read of the month.  Such fun!

Horten's Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery, and Another Very Strange Adventure, by Lissa Evans.  This was the follow-up book to Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms (linked to thoughts).  As far as children's books go, these are great.  Full of fun and adventure!  As I said before, fans of the Mysterious Benedict Society will enjoy this, though significantly shorter!

The Trumpet of the Swan, by E.B. White.  I'll begin by stating that I think Charlotte's Web is an incredible piece of children's literature.  I also really like Stuart Little.  This?  Didn't care for.  Someone, please tell me how much you loved it, because I just found myself annoyed by so much of it!  The story is that a trumpeter swan, Louis, who is born without a voice.  (Being that Big Sister didn't talk until she was basically three, I would have thought I'd like it...)  That is where I stop enjoying the story.  Sorry...

On Audio
The Tenth City: The Land of Elyon Book 3, by Patrick Carman.  This book (like the series) was a bit intense at times.  Definitely recommend this action packed adventure!  (Currently available at Amazon in hardcover for less than $5!)
Still Listening...
Riven, by Jerry B. Jenkins.  I can't say I love this book, but I do like it.  The writing style is a bit slower...not gripping, instead we get to know the two main characters, both who have their own faults and live in different worlds.  I forget who recommended this.  (Was it you??  Let me know!)  I have listened to about 6 hours of story so far and it's just beginning!

Still reading...
Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life by Stephen J Nichols.

Up next...
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin, recommended by a friend.

~ Annette {This Simple Mom}
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing an item through a link, I will earn a small percentage. Thank you!

10 comments

  1. You read a lot!
    We read Trumpet of the Swan back in 2009 and since then have enjoyed the audiobook. Here's my review: http://www.hopeisthewordblog.com/2009/08/27/read-aloud-thursday-the-trumpet-of-the-swan-by-e-b-white/

    I'm reading the Metaxas Bonhoeffer bio now!

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  2. Glimpses of Grace sounds good. I'd heard others liked it as well. But you have me more interested in Ever After so I just got the sample sent to my Kindle. :)

    I'll look forward to what you think about Everyday Talk. Love the title and subject.

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  3. Ever After definitely sounds intriguing. Have you read "What Did You Expect?" I thought that one was awesome. Along the same lines.

    Everyone is reading Bonhoeffer this month it seems! (Awesome.)

    You DO read a lot. I like that. :)

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  4. I hadn't heard of Ever After but Vicki Courtney sure sounds familiar. I just skimmed through her books on her site, but I haven't read any of them. I am wondering if she used to write for magazines.

    Looks to me like you got quite a bit read.

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  5. I have been wanting to get a Bonhoeffer book in. Hopefully next year. I sure need Glimpses of Grace, sounds so comforting! *sigh*

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  6. Nice list! Trumpet of the Swan was a 'meh for me too but my daughter liked it. I loved The Westing Game when I was a kid!

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  7. I also enjoyed Ever After, and we LOVE the Horten books

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  8. :) I guess it just feels like I didn't read much since I have spent so much time in Bonhoeffer in the past two weeks...and started it long before that!

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  9. Ever After looks like a great read.

    In our house we loved Charlotte's Web, thought The Trumpet of the Swan was okay, and detested Stuart Little! Charlotte's Web is definitely E.B. White's best book.

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  10. Yay! I'm so glad you liked Ever After! :D

    You did much better with your reading last month than I did! I've got to focus! ;)

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