M A R C H ♥ book club chat & A P R I L ♥ book choice

Welcome to our March book club gathering, reader friends!

Oh, I so enjoyed this book and I'm delighted to be here today and share some of the reasons why...

This was one of those books that greatly appealed to me for several reasons. From the bookshop setting to the World War II time period to the many recommendations I'd seen online from some trusted sources, I felt fairly certain that this was a story that I'd like. (I was right!) Everything about this book was right up my alley, and I'm happy to say that it won't be my last Madeline Martin book I pick up to read. 

I adored our main character, Grace. She was a kind-hearted, genuine, sincere person whose story you were immediately drawn into. I loved how much she cared for Mrs. Weatherford, her mother's friend who had warmly invited her and her friend, Viv, to come live with her and work in London. Whilst in London, Grace gets a job at a small bookshop, with much thanks to Mrs. Weatherford. There she meets Mr. Evans, as he is the owner of Primrose Hill Books. While their relationship started out a bit rocky, as Mr. Evans was not the slightest bit keen on having an assistant working for him, I loved the way their relationship turned into a very sweet one...he became a sort of father figure that Grace had never had and the way they both protected and looked out for one another was a favorite part of the story for me.

The story was obviously set at the start of World War II, and there was much change going on during that time...rations beginning to take place, nightly blackouts, young men being sent off to train and fight, air raid sirens going off every night as people sleepily, but anxiously, made their way to the shelters, and even for Grace, taking a volunteer position many evenings with her ARP duties. I felt in many ways like I was a fly on the wall as Madeline Martin wrote so descriptively and in a way that made things real. You know, it wasn't all that long ago, in the grand scheme of things, when these events in history took place, and sometimes it can seem unreal that people actually lived through such realities. This story shared those realities, and even heartbreaking events that the characters had to go through, in a way that felt approachable. I'm certain Ms. Martin did a ton of research on this time period, and yet, she didn't make it feel weighed down with historical facts...she truly told a beautifully touching story and made that time period come to life on the pages of her book. I loved her storytelling style!

And while this book did deal with heavier situations and events that come with wartime, I felt this story was well balanced with coziness, a bit of humor here and there, heartwarming moments, and plenty of English charm. I very much loved this story and couldn't put it down. I found myself each day sharing bits from what I had read and what "my characters" were up to with my mom and sister, though not giving spoilers because my sister wants to read this one very soon, too. That, for me, is a true sign that the story is one that I'm loving.

 

If you read along with me, I'd love to hear what you loved about The Last Bookshop in London. Please feel free to share a comment with your thoughts. ♥

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And now for April's book choice...

Last August, I chose The Tale of Despereaux for my book club monthly selection. This was before I made the decision to choose books that I had previously read and loved or read the month prior to the book club. That August book choice made me realize that I needed to make that change to my book club in order to ensure I chose well. You can go back to August's book club discussion post for all my thoughts, but in short, I was incredibly disturbed and disappointed by the story. I've been thinking, though, that I really want to share a true favorite middle-grade story with you all in my book club. So for April, I've chosen one my most beloved books and stories...

Because of Winn-Dixie

by Kate DiCamillo

(Yes, she also wrote Despereaux, but I can confidently assure you that this story is nothing like that disturbing, horrendous tale...this is one that will warm your heart to no end.)

This book found me when I was eleven years old, sitting in an old school room, dressed in a very uncomfortable plaid uniform skirt and button-down Oxford shirt with a sweater vest over it. I was very lonely that school year and experiencing bullies left and right, from adults and fellow students alike, and this story was my comfort and companion during those lonely school days. Shortly after, that summer, I watched the movie, and the story was brought to life. It, too, immediately became a favorite that I still adore to this day, nearly two decades later. And I am so delighted to read this story along with you in April.

About the book:

The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket—and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she dubs Winn-Dixie. Because of Winn-Dixie, the preacher tells Opal ten things about her absent mother, one for each year Opal has been alive. Winn-Dixie is better at making friends than anyone Opal has ever known, and together they meet the local librarian, Miss Franny Block, who once fought off a bear with a copy of WAR AND PEACE. They meet Gloria Dump, who is nearly blind but sees with her heart, and Otis, an ex-con who sets the animals in his pet shop loose after hours, then lulls them with his guitar.

Opal spends all that sweet summer collecting stories about her new friends and thinking about her mother. But because of Winn-Dixie or perhaps because she has grown, Opal learns to let go, just a little, and that friendship—and forgiveness—can sneak up on you like a sudden summer storm.

I believe this book should be quite easy to locate at your local libraries, but, as always, if you want to purchase a copy to add to your personal collection, AbeBooks is my go-to. You can check out some really great deals here.

The discussion for April's book club will be on Thursday, April 24th. And I'll also be sharing May's book choice that day as well.

I do so hope that you'll join me in reading this most charming, heartwarming story...

happy reading!

when springtime arrives . . .

Spring has arrived in her fullest glory! The air smells so fresh and new and bright. Days seem to make little patterns with rainfall and sunshine, and the nights are sweet and gentle. Bumblebees are buzzing about, and the delightful sound of birdsong can be heard even through the windows early in the morning. Daffodils and tulips courageously push through the soil and bring with them the cheer of color and life as they seek to deliver hope to the earth. Our wisteria is growing wild and free and is entangled along the fence. Redbud trees are bursting forth with soft purplish blossoms and the dogwoods are soon to bloom. Azaleas are shining with a myriad of colors making a rainbow of flowers in gardens all around town. Springtime has truly returned. And the earth has awakened from her long winter slumber.

A daffodil pushing up through the dark earth to the spring, knowing somehow deep in its roots that spring and light and sunshine will come, has more courage and more knowledge of the value of life than any human being I've ever met.
~Madeleine L'Engle

As I ponder the craziness and oftentimes, heaviness of the world, I am reminded once again of the gift of our earth's seasons. After a long, grey winter, the sight of bright yellow daffodils was the first thing to signify that spring was on her merry way. She would soon be back for yet another year of splendour and beauty. 

It is my belief that the earth holds many secrets and lessons for us, if only we slow down, still ourselves and listen to her ancient wisdom. I believe that each season holds gifts, too many to count, and we need to notice them. Our senses allow us to experience these gifts in abundant ways. From seeing the gentle snowfall in wintertime to spring's plethora of colorful blossoms to summer's lush green meadows and finally the way autumn's leaves rustle in the wind and dance in the streets. We smell the air right before a spring rain and honeysuckle on a warm summer morning, cinnamon wafting from the kitchen in autumn and the scent of firewood lingering in the air on a frigid winter's eve. We can touch icicles hanging off our homes in January and feel the softness of a lamb's ear in the spring, the smooth tree trunk of a crepe myrtle in August, and the crinkle of an autumn leaf in October. Our tastebuds get quite the treat when watermelon and tomatoes and peaches are in season come midsummer and spring's Easter feast brings forth a delicious ham and sweet potatoes and perhaps a lovely dessert to go with. Autumn boasts in delicious spices that make bread baking extra special, especially when paired with a cup of steaming herbal tea, and winter allows us to savour comfort foods a bit more as stews and soups are on the menu each week. Finally, the sounds of the season...rain trickling gently down the window in springtime and the loud crash of thunder in summer, autumn's crunchy leaves underfoot as we walk paths or trails and winter's crackling firewood bringing warmth and coziness to the home.

Seasons are one of those magical gifts if you ask me. I believe that the seasons are teachers there to inspire imagination and instill wonder within us. To create a lasting hunger for beauty that can never be fully quenched, no matter how beautiful something is. A desire to walk in tune with earth's seasonal rhythms is a good, good thing. Dare I even say a wise thing. Living seasonally is one of the secrets to the abundant life. When we seek to live in harmony with the earth, journeying with her and being for her instead of against her, a peaceful life comes as a result.  

When we purpose to live slower and cherish simple ways, we are given a much grander gift than we ever deemed possible. Peace. Calm. Purpose. Value. Love. Kindness. Gentleness. Grace. Beauty. Joy. Happiness.

The seasons also invite us into a world of wonder and magical bliss. The whole world is creeping with enchantedness, but we are so blind to even notice it. How often do we even stop to smell the roses anyway? How many times do we just rush about our days, hurrying off here and there, caught up completely in the hustle and bustle the world calls success and the good life and the "American dream"? I submit to you that there is a better way of life. A much richer life, a more meaningful life, a life full of value and purpose and goodness and beauty that overflows beyond your wildest imagination. Sometimes you just need to wipe your eyes a bit, attune your senses more carefully and just be still for crying out loud. Then you can notice. Really, truly notice.

Mary Oliver offers wise advice on such a life...

Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.

May we be people who notice and truly see the goodness of the earth's splendour and beauty. May we walk in harmony with her seasonal rhythms, learning from her wisdom and stories along the journey. May we make small, simple steps each day toward a more meaningful life...embracing slowness, quietness, hiddenness, for the earth does not do things quickly, nor does she do them loudly or with great fanfare. Everything in nature gets accomplished in just the perfect time, and everything is made beautiful in its time. May we take heed to that and live by that example.

Bless you, dear friends! I hope your week is lovely!

♥

some delightful things & hints of springtime

♥ reading some really great books...especially out in the fresh air and sunshine

One of the ways I've been nurturing myself is by reading really good books. I've been fortunate that all the books I've been picking up lately have all been so enjoyable. My March has been spent mostly reading middle grade stories as well as beginning a brick of a book, coming in at 977 pages. I've decided that instead of being overwhelmed by the length of the book and having it sit on my shelf forever, I would just read a few pages here and there and make bits of progress on it each day. I've especially been enjoying sitting outside in the shady goodness of our trees and reading some of my book. And another *huge* way I've been nurturing myself this month is by reading some lovely picture books. I'll be sharing more about my newfound favorites soon!

♥ the tiny buds poking through on our red bud tree and seeing daffodils beginning to bloom in our yard

I peeked out my window one afternoon, and there they were. Tiny violet-colored buds just beginning to poke through the tree branches. It's a yearly tradition for me to take my camera outside and have some picture-taking-fun once its fully in bloom, which shouldn't be too long now. We've also spotted tiny buttery daffodils in our yard as well as some random grape hyacinths. I'm also eagerly anticipating the periwinkle that grows in our ivy patches. 

♥ the gentle return of sandal-wearing season

We're having more days that call for sandal wearing, and that makes me so happy. There's nothing quite like a pair of six-year-old sandals that are so worn-in in all the right places that makes them feel like slippers. I am one person who wears my shoes out until they literally fall off my feet...I love that comfortable, worn in, familiar feel.

♥ making book lists

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been finding tremendous delight in making book lists. For so long, I had a tendency to see a book that sounded interesting to me and I'd either write down the title in a random notebook or on a scrap of paper or even take a screenshot of the cover with my phone. Then the titles would get lost in my phone photo album or in random notebooks and whatnot. Last spring, I made a little journal from a spiral notebook I got from Dollar Tree. In it I wrote out lists of all the books written by authors that I've either enjoyed or want to try out sometime. I then went through and added a little dot next to each title I owned, in order to make sure I didn't purchase it twice. And I went through a second time highlighting all the titles I've already read. This has been hugely helpful in organizing my many book lists.

A couple weeks ago, as I was watching a bookish video on YouTube, and was writing down a few titles that were recommended, it occurred to me that it would be awfully handy to have book lists of recommendations from bookish YouTubers that I enjoy watching. I only watch a couple channels regularly, with a few more as random watches here and there. I have been so enjoying spending some time in my evenings going through a few YouTube channels' backlog of videos and making some lovely book lists. I've already reserved a handful (or two!) of titles from my library from these recommendations. My lists include some wonderful recommendations from Amy of Hearth Ridge, Miranda Mills' List of Ultimate Comfort Reads (even though I really don't watch her channel anymore), and Kate Howe's 100 Life-Softening Books. So, needless to say, I've got a long list of recommendations to refer to, and best of all, they're all in one place and in some order, too.

♥ natural sunlight coming through the windows

I don't care what the weather is, I just love having natural light come through my windows. Open the curtains and let nature show her beauty, I say! But, I'll admit that the evening golden sunlight streaming in through the kitchen windows whilst I'm cooking dinner or washing dishes has been awfully wonderful. It just feeds my soul! It's not too bright and certainly not hot yet, but the golden hues are so lifegiving. It also doesn't hurt that I've been playing my favorite film scores nonstop in the kitchen, so it creates a mood and vibe that is perfection.

a collection of irish favorites for st. paddy's day ☘️🌈☘️

A beautiful morning to you, lovely readers! As St. Paddy's Day is on Monday, it has become a yearly tradition of sorts for me to share a post of Irish goodness. As you may probably well know, Ireland is a favorite place of mine, and one that holds many special memories for me as well. There is a very special place in my heart for the Emerald Isle, for so many reasons. Today I have decided to share a collection of Irish favorites. I hope you'll join me for this little celebration and maybe after you've read this post, you'll put on some Irish music and let it whisk you away to the land of green hills, ribbon roads, and the wild Atlantic coast.

{{Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, July 2016}}

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five favorite irish albums to listen to . . . 

While it was a challenge for me to pick *just* five albums from my favorite Irish singers to recommend, I did it! Here they are...

The High Kings ♥ The Road Not Taken

Celtic Thunder ♥ Odyssey

Orla Fallon ♥ My Land

Cuig ♥ New Landscapes

Emmet Cahill ♥ Ireland

{{somewhere in County Galway, February 2017}}

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irish favorites to watch . . .

Leap Year ♥ Although this isn't a Leap Year, I absolutely recommend this movie for St. Paddy's Day, as well. It is one of my very favorites. This is a movie that is funny and heartwarming all at the same time, and it truly showcases the gorgeous countryside scenery of Ireland. 

The Carter Couch Podcast ♥ I am not a podcast listener...at all. I seriously detest podcasts, but somehow last September I fell down the most random rabbit hole on YouTube and ended up watching the first episode of this podcast the day after it released. My sister and I quickly became obsessed and never missed an episode...now we're anxiously awaiting the second season's release. This podcast features Irish country singer, Nathan Carter. I admit I've only listened to one of his songs with The High Kings before as his music isn't really my taste. But this podcast is so hilarious! I literally have tears streaming down my face when I watch these episodes from laughing so hard. And yes, I do prefer watching on YouTube instead of just listening. I think you would really miss out on some of the antics and funny moments if you just listened. Highly recommend for a good time!

Celtic Thunder ♥ My family and I have loved watching Celtic Thunder concerts on DVD for over a decade. We've even seen them live in concert four times...so far. My personal favorites to watch are Mythology; X; Odyssey; Live and Unplugged. This is a sure way to have a fun evening as a family!

{{Dingle, County Kerry, June 2016}}

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my five favorite irish songs . . .

Okay, so this was nearly impossible...I seriously have dozens of Irish songs that I love so much, but I chose my top five favorites at this very moment. Note: tomorrow I could be loving five others...but, seriously, I love them all so much. I am linking to videos of versions of these songs that are really exceptional. I hope you take some time to give them a watch or listen.

Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?

Chasing Rainbows

Rare Auld Times

The Mountains of Mourne

The Fields of Athenry

{{County Wicklow, June 2016}}

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my five favorite things about ireland . . .

♥ the winding ribbon roads, though they be very, very narrow

♥ the green patchwork grass and seeing it both from the air as you begin your descent into Dublin airport as well as driving on the hilly/mountain roads and looking down and out and that's absolutely all you see

♥ Connemara's secluded quietness and the feeling of being somewhere absolutely no one knows exists, except the fairies, of course

♥ County Wicklow's rolling hills...the absolute first place I was able to breathe in and see Ireland with all my senses. One of my most favorite places.

♥ the scent of turf fires lingering in the air and gentle rain surrounding you as you wander the paths through the countryside and the misty fog hanging in the air so low you think you can touch it

{{Powerscourt Waterfall, County Wicklow, June 2016}}

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irish blessings for you . . .

May green be the grass you walk on,

may blue be the skies above you,

may pure be the joys that surround you,

may true be the hearts that love you.

&

May every sunrise hold more promise,

 and every sunset hold more peace.

Wishing you a beautiful St. Patrick's Day, friends! 

celebrating middle grade march! 📚 5 reasons to love middle grade books as an adult

Middled Grade March is upon us, and today I'm here to celebrate this genre of books that has, no doubt, made a place in my heart over the last few years. Why don't you get a cup of something warm and comforting and join me in this little celebration?!?!

My sister is the one I have to thank for really pushing me into middle grade, as it is one of her favorite genres, perhaps even her most favorite. As a young girl, I read some middle grade books, but not a ton as that was the age when I didn't really like reading. And as an adult, once I began my journey into fiction, middle grade wasn't a genre on the forefront of my mind. However, my sister kept telling me about all these wonderful books she was reading and loving. And they nearly all just so happened to be middle grade. So, thus began my own journey into this genre...and I haven't looked back since.

Reading middle grade books as an adult is a bit different than reading them as a young girl or boy. Firstly, and most obviously, you are a good deal older than the characters and therefore, you see things through an adult's perspective. But, as I've read a selection of this genre over the last while, I have come to the very firm belief that there are so many awesome things about reading them as an adult. Here's what I've come to realize...

♥ Reason Number One ♥

For me, one of the main reasons why I love reading middle grade books as an adult is that they rekindle my imagination and reawaken my wonder to life. It keeps that little girl inside me alive. They remind me that life is magical, and oftentimes, the magic lies in the most ordinary things.

♥ Reason Number Two ♥

The stories oftentimes show a perspective of the world and of life that can get foggy and a bit hazy as you grow older. You are reminded of the goodness still in the world. They spark a more innocent view of things that helps you, as an adult, to not be so jaded, skeptical of everything and everyone, or cynical. And, honestly, we could all use with a little less of those in our lives. 

♥ Reason Number Three ♥

So many middle grade stories are family and home centered. And, let's be real, it's not so easy to find those values in adult fiction. Some of the most beautiful family stories are from the middle grade genre. Stories where home is a character in and of itself are some of my most favorites, and again, this genre really has an abundance of those. Lots of times middle grade books share messages of important values such as family, legacy, living a meaningful and simple life, cherishing beauty, the lifegiving world of home, and so much more.

♥ Reason Number Four ♥

I love how middle grade books keeps whimsy alive. Stories where animals talk and children solve mysteries. Characters who are quirky and unique and celebrated because of that. Books that remind you that no matter how old you get, you can still live that storybook life if you want to. You don't have to outgrow whimsy and imagination and, that, even more so as an adult, those things will be all the more valuable to you and you'll cherish them even more than you ever thought as a little girl.

♥ Reason Number Five ♥

And, finally, another reason why I love middle grade stories is because it is in this genre that you will find some of the richest, most heartwarming, charming, meaningful stories with depth. You don't have to read a novel written for adults to get depth and substance out of a story. Some of the richest stories I've read, some of the ones that have stuck with me long after I close the cover, have been written for children in the middle grade genre. There's no need to mock or belittle adults who read books for children, because I can guarantee you that in a lot of instances, those books will have so much more depth, meaning, and richness than a good percentage of adult fiction novels on the bookshelves of today.

C.S. Lewis said that "a children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest". And I wholeheartedly agree. This is my first time participating in Middle Grade March, and one thing that makes me so excited about this is that I love that adults are reading and celebrating this genre. There is certainly garbage and there are certainly messages in some of these books that have no place among those who wish to read with moral integrity, but leaving all that aside, I think this is a genre that really deserves a spotlight. And Middle Grade March is a perfect opportunity to pull out old favorites to revisit or choose a selection that you've wanted to read for a long time and finally do it or, hopefully, discover a new favorite or two.

I'd love to know what you love about middle grade books, as well as your favorite books, authors, and/or series in this genre...so, please do share!

Happy reading, friends!

♥

my quiet life at home . . . the comforts of wintering

a celebration of all the comforts of wintering 

before springtime begins . . .

{{ dark chocolate chip scones }}

All i really want this winter is to be a hobbit. 

I want to stay home, eat lots of comfort food, 

and read lots of books in my cozy library.

~ Unknown ~

{{ Valentine's Day chicken pot pie }}

In winter, I often spend all day in the kitchen, it is in winter that I love it best, and it is then that I most enjoy my own particular sort of cooking best, too, for one of the richest pleasures of domestic life is and has always been, filling the house with the smells of food, or baking bread and cakes, bubbling casseroles and simmering soups, of vegetables fresh from the garden and quickly steamed, of the roasting of meat, of new-ground coffee and pounded spices and chopped herbs, or hot marmalade and jam and jelly.

~ Susan Hill ~

{{ Valentine's Day chocolate strawberry cheesecake with dark chocolate covered strawberries }}

All the kitchens along Brambly edge were warm and busy. Hot soups, punches and puddings bubbled and in the ovens pies browned and sizzled. Clover and Catkin helped Mrs. Apple string crabapples to roast over the fire. 

~ Jill Barklem ~

{{ a cheesecake close-up ~ a little plus is that each of the desserts I shared here today are sweetened with either coconut sugar or maple syrup }}

It's winter. Slow down and embrace the quiet. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket.

Enjoy a cup of chai as the snow falls. Light a candle and let warmth fill the room.

~ The Motherhouse ~

{{ a chocolate fudge caramel cake to celebrate a snow day...because, why not?!?! }}

{{ poetry that just gets me }}

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What home comforts are you savouring these last weeks of winter?