Amy Scott's Thoughts

Bookish Thoughts for June

June continues the trend of a slower reading life. However, as long as I have a good book to read close at hand, all is well! Showing up for my real-life people in June has been a priority over making fictional friends. Even with my relaxed pace, I’ve still managed a fairly diverse reading month!

After a long hold at the library, I was able to pick up The Pharisee’s Wife by Jannette Oke. I’m used to Oke’s books featuring the prairies and the Rockies, but this Biblical historical fiction was a breakaway from her usual genre. I was certainly intrigued. While I enjoyed the story, it was not what I’ve come to know and love in Oke’s books. It was still a good book, but I wanted a different ending.

Roseanna M. White released her first fantasy novel this month. She almost exclusively writes historical fiction. Again, I was intrigued by an author trying something new. I don’t spend much time in the fantasy genre, but I did enjoy her book, Awakened. It’s the first in a four book series. I’m looking forward to seeing how White expands her fantasy world in the next book. I’m also looking forward to more new releases from White next month. She’s been busy!

My favorite new release of the month was Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh. Rosie is a struggling actress who unintentionally accepts a position directing a musical in a retirement community. It was a sweet and quirky tale. I love Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, so it was neat to envision it being performed by seniors in my mind. The book takes place over the course of the summer, so it had great summer reading vibes!

Last, but not least, non-fiction! I read The Liturgy of the Ordinary right after it’s release in 2016. I remember liking it, but I feel like I appreciated it even more now (almost a decade later). The focus on being with God in all the daily moments and how the mundane can be sacred is a message I can’t get enough of. As a stay-at-home, homeschool mom, I know the liturgy of ordinary days very well. There is such sweetness and goodness in these experiences, especially when you are a looking for God in them. Tish Harrison Warren does an excellent job of exploring God’s presence in our entire day, from sun up to sun down. Finally, Rich Villodas was a new author for me, but his book was recommended by John Mark Comer (another favorite author), so I decided to check it out. The Deeply Formed Life paired so well with The Liturgy of the Ordinary. I hope to read more from Villodas in the future!

My reading was all over the place this month! It was fun to pop in and out of all kinds of genres. Diversity keeps life interesting. About a week ago, I went on a spree of placing holds at the local library (since I don’t have Kindle Unlimited at the moment). I am looking forward to exploring some new authors and new stories this summer!

Top Picks for June

The Book List for June
1 Star = I did not like it. 2 stars = It was okay. 3 stars = I liked it. 4 stars = I really liked it. 5 stars = It was amazing.

Non-Fiction:

• Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren – 4 stars
• The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus by Rich Villodas – 4 stars

Fiction:

• The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery – 5 stars
• The Pharisee’s Wife by Janette Oke – 3 stars
• Awakened by Roseanna M. White – 4 stars
• Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh – 4 stars
• Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet – 3 stars
• Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet – 4 stars
• Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham – 3 stars
• My Friends by Fredrik Backman – 3 stars
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – 3 stars