My reading habits have certainly changed since James arrived. At first, reading was out of the question – why would I read when I could sleep? – and then it was just difficult – how do I flip the page with one hand? Now, I have somewhat mastered the art of reading while nursing and though I am not reading as voraciously as life B.J. (Before James), my life isn’t devoid of books.
This month I’m including a couple cookbooks I’ve been enjoying and some board books James and I loved. Plus, I did something I rarely do… I abandoned a book! I started and stopped You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church…and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman last week, not because it wasn’t good, but because my sleep deprived brain wasn’t able to do the content justice. I look forward to picking it up again in a few months.
Linking up with Anne!
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Books
A departure from the Austin I know (Chronicles of The Kings series), but this easy #ChriFic read was a pleasure. Librarian heroine, unpredictable plot twists, and a little romance made for an engaging story.
Had a hard time getting into this one in ebook form. Better when I switched to hardback. I thought it either wasn’t enough memoir or wasn’t enough practical tips. If you had to read one, I would suggest Tsh’s first book. #theartofsimple
Worth The Fight by Kayse Pratt
A short ebook about maintaining your high maintenance marriage. Kayse covers topics like communication, service, and sex with truth and humor. A nice naptime read with good reminders.
Dear Mr. Knightley is a rich and readable story with subtle spiritual themes. It is sure to get you busting out your college English syllabus and dropping your favorite Austen quips in everyday conversation. Read the full review for more of why I LOVED this book. #2014fave
A devotional memoir that all new moms should read. Don’t be dissuaded by the title. I find myself on every page. Sarah articulates the joys, anxieties, and struggles of motherhood with humor and honesty. The devotional aspect isn’t cheesy. I find myself reading multiple devotions per day.
Cookbooks
A thrift store find that turned out to be a major gem. Lower fat (without seeming diety) versions of all manner of foods. No photos, but once you make the Banana Bundt Cake or Black Bean Chilaquiles you won’t need the visual proof that these recipes are delicious!
Recipes that are easy to prep during naptime and quick to finish so you can eat well with small children at home. Crispy Bacon Mac and Cheese is like crispy cheese crack. Her Cranberry Granola has apple cider and maple syrup (on my 2nd batch) and I’ve had the Baked Cheese Dip at the restaurant where she got the recipe. #winner
Board Books
Follow a sweet polar bear on his night time adventures. The beautiful illustrations and lyrical text has made it an instant favorite on my end. James seemed captivated, too.
More pictures than story, this simple book is just super cute. Not only do country babies wear plaid, but they wake at dawn and tend their animals. Each thing that a country baby does is illustrated with a baby in plaid, of course. #charmer
Though this book celebrates the Finger Lakes region in New York, it’s a must for anyone who lives or vacations by a lake. There’s morning and evening greetings for things, people, and activities around the lake. James particularly liked the deer…
I received a free copy of Notes From A Blue Bike and Worth The Fight in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
Emily C Gardner 
I think only 1/2 of my marriage is high maintenance (hint: It’s not Tim) but that e book still looks good, along with the mommy devotionals ;)
Must check out the Naptime Chef. Another good family recipe book is Weelicious. The beginning has some baby purees when you get to that stage!
Haha – seems like we have similar culprits for the high maintenance factors in our marriages :)
Weelicious sounds like something I need to check out. Making my own baby food is the one crunchy granola thing I really want to do for James.
Thanks for the review of Notes from a Blue Bike. I’d been really interested in it and heard some great reviews, but now am hearing mixed. I’m glad; I won’t rush out to get it.
I would probably still read it, but maybe not purchase it. I guess it comes down to your expectations for the book. I probably had too high/different expectations for it based on her first book. I know several people would loved it.