What's On Your Nightstand - April

Wow! Where has the month gone? I felt like I just wrote out last month's nightstand post. Overall, my reading this last month wasn't too bad considering that my parent's came and visited. I got a little side-tracked and didn't get everything read from my April Nightstand. That's okay, though.

We will see what this month brings. Again, it is another busy month for our family. I have my own personal goals of what I want to read, but I keep coming across other books that pop up unexpectedly that I get a real urge to read right now. I know that I'm not the only one who struggles with "too many books, not enough time" syndrome!

Nightstand for May:

From my March Nightstand:

• Pursuit and Persuasion (Ben Reese Mystery) by Sally Wright - Continuation of the Ben Reece Mystery Series which I am really enjoying.
• The Reb and the Redcoats (Living History Library) by Constance Savery - Highly recommended. Read my review.
• 10 Things Parents Must Teach Their Children (And Learn for Themselves) by Edith Schaeffer - I thought it was quite unique that I finished this book just two days before Edith Schaeffer passed away. I have read several of her books, but this was by far may favorite. Mrs. Schaeffer goes into great detail through the 10 Commandments and the importance of having them in our lives. This was not an easy read, but a worthwhile read. I was amazed at how timely her message was for today world especially considering that the book is almost 20 years old. 

I am currently reading:

• Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott
• Raising a Daughter After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George

I also read:

• Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal - Unfortunately this book embraced today's political correctness which ruined a great story. Not recommend.
• Mystery of the Heart (The Ravensmoore Chronicles) by Jill Kent - This is the third book in the Ravensmoore Chronicles. I enjoyed the series, but the plot in this story felt disjointed. It was like the author knew what was happening in her mind, but forgot to tell her readers.
• Out of the Ruins (Ben Reese Mysteries) by Sally Wright - Another Ben Reese mystery.  
• The Reluctant Earl by C.J. Chase - A little lighter reading to go along with a visit from my parents.
• Living Artfully: A Heart-full Guide of Ideas and Inspirations That Celebrate Life, Love, and Moments That Matter by Sandra Magsamen - This is a book that sat on my shelf for quite awhile. The main point the author was making is that many times we do live artfully, though we may not perceive it that way. Not an outstanding read due to the author's worldview, but it did remind me that I do many things that are "artful".
• The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson - This was by far the best book I read this month. I was hesitant to read it since the main idea of his book is based on a Jewish legend. (This still bugs me.) This is really just an encouraging read on the power of prayer. I loved the stories and miracles shared about answered prayer and I find the book as a whole very encouraging for my own prayer life.

I listened to:

• Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates - I got a little convicted that I assign my kids books that I've never read.  This is a book on their free read list so I decided to listen to it so I am "in the know." This was an excellent story about an African man who was taken from Africa when he was a young man, sold into slavery in the United States, and then worked hard and eventually bought his freedom the freedom of several other people. He also set up his own business, married, and bought land.  

Let me know what you think and stop over at 5 Minutes for Books and see what others are reading.