Show Us Your Books

I thought it would be fun to link-up today with Jana and Steph to share what I’ve read in the first half of the month, knowing that I’m devouring books like crazy this month – I love hitting a groove in reading!

The New Irish Table: Recipes From Ireland’s Top Chefs by Leslie Conran Carola

William and I both really enjoy cooking and on top of that, I really enjoy reading recipe books. I feel like this genre gives you so much insight into regional culture, history, economy and local values and customs. Food is a great way to explore through history and travel. This book was fun because I previously did not know much about Irish cuisine, outside of what you can find in Irish pubs in the states. With March being when we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be a fun time to look at some fun Irish recipes.

The photography in this book was gorgeous, the recipes all sounded incredible, and I loved getting a tour of Ireland through different restaurants, and their dishes. I received the digital copy for review, but this is one I may go and buy the physical copy of because of how much it appealed to my taste in cookbooks. While I have yet to prepare a recipe from the multitude within, I can see myself reaching for these recipes in the future. I highly recommend at least flipping through this beautiful take on Irish fare!

This book was provided for review by NetGalley.

The Bloody Mary: The Lore and Legend of a Cocktail Classic, with Recipes for Brunch and Beyond by Brian Bartels

I love bloody marys! They are one of my go to drinks for brunch or in the afternoon. I really enjoy the spice and the levels of flavor. We even had these as one of our beverage options at our brunch reception when we got married!

This book shared the history of how one of my favorite cocktails came to exist and different recipes and takes on the drink. While interesting, I don’t think its outstanding or one I would like to own.

This book was provided for review by NetGalley.

For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards by Jen Hatmaker.

Jen Hatmaker is one of my very favorite Christian women to read. I love that she is authentic, fights for human dignity and equality and really walks the path of loving those the church has had a pattern of pushing to the periphery. I have had the pleasure of seeing Jen speak at the MOPS conference one year and listen to her on numerous podcasts. She genuinely seems like the kind of woman I would want to be friends with if I lived in Austin, even though she is a decade ahead of me in life.

This book has been on my to read list for well over a year, even though I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley prior to publication release. I don’t know why it took me so long to start it since I flew through it in a weekend.

This book highlights the important role of empowerment, community, love and laughter in leading a life we love. She highlights the fact that Jesus called us to love God and love each other, and that those are our two most important missions in life. She shares about the importance of family, about extending the grace you give freely to others with yourself, and the importance of finding your deep community of friendships to walk through the highs and lows with.

This book was refreshing to my heart and soul and made me laugh out loud several times. Reading it felt like having coffee or a soul-quenching meal with a dear mentor and friend. I highly recommend taking an afternoon or two to read this book.

This book was provided for review by NetGalley.

To Have and To Hold by Lauren Layne

This was a cute, easy afternoon read that would have been perfect for a pool or beach day! I’m interested in reading the subsequent books about the Wedding Belles, because each girl seemed different enough to have a fun story to share. I enjoyed the break from the “heavier” books I normally prefer, and loved the fun take on this wedding planner falling on love with her client’s brother. There is much more to it than that, but I don’t want to give it away!

This book was provided for review by NetGalley.

Alive in Him: How Being Embraced by the Love of Christ Changes Everything by Gloria Furman

I enjoyed this look at the book of Ephesians in the New Testament. It was an easy read in an afternoon to reflect on Paul’s letter.

This book was provided for review by NetGalley.

What have you read the first couple weeks of March?