Recap Book Chat: Recent Episodes

Recap Book Chat

If you are looking for a place to dive into great books, unpack big ideas, and connect with a community of readers, you made it! My mom, Sheila Barnes has taught and inspired young minds as an elementary teacher for 40+ years. Her passion is reading and it is contagious. My name is Kate Matthews and I am an artist, seeker of wisdom and lifelong student. We decided to start a book club a couple of years ago which has impacted and grown us tremendously. We hope you will join in on the fun and get lost in the magic of reading with us.

In today’s visit we dive into The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by the very talented Beth Brower.

“It takes a courageous man to marry a woman with a mind.”

Emma M. Lion is definitely a woman with a mind! She lives in London in the house she inherited but is quarantined to just the garret thanks to Cousin Archibald.

In 106 pages you are swept back to 1883 England. One journal entry shows a wordsmith in the making.

“The scurry.

The scrape.

The scratch.

Followed by an all to earthly squeak.

The garret has mice.

I weep.”

Emma lost her parents at 13 and is now trying to survive and thrive in dire circumstances until she turns 18 in a few months.

She had to sell her father’s extensive library to pay for schooling, which turned out less than optimal. Her cousin delivers a trunk that contains her mother’s Bible and her father’s illustrated works of Shakespeare. (Her father annotated texts long before it was cool. Margins are made to record the thoughts of the reader. Emma treasures this book. “I will read them through slowly, stretching the delight as far as I can.”

Are you ready to meet the colorful Emma M. Lion? Please join us as we discuss the wonders of this witty wordsmith!

When gentle Hero meets the shy Claudio in this comedy by William Shakespeare, there is alas quite a bit of spice in the gumbo with Beatrice, aka Lady Tongue, and the blunt Benedick as they banter to beat the bands. Don Pedro and company arrive at Messina and go to the home of the governor, Hero’s father and Beatrice’s uncle, Leonata. The unsavory half-brother of Don Pedro, Don John, is, as Kate said, a contaminant and sets out to destroy happiness wherever it crops up.

Notable Quotes:

Beatrice: I’d rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.

Claudio: Bait the hook well: this fish will bite.

Benedict: That a woman conceived me, I thank her; that she brought me up, I likewise give her most humble thanks; all women shall pardon me…I will live a bachelor.

Friar: That what we have we prize not to the worth whiles we enjoy it; but being Jack’d and lost, why, then we rack the value…

Much can be gleaned from this short play! Trust plays a part in all relationships. One’s inner circle must be made up of trusted people. Don Pedro’s had an unsavory character. Impulsiveness is an issue for Claudio, who believes without giving Hero a chance to defend herself. Don John knows that people tend to believe the worst, especially with a set-up visual. He stacks up the dominoes and waits for the drama to fall.

Join in on the fun recapping this climactic, chaotic comedy from the Wiley Wordsmith!

May blessings come to you, listeners so dear,

We hope you enjoy another classic from Shakespeare!

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Maisie Dobbs accepts a case from an old friend concerning his potential land purchase. She goes to a small rural community to investigate mysterious fires that erupt regularly, in addition to a series of petty crimes. Her assistant, Billy, and his family are there to pick hops. (Every August or September, thousands of Londoners left the crowded city to live in huts for weeks to pick hops. Not long after this time period, workers were replaced by machines. What was interesting was the attitude of the pickers, they formed a community and sang and danced in the evenings, and treated their time in Kent more like a vacation than drudgery.) 1931 brought many challenges to folks in the different classes, from Londoners to gypsies to townspeople.. Prejudices are never pretty.

England was still healing from the aftermath of WWI, Billy and his sweet family are still healing from their loss, and Maisie has her own loss to work through, too. Revenge is added to loss in the village where Maisie learns about a secret no one wants to discuss. Another mystery is the Zeppelin raid that killed the baker and his family. Can Masie find answers and solve the case?

“Fear is the driving force behind revenge, but love is the antidote.” Sounds like the Bible verse from 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” This book was filled with revenge quotes that packed a punch. Kate pointed out that maybe an incomplete revenge is one that has not been forgiven, what a powerful point!

Please join us as we recap Maise Dobbs’s 5th book, An Incomplete Truth by Jacqueline Winspear, “The past may haunt us, but only by facing it can we find true peace.”

Blessings, dear listeners!

A young brave truth-teller’s earthly life ended this past week, however his light has not dimmed. Let us remember Charlie Kirk as a life long learner and advocate for truth and living life God’s way. Read a challenging book he recommended like Mere Christianity,1984, A Brave New World… Even with his busy schedule he read 100 books a year! Reading does something nothing else can do, it stretches and exercises our minds. We can interact with authors from different centuries and backgrounds and cultures.

Charlie challenged young and old to live daringly and be difference makers. Please join us as we share my grandson's free verse poem for Charlie.

We are grateful for each of you! May we grow together! Blessings and as Charlie always said, “Buckle-up, here we go!”

It’s 1963, four housewives living in the same suburb start a book club. Margaret dreams of becoming a writer, Charlotte an artist, Bitsy a vet, and Viv would like to return to nursing. They all have kids except the youngest member, Betsy, who desperately wants to be a mother.

Charlotte says she will join the book club only if they read The Feminine Mystique. This sent up a red flag for me because of preconceived notions about the women’s movement, which brought both good and bad. Anything that demeans God’s role of motherhood makes me wonder if the author was blessed with children. After going down that rabbit hole, I discovered she had three children. In the book, How to Read a Book, the authors caution about forming an opinion before finishing a text, that is powerful advice. I learned a lot.

What surprised me was that a married woman wasn’t able to open a checking account without her husband’s signature. I also got an up close and personal glimpse of overbearing husbands and it wasn’t pretty. I had the opposite growing up, my dad never talked down to my mom, she lamblasted him.

The story is mostly about Margaret and how the past haunts her. Margaret’s marriage hits some bumps when she starts writing a column for A Woman’s Place, which Walt, her husband, refers to as her jobette. When honesty clears the lies he’s been believing, he makes an about face!

Don’t grab a cigarette or a stinger, just sip some tea and enjoy the recap on The Book Club for Troublesome Women : )

Where the Lost Wander is a gem of a book by Amy Harmon! Join the Mays and John Lowry as they forge westward on the Overland Trail in 1853! Sparks fly when mule man John Lowry meets the young widow, Naomi May. Romance shows us the trail is not the only thing that is bumpy. Grittiness and resilience abound!

Memorable Quotes are aplenty in this timely treasure:

“The hardest thing about life is knowing what matters and what doesn’t,’ Winifred muses. “If nothing matters, then there’s no point. If everything matters, there’s no purpose.”

“I cannot give her shelter. Not out here.” John talking to Naomi’s mother who wisely responds…

“That’s what marriage is. It’s shelter. It’s sustenance. It’s warmth. It’s finding rest in each other.”

“Thinking takes time…feeling not so much. Feeling is instant. It’s a reaction. But thinking? Thinking is hard work. Feeling doesn’t take any work at all. I’m not saying it’s wrong. Not saying it’s right either. It just is. How I feel, I cannot trust that, not right away, because how I feel today may not be how I feel tomorrow.”--John Lowry

“It is the suffering of love. Every parent feels it. It is the suffering of being unable to shield or save. It is not love if it doesn’t hurt…The pain. It’s worth it. The more you love, the more it hurts. But it’s worth it. It’s the only thing that is.”---Jenny (John’s stepmother)

“It’s all in the mare. The best mules come from superior mothers. The jack’s important, but the mare is everything.”---John’s father

“Winifred May is a darn good woman, and William knows it, which is to his credit. The best thing about him is her…” —John

“Ma said transcendence is when we rise above the things we can’t change.”--Naomi

“We women want to make the world brighter even if we have to fight our men folk to do it.”---Mrs. Vasquez

Wagons ho… Thank you, dear readers, for joining our adventure! Blessings!

Greetings Readers! Kate and Sheila recap the impactful middle grade novel, Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech.. We meet 13 year old Sal who is traveling with her grandparents to Idaho to see her mother who left the family months ago. During the trip, Sal tells them the story of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom who thinks her mom was kidnapped.

The Winterbottom family has been receiving inspirational quotes on their doorstep, such as:

Everyone has their own agenda.

In the course of a lifetime, what does it matter?

You can’t keep the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair,

Do you like duel story lines and mystery? This 1994 Newbery winner might be just the book for you! Blessings!

It’s Back to School time…Here’s 10 Reading Excuses that Don’t Fly or Read On Sistah : )

Saying you don’t have time - Empty distractions time will rob (set a goal to read a little every day. Even if it is just a few sentences)
It doesn’t matter what I read - Set the bar high - be a reading snob (we become what we consume. So many great options. Follow book review youtubers you trust or The Recap Book Chat Podcast for some great recommendations)
I can’t remember what I read. Reading w/o reflection is like taking a shower w/o soap (book journaling and book clubs help loads in the remembering department)
I’m in a reading rut, challenge yourself-you are not a dope! (Start small with something simple and fun to get the gears rolling- try audio books)
I’m waiting for the perfect mood - Progress not perfection is the right direction (I believe you can learn something from every book, not just the ones you love.)
I’m behind…Comparing your reading journey to others spoils the connection (Comparison steals your joy, everyone has their own pace, be sure to honor yours.)
I’m too tired/wired - Read anyway something will stick (Studies show it is super healthy for your brain to read before bed. Be sure to use a blue blocking booklight.)
I only have one speed quick quick quick, learn to savor slow, (try some classics! They were written in a much slower time and have a way of making the reader slow down as well)
No, I can’t explain what I read in a simple way, but AI can so what the hay (try some kid lit, it is written in easier to explain ways but can still pack a punch)
I’ll wait for the movie, NOT at all groovy (so many books that have been turned into movies have been altered from what the author originally intended. Why not do both! You will appreciate it in a more indepth way and can see if it lines up with what the author intended.)

There is a reader inside all of us. We often suppress this desire to curl up with a book and a cup of joe or tea because we (insert excuse here) ________. Don’t fall into the trap! We tend to do what is important. Carve out some reading time, your brain will thank you!

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Reading Journal - Amazon.com: Reading Journal: For the Love of Books, A Book Journal and Planner for Book Lovers to Track, Log and Review

Book Light, Amber, Rechargeable, Blue Light Blocking Clip-On LED Reading Light by Hooga. 3 Brightness. 1600K Temp. Eye Care Light for Strain-Free, Healthy Eyes. Gift for Students, Kids, Book Worms.

Greetings! Today, Kate and Sheila dive in recapping the book of Joshua!

This scripture is just as powerful today as it was in Joshua’s, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go.” 1:9. Followed by …”choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Spoken like a godly man with a purpose!

This book packs quite a punch! Here’s an acrostic on Joshua to get us going.

Jericho-epic battle!

Over and over he’s told to be strong and courageous

Served the Lord wholeheartedly

His mentor was Moses

Unwavering leadership-Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua

Asked for the sun to stand still

We gleaned so much from reading Joshua and we hope you did too. Thank you for joining us!

Have a blessed day!

PS Notice there is a curse in 6:26 about rebuilding the city of Jericho. It was fulfilled 530 years later when Hiel lost his firstborn and his youngest in 1Kings 16:34.

This novel is set in an interesting way, devoting chapters to Penelope and individual members of her family, but also to more secondary characters such as Antonia and Dannus (the bright spots). Each snapshot gives characters their own unique voice.

The Shell Seekers by Rosamonde Pilcher has a dual timeline, WWII and present day which was 1987. Penelope's three children were a bit hard to take. Olivia seemed the most sensible, although loaded with the “I am woman hear me roar” vibe, at least she was not greedy like her siblings. Nancy and Noel were unlikeable and self-absorbed.

Pilcher's writing is unique in that she uses the senses extremely well. Her ability to make readers hear the ticking clock, smell the food being served, hear bird’s song, and even feel the importance of plants as a symbol of growth highlight the best parts of the book. Penelope did not have an easy life, her husband ran off with his secretary leaving Penelope the kids and his gambling debts to pay off.

Penelope grew up in a loving and welcoming home with a famous artist for a father. Nancy and Noel are eager to sell the beloved painting of Lawrence Stern called The Shell Seekers. Penelope ponders to herself, “perhaps she had not expected enough of them.” “I have given them all I can and they always want more.” Pilcher painted a powerful picture of ingratitude in this novel.

The first sentence of Leo Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina is: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” The Shell Seekers shows the tension families have when wills collide. Won't you join us for the ride?

Welcome friends! Today Kate, Sheila, and the boys dive into a classic from 1943,

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. As a child the narrator drew two pictures that received heavy criticism from adults. So he became a pilot instead of an artist.

When his plane crashed as he was flying over the Sierra Desert the pilot meets the little prince. As Titus pointed out, the telling of this story gives the reader the child’s viewpoint (Little Prince) and the adult’s from the pilot’s point of view simultaneously. The Prince lives on a small asteroid, B-612, where he takes care of his rose and 3 volcanoes and pulls up baobabs before they take a hold and become unmanageable. “It is a question of discipline.”

We uncovered a plethora of powerful quotes! Here’s a few:

“Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.”

“Words are the source of misunderstandings.”

“It is much more difficult to judge oneself than to judge others. If you succeed in judging yourself rightly, then you are indeed a man of true wisdom.

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

Little Prince: What do you mean tame?

Fox: It means to establish ties. If you tame me then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in the world. To you, I shall be unique.

This book had an unexpected ending and a lot of life lessons. Maybe because it was written during WWII or maybe it was written back when people pondered more. This story has many layers.

Won’t you join us and meet The Little Prince? Blessings dear friends!

For more book information check out our website at https://recapbookchat.com/page/2/

Today we dive into episode 193, Five on the Side, where Kate and Sheila discuss impactful books they’ve read on their own. The list was varied and insightful:

S=’The Scarlet Thread” by Francine Rivers-

K= “God’s Chosen Fast” by Arthur Wallace

S=”The Gift of Fear” by Gavin De Becker-”T

K=”Clear Your Clutter with feng shui” by Karen Kingston

S=”A Spring of Daisies” by Cindy Escobar

K=”Sink Reflections” by Marla Cilley

S=”The Indigo Girl” by Natsha Boyd

K=”Soul Care” by Rob Reimer

S= "Where the Lost Wander" by Amy Harmon

K=”Milly and the Warm Wind” by Jenna Winship

Bonus Picks: S=”Strays Like Us” by Celilia Galante

K=”Truth Journey Family Devotional Book” by Jenna Winship

Thanks for joining us on our reading quest to read the best!

https://recapbookchat.com/2025/07/11/book-lists-2-x-5-12/

“Are you brave enough to wade into the great river of life?” Join us as we dive into a book about family, friends, and love served with a hearty dose of laughter on the side. Kate DiCamillo outdid herself with her 2024 book, Ferris!

It has something for everyone from an outlaw sister to a gifted pianist to Ferris’ plan to reunite her separated aunt and uncle. Emma Phineas Wilkey was born under the Ferris wheel hence the name Ferris. Pinky, her little sister, is a caution. Clarisse, her grandmother, lives with them and her uncle recently started living in the basement while he is attempting to paint the world but seems to be stalled after he painted a foot.

Ferris and her father share coffee each morning as he discusses his musings from the encyclopedia he’s currently reading. “Ferris took a sip of coffee. It was rich and mysterious. It tasted like being an adult.”

Ferris’ father’s favorite quote, “The dogs bark but the caravan passes by” is a powerfully pithy reminder for us all not to let criticism stop forward progress.

Ferris and her friend, Billy, are concerned about Mrs. Mielk, a teacher they had in school because she is grieving the loss of her husband. “Grief takes away your words. For a while it takes away everything.”

As Ferris’ mother says the Wilkys live large and it is beautiful,

Everyone’s invited to the lighting of the chandelier dinner, won’t you join in the fun?

https://recapbookchat.com/

Greetings dear listeners! Today Kate and Sheila recap the fifth book of the Bible, Deuteronomy.

“…for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.”(7:21) God called Moses from a burning bush and Moses obeyed and led God’s people. They are often referred to as ‘stiff-necked’ people which means Moses’ job was far from easy. Moses’ main goal was to get God’s people to love Him with all their hearts and with all their souls and with all their might (6:5). Notice ALL is used repeatedly, just as a house divided will not stand neither will a heart divided remain faithful.

Deuteronomy might possibly be the most quoted Old Testament book by Jesus. He used texts from it 3 times when He was tempted by the devil in the desert…

Deut. 8:3, “Man does not live by bread alone…”

10:12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord you God require of you, but to fear the Lord you God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments…”

Deuteronomy is a book of beginnings and endings. Moses has taught and retaught God’s commandments because holiness doesn’t just happen. Moses instructs the people to serve God wholeheartedly and to teach their children what God’s done for them in the past and to be strong and courageous moving forward.

Moses passed the torch to Joshua after seeing the Promise Land and blessing the people. “And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” 34:10

Please join us as we dive into the dynamic book of Deuteronomy! Check out our website for past episodes https://recapbookchat.com/2025/06/30/pivotal/

Join us with our special guests as we discuss the delightful classic by Roald Dahl, The BFG.

“Meanings is not important,” said the BFG. “I cannot be right all the time. Quite often I is left instead of right.”

Sophie is the youngest but she is also the linchpin in solving the giant problem. Sometimes kids think bravely when adults don’t try to see a possible solution. This is the growth mindset vs fixed mindset we’ve discussed on previous podcasts.

Sophie tells the BFG they have to do something to solve the giant problem. They have to work together to discover a solution that teaches us a real-life lesson. Let’s be aware of challenges and problems and open to ways to solve them.

The boys thought the audio was a hoot. Whether you read the book or listen to the audio you and your listeners are in for a fun time.

Thank you for helping us to spread the love of reading!

Join Kate and company as the boys discuss "Way of the Warrior Kid" by Jocko Willink, a decorated retired Navy SEAL, whose motto is, "You can do anything if you do the work.”

Readers meet Marc, a 5th grader who can’t swim, can’t do pull-ups, and doesn’t even know his multiplication facts. He has a false identity of being a wimp along with thinking he is dumb. His fixed mindset is holding Marc back until his Uncle Jake comes for a visit and Marc’s training begins!

This is something all parents and grandparents can do for their kids. Let them know that all problems and challenges can change for the better. Beginnings are difficult and often require a nudge or three : ) Once they start seeing the benefits of doing the work, they’ll start pushing themselves. In the words of Uncle Jake, “Even if you can’t perform at a high level, showing up and doing something is still a thousand times better than not showing up at all.” Doing the hard work to improve, no matter what, is how dreams turn into reality. “Discipline equals freedom.”

By the end of the book, Marc has come up with his own warrior code. Are you ready to move forward? We’re on a quest to read the best, won’t you join us? Here’s a link to Jocko’s interview on why he wrote the book Jocko Willink and the Way of the Warrior Kid

Look for the movie in August!

‘The Brick’ is finally finished! Kate and Sheila discuss Les Miserables in its entirety… (spoiler alerts galore-avoid if surprises you adore) …it has taken us a bit, but so totally worth it!

Victor Hugo shows readers that, “Heroes come in all shapes” from the unbelievable bravery of young Gavroche to the mysterious motives of the misunderstood Jean Valjean.

Hugo can bloviate like no other author, from Waterloo to the sewers of France! He can also pack quite a punch in few words:

“One cannot goad people into moving faster than they are prepared to go. Woe to him who tries to force their hands.” People will rise to the level of expectations but we must let them rise (like bread in the making) we cannot force anyone’s progress! Victor nailed it!

“What is Progress? We have just said it. It is the permanent life of all people. But it sometimes happens that the momentary life of individuals is opposed to the eternal life of the human race.”

Do we oft times put the pebbles in first? Do we worry and fret over the trivial? Eternal life is one that is lived in harmony with God❤️He is our Rock He must come first!

“But a civilizing race must be a masculine race…Those who become effeminate bastardize themselves.” In our society young men are committing suicide 4 times the regular population! The war against toxic masculinity has wreaked havoc by giving young men false identities, leaving our society with boys.

Readers are taken on a journey starting with injustice and evil and falsity and darkness toward justice and goodness and truth and light! What an emotional roller coaster ride for determined readers! Warning: Not for the faint of heart!

Let’s put on SCUBA gear before embarking on this deeper than deep dive! Thanks for joining us on our quest to read the best! May you have a day that is blessed with a book, a cuppa, and friends!

In this conversation, we delve into Brant Hansen's book 'Unoffendable', exploring themes of anger, forgiveness, humility, and the importance of love in personal growth and relationships. Mom and I share personal reflections and key takeaways from the book, emphasizing the need to practice an unoffendable mindset in everyday life. The discussion also touches on cultural Christianity and the call to redeem rather than condemn the world around us.

We highly recommend it to everyone. It is in my “read once a year” list. Brant is a raw and authentic author as well as a nationally syndicated ⁠radio host⁠ and lover of toast. I love the way he breaks down misconceptions and inspires change in a beautiful and memorable way. Additionally Brant talks about how much more peaceful and fulfilling his life has been after implementing the major yet simple concept of being unoffendable.

Correspondingly Unoffendable does not shy away from heavy issues such as trust, forgiveness, laziness, anger, grace and addiction but meets them head on and sheds light and hope where we need it the most.

If you have read Unoffendable we would love to hear from you and your big takeaways. You can leave a voice memo, contact us on our website or join in and share your thoughts on our Facebook group Recap Book Chat.

Andy Crouch gives readers a plethora of ways to put technology in its proper place in his book, The Tech-Wise Family. "To be a child, teenager, or young adult these days is to navigate a minefield of potentially life-altering choices." His daughter wrote in the forward explaining "...the best part of tech-wise parenting is focusing on something older and better than the newest thing. The key word is better." This better way involves choosing: Character, Shape Space, and Structuring Time.Character develops slowly, daily, as we painstakingly overcome problems. Shape spaces are places in our homes that are device free and packed with supplies to create or practice a skill which could include everything from books to board games and paints to a piano. Structuring time is intentionally setting time aside to rest from devices such as spending intentional time being grateful without instantly scrolling.Change is challenging but worthwhile. "We will have to teach our children, from early on, we're not here to make their lives easier but to make them better."Andy's Ten Tech-Wise Commitments1. We develop wisdom and courage together as a family.2. We want to create more than we consume. Fill the center of the home with things that reward skill and active engagement.3. We are designed for a rhythm of work and rest.4. We wake up before our devices do and they "go to bed" before we do.5. We aim for no screens before double digits. Avoid tethering to the glowing screen as long as you can.6. We use screens for a purpose and we use them together.7. Car time is conversation time. It takes 7 minutes to get a 'real' conversation going.8. Spouses have each other's passwords. Parents have total access to kids' devices.9. We learned to sing together. (Powerful picture book, Christmas in the Trenches, shows the power of song. A German soldier started singing Silent Night, and both sides sang together in different languages. They also shared what little treats they had been sent from home)10. We show up IN PERSON for big events in life. (weddings, births, & funerals)Interesting point, "...the quest to cure boredom with entertainment makes the problem worse, the more you entertain kids, the more bored they will get." When we choose the easy way, we miss cultivating patience. The first people to be bored were the first people who did not do manual labor. Frederick Douglass said, "Without struggle, there is no progress." The last thing learners need is for it to be too easy. Difficulty and resistance press learners forward and make the learning stick. We hope you glean much from the pages of this little jewel to bring your precious family closer together as routines are established and memories are made. Screens are probably here to stay, but our children are with us for but a season, may we live life well preparing them for the road ahead.

Greetings dear reader! Please join us as we recap Leviticus and Numbers a.k.a. In the Wilderness (in Hebrew). The focus is God’s holiness and His desire for His people to be holy. It’s a bumpy road but we see the steadfast love of God through it all. Leviticus is mostly God talking to Moses. Lev. 11:44 - “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Sin is costly. We have many lessons and blessings in these books. Atonement with animal blood temporarily covered the sins of the people. Today, we are so blessed that Jesus’ blood continually cleanses us! Jesus’ death was foreshadowed when the snake bitten people had to look at the snake on a stick to live.

These books aren’t all animal sacrifices, mold, and discharges. One of Jesus’ familiar quotes is found in Leviticus 19:18, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Moses bridging the gap between the people and God is a foreshadowing of Jesus being our bridge to God today. What a beautiful picture of a holy sovereign God that refuses to give up on His people!

Thank you for reading with us, in our quest to read the best! May you grow with God!

Join Kate and Sheila as they dive into the book of Exodus! God rescues His people from Egyptian bondage through 10 plagues defacing things the people of Egypt worshipped. Things get worse before they get better, as Pharaoh keeps saying no to letting God's people go.

In this riveting book we meet Moses and follow him from the palace for 40 years, to desert for 40 years, where he encounters God who appoints him to free His people. Moses tries to talk God out of choosing him but God, the great I Am, knows best and He does not waver from Moses as leader for His people. To get a different look at Aaron, Moses’ brother who helped him check out Sons of Encouragement by Francine Rivers.

As the people leave Egypt they take unleavened bread, leaven symbolizes sin. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper today unleavened bread represents Jesus’ sinless body. If you would like to make unleavened bread, check out the links below.

https://grainsandgrit.com/unleavenedbread/

Unleavened Bread with 100% Freshly Milled Wheat | Passover | Lord's Supper

Additional resource on Exodus:

Book of Exodus Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1)

https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-exodus

Dear readers, we hope you have a blissful day that allows you time to curl up with a great book!

Check out our website for summaries of all the podcasts https://recapbookchat.com/

What an amazing journey from dysfunction to dynamic! Join Kate and Sheila as the recap

Here Be Dragons (Treading the Deep Waters of Motherhood, Mean Girls, and Generational Trauma) by Melanie Shankle! There are SO many quotes! Here’s a sampling:

“Sometimes the best teacher is the consequence of bad decisions.”

“You can’t lead someone to a place that’s beyond where you’ve been able to go yourself.”

“Our kids become who we allow them to be. If we choose to ignore bad behavior we’re condoning it.”

“We can’t parent perfectly, but we can parent faithfully.”

“Jesus is the one that holds fast despite human failings…Faith is not a riddle to be solved but rather a journey our hearts are on… God isn’t afraid of our questions or our doubts.”

Melanie shares how her turbulent childhood haunted her as she entered motherhood. She knew she loved her baby in a way that she was never loved. She vowed to break the cycle of dysfunction and lean on God to guide her out of her brokenness into the mother her daughter needed. She realized by praying for her daughter to be resilient and strong that she had to go through tough times. Battles shape us and as her husband cleverly puts it, “You have to carry your own bucket.”

Kate is always saying, “Choose your hard” and this book highlights that mantra. Change is hard. When we embrace changing our default it is challenging indeed but with God giving us strength and guidance it is possible. The world is not the boss of possible, God is!

Thanks for joining us on this growth journey through one good book talk at a time. We are blessed to partner with you!

Greetings Readers! Join Kate and Sheila as they share time-tested, foolproof reading practices!

Marcel Proust penned, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Lets endeavor to have “new eyes” as we discover how we can up our reading game.

True reading is active, we are conversing with the author, asking questions, and making meaning.

This acrostic poem helps us to remember some important points:

A - annotate by underlining, circles, starring sparingly, making connections, and creating your own personal index

C - choose wisely (Inspect the table of contents, index, preface…) Quickly get a feel for the Book, this survey can keep us from starting books that aren’t worth our time

T - time to read (what is easy to do, is also easy not to do. Daily time to read needs to be a priority

I - investigate, meet the characters, spot important words, notice patterns, make meaning, discover the author’s why

V - validate your reading journey, great habit that you will thank yourself for doing

E - evaluate, did the author solve the problems, answer the questions, make his point? Did I grow as a reader?

We wanted to share practices that have helped us become better readers. We are so thankful you are a part of our reading journey! May we strive to be active in our reading and choose books that make us want to be a better person!

Onward and upward once was said, let’s be daring and read over our head!

Sources:

How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren

The Art of Slow Reading by Thomas Newkirk

Check out our website for summaries of all the podcasts https://recapbookchat.com/

Today, April 15, takes us back to 1912, when the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic met its match and sank with only 705 souls surviving. Join Kate and Sheila as they recap Jennifer A. Nielsen’s gripping tale, Iceberg, told from the viewpoint of 12 year old Hazel who is forced to become a stowaway because she doesn’t have enough money to buy a ticket.

One word describing Hazel would be curious. A wise passenger, Mrs. Abelman celebrates curiosity even though Hazel thinks it is miserable to have so many questions. “It’s questions that keep us alive, Hazel, questions that keep us moving forward…It’s only miserable if you see it as a problem. I think curiosity is a gift…”

Another great character is Charlie, the porter who gives Hazel wise advice when she’s worried about having dinner with her friend in first class and feeling out of place. “People are the same everywhere. Either they’ll accept you as you are or they won’t, but if they don’t, that says more about them as snobs than you as coming from poverty.”

Curiosity and courage summarize Iceberg, but intrigue and mystery along with a couple of surprises add to the mix for a remarkable read! Hop aboard the Titanic with Hazel and company where the difference in the classes is felt not seen, learn about the fire aboard the ship when it set off and discover just as the iceberg aka frozen monster cannot be clearly seen from the surface neither can the fearlessness of people be seen on the outside, time and trouble expose the truth.

Here is your ticket to board! Thank you dear listener, you are a blessing!

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” This verse is not only on a necklace but its meaning is woven throughout Charles Martin’s heartwarming novel, When Crickets Cry. God crosses two paths, Reese, the former heart surgeon, who is hiding from his painful past and seven year old Annie who is selling lemonade and giving away sunshine and smiles. She has a failing heart and has been praying for a surgeon!

Charlie is Reese’s blind brother-in-law who lives next-door. The two rebuild old boats together. Both Charlie and Annie live life to the fullest! Charlie’s favorite quote is from Helen Keller, “I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.”

“People marvel at the genius of Mozart because he supposedly wrote “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” at the age of three and composed his first symphony at the age of twelve. And yes, of course, he was a genius, but another way to look at it is that he just discovered early what God had made him to do…Of course he was brilliant, but that’s not the point. The point is he knew and then he got to work.” This wisdom came from Emma, Charlie’s sister and Reese’s late wife, who knew Reese was made to fix hearts.

“If anything in the universe reflects the fingerprint of God, it is the human heart…It derives no benefit from the blood it pumps making it the most unselfish of organs…it is also the most courageous and faithful.” Can Reese get over the pain of the past? Will he be able to forgive himself? Will Annie get the surgery she desperately needs before her time runs out? Just like each piece of a puzzle is ‘critical to the whole’, each person in this story reminds us that we all have a part to play in this life. Please join us as we take a trip to rural Georgia and learn about love, loss, and redemption!

Please join Kate and Sheila as they discuss parts 2 & 3 of Victor Hugo’s unforgettable tale of woe, Les Misérables. Today we meet the young girl, Cosette, who was left with the cruel innkeepers. The Thenardiers have taken money from Cosette’s young mother under false pretenses. They make Cosette work tirelessly, and use money sent from her mother for themselves.

Jean Valjean is at last free to rescue Fantine’s daughter as he promised. Cosette was a “fly trembling in a spider’s web”. The Bible tells us in Exodus 22:23, “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do, they will cry out to Me, I will certainly hear their cry.” Cosette does just that, after her prayer the paths of Jean Valjean and Cosette meet and the poor waif is removed from the sinister selfish family at last!

“The bishop had taught him (Jean Valjean) the meaning of virtue; Cosette had now taught him the meaning of love.” Life was briefly sweet for the pair, as a devoted grandfather with his grateful granddaughter, until the detective, Javert, relentlessly tracked them down. Danger popped their new found joy like a pin in a balloon. How will they escape this unmerciful fame-seeking man?

Next, we meet Marius, whose grandfather raised him until he disinherited him. “The rigors of his present life gratified and pleased him.” Time has passed and the despicable Thenardiers end up as Marius’ next door neighbors. The showdown between the grafters along with their thugs-for-hire, kind-hearted Jean Valjean, and the unstoppable detective is viewed by an anything but calm Marius through a peephole in the wall connecting the rooms!

Hugo challenges his readers, of yesterday and today, by addressing topics that many would rather sweep under the rug than be exposed for all to see. Are you ready to jump into the fray?

Rock Paper Scissors is a mystery with a thriller twist by Alice Feeney, whose trademark as a writer might be having untrustworthy narrators tell the tale. Readers meet Adam Wright, a playwright who suffers from face blindness, and his wife, Amelia, who won a trip from work to a getaway in Scotland. The accommodations are far from five star! Creepy, dark, and cold describes the out of the way location. The Wrights would have left, but a snow storm hits and the couple is forced to stay.

Something is wrong with Mr. and Mrs. Wright’s marriage and Amelia had hoped this trip might put things on the right track. The novel has an Alfred Hitchcock vibe! Eerie things happen rather quickly. A face was seen in the window, the lights went out while Amelia was in the wine cellar causing her to have an asthma attack, the bedroom is decorated just like their bedroom at home, even their dog was acting strange!

Favorite quotes are more challenging with an audio, but here’s a few favorites:

“Believing in someone is one of the greatest gifts you can give them, it’s free and the results are priceless.”

“Patience is the answer to so many of life’s questions.”

”If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.”

Do you like suspenseful books that tell the story from different points of view? Join Kate and Sheila as they discuss this great audio without giving anything away, which is tough to do!

Happy reading dear listeners!

Joyous Leadership is an authentic, memorable, life changing read. It is chalked full of nuggets, insight and wisdom that will help you live your best life. In this episode we were able to interview author John Mark Watson. He was as delightful and engaging to talk to as his book was to read.

In this conversation, Mark Watson discusses his journey of writing 'Joyous Leadership,' inspired by the challenges of COVID. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, vulnerability, and finding joy in challenges. The discussion also highlights the significance of community, kindness, and the mindset needed to embrace growth opportunities. Mark shares personal anecdotes and insights that resonate with listeners, encouraging them to take steps towards their goals and to appreciate the process of growth.

Check out the links below to connect with Mark and order his book.

https://johnmarkwatson.com/

Order the book

https://a.co/d/7NPnEvU

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/johnmarkwatson/?hl=en

Kate and Sheila introduce part 1 of Les Misérables a.k.a. ‘The Brick’ by Victor Hugo.

These episodes are dedicated to our dear friend, Matt Green, who passed from this life in 2024. His love for this story inspired us to tackle the Brick, thank you Matt!

The Bishop is the first character we meet. He inspired us greatly with words such as…

“I was not put in this world to protect lives but to save souls.”

“We must never fear robbers and murderers. They are dangers from outside, small dangers. It is ourselves we have to fear. Prejudice is the real robber and vice the real murderer.”

His message to Jean Valjean touched his heart and changed the trajectory of his life!

“...my brother, you no longer belong to what is evil but to what is good. I have bought your soul to save it from black thoughts and the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God.”

Jean Valjean was imprisoned for breaking a shop window in his attempt to steal bread to feed his sister’s family. He was sentenced to serve 5 years, however after 4 escape attempts his sentence was increased by 14 years!

Are you ready to challenge yourself far beyond your life as a reader to the depth of your compassion as a person? Published in 1862, this classic helps us to discover what is true!

Please join us as we recap Joe Beam’s book, Seeing the Unseen (Preparing Yourself for Spiritual Warfare). The dedication reads, “For my wife, Alice, If it had not been for her unquenchable love, I surely would have lost my spiritual war.”

Satan’s strategies haven’t changed because they are still effective. First, he distorts the truth, next comes a hardening of the heart, then sensitivity is lost followed by an immersion in sensuality and finally spiritual destruction. His game plan worked with Adam and Eve and sadly it is still successful today.

Destruction comes to those who don’t love Truth. Christians aren’t immune, however, God hasn’t left us defenseless against evil. The vantage is ours but we must choose to use it:

Spiritual Vision = Discernment + Bible Knowledge

“Humans didn’t invent evil and we will never eradicate it. Knowing there is a devil deceiving people into sin arms me for a successful fight.”

Helpful questions to ask ourselves:

Who benefits, God or satan?
Who would be pleased, God or satan?
Which people in my life encourage me spiritually or worldly?

Just as gold is refined, so is our faith. Through trials, pain, and loss we must learn to trust God on this journey and not give the devil a foothold. Remember what he used to get to Job, evil people, natural disasters, boils, and even good people. He uses the same on us. “We don’t have enough strength to face life when things get bad. Fortunately, God does. By His Spirit and by His power, He places His strength in our hearts.”

“We cannot live like the enemy and continue in the ranks of the righteous. It is a war of commitment. The one we surrender to becomes our master.” (2Pet. 2:19)

Connects with the Native American adage:“Two natures beat within my breast, one is cursed, one is blest, One I love, one I hate, The one I feed will dominate.”

Are you ready to see the unseen? As Kate says, “Let’s dive in!”

You can listen to Joe Beam and his daughter on the podcast Relationship Radio…Marriage Helper found on Apple podcast.

Please join Kate and Sheila as they recap the second book in their chronological reading of the Bible this year. Genesis is such an amazing book, keeping readers in awe of God from creation to Joseph in Egypt!

God has a plan, yet when man loses focus and strays (as we tend to do) God is not derailed. He is patient, loving, just and forgiving throughout the valleys and mountaintops of faithlessness and faithfulness. From the Fall to the flood to famines God leads His people onward and upward.

Stories stick and facts fade, these timeless treasures guide readers in discovering how tumultuous times develop faith which leads to growth as God guides His people ever forward!

In our quest to read the best, the Bible is the pinnacle book! Grab a cup of coffee/tea and tune in as we discuss the wonders to be found in the book of Genesis!

Do you and your kids enjoy WW 2 books? If so, you are in luck! Join us as we discuss The Bicycle Spy by Yona Zekdus McDonough with our special guest!

The opening line draws the reader in…“A gust of wind cut across Marcel’s face as he cycled furiously down the street.”

Twelve year old Marcel dreams of someday competing in the Tour de France as he races through the streets of France making bread deliveries for his parents’ bakery. Soldiers have been everywhere since Germany’s occupation of France two years ago. They interrupt Marcel's deliveries with checkpoints and questioning making for some tension that makes this book hard to put down!

Marcel discovers two secrets. His parents are part of the Resistance and his friend’s family is in grave danger! Marcel wants to help! A risky ride passing important information where the unexpected happens keeps our brave fast thinker pedaling quickly!

“Escape? Where?” The hair on the back of Marcel’s neck began to prickle and he knew it wasn’t just from the crisp, cold air.” What a riveting read!

Please join us as we recap this exciting and suspenseful book for middle grade readers! If you like gritty characters that keep going no matter what, this book’s for you!

“All of life is a battle against fear. We fight it on one front, and it sneaks around to our flank.”

S.D. Smith’s book, The Green Ember, wonderfully weaves a tale of adventure, family, friendship, betrayal and conquering fear. We meet Picket Longtreader and his sister, Heather, as they are forced to go on the run after they return home to find it on fire and their parents and baby brother missing.

A wolf attack forces Heather and Picket into a cave. Thankfully in the nick of time, they are rescued by their uncle and a rabbit named Smalls who take them to Cloud Mountain.

All the rabbits are working together to fight against evil forces that are trying to overtake them. Their beloved King Jupiter had been betrayed by someone in the Longtreader family so Heather and Picket do not have the red carpet rolled out for them if you know what I mean. Emma was not like the other rabbits, she was helpful and kind to the newcomers.

Helmer is a big brute of a rabbit who keeps to himself. Picket wants Helmer to train him to be a fighter. Helmer calls him Ladybug. The training is tough when “Everything is a weapon.”

Will the rabbit community be strong enough to get peace from their enemies?

“You can choose what you believe, Shuffler (Picket’s other nickname), but you can’t choose what’s true.”

Yes, dear listeners, “Healing is on the horizon, but fire comes first. Bear the flame.” Are you ready to meet these endearing characters and join the journey?

In this episode of the Recap Book Chat, Kate and Sheila dive into Rachel Norman's book 'If Mama Ain't Happy,' discussing the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and the role of authenticity in relationships. They explore the difference between treating oneself and genuinely taking care of one's needs, emphasizing that self-care is essential for overall well-being. The conversation also touches on the significance of routine and planning in family life, and how clear communication can foster healthier relationships. The episode concludes with key takeaways and practical advice for listeners.

Kate recaps Rachel Norman’s book, If Mama Ain’t Happy which stresses the need we all have of setting healthy boundaries. Rachel’s wake up call came when her cancer doctor told her that she couldn’t keep doing what she was doing and survive.

“Simplifying makes life less stressful.” Join us as Kate highlights some of the high points of this remarkable book that will benefit anyone trying to ‘white knuckle it through life’.

This quote resonated with me, “We can decide how far we want to push ourselves, but that doesn’t change when we’ll give out.”

Do you stuff things in your emotional basement? It is what we do when we shove our feelings and emotions down. Sooner or later (and usually at the most inopportune time) they erupt and come out like overfilling a gas tank.

This book will change the self-care mindset. Self-care actually needs to be done first. We can’t pour from an empty cup. Treating ourselves is not the equivalent of taking care of ourselves. Self-care is a way of preparing ourselves to be our best self. Have you ever thought about self-care as an act of worship? Would our abundant God want us running on empty?

“Being authentic attracts others.” Isn’t this quote so true! “It’s better to be honest about your capacity than to over promise and underdeliver.”

Why not pick up a copy of this little jewel to get some help with setting beneficial boundaries and keeping them? Let’s thrive in 2025! Do you agree with the author about happiness being a natural byproduct of wise living? Dive into this recap as we continue our quest to read the best! Blessings to you dear listeners!

Have you walked through the struggles in the book of Job? God describes Job as blameless, however his friends did not get the memo. In the midst of severe loss Job’s friends lambast him with all the wrongs they think he must have done to end up in the shape he’s in.

(Note to self: Give grace instead of advice, everyone is struggling with something.)

As Kate mentioned, the friends waited in silence for 7 days… definitely their finest hour.

We can learn so much from this book!

How to persevere in the throes of troubles and heartache.
How NOT to help a grieving friend.
Accepting that we must trust God, we’re unable to get on His level.
Connects with our lives, as Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble…”
Comfort is not God’s priority for our lives.

The big question is… Why do bad things happen to good people? This is woven throughout life and the book of Job. God is no respecter of persons and He is just…this leads us to realize that life in this broken world will not be fair. If life were like Job’s friends describe obeying God would not be from the heart but from a place of concern for self to avoid hardships.

Please join us as we recap the amazing book of Job, we’re sure you know the Author! Have a blessed day dear listeners! Let’s continue our quest to read the best!

In Episode 172, we learned the difference between IQ (Incorrect questions) such as “Why did he cut me off?”, and QBQ (Questions that are positive and productive) like, “What can I do to help you out ?”

QBQs focus on action. How can I improve myself? How can I provide value to you?

Action requires courage; inaction is fueled by fear

Action builds confidence; inaction builds doubt

Action even when it leads to mistakes leads to growth; inaction leads to stagnation

In the Question Behind the Question we discovered the Power of ONE: Departments, teams, committees don’t change, People change…one at a time.

Asking questions that focus our efforts, thoughts, and energy is the way to be effective and really make a difference.

John G. Miller was taught by his wrestling coach, aka his father, he had 3 people to beat:

The opponent
Himself-overcome fears
The Ref- never blame

Please join us as we dive into QBQ: The Question Behind the Question and discover instead of thinking outside the box, it is beneficial to succeed using what is in our box, a Bloom Where You’re Planted mentality.

Learning is about change. We always have a choice, even if it is choosing not to make a choice.

What can we do to bless your day?

Happy New Year!!! May your reading continue to thrive in 2025!!!

Join Kate and Sheila as they very carefully recap The Nature of Fragile Things

by Susan Meissner while striving to withhold all the plot twists and jaw droppers.

This roller coaster of a read begins in 1906 just before the San Francisco earthquake.

We meet a young mail order bride, Sophie. She is an Irish immigrant who answers an ad of the bereaved widower, Martin, who is seeking a mother for Kat, his 5 year old daughter. Sophie longs to have a home and be a mother.

This book is unlike any historical fiction we’ve read!

“It is the nature of fragile things to break…it is also in our nature to start over after disaster.”

GloriaZ recommended this book and The Frozen River, so far she’s been a good resource in our Quest to Read the Best!

Have a blessed day dear readers!

https://www.youtube.com/@GloriaZThompson

2024 Recap Book Chat Awards…Please join Kate and Sheila to see if you agree or disagree with their choices : )

Most Whimsical - ?

Grittiest - ?

Most Unique Format - ?

Best Opening Line - ?

Most Unpredictable - ?

Most Intense - ?

Most Impactful in Society - ?

Most Creative - ?

Best Leading Lady - ?

Best Leading Man - ?

Best Ending - ?

Changed Our Lives - ?

Stands the Test of Time - ?

Overall Best Book - ?

Quotes from The Green Ember: “All of life is a battle against fear. We fight it on one front, and it sneaks around to our flank.”

“Stay on the job, son. Do the next right thing.”

Have a Happy New Year dear listeners! Happy Reading : )

“Knowledge is something given bit by bit. In life, there are few things that must be done the first time around.” I’m so thankful for God’s grace! Let's join together and strive to learn and grow into the women that God designed us to be. We are all at different places on the road of life, some of us are on bumpy roads while some are smooth sailing and others experiencing dangerous hairpin curves! The beginning of the journey we tend to have more energy, and as the miles stack up behind us we gain wisdom.

I get it, you want to make sure that hubbie is right before you’re all in. But where is the trust in this kind of thinking? Life is uncertain, that is where faith comes in.

“All men make mistakes. A woman’s place is simply to obey for God’s sake, not for right’s sake. If you wait until you feel that your husband is right before you obey him, then you will seldom obey him, and you will never enjoy the miracles of God.” : )

We finished up Titus 2:3-5, we discussed being discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, and last and most challenging … obedient to their husbands.

What tools do we need to have a glorious marriage?

Joy

Thankfulness

Contentment

Reverence

Submission

Prayer

Believing God’s Word

Culture may have changed but God’s plan for marriage remains consistent with His Word. Please join Kate and Sheila as they wrap up Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl.

Merry Christmas dear listeners!

Episode 168 - A Christmas Carol

What caused the miser, Scrooge, to choose his path?

Was it his absence from home or his father’s wrath?

He chose his master passion, Gain- over his intended, Belle,

She released him with a heart full of love for the man she once knew so well.

He grew self-absorbed, uncaring, and oh so tight,

He might never have changed without his visitors each night.

The ghost of Christmas Past taught a reluctant Scrooge a thing or two,

To the second shade he was much more open to learning something new.

“Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more.”

This little book hits everyone at their core.

Thank you for sharing your day with Sheila and Kate and Dickens too,

We wish a very Merry Christmas to each one of you!

The Man Who Invented Christmas is the movie whose title escaped us,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B077MFZMB3/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Please join Kate and Sheila as they continue discussing Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl.

Part 2 recaps how God encompasses all the kinds of men mentioned in part 1:

Mr. Command, Mr. Visionary, and Mr. Steady.

We learn that our reactions define us because they are not premeditated so they show what is in our hearts. Luke 6:45…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

2 Cor.10 says to bring every thought into obedience of Christ.

“Eve was deceived, she was supposed to be Adam’s helper but she helped herself to spiritual knowledge and acted independently, becoming his downfall instead of his help meet.”

Jezebel and Ruth are two very different women, one lived for self and the other was a beautiful example of a woman with a thankful submissive attitude. Which one would you want to have coffee with?

Being a godly wife is not contingent on your husband being godly, he might be a super jerk but enduring abusive words should not leave one feeling abused when living in the love of God. Women must gain their self-image from what God thinks of them instead of what their husbands might say in selfishness and anger.

Titus 2:3-5 gives eight things God requires of women. We covered:

To Be Sober is to do one’s duty, be moderate, self-controlled, thoughtful, and to learn to

make wise decisions. Think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, a teenage girl clinging to the back of a bouncing donkey, contractions pulling at her exhausted body, while her desperate husband searched for a place for her to give birth. Her emotional well-being did not depend on her surroundings.

To Love Their Husbands - put his needs above their own, Kate gives Debi Pearl’s list of good reasons to be sexy for your husband at the end of our podcast.

This book is challenging, yes, but there is a delight and peace that comes from leaning into God’s design for us instead of resisting it.

Probably the most impactful and challenging book we’ve read besides the Bible, CREATED TO BE HIS HELP MEET by Debi Pearl takes us back to God’s Word for a closer look on women’s role. To say this book is countercultural is stating the obvious. Society tells us (Happy wife, happy life) women are above men and deserve to be served, however that robs us of our true God-given role. “A good help meet has a passion to be of service.” 1 Cor. 11:8-9 tells us why women were created, something that many in our culture omit.

“NO man has ever crawled out from under his wife’s criticism to be a better man. God stands with you when you stand by your man, but you stand alone if you stand by your rights.”

We have 40,000 thoughts a day, if we are to have a thankful spirit we need to practice being thankful. Phil. 4:8 tells us what we should think on, Pro.23:7 says as a man thinks in his heart so is he…bottom line: thoughts are powerful!

Debi Pearl describes in detail the three kinds of men: Mr. Command, Mr. Visionary, and Mr. Steady. The Key is to know your man. Ask God for wisdom and patience, James 1:5. Wisdom is mentioned in the Bible 223 times! If you’re like me, you might’ve been avoiding praying for patience. It often gets swept under the rug along with self-control, while I focus on the love, joy, and peace part of the fruit of the spirit. However, it is not a buffet, I must work on them all, including the Mt. Everest one for me… patience.

This book has been a life changer for both of us, so I guess, in my case, old dogs can learn new tricks, bahaha! Won’t you learn along with us as we dive into discussing God’s role for women eons before Helen Reddy belted out, “I Am Woman Hear Me Roar”. Roaring is not a fulfilling way to live this earthly walk at all. Change is hard. Are you up for the challenge?

This nonfiction account of our nation's 20th president will knock your socks off.

Destiny of the Republic, A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard gives readers an amazing glimpse into the past. We get a front seat to the election of a man who did not want to be president but was willing to get out of his comfort zone for the good of the country, appealing to God for aid in the trial before him. He made great strides to bring a divided country together, yet little is known about James A. Garfield, “a man incapable of carrying a grudge, a poor hater but a good fighter.”.

Fatherless before the age of 2, Garfield grew up in abject poverty. Interestingly enough, so did Charles Guiteau, the man who shot him. What determined their vastly different paths? The big difference was attitude. “Garfield rose quickly through the layers of society, not with aggression or even overt ambition, but with a passionate love of learning.”

Guiteau believed he was entitled to special treatment, his work ethic was almost non-existent. He survived by asking men for money when necessary or just not paying bills when he could get away with it.,

The real cause of Garfield’s death surprised us, pride ended up being the culprit. Please join us as we unpack the sad facts about the disbelief doctors had about germs and the unwillingness of Dr. Bliss to listen to others which caused Garfield to suffer needlessly. “Ignorance is Bliss” is a quote that now has a new meaning. On the other side of the coin, there were helpful caring people who worked tirelessly to help the president (air-conditioning was invented by the Navy and Alexander Graham Bell worked on an invention to find the bullet). Garfield’s many quotes are true gems, “I’d rather be beaten in Right than succeed in Wrong.”

Greetings dear listeners! Please join Kate & Sheila as they review some of their favorite books from A to Z!

A-All the Light You Cannot See & A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

B-Brothers Karamazov

C-Count of Monte Cristo

D-David Copperfield & Dracula

E-Everything Sad Is Untrue

F-Forest of Vanishing Stars & Frozen River

G-God’s Smuggler & Giver of the Stars

H-House Rules & Habits of the Household & Hiding Place

I-In His Steps & Imprinted

J-Joyous Leadership

K-

L-Living Fearless & Ladies of the Lake

M-Mere Christianity

N-Nightingale

O-Ordinary Grace

P-Peace Like A River

Q-Quiet by Susan Cain

R-Reading Promise

S-Saving My Assassin

T-Things We Didn’t Say

U-Unbroken & Unoffendable

V-

W-War & Peace

X-tra special-At Home with Madame Chic

Y-Yours Cheerfully series

Z-Zhivago (Dr.)

We are so thankful for each of you for listening to our attempt to highlight books from A to Z. We hope you can help us out on K & V : )

In this episode we discuss the awesome book Living Fearless by Jamie Winship! We delve into the exploration of themes such as fear, truth, identity, and the importance of confession. We discuss how fear can hinder creativity and relationships, and the transformative power of honesty and seeking God.

Here are some of the key takeaways we found in Jamie's book...

Fear shuts down creativity and the reception of new ideas.
We are all afraid, and that fear leads to conflict.
Honesty with ourselves, God, and others is crucial for growth.
The mysteries of God, self, and others are essential to explore.
Confession is the first step towards genuine transformation.
Living in a false identity prevents us from knowing our true selves.
Satan fears the truth, and deception thrives in its absence.
We must seek God to find our true identity.
Emotions can indicate underlying lies we believe.
Living fearlessly involves confronting fears and lies.

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with us. Remember to stay on track and read your stack!

“Reading is the act of listening and speaking at the same time, with someone you’ve never met, but love…”

Join Kate and Sheila as they embark on Daniel Nayeri’s tale of an unbelievable but true journey, in Everything Sad is Untrue. The story describes how Daniel’s mother and her children had to flee Iran after converting to Christianity. The miraculous and harrowing road to freedom is beautifully told through the eyes of a young Daniel.

“The Legend of my mother is that she does not stop. And if you don't stop, you're unstoppable.”

Everything Sad is Untrue is written in a traditional Eastern way of Storytelling where “the stories aren't the thing. The thing is the story of the story. The spending of the time. The falling in love.” It allows us to see each other as our true selves.

Daniel tells us about the God who Listens and the God who speaks and the importance of a God that does both. May we implement this in our lives as we practice listening better and speaking kindness often.

“Love is empty without justice. Justice is cruel without love.”

“But what you believe about the future will change how you live in the present.”

What do you believe about the future?

Meet Daniel and his unstoppable mom in this short video. Why this author and his mother fled Iran in the 80's

What do journaling, camaraderie, resilience, bravery, faith in God, and a cowboy from Texas have in common?

Bram Stoker cleverly brought them all together in his masterpiece, Dracula, published in 1897.

He uses journals, letters, news clippings, captain’s log, and telegrams (epistolary format) which invites the reader to join the characters on their journey. We become vampire hunters along with:

Jonathan Harker, the English solicitor,

Mina Murray, Jonathan’s soon to be wife,

Lucy, Mina’s flighty friend,

Dr. John Seward, Lucy’s rejected suitor #1,

Arthur Holmwood, aka Lord Godalming, Lucy’s pick of the litter,

Quincy Morris, rejected suitor #2, a cowboy from Texas and finally,

Dr. Van Helsing, the oldest in the group, gives guidance and determination in this fearless fight against evil.

Without a main character, everyone has equal importance. This talented Irish author illustrates the value of:

Combination: “...we are all more strong together…”

Failure: “We learn from failure, not from success.”

Faith & Humility: “God alone knows what may be in store for any of us.”

Journaling: “Hamlet said, “My tablets! Quick, my tablets!” The habit of entering accurately must help to soothe me.

Good versus evil can encompass many forms. The term energy vampires would not exist without Stoker’s book. The Bible has another blood sucker in Proverbs 30:15,

“The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”. Those who take and take and never give have always been around. Bram Stoker gives readers a safe place to be scared while giving readers the warning to be alert! Are you up for this frightful chase? Please join us for episode 163! Happy reading dear listeners!

”Memory is a wicked thing that warps and twists. But paper and ink receive the truth without emotion, and they read it back without partiality.” Please join Kate and Sheila as they recap, The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Martha Ballard, a midwife in Hallowell, Maine in 1789, was thrown into a murder investigation when a body was found in the river. She was called to do an autopsy and later discovers her oldest son, Cyrus Ballard, while trying to protect his sister’s honor had fought with Joshua Burgess. When Burgess turns up dead, Cyrus is arrested!

Martha and her husband, Ephraim aptly quote Shakespeare, “If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.”

Meanwhile, the trial of Joshua North (Hallowell's judge) is taking place. He is charged with raping of the young pastor’s wife, Rebecca Foster (who is now with child). Rebecca Foster's fate depends on Martha’s testimony. However, in 1789 a woman was not allowed testify without the presence of her husband. Will Ephraim make it to the courtroom in time?

Martha Ballard is the great-aunt of Clara Baron, founder of the Red Cross. She is also the great-great-grandmother of Mary Hobart, one of the first female physicians in the U.S. She kept a diary for 27 years! Most of her entries included the phrase, “I have been at home”. What homemakers do matter more than they know, or as Martha put it, "Small acts done in love matter."

She delivered over 1,000 babies and never lost a mother in childbirth! Ironically, Ariel Lawhon found an article stating this amazing fact about Martha while waiting at her obstetrician's office.

“One of the greatest skills that I have as a midwife is to sit in silence…To sit and be. To pray and offer comfort… To say nothing when there are no words that can console.”

Let’s meet this woman of incredible grit and wisdom. Blessings to you dear listeners and readers!

“It’s not how much you have, but what you do with it that counts.”

“Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.”

“We find what we are looking for, if we look hard enough.”

“In the face of adversity, never give up.”

There are a plethora of inspiring quotes like these from Wilson Rawls’,

Summer of the Monkeys!

Join 14 year old Jay Berry in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma as he and his faithful hound, Rowdy, set out to capture the monkeys that escaped from the circus train mishap. He wants to get the head monkey and collect the reward for him which is one hundred dollars! Which would be more than enough to get his long dreamed of pony and .22.

His sister, Daisy, dons her Red Cross uniform and cares for Jay Berry when he gets into scrapes even, her twisted leg and crutch do not slow her down at all. The family cannot afford the surgery to straighten out her leg, but she remains cheerful and always ready to help.

Who is smarter, Jay Berry or the monkeys? Grandpa and Jay Berry come up with plan after plan to outwit the feisty furry fugitives. Are you ready for adventure, laughs, and family bonded beyond belief ? Join us as we dive into this treasure that shows readers why “Love and compassion are the keys to a fulfilled life.”

This amazing story is told through the eyes of Reuben Land (aka Rube), the middle child in a motherless family living in the cold Midwest. He suffers greatly from asthma, adores his older brother, Davy (16 years old) and his younger sister, Swede (8+ she has a birthday– definitely one of the coolest siblings we’ve ever met from the pages of a book).

Jeremiah Land is a father raising three kids on his own, but his full plate gets unbelievably fuller when life takes a disastrous turn. After he defends a girl being accosted by two thugs a downward spiral begins.

Jeremiah’s non-negotiable morning routine is his daily time in God’s Word which gives him peace and guidance as he faces the trials and troubles life throws his way. Many lines flow like a cool stream but one that stuck with me was, “Fair is whatever God wants it to do.”

Please join us as we recap Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, a beautiful book following the Land family through laughter, heartache, and healing. How blessed we were to meet this family! What a treasure!

“The world is yearning for men to show up, men who know who they are and why they are here.” We hear a lot about toxic masculinity, what about a masculine man of God? The ones who Grow Up and Show Up. They do not fall prey to the myth, “I’m not hurting anyone” as they fail to become the man God meant them to be choosing instead to engage in wasteful wiles that hijack their time. Ennui is a French word that means dissatisfaction that comes from not being mission focused.

“In Gen. 2:15, man was to keep the garden (NKJV), the Hebrew word, shamar means to guard, to protect and to watch over. Adam totally blew it.”

Brant gives readers 6 Decisions TO SET US APART:

Forsake the fake–Relish the real
Protect the Vulnerable
Be Ambitious About the Right Things
Make Women and Children Feel Safe
Choose Today Who You Will Become Tomorrow
Take Responsibility for your Own Spiritual Life

The point of real love is to want your loved one to thrive and flourish even to the point of self-sacrifice! What great gift these books would be for the males in your life!

The Men We Need and The (Young) Men We Need sum up God’s role for men with wit and pithiness that packs a punch!

Please join us as we dive into a subject that has baffled us for years,

at times brought us in tears when we were unaware of their gears,

Brant has showed us how God wants men to be- beginning with their hearts,

Isn’t that where true transformation always starts?

Let’s journey through Kids’ Books from A to Z,

As we bookishly celebrate back to school with glee!

As we endeavor to fertilize young minds we must be vigilant in exposing them to a plethora of books, priming the pump as one might say. Please join us as book suggestions are made that might ignite a love for reading in your little tike or emerging teen and all those in between. Resistant readers are those that have not found the right book. May we be as diligent as the proverbial prince searching for the foot that fit the lost glass slipper.

No, dear listeners we will not waver, let’s discover a book for each little shaver : )

This episode gives listeners ideas to enrich or jumpstart the powerful habit of reading widely.

This could even supply gift ideas for Christmas and birthdays and such.

Let’s make reading books a language in itself, adding tried and true books to shelf after shelf!

Won’t you listen along as we strive to meet the challenge of finding books of quality all the way from A to Z?

Twenty-two-year-old Emmy Lake, hopeful war correspondent, begins her new job at

Woman’s Friend is working under a bear of a woman, Mrs. Henrietta Bird. Mr. Collins writes stories for the magazine, he helps Emmy get adjusted to her position. Emmy types Mr. Collins's stories and helps with the advice column, Henrietta Helps, however, Mrs. Bird refuses to answer most of the letters because they are too personal. “Spines, Miss Lake, that’s what these women need.” But of course, Emmy’s empathetic heart can’t refuse the women writing in for Mrs. Bird’s help so she starts answering them on her own time.

Dear Anxious,

You should be very proud of yourself for doing your best when things are at their worst.

Emmy’s best friend and roommate, Bunty, helps her through a tough time when Emmy’s fiance

ended their engagement. Her folks are supportive as well, “Is your mother doing the Fatheads speech? Absolute dunderhead…look at the bright side at least we won’t have idiots for grandchildren,” her dad said with a wink. Fortunately, even though fatheads may abound so do those of the handsome, brave, caring sort…enter Charles, Mr. Collins’ ½ brother.

Emmy’s nights are spent volunteering at the fire station as a dispatcher. The bombings and fires made London in 1940 anything but safe. The camaraderie of Emmy and her friends during this terrible time in history draws readers into the fray living day by day in the shadow of bombings… surviving by grit and determination. When Bunty and Emmy’s friendship hits a stonewall Emmy embraces the challenge of what a real friend must do even when proverbial doors are slammed in faces… She shows up and she keeps on showing up even while trouble’s brewing at her day job as well.

Won’t you show up too? Please get a cup of tea and join Sheila and Kate, as they recap Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce, a novel first rate!

“You can see God from anywhere if your mind is set to love and obey Him.”

Question: What is the chief End of man?

Answer: Man’s chief End is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever!

Written in one night on a train trip, Kate and Sheila recap A. W. Tozer’s powerfully written book, The Pursuit of God. This inspirational jewel was published in 1948 but timelessly impactful, challenging readers to look out instead of in. We cannot simply sit in a pew to please God; we must fervently pursue Him if we are to grow closer to Him. “Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.”

“Sin has twisted our vision inward and made it self-regarding.” Eli and his sons were sad examples of pursuing self instead of God. The self-sins are many: self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love and a host of others that can so entangle our lives causing us to stagnate.

Are you ready to put down the spoon and dig deep to seek God wholeheartedly? “How tragic that we in this dark day have had our seeking done for us by our teachers.” As the parable told by Jesus about the 10 virgins illustrates, each one of us must prepare to be ready, we cannot rely on someone else to do the work. Let's make passionately pursuing our heavenly Father a vital part each day He gives us!

Georgina Bassington-Hope is sent Maisie’s way because she thinks Inspector Stratton and company did less than stellar work investigating the death of her twin brother. Georginia believes her brother, Nick, did not accidentally fall from the scaffold in the art gallery. She feels like he was murdered. Will Maisie and her trusty assistant, Billy, be able to uncover the truth? The suspects are many, Nick’s three artist friends, his brother, Harry with a gambling problem, the wealthy American that has paid handsomely for Nick’s previous works, and many more! When Maisie and Billy discover their office ransacked and their case map stolen they basically had to start over from square one.

There’s some heartbreaking in this novel as readers see the class difference in London at this time, however class does not determine joy. Kate connected this to a book she’s reading, Created to Be His Help Meet, that explains how Gratitude comes before Joy. God stresses the importance of gratitude over and over in His Word.

Join Kate and Sheila as they reconnect with Maisie Dobbs. It’s 1931, she hits the streets of London and the countryside as well to track down the truth. Some of our favorite quips and quotes:

“How might I serve?” (The most important question, learned from her mentor, Maurice)

“Things are rarely as they seem.”

“Choose your battles, Billy.”

“...if I am to keep Georgina Bassington-Hope out of your way, to effectively pick up your laundry, then wash and fold it, I should say you owe me a bit more than 15 minutes in a 3rd rate caff on Oxford Street.” : ) Maisie letting Inspector Stratton have a piece of her mind.

Are you ready to sip a cuppa and solve the mystery in Jacqueline Winspear’s

Messenger of Truth? Happy reading dear listeners!

One of our favorite quotes from Haven by Megan Wagner Lloyd is… “You don’t have to be big to be brave.” This book has love, adventure, and a whole lot of grit from a little cat that does not quit. Haven is on this journey to help Ma Millie, her human, who is very sick. She summons all her courage to venture outside to find the nearest neighbor, Jacob Levan, unfortunately he’s not home. This forces Haven to trek into town, a daunting feat for this fearful feline, but fortunately she meets a fox who volunteers to lead the way! But can the fox be trusted???

“Today’s biggest challenge will be the river,” the fox informed Haven. “Tomorrow, the ravine.”

“What’s a ravine?” Haven asked. This delightful duo invites the reader to join the journey.

“What’s a home?,” asked the fox. “A home is a place that’s just yours…where you’re safe.”

“Life’s not safe…All the forest is my home.”

Haven struggles to keep up with the fox as they journey through the forest, whenever her strength fails she focuses on rescuing Ma Millie. There is one danger the fox never tells Haven about…a bobcat is tracking them!

What a wonderful mix of adventure, friendship, resilience, and purpose! Let’s join the boys for as they recap this beautiful book! Thanks to Aimee & Brody for recommending it!

Greetings Recapsters! Kate and Sheila dive into the Shakespearean comedy,

The Taming of the Shrew. Kate is the older sister that is as easy to get along with as a mama bear robbed of her cubs. Her sister, Bianca, draws suitors like bees to flowers. Here’s the rub, their father forbids Bianca to wed until Kate is married. No one is up for this arduous task until Petruchio comes on the scene. He has come to Padua ‘to wive and thrive’ and Kate suits his liking, however, she resists so forcefully he calls her a wasp to which she replies,

“If I be waspish, best beware my sting.”

How will Petruchio tame Kate? He shows up to their wedding very late wearing rags riding a nag. “He has some meaning in his mad attire.” Why was he late? What’s with his clownish clothes? Maybe, absence made Kate’s heart grow fonder and when he finally arrived she was thrilled that he wasn’t a no show. When asked about his clothes, Petruchio replied,

“To me she’s married, not unto my clothes.” Then he whisks Kate away before their reception.

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘kill them with kindness’? He deprives Kate of food because it’s not good enough for her. Along with a new dress and the bed which were also not suitable for his new bride. As her ‘taming’ continues readers can see Kate slowly beginning to change into a better version of herself.

Some say Shakespeare crossed the line here. That he is a hater of women but we beg to differ. He’s using humor and wit to show something very daring for the 1590s. Are you up for a bit of comedic culture? “...There’s small choice in rotten apples.” He is a wordsmith indeed, who but Shakespeare could make accident sound poetic…”’twas a fault unwilling.”

The Taming of the Shrew: Act I - The Play's the Thing | Acast

Love Better: Untamed Love on Apple Podcasts

“And don’t you know that it is just when we are weakest that God can use us the most?” Wisdom from Mrs. Whestra, Andy’s neighbor in Witte, Holland.

While Andy’s family went to church he would go fishing and show up right when everyone was exiting the building and listen to their comments so he could talk about the sermon at home.

Papa asked him when he was 17 years old, “What do you plan to do with your life?” What a clarifying question! Andy didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a blacksmith so he joined the army. His mama gave him her Bible which he packed away at the bottom of his duffle bag, unread, until he was wounded and needed time to heal from a shattered ankle.

“My sense of guilt wrapped around me like a chain–nothing I did — drinking, fighting, writing letters eased the stranglehold upon me.” He finally began to read his mama’s Bible. He wrote letters with Bible questions to a girl he had met, she helped him understand it.

God’s Word caused Brother Andy to do a 180. Andy said, “Karl Marx said, “Give me 26 lead soldiers and I will conquer the world” meaning the letters of the alphabet. Well, this game could be played both ways.”

Please join Kate and Sheila as they recap Andy’s amazing life story in God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. Andy evolves from a hooligan who played hooky from church to godly guy delivering Bibles to communist countries. Once when he was without a translator he used Bible verses to communicate! Remember Mrs. Whestra? Her family donated their VW car to Andy for his travels to impossible places, trusting and praying and relying on God every step of the way.

“First, earn the right to get their attention; then show them Jesus – perhaps not with words but always with action.” We’re thankful we met Andy in our quest to read the best, you will be too!

“Do you ever read any of the books you burn?”--young neighbor, Clarisse“That’s against the law.”--Guy MontagJoin Kate and Sheila as they dive into Ray Bradbury’s classic, Fahrenheit 451. Guy Montag is a fireman in the future whose job is to burn books and houses in which the books are found. He begins to wonder how life got so empty after his wife, Mildred, emptied a bottle of sleeping pills. The pump snake guys come and ‘save’ her, then head off to their next disillusioned resident.. Guy wants to help Millie, but she tells him, “Let me alone” to which he replies, “We need not to be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while.” This book will bother you and challenge you too.Guy’s boss, Firechief Beatty quips, “People want to be happy, isn't that right?...They live for pleasure…” And as Dr. Phil always asks, “How’s that working for you?” Sadly, TVs take up entire walls of the houses. Mildred has a three wall TVs, which is not enough; she needs four. She refers to the shows as her family…’her family’ is on all the time.Guy has kept some books instead of burning them. When he tries to read Ecclesiastes 3, he struggles to get meaning from the text. He pays a visit to Faber, a retired English professor he met by chance in the park a year ago who had told him, “I don’t talk things, sir, I talk the meaning of things. I sit here and know I’m alive.” Are you ready to turn up the heat and read Fahrenheit 451? “To everything there is a season. A time to break down and time to build up. A time to keep silent and a time to speak…”

Do you hear the drum roll? We are on Rule #10 of House Rules by Jacob Hudgins! Today, Kate and Sheila recap… Just Because You’re Angry Doesn’t Mean You’re Right. Jacob starts with Cain, his anger was misinformed and misdirected. God told him, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at your door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:6-7 Cain doesn’t listen to God. He kills his brother, seeking a ‘permanent solution for a temporary problem.’Anger clouds our judgment, like alcohol, it lowers our inhibitions. What we are doing feels right and appropriate. Remember the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, who was filled with fury when 3 Jewish guys dared to defy him? He orders the fiery furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal, does this make sense? When we are angry we don’t seem to notice that our reasoning is impaired. When Jonah was angry at God for saving the people of Nineveh, God asked him, “Do you do well to be angry?” What a great clarifying question!Are you ready for a solution? House Rules refers us to James 1:19-20.The tone of Christian homes should reflect James’ powerful advice: Be quick to hear (we must learn to listen)Be slow to speak (anger can often alert us to character weaknesses within ourselves)Be slow to anger (the anger of men does not produce the righteousness of God)Please join us as we strive to keep anger in check! May you be blessed as we grow together striving to please God each day!

Lidia Zakrzewski’s real-life story of the Polish resistance fighters who struggled to force out the Nazi occupiers inspired Jennifer A. Nielsen to write, Uprising, an amazing novel about Poland falling into the hands of Germany.Lidia’s father went off to fight and she desperately wanted to go with him. The huge conflict of the occupation and the conflict on the homefront between Lidia and her mother keep readers on the edge of their seats. Why does her mother criticize so quickly? Why does Lidia refuse to see any good in her mother? Lidia’s brother, Ryszard, tries to help her. “That’s your problem, Lidia. You think you already know everything and can do everything and understand everything, but you don’t.”Lidia becomes a messenger for the Resistance and is led through the sewers by a girl named Ester. “I wasn’t worried. There was a calmness about Ester, and a confidence that kept me calm too…to have met Ester was entirely worth it.” What a goal for all of us to exude calmness and confidence in a confusing world because we are anchored to God!Uprising takes readers through the Invasion, the Occupation, the Uprising, and lastly, the Escape. Are you ready to join Poland’s 55,000 resistance fighters as they strive daily to outwit the Nazis? Please join Kate and Sheila as they recap a turbulent time in history when chaos surrounded the Polish people but they were still able to say, “...whenever we are with those we love, we are home.”

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Proverbs 25:28“To the ancient mind, a city without walls is ripe for the picking. It lacks any defenses. It is susceptible to any passing army or group of bandits…When we lack self-control, we are setting ourselves up for disaster.”Self-control is not natural, it doesn’t come easy. In fact, one of the hardest folks to control is the face I see in the mirror, but saying no to self is empowering. When we become far-sighted, in tune with the big picture, the daily battle plan is much easier to execute. My goal is to please God, that sets the course for my why. Would this please God? If not, He will give me the strength to say no to myself.Children are not born with limits. We must teach them in such a way that when they leave home they will have the capacity to say no to ungodly things that will bombard their adult lives. How?By modeling this struggle daily while they are at home and by letting them practice it with our support.Let us embrace the rhythms of life like working before playing, praying before eating, and asking permission before doing something we’re not sure about. These rhythms will serve our children well, now and in adulthood, they won’t hurt us either : )Boundaries help us respect each other. We cannot teach kids what we are unwilling to practice. Are you ready for the challenge of being far-sighted... think eternity? Please join Kate and Sheila as they recap Rule #9 We Control Ourselves from House Rules by Jacob Hudgins.

“The women had a story to tell, even if the world wasn’t ready to hear it, and their story started with three simple words, ‘We were there.’” Are you ready for a challenge? The Women by Kristin Hannah was a tough read indeed! Sadly, Frankie McGrath’s wealthy California family communicated with each other less than people who don’t speak the same language. When her old brother was killed in action during the Vietnam Conflict Frankie quickly enlisted. The note, “Welcome to the 36 Evac Hospital, McGrath. Be the best version of yourself” starts her adventure with fellow nurses, Ethel and Barb. Frankie had no training but with their help she became a skilled surgical nurse. What’s up with The Stars and Stripes informing the US that no soldiers are being killed while Frankie, Barb, and Ethel and a host of others serving in Vietnam know that is a falsehood? This book shows us that things are not always what they appear to be and sadly that includes people as well.A raw, gritty, and tense look at the horrors of war and the countless difficulties those returning experience day after day after day. Join Kate and Sheila as they recap the heaviness of the rigor of readjusting in a country that refused to reaffirm those who gave so much and were appreciated so little. When we know better, we do better. We are so grateful to all who have served, may God bless you and your families! Thank you so much for listening! Remember, Stay on Track & Read Your Stack!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

After you”“No, after you”Sounds a lot better than, “Me first!”Jacob Hudgins urges readers to break the pattern of getting, getting, getting to one of serving others instead. Join Kate and Sheila as they recap House Rules, Rule #8 We Lead By Serving. Let us make a shift from the “What’s in it for me?” mantra to “Here’s my opportunity to serve!” We want to emulate Jesus, the master of leading by serving!“We cannot allow the tone of the world to overwhelm us.” When we find ourselves anxious, upset, worried, or out-of-sorts we must adjust our focus from ourselves back to Jesus. “The pressing question for Christians in our time— is ‘what are we doing today that is good?’Let’s teach ourselves and our kids that life’s not about being fair. What is fair about an innocent man dying for our transgressions? Jesus is the ultimate example of true leadership:‘Lowering ourselves in love. He demonstrates complete abandonment of His own will—leaving behind the privileges of His status.”“Jesus calls us to be different. He urged His power-hungry disciples to channel all of their energy and desperate need for validation into a desire to serve?”Our prayer is that we become aware of opportunities to serve that God sends our way.May we roll up our sleeves and give our time and effort to bless and help others every day. We must be countercultural, the challenge is real,Set boundaries to stay focused, serving others isn’t based on how we feel!In the mighty name of Jesus, amen!Happy serving and reading dear listeners! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

We are hoping you can ‘squeeze’ The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davis into your reading this summer. Join Kate, Sheila, and their special guest, Titus, as they recap the Treski siblings' war over who can sell the most lemonade.Evan, the oldest, discovers that his younger sister, Jessie, is going to be promoted into his class the upcoming school year. He has a lot of feelings but doesn’t share any of them with Jessie. He chooses to ignore her. Jessie feels like she’s lost her best friend, however figuring out feelings is not her forte and she’s as confused as someone trying to put a jigsaw puzzle together without being able to look at the picture on the box.The sibling rivalry is real but so is their sibling comradery. Grumpminster Fink was a mean, cranky man that Evan and Jessie made up back when their mom and dad were fighting so much. Dealing with the stress of dysfunction and divorce bonds the two together. After their dad left, they promised never to fight in front of their mom and even in the midst of their ‘lemonade war’ they kept this promise.Elbert Hubbbard was given credit for coming up with the phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” back in 1915 when he wrote an obituary for an actor who achieved greatness despite dwarfism. The original phrase was “He picked up the lemons that fate had sent and started a lemonade stand.” We invite you to join us and let’s all strive to turn our problems into opportunities!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Please join Kate and Sheila as they tackle Rule # 7, We Deal with Our Problems, in House Rules by Jacob Hudgins. Lev. 19:17-18 gives us a great game plan. “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD”Why does God want us to make this difficult choice? Getting ‘it’ out in the open helps us to: maintain healthy relationships… We don’t want to give the devil a foothold.Stop sin before it spreads…Jesus teaches relationships are in constant need of maintenance, forgiveness, challenge, and reconciliation.How do we deal with our problems? The gift of discernment helps us to determine the best approach to discipline and confrontation. “Not every problem is a crisis.”The gift of courage is colossal. Hudgin made a powerful connection. The David who showed amazing courage in confronting and killing Goliath later on would refuse to deal with the problems of his own family. He did not want to challenge his kids and make them displeased with him for a season so he sacrificed their long-term flourishing and growing closer to God…which should be every parents’ goal for their children.The gift of humility is huge! 2 Tim 2:24-25 reminds us…”the LORD'S servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.” Humility must be practiced. Let’s strive to give a determined effort to deal with our problems. Let’s put the broom down and give up sweeping important things under the rug. Let’s stop jumping to conclusions and seek to understand our loved ones and open up ourselves to the possibility that we are wrong. This mindset will help change avoiders into resolvers! Are you up for the challenge? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Batter up! Join Kate and Sheila and their special guest, Jonah, as they recap Skinnybones by Barbara Park. Alex Frankovitch is an undersized uncoordinated sixth grader who has an oversized funny bone. When he tries to triumph over T.J. Stoner, the best of the best in baseball, all Alex can think to do is yell, “Booga booga” to distract the baseball star. “Every single year, I am always the smallest kid on the team. I mean it. For the first five years of my life, I thought I was a leprechaun.”---AlexWhen his coach tells him to bunt he thinks bunt means to throw up. He wonders how his coach can expect him to throw up on command. : )Hey, batter batter! Are you ready to swing into a funny read-aloud? Alex could not be compared to Honest Abe. His parents never use the phrase, “Liar, liar, pants on fire,” but believe me they could! They choose to let consequences teach Alex a thing or two. See if Alex’s wit can help him win the Kitty Fritters commercial contest! Happy Reading!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

This attitude of humility, admission, and apology should be learned young, at home. In Christian homes, some phrases should be in regular use: I didn’t know that. I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have said/done that. You’re right.Can you forgive me?I messed up.In a society that values victimhood, Christian homes must be countercultural.”Let’s learn Rule #6 — We take responsibility from House Rules by Jacob Hudgins.What a blessing it is to work on building homes using our Heavenly Father’s blueprint!Let us learn from David when he humbly confronted God after his sin with Bathsheba, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me of my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight…Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:1-10) Powerfully put!We need to be responsible for our work. We must be like the 5 wise virgins in the parable and work to have a full lamp, no one can do this for us.We need to be responsible for our actions, no excuses or blaming others, God gives us CHOICE. The disobedience of others doesn’t justify me to act in an ungodly way.We need to be responsible for our messes. It’s only when we admit our sins that we can grow and heal and be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.We need to be responsible for what we say. “Taking responsibility starts at home and radiates outward. Without it, we show up to work and resent being asked to do our jobs. We attend local churches and expect others to serve us. We frustrate others…” Are you ready to join Kate and Sheila for the challenge of taking responsibility? We hope this book has blessed you as much as it has us. Thanks so much for listening! May this recap bonus bite bless you and your family!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Mama said that if someone’s putting ugliness into the world, you can’t be ugly back; you gotta put a little bit of sunshine into the world to even things out.” Joseph Johnson, a 12 year old orphan, living in the 1890s lost his mama and little sister to sickness and his papa to an accident. He remembers the lessons his parents taught him as he journeys across the northwest to recover his pony that was sold by an unsavory man that had no right. His pony was the only thing Joseph had left that he loved. As he searches for his pony, he meets a Chinese boy, Ah-Kee, who’s searching for his Papa. Working together the two face many obstacles, from unkind people, to going down the rapids, to helping a woman in labor! They do not give up. His Papa said, “... when there's something that’s got to be done, the thing to do is just buckle down and do it the best you can.” “There weren’t no point in giving up.” Joseph and Ah-Kee meet trouble head on. What an inspiration for us all! We, like Joseph, can do hard things. Saddle up with Kate and Sheila as they discuss Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemienhart. Will Joseph’s quest lead him to his beloved horse? Will Ah-Kee be able to reunite with his father? Happy Reading, dear listeners!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Kendra, a 21 year old history major, comes to Cotswold, England to interview Isabel Macfarland, a famous artist on her 93rd birthday. “The cottage was as cozy and inviting as one of Tolkien’s hobbit holes.” Kendra feels a bond with Isabel who says, “We first borns are driven aren't we? We have to be. There is no one leaving bread crumbs for us on the trail ahead.”Why did Isabel decide to tell her story after decades of secret keeping? Maybe Kendra was chosen because of her belief that…” information is only half of any story about people. Personal experience is the other part.” When the interview begins Isabel interjected, “I’m not 93 and my name’s not Isabel.”We are taken back to 1940s London. We meet Emmy, a 15 year old who dreams of designing bridal gowns and her younger sister, Julia, who’s 7, she depends on her sister for everything. Their mum never married and the girls have different dads. Julia’s father visits on occasion but Emmy’s is never mentioned. When Emmy meets Mrs. Crofton, a bridal shop owner, she gets a job and a promise to be introduced to Mrs. Crofton’s nephew, a fashion designer, Emmy thinks she is on her way. But the war has other ideas! Her mum sends Emmy and Julia out of England with all the evacuated children, crushing Emmy’s dreams. Charlotte is the wonderful woman that opens up her home to the girls. “Thistle House is for people who love and care for one another. We respect one another in this house…We carry one another’s burdens…and hold one another’s hand when the way seems hopeless…” Believe it or not the Emmy leaves to return to England to meet the fashion designer, Julia discovers her plan and demands to go with her. It was the 7th of September, the day the Blitz began, while Emmy was at her meeting and Julia was waiting at their flat and the girls became separated!“Fear is worse than pain. Pain is centralized…Fear is heaviness…Fear is not only a leaden foe, but a liar as well.” Please listen in on Kate and Sheila’s recap on Secrets of a Charmed Life by the tremendously talented Susan Meissner. Happy Reading dear listeners!Books mentioned:Dear Mrs. BirdA Place to Hang the MoonThe Last Bookshop in London--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

What a blessed episode! Join Kate and Sheila as they interview Jacob Hudgins, the author of House Rules, the book we’ve been highlighting on Thursday’s Bonus-Bite episodes. He shares how he came to write the book and what he and his wife have learned on their adventure of parenting children together. We appreciate his dedication to putting God first and writing in a straightforward style that helps us amplify God’s Word in our everyday lives. The title is House Rules but it could also enrich everything from the workplace to the classroom to Nana and Pop’s place. Jacob’s books can be purchased on Amazon. He can be contacted at his website,www.jacobhudgins.com We are so grateful he took the time to be with us today!His motivation to clarify what was truly important in the Hudgins’ household was inspiring. Each chapter is finally honed and ends with suggestions that (when put into practice) will move us closer to God. We want to let God show us where to draw that line in the sand.Parenthood, like life, has seasons. Whether we find ourselves in the newness and growth of spring, the heat and energy of summer, the bliss and beauty of fall, or the slowing down and gathering around the fire in winter, we all will be blessed to follow these biblical guidelines within our circle of influence.Please join us as we meet the author of House Rules, School of Christ, A Year with Jesus and Humility Practice and learn how God has led him and his wife to be intentional on this journey called life.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Greetings dear listeners! Please join Kate and Sheila for Rule #5–No Gossip Allowed in Jacob Hudgins’ book, House Rules. We have an enlightening interview with Jacob coming out on Tuesday. We hope you’ll join us! What does God’s Word say about gossip? The Bible uses words like slander, speak evil of, whisperer, reviling, back-biting, busybodies, talebearer, and meddling. Whew! Quite a list! “...blending together the various biblical expressions, gossip is saying bad things about other people to ruin their reputations or condemn them, especially when they are not present.” In Christian homes, there is no gossip allowed, we want to build up not tear down.Jacob gives different reasons why we gossip, such as: laziness, jealousy, revenge, or for fun.Gossip is not a victimless vice, it hurts not only the one being thrown under the bus and also the thrower. Is it a lack of gratitude on our part that unleashes the gossiping gargoyle, destroyer of trust and wrecker of relationships (with people and with God)???Help! Improvement Wanted! “For lack of wood the fire goes out…” Prov 26:20Let’s start with us-Be aware. What are my intentions? “The fact that I know something doesn’t mean I have to say it.”Ask bold clarifying questions-”Is that what they said or just what you heard? Push back with compassion and understanding-”break the self-centeredness cycle”Complimenting the victim can change the tone.Use caution at home not to take the bridle off our tongues, or as Kate said, “Never put stretchy pants on the tongue” Bahaha! We must strive to build and create (like our Heavenly Father) instead of destroy and distort.We thank you for striving to be intentional with us as we journey toward knowing God better!Happy Growing and Reading!!!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

The Horse and His Boy is book #3 in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia timeline. Readers meet Bree, a powerful and confident war horse, whose homeland is Narnia, hence the reason he can speak to Shasta, a poor fisherman’s boy, on the brink of being sold into slavery. Bree convinces him to escape. When Bree finds out Shasta can’t ride he asks him if he can fall. “I suppose anyone can fall,” said Shasta. “I mean can you fall and get up again without crying and mount again and fall again and yet not be afraid of falling?” What a vivid picture of perseverance!Shasta and Bree’s path crosses with a princess fleeing from an arranged marriage, Avaris. They start journeying to Narnia together but are separated when Shasta is suddenly mistaken for a prince and whisked away. Meanwhile, Avaris overhears an evil prince plotting to capture Queen Lucy in Narnia and destroy another land along the way. When Avaris and Shasta reunite they ride for all they’re worth to alert King Lune of the trouble. Bree says he can run no more and even gives the reason why. “But one of the worst results of being a slave and being forced to do things is that when there is no one to force you anymore you find you have almost lost the power of forcing yourself.” Aslan tells Shasta, “I was the lion…I was the lion who forced you to join Arvais. I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the horses the new strength of fear for the last miles so they should read King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat wakeful at midnight to receive you.” Guidance, courage, justice, and forgiveness are some of the impactful themes wonderfully woven through this gripping tale. Won’t you join Kate and Sheils as they saddle up for Narnia? Happy Reading dear friends!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

“Sometimes little things matter a lot. Words change things. Words start wars—and end wars. Words start marriages—-and end marriages. Words make us feel like we can’t go on—and make us feel like we can. We speak with love.” Jacob Hudgins shows us in House Rules why Rule #4 We Speak with Love is so vital for families. James 3:7-8 tells us that the tongue cannot be tamed, that it is restless evil, full of deadly poison. Doesn’t that sound serious?Time should be taken before speaking so our family hears the point not the anger. We must watch what comes out of our mouths because it reflects what is in our hearts. As Eph 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Don’t you love that terminology? Build up vs destroy, which has a path for growth? Here’s this week’s diamante:AngerHarsh, destructiveProvoking, attacking, labelingInsults, tone, patience, consistencyNurturing, growing, benefitingKind, constructiveLoveThanks for joining Kate and Sheila as they seek to fill the quiver of families with godly wisdom that can impact today’s homes in such a way that will glorify our Father in heaven!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Let’s look back to a simpler time, when kids played outside until dark and phones were attached to the walls. Have you seen the movie Secretariat where the father says to his sons, “Get your devices off the table,?” The devices were their toy airplanes, that always cracks me up but it also is a reminder of how much things have changed. Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger reminds us of a less hurried time. He wrote from his hear masterfully weaving together a novel of historical fiction, matters of grief, coming of age (bildungsroman), and mystery. The story is told from Frank Drum’s viewpoint as he, now a grown man, looks back to the summer when he was an unsettled kid of thirteen grappling with what manhood was all about in his mixed-up world. His younger brother, Jake, has a stuttering problem. He also has deep insight. He didn’t fake things, he was the real deal. Ariel, their talented older sister, was soon to be on her way to Juliard. Their father, Nathan Drum, pastors 3 churches, ministers to his war buddy,Gus, and pours into the whole community. “My father and his great embracing heart.” On the other end of the caring spectrum we meet Ruth Drum, distant mom and wife, being a preacher’s wife is not what she signed up for.Kruegar shows the after effects of WWII. “I think that it wasn’t so much the war as what we took into the war. Whatever cracks were already there the war forced apart, and what we might otherwise have kept inside came spilling out.”The novel starts with an accidental death of a small boy then the boys find a homeless man who died of natural causes. Next, there’s a suicide attempt and a murder! Not a book for youngsters, the content is heavy and the language is like that of sailors, but for readers that are ready it is a gift. We are shown the different ways people work through grief. “Hope was what my father held to. My mother chose despair.”“I (Frank)felt ______’s death had shoved me through a doorway into a world where I was a stranger.”Jake said, “If we put everything in Gods’ hands, maybe we won't have to be afraid anymore.”Please join Kate and Sheila as they dive into the 1960s. Blessings to you, dear readers!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Our Bonus Bite for this week continues from House Rules by Jacob Hudgins with Rule #3: We tell the truth. Let’s embrace the simplicity of telling the truth. “We serve a God who tells the truth (John 17:17) and cannot lie (Titus 1:2). Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).” We really only have two choices. Christian homes need to be places where the truth is told. This takes much work and intentionality, nothing drifts to the top. If our purpose is to glorify God and live a life pleasing to Him then we must be able to admit our wrongs. We must keep our commitments as we strive to be faithful like our heavenly Father (1Cor 1:9, 1 Cor 10:13, 1 Thes 5:24 & 2 Thes 3:3). Why are we afraid to tell the truth? Is it facing the consequences? Is it angering or disappointing others? Is it fear of losing love? Any or all of these could be the culprit. How do we overcome these hurdles and avoid developing a habit of dishonesty? To borrow a phrase from the classic character from the old Andy Griffith show, “Nip it in the bud.” Yes, we must own our mistakes and overreactions. The sooner the better to avoid trust issues. In our homes we must feel safe to admit wrongs and move forward. Let’s not give the devil the foothold of dishonesty.Here’s this week’s diamante contrasting Lies with Truth. Lies Selfish, fearful Damaging,betraying,consuming Disobedience, consequences trustworthiness, humility Admitting, confessing, committing Faithful, intentional Truth. Please join us as we strive to live out these House Rules…’ what starts at home changes the world!’ Happy listening and reading dear friends!Book mentioned: Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by: Jamie Winship--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Greetings book friends! Join Kate and Sheila as they dive into The Persian Pickle Club. What a timely tale stitched up by Sandra Dallas that takes us back to the dirty thirties to the town of Harveyville, Kansas! There’s a plethora of personalities around the quilting frame but one thing that stands out like a beacon is how these ladies show up for each other in times of need! “There wasn’t a quilt top turned out by a member of the Persian Pickle Club that didn’t have fabrics from all of us in it. That made us all part of one another’s quilts, just like we were part of one another's lives.” Queenie Bean, the youngest member, came up with the idea of doing a Celebrity Quilt to auction off and help a home for unwed mothers. When Rita, Mrs. Ritter’s daughter-in-law, arrives from the big city, the Pickles welcome her with open arms even though her attitude is less than stellar. Rita cannot grasp the closeness of the quilters but she did write an article about the Celebrity Quilt for the newspaper.Mrs. Judd is a powerful force who exercises tough love for Queenie after a terrible ordeal that caused her to lock herself in the house and refuse to interact with others.“You can stay locked up here feeling sorry for yourself like Lizzy Olive would have done, or you can put the bad time behind you like Ella did and think about all the things the Lord gave you. He’ll keep on giving them to you if you let Him, but how can you take advantage of His opportunities behind the kitchen door with the hook on.”When the skeleton of one of the quilter’s husbands turns up buried in his field, Rita turns into super sleuth and attempts to solve the murder so she can write another article and kiss the dust of Harveyville goodbye.Who killed Ben Crook? How are the quilters going to use one problem to solve another? What made these hard times bearable? Are you ready to join these calm, caring, conscientious and concerned quilters who stitch up more than quilts? They connect with each other’s lives in ways that remind us to ‘go and do likewise.’ Happy reading dear friends! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Please join Kate and Sheila as they recap rule #2-All people deserve respect— in Jacob Hudgins book, House Rules. Respect may be a bit challenging to define but it is easy to see the lack of it. Where is respect taught first?... You guessed it–The home! We are made in God’s Image and God values all people, yes ALL people, the good, the bad, and the disparaging. It is not about us or them, it is about our Heavenly Father, 1 Peter 2:17 says to ‘honor everyone’, quite a challenge when leaders are unjust. David was a good example of respecting an unjust ruler. David could have killed King Saul but would not because he was the Lord’s anointed, he trusted God’s timing and was known as a man after God’s own heart. This is a tough rule indeed. It is easy to see when this rule is not kept. In times past, manners, kindness, and courtesy were modeled in the home. Where/when did we lose ground in this arena? Instead of looking back and pointing fingers let’s look forward and endeavor to make a change. Do you want to set your children up for a more joyful life? Give them the gift of respect.Thanks so much for listening as we strive to live lives pleasing to our heavenly Father!This week we have a diamante poem to highlight the contrast between the dark side and the light. Disrespect negative scornful Belittling, ignoring, interruptingArrogance, inconsiderateness, appreciation, kindness Empathizing, listening, teaching Positive, valuable RespectAdditional books mentioned in this podcast:Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs — by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerThe Devil and the White City by Erik Larson--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Cathy Gohlke’s book, Ladies of the Lake, has astute readers asking a plethora of questions from the get go. Why is Rosaline Murray no longer Adelaide? Why won’t she go to her daughter’s graduation? Why did she want to disguise her voice? What is Dot’s secret? What is Rolsaline’s veil for? Join Kate and Sheila as they join Addie on her tumultuous journey.“Dear God and Father of us all, we come to You heartbroken, grieving the sudden and terrible loss of Adelaide’s beloved parents. We grieve for the loss of their strong arms about her and the loss of the home where she was born and felt safe. Now she’s on a journey, Lord, into the unknown. Be with her Father. Let her know Your love and care. Bring others into her life to help her. Remind her daily in tangible ways that she does not travel this life alone…Hold her, guide her, Father. Bless her with courage and peace only You can give. Thank You for placing this dear girl, my new friend, in my path. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”What a beautiful prayer from the lovely woman, Mrs. Simmons, that Adelaide aka Addie met on the train!Addie’s older brother, Lemuel, sends her off to Lakeside Ladies Academy in Connecticut after the sudden drowning of her parents at sea. At the young age of twelve, she is whisked away from Prince Edward Island enroute to a new country. Addie meets Dot, Ruth and Susanna who become dear friends.The girls graduate in 1910 and Addie and Dot remain at the school to teach. They are both in love with Stephen Meyer and as tension between the girls mounts so does the tension between townspeople toward the Meyers family because their family came from Germany. Fear fuels folks to throw bricks and hand out white feathers.Are you ready to read a gripping tale told by two narrators, Addie and Dot, in two time periods, 1911-1917 (past) and 1935 (present day)? “We are all scarred in one way or another.” RuthScars, inside or out, should not define us. Our identity shouldn’t be in what we’ve lost but in God’s plan for us. Happy reading dear friends!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Greetings dear friends! We are embarking on a new impactful Book Bite journey. Join Kate and Sheila as they start 10 Guidelines for Christian Homes in House Rules! The book connects with the timely quote by Fredrick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”Jacob Hudgins delivers a clear and concise plan to help readers build homes where families thrive. “Homes are where kids’ hearts are formed and if we get home wrong we cause unspeakable damage.” Homes are:Habit incubatorsGrowth enginesHypocrisy revealersHomes feed societies. Sadly, homes are under attack. Do we have our armor on? Let’s start with Rule #1 Home is a Safe Place. We have to be intentional, godly homes do not just happen. We have to swim upstream against the cultural current. Are you ready for this week’s poem? Environment safe continual speaking, failing, learning Love unconditionally like God HomeOne of our favorite quotes was, “Children’s questions are windows to their hearts.”Another one that packed a punch, “What starts at home changes the world.” Thanks so much for having ears to listen and learn with us! Happy Reading!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Ruta Sepetys' finely crafted WWII novel, Salt to the Sea, is a gem. It was inspired by the real-life tragedy of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff which claimed over 9,000 lives making it the greatest maritime disaster in history. The story is told in four voices, each from a different homeland, Readers will meet: Emilia, a 15 year old blond Polish girl with unbelievable perseverance and resilience. Joana, a smart young woman with some medical training that abounds with kindness.Florian, a handsome wounded German that saved Emilia from a Russian soldier. Florian is holding secrets, he was once a restoration assistant.Alfred, a Nazi sailor on the Gustloff, concentrates on the people he hates, thinking of getting rid of Jews, Poles, and disabled as a disinfecting.In the group of refugees, there was a cobbler, nicknamed the shoe poet for his gift with words.“The shoes always tell the story…Your boots, they are expensive, well made. That tells me that you come from a wealthy family. But the style is one made for an older woman. That tells me they probably belong to your mother. That tells me you are loved, my dear. And your mother is not here, so that tells me that you are sad, my dear. The shoes tell the story.”“Yet amidst all that , life has spit in the eye of death.” The shoe poet’s wise words after a baby is born in the chaos of war.“You’re a blister, Ava, a sour little blister.” The colorful way he described the negative lady in the group. How do these lives connect? Sepetys depicts the rawness of war and the kindness of caring at the same time in this remarkable book! “Just when you think this war has taken everything from you, you meet someone and realize you still have more to give.”Thanks so much for joining us. Happy reading!!!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Kate and Sheila wrap up Rebecca DeYoung’s Glittering Vices in this episode. It has been an enlightening trek. As Horace said, “To flee vice is the beginning of virtue.” The Rest of the Journey wraps up our study on the seven deadly sins and their remedies. Pride is the root and the trunk of the vice tree and vainglory, envy, acedia, avarice, wrath, gluttony, and lust are the main branches. The worst thing about the vices is that they thwart our ability to love and be loved. “Why are you relying on yourself, only to find yourself unreliable.” –AugustineOur habits say a lot about who we are by reflecting the shape of our hearts and minds. Practicing spiritual disciplines helps bridge the gap between vices and virtues. These daily practices that help form virtuous habits are not always exciting but little by little they transform us into becoming more Christlike. This journey must be intentional, as John Stott said, “Holiness is not a condition into which we can drift.”“The process, it is a gradual process dear heart, of putting off the old self and putting on the new self reveals nothing less than God’s power at work within us.” The process is comprehensive and includes all areas of our lives. It is also concrete. For example, if someone is practicing gratitude they would also do grateful things which would cause them to view the world through a different lens. Lastly, it is a communal endeavor. We all need help along the way, God created us this way.“Are you ready to start the journey toward a closer relationship with Him, confident that God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion, for your good and His glory?”--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Have you ever heard the last two lines of this poem? “Water water everywhere And all the boards did shrink, Water water everywhere Nor any drop to drink”Join Kate and Sheila as they discuss Samuel Coleridge’s Four Types of Readers:Sand-glasses / Hourglasses- like sand that runs in and out and leaves not a ‘vestige’ behind, in other words, these readers retain nothing. They are simply passing time as one might do when they are waiting at the dentist office perusing a magazine.Sponges-absorb all they read and return it nearly in the same state only a little dirtied. They don't think much for themselves so they may miss the point.Strain bag / Jelly bag - squeeze out valuable information and hold onto the unimportant or in Coleridge’s words, “retain merely the dregs of what they read.” The violent, shameful, or sullied parts stick and the main points get tossed out. Can happen when one is reading above his/her level.Mogul / Golconda - profit by what they read and enable others to profit by it too.These readers are able to cast aside all that is worthless and retain the pure gems. Picture the miner with a sieve working away searching for nuggets of gold. Annotating and making connections can help us glean from what we read and be more enlightened readers : )Reading can be a rollercoaster ride, the highs would be the Mogul moments and the lows would be hourglasses and the others. It is interesting to note that we do not always bring our A game to our reading endeavors but maybe Coleridge can help us figure out when we don’t and possibly help us back up the train (of thought : ) to refocus and go for the GOLD!One last Colerige quote, “Little is taught by contest or dispute, everything by sympathy and love.” Clever wording that connects with an old favorite that I just read in The Persian Pickle Club, “... you can get more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Aren’t connections cool?Check out The Read Well Podcast episode #43 to hear where we discovered these four types of readers. We hope you have a blessed week. Thanks so much for lending us an ear, may your day be filled with cheer. Happy reading!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Please join Kate and Sheila as they discuss the last vice in Glittering Vices by Rebecca DeYoung. She defines lust as a disordered desire for sexual pleasure. Lust begins as a sin of weakness not malice. This habitual attachment to pleasure erodes our relationship with God. DeYoung puts it this way, “Lust is a problem with the heart above your belt before it is a problem with the heat below it. Fulfilling pleasure without full human intimacy is lust’s false promise… an imitation of happiness.”Vice happens when we try to make good gifts fill gaps that only God can satisfy. There is no substitute for God. Lust connects with pride. Engineered happiness results in a shallow version that only satisfies for a moment. Lust plays the same tired old game as the rest of the vices, winning the game means you lose.Lust not only has a lot of collateral damage but it damages the person who lusts as well. Despair, depression, shame, callousness, blindness to beauty, loneliness, disrespect, and self-loathing lay in its wake.“When we misuse something habitually we tend to lose our appreciation for its true goodness. The choice to love is an opportunity to appreciate and value a flawed human for his or her sake.” What is the antidote? Some call it temperance, some call it integrity of the heart, DeYoung calls it chastity. What is chastity? The virtue of chastity must be cultivated inside and out. It grows greater with time and experience. The patience that Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13 is a must in this department. “Do we live a life intentionally bathed in the love of God, a love that quiets our deep search for happiness and communion elsewhere?” “We need communities that show us how to rely on the Spirit’s power in faithfulness and hope.”“Give the body discipline, and you will see that the body is for the One who made it,” says the desert mother Amma Theodora. These early Christians took the unity of body and soul more seriously than we do today. Following Paul’s advice to pursue what is true, honorable, just, pure, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil.4:8) helps prevent worldliness from drifting in.Thanks so much for listening as we discover how to say good-bye to lust and hello to chastity!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Let’s meet the brothers: Dmitri- the eldest, impulsive, strong, uneducated, driven by desires Ivan- the middle, the intellectual, preoccupied, gloomy atheist Alyosha- the youngest, kind, thoughtful, brave, spiritually minded Smerdyakov-illegitimate, ungrateful, sneaky, devious (creeper alert)Please join Kate and Sheila discussion about the age-old struggle of good versus evil by looking at the gifted Russian writer, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s discordant family found in The Brothers Karamazov! (Translated by the award winning team of Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonskyy)The father, Fyodor, was selfish, crude, neglectful, immoral, and muddleheaded. All his sons were raised by Grigory, his servant. Fyodor quipped, “I’m a buffoon out of shame…I act up because I’m insecure.”Alyosha chose a different path than the others. “I want to live for immortality, and I reject any halfway compromise.” His mentor, Zosima, taught him from God’s Word. He also advised the elder Karamazov, “Above all, do not lie to yourself. A man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point where he does not discern any truth either in himself or anywhere around him, and thus falls into disrespect towards himself and others.”Dmitri shares with Alyosha, “Here the devil is struggling with God, and the battlefield is the human heart.”Ivan’s words from his famous speech, The Grand Inquisitor, “He (Jesus) came to give His life for them! Instead of taking over men’s freedom, you increased it and forever burdened the kingdom of the human soul…by so terrible a burden as freedom of choice.”The action culminates in an unforgettable courtroom scene. Both the prosecutor and the defense attorneys give moving speeches that end with applause. Did Dmitri murder his less than stellar father? If he didn't, who did? Dostoevsky packs a lot into this book. What is the purpose of life? He shows the importance of living a life well and how the life we live affects others. As Alyosha says in closing, “How good life is when you do something good and rightful.”“A crust always looks bigger in another man’s hand.” Trust us this book will look big no matter whose hand it is in : ) It is a mammoth read (823 pages) but well worth the effort if you are looking for a challenge. Happy Reading dear listeners!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! This vice really hit home. Gluttony, like all the vices, begins with something created for good but sin creeps in and our desires run amok. Gregory the Great from the Middle Ages summed gluttony up in five categories:Too daintily (nothing is ever quite right)Too sumptuously (lavishly)Too hastily (gobble and go)Too greedily (ravenously-think Augustus Gloop)Too much (tastes like more)We learned that “what’s being eaten” deals with the first two and “how the food is eaten” deals with the last three. Indulgence whets the appetite instead of satisfying it. Ecclesiastes 6:7 reminds us…”his appetite is not satisfied.”The trouble with instant gratification is it only lasts for an instant. This quick fix leaves us depleted and spiritually starved. We’re made to find our flourishing in more than physical pleasure. Something I need to remind myself when I reach for chocolate!God made food good for our bodies and He made taste buds for us to savor the flavor. It all goes south when we try to do what Adam and Eve did long ago in the garden. When we choose to rely on food or drink instead of God we thwart our spiritual growth. Every virtue has two vices, extremes in both directions. Those joyless about food lack appreciation, while the self-indulgent are striving to provide pleasure through food. How do we get off this hamster wheel and unlearn the bad habits we’ve picked up?Rebecca DeYoung guides us in Glittering Vices to give up gratification for gratitude.Yes, intentionality is key as is practice. Will it happen overnight? Not a chance, change takes time, however, rightly forming our desires will put us on the right pathway.Please join Kate and Sheila as they strive to say, Good-bye gluttony, Hello temperance.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

“No great wisdom can be reached without sacrifice.” What a powerful quote in The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis! The prequel to the enduring and ever-popular The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Readers discover how Narnia came to be in this timely tale when two children from London, Digory and Polly, stumble upon Digory’s Uncle Andrew; he tricks them into putting on rings that transport them to another world. They encounter the evil queen, Jadis, who destroyed her world and seeks to destroy theirs as well. Polly and Digory work together to get Jadis out of London before that can happen. This amazing story shows readers the consequences of impulsiveness and selfishness and the beauty and strength and obedience found in putting others first and doing good. “All get what they want; They do not always like it.”Join Polly and Digory as they meet the great Aslan, whose presence scares Jadis aka the witch causing her to skedaddle. The talking animals debate whether Uncle Andrew is a vegetable, mineral, or human and finally decide he is a tree and plant him thigh deep in the dirt : ) Digory tells Aslan his mother is dying. He asks if he could send him back with something from Narnia that would heal her. Aslan looks at him with tears in his eyes and tells him that the two of them are the only ones in Narnia who know about grief. He encourages with these words, “Let us be good to one another.”Aslan sends the adventurers on a mission. Will Digory and Polly succeed or will the mission be thwarted by the evil witch. The kids are stronger in making wise choices the closer they are to Aslan. Isn’t that how we are? The closer to Christ we are the more we are able to battle the troubles and struggles in life in a manner that strengthens instead of devastates us. Self-control is a struggle and obedience is too but we never regret doing the right thing. Please join us as we dive into the first chronicle and meet the young adventurers, the self-absorbed uncle, the cool cabby and his steadfast steed, the evil witch, and the magnificent lion. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea or listen as you go for a walk if the weather’s cooperating as we visit the land of Narnia.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Join Kate and Sheila as they dive into the vice of wrath from Glittering Vices by Rebecca DeYoung. There are two schools of thought on this vice. Aquinas believed it was a natural expression of a human emotion and it could be righteous if it targeted injustice. Anger as a holy emotion has justice as its object and love as its root as Jesus overturning the money changers tables. Anger turns wrathful when it fights for its own selfish cause. Cassian claimed all anger causes blindness which obscures our ability to see Christ. In James 1:19-20, “...we are told to be quick to listen…slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” “There is nothing that can be done with anger that cannot be done better without it.” Dallas Willard was in Cassian’s camp.Psychologists call anger a “secondary emotion” because it masks other sorts of distress. John and Julie Gottman liken our emotional life to an iceberg: only anger shows above the surface, while fear, grief, and shame lurk under water. What is our anger guarding? Is it our deepest attachments to worldly desires or the most significant sources of our identity? Wrath reveals idolatrous attachments and our prideful sense of self. Disrespect rankles us. It is a struggle to take a breath and give grace.How can we thwart this powerful vice? We hope you will join us as we go over the virtue that can kibosh wrath. Good-bye wrath, Hello Gentleness!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Welcome back, Recapsters! In this episode of the Recap Book Chat, we delve into the rich tapestry of Fyodor Dostoevsky's masterpiece, "The Brothers Karamazov." Settle in with your favorite cup of tea as we embark on a journey through the complex dynamics of faith, doubt, and familial bonds.First, let's meet the titular characters: Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha Karamazov, three brothers who couldn't be more different yet are deeply interconnected. Dmitri, the passionate and impulsive eldest brother, Ivan, the intellectual skeptic grappling with existential questions, and Alyoshai, the pious and compassionate youngest brother, serve as mirrors reflecting the multifaceted nature of the human soul.Their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov, is a deeply flawed and hedonistic man whose actions cast a long shadow over his sons' lives. Fyodor's contentious relationships with his sons, coupled with his libertine lifestyle, serve as catalysts for the unfolding drama within the novel.Central to "The Brothers Karamazov" is the exploration of faith and doubt. Dostoevsky masterfully weaves existential and religious themes throughout the narrative, inviting readers to ponder the nature of belief in the face of moral ambiguity and suffering. Ivan's famous philosophical dilemma, the "Grand Inquisitor" chapter, challenges conventional notions of faith, while Alyosha's unwavering devotion to his faith provides a counterbalance.As we sip on our Honeybush tea, we'll discuss how Dostoevsky skillfully navigates the labyrinth of human consciousness, inviting readers to confront their own existential quandaries. In this first part of our exploration of "The Brothers Karamazov," we've only scratched the surface of Dostoevsky's magnum opus. Join us in the next episode as we delve deeper into the intricate plot twists, profound character developments, and timeless philosophical questions that make this novel a literary classic.Fear not dear listener, no spoilers in this episode in case you haven't yet embarked on the journey of "The Brothers Karamazov," yet.Until then, keep sipping, keep reading, stay on track and read your stack. Cheers!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Greetings Recapsters!For this episode, we discuss Gretchin Rubin’s book, The Four Tendencies, where she discusses how people respond to inner (stop nagging) and outer (traffic laws) expectations. She also wrote Better than Before to help us discover why some people can form habits more easily than others.How do we change? Habits are the invisible architecture of our lives. 40% of our daily behaviors are repeated, why not harness this information to gain self-knowledge that will help us adopt habits successfully?41% of the population are Obligers. “You can count on me and I’m counting on you to count on me.” They are motivated by external expectations and struggle with inner expectations and with saying no.24% of the people fall into the Questioner category. “I will comply if you convince me why.”They are motivated by clarity, reason, logic and fairness. They can have bouts of analysis paralysis. 19% of folks are Upholders. These are the people that respond readily to inner and outer expectations. Discipline is their freedom.17% fall into the Rebel category. “You can’t make me, and neither can I.” This group places a high value on authenticity and acts best when you give them the information and let them make a choice. Our tendencies color the way we see the world. If you want to take the short quiz to discover your tendency click here.Thank you for joining us on our quest to read the best!

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Glittering Vice # 4 — AvariceWhat do Ebenezer Scrooge, King Ahab, Lot, and King Midas all have in common? They all give us a clear picture of the vice of avarice. They put themselves first. Did Scrooge even see Tiny Tim? Did Ahab understand why Naboth said ‘no deal’? Why didn’t Lot insist that Abram have first choice on the land? Why didn’t Midas appreciate what he had? What causes this unquenchable desire for more, more, more? Horace’s pithy quote packs a punch, “The one who is greedy is always in want.” Sadly, greed corrodes the virtue of generosity and also leads us to shun the claims of justice. “Our greedy tendency to trust in wealth for happiness and security undercuts our trust in God.”In Glittering Vices, Rebecca DeYoung puts it in a nutshell, “Those with well-entrenched avarice are willing to use people to serve their love of money, rather than using money to serve their love for people.”Our attachment needs to be to God, the great provider and we should NOT seek to take over God’s role. When we give to others we are offering the world a picture of God’s heart.“Detaching from material goods means using them as a means to a great end which is attachment to God and to fellow human beings.”Please join us as we try to flesh out a strong desire of the flesh…by knowing our own weaknesses we can struggle to be free from the grip of this vice.Good-bye greed, Hello trust!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Letters From Rifka by Karen Hesse is told entirely in letter format, so here we go:Dear Reader,The year is 1919 in the month of September when Rifka (age 12) and her family make their escape from Russia. Sadly, the trip to America was eventful. In Poland, Rifka and her family got typhus except for her ornery brother Saul. After the family recovered their journey continued. Rifka befriends a Russian peasant on the train by fixing her hair. The vivid description of the peasant’s scalp by the author is graphic so when Rifka is diagnosed with ringworm, there is no doubt where she caught it. Her long golden curls fall out. But there is something worse than losing her curls, losing her family. Her family must continue the journey to America where jobs await them. What will become of Rifka, astute readers ask? How does she survive? Fortunately, the country of Belgium opens its arms to immigrants. “That is what you are when you are wandering between two worlds.” Rifka is left with mama’s locket and papa’s prayer shawl. A kind Sister treats her ringworm everyday. She receives hospitality from a generous couple who share their home with her for about a year until her condition is completely healed.Finally, she is on to America! After waiting for a year, imagine her dismay when the Americans refuse to let her in because she is bald. During her journey, Rifka has been writing her cousin on the white spaces found around the poems in the Pushkin poetry book Tovah gifted her when her family left Russia. Rifka has the gift of language but better than knowing different languages is her gift of compassion for the hurting. The orphan baby with typhus becomes her mission as does the 7 year old Russian peasant boy that will not talk or eat. Can she help them? Will she be reunited with her family? “Suddenly I realize how defenseless we are —not just Jews, all of us…I realize how precious our lives are. And how brief.”May you join Rifka on her journey and see her wonderful example of taking life one day at a time and blooming where one is planted!Your fellow recapsters,Kate & Sheila--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Glittering Vice #3 Acedia (uh·see·dee·uh)What is acedia? Maybe we should first say what it is not. Acedia is often called sloth. The problem with this term is it helps to camouflage the real vice. Sloth paints a picture of one who has an aversion to work, like Tom Sawyer taking it easy while his friends whitewash the fence. Actually, the lazy person and the busy person can both suffer from hearts afflicted with acedia. The original definition of sloth was lazy about love not work, a faintheartedness accompanied by unhelpful thoughts that threatens our core commitment to our identity. It thwarts our fundamental identity as someone devoted to developing a lifelong relationship with God. Remember Lot’s wife? During the family’s lifesaving rescue, what did she do? Sadly, she looked back. Why? She was reluctant to leave her former life of ease. People with acedia choose to stunt their spiritual growth by avoiding the tough stuff while we work feverishly on minor things that are ‘urgent’. Ouch!Aquinas defined acedia as “aversion to the divine good in us.” We are made in the image of God, but we have many struggles to overcome to stay focused on pleasing Him. These struggles come daily so our response to them must be daily. Think about it, relationships need to be invested in to thrive, whether they’re with God or family or friends. When acedia creeps in those relationships flounder instead of flourish. What can we do? Relationships need sacrifice, nurturing, and effort. We cannot exterminate this vice without consistent commitment. Our love for God, our choice to be like Him, must be lived out day after day as we dedicate ourselves to developing and deepening our relationship with our Heavenly Father and the relationships of those near and dear, whether we feel like it or not. This daily discipline, this perseverance, this weaning off worldly wants and learning to enjoy God’s presence is a process. Join us as we struggle, with our Father’s help, to overcome this vice that often goes under the radar. Good-bye acedia, Hello diligence!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Join Titus, Kate, & Sheila as they discuss The Wingfeather Saga, book 1, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. They meet Janner, a 12 year old questioner, Tink, a brave 11 year old with a fear of heights, and Leeli, their younger sister who has a twisted leg and a dog named Nugget. The kids live with their mom, Nia, and their grandfather, Podo, an ex-pirate with a pegleg. The Igiby family lives in a land that has been taken over by flagitious forces. This gritty determined family endures many hard times because the brutal Fangs have the family’s homeland in their cruel clutches. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is filled with enlightening quotes:“It does no good to worry over what’s already happened. What matters is now. The past and future are both beyond our reach.” Nia told the boys this after Slarb took Leeli.Podo, the grandfather, shares his wisdom.“To think too long on what might happen is a fool’s business.” “Part of being a man is putting others' needs before your own.”“Lad, it’s one thing to be poor in pocket—nothing wrong with that. But poor in heart—that’s no good. Look at them. They’re sad in the eyes, and it’s a sadness no amount of money could repair. Why, they hardly remember what it’s like to laugh from the belly anymore.”Titus started his summary with the Igbys wanted freedom…Isn’t that a quest for us all?Freedom doesn’t come easy, dangers and struggles ensnare,Be bold dear readers, be aware—Discover the truth if you dare!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Glittering Vice #2 EnvyWhat is envy? Rebecca DeYoung explains this vice so well. “Jealousy is envy’s close cousin. Both are personal and related to love. The jealous “have” something or someone they love but might lose. The envious, by contrast, are the “have-nots”--they do not have the good their rival does, and they do not have self-love either.” Let’s look at two athletes and contrast the differences. In 1924, Eric Liddell raced against Harold Abrahams in the 400 meter race in the Olympics. Eric said he felt God's pleasure whenever he ran, not when he won. (This explained why he confidently switched to a race he had not trained for because he would not compete in the 100 meter that was held on Sunday.) Harold devoted himself to winning. Winning was his goal and the fear of losing was what drove him. What is driving us? We all need to be loved and found worthy but the envier makes it competitive. “Envy is ever joined to the comparing of man’s self; and where there is no comparison, no envy.”--Francis BaconTo escape this vice we must find a different foundation for our self-worth as we work on a new vision of who we are, unconditionally beloved children of God. There’s a lot of talk about identity. We should all rest assured and repeat— I am a child of God! My worth is found in my Creator.Let’s reframe our vision of the world, ourselves, and others beginning with a change of heart.Please join us as we strive to exchange fear and resentment for gratitude and contentment. Good-bye envy, Hello love.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

In Saving My Assassin readers meet Virginia Prodan in Communist Romania in 1961. This powerful memoir begins with this quote, “I should be dead. Buried in an unmarked grave in Romania. Obviously, I am not. God had other plans.”Virginia was a real-life Cinderella, she was forced to do all the work while her siblings played. Her mother threatened to put her up for adoption, dyed her red hair black so she would blend in and never once in 18 years made her a birthday cake or said a kind word. The family went on a vacation to Bucharest every year while Virginia stayed home to work.After she finishes school, she goes to Bucharest to stay with her Aunt Cassandra to prepare to take a test to see if she will be accepted into law school. This was a memorial time for Virginia. Her aunt showed her kindness that she had never had as a child. During this time, she meets Radu and the two eventually marry.Virginia was grown before she was told, “I believe in you. I will help you as long as you are teachable” by Vera Poescu, a lawyer with spine problems but very strong in heart.Virginia was a seeker of truth her whole life. The first scripture to impact her was John 14:6, “I am the Way and the truth and the life.” For years, she’d been searching for truth in the wrong places. Her faith in God strengthened her and sustained through the worst of times. When she entered courtrooms she thought, “This is His battle and I am His tool.”Please join Kate and Sheila as they recap Saving My Assassin in which the author profoundly lives out Stephen Covey’s quote, “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my choices.”

This is the episode of the podcast where I first heard about Virginia and here is her website.

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Are you looking for a novella to introduce your children to WWII? Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop fits the bill. Twenty French kids are living at a Catholic school during the German occupation of France. They agree to hide 10 Jewish orphans. This book was inspired by a true story. The kids are told by Sister Gabrielle that if they say yes they cannot tell about the Jewish children no matter what the Nazis do to them. It is a tale of kindness and integrity that needs to be told. Friendship begins over shared soup and a small piece of chocolate. The Flight to Egypt Game cleverly connects Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus having to flee to escape King Herod just as the Jewish children must hide to escape the Nazis. The climax comes quickly in this page-turner. Sister Gabrielle doesn’t return on her trip to get the school’s food rations. Nazi soldiers try to bribe the hungry kids with food. How will the Jewish kids hold up in the cramped cave? Will the French children be able to hold up to the intense pressure? What a wonderful story to share with kids or grandkids! Join Kate, Sheila and Jonah as they recap this historical fiction jewel!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Bonus Book Bite - Greetings! As Kate and I are reading through Rebecca DeYoung’s Glittering Vices, we pondered doing short podcasts on each of the seven deadly sins and their positive counterparts. Please join us as we break this valuable information into bite size pieces.What is a vice? Vices are corruptive and destructive habits while virtues help us to live and act well, to be solutions instead of instigate problems. C.S. Lewis wrote The Screwtape Letters in a backward format so we would know the enemy’s game plan to help us maneuver more succinctly through this broken world as we strive to be aligned with God. “Naming our sins is the confessional counterpart to counting our blessings…The project of becoming like Christ is our life’s most important task. C.S. Lewis once said, ‘We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.’...Once we identify our moral corruption as a muddy puddle we want to leave behind, we are faced with the challenge of re-forming our habits from vice into virtue—” Thus, our journey begins…The first glittering vice is vainglory, the excessive and disordered desire for approval from others. Pride wants to excel above others while vainglory hinges on display,letting others know how great you are. Think Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. We call pride and vainglory vices because they distort our desire of good things. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their showiness that was done to be seen by man.Boastfulness, bragging, dominating the conversation are all examples of vainglory. Enough of the vice, what is the antidote? In 2 Cor. 10:17-18, Paul writes, “Let us boast in the Lord…”We need to devote ourselves to a life that glorifies God, seeks to please Him, and yields control to Him, this takes humility. The desire to control our own happiness comes from fear or overconfidence not from God. We are known and loved by God. He is our Father. Let us practice… silence and solitude alone with Him unplugging from social medialistening to others ATTENTIVELY (not just to respond) Ouch!serving others Are you ready to grow together? Good-bye- vainglory… Hello- humility!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Can readers follow families in 1939, 1994, and 2015 as each one seeks to survive unbelievable circumstances in uncertain times? Alan Gratz gives us the chance in Refugee. We meet Josef and his family as they escape their homeland, Germany, and board the MS St. Louis heading for Cuba. Next, Isabel and her family board a small homemade boat built by their neighbors to travel to America. Their passage would have been refused if not for Isabel’s fast-thinking. She sold her prized trumpet to buy gas for the journey. Lastly, Mahmoud and his family of four are exiting Syria as quickly as possible after their apartment building was bombed. Will his family make it to Germany? Follow each family in different decades with different dilemmas as they struggle to move forward while striving to stay together. Mahmoud tried to stay invisible until he discovered… “If you were invisible, the bad people couldn’t hurt you, that was true. But the good people couldn't see you either.”Join Kate and Sheila as they dive into this beautiful weaving of three stories into a common thread of family, hope, and love.Please check out the Love Better podcast. It will enrich your life. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loves-formula/id1662597316?i=1000627569498--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, the debut novel for the gifted author, Heather Morris, was written while building a three year relationship with Lale Sokolov. Readers are taken back to April of 1942. Lale took his married brother’s place to protect his family. The harrowing journey taken by this kind, caring and compassionate man is one of tragedy, hope, and perseverance. Lale and the others were herded into a cattle car. Some men were telling him to help them bust out of the cattle car but he cleverly replied, “If these walls could be breached don’t you think a cow would’ve done it?” His witty comment calms them down and eases the frustration felt by all.They were taken to Auschwitz where Lale got typhus and was thrown on a cart for the dead. A young man pushed him off and the tattooist helped heal him and trained him to number the prisoners. Lale first met Gita as he numbered those entering Auschwitz. He asked how her day had been, she deftly answered, “Oh, you know how it is. Got up, had a big breakfast, kissed Mama and Papa goodbye before catching the bus to work…” to which Lale replied, “OK, dumb question.” Lale falls instantly and totally in love with this girl, 34902. Can love take root in conditions that are deplorable? The answer is yes! Lale and Gita proved it. Heather Morris shows readers the love story of a lifetime through the eyes of a sensitive soul. We learn how Lale and Gita’s love impacted those around them. As Dana, Gita’s friend said, “ It’s enough that one of us has a little happiness, we share in it.”Lale’s mother had once told him to be a good husband, “…learn to listen to her, learn what she likes and more important what she doesn’t like.” This conversation occurred because Lale’s dad was distant and cold. Lale didn’t want to be like him so he sought the advice of his kind and caring mother. This story helps us learn to love better. “To save one is to save the world.”--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Yona’s mentor, Jerusza, left her with many skills to survive and even thrive in the unforgiving forest of eastern Europe, but she also left her with many unanswered questions. Why did she kidnap Yona from her German family? Why did she tell her their names just before she died? Why did she teach Yona how to kill a man? Jerusaza said the universe was about balance, for each method of death, she taught Yona a way to dispense healing, too. She taught her many languages and how to read, but Jerusza never appreciated or answered Yona’s questions. “She drank the books down like cool water and listened with rapt attention whenever Jerusza deigned to impart her secrets.” Maybe we can learn a lesson from Yona. Take people on their own terms, accept them as they are without attempting to change them. The only person any of us can change is the one in the mirror “Perhaps God gives us the answers before we know what the questions will be.” Yona was a sponge and she soaked up the learning offered to her. Will she ever meet her real family? Jerusza had said, “Lives are circles spinning across the world, and when they’re meant to intersect again they do.” Yona’s solitary life ends when she discovers a group of Jewish refugees fleeing from the Nazi terror in 1942. Yona’s big heart also accepts a second group of Jews without hesitation, however, the first group she rescued is disgruntled by her willingness to help another group of refugees. Isn’t life puzzling? Later, a conflict causes Yona to leave the refugees. She doesn’t leave her caring heart behind. She runs across a nun trying to save a little girl after her parents were killed and she jumps in to help. Maria Andrzeja tells Yona, “Do not be afraid to ask questions. But you must always be sure your heart is open to hear the answers.” It is hard for Yona to realize how cruel the Nazis are! When the soldiers line up the nuns to kill them Yona is devastated! Maria tells her, “God is your father, and He is always with you.” She feels broken and helpless. How can she help? She remembers one of the refugees that had lost his family before his eyes once told her, “It’s the cracks in us that make us who we are.” If you are ready for an adventure that you will not soon forget, join Kate and Sheila as they recap this unforgettable book, The Forest of the Vanishing Stars! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Let’s meet Kizzy Ann Stamps and her dog, Shag. Kizzy Ann is called Moon Child by her mama because when she was younger the neighbor boy accidentally let his scythe drop and her face was cut from just under her eye to her mouth in a crescent moon shape. She has never forgiven Frank Charles for her injury. Mrs. Warren, Kizzy’s old teacher, encouraged all her students to write to their new teacher at the white school. Miss Anderson learns a lot about the life of someone that has the most special dog in the world and a huge scar that people stare at and the many differences between her world and Kizzy Ann’s. It is 1963 and the schools were integrating but attitudes were far from love thy neighbor. Kizzy’s brother, James, doesn’t have any teachers like Miss Andersonnin high school. He said his teacher would not put the integrated students on the roll and they wouldn’t even give them books! It was like they were invisible. His JV football team didn’t lose a game but they were never mentioned in the newspaper. Losing a dream is hard. James and his buddies get into mischief. They excite the neighbor’s cows and the cows plow down Frank Charles’ daddy’s shed. Kizzy Ann stared in disbelief when Frank Charles took the blame for what James and his friends had done.When she asked him why he told her, “It was the right thing to do.”The author, Jeri Watts, gives readers a look at life during a different era. Step with us into Kizzy Ann’s shoes. Some people do the right thing and others do not!We meet a cantankerous Scotsman, Mr. McKenna, who trains Shag and Kizzy Ann so they can perform in a dog trial. Will Kizzy Ann and Shag even be allowed to compete?In the midst of dog training and spelling bees the president is assassinated. Kizzy Ann expresses her emotions so well. “I cannot believe the upside-downness of the world. I could feel a blanket of sadness covering our school and our state and our nation.”The kindness of this little book will touch your heart! When Frank Charles’ mama has a seizure and he goes berserk, Kizzy Ann takes charge and calms him down and helps his mama in a gentle way that she’d seen her Sunday School teacher do for a student that had seizures. It was the right thing to do. Isn’t it funny that we never forget doing the right thing? You won’t regret meeting Kizzy Ann Stamps! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Memorizing Scripture (The Basics, Blessings, and Benefits of Meditating on God’s Word) by Glenna Marshall enriched both Kate and Sheila views on the memorization of God’s word. Please join our recap on this inspiring book about, “...letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Col. 3:16Sheila discovered this book from Kirk Cameron’s interview with the author on his podcast/youtube. If all worked out the link is below : )https://youtu.be/v--YcSsL13w?si=SWb-oilsmm1_rRRd“I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Ps. 119:11Glenna Marshall encourages us to embrace the slowness of learning scripture. “I want a life that is shaped by God’s word.” She also includes tips that have worked for her and her family.“From Genesis to Revelation, God is always after the hearts of His people. Like other spiritual disciplines, scripture memory is a journey–not a race. It’s not about recitation, it’s about saturation. The point of memorizing scripture is to grow in our love for Christ.” This book has a plethora of scripture suggestions to start you off. Are you ready to renew your mind by dwelling on scripture in such a way the constant bombardment of worldly offerings becomes less appealing? May 2024 bring you joys galore!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Greetings Recap Bookchatters! It’s that time of the year when we reflect on the books we’ve read for the year and compare notes : ) Please join Kate and Sheila for this year’s Book Awards (drum roll please) Are you curious to see if we agree? Have a listen to discover which book gets:Most WhimsicalGrittiestMost Unique FormatBest Opening LineMost UnpredictableMost IntenseMost Impactful in Society - Packs a PunchMost CreativeBest Man & Leading Lady AwardBest EndingMost Enriching - Changed our livesStands the Test of TimeOverall Best Book-too good to miss!Maybe this list might help you get your book stack ready for 2024, Each winner is a book that we adore!We are so thankful for each listener, so dear,May we wish you and yours a Happy New Year!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Two From Galilee was our last book of 2023, which is ironic because it is a book of beginnings. Please join Kate and Sheila as they discuss the beauty of this behind the scene love story of Joseph and Mary. Marjorie Holmes slows the well-known epic event down so readers can get a glimpse of their customs that are so vastly different from those of today. Readers get to experience the emotions and struggles in the life of the young Jewish girl that was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Yes, His virgin birth was predicted, but when it occurred was it recognized or questioned or criticized? We get to walk with Joseph in his uncertainty of what to do. What a wonderful example of trusting God in all things as Joseph prays, “Oh, God, my God, if this be thy will then so be it. Thy will be done!” This has the same humble tone as Jesus's prayer in the garden the night before He was betrayed.Mary’s prayer was similar. “Thy will be done,” she whispered one final time, “In this matter of Joseph, let me only obey.”Mary and Joseph loved each other but pleasing God came before pleasing themselves. What a timely lesson in straightening out our priorities that often get out of alignment!Joseph was distraught when he was unable to find accommodations, but afterward that thought was pushed aside. “He need berate himself no longer. He had not failed her. Her son had been safely born, and he had helped to bring him forth. So that made him in a new and wondrous sense his son too.”What a wonderful way to wrap up 2023 and deepen our conviction of always putting God’s will foremost in our lives!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate Dicamlo was an amazing read-aloud! Please join Kate, Sheila and their special guest, Titus, as they discuss this unusual story. An old seaman noticed a girl puppet in a toy store window. He tried to buy her, but the seller said the five puppets must be sold as a group because they have a story to tell. Reluctantly, the seaman bought all the puppets, but he shoved the king, the boy, the owl, and the wolf in his trunk. He propped the girl puppet up on a table and wrote and wrote. Finally finished, he put his letter with the puppets in the trunk with the name, Spelhorst, on the outside. That night the man cried and cried and died. How can such a sad beginning end lead to such an intriguing tale? The giftedness of the author shines through as readers meet the arrogant king, the adventurous boy, the prideful wolf, the wise owl and the grateful girl. As one might guess, different personalities bring challenges to the box of puppets to which the girl responds, “How will it help us to fight with one another?”The puppets are sold to a rag and bones man who sells them to the uncle as a gift for his two young nieces. Adventures derail the puppet show for a bit, suspense looms as readers wonder what could be the story these five puppets have to tell. The prideful wolf learns a lesson when the youngest niece removes a tooth from the wolf and tosses it outside where it is picked up by a fox. Inside the fox’s den is a lonely place for the wolf who sums up her feelings, “It is terrible not to be understood.” Relatable comment, indeed!What a wonderful read-aloud for any family seeking to spark imaginations and conversations! Humility is also an underlying theme, readers will notice the puppets less fixated on themselves are content and tend to live in the present. Community is another theme that will not be missed as dots are connected in this timely tale. We all have a story to tell, but it cannot be told solo. Embrace those in your circle. When we live out our story well we bless those around us. As the girl puppet reminds us all, “We are happy together and that in itself is a great thing.”--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

As a baby, Oswald T. Campbell was left on the steps of an orphanage with a can of Campbell’s soup in his basket. Readers meet him as he receives disheartening news from his doctor; he won’t live to see another Christmas if he doesn’t move to a better climate than the Windy City. Sadly, Oswald has no one to share his devastating news with… sounds like a bummer of a book, doesn’t it? But, somehow Fannie Flagg weaves a story of hope, evolving from less concern from self and more concern for others and the tale does a 180. We all have wounds, some are visible, like the young girl, Patsy, who has a crippled leg. Others' hurts are hidden, like Roy who suffers from a broken heart and our protagonist, Oswald, who has been haunted by rejection his whole life. Oswald goes to Alabama and meets Jack, a redbird that eats Crackerjacks, who helps Roy run the General Store, a crippled girl named Patsy, and a host of other colorful characters. The community envelopes Oswald with love and care. He recognizes he has a talent for painting and he is included in all the community’s events. He helps Patsy not feel so bad about not knowing her birthday when he decides to celebrate Patsy’s, Jack’s and his birthdays altogether because all their birthdays are unknown. Join us as we recap this heart-warming festive read. The beginning may be dark but trust us the conclusion is the bee’s knees!!! Looking for a delightful holiday read that is about being present rather than getting presents? Try A Redbird Christmas. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Do you know Shakespeare’s longest play? Here’s a clue, “To be or not to be, that is the question.” Hamlet is the answer. This play has been translated into 75 languages, even Klingon! We discovered a plethora of quotes: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”“The lady protests too much, methinks.”“…dog will have his day”“…sweets to the sweet”“…to thine own self be true”Shakespheare shows his wonderful wordsmithery as he weaves this timeless tale of brotherly love that took a wrong turn reminiscent of Cain and Abel. Hamlet’s father was poisoned by his power hungry brother and a month later this unsavory fellow becomes Hamlet’s stepfather when he marries Hamlet’s mom, prompting the classic line, “Frailty, thy name is woman.”The reader is bombarded with an abundance of themes:Truth vs DeceptionThought vs ActionMadness vs RevengeMortality-we are all shuffling off this mortal coil…For those that aren’t squeamish about the main character talking to a skull, fighting in a freshly dug grave, and dueling with poisoned weapons this is the play to be read, just remember it lives up to the name tragedy. Instead of “Get thee to a nunnery” one might get thee to a library or a bookstore to meet Hamlet and “friends”. One funny quote was when Hamlet was asked what he was reading he replied, “Words, words, words.” Please join Kate and I as we recap Shakespeare’s tragedy in which Hamlet tells the lovely Ophelia, “I must be cruel, only to be kind.” What is going on in this guy’s head? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Please join Kate and Sheila as they meet a classic character, Hercule Poirot, in his first appearance as the Belgian detective in Agatha Christie’s, The Mysterious Affair at Styles.The story is told from the viewpoint of Hastings, a soldier wounded in WW I who comes to his wealthy friend John Cavendish’s estate in need of a place to convalesce. During his visit, John’s stepmother, Emily Inglethorp is murdered with poison! Hastings seeks the help of Poirot, his acquaintance who is blessed with gifted insight which is greatly needed in this case where suspects abound.“You gave too much rein to your imagination. Imagination is a good servant, and a bad master” was the advice Poirot gave Hastings, who considers himself to be somewhat of a junior detective. Hastings would prefer that Poirot just tell him what he notices and concludes instead of making him figure things out on his own. Although this format is frustrating to Hastings it is intriguing for readers because we get to be sleuths too!“If the fact will not fit the theory–let the theory go.” Clues abound in this who-done-it, the trouble is some are important and some are red herrings. See if you can solve the case before Poirot! Don’t worry there are no spoilers in this episode, just a quick gist of the story. Put on your trench coat and get a magnifying glass and get ready to give your brain a workout!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Join Kate and Sheila as they recap one of the most impactful books they’ve read this year.Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley starts with a powerful rephrased Frederick Douglass quote, “It is easier to raise strong children than to repair broken men and women” and then he goes on from there to supply readers with the nuts and bolts (ideas) on how to raise strong kids. Favorite quotes abound! Here are just a few:“The heart always follows the habit.”“Nothing important is easy.”“The struggle against boredom is really just the struggle against a fallen imagination.”“Send kids to bed with a settled soul.”“The human heart is never not being shaped by something, it is not a car, there is no neutral.”“The final role of a parent is to keep looking to Jesus.”The Pyramid of Discipline is a blessing to both kids and parents! It starts with loving authority for the foundation. There are 5 parts to the second level: 1. Pause2. Prayer3. Body Language4. Understanding5. ConsequencesLevel 3 Confession Level 4 Reconciliation (he has his boys hug until they smile) : )He discusses how limits are positive (not a surprise to those who’ve read the Boundaries book)and connects it to Jesus taking on the limits of being a man, disciplining Himself into a life of sacrifice. Why? So we could be free from the ultimate limitation of sin and death.We loved the sending prayer for families as they are leaving the house:Father, thank You for this day.Bless us as we work, study, and play.Be present with us in all we do.May we bring glory and honor to You. In Jesus nameJustin suggests lighting a candle before mealtime and having the children say, “Jesus is the light” Then he shares a game he came up with out of necessity (the mother of invention) called The Pepper Game. Whoever is holding the pepper shaker asks a question then he/she passes the shaker. The holder of the shaker answers the question and passes the shaker to the next person. We tried this out with young and old and it was a hit! Everyone learns to listen!Trust us, this book is TOO good to miss! It will bless you in a plethora of ways! Adding value to daily routines that will impact your kids for the rest of their days! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

“I’m not afraid of doing hard things. I’m afraid of a life where I do nothing.” KaraWhat do you know about WW I? We knew very little, but thanks to Jennifer Nielsen’s Lines of Courage we learned a lot in an unusual way. From the viewpoints of Kara (British), Felix (Austro-Hungarian), Elsa (German), Juliette (French) and Dimitri (Russian) Nielsen weaves a story that will enlighten and enrich any history buff’s mind. The assassination of the Archduke in Bosnia is said to have started WW I, but countries fought for different reasons. Some fought for power, others to support allies, others for revenge, national pride, or to gain land. There was no central issue. (Maybe this is why we didn’t learn much about it in school, too tough to tackle.) Elsa uses the analogy of a house of cards as she tries to explain to Felix how countries can quickly lose power and fall. Kara, the nurse in training, gives readers a lesson in compassion. When she helps Felix’s wounded father; her dreams of becoming a Red Cross nurse are smashed. He gives her a gold medal handed down by his father long ago because he knows she helped him at a huge cost. Amazingly, the medal makes it into the hands of each character. “This medal belongs to every one of you. At some point, each of you found yourself in a terrible situation and you responded with courage, with honor, and with kindness…”May this book inspire us all to live with courage, honor and kindness. Join us as we discuss the unbelievable conditions in which these young people let their lights shine. From a fourteen year old sent into battle without a weapon to a young girl separated from her family, this book is action packed. Lines of Courage, what an eye-opener!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Who among us does not want to parent well? However, we must ask the question, “Am I equipping my kids to be ready for the challenges that life will throw at them?” Every chapter starts with a quote, here are two of our favorites: “Life is not a spectacle or a feast; it is a predicament.” George Santayana“I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life; I have denied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” Theodore RooseveltThis book was dedicated to children everywhere who simply want to be raised in homes where grace, love, firmness, and consistency are abundant and to parents who strive to raise their children to be ready for life. Join Kate and Sheila as they discuss this jewel for parents, grandparents, and teachers: GIST The Essence of Raising Life-Ready Kids by: Michael Anderson, LP and Timothy Johanson, MD.This book abounds with tried and true nuggets of wisdom. It gives parents hands-on strategies that can be applied today. The love of parents must evolve, that 20 year old living without direction, accountability, independence, or a sense of responsibility was deeply loved but the love did not evolve. This book teaches parents to think differently:Know the difference between fun and joyOne-on-one time is importantExcessive words have a negative impact(cause shame), but consequences change behavior (This chapter was entitled, Just Shut Up) : )Kids (and adults too) do what they do because it works-make sure poor choices stop paying off (The Invisible Game)The Two Things concept is powerful because it speaks to the nature of how humans learnSelf-esteem is your journey toward liking yourself, it cannot come from others (I love who I am, but I know I’m no better than anyone else)Kids are not adequately developing the skill of accurately assessing themselvesA child with an accurate view of himself or herself can go through rough watersPut more energy into applauding resilience in a child than comforting the kid falls down (When gifted becomes expected, normal become defective) NO MORE DO YOUR BEST because it is unachievable, opposes the law of diminishing returns, it’s hard to figure out how to do your best, and the big one-it teaches kids to lie!Children that do not believe they can positively affect their own lives lose hope and learn to be helpless Once a child accepts that life has challenges, he or she can navigate life as a problem solver which trumps a whiner or complainer any day! As parents we want to raise kids that are not only ready for life but able to thrive! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

“If only patience were contagious like mumps!” Join Kate and Sheila as they meet an impatient 17 year old, Kit Tyler, who was transplanted from her native land of Barbados to a strict Puritan community in Connecticut. She landed unexpectedly on her aunt and uncle’s doorstep with 7 trunks! After the death of her grandfather Kit had nowhere else to go but she’d neglected to give her relatives a heads up. The Witch of Blackbird Pond was Elizabeth George Speare’s first Newbery award and it does not disappoint. Readers are transported back to a time in our nation’s history that is often a big question mark. When settlers held witch trials where an accused woman had to do the swim test, if she could swim she was a witch, if she couldn’t swim she was free from suspicion, but sadly, dead. From beginning to end, readers wonder what the impulsive Kit will do next. She jumped off the boat to save a child’s wooden doll, she befriended an old widow that the townspeople believed to be a witch, and she started a schoolroom brawl by having students reenact the Good Samaritan parable. However, when her cousins got sick, she worked tirelessly day and night following the doctor’s orders to pull them through. When the widow is blamed for the town’s sickness Kit runs to her rescue. Who will run to Kit’s rescue as she is put on trial for being a witch? Her suitor, William Ashby, who is building a house for his bride to be (he never asked Kit, he just thinks he is too good of a catch to turn down) or the impetuous son of Captain Eaton, Nat, who is also a friend of the lonely widow, Hannah Tupper? When a young girl named Prudence asked Kit why the people didn’t like Hannah she replied, “Because they have never tried to get to know her. People are afraid of things they don’t understand.” What a powerful statement! Reading can transform and broaden our world, it helps readers understand in an up close and personal way the lives of people in the past, present and even the future. Jump in and enjoy this classic with us!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

“Grown-up people find it very difficult to believe really wonderful things, unless they have what they call proof.”

We join Cyril, Anthea, Jane, Robert (aka Bob), and the baby (aka the Lamb) as they explore and discover a wish granting Psammed (aka ancient sand fairy). However, every wish backfires on the fivesome in many humorous and unusual ways.

The kids work together to solve the problems created by each wish. Our guests, Jonah and Titus, thought the theme of the story was greed and the lesson could be that we should be satisfied with what we have. Great insight for a 7 and 9 year old!

Do you feel like challenging your children with a family read-aloud? Try out this E. Nesbit classic Five Children and It and enjoy expanding your sense of wonder. She writes from the kids’ viewpoint in such a way you feel like you’re included in their adventures. Many adults choose not to stretch their imaginations, but by doing so they miss out on great reads like The Hobbit, The Wind and the Willows, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe just to mention a few out of the plethora of timeless treasures. Travel to a time when kids had nothing but their imaginations to transport them into predicaments that boggle our minds and tickle our funny bones. : )

“Trying not to believe things when in your heart you are almost sure they are true, is as bad for the temper as anything I know.”

Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, ⁠Recap Book Chat⁠ or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with ⁠Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss⁠ blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

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The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition

The Wind in the Willows (Sterling Illustrated Classics)

Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: A Celebration of the First Edition (Chronicles of Narnia, 2)

“No young man can live in such an atmosphere of unpunished dishonesty and lawlessness without wrecking his character.”

This quote connects hauntingly well with our society today just as it did back in 1897.

What guides your decision making? Where is your focus? Join Kate and Sheila as they discuss an 1890s instant classic, In His Steps. Charles Sheldon’s best seller tells the story of Henry Maxwell’s challenge to his congregation, prompted by a tramp who wandered into his church, spoke boldly to the congregation, then suddenly collapsed. What did the Henry’s pledge consist of? He presented them with one simple question to guide all their decision making…

What would Jesus do? Ironically, one hundred years later a youth leader shortened Henry Maxwell’s question to the acronym, WWJD. It was put on everything from coffee mugs to T-shirts.

What a powerful question! Sheldon takes readers on the amazing journey illustrating how that one question impacted those brave enough to accept and live out the pledge in their lives.

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 John 2:6

During this time period the United States was suffering an economic downturn, known as the Panic of 1893. We discovered how living out that question enriched and challenged the lives of a newspaper editor, a singer, an heiress, a store owner, a college president, railroad superintendent and others. The resoluteness of these folks was inspiring!

Why is this book important? The store owner said, “The first change I made was in my thoughts about my employees…What would Jesus do?” Thoughts are powerful and they are where change begins. Thoughts feed our actions. Remember the old truism, “Two natures beat within my breast, one is cursed, one is blest, one I love, one I hate, the one I feed will dominate”?

In our busyness it is easy to forget our true focus. We make decisions on the fly as we go willy-nilly through life with Jesus on the back burner but we must slow down and remember…

“We can’t imitate Jesus if we don’t know Him.”

Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

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Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green was a book out of the ordinary. She weaves a tale using only letters, telegraphs, and notes. This piece of history was unknown to us, German POWs were brought to America to work with farmers. We were taken back in time to January 1944 to Ironside Lake, Minnesota. We met Johanna Berglund, a determined linguistic student that was coerced into returning to her hometown to work as a translator at the nearby POW camp. She couldn’t wait to leave her hometown and now, ironically, she is headed back.

Peter Ito, Jo’s closest friend, is a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to do her best to give Ironside Lake a second chance. Peter has a lot of wisdom: “God never promised us an easy path. But He did say He’d be with us through it all.”

“The past is never in the past. But we have to have the courage to move beyond it.”

“We can do anything we must. How we do it is up to us.”

“Don’t hold on so tightly to one idea of what you want that you don’t let God push you

In another direction.”

Jo was a guarded: “I don’t have enough charm to spare and have to ration it for general

interaction with humanity.”

“Real life is dreadfully tedious, the way it interrupts reading.”

She cleverly began her letters to Peter with German idioms, such as:

“To add one’s mustard=put in one’s opinion”

“The fish begins to stink at the head=the source of trouble is often at the top”

“To howl along with the wolves=do as those around you are doing”

As Jo’s adventure continues she battles with owner of the newspaper, Mr. McHenry, who prints anonymous negative letters about the POWs in the name of freedom of expression. Her attempt to show him the wrongness of his practice is priceless. “As I see, no one should be able to sling mud from a dark and shadowed corner…”

Pastor Sorenson wrote, “Sometimes showing grace breaks us before it heals us. Forgiveness can feel like a betrayal of justice.” Powerful message from a man that lost his son in battle from the same place the POWs were captured, yet he agrees to let the prisoners attend church.

Why was Jo on trial for treason? What will be revealed in the trial? Will Peter survive his time in the army? Who was Jo’s scholarship donor that told her to choose the better dream, not the bigger dream?” How can letters alone paint a picture of days gone by, but connect so amazingly to the world we live in?

Please, join us as Kate ‘adds her mustard’ and I add mine about Things We Didn’t Say.

“

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The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom with John and Elizabeth Sherrill is a remarkable story of an amazing family’s dedication to serving God wholeheartedly. Join Kate and I as we discuss the impactfulness of Casper ten Boom and his family while they operate their watch shop in Holland. The family is always on the alert for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” The ten Booms were unwaveringly solid in this area. They started each day focused on God and His word and ended each day the same way! What an amazing example of the power of routines! Have you wondered what enables ordinary people to do extraordinary things? Corrie gives readers the prepwork for being ’all in’ as disciples of Christ. I think that is the linchpin! The linchpin keeps the wheels turning through dust and mud. If an axle’s linchpin is removed, even 50%, the results are catastrophic. Our linchpin is God and living a life to glorify Him is the purpose for our existence. The ten Booms were ready, willing to hide Jews even at their own peril. The family successfully hid many Jews during a year and a half before a traitor exposed their operation. The story doesn’t end at the raid, it just changes direction. In prison, Betsie and Corrie were able to hold Bible studies, and time after time the demeanor of the women changed and they became more Christ-like. Denying self is a concept that society has really muddied the waters on, but this family clearly had it figured out. This inspiring book is one that readers will not soon forget. It will bless you and your family greatly!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Travel the last half of Route 66 with Charles James, the famous Chicago pitchman that everyone believes was killed in a plane crash. Dying, for Charles, was an eye-opener.He decides to walk from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA, In The Road Home by Richard Paul Evans, readers join Charles about two hours from Amarillo, TX. Each chapter begins with a quote from the protagonist. The quotes are like chocolate chip cookies, fresh from the oven. I savored the flavors of wisdom, humor, insight, connection, and growth! Here’s a sampling:“On the road again. Blisters and fatigue. Willie Nelson made it sound much nicer.”“Abandoned buildings along an abandoned road stand (barely) as a testament to the truth that nothing this side of heaven lasts forever.”“Today I came across a man I thought was killing another man. He was trying to save his life. How poor our judgment is. Too often we open our eyes wide to condemn others.”“I wrote my own Burma Shave poem: He who lives/ like he won’t die/ won’t find a mansion/In the sky.”“In the oddity of today’s culture, some create false battles just so they can choose a side.”“I feel like Frodo in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy–his errand more difficult, each footstep heavier, as he nears his destination.”“Don’t give up. Everyone who got to where they are had to start from where they were.”As Charles helps others, he ends up helping himself. He evolves into his best self. Humility made his transformation possible. As he told the jilted Uber driver, “It is always good to process things to help us, not hurt us. Don’t play the victim.” We use our challenges to grow us, move us beyond being the weak link in a relationship.The Uber driver asked Charles if he was a marriage counselor to which he replied, “No. I am a weak link.”This book will stretch you, entertain you, and impact you! Enjoy the journey, dear readers!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

The same author that gave us Ebenezer Scrooge and Oliver Twist also gifted readers with a kind, loyal, misfortunate, and somewhat naïve, David Copperfield. After reading this novel from the genre, bildungsroman (dealing with the protagonist maturing) we agree with the famous praise of Thackery, ‘Bravo Dickens’.

Let’s share a few quotes from these classic characters:

“My meaning simply is, that whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do well; that whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself to completely; that in great aims and in small, I have always been thoroughly in earnest.”

David Copperfield

This quote echoes Ecclesiastes 9, “Whatever your hand finds to do, to it with all your might.” David did everything wholeheartedly. Even when he fell in love, David was ‘head over ears’ in love with Dora and willing to ‘take his woodman’s ax in hand and clear his way through the forest of difficulty’ to become her husband.

“Cheer up, keep a good heart and know your own value.” Mrs. Crupp

We should never forget our value either, we were made in God’s image. David struggled with this because he had an unsavory step-father who sent the downtrodden seven year old away from the only home he’d ever known.

“We must meet reverses boldly, and not suffer them to frighten us, my dear. We must learn to act the play out. We must live misfortune down, Trot!” Aunt Betsy Trotwood

‘“I look back on my life, child,’ said my aunt, ‘and I think of some who are in their graves, with whom I might have been on kinder terms…I have been a grumpy, frumpy, wayward sort of a woman, a good many years. But you and I have done one another some good, Trot-” Another jewel from Aunt Betsy

What a worthwhile goal for us all as well, ‘Let us strive daily to do some good ❤️.’

If you are looking for a classic that has stood the test of time by delivering endearing characters, dastardly dudes, and comical quips, David Copperfield has it all👏

Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

David Copperfield (Wordsworth Classics)

Have you ever noticed how some folks seem to get a lot done with little effort while other folks g barely get the bare essentials done? One camp seems to swim effortlessly while the camp I’m in dog paddles with our heads barely above water. Why is this? We all are blessed with 168 hours in a week but that is where the similarity between these two camps ends, my friend.

Tim Challies helps those of us that are organizationally challenged. Step by step he helps us develop a plan with routines to help us navigate life much more efficiently and stress-free in his book Do More Better. His goal is to help readers be productive. He defines productivity as effectively stewarding our gifts, talents, time, energy, and enthusiasm for the good of others and the glory of God.

He warns us about the productivity thieves that some of us know all too well:

laziness, busyness, (which are within our control) and thorns and thistles (problems life throws at us that we cannot control but we can control how we react to them). Being mindful helps us react positively because we see possibilities instead of problems. (Check out Jordan Peterson’s interview with mindfulness guru Ellen Langer who explains how 1 + 1= 1 😃) Change Your Mindset, Your Health, Your Life | Dr. Ellen Langer | EP 381

Humility helps us realize we are limited. We cannot do everything. When we accept this we also realize that if we spread ourselves too thin we are not doing anything with excellence. “We have limited amounts of gifting, talents, time, energy, and enthusiasm, but unlimited ways of allocating them.”

Learn about the slow “yes” and the quick “no” and ‘a home for everything, and like goes with like’. Motivation is like the moon, it waxes and wanes. Implement habits during waxing times and those habits will carry you through when the waning times come. It is important to know your most productive time in the day, are you a lark or an owl or in between? Put the big rocks in first when you are at your best.

Why are we here? 1 Corinthians 10:31 tell us, “So whether you eat or drink, (or organize) or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Our lives should glorify God, let’s go forth and live for Him!

We got our book remediation today from Robyn Buchanan. Check out her youtube channel and website to get inspiration for taming the chaos. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend.

You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

My current my go to beverage is an iced decaf coffee with ⁠Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss⁠ blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity

Is your life so busy you barely take time to breathe let alone pray without ceasing? We think this nugget of truths can help us to focus on God no matter what we’re doing. Brother Lawrence was not a monk. He was a wounded soldier, failed footman, and finally a cook and dishwasher and cobbler who lived centuries ago. How can he help us today? Brother Lawrence was known to be ‘sensible of his faults but not discouraged by them.’ People wrote him letters seeking his advice.

His responses were short lessons such as “One does not become holy all at once” and

“Our only business was to love and delight ourselves in God…”

Brother Lawrence said it was a great delusion to think that times of prayer were different from other times. God is always with us! We are never alone! Before working he prayed:

“ O my God, since Thou are with me and I must now, in obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech Thee to grant me the grace to continue in Thy presence, and to this end do Thou prosper me with Thy assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections.”

I love that his book is called The Practice of the Presence of God because we must practice and practice and practice to form this amazing ‘holy habit’.Christ followers are not perfect but we should be different. We should be working wholeheartedly because we are serving our heavenly Father no matter what we are endeavoring to accomplish. Mowing a lawn, cooking a meal, washing laundry, bandaging a wound, teaching a child the list is endless but the drive and determination to do our best should be consistent.

1 Corinthians 10:31 is the focus scripture in the movie Remember the Goal. The coach put it on T-shirts for her team to help them remember, “...whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” Brother Lawrence and the cross-country coach share the same mindset.

There were many powerful lines in this book but my favorite was pithy and packed a punch,

“Let us think often that our only business in this life is to please God.”

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It’s time to head back to school and find a learning routine groove. What books have caused you to change your life? Join us as we discuss books that schooled us and caused a significant shift in our lives.

“It strengthens thy heart to do a hard thing” is a powerful quote from A Door in the Wallby Marguerite de Angeli. A cripple boy learns how to survive despite his hardships in this unique novel, includes lessons for kids and adults alike! Jennifer L. Scott’s books: Lessons from Madame Chic, At Home with Madame Chic, and Polish Your Poise with Madame Chicdescribe what the author learned living abroad with a family in France. She also has a TedTalk on the 10 item capsule wardrobe. Loads of lessons on living with intentionality. The Count of Monte Cristo provided countless lessons: patience, wisdom, grit, learning how to read people, asking the right questions and, of course, stamina. This book illustrates over and over that people were and still are perplexing no matter what century or country we are in. Anna Karenina was a confidence booster! Our first Russian novel will long be remembered. What an intriguing opening! “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” People Fuel had a plethora of lessons such as: Be Present, Convey the Good, Provide Reality, and Call to Action. We need people but we need to set boundaries to deal with them effectively, the author explains asking clarifying questions. The book,Boundaries, packs a punch in this area as well. We are limited, so we must set limits and uphold them in order to thrive. What a mindset changer Unoffendable by Brant Hansen was! We learned how to practice overlooking an offense by giving grace. It totally reframed our thinking, kind of like swimming upstream. Living for God not for self was also the theme in Goliath Must Fall. We learned we aren’t David in the story, Jesus is, He is our conqueror. The Tech-Wise Family was a recent read that gave many suggestions to help families be present and live creatively. By making a simple change you can make an upgrade! We are image-bearers to a God that is the ultimate creator, we need creative outlets. We should never consume more than we create. The Gift of Failure explained how learning that comes with challenge is stored more effectively! We should parent for tomorrow, not just for today. The Last Green Valley was an unbelievable journey back to WW2. Times were so hard they were forced to eat grass! The protagonist’s wonderful line can help us all. “I used to think life happened to me but now I know life happened for me.” Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth taught us to stick with hard things and never quit on a bad day.Mindset by Carol Dweck pairs well with Grit. When readers see the fixed and growth mindsets playing out it is easy to choose wisely. We have to rethink our vocabulary, switching out “You’re so smart” for a much more beneficial “Great effort” “Way to keep trying even when it is hard, it gets a bit easier every time”. The Five Love Languages of Childrenincluded a wellhouse of information in filling the love tanks of our children. A simple questionnaire is included to guide parents in discovering their child’s love language. Kids with a full love tank are less likely to act out and in turn will make better choices. Last but not least, The Read-Aloud Handbook by: Jim Trelease is a wonderful resource for parents that want to have a nightly read-aloud time with their kids, not all good books make great read-alouds. It is a huge help in creating a treasured memories in the lives of your children.

A Door in the Wall ,

The Count of Monte Cristo Part 1, Part 2

Anna Karenina

People Fuel

Unoffendable

Goliath Must Fall

The Tech-Wise Family

The Last Green Valley

Grit

The Five Love Languages of Children

Massie Dobbs

Unbroken

*Some of the links are affiliate links to books and brands we think you will love.

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The Read-Aloud Handbook: Seventh Edition

The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed

The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place

People Fuel: Fill Your Tank for Life, Love, and Leadership

Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants

At Home with Madame Chic: Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life

Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris

Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic: Lessons in Everyday Elegance

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life

The Door in the Wall

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Anna Karenina (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

None

My Brain’s Not Broken (Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD)

By: Tamara Rosier, PhD

“Where’s my phone?”

“ What did I do with my keys?”

“Was that due today?”

“ Wow! That took a lot longer than I thought it would!”

“Where did the time go?”

“I am sooooooo tired.”

This author has ADHD along with 3 of her 4 kids and her husband, so the girl knows well the crazy unpredictable journey that many of us fellow- strugglers are on which may be a bit of a challenge for our neuro-typical friends to understand.

ADHD has many faces along with many misconceptions. The author has her clients come up with metaphors to express their ADHD. Some were like Lucille Ball at the candy factory (where Ethyl and Lucy are trying to wrap the candy coming on the conveyor belt but simply cannot keep up) , dirty babies (even after washing, they’re dirty again), elves moving things around, monsters of many shapes, sizes, and strengths.

Although very different, most ADHD peeps are passionate, strong-willed, extra extra curious with possibility brains. Most struggle with being patient, completing mundane monotonous tasks, and balancing time (time blindness is a real thing). Usually ADHD folks veer toward divergent creative thinking instead of convergent.

The author’s daughter described her ADHD as being a misfit toy from the classic Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer cartoon that had a part on the Island of Misfit Toys. Many think ADHD is a struggle that only affects kids that cannot pay attention. In fact, Many adults are affected and many are hyper focused (completely immersed in whatever intrigues them).

Her suggestions to help navigate successfully include, The Solve-It Grid.

Set a timer for 20 minutes to complete mundane tasks (homework, housework, paying bills, proofreading…) in increments when working in the yellow quadrant. (Gradually depletes battery)

When the yellow tasks pile up and turn urgent, they turn red! (Kinda like cooking on high heat).

Stressful fight, flight, or freeze becomes the choices in this quadrant which is exhausting and can cause burn-out. Red quadrant may feel energizing but spending too much time here quickly depletes our batteries.

Blue quadrant is our comfort zone default, it’s as hard to get out of as the Molasses Swamp in Candyland.(playing games on our phones, binge watching shows, scrolling Twitter…) We need some time in the blue quadrant but like everything else balance is a challenge. Blue time slowly recharges but too much sends us into the red quadrant (because of things in the yellow quadrant left undone).

Green is the Happy Place quadrant, it is where we are reminded of what we value. This is the fastest way to be rested, restored, and recentered. The Green requires little (having a meal with family, going for a walk, watching a sunset…) but gives much. Some avoid this quadrant thinking they are too tired but in reality, green gives the most energy!

“He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears.”

Michel de Montaigne

Don’t fear the unknown or assume you know all there is to know about ADHD. Let’s embrace strategies as we strive to conquer our quest for balance and help others do likewise.

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Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD

Let’s meet Henry (14), Jessie(12), Violet(10), and Benny(6) Alden, a.k.a. The Boxcar Children!

Henry is hard-working, responsible, and protective. Jessie is brave, a talented cook and a great problem solver. Violet is the quiet and shy Alden. She has sewing skills beyond her years. Benny has the ability to boldly say what is on his mind, often in a funny way. He loves a cracked pink cup he found at the dump and Jessie’s dog, who he tried to label by cutting a J out of Watch's fur.

The Aldens are on the run because they overheard the baker and his wife as they discussed keeping the oldest three children to work while sending Benny to an orphanage. It is hard to believe that this endearing book series met with criticism when it came out in 1924.

“Warner once wrote that the original book ‘raised a storm of protest from librarians who thought the children were having too good a time without any parental control! That is exactly why children like it!’”

It is difficult for me to criticize hard-working, problem solving, kind and caring kids but there are always those who look for the negative and if they don’t find it, they supply it. These books have given young readers chapter books they are able to read successfully which builds confidence as well as proficiency.

The first 19 books in the series were written by the author, Gertrude Chandler Warner. She has the kids realistically get older in her books, such as Henry getting a driver’s license. The rest of the books (20-100+) keep the kids' ages unchanging.

Find out why the Alden kids are fearful of their grandfather and how they got the nickname,

The Boxcar Children. Find The Boxcar Children’s Cookbook and whip up the stew Jessie made in the cauldron they found at the dump or try your hand at Hobo Stew or Sea Biscuits. The fun thing about cooking for this family is they really appreciate the effort that goes into the task.

What a wonderful take-away from this endearing book, appreciate those around you, be grateful, see possibilities instead of problems, and learn to laugh. A joyful read, indeed!

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The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children, No. 1) (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)

It’s me again, Hank, the Cowdog…is the opening line in every Hank book by John R. Erickson. This entertaining series about a comical canine who boastfully touts himself to be the Head of Ranch Security has become a favorite for all ages.

Readers join Hank and his sidekick, Dover, while they relentlessly tease Bruno, the boxer, on their uninvited trip into town. When Bruno calls Hank a 2 bit cowdog,

Hank replies, “Do you mean that as an insult or a compliment?”

Back on the ranch, Hank is wrongfully accused and punished for a crime he did not commit, the lack of justice gnaws at his sense of fairplay until he decides to leave. Hank is a might conflicted because he knows Drover is afraid of his own shadow, his hands (er, paws) are less than capable for the job of Head of Ranch Security but Hank hits the outlaw trail anyway.

He meets a stuttering buzzard who thinks Hank is du-du-dead because of the chicken head Sally Mae had tied around Hank’s neck in an effort to thwart his chicken killing habit. Let’s be clear here, Hank ate a dead chicken, however, he was not the reason for her death, readers will discover the killing culprit in the book.

Soon, our runaway Head of Ranch Security meets the first outlaw on the trail, a beautiful coyote named Missy. This encounter makes Hank’s heart go pitter patter, love is in the air you might say! She takes ‘Hunk” home to meet her folks and as one might predict things begin to get dicey. The situation really heats up when Missy’s brother, Scraunch, challenges ‘chicken dog’ to a battle!

We get help in this podcast from the youngsters who really enjoyed the different characters and the Me Just a Worthless Coyote song, and Drover’s dry humor. If you are already a Hank fan or if you are excited to become one be sure and check out

hankthecowdog.com for cool games like Whack a Coyote, Ranch Memory, & Find Your Age in Dog Years-Yikes!

Remember readers, things are not always what they seem.

Keep on reading and working towards your dream!

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“That’s one more thing I detest about war. It’s not over when it ends.” Lady Rowan

Join Maisie Dobbs as she takes on a challenging case when she is hired by Mr. Waite, an august person who strives to control everything and everyone in his circle. He has met his match with Maisie who works in her own time and in her own way. She knows the value of letting fact, thoughts, observations, and feelings simmer whereas ‘Mr. Gungho’ is full steam ahead. Jacqueline Winspear masterfully weaves mystery with history in this sequel. Readers are invited to solve who’s behind 3 murders and how they are connected, while at the same time readers discover a well hidden piece from the past, The Order of the White Feather.

Maisie is simultaneously searching for Mr. Waite’s missing daughter, Charlotte Waite, and struggling to help bridge the growing chasm between her and her father, while also helping Billy overcome his precarious method of coping with his injured leg before it injures his family. (And we thought we had a full plate!)

Inspector Stratton returns and readers learn that he is a widower with a young son. Dr. Dene, the witty and kind doctor that worked his way across the tracks, is eager to help our hard- working heroine. (Miss Dobbs doubtlessly has sparked their interest.)

Join us in solving these murders before Inspector Stratton and company send the wrong guy up the river. What an amazing job Winspear does of showing both sides of the situation! In a male dominated profession, Maisie excels not by complaining and pointing out injustices, but by action. Actions that are well-thought out and executed with the precision of a surgeon. She plans her day and works toward that end but is not frazzled when a curve ball is thrown her way. We could learn much from Maisie! Let us slow down and strive to thrive and help others to do likewise.

“May I not sit in judgment. May my decisions be for the good of all concerned. May my work bring peace.”

Maisie’s silent prayer reminds me of the street sweeper quote by Martin Luther King,Jr. May we always do our best in the plethora of endeavors that lie before us.. Let mediocrity be ousted by excellence!

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Birds of a Feather (Maisie Dobbs)

Recipe for The Hungry Place Recap

Ingredients:

1 horse lovin’ girl without a mom aka Rae

1 hard working creative dad

1 wise grandma aka Gammer

1 beautiful pony - Princess

1 kind hearted sickly owner - Roland

2 unsavory hired hands - Charlie, the trainer & his wife, Darlene

2 encouraging friends - Tully & Sam

1 concerned owner of pony camp - Tish

Mix together a girl who yearns for a pony and Princess, the pony who loses the charmed life she’s always known for an enduring story of hardship, resilience, patience and persistence.

The Hungry Place takes readers on a journey of hope. Gammer tells Rae, “I don’t see you as someone who doesn’t have a pony. You’re someone who’s going to have a pony. Focus your mind on it…eyes wide open for opportunities.”

Add in wise advice from Gammer who tells Rae not to ask ‘will I have a pony? but instead ask, ‘How will I get a pony?’ When Rae decides to earn money to go to Pony Camp, Gammer tells her, “Money is useful. Don’t fall in love with it though. It’s like junk food, tastes good going down, ½ hour later you’re hungry again.”

Blend in Roland being taken away in the ambulance, Charlie and Darlene cleaning him out. Ponies being left to fend for themselves for so long they ate the bark off the trees. Sadly, Roland had trusted the wrong people and his ponies had to pay the price.

Stir in the meeting of an observant guy on a motorcycle and a brave pony that had never asked a human for anything in all her life.

Princess is taken to Tish’s pony camp, where the vet doctors her wound and Tish is given strict instructions on how to feed the starved pony.

The only pony Rae’s been riding is the metal one her dad created out of garbage he’d collected. She named him Rusty. Rae tells Tully and Sam that “ponies don’t panic. They think.They live longer than ponies. They have a different mind.”

What has life given you? That’s what you have to work with. Rae uses what she has to move forward, “Without struggle, there is no progress”, Frederick Douglass once said. Gammer calls these unexpected details ‘spice in the pie’.

Variation: “When Princess was abandoned she could be with the other ponies at last but…There were fences here too, invisible, but very real.” Do we put up fences unknowingly? When we, like Roland, choose the easy way for our loved ones, we can inadvertently bring them pain. He kept Princess isolated for her safety but her isolation made her life harder when everything went south.

Enjoy an unforgettable book uniting a girl with a dream and a pony with a powerful purpose.

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Join us as we discuss Little Pilgrim on his arduous trip to the Celestial City. Will he be able to navigate through the many dangers that thwart his forward progress? This beautifully illustrated allegory was derived from John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, but Helen L. Taylor’s use of anthropomorphism makes Bunyan’s amazing story easily understood by children. Animals that are characters make the book not only interesting to kids but also add a degree of emotional distance for young readers, which can be important with a message as personal and powerful as this one. Christian is a young rabbit living in a city called Destruction. After losing his mother, finding an old Book, and hearing the Evangelist, Christian wants to make his way to the Celestial City where a wise King rules that loves little creatures. He asks his friends to make the journey with him, they all laugh at him except his friend Christiana. She’s unable to go because she’s caring for younger siblings so Christian bravely decides to embark on the journey all by himself. He feels his heavy burdens slowing him down but he plods forward, meeting: Simple, Sloth, Presumption, Passion, Patience, Hypocrisy, Mistrust, Faithful, Hopeful and a host of others. Some seek to stop him, while some help and encourage him. “Knock and it shall be opened unto you.” What doors do you want to open in this life? Follow Christian to discover how to wisely navigate the worldly dangers as Helen Taylor along with Joe Sutphin’s amazing illustrations take readers on this unforgettable journey!

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Travel back in time with us as we discuss Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. This book has more plot twists than a roller coaster. It begins in the year 1961 as 16 year old Laurel is watching from her treehouse not wanting to join the family in her little brother’s birthday picnic. Her mother returns to the house with the birthday boy on her hip to get the special birthday knife to cut Gerry’s cake. Laurel is in a ‘woe is me’ mood as many teenagers go through, when adulthood is just beyond their grasp and childhood is clearly behind them. Laurel thinks no one understands how she’s feeling. “Youth is an arrogant place…” Suddenly the… “Certainties of a lifetime turned to smoke and blew away.” …when Laurel witnessed a stranger approach her mother. Her mother put a crying Gerry on the ground. Unbelievably, her mother stabbed the stranger with the birthday knife. Unbeknownst to Laurel’s three sisters who were at the picnic site, Laurel must carry this secret for 50 years before she attempts to resolve her unasked questions. Her mother never explained anything except she was protecting her family from harm, stranger danger has always been a worry for mothers. The rest of the book is told in 2011 and 1941. When Laurel’s mom, Dorothy aka Dolly, gets sick, Laurel returns to her family homeplace while putting her actress life on hold. Her thoughts return to a time when Laurel, Rose, Iris, Daphne were referred to as their father’s garden of daughters.. Most memories of her childhood are sweet but the nagging memory of her mom killing the stranger overshadows the rest. On a visit to the hospital Dorothy weakly says that she’s thankful for a second chance. The fact that “People who led dull and blameless lives did not give thanks for second chances,” prayed on Laurel’s mind and spurred her into action. She discovers Dorothy aka Dolly lost her family in WW2 and that she was once in love with a young photographer, Jimmy Metcaff. She had been given the book, Peter Pan, by someone named Vivian. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. She discovered Vivan was a well to do lady that her mother tried very hard to befriend but her plan backfired. What was living in London like during this horrific time? Many children were evacuated but many were in the hospital. The Blitz lasted for 8 months and killed over 13,000 civilians. When the pieces of the puzzling past do not come together as quickly as expected, Laurel enlists the help of her younger brainiac brother, Gerry. Dorothy is getting weaker and weaker and can’t offer much help. Will Laurel and Gerry be able to discover the secret their mother kept for 50 years? Read this amazing book to journey with Laurel as she ‘goes’ back to 1941 London. Can dogged persistence put the pieces of the past into place letting peace prevail?

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In this podcast episode, we open up our Kid Lit Locker delve into the world of Ted Hughes' classic novel, The Iron Giant. With our special kid guest we explore the themes of environmentalism, friendship, and the power of imagination through the story of a giant metal robot who arrives on Earth. Join us as we discuss the significance of the Iron Man's most memorable moments, from his fiery battles with a dragon to his transformation into a protector of the planet. Along the way, we analyze the similarities and differences with the 1999 movie. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi or just looking for a thought-provoking read, The Iron Giant is a must-read that will leave you questioning the nature of humanity and the world around us.

Also mentioned in the episode for young readers who are not quiet able to tackle The Iron Giant on their own, is a series call Hey Jack.

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend.

You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

My current my go to beverage is an iced decaf coffee with ⁠Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss⁠ blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Andy Crouch gives readers a plethora of ways to put technology in its proper place in his book, The Tech-Wise Family. "To be a child, teenager, or young adult these days is to navigate a minefield of potentially life-altering choices."

His daughter wrote in the forward explaining "...the best part of tech-wise parenting is focusing on something older and better than the newest thing. The key word is better."

This better way involves choosing: Character, Shape Space, and Structuring Time. Character develops slowly, daily, as we painstakingly overcome problems. Shape spaces are places in our homes that are device free and packed with supplies to create or practice a skill which could include everything from books to board games and paints to a piano. Structuring time is intentionally setting time aside to rest from devices such as spending intentional time being grateful without instantly scrolling.

Change is challenging but worthwhile. "We will have to teach our children, from early on, we're not here to make their lives easier but to make them better."

Andy's Ten Tech-Wise Commitments 1. We develop wisdom and courage together as a family. 2. We want to create more than we consume. Fill the center of the home with things that reward skill and active engagement. 3. We are designed for a rhythm of work and rest. 4. We wake up before our devices do and they "go to bed" before we do. 5. We aim for no screens before double digits. Avoid tethering to the glowing screen as long as you can. 6. We use screens for a purpose and we use them together. 7. Car time is conversation time. It takes 7 minutes to get a 'real' conversation going. 8. Spouses have each other's passwords. Parents have total access to kids' devices. 9. We learned to sing together. (Powerful picture book, Christmas in the Trenches, shows the power of song. A German soldier started singing Silent Night, and both sides sang together in different languages. They also shared what little treats they had been sent from home) 10. We show up IN PERSON for big events in life. (weddings, births, & funerals)

Interesting point, "...the quest to cure boredom with entertainment makes the problem worse, the more you entertain kids, the more bored they will get." When we choose the easy way, we miss cultivating patience. The first people to be bored were the first people who did not do manual labor.

Frederick Douglass said, "Without struggle, there is no progress." The last thing learners need is for it to be too easy. Difficulty and resistance press learners forward and make the learning stick.

We hope you glean much from the pages of this little jewel to bring your precious family closer together as routines are established and memories are made. Screens are probably here to stay, but our children are with us for but a season, may we live life well preparing them for the road ahead.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Join us as we discuss a kid friendly gem similar to the classic, Robinson Crusoe. Michael Morpurgo, War Horse author, spins a tale of wonder and suspense in Kensuke's Kingdom, which is based on a true story.

After young Michael's parents simultaneously lost their jobs, his dad shocked the family by using their savings to buy a yacht. After 6 months of training, their journey around the world began! The adventure takes a surprise turn when Michael and his dog, Stella, end up overboard! Thankfully, they wash up on an island and meet a man, Kensuke, that had been living there since WWII! Michael thought the old man wanted him for a prisoner. His assumption was proved wrong when the old man saved his life.

A lesson for us all that first impressions are not always accurate. The beautiful story of how Michael and Kensuke learn from each other even though they are from different places and generations is too good to miss.

When Michael told Kensuke that back home in England many things had, 'Made in Japan' on them, Kensuke replied, "I 'made in Japan' person." He laughed, "Very old machine, still good, still very strong." If you loved Kensuke's Kingdom, check out The Cay, by Theodore Taylor. Both stories tell about people making the best of things in the worst of times. Inspirational indeed!

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

West With Giraffes follows a 17 year old dust bowl orphan across America in the journey of a lifetime in the company of a couple of Giraffes. Based on a true story, Lynda Rutledge beautifully weaves together fact and fiction in this adventure packed story of healing, hope, perseverance and love.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

A foundational and illuminating read from one of the great intellectual giants. C.S. Lewis takes us on a journey of unpacking and unlearning misconceptions we have been taught about Christianity and uncovering it’s simplicity and beauty. Lewis is an allegory master, breaking complex ideas into understandable and relatable bites. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

This classic 1883 iconic pirate adventure story did not disappoint! Robert Louis Stevenson created pop cultures vision of a buccaneer with his character Long John Silver. This book was a swashbuckling fun ride full of great quotes and memorable adventures. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Utterly charming and captivating, Maisie Dobbs will forever have a place in our hearts. Jacqueline Winspear does and excellent job of melding historical fiction and mystery. Maisie Dobbs is set post WWI in London England, but has flash backs before the war and during the war where we get to see pivotal moments of her childhood and youth and young adulthood. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

In this episode we throw out a reading challenge to you, literary warrior. We go over our list and share books we have read from each category. Enjoy this free printable from our website to help you stay on track and keep track of your reading goals. I also provided links to the versions of each book we recommend and the link to the episode if we have reviewed it on the show. You are welcome, that was a chore! Ha!

Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky are our favorite Russian translators. Be sure to look for them if you are wanting to read a Russian novel. I couldn't remember their name during the show but have linked to all their versions of the classic we read that were translated by them below.

Book written by someone on a different continent or translated -

Count of Monte Cristo episode 65 episode 68

Dr Zhivago episode 18⁠, ⁠episode 20⁠

Anna Karenina episode 14

Alchemist episode 40 2. Book written before 1900-

Oliver twist written in 1837, episode 49

Count of Monte Cristo 1844,

Pinocchio, 3. Graphic Novels- I survived series

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic 1912

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916

I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001

I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871

Investi Gators series episode 62

Amulet Series 1-8 4. Book set in wartime-

War and Peace episode 29

Beneath a Scarlet Sky episode 21

The Last Green Valley episode 26

Unbroken episode 7

The Blackout Book Club episode 71

Nightingale

A Place to Hang the Moon episode 5

Book of Lost Names episode 50 5. Book recently turned into a movie-

Where the Crawdads Sing episode 33

Redeeming Love, 6. Book set in dystopian future-

Among the Hidden

Hunger Games

Giver 7. Pulitzer Prize book-

All the Light We Cannot See episode 12

Gone With the Wind

To Kill A Mockingbird 8. Newbury Award-

A Door In the Wall episode 36 9. Book about religion or spirituality-

Unoffendable episode 61

Joyous Leadership episode 16

Live No Lies episode 24

Imprinted episode 48

A Lineage of Grace

Sons of Encouragement

Goliath Must Fall episode 70 10. Book written in year you were born-

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Polar Express

Sarah Plain and Tall

Berenstain Bears

Perilous Road episode 55

Witch of Black Bird Pond 11. A mystery-

Agatha Christie And Then There Were None episode 35

The Golden Spyder episode 44

Peppermints in the Parlor 12. Book narrated by child-

Words On Fire episode 59 13. AScary book-

Crime and Punishment episode 2

Frankenstein episode 1 (our first episode!)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde episode 51 14. Memoria -

The Reading Promise episode 41

Broken Places and Outer Spaces. 15. Book about spy’s -

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

How I Became a Spy

Book of Lost Names 16. Romance-

The Second Mrs. Astor episode 6

The Masterpiece

Book Woman of Troublesome Creek episode 22 17. Fantasy-

The Hobbit (If reading to kids this version is a must! The illustrations are great!) episode 13

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

Wind in Willows episode 4 18. Plays -

Shakespeare’s episode 39 19. Western-

Call of the Canyon episode 10 20. Series-

Among the Hidden episode 15

Agatha Christie Poirot's 1st book The Mysterious Affair at Styles 21. Depression era

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn episode 3

The Four Winds

Some Place to Call Home episode 9

Nothing to Fear episode 57

Items mentioned in the show:

My Book Journal: A 100-Book Reading Diary for Bibliophiles

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace

The Alchemist

Frankenstein: The 1818 Text (Penguin Classics)

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition

Gone With the Wind

The Giver (Giver Quartet, 1)

The Wind in the Willows (Sterling Illustrated Classics)

Amulet #1-8 Box Set

The Hunger Games

Crime and Punishment (Vintage Classics)

The Nightingale: A Novel

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

A Place to Hang the Moon

Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition

Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel

To Kill a Mockingbird, 50th Anniversary Edition

The Book of Lost Names

Where the Crawdads Sing

Broken Places & Outer Spaces: Finding Creativity in the Unexpected (TED Books)

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Timeless Classics, 4)

The Door in the Wall

The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic

Redeeming Love: A Novel

Anna Karenina (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

War and Peace

Oliver Twist (Penguin Classics)

A Lineage of Grace: Biblical Stories of 5 Women in the Lineage of Jesus - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, & Mary (Historical Christian Fiction with In-Depth Bible Studies)

And Then There Were None (Poirot)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sons of Encouragement: Biblical Stories of Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, Amos, and Silas (Historical Christian Fiction with In-Depth Bible Studies)

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared

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A beautiful, intense and thought provoking novel from Kristin Hannah left our tissue boxes empty but our hearts full. The Great Alone set in Americas last frontier, follows a girl named Leni who is 13 at the beginning of the book. We get a look into her tumultuous childhood and her transition into womanhood amid the beautiful yet brutal Alaskan landscape.

Leni's dad came back from the Vietnam war a forever changed and volatile man. Upon receiving land in Alaska from a fallen solder buddy, Leni, her mom and Dad head north with all they owned in VW van. Hoping the remoteness will bring peace they soon find the opposite is true. On top of her dads mental issues she now has to learn how to survive the many deadly forces of nature Alaska has to offer.

The people they meet in the small town close to their homestead are a shining light for Leni and her mom. The power and need of community is life changing and eye opening. Matthew, the only child the same age as Leni becomes best friends and help each other through different tragedies they are faced with.

Very unpredictable and extremely unforgettable, The Great Alone is a book I was not able to put down.

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

The Great Alone: A Novel

The Blackout Book Club is a unique WWII story set on the coast of Maine that highlights the power of books and the importance of connections. The story follows five main characters who are all dealing with secret issues that are all brought to light. Amy Lynn Green beautifully weaves their lives together and shows how we all need community to thrive.

This is our first Amy Lynn Green novel but for sure not our last. We loved learning new historical facts about the Hooligan Army and the what life was like on the coast during this time.

The Blackout Book Club is a fantastic story that was captivating from cover to cover. A feel good, and feel informed book that left us wishing the story didn't end.

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

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Well all have giants in our lives that taunt us and try to crush us. Some mock us or pretend to be our friend yet all of these giants ultimately want our destruction.

Louie Giglio does an excellent job in Goliath Must Fall of bringing an awareness to these giants and a strategy to not let them have a place at our table.

Fear, rejection, addiction, anger and comfort are the giants that are discussed in the book. We look at these giants and share the ones we struggle with in our own lives. We unpack how some giants are hard to see such as perfectionism, aka fear in a tuxedo.

If you are curious about the tea stain picture from the story we talked about you can view it and find out more about the artist here.

We finished the book feeling empowered and motivated to take responsibility for what we are allowing in our daily lives and to be intentional about our thoughts and actions.

Louie Giglio also has written devotional books for families. We have How Great is our God and Indescribable at home and my kids love them. Louie combines scientific findings and scripture in a quick to read, fun format. We always learn a cool new scientific fact and experience awe and gratefulness to the one who created it.

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science (Indescribable Kids)

How Great Is Our God: 100 Indescribable Devotions About God and Science (Indescribable Kids)

Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants

Reading takes time so why not get the most bang for your buck and the greatest return on your investment. Today we discuss three different ways to do that with reading strategies. These strategies help strengthen our connection to the text and have a more impactful reading experience.

Upside down Triangle -student preferred strategy
CSI - Color, Symbol, Image
SPW- Sentence, Phrase, Word

Sheila has used these strategies frequently in her classroom and ministry and has seen great results and a deeper level of learning. Here is a link to a free printable PDF file to help you start incorporating these strategies!

We recently started a new resource page on our website with a reading strategy free printable. Be sure to check back often as more bonus material will up soon!

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recapbookchat/message

Today we wrap up the epic classic, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. The link to the book is the exact version and translation we read and thoroughly enjoyed. We discuss some new characters that show up in the second half of the book and talk about our favorite quotes. Also discussed are themes of betrayal, vengeance, retribution, wealth and power.

Although this novel was completed in 1844, it still brings impactful and relevant messages for us today. Dumas shows us how vengeance is never as sweet as we think it will be.

The Count of Monte Cristo is an insightful, educational, and intriguing read that we will carry with us as we journey down our literature road.

The book ends with a beautiful quote, “All human wisdom is contained in these two words: ‘wait’ and ‘hope’!”

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recapbookchat/message

The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

A must read for parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone else with children in their life. The 5 Love Languages of Children is full of insightful and uber beneficial information that helps us connect and love our kids to the max.

In this episode we give real life examples of the benefits of understanding love languages and learning to speak our children's primary language. We discuss ways to help our kids take more responsibility for their homework, chores, and after school activities.

The website for 5 Love Languages of Children also has a lot of additional resources to help us embrace and use these languages in our daily relationships.

Briefly we mention the drama triangle. Check out this pdf for more information on what that is and how to recognize if you or your kids are in it.

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recapbookchat/message

Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman (1997-05-04)

We opened up our kid lit locker today and discussed the final book in the Whole Nother Story series. Such an adventurous, fun and intriguing book. It wrapped up all of our unanswered questions very nicely. Our two kid consultants joined us in talking about our favorite parts and in singing the Fighting Paper Clip anthem.

No Other Story begins in “some times” a time were all of history is occurring at the same time. This setting leads the Cheeseman family into crazy circumstances that had us on the edge of our seat and laughing a lot.

If you are interested in reading the series here are links to book one A Whole Nother Story, and book two Another Whole Nother Story.

If you missed our reviews of the first of the series I have links to those below.

A Whole Nother Story episode.

Another Whole Nother Story epsisode.

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recapbookchat/message

Written 180 years ago we step back in time through the pages of the classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. This is such a hefty book and contains so much we wanted to talk about we decided to break it up into two parts. We are really enjoying our Penguin Classics version of the book that features the A Storm with Smuggler's Landingon the cover. The artwork was done by Philip James de Loutherbourg (1740-1812)

In part one we try to give an overview of the story and lay the foundation by introducing characters and historical happenings. Our discussion covers the background on Alexandre Dumas and his struggles as a mixed race author. Dumas was inspired to pen The Count of Monte Cristo by a true story of an innocent man who was imprisoned unjustly.

The story begins in 1815 and takes place in France, islands in the Mediterranean and Italy. Chapter one is the day that Napoleon left his first island of exile, starting the hundred days period when Bonaparte returned to power. Dumas expertly tied the plot of the story to actual events in history.

The main character is Edmond Dantès, the wide-eyed, hard working, honest, handsome, naïve sailor who is unjustly imprisoned in the The Château d'If which is the equivalent of Alcatraz in the United States.

The story follows Edmonds journey through insurmountable joy, confusion, devastating grief, harrowing loneliness, the life giving light of hope and the hardening of revenge.

The Count of Monte Cristo is our first French novel to read. We like to watch videos on Course Hero to help us learn how to properly pronounce the names in the book.

Here is the podcast episode we mentioned from Politics By Faith with Mike Slater.

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Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Connect with Kate and Sheila online at www.recapbookchat.com

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

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The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

Today we discuss a small yet impactful book called Keeper of the Doves.

This book was written by Betsy Byars a prolific children’s author, winner of the Newbery Medal and National Book Award and many others. Betsy Byars passed away at the age of 91 in February of 2020, however her lifetime of work lives on. We were grateful to experience her writing in Keeper of the Doves.

The novel follows Amen McBee, the youngest of 5 sisters who is a deep thinker, a poet, a lover of words and seeing beauty where others do not. Amen uses her words for good. To bring beauty and life to difficult situations.

We make some connections with People Fuel and East of Eden with Amen’s older sisters possibly being contaminates.

Keeper of the Doves helps us look beyond our prejudices and first impressions. There is a mysterious character called Mr. Tominski, a hermit old man who lives in the woods nearby and tends to a flock of doves. Things are not always as they seem and Amen is able to discover another side of Mr. Tominski.

Through a series of events there is a tragic death in the family that was caused by words. Words are so powerful and in our modern society we often forget this. An overarching theme of this book is that words can hold the power of life and death. Amen brings life with her poetic words while others bring death.

Be sure to let us know if you have read this novel or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

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People Fuel: Fill Your Tank for Life, Love, and Leadership

by John Steinbeck East of Eden

Come check out our recap of People Fuel by Dr. John Townsend! It was an invigorating and grounding read. People Fuel helped me acknowledge and appreciate my need for people and how to better relate and maintain relationships.

Townsend talks about how when we receive the right nutrients we are able to produce good fruit in our life. The opposite is also true, if we are missing one of the key nutrients our quality of fruit will be affected. On Dr. John Townsend's website he provides free relational nutrient cards to be printed and put somewhere to help us remember the four quadrants.

Some of our favorite quotes from the book are below.

"Weakness is normal and a good part of life."

"We need to experience grace before we are ready for truth."

"Individuals who do well in life tend to be accountable to time."

My mom first heard about this book from a podcast on Focus on the family where they discussed a few of the quadrants. If you want to listen the that episode you can check it our here.

In the novel Townsend mentions a couple of videos that we mentioned in the show. Links to those are below.

*Its Not About the Nail video

*Empathy video by Brene Brown

Also we discussed the importance of being accountable to time and one way to help us do that is with a days of life poster.

People Fuel is a very significant read that can change your perspective of people and how we relate to each other. Townsend was a coauthor of the Boundaries book with Dr. Henry Cloud. Boundaries are briefly discussed in People Fuel. If you are interested in learning more I will link to the book and workbook.

Be sure to let us know if you have read these novels or if you have books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

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People Fuel: Fill Your Tank for Life, Love, and Leadership

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life

Today we dive into our Kid Lit Locker and explore the InvestiGators series by John Patrick Green.

We have two special kid guest on the show to get their opinion of the series from a kids perspective.

John Patrick Green is a brilliant wordsmith who creates witty and engaging stories and pictures in this graphic novel series.

The InvestiGators is full of fun word play, witty phrases and unexpected plot twist. It is a great series for young and older readers alike.

These books started as great read aloud books for us and my older son is now going back and reading them on his own now.

At the back of some of the books, John Patrick Green has added a "How to Draw" section where he shows kids how to draw different characters. My kids love this and it is one of the things that helps lessen the sting of finishing a book and having to wait on the next one to be released.

Here are the books in the series that we have read so far and highly recommended.

InvestiGators
InvestiGators: Take the Plunge
InvestiGators: Off the Hook
InvestiGators: Ant In Our P.A.N.T.S
InvestiGators: Braver and Boulder
InvestiGators: Heist and Seek

Also coming out in February 21, 2023 John Patrick Green is starting a spin off series call Agents of S.U.I.T which follows some of Brash and Mango's co-workers. We are excited to check see where this new series will take the Agents of S.U.I.T. The seventh book of the InvestiGators is also coming out this year. It is called InvestiGators: All Tide Up and is set to be released September 26, 2023.

Be sure to let us know if you have read these graphic novels or if you have other kid books you would like to recommend. You can join our Facebook Group, Recap Book Chat or leave us a voice memo.

My favorite way to read is curled up with a soft blanket and a hot cozy drink in my hand. Currently my go to beverage is decaf coffee with Earth Echo's Cacao Bliss blended in. Ten powerful, organic superfoods that help with relaxation, joint pain, weight goals, and mental focus. Use my coupon code KATEM10 to get 10% off your order when you try their products.

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too! Keep those pages turning and those book lights burning!

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So excited to recap The Bible today! My mom and me did The Bible Recap chronological reading of the Bible in 2022 and today we talk about what we learned and how we liked the reading guide. We used a mix of the bible app, physical ESV Bible, and The Bible Recap podcast. Below are links if your interested in joining us this year as we go through the Bible again with Tara Lee Coble and the The Bible Recap team. * The Bible Recap website Link to Bible app * Link to The Bible Recap podcast Link to The Bible Recap book * Link to prayer journal mentioned Mom discussed a helpful way to connect with any text you are reading is to find your favorite line, favorite phrase and favorite word. I will try to be more intentional about doing this and will let you know how it goes.Mom also shared the acronym SPA to help us remember to have a SPA day everyday. -Study-Pray-Act We discuss some big takeaways and broken misconceptions that were discovered this year through the reading.Mom pulled out some sayings from the bible that we might not realize originated in the bible. "Clear out the old, make way for the new.""I took my life in my own hands.""Like a drop in a bucket"Out of the mouths of babes.""Hanging on his words.""We brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out.""Like mother like daughter.""See him eye to eye.""A house divided against itself wont stand." "Share and Share alike." We also talked about our word for the year. We would love to hear your word for the year. You can let us know by leaving a voice memo or by posting a message on the the Recap Book Chat Facebook group. Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recapbookchat/message

Happy 2023! We ended 2022 reading this book and started 2023 by recapping it!

Words on Fire is a historical fiction novel written by Jennifer. A. Nielsen. The story takes place in the 1800's during Russia's occupation of Lithuania. In order to help Lithuania assimilate, Russia has insisted every Lithuanian become Russian. They have banned their language, religion, culture and their books. The story follows Audra, a 12 year old girl whose parents were arrested for distributing illegal Lithuanian books. Audra soon discovers the world of book smuggling and the power of literature.

We took as detour and also talked about happy goals vs punishing goals. Happy goals are flexible and are constantly motivating where punishing goals are rigid and demotivating if not met perfectly. Be sure your 2023 goals are happy ones.

The reading journals we use are A Clockwork Reader and Journals Unlimited Books I've Read . Our favorite being A Clockwork Reader.

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books and brands we love and ones we think you will too!

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We end 2022 with a great book from Kristin Hannah called the Winter Garden. Kristin Hannah is also the author of the The Nightingale and The Four Winds.

The Winter Garden takes place during modern times with flash backs to Russia during WWII. Hannah does a superb job of bringing to life the generational affects of war and the family dysfunction that is born from lack of communication. This story is weaved between sisters and their mother and the converging of each of their lives. The grit and determination of people that lived through such horrendous times is incredible. We greatly appreciate the reachers and historians that sought out stories such as the one in this book and preserved the truth of what really happened.

If you enjoy learning a bit of history while reading check out our other episodes where we recap historical fiction novels as well as a few true stories.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith - Set during the great depression

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus- Set during WWII

Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand -Set during WWII in the South Pacific

The Engineer's Wife: A Novel of the Brooklyn Bridge -Set during 1800's

Some Place to Call Home by Sandra Dallas- Set during the great depression

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr- Set during WWII

Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak- Set during Russian Revolution of 1917

Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan- True Story during WWII

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson -Set in Kentucky during 1936

The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright- Set in the Ozark Hills during the early 1900's

The Last Green Valley by Mark T. Sullivan- Set during WWII

War and Peace by Leo Tolsoy -Set during French invasion of Russia in 1812

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz- Set in Germany during WWII

The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson- Set deep in Kentucky's Appalachia during early 1950's

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin- Set in London during WWII

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

The Perilous Road by William O. Steele- Set in Tennessee during the American Civil War

Note that some of the links above are affiliate links to books we think you will love.

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The Nightingale: A Novel

Winter Garden

Published in 1991 but set during the great depression, this novel shows that even in the worst times our best selves can be found. Nothing to FearThe story which was inspired by Koller's family history follows Danny, a thirteen year old boy and his journey of self discovery and survival. This book gives us a picture of growing up in the mist of great difficulty. We felt like this novel was the male version of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. There were a lot of similarities with both stories and gave us the feeling that Francie and Danny could of been neighbors and struggling to survive together.

One of the reasons we like reading historical fiction is because when we turn the last page we are left with a connection to history through the eyes of a characters we are invested in. One of the historical nuggets we learned through this book was about the "Bonus Army". The "Bonus Army" was a group of 43,000 demonstrators and 17,000 veterans of WWI that were demanding early cash redemption of their service bonus certificates from WWI. The demonstrators were shot at, had belongings burned, and endured tear gas in an attempt to clear them from government property. The group did not give up and in 1936 were given their bonuses early and laid the groundwork for the current GI bill.

Jackie French Koller is not just an author but is also an artist. She owns an art studio in Boxborough Massachusetts.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss and episode!

Connect with Kate online : https://www.katematthews.art/

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Note that some of the links above are affiliate links. We only recommend books and brands that we love and that we think you would love, too!

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A great read to jump start the new year by understanding habits! Charles Duhigg breaks down the mechanics of habits and explains the process of creating, changing and tweaking them. An overarching theme of the book is intentionally. Charles explains why our brain is constantly trying to make habits and how we have to be intentional to develop the habits we want. Duhigg uses many stories and examples from real life to explain and inspire the reader to take action. In the podcast we cover so of his big ideas and a few of our own connections. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recapbookchat/message

Set in the mountains of Tennessee, William Steele paints us a picture of what life would of been like for those caught in the middle during the civil war. This was a quick, historical accurate, powerful read. With deep relatable themes and a timely message for our current society, this novel is an adventurous book not to miss. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recapbookchat/message

Do you feel like you always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop? Do you wish you had some tools in your belt to help when negotiations in you life come up? One Step Ahead by David Sally may hold the answers you are looking for. A challenge and dense yet illuminating read! David Sally writes of many different stories, research and examples to help show the most effective ways of negotiating. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recapbookchat/message

I was so honored to get to meet author and veteran Jamie Cole at my sons Veterans Day program at school. She was gracious enough to grant me an interview where we got to sit down and talk about her new book and what inspired her to write it. Jamie was able to get Jake and now Shay from the organization Veteran Assistance Dogs of Texas.

If you are wanting to connect with Jamie her number is 325-669-1025 or click here for her Facebook.

To purchase your own copy of Jake the Service Dog you contact Jamie or order from Amazon.

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In the spirit of November and in this season of Thanksgiving we felt compelled to compile a list of our top 10 books we are grateful for. Enjoy!

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An epic read of how a simple mindset change has a major life impact! Unoffendable is a witty, insightful, life changing beautiful book! We highly recommend it to everyone. It is in my “read once a year” list. We can’t wait to read more of Brant’s novels.

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“If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek.” In honor of our one year anniversary on the Recap Book Chat podcast this October we wanted to do a bit of a scary read. Robert Louis Stevenson delivered. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written in 1886 gave us a lot to talk about even though it was not very long. The novella only took Stevenson three days to write. Masterfully done, witty and intriguing, this little book will keep you engaged and contemplating your own duality and interpersonal struggles.

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A compelling WW2 historical novel that follows the life of a Jewish forger in occupied France. This is a book that will stay with you. Full of great quotes and extreme courage The Book of Lost Names is a well written look back in time.

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This epic classic did not disappoint! Dickens tackles issues dealing with poverty, class and the choices we make head on. It was so fun getting to read the book from which so many adaptations have come.

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A quick and easy read that packs a punch! Tai Ann shares so many wonderful nuggets in just a few pages. She is able to discuss huge topics around parenting and children's identity in a manageable and yet practical way. This book opened our eyes and encouraged our souls on communicating with kids. There are many simple yet powerful tools that are mentioned that every parent needs in there tool belt.

Here is the podcast for organization we mentioned in the show: https://clutterbug.me/podcast

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Today we take a look at some of our favorite film adaptations of books. Let us know what some of your favorites are!

Shelia’s List

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

True Grit by Charles Portis

Secretariat by William Nack

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Christy by Catherine Marshall

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Princess Bride by William Goldman

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Kate's List

Chronicles of Narnia

Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Hunger Games by Suzan Collins

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Divergent by Veronica Roth

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Fellowship of the Rings J.R.R. Tolkien

Honorable mention

We bought a Zoo

The Kings Speech

Quotes from the episode:

“Once you have read a book you care about, some part is always with you.”

Louis L'amour

“I am a part of everything I have read”

Theodore Roosevelt

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Set in the 1950’s this is a brilliantly constructed story and coming of age story of troubled teens. Warning there is a spoiler section at the end where we discuss the surprise ending but we give a warning before diving into what happened.

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A compelling and engaging historical fiction novel set in London during World War ll. We loved getting to discuss the gritty and compassionate characters and glean wonderful quotes from them. If you want a front row seat to living in London during years of bombs and rationing we highly recommend giving this book a read.

Here is a link to the milkman photograph that Sheila mentioned in the episode. A picture really is worth a 1000 words. https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/london-milkman-1940/

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Published in 1953, this noir mystery novel took us back in time with a Dick Tracy feel. This was a quick and fun read and our first of Rex Stout’s, a well know mystery writer of his day. Do not fret, we did not give any spoilers or disclose who the killer is. If you want to know that, you will have to read the book!

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The story finds Honey, Cussy's daughter, alone at 16 and faced with navigating survival, grief, prejudice, corruption, love and hate. The Book Woman's legacy is shown beautifully through this sequel of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. This book is full of courageous women who fought against injustice and ignorance in order to pave the way for those that followed after them. If you haven't heard our review of the first book in this series you can check it out here https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/RABO6ZU8Ksb

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This classic well know story is still powerful and applicable today. Our Kid Lit Locker group explores some of the simple yet needed life lessons we learned from Pinocchio.

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Our first memoir to read together was a treasure trove of reading possibilities showing how daily reading is so impactful. Alice Ozma’s debut novel was sincere, authentic, and brilliantly captures how her fathers daily read aloud habit enriched both there lives.

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A 1988 compelling story full of wisdom an inspiration to follow one’s dream. We take a look at the life of Paulo Coelho before the Alchemist was written and elements from his personal life that are whispered though out his book. We also discuss how the book impacted us and our favorite takeaways. A top shelf read for sure!

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The Two Gentlemen of Verona is a Shakespearean comedy, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by several to be Shakespeare’s first play. It was so fun to jump back in time and read the literary genius’s beginning works.

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When your past shows up at your door what do you do? This book follows Allyson Cole’s journey of heartbreak, adoption, trauma and reunion. Give a listen to our discussion of What I Left Behind to see if it is a fit for you.

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Today my old friend and now middle school teacher Amanda Daughtery joins us to discuss Projek 1065, a book she suggested earlier this year. This is an excellent read for WW2 buffs and reluctant middle school readers. Alan Gratz does a beautiful job of blending history and fiction in this story of an Irish family working as spies in Berlin. You won’t be able to put it down!

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This 1949 classic Newbery Award winner is a must read! Set in medieval times, a 10 year old boy is stricken with an illness that leaves his legs paralyzed. With help from a monk and a minstrel Robin learns lessons in kindness, grit, skill, and patience. Come along as we dive into this uplifting story of finding a door in the wall.

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The Queen of mystery, Agatha Christie takes us for a ride in this 1940 novel that she described as her most difficult book to write. This novel was so creatively crafted and entertaining to read. With over 100 million copies sold, this book is the world’s bestselling mystery novels of all time. So, buckle up and hang on as we dive into this exciting read!

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Today we opened up our kid literature locker and pulled out three books from the adorable series, The Miniature World of Marvin & James. With the help of some pretty cool kids we recapped and discussed the books they had listened too. If you are on the hunt for some perfect first chapter books give a listen and see if Marvin and James are the right fit!

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Listen to a recap of this fantastic novel and soon to be movie. Don’t worry, we were careful not to include any spoilers. Journey with us as we discuss this intriguing story of a young abandon girl who grows up in the marsh land of North Carolina.

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Special episode of reminiscing with my younger brother Cam over our top childhood read aloud picks. Come along on our journey down memory lane and pick up a few new titles along the way.

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Today we finish up this epic classic that frankly does not get the praise it deserves. East of Eden is a novel that leaves you ready to face life wether things look rosy or not. We deep dive into many characters and themes and include a couple of spoilers. If you haven’t read this book and are looking for more of an overview I suggest checking out the previous podcast where we cover parts one and two. Today we also launched our giveaway as well. The first three people to leave a review of the podcast will receive some very cool bookmarks! Thanks for listening!

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The 1952 classic by the infamous John Steinbeck has been keeping us on our toes and coming back for more. This biblical allegory of the Cain and Abel story is full of all the difficult human emotions and relationships and beautiful insight. We are halfway through the book and couldn’t wait to share what we have learned so far!

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A Mount Everest of classics yet most humbly written. Tolstoy said that the best Russian literature does not conform to standards, and War and Peace is definitely in a class of its own. It was first published serially, then published fully in 1869. Our favorite Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy explores complex ideas and brings new light to old ideas. War and Peace has long been hailed a literary masterpiece and we cannot disagree. It is a brilliant work of art and literary genius. The novel is massive and we are barely able to scratch the surface, yet we highly recommend adding this one to your book list!

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“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” Angela Duckworth’s book Grit is full of golden nuggets of wisdom! Today we dig out some of our favorite gems and make some practical connections. We have enjoyed this book so much and the how it has shaped our mindsets around parenting and teaching. https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/ Check out this link if you want to see how gritty you are using Angela’s Grit Scale. https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-scale/

Sheila also mentioned in the episode a method of teaching she uses in the classroom called Whole Brain Teaching. This information is also applicable for parents as well. https://wholebrainteaching.com/

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Today we take a look in our Kid Lit Locker with some special kid guest who help us recap the second book in the Whole Nother Story series. We didn't realize it at the time when we were recording, but there is a third and last book of the series called No Other Story. This was an enjoyable, quirky, and entertaining read but again leaves you hanging at the end. Gerry Swallow, a stand up comic and screenwritter who goes by the pen name Dr. Cuthbert Soup does an excellent job of word play and perfectly placed puns. Gerry provided plenty of action including a witch hunt, pirate scuffles, sailing into a storm and more. Our kid guests preferred the first book in the series and were disappointed in the lack of closure. We will add the third book to our stack to see if we can find out what will happen to the mom. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this podcast please give us a 5 star rating and tell us what you like about the show in the review section. If you have anything insight or favorite quote from a book we have reviewed please click on the link below and leave us a message.

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Today we recap a must read, The Last Green Valley. Mark Sullivan hits a home run again in this compelling story of grit and faith and hope in the mist of overwhelming obstacles. This book follows the real life story of the Martel family in the middle of WWII caught between two dictators on there incredibly journey in search for freedom. We are so grateful to Mark Sullivan for capturing and recording this seemingly impossible story. We are forever changed and inspired to stay grateful and hopeful no matter the circumstances.

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Today we wrap up our recap of Dr. Leaf’s book Think, Learn, Succeed. We review her mindsets and also discuss neurographic art and its benefits. https://neurographic.art/ We also touch on Dr. Amen’s book and ANTs (Automatic, Negative, Thoughts) and a great technique to escape the hold of negatives thoughts. https://brainmd.com/captain-snout-and-the-super-power-questions https://drleaf.com/products/think-learn-succeed-book We enjoyed this book so much and found it super impacted. If you haven’t read it, we highly recommend it! If you have any thoughts from previous episodes or books, we have discussed please feel free to share by clicking on the voice message link. We would love to hear from you!

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“Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace” and this book certainly does deliverer on its subtitle. Today we jump into part one of Live No Lies and find out what one of those peace sabotaging enemies is. John Mark Comer did an excellent job of researching and tying together the ancient and modern. John Mark is an excellent communicator and is able to unpack some difficult subjects in an effective and attention grabbing way. To connect with John Mark and his current ministry teaching project check out his website https://practicingtheway.org/

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The Shepherd of the Hills was written in 1907 by author Harold Bell Wright. It is a semi-fictional story of a man's journey through mountain folklore and forgiveness and the people he impacts along the way. The book became extremely popular at the time and was turned into a play on the actual location of the book's setting and brought in a lot of tourism. This is the book that created the town of Branson Missouri. The power of literature is amazing! You can still check out the play to this day in Branson Missouri. https://theshepherdofthehills.com/drama/

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A fantastic historical fiction novel that follows the life of a blue skinned woman in Kentucky during the 1930’s. This book brings to light many unheard-of historical facts, deep seeded racism, extreme poverty and overcoming insurmountable obstacles. We are joined today by Lisa Lock, a wonderful watercolorist and avid reader to recap this eye-opening read. We love her designs for bookmarks and notebooks! Check out the links below to connect with her. https://lisalockdesigns.com/ https://www.facebook.com/lisalockdesigns

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Unbelievable true story of war hero Pomo Lella. Mark Sullivan describes his efforts on the Underground Railroad helping Jews escape during World War II and his spy activities while driving one of Germany’s top ranking Nazi officers. We are joined today by Ashlea Skipper, director of PCA and avid reader, who shares her insights on this fabulous read. If you are wanting a coffee to go with your book check our Ashlea’s new business, Scooter’s Coffee located at 1402 W Wilson St, Borger TX 79007

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Today we recap the second half of the controversial classic Doctor Zhivago. This 1957 Russian novel was a dense, impactful, eye opening and difficult read. We deep dive into some of the symbolism around Christianity and the Russian political climate at the time.

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Drop those highlighters! Dr. Leaf enlightens us on better ways to retain information. We begin this episode with a look at our feedback stack! We are so grateful for everyone who has sent in feedback and will once a month share something we have received. We would love to hear from you too so be sure to follow us on Facebook and leave a comment there or leave a voice message by clicking the link at the bottom of the show notes. Today we recapped the first half of Think, Learn, Succeed. There is so much information we decided to split it up into two episodes. Dr. Caroline Leaf has been a favorite of ours for awhile and has impacted our thinking greatly!

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Doctor Zhivago is a classic Russian novel first published in 1957 in Italy. The novel was banned in Russia and was not allowed to be published until three decades later due to his "dangerous" content and anti-communist feel. Boris Pasternak won the Nobel Prize in literature because of the book but was not allowed to accept the award. The novel follows the life of a doctor and poet, Yuri Zhivago as his country goes through, WWI, the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent Russian Civil War of 1918-1920. It is an eye opener on this extremely tumultuous time period in Russia and what people like Boris Pasternak lived through. In this episode we cover part one of the novel and recap the ideas and ground work Pasternak laid in the first half of the book. If you would like to share a thought or comment please feel free to leave us a voice message here or on our Facebook group!

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A Whole Nother Story is a fun, witty, children's book of spy fiction with plenty of great lessons and slapstick comedy to keep young readers engaged. I read this to my 7 and 6 year old boys who loved it and joined us on the podcast to share their two cents. This is the first book in the series so expect to be left hanging, but not to worry, the second installment is already available. Happy reading!

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A must read for everyone! Add this one to add your book stack. Joyous Leadership is an authentic, memorable, life changing read. It is chalked full of nuggets, insight and wisdom that will help you live your best life. This is our first episode where we have been able to interview an author. John Mark Watson was as delightful and engaging to talk to as his book was to read. Check out the links below to connect with Mark and order his book. https://johnmarkwatson.com/ Order the book https://www.amazon.com/Joyous-Leadership-Stories-Learnings-Along/dp/1956906045/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1637437705&sr=8-1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/johnmarkwatson/?hl=en

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If you have ever wondered what a totalitarian government would feel like, take a look at the book Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This is a quick read and a great recommendation for reluctant readers or anyone looking for a series to read.

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Russian literature at its finest, hold onto something as we deep dive into the 1878 novel Anna Karenina. Listed in the top 10 greatest books of all time this was our first taste of Tolstoy and he hooked us on the first line. Thanks Mike for inspiring us to read it with your awesome storyteller skills. Here is the episode where we first heard of Anna Karenina https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-i-heard-it-with-mike-rowe/id1087110764?i=1000465269548 Here is the book that was mentioned for kids. The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] https://www.amazon.com/dp/0439199964/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_CG3GV2P0C4DV8E32BJYG

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The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy]

Today we dove into a children’s classic from 1937, The Hobbit. J.R.R. Tolkien created the perfect adventure story full of scary, witty, beautiful and profound lessons. We were captured by Tolkien’s ability to make fantasy feel like reality.

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All the Light We Cannot See is two stories in one, this marvel sharpens our senses one by one. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2015 this World War II historical fiction read shows two different perspectives from the same tumultuous time. *Here is the link to the Bible study we are doing this year https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

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Last Episode of Season 1 where we share our favorite and least favorite reads of the year and recap our book stack.

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Our book stack took us on a journey West with The Call of the Canyon. A lesser known novel from the famous Zane Grey was a quick, descriptive and eye opening read from the post World War One era. Will the city girl socialite Carley be able to handle the wildness of Arizona to be with Glen her fiancé. A solider trying to rebuild his life after the war. A look into the healing and sacrifice of a soldier and the faith it takes to step into something unknown. Here is the link for free e-books! https://www.gutenberg.org/

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This book is set during the Dust Bowl/Great Depressions also called the "dirty thirty's". Sandra Dallas, fueled by her parents stories of growing up during this time has created a gritty, uplifting, poignant and fun read the celebrates the meaning of home and teaches us about a forgotten era. Sheila and I make connections, pull out facts and reflect on gems Dallas leaves for us to find. Please leave us a message and share any insight or connections you had while reading Some Place to Call Home and we will play it on the next episode.

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The Engineer's Wife brings to life the story of the gritty Emily Warren Roebling and the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Wood’s debut novel tells Emily’s story with so much detail and research it seems to turn back time.

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A World War ll story about resiliency, grit, survival, mindset and overcoming extreme odds will have you on the edge of your seat. Unbroken will captivate, encourage and inspire anyone who is brave enough to read it.

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Step back in time with us while we recap this fascinating historical fiction read of The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe’, her rise in the public eye and her survival of the Titanic.

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A Place to Hang the Moon might have been intended for kids but it is still enjoyable for adults. Our first guest of the show, Julie Barnes stops by to unpack and dive deeper into ideas and themes from the book. The site Julie referenced where she discovered A Place to Hang the Moon was www.readaloudrevival.com

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Hang on to your hats as we recap a classic novel by Kenneth Grahame from 1908. A simple time yet still impactful and relevant.

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Stepping back in time a hundred years or so to learn some lessons from the past. Jump in as we unpack some ideas around poverty, reading, being highly sensitive, happiness and grit. P.S. I’m sorry for the background children noise I didn’t notice till I was editing, my kids were on the other side of the house but still managed to get in the podcast.

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Unpack this fascinating and ground breaking novel with us. I never thought I would be a fan of Russian literature but it has captivated me! Here is the link to the version we read with our favorite translators! Crime and Punishment (Vintage Classics) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0679734503/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JQM5J29BTHPYDYVXR81G

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Crime and Punishment (Vintage Classics)

My mom and me kick off the Recap Book Chat podcast with a well known classic from 1816, Frankenstein. Tune in while we unpack, analyze and share big ideas!

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