Have you ever heard of the term “living books”? The phrase was coined by educator Charlotte Mason to describe books that, when read came alive. They inspired all the senses and taught you something as well. Charlotte Mason was a devout Christian living in the 1800s in Great Britain. She loved learning and she loved children and felt that children were real people deserving to be treated as such. She embodied the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ regarding children. I am excited to give you this month’s simple Short Christian Book Reviews
I review each book for adults and children with a Christian worldview. Not all of the books are published by Christian book companies but all the books listed are meant to equip and inspire you and your children with thought-provoking information from a Biblical point of view. When there are exceptions I try to make note of any concerns.
Enjoy!
Simple Short Christian Book Reviews
HOME DECOR
As a homemaker, I enjoy continuing to learn about how to make my home a “Peaceful Haven”. Interior design is an important part of creating a sanctuary where my family and friends can interact in a safe and loving environment. It is where my ministry takes place. energized my imagination! I learned much about antiques, flowers, and different place settings. Pour yourself a glass of iced tea or a nice cup of coffee and enjoy the text and pictures.
FICTION
I can’t even believe that I never read a book by Elizabeth Goudge. Wow! She is a wordsmith who can convey the true meaning of things by crafting phrases that flow so beautifully! I treasured reading The Eliot Family Trilogy first published in 1940 as it transported me to the countryside of England. Each book in the series is charming and thought-provoking in the extreme. Redemption and sacrifice under the prayerful coverage of Lucilla the matriarch of the Eliot clan sum up this entertaining series. *Mature issues are discussed.
GARDENING
I could not contain my love of gardening in just one book this month. It is after all Summertime! These two gems will keep you busy reading and improving your garden. The Crafted Garden is chocked full of beautiful projects for and from your garden. Get the whole family involved with these gorgeous projects. Now for the gardener and history buff. I guarantee you will learn many things from this well-researched and well-written book, All the Presidents’ Gardens. My knowledge of American Presidents and the subject has grown as a result.
CRAFTS
Looking for help keeping your children busy this Summer? SUPERCRAFT is your book. Most craft books are good and have a few good projects in them. It is rare to find a book that ALL the projects are GREAT! Look no more…have fun by yourself with your children making creative projects all summer long.
FINANCIAL
Chris Hogan reminds us in this information-packed book, that retirement is not an age but a number. It doesn’t matter how old you are, Retire Inspired is written from a Biblical view of money and will let you know exactly how much money you will need to retire if you choose to do so. Chocked full of valuable information that you need to stay informed!
CHILDREN
Out of the Woods is a true story of an unforgettable event that all ages of children and adults will enjoy! Beautifully illustrated and written, it is definitely a “living book”. I was captured when reading the true account of a forest fire and how the animals and people came together to survive. Amazing!
The Dragon Keepers Chronicles will enchant your late elementary students and beyond with this imaginative and attention-grabbing book where one egg holds the key to the future. The best thing of all is that this series is written from a Christian Worldview by the talented writer Donita K. Paul. You and your kids are going to love this series!
COOKBOOK
Can you write a book review in just one word? YUM! Go get La Tartine Gourmande now and your family will thank you for it!
SPIRITUAL
Gloria Furman is a treasure and so is her book Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full. Gloria should know about full hands as a missionary with four children and a husband with a chronic illness that causes him to be in pain. She serves her Pastor’s husband literally with her hands. Don’t miss this encouraging book…you will be changed and encouraged as a wife, mother, and follower of Christ!
HEALTH
I have now learned that the French do not view beauty the same as Americans. They view the topic of beauty from a much more Biblical way (well, except nudity and modesty). Beauty comes from within. The French Beauty Solution is a book about how to care for your body in its entirety. Mathilde Thomas guides you through an amazing amount of information plus valuable tips for healthier living and healthier skin.
HOMESCHOOL
I could not end without my FAVORITE homeschool book of all time, The Charlotte Mason Companion. I don’t care whether you are a home educator or not. If you have children you need to read this book. You will be inspired by this amazing woman’s grasp of both education and children. The “living book” recommendations are wonderful!
Check out more Christian Book Reviews HERE!
YOUR TURN…
What is on your Summer Reading List?
Blessings,
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I can’t wait to read a book by Elizabeth Goudge. Haven’t read her. My boys love the Dragon Spell series. One book I read already this summer is Francine River’s Redeeming Love. Have you read that yet? It is an older book, but I couldn’t put it down.
I really hope you will like the Elizabeth Goudge books and by the way my kids also love any book about a dragon. 🙂