I read eight books this month. Four were new books and four were re-reads as I continue my re-reading of the entire J.D. Robb In Death series. I am enjoying them immensely, especially since it has been several years since I had read them because I have challenged myself to new books only 2015.
This month, I, of course, documented my reading via a 2-page, 6 x 8 scrapbook layout that will go in my All About Me album, which is rapidly filling up. I am still adjusting to this size for my reading documentation, though. I really got used to the 12 x 12 size (January - November) when I documented What I've Been Reading in 2017 and I haven't found a groove yet with this new size. For instance, before I completed the pages above, I had 'designed' a page but when I looked back on January's page it looked exactly the same, so, I had to re-work the pages.
Back to reading.
If you read any of these books, read Kisses for Katie. What a testimony of one girl's love after God's own heart!
Ceremony in Death by J. D. Robb. Continuing on with my determination to re-read the entire In Death series this year, Ceremony in Death is a darker story line plus some character introduction and fleshing out some more character development of favorite's. I love how Robb took her time with the character's and slowly reveals more and more of their personalities and life of the characters amidst - murders.
Dark in Death by J. D. Robb. In her latest In Death book, #46 I believe, amidst the story line we see how Eve's heart for others has grown exponentially, how she allows more and more people to touch her life. For someone who was a loner, with very few 'friends', her circle of friends is far and wide and diverse. Pretty good story line. Interesting how murders are solved from nothing, seemingly no clues, but piece by puzzle piece, layer by onion layer, the how and the why and the who is revealed.
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis. I am blown away! I am going on my first international mission trip this year and this story of relentless sacrificial love is unbelievable. In the hands of God, - wow! This is the story of Katie, a 19 year old who went on a short term mission trip which became her long term home and her mission field where she, one by one loves, shows compassion, cares for, teaches, shows Jesus through her actions (and, yes, her words) away from everything easy and amidst all things hard. It is a remarkable story. "He reminded me that I could light candles in the hearts of others as long as I let Him fill my heart first." "They taught me to rejoice in the simple pleasures God had surrounded me with." "He comes with us to the hard places." "God's glory has fallen down into this place and is soaking us even deeper than the rain. I never ever want to be dry." "Adoption is His heart; it is a beautiful picture of redemption."
Noble Beginnings by L.T. Ryan. Poorly written. Implausible. Frustrating plot. Actually, I'm not sure what was the point of the story. Quick read. No depth of characters - at all. It was free.
Vengeance in Death by J. D. Robb. I am proceeding forward in my endeavor to read through the In Death series by J. D. Robb. I should be just in time to read book 47 that comes out in September 2018. Vengeance in Death definitely has a sick, serial killer mystery to solve but it even more delves into development of the characters in the series plus adding another character to the pack. I enjoy watching the loner, Eve, the protagonist of the novels become dependent, while maintaining her independence.
Traveling Light by Max Lucado. An older title that I'm not sure how I missed but no less read-worthy and quotable, as always. I love Max Lucado because he's easy to read and always on point, biblically. He is quick-witted and thought-provoking. I picked this up for the title, Traveling Light, as my One Little Word for 2018 is Light. This is just one aspect of light I am navigating through - leaving behind excess 'personal' baggage, finding more contentment, releasing burdens I was not meant to bear.
Holiday in Death by J. D. Robb. I love these beginning books in the In Death series because the characters already introduced are just beginning to be fleshed out. Good, but kind of creepy - and gross - murder with supporting story that takes Santa to a whole new level. Not a favorite but I love the character development and the snarky play between the lead Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her sturdy, trustworthy sidekick, Officer Peabody.
Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb. I'm trying to be faithful about reading the books in order (except for Dark in Death, which is her latest and I had to read it!). The only parts I skim through are the 'intimate moments', otherwise I'm reading the whole book again - and have a ball. There are always great laughs amidst a great drama. This was more character introduction and a very intriguing murder storyline.