Golden Hours: Hymns and Songs of the Christian Life ~ Elizabeth Prentiss

Trials, sorrow, death, hurt and hard times are what seemed to fill Elizabeth Prentiss life.  Yet, rather then become bitter and hard she let God mold and shape her into such a wonderful, Godly, inspiring woman.  She is one of my heroes and a dear friend.  Only one touched by such grief and shown such grace and mercy can pen such wonderful encouraging words as she has. This little book is the door to her heart through poems and hymns. But not just to her heart, as you read you begin to realize, she knows what you've been going through, too. Many tears were shed as I read this, many prayers and many quiet, thoughtful moments. Really, find this book! You will not fail to be encouraged spiritually from it! It has become a new favorite of mine.

Beauty ~ Robin McKinley

An enchanted castle, a beast, a rose and a young girl; forced to choose between her family and living with a beast, Beauty chooses the beast.  But why the forced decision?  Why the need to have her there, locked in a dark castle that is filled with unseen people and things? Why her?

Beauty, as you may have guessed, is a retelling of the well known tale "Beauty and the Beast".  I received this book as a gift and am so thankful I did! I'd never heard of McKinley and I'm sad I hadn't! I was drawn into her writing almost instantly.  She writes very well and I love her almost-old-English style of writing! The way she describes things is simply wonderful! A little different spin on the story than what Disney had us all believing in the movie, but I wouldn't change it! I liked it much better than the cartoon movie I grew up with.  Find it, read it, love it! Who says fairy tales are only for children?

Taste and See ~ John Piper

This book is the expanded edition of the "Godward Life II" devotional. The subtitle is "Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life." Piper does well in keeping his focus on Christ and I have enjoyed reading many books by him.  I did greatly enjoy reading this one as well.  Although I  would not agree with every thing Piper says, as a whole I would readily recommend this book.  There are a total of 140 "devotionals" in this book, each about 2 to 2 and a half pages long. It is a very easy, quick read.  Yet, in spite of the "quickness" of the devotionals this book does not fail to convict and challenge.  If you find it, pick it up!