The Hidden Hand ~ A Bookworm's Calendar

Heavy banks of thick clouds hover just overhead, the sky itself is hidden away. We won't see it until March. The world is painted in indistinct shades of white, gray, and brown, from the sky to the trees to the ground.

Most people hate February. But I like it. It's soothing, quieting, and the perfect time to curl up with a good book, some quiet music, and a nice warm mug of Chai. If you happen to think that February has to be gray and boring, then I suggest you check out this month's book. It was chosen just for you to cure the February blues.

The book for this month is The Hidden Hand. And I have to say, of all the books I've featured so far, this is my favorite. It's a complex, intricately woven historical adventure story. Featuring everything necessary to a really good adventure:  villains, the  Mexican-American war, Highway men, estranged relations, and deep dark secrets.

I guarantee you will not be able to put this one down. It's about 500 pages long, and every page is full of new twists and turns. I guess my favorite thing about this book is the realization that no matter how difficult and impossible things seem, there is always a plan. And behind the scenes there is an Almighty Hand, hidden, yet working for our greater good.

Please read it. I guarantee, you won't regret it. : )

Music is an absolute necessity on chilly grey days, or any day for that matter. But music is even more fun as a backdrop to reading. This CD is a perfect match to the Hidden Hand. It's been created just for Virginia, where our story just happens to be set. I love how they stuck to the original Appalachian style music, much of which contains remnants of the Celtic music loved by the original Appalachian settlers.





Grab your book, turn on your music, and brew yourself your favorite cup of tea. Look up at those grey February clouds and enjoy the peace.






Fine Print: All images of products are clickable, and will take you to the very best place to buy them. As for the other photos. they are not mine, but were simply too lovely not to share with you. 

January~ A Book Worm's Calendar

Dear Fellow Bookworms,

I hope no one has had to survive even a day without something to read. I know I have been busy savoring my Christmas books. But I do apologize for waiting until now to announce the book for this month. 

This month's book is one of my top ten favorites. 

Esther Ried by Isabella Alden. 

Esther Ried is tired, overworked, and discontent. But when she visits her wealthy cousin her life will change, forever. Spiritually Esther had been asleep, apathetic, but  her awakening brings her to a new realization of her task in life. How will Esther find ways to serve God in her busy and exhausting world?

I can think of no better book to start out a new year with than this. It's a well written fiction story that will open your eyes and wake you up. If you like old fashioned stories, inspiring stories, and simply delightful stories you will enjoy this one. I cannot recommend it enough. :) 

And one of the great things about this month's book is that you can get it completely free. 

Find it here on Project Gutenberg (one of my favorite book places), read it either online or download it into your computer or e-reader. 

Are you like me and too busy crafting up a storm to actually read a book? Fortunately for you this book (and the rest of it's series) is on Librivox, excellently read, and completely free. 

But, if you would prefer to actually have a tangible book in your hands. Get it here.

Please tell me if you plan to read along this month or any other time. Have you already read this? Let me know what you think! 

Happy Reading

~Amanda 

Fine Print: Images not my own. And, yes, if you buy this book from the Amazon link I have provided, I will make a commission. Feel free to do so. :)

Jack and Jill -A Bookworm's Calendar - November

 Jack and Jill went up the hill
     To coast with fun and laughter,
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
     And Jill came tumbling after. 

So begins one of my favorite children's stories by L. Alcott. I cannot even count how many times I have read this, and enjoyed it. Though written primarily for children, adults will enjoy the simple joy and cheer that this little book gives.

The story opens just like the poem. Jack, and his friend Jill are out for a fun day of coasting (sledding). But a terrible accident occurs. Leaving Jack with a broken leg, and Jill with an injured back. The two children are faced with bed rest for several months. And they learn to be content and have fun when flat on their backs.

Christmas is one of the big themes of this book. Everyone works hard to create little gifts for each other.  I enjoyed learning some of the old Christmas customs of the late 1800's.

Probably my favorite thing in this book is the lessons it teaches. During a day when Jill and all her little girl friends were struggling to be good. Kind Mrs. Pecq asks them if they each wouldn't like to be missionaries. Each little girl agrees, wishing that she could live the adventurous life of a missionary. Mrs. Pecq then goes on to show the girls that each one has a mission field of her very own in her home, and that they ought to try and be little missionaries .

Overall this is a sweet story of children, their growth, their struggles, and their victories. Read along with me, and let me know what you think.

Want the link to buy it? Go here Jack and Jill .