Brennan Manning wrote in one of the last chapters that instead of being “born again” often Southerners would say “I was seized by the power of a great affection.” Manning clearly has been seized by a great affection for Jesus. His writing isn’t really my style, but I understand why others would enjoy this book. It was certainly written in a genuine manner.

It seems that this book suffers from “middle book” syndrome. Its hard to keep the plot moving if you haven’t reached the finale yet. I got bogged down by all the names and places, probably because I didn’t care about them and none of them stuck with me. Definitely a placeholder.

Christmas brings feeling of nostalgia, and today I had a hankering to read a Little House book. I haven’t read these books since I was a kid, and was pleasantly surprised at how readable and timeless the writing is. I know over the past few years, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books have been taken down a notch for some insensitive themes. This book had a particular song with some racist overtones. All I can say is that the books are a product of their time, and are written with a “happily ever after” vibe. After all, they were written for children.

Little House in the Big Woods is mostly about the Ingalls’ family’s life in a log cabin, mainly how they stored food. I enjoyed learning about how they smoked meat with hickory chips, churned butter, sapped maple trees, made cheese, hulled corn, and of course, enjoyed eating the fruits of their labors. Life for Laura was filled with hard work, with little delights like using a thimble to make designs on frosted windows or eating a cookie with a frosted words on it. But most of all, her writing speaks of the love and care that the Ingalls family had for each other.

4.5 stars.

This is a mystery about families. Louise Penny didn't disappoint - every word is crisp and full of meaning. Its not a fluffy mystery, and I enjoyed savoring this one during my Christmas break. Penny gently demands that you pay attention to her books, because she's not going to point out all the answers. Its refreshing and nice to be treated like a grown-up while reading. Loved this book.