September – As Slippery as a Bar of Soap
So here we are at the end of another month. The fall months are my favorites and I always say I am going to make them last – as if such a thing were possible. Despite my good intentions, September slipped through my hands like a wet bar of soap.
I read four books this month. One was a fabulous story I Beta read for an author friend, so I will tell you more about that after it is published 
So far I have read 40 books this year. According to Goodreads I am 4 books behind on meeting my 2025 reading goal of 60 books. I don’t worry too much about that challenge. I mostly use it to track what I have read and shout out the books I’ve loved. Reading is not a competition, and if it were, I would only be competing with myself, anyway
I decided to read a couple of older titles that had been hanging out in my bookcase for far longer than they deserved to.
Rainwater by Sandra Brown. This lovely story is about a widow operating a boarding house during the Great Depression while singlehandedly raising a disabled son. Love comes to her in an unexpected and heart-touching way. The book touches on racial and socioeconomic inequality with gentleness and truthfulness. I enjoyed it. 4 Stars on Goodreads.
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. This YA title is about a pair of teens, Violet and Finch, and their unlikely friendship. It is a story of depression, suicide, and finding a bright place in a dark time. It was nicely written and was by turns lovely and disturbing. I don’t normally include trigger warnings, but the suicide aspect might be triggering to some readers. 4 Stars
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. A twisty, turny, most unpredictable psychological thriller. A past-my-bedtime-read for sure. I loved it! 5 Stars
Looking back, I didn’t have a lot written on my calendar this month (other than the hours spent at my day job.) As far as appointments, I had just a hearing aid check, a blood pressure check, and a follow-up eye dr. appointment. Which suited me just fine Hearing aides are good, blood pressure is good, and I love my snappy new red glasses!
On the social side of things, a friend and I hit The Big, Beautiful Rummage Sale early in the month. Other highlights included our town’s annual Apple Festival, hosting our monthly ladies Bible study, the library book sale, and apple picking with my besties
In the writing world, I got my cover for Chester’s Miracle!! I love it. A few months ago I sent my cover artist some photos of the real Chester and asked only that he be featured on the cover. She not only nailed that, but took all of the story elements and combined them to create one of my favorite covers yet
The real Chester
Reviews continue to come in for Superheroes. I’m so pleased with the positive feedback!
I’m still plodding along on Blackberry Summer. It’s taking a different turn than I had first envisioned but I’m loving the way it is slowly taking shape. Slow and steady wins the race!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve felt a little drained this month. A little overwhelmed by my work schedule and all of my to-do lists that did not get to-done. I’ve spent some quiet evenings listening to worship music and working on jigsaw puzzles and it has been restorative.
Reading through the Gospel of Mark this morning, I came across a verse that spoke straight to my soul. The disciples had just returned from their first preaching mission. They had been going nonstop. They were surrounded by people and noise and demands. They were overwhelmed. They were exhausted. And this is what Jesus said to them:
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31
As we head into October, I’m looking forward to Autumn beauty and apple cider, to pumpkins and hayrides, to shorter days and cooler temperatures. And on the days when life seems too much, I will put the busyness aside, get alone with Jesus in a quiet place, and find rest
