We still have two weeks until school starts here in North Carolina. We’ll be spending it with family, at the pool, in the Target back-to-school aisle, and finishing up those books of summer. Also, LifeWay is running a great sale on Grace for the Good Girl. If you’re thinking of using it in your small group or church, it could be a great time to buy books in bulk. See below.
- From Beer to Eternity: A little story of addiction and beyond by Gary Morland. Gary is my dad. Some of you may have read his first ebook, Scary Hope. I loved that one. Beer is more of a memoir, documenting his 14 year addiction and escape from alcohol. Since I’m his daughter, I can’t give an unbiased perspective. But I read it in less than an hour and there was great hope in the listening. I lived through part of his story and because of that, I will always believe in miracles.
“This is a story of impossibilities: an addict who couldn’t quit, but did; a marriage that could have ended, but didn’t; a man who seemed dead, but lived. It’s the story of a nice guy’s sad journey into hopelessness, and the unexplainable, surprising change God made.”
-Gary Morland, From Beer to Eternity
- Jessica and Angie announced this week that the next Bloom book club book is 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker. I have every intention of reading along this time over at (in)courage. I’ve heard great things about this book.
- My turn finally came at the library for The House at Riverton by Kate Morton. I’m only half-way through but it’s fast becoming my favorite read of the summer. If you’re missing Downton Abbey, this book is perfect for you. I have a really bad habit of recommending books before I’ve finished them. But this one I feel confident will be good to the end.
- Finally, I have to tell you that LifeWay is running a sale on Grace for the Good Girl - 50% off! Usually when they have a sale online, they have it in stores as well. So if you want to save on shipping, you can mosey into your local LifeWay and get your half off copy. Or just save the gas and energy and order it here.
Has your fall schedule started up yet? If not, how will you be spending these last few days or weeks?
Kate Morton’s book The Fogotten Garden was my favorite. I think it is by far, the best she has written.
Diane McElwain´s last [type] ..Standing Firm at Windy Ridge
Agreed!
This is my first Kate Morton book – I’m now looking forward to reading more by her. I’ll put this one on my list.
LOVE Kate Morton! I started with The Forgotten Garden and could not put it down. Waiting on my nightstand is The Distant Hours. Just ordered Grace For the Good Girl too!
I am in tears reading the first part of this post. You are blessed to have a dad who turned from his addiction and lived to tell about it. I grew up with an alcoholic father. It was always my prayer that he would find the help he so desperately needed and more important, that he would find Jesus. He died at the age of 64, alone. I would love just one more day to sit and talk with him and tell him about the saving grace of Jesus, one more time.
I’m with Robin. Emotional to read the first part of your post! Thankful for Jesus for His transformative power in your lives. Thankful your dad is telling his story to spread hope. Bless you!
Cheryl Ricker´s last [type] ..Songs in the Sky
ALL of Kate Morton’s books are fabulous! Keep reading!
Sarah at SmallWorld´s last [type] ..Ultimate Guide to Creative Writing Resources for Students
I absolutely ADORE reading list/summer reads/any-reads-at-all posts…they are my big sloppy heart favorite.
I always enjoy when you write posts such as these…I echo the other comments here, and love that you can share your Dad’s book…and I love what he did with the title – wit and redemption in a few simple words! Haven’t heard of your fiction recommendation, and have been shocked to not have read a lick of fiction this summer! (Usually I devour fiction reading in mostly the summer months) Will definitely have to check it out–you had me with the Downton Abbey comparison. 
Thanks as always, for your beautiful words and fotos 
I”m reading Scary Hope now and just bought Beer. If a Morland wrote it I will read it.
Tracey´s last [type] ..For the Love of Carrots
The House at Riverton is on my list! Have you read Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton? It’s excellent!
you look like daddy~
I love books! I’m reading 10,000 Gifts (finally) and Team of Rivals. I’m also so EXCITED that we’re taking the triplets to Disney the week of Labor Day – the great thing about Pre-K 2 is that it totally does not matter if you miss the first week of school
Gindi´s last [type] ..39 Things
loved, Loved, LOVED Jen’s book, 7! So excited to hear of (in)courage’s study. Because you can’t just read it once! And you can’t just read it.
Headed to Lifeway now for a great deal on a nearly permanent fixture of my to-read list… eeek!
Lisa F.´s last [type] ..Dance With Me
Just started reading “The House at Riverton.” I love it! Thanks for the tip, Emily.
I AM missing Downton Abbey, so thanks for the recommendation… I discovered this morning that Barnes & Noble currently has The House at Riverton for the Nook for $3.99! Can’t wait to start!
Terri´s last [type] ..I want to go to TEDx!!
Thank you for sharing about your dad and how God has worked in his life. This morning’s sermon was on Psalm 107 which starts “Oh, thank God—he’s so good! His love never runs out. All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas.” {The Message} It really is wonderful to hear when God sets someone free.
And I just read ‘The House of Riverton’ last week. No spoiler alert, just to say that the ending is really good!
Annie Wald´s last [type] ..Speaking of abiding fruit
I read The House at Riverton and I loved it! So you’re safe recommending it even though you hadn’t finished it yet. :]
annie´s last [type] ..share your story