I’m so happy to be participating in the Five Fall Favorites linkup this year! For six days in a row, I am sharing five of my favorite books in six categories. To find the links to all the bloggers who are part of this blog tour and to see what books they are posting, visit the hosting blog. There are free books and a giveaway, so make sure to check it out. Today’s category is library books, but I haven’t gone to the library that much in recent years, and I went with one of the substitute categories for this one. And now, let’s take a look at five of my favorite books I’ve received as gifts!
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.
1. The Spanish Brothers by Deborah Alcock
“He could not die thus for his faith. On the contrary, it cost him but little to conceal it. What, then, had they which he had not? Something that enabled even poor, wild, passionate Gonsalvo to forgive and pray for the murderers of the woman he loved. What was it?”
Some friends loaned this book to our family, and my mom read it aloud to me and my sister. We loved it so much that my parents bought me a copy as a present. This story it exciting, intriguing, uplifting, and so much more. You can find an ebook of it in the public domain.
2. Hidden Rainbow by Christmas Carol Kauffman
“A true story about a forbidden New Testament that shattered the calm of a Yugoslavian village. John and Anna Olesh, through a simple act of kindness, faced undreamed-of turmoil and hardships. They and their family learned that when God moves, no government, no organized religion, can stand in His way.”
This is another book we first borrowed from friends. Back in my teenage years and even younger, my sister and I borrowed and devoured many a book. Some of our favorites, such as this one, were then added to our library. Books are such wonderful presents, aren’t they? One of my favorite things about this book is that it is based on a true story. God brought this couple through so much, and they were faithful to Him.
3. Paula the Waldensian by Eva Lecomte
“I don’t remember all. I would have liked to have kept the letter. It was such a letter that would help any one to die, for it was certainly a treasure. But my poor madame wished to carry it to the tomb with her, and no doubt it is there yet in her hands, poor little angel. As I remember it, the letter concluded thus: ‘He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life, and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out!'”
I love this book! My parents gave it to me and my sister as a present one year. It’s also based on a true story, and Paula’s love for Jesus and her Bible and her willingness to sacrifice for others are truly inspiring. This book doesn’t have a happy ending, which was something I firmly believed in as a younger reader, so the fact that I still loved the book speaks highly of it. A good story for adults as well as young people.
4. God Knows My Size by Harvey Yoder
“Is there really a God? This is the question 13-year-old Silvia faced. Her teachers laughed at the mere idea of God. Yet her parents and pastor not only believed in God, but served Him devotedly. Which of them was right? So Silvia decided to find out for herself if God was real. She asked Him for three things – a pair of shoes, a sweater, and a coat. For a large, poor, Christian family in communist Romania, these things were almost impossible to buy. How could she expect a miracle?”
Another true story! This is a more recent story, and I know multiple people who were blessed to be able to meet Silvia Tarniceriu before she passed away. Her testimony is a faith-building one. Oh, and this is another book we borrowed from friends and my mom read to my sister and me before my parents gave me my own copy. Are we starting to see a pattern here?
5. The Flower of the Family by Elizabeth Prentiss
“‘The Flower of the Family’ a book for girls, was written in 1856. It was the greatest desire of Elizabeth Prentiss, author of Stepping Heavenward, that our young people would know Jesus, and in knowing Him find true happiness. The Flower of the Family is the touching story of Lucy, the second child of ten children. Though often threatened by poverty, this family finds a real sanctuary in a real God.”
I really enjoyed this story, and it’s in the public domain, so you could find a free ebook online. I haven’t read this for a while, but I’d love to re-read it. Does anyone else have the problem that they have so many new books to read that it makes re-reading hard?
And there you have it! Five of my favorite books I’ve received as gifts. I hope you’ll check some of them out if you’ve never read them before.
Let’s Chat!
Did you see any books you’re interested in? Any that you’ve not heard of before? Any that you’ve already read?
Until next time, find a good book to read and enjoy some cozy fall reading!
In Christ,
Bethany
Oh, I have read or we have almost all of these books! Just not “God Knows My Size.”
That’s really neat that you’ve read most of these, Rebekah! I’d really like to re-read some of them, as it’s been awhile since I read any of them.
God Knows My Size is so good! It’s the only one on this list I’ve read! Love it so much!
Yes, God Knows My Size is such a good story! Did you know that there are other books in the series? I have the sequel to God Knows My Size, but I haven’t read it yet. There’s also a companion book about her friend Elena, that I have and have read.
[…] Bethany at Vintage Volumes* // Bethany G. at A Ruby in the Rough* […]
(Sorry, I didn’t mean to post my comment as a reply 😅) Posting it here instead:
Oh wow, Bets!! I haven’t ever heard of any of these, and they all sound sooo good!! I’m going to go see if I can find them right now, especially the first three 🙂
Also, I’m so excited you’re doing FFF this year! If today’s any indication, I’ll be looking forward to your recs!
(That’s just fine! I just left the other comment unapproved.)
Aww, I’m glad I could introduce you to some new books, Lyds! That’s so fun, and I hope you’ll enjoy them. I think you will! 🙂
Yay!! I’m excited to be doing it this time too. I hope you enjoy the other recommendations!
Love these choices! I’ve read one book by Christmas Carol Kauffman and a couple by Elizabeth Prentiss but not these ones. 😉 Thanks for joining the party!
I’ve read a few other books by Christmas Carol Kauffman, and this is one of my favorites! I also really like Not Regina. Thank you for hosting the party, Kate! I’m already enjoying being part of it.
Aww, you’re welcome! So happy to have everyone here!
I haven’t read any of these, but I marked all but the last one on Goodreads!
Yay! So much for keeping your TBR list short though. 🙂 I hope you enjoy them, Sophia! You can get most of them free online, which is a perk.
Eep! I’m so glad you got to join us this year, Bethany! I love a good true story, so I’ll be sure to check them out. Gifted books are so much fun!
Aww, thank you so much, Lily! I’m glad I changed my mind and joined. I hope you enjoy the books! Yes, there’s something so special about reading a neat story and knowing it actually happened.
💛
I’ve heard of all of these except the last one. Someone always recommends them during FFF and I should really read them. XD
That’s funny that these have mostly already been recommended in FFF before. Yes, you should read them, Katja! 🙂 Especially since most of them are available for free online, which makes them easier to get ahold of.