Marshalls Abroad

Life

End of Summer Reads

I thought I’d share a couple of the books I’ve read so far this summer in case anyone is looking for a new book or good read. I know I’m always on the search (:

A Good Year {by Peter Mayle} : Have you seen the movie by the same name with Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard? Oh my goodness it is one of our all-time faves and I wouldn’t doubt if we’ve seen it over 100 times by now! The book is close to the movie but has some very different twists to it.  The main character is a London native working in the stock market when he inherits his Uncle’s French chateau and vineyard… where he learns to slow down and appreciate life and falling in love.

A Year in Provence {also by Peter Mayle} : If you love Southern France, you will probably love this book. I felt like I was living in Provence & eating the most amazing food while reading this. It’s about the author and his wife up and moving from England to a small farmhouse in France where they share the vivid landscapes and towns, hilarious stories of their Provencial neighbors, the Southern French cuisine they’re eating and cooking, and how good a simple life really is. That part really resonated with me as this year on Oki has been such a gift to slow down and enjoy life.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking. Creative Ideas For Enriching Every Day Life. {by Edith Schaeffer}
: Out of everything I’ve read this summer, this book is absolutely my
favorite. It’s so inspiring that I’m reading it again right now! It
isn’t written only for those who stay at home, but for everyone,
regardless of how busy your job may be. The basic premise is that
“hidden art” is the art found in ordinary areas of everyday life and
every person has some talent which is unfulfilled and could be expressed
and developed. She goes through areas like cooking, fashion, interior
decorating, music, etc. I cannot tell you what an affirmation this book
has been to me and what an incredible inspiration.

From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels {by Ree Drummond} : I love the Pioneer Woman and loved reading the story of how she met, fell in love with, and married her husband. I laughed outloud so many times in this book and had to put a pillow over my face late at night so as not to wake up Cam!

The Downing Street Years {by Margaret Thatcher} : This is a really long one on the history of her tenure as Prime Minister and I’m actually still reading it. It’s dry, but I am so inspired by Lady Thatcher that I am slowly but surely finishing it.

What good books have you read this summer or recently? Any recs? Please leave em in the comments if you do! (:


Comments

  2. Judy L says

    Hi, I love your blog. It's beautiful. I don't know if you read Kelle Hampton's blog but she also wrote a book, called Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected. Her blog and book are really inspiring. Another great book to read is Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent. It's actually the first in a trilogy and all the books are terrific. I came across this book because my 13-year-old daughter had to write a report on a book by a Christian writer. We were so lucky to discover these books. My daughter became so invested in the characters that she missed them when the final book was over. Love it when that happens. And lastly, a great blog that I think you'll enjoy is 71toes. This woman and her family are so inspiring. I want them to adopt me! 🙂 I hope you like these recommendations. I'd love to hear if you like any of them. Thanks for your blog!

  4. Rachel says

    Ree's book was so good! Loved that one! Have you read Kelle Hampton's book Bloom?! It is amazing. You will laugh, cry, and then laugh again!

  5. Anacristina says

    this summer i read The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach and I could not put it down. it's thick and some parts are slow but its amazing how lives are intertwined and how you quickly fall in love with characters.

    x's & o's
    Anacristina
    laughsandicecream.blogspot.com

  6. Lyndsay says

    Thank you for posting these recommendations! I've been having trouble finding a new book to read, I've always gone through a lot of books during the summer but haven't been able to find any that I like in a while.

  7. Ash says

    in the stars by sabrina simon- it's chick lit, but so fun to read.. basically like sex and the city if carrie knew or cared about astrology (but it is NOT an astrology book, just a fun take on people's personalities)

  9. Ana F. says

    Oh thanks for the tips! I didn't know the Pioneer Woman had another book. I'm definitely in need of different things to read!

  13. Amy says

    I love talking books! So glad to have some recommendations, I'm going to need them! Going to need to pick up a new book soon. I saw that some people already mentioned Kelle Hampton's Bloom. YES YES YES, if you haven't read it, it's amazing. I also just finished Gone Girl, which is definitely a page turner. I liked the whole book, but the end through me for a loop! Usually I can see where the book is going, but this one definitely surprised me!

  14. alongobucco says

    I've been looking for some new books–thanks so much for this list! I loved "The Art of Fielding" when I read it on my vacation this summer, and I'm currently SUPER into "Gone Girl" which is a great thriller!

    -Alyssa
    The Glossy Life

  18. Anonymous says

    Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas. Absolutely wonderful. It inspired me as a believer to read about this incredible man and his incredible faith.

  20. Marshall says

    @Anon, I LOVE Bonhoeffer. I've been meaning to read that – thank you for the reminder!! I think that's going to be my next read.

  22. Ahn says

    can you send me the provence and homemaking ones when you're done with them? or should i just order them online?

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