Printless and reading still

Ah, if only I'd managed to work my way properly into the paperless world. Then my coupons would go to my phone and I wouldn't have to try to print them from the internet. But here I am, neither one place nor the other, with coupons that don't come through the mail, and a printer that won't print the ones which come through email. Soon, I promise I'll buy a new printer. Meanwhile I've learned that black, while not technically a color, is a very important shade. It's not just the small-print that's invisible...

However, I've read several books in real print, where black on a pleasing shade of cream is so gentle on the eyes. So here are three reviews of real, paperback books and one kindle volume (though I'm sure you can get them all on kindle really). I've just drunk some coffee, but please find a mug for yourself before you sit down.

I went to an Oregon Christian Writers' Conference last weekend and happened to sit next to an author called Mesu Andrews for one of the workshops. My books actually sat next to hers on the sale table too--I hope she sold more than I. In fact, I know she sold more than I did, since I bought two and sold none, but then, I'd seen reviews for Love in a Broken Vessel, by Mesu Andrews all over the internet before the conference. I could never have imagined I'd actually meet the author! A wonderfully well-researched and well-told story of the prophet Hosea, this is one to enjoy with a perfectly balanced, smooth, full-flavored cup of coffee.

I won a copy of The Reason, by William Sirls, in a blog competition and finally got around to reading it. Rather like The Shack, it presents a tale of God interacting very closely with normal human beings, seeing and understanding their ills, and offering a deeper kindness than anyone imagines. Just believe. Just forgive. Just pray... and more. An interesting mix of serious doubt and convincing faith, it's a pleasing read to enjoy with a 5-star intense cup of coffee.

Next is Grave Matters (A Lord Danvers Mystery) by Donna Fletcher Crow, which I picked up from a sale at the same conference. I've read several of this author's books now and know I like them. The blend of history, true crime, fiction, and a touch of faith in the light-hearted Lord Danvers mysteries is enjoyable and fun, with just the right amount of thought-provoking faith and call for action to keep them pleasingly meaningful too. Enjoy with a well-balanced 3-star cup of coffee.

And finally, the book I read on my kindle is All Things Christmas by E. G. Lewis. I reviewed his All Things Easter recently and really felt I ought to read this too--besides which I'm planning to write some children's stories based on New Testament characters, and enjoying the fruits of this author's excellent research seemed a great place to begin. Nicely informative, including history, recipes, symbolism and more, with lots of surprising facts to intrigue all the family, this is a book I'd highly recommend you enjoy in Advent this year--or anytime if, like me, you just want to know more. Drink some 2-star lively easy-drinking coffee with this deeply researched but gently written book.