When We Were Young: Review

Karen Kingsbury is back again with a love story for this generation, When We Were Young. Social media plays a role in everyone’s life, but for Noah and Emily it has become their livelihood. Noah started sharing their love story on social media early on and over the years their following has continued to rise, but their picture-perfect reputation is not the reality of their situation. Their marriage is over. For Noah things have become more about the fans than his relationship with Emily and their two kids. During his last night at home, before moving to an apartment, he dreams about the future of the family he’s leaving behind. Emily can’t sleep and starts reliving their story from the beginning to see how this all came about. Can one night really change the course of their family or will they break every promise they made to each other when they were young? 

I am a huge fan of Karen Kingsbury you will continue to see her latest releases pop up on this blog, because her stories are relatable and life-changing. When We Were Young, is a love story for the modern age. There is a lot of buzz about becoming “social media famous” by publishing everything about your story online. Even if you are not “social media famous,” there is pressure to get likes, follows, and mentions. But, online is not real life. Real life is right in front of us, and it is easy to loose sight of it when everyone is on their phones. When We Were Young not only explores the dangers of misplaced time but how easy it is to forget the people right in front of our faces. We can easily forget the love from those that care about and support us in real time and to love them in return, not in social posts but in real time. If you love, love and stories that touch your heart and your mind, you will enjoy When We Were Young. It would make a great Christmas gift for any reader in your life, or if you are planning to observe the Icelandic tradition of reading on Christmas Eve, it would make a great read. I hope you enjoy! 

- Hannah

Remember God: Review

Is God really kind? This is the question Annie F. Downs explores in her new book Remember God. It’s easy for Christians to talk and boast in the fact that God is in control, but when things are not going like you hoped, it’s harder to accept. For centuries people have been building temples, cathedrals, altars, and markers to God. They built these beautiful symbols to remember God and the moments they were in, in honor and love they wanted to remember that moment they believed in God’s goodness, kindness, and faithfulness to them. Because when life goes every which way and we can’t see what’s happening, we forget and it’s hard to hold onto and believe the truth. Annie reminds us to Remember God in our circumstances through sharing her own story of remembering who God is in the lows of her life. 

I was blown away by Remember God. I’m a fan of Annie’s writing, for years I’ve been uplifted by her humor and heart. Her books read like an authentic and magical over coffee conversation. I knew this book would be good, but I didn’t expect to be as impacted and rocked as I was through her story. Annie gets really vulnerable in this book and while there are some lighthearted moments, Remember God is real talk about faith and the choice we each face daily to choose him over our circumstances. It’s not easy and in fact it’s painful. His kindness rips at us and breaks us down in ways that don’t feel kind or loving at all. I’ve been there and will be there again, it’s life and it’s hard especially when you look up and it’s not what you expected or thought you’d have. The only way through is to Remember God. I’m thankful that Annie wrote this book and it’s in the world and in my world at this very moment. I needed this coffee talk from Annie and I think you’ll be encouraged by it as well. This would make a great Christmas gift, any of Annie’s books would make a great Christmas gift this season. Remember God is a beautiful and authentic book that’s built for personal and spiritual reflection and discovery. I hope this book meets you where you’re at and lifts up your heart as it has mine. 

- Hannah 

*Amazon links are NOT affiliate links, they are for your shopping convenience.

Day 2: White as Silence, Red as Song: Review

White as Silence, Red as Song by Alessandro D’Avenia

Sixteen-year-old Leo spends his time texting, polishing his soccer moves, and hanging out with Niko and Silvia. Everything is going good, until a new teacher comes to town and challenges Leo to give a voice to all of his dreams. Leo is inspired to win over the red-headed beauty Beatrice. The thing is, she doesn’t know Leo even exists. Even so, Leo is convinced that his dream of loving Beatrice will come true. When Leo lands in the hospital and finds out that Beatrice is admitted there too, his mission to be there for her in the thick and thin will take him on an exciting but heartbreaking journey. He wants to help her, to love her, but he doesn’t quite know how to accomplish his dreams. His desire for love forces Him to grow up fast and learn what love really is. 

I was attracted to this book because it was originally written in Italian and translated to English. It was described to me as the Italian version of Fault In Our Stars. I had to jump on this. What I loved most is that this book is nothing like Fault In Our Stars, but I can see the relationship. White as Silence, Red as Song, is heartbreakingly beautiful and a true coming of age love story. The style of this book was hard for me to accept, because it is different when compared to a typical American novel. There are no chapters, but it is a seamless stream of thought from Leo. You are in his thoughts most of the time. This was a quick read and the characters are addicting. There are so many quotes to be grabbed from this book and displayed in your home. White as Silence, Red as Song was inspiring, encouraging, and charming on all levels. I highly recommend this book for the upcoming holiday breaks. It is a sweet read. 

- Hannah 

* I was given a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.