Hard to believe, but I've actually finished three of the books on my Fall Into Reading list! I've read:

Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. This was a wonderful book. I had "borrowed" it from Nancy a few years ago - probably quite a few, now (but she had another copy, so it's not like I'm THAT terrible of a friend). I'm sure I picked it up and put it down many times, but had never truly began to read it. Now that I have, I understand why. I don't think I would have gotten as much out of it when I was younger - before this season in my life. She speaks so much to how women go through the various seasons of life and the ups and downs that come along with them. And I could truly understand now, when I'm sure years ago I would have dismissed it all. It's amazing to me that she wrote this originally in 1955, updated it in 1975, and it is all still so true and so real.

I'm Not Wonder Woman But God Made Me Wonderful by Sheila Walsh. Oh, how I love Sheila Walsh! She is such a real and honest woman - it is amazing to me how openly she shares her struggles with depression. I picked this book up at Women of Faith and began it the same night...and finished two nights later. She talks about the unrealistic expectations we have for ourselves and how to change our thinking in that regard. Great read! I also HIGHLY recommend her book, The Heartache that No One Sees for anyone who is dealing with depression or has a loved one who is depressed.

Last night, I finished Inside My Heart by Robin McGraw. I applaud her honesty in this book about her life and the struggles she has faced. She is truly a purpose-driven woman; strong and dedicated to her marriage and her family. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

Today I started God at Your Wit's End by Marilyn Meberg today. This is another one I've had for a while (actually borrowed it from Trish over a year ago and took it on a business trip - where my makeup exploded all over it in my luggage!! So I bought her a new one and kept this one) but for whatever reason haven't read it. Maybe it's another one that wouldn't have applied as much a year ago...who knows! We shall see.

I also picked up Family by Karen Kingsbury and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. So many of you were singing the praises of Redeeming Love I added it to my list...and what a hoot! The cashier at the bookstore literally gasped when she picked it up and said, "Have you read this??! It is WONDERFUL." Another ringing endorsement - can't wait to get to it!

Labels: Fall into Reading Challenge '06