Amazed by Grace by Sheri Dew

This little book, only 70+ pages long, was an invitation to consider the meaning of Grace and how to embrace it and extend it. Sheri Dew is an accessible writer even though she has considerable intellectual gifts. Her fresh interpretations of principles, along with her personal stories, always uplift and inform me. She encourages me to be more devoted to the principles I know to be true, and to live them more completely. Ramona gave me this book, and I've read it twice. There were fresh insights the second time through, although that might be more a function of my age and attention!

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This wonderful book felt vaguely familiar. I thought I was reading it for the first time, but maybe not!? I must have read it before, because I anticipated many of the events. Still, it was an enjoyable, idyllic read.

Reading this one, though short, was more effort than I remember in most of my Austen reading. Her long sentences and word choices gave me frequent pause. It's not a fast and easy read; it's a challenging read. Like all of Austen's work, though, it's well worth the effort!

The overlooked and undervalued sister who unselfishly serves without thought of reward is an admirable character. That the love of her youth would remain steady over eight years was a heartening example of devotion! I think I love Austen because she loves what I love: nobleness of character, loyalty, and integrity.