81. Joanna Weaver - Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Weaver has a pleasant voice as she describes her journey towards balancing te 'Mary' and the 'Martha' in her life. She suggests that there are two sides to spirituality - the Living Room where one meets with God and the Kitchen where one gives service. She draws on Bible stories (and especially those of the sisters in Bethany) to highlight our need for a Sabbath and regular Quiet Time. I think there is a sequel to this book waiting on Mt TBR and I will be interested to see Weaver develop her ideas further.

80. Wanda E Brunstetter - Going Home

The first volume of 'Brides of Webster County' this novel tells the story of Faith, a young woman who left the Amish community to become an entertainer in the English world. After the death of her husband, Faith returns to her family in Webster County intending to leave her daughter for her parents to raise while she returns to the entertaining circuit. Meantime, Amishman Noah is falling in love with Faith but knows he cannot enter into a relationship with her unless she has a relationship with God. This is a beautifully told love story with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing right until the end and I look forward to reading more from the series.

79. Elizabeth George - Following God with All Your Heart

Elizabeth George returns to her usual good form with this inspirational work. Taking six verses of Scripture, she discusses how a woman can become successful, courageous, exceptional, humble, contented and confident. This is an easy read even if the standards set seem somewhat unattainable!

78. Laura Ingalls Wilder - On the Banks of Plum Creek

I am so enjoying re-reading this series of childhood favourites. Laura and her family have come to stay in a little house ‘On the Banks of Plum Creek’ where they hope to raise wheat. They go to school and Church for the first time as we watch the family cope with happenings big and small.

77. Jennifer Chiaverini - The Quilter's Apprentice

This is a start to the Elm Creek series that is almost as beautiful as the quilts it describes. We meet Sarah, Matt and Mrs Compson and are quickly drawn into their present life even as Mrs Compson tells the story of her family home - Elm Creek Manor. I'm greatly looking forward to the next instalment.

76. Laura Ingalls Wilder - Little House on the Prairie

I greatly enjoyed this episode from Laura Ingalls Wilder. The family settle in Indian country and we are given a detailed account of their year there setting up home, planting a garden and starting til till the soil. There are chuckles, chills and tears galore and I am very much looking

75. Clare Blake and Chris Ledger - Insight into Anxiety

A very helpful look at anxiety from the Christian perspective. My only criticism is that the case studies seemed rather simplistic, unreal and patronising.