Books for the Heart | What I'm Reading, Episode 2

May 12, 2025

It’ been so long since I’ve done a post about my “book basket” concept—over a year to be exact! When I first started that post, I had intended to share more frequent posts about reading. So, here we are.

An Honest Moment

Now I want to be honest right out of the gate with you, so to speak. Right now, I’m not reading all of these books that I recommend later in the post; some of them I finished a bit ago but still wanted to share them with you.

Another moment of honesty—I often don’t finish books. And that’s okay. Once I reach a point where I get the author’s message, I often move on to something else.

Sometimes, if I just simply don’t like the book, I put it in my thrift pile. A few years ago, a friend gave me a lovely book by a well-known Christian author from the late 1990s. The book didn’t really arrest my attention, and the art and background graphic design (on every…single…page) were extremely busy which made it hard for me to focus. After realizing my time and interest were better spent elsewhere, I put the book in the thrift pile.

I like gentle books. Yes, I know, I should read more books about the harsh realities of life for many around the world and throughout history, but emotionally I can only take so much in my life at this season. After a long day with the children, I do not want to sit down to an emotionally agonizing book that will rip my heart out. I need something that will bolster me and give me strength and wisdom for the next day with my children. Perhaps someday, I will branch out more, but this is the honest stage that I’m in at the moment. I’d rather read something, gentle though it may be, than try to muscle my way through books that I’m just not comfortable reading. I guess this is why I like Karen Andreola’s books so much—she actually “gets it” that moms need something uplifting and soothing not depressing and heart-wrenching.

I usually have multiple books going at one time. My mood, mental energy, and interest at the time all affect reading choice.

A Book About Books

Recently, I purchased Honey for a Woman’s Heart, written by the author of the popular Honey for a Child’s Heart. I hoped this book would give me a plethora of reading ideas, but I was honestly a bit surprised by her relaxed approach to what is “okay” for a Christian woman to read. I definitely do not agree with her somewhat loose standard for what is acceptable, but I do hope to find some interesting titles to read from the book.

The Fun Part: What I’m Reading

Living Slower by Merissa Alink—This book spoke peace to my heart and gave me permission to slow down and smell the roses. I loved reading about Merissa’s Christian testimony and how God changed her family.

Simplified Organization by Mystie Winckler—I’m actually rereading this book right now because it’s that good. This is the type of book that I will plan to put on rotation and read again and again. This book reminds me that true homemaking is all about serving God and helping the people in my life to grow closer to Him. Biblical homemaking has nothing to do with perfection or having a Pinterest worthy home, but it’s all about being ready for the next act of service or demonstration of Christlike love.

Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart—Leaving the comforts of a Colorado town, Elinore answers a newspaper advertisement for a housekeeper on a lonely Wyoming ranch . Plucky and resourceful, Elinore views her new life as one grand adventure, and I could barely believe all of the adventures she had! Her heart was as big as the West itself, and I am humbled to think of how she helped even total strangers in a time and place where a strong sense of community was the difference between life and death—the complete opposite of our “self-sufficient” culture today.

Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John—My children and I have read this book twice (I actually mentioned it in my recent post on reading aloud to children). I mention this book again because it is truly worth reading even as an adult. In fact, as an adult you will notice the tidy parallels and plot structure throughout the book that a child probably would not notice.

Life Skills for Kids by Christine M. Field—Intrigued by the title, I picked this book up at a thrift store, and boy am I glad that I nabbed it! I had no idea that the author is a Christian, but I am always refreshed and encouraged to know that an author shares my Christian worldview. This book is brimming with ideas and resources for preparing our kids for life. Our children need so many more skills and knowledge bases than what is taught in traditional academics, and this book will set a family on the right track for life success.

Tea with Victoria Rose by Paul Kortepeter and Susan Wheeler—Originally, I bought this book for my oldest daughter because of its lush illustrations but quickly realized that the book is written with the cultured adult in mind. One Saturday afternoon, I sat with coffee in hand (yes, I’m more of a coffee than tea drinker) and relished the dainty pictures and quaint recipes. This book is simply a pure delight.

The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson--Sally always touches my heart. I have wept with her many times. She has encouraged me to love that ornery child when I didn't know how. She has shown me the path of loving, discipleship-oriented mothering. For all those who long to be a godly, gentle mother but don't quite know how, read any of Sally's books.

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Friends, I hope that you are inspired to read! Borrow a book from a friend, pick up an old favorite, try something new from the library—just read something. Even reading a few pages a day can strengthen the mind. Reading broadens the mind and opens the heart, and ultimately, wisdom that sides with God’s way can help us live skillfully and with discretion. Happy reading!

-Ashley

Personal Disclosure

As the author of Ashley Qurollo Blog, all opinions are my own. Any possible applications are universal in nature, not directed at any one individual or people group. My sincere desire is to help others by sharing what I am learning. Nothing stated on this blog is ever intended to hurt others. Ashley Qurollo, owner of Ashley Qurollo Blog and Website, is not held liable in any way for any application of the ideas and thoughts stated here.

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