September Book Reviews

September was an eclectic reading month. Parisian recipes with a love story to boot, cruelty and terror in Nazi-occupied Paris, a guide for girls in dating & seeking God first, and the end of the Narnian world … I bounced around through genres but enjoyed every one of my September books for different reasons.

Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes

Elizabeth Bard

Written as an ode to Parisian cuisine and it's co-starring role in her love story with her husband, Lunch In Paris is a delight! Bard is an excellent author with humor, candor, and depth. It goes beyond a cookbook or romance. Bard shares fears of never measuring up to her own standards after having difficulties with finding a job post-grad school as well as discusses grieving family members who have passed. She weaves it all together in this beautiful book that is dear to my heart. Dig in, bon appetit!

Avenue of Spies: A True Story of Terror, Espionage, and One American Family's Heroic Resistance in Nazi-Occupied Paris

Alex Kershaw

This true life spy tale is gripping, heartbreaking, and awe-inspiring. It's an emotional roller-coaster that I am glad I endured because it opened my eyes to Paris' dark history during the Nazi Occupation from 1940-1945. The story revolves around American physician Sumner Jackson, his wife, and his young son, who soon find themselves surrounding by Nazi when the Germans occupy the ritzy Avenue de Foch near the Arc de Triomphe, which is coincidentally the Jackson Family's street they live on. Dr. Sumner and his wife begin using their hospital and home as meeting places for people escaping France as well as for the Allies intelligence. They risk their comfort and their very lives for freedom. 

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for free through Blogging for Books in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Chase: Trusting God with Your Happily Ever After

Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky

Written to target teenage girls, The Chase is a great book that helps girls direct their attention away from guys and instead towards Jesus. It continually, even when discussing their own love story, points to Jesus and how His unfailing love should be the love that matters most. Kyle and Kelsey share mistakes from previous dating relationships as well as lessons they've learned,  and waiting for the right person even when they were lonely in high school and college years. Their book is hopeful and encouraging, and the language is easy to understand for teens. Their honesty makes them relatable and approachable, which brings more depth to the book. I would definitely recommend it for any teenage girl who wants to grow in her love for the Lord and trusting in His provision for an earthly love story.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for free through Icon Media Books in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle

C.S. Lewis

I made a blunder and read The Last Battle (the last Narnia book) instead of The Silver Chair (the second to last), so I was a bit confused during a few references to the latter, but still enjoyed it. The Last Battle has a much different feel than any other Narnia book. It is darker and apocalyptic for the last days of Narnia. There are lots of Biblical pictures, especially from Revelations that are thought-provoking and masterfully created (as only Lewis can do!).  I would definitely recommend reading this after the other Narnia books since there were a few references I was oblivious to.

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Currently Reading

You & Me Forever 

Francis and Lisa Chan

Surprised by Joy

C.S. Lewis