I haven’t posted about a book lately. I’m actually getting ready to start the “Mark of the Lion” series by Francine Rivers.
However, I did want to share the last book I finished before Christmas. I’ve written before about the Community Group I’m in with a bunch of moms… creatively named “The Moms’ Group”, catchy I know. Last session we read this book as a group…

Katie Brazelton has crafted a book loaded with practical how-tos and personal stories from women whose lives have been transformed through an exciting journey of becoming the women God created them to be.
My favorite part of this book is the honesty with which Katie writes. Her level of authenticity in both joy and sorrow is both inspirational and comforting. There have been few books that have captivated our group as a whole, but this one kept us engaged until the very end. It provided such lively and open discussions.
You can find out more about the book here.
Okay, that’s the last book I read, what’s the last book you read?


Thanks for sharing this. I love to get great recommendations for books for my bible study group….. so you were gripped huh? We’ll have to check it out.
I recently read 3 books by author Anne Lamott…and I am sooooooooooooo blessed. She is an amazing Christian writer. She is as transparent, authentic and as real as it gets. Highly recommend anything she has written.
Totally random….I saw you and the boys at church on Sunday…and holy cow….I cannot believe how big they all are. They are so incredibly precious! What a special family you have!
By: melissa irwin on January 13, 2009
at 7:42 am
“Sunset” by Karen Kingsbury. It was a great wrap-up of the whole 3 sets of books on the Baxter family.
The Mark of the Loin series is incredible. I found the first half of the very first book takes a little while to get through due to the terminology…but FYI…there is a glossary in the back that helps! Enjoy! That series is one of my absolute favorites.
By: Alison on January 13, 2009
at 8:10 am
I read several Christmasy books in Dec. and have been working my way back and forth through Photoshop Elements The Missing Manuel!
I’m also reading The Runaway by Terry Kay, great author!
You’re going to love the Mark of the Lion series!
Happy reading~
By: Robin on January 13, 2009
at 8:13 am
oh, :-X the Mark of the Lion.
they have been translated into romanian, so I was really happy to have smth to read the last year. you know, anything is better than History.
right now I am reading When Heaven Weeps by Ted Dekker.
before that – Freefall by Kristen Heitzman, but I didn’t like that (so much).
By: joanne on January 13, 2009
at 8:55 am
Ask about books and you can get me to comment anytime!! I’m a Christian fiction book junkie, evidenced by the hundreds of books that I have on my shelves. Maybe that first job as a teenager at a Christian bookstore wasn’t the greatest of ideas…
Anyway, I recently read Eventide by Cindy Martinusen. It was ok. She has another series that was much much better (Winter Passing, Blue Night, North of Tomorrow) I’m currently in the middle of Mindy Starns Clark’s newest book: Shadows of Lancaster County. Very very good, but then everyting by her has been good so far!
By: Kristina on January 13, 2009
at 9:10 am
Oh, I love the Mark of The Lion Series! I hope you enjoy them. It’s definately an eye opener to what life was like during the Roman empire times.
I just finished reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, and am reading Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner.
I love your blog!
By: Brittney on January 13, 2009
at 9:10 am
Brandi, I’ve just recently “met” you through your blog, and I have to say, while I’m sure I’m not the first to say it, I already feel a kinship to you…is that cool or creepy??
I am really excited to hear that you are going to be reading the Mark of the Lion series…I believe it is life-changing fiction…I LOVE IT! I hope you will keep us posted as you make your way through the series, I’d love to know and hear your thoughts.
Thanks for opening your world to all of us. Your transparency in this format is inspiring.
By: Tonya on January 13, 2009
at 9:22 am
The Shack – absolutely LOVED it! Problem is, I can’t find the next book to read because nothing seems to catch my attention like that one did. Any ideas?
By: Amy Colon on January 13, 2009
at 9:26 am
So I just finished Breaking Dawn. It was pretty good. I usually go one fiction, one non-fiction. But silly – silly…SA (where we live) ran out of books, so I had to read the last book in the series second because I read the first (Twilight) then outta the second and third in the series…so now I am waiting on them to come into the country. So back to non-fiction. I think you have inspired me to write a book post…I will get right on that. I heart books…yup, totally.
By: kristiapplesauce on January 13, 2009
at 10:07 am
I just finished “A Walk to Remember” by Nicholas Sparks (so much better than the movie, of course). I’m about to start the Mark of the Lions series too!! Happy reading!
By: katie deese on January 13, 2009
at 10:17 am
H.W.Brands book, Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times. Jackson might be the biggest bad *** we have ever had as President. Plus it is also a great history on Tennessee.
By: Giant Idiot on January 13, 2009
at 10:24 am
I just finished When Joy Came to Stay by Karen Kingsbury. I couldn’t find the last in the series i was reading at my church library so I picked this one up and I am a hooked Kingsbury fan.
By: Amy Putman on January 13, 2009
at 10:29 am
I just finished reading The Shack
By: Annabelle on January 13, 2009
at 10:33 am
I read one of Katie Brazelton’s books. I can’t remember the title but it has a yellow cover and is like a compilation. I enjoyed it. I will have to pick this one up.
The last book I finished (I have several going at once) was “Pants on Fire” by Meg Cabot, my daughter’ favorite author. I read it to connect with my daughter and be aware of what’s going on in her world. (It was about a girl who lies. No sex involved, but I wasn’t crazy about the suggestiveness of the title. My daughter is only 13.)
By: Anita on January 13, 2009
at 10:48 am
Last book I read was The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers. It was an awesome book and I would recommend it! I also recently read Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Steve Arterburn. It was fanastic and we are getting ready to read Healing Stones for book club this month. I think I am going to see if I can get the book you recommended. I also want to read Matthew Turner’s book Unchurched and Anne jackson’s book Mad Church Disease!!
By: Marlen on January 13, 2009
at 11:18 am
Multiple Blessings- its the Story of Jon and Kate Gosselin, ( Of TLC’s Jon and Kate plus
and their journey through having twins and then sextuplets. It was a great read and I recomend it to anyone who is a fan of the show or anyone who wants to see Gods blessings in action!
By: Karen on January 13, 2009
at 11:20 am
That should the +8 not a smiley face..hehe
By: Karen on January 13, 2009
at 11:21 am
Funny little book by Nora Ephron “I feel bad about my neck” and currently reading “The Shack”
By: Starwoodgal on January 13, 2009
at 11:22 am
I am reading Confessions of a Shopaholic series (almost finished with second one) and Crazy Love simultaneously. The Shopaholic series is a really fun read, and Crazy Love is incredibly inspiring.
By: Melissa on January 13, 2009
at 11:37 am
I just finished reading Shane Claiborne’s Irresistable Revolution…amazing.
By: Linny Best on January 13, 2009
at 11:42 am
I recently finished I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. He is a WONDERFUL storyteller. You should check out his books if you haven’t already. He has a new one that just came out…The Hour I First Believed. I cannot wait to read it but I am number 45 on the library waiting list so I guess I have a few weeks to wait.
A great social networking site for sharing book recommendations and reviews is http://www.goodreads.com I am a member so be sure to look me up if you join!
By: Heather Karazin on January 13, 2009
at 11:47 am
I just finished reading a book my Max Lucado “Cast of Characters.” Enjoy all of his books..
By: carlee brian on January 13, 2009
at 11:50 am
I am one chapter from finishing Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. The first half I was inspired and LOVED. I have come to a couple of chapters I am still working out…not sure if it is conviction or God releasing me to do it a little different…but AMAZING thoughts especially about our responsiblity to disciple our children.
Then, I am starting 11 Indispensable Relationships by Leonard Sweet with our small group. Very excited about that!
Thanks for recommending this new book. Can’t wait to pick it up.
By: Tori on January 13, 2009
at 11:52 am
I am such a big Francine Rivers fan – The Mark of the Lion Series (especially the 2nd one) will change your life. You will forget you are reading words… those characters become people you know and love. I let Linnae borrow my copies!
Another of hers worth reading are the lineage of grace books about the women in the bible. Enjoy reading!!
By: Sarah on January 13, 2009
at 12:00 pm
a book? what’s that
By: Karen Owens on January 13, 2009
at 12:04 pm
that is so NOT my photo
By: Karen Owens on January 13, 2009
at 12:04 pm
I am reading, “Love to Eat, Hate to Eat” by Elyse Fitzpatric…awesome book if you struggle with any eating disorder(gluttony or starvation).
I just bought Karen Kingsbury’s newest book, “This Side of Heaven” that I will start next! I also have an old book, “Run, Baby Run” by Nicky Cruz that I want to read.
Since I homeschool we just finished the first in the Boxcar Kid’s series and we are almost finished with Gulliver’s Travels. Next…not sure…
By: Jennifer Griffin on January 13, 2009
at 12:19 pm
Last two books: Karen Kingsbury “Between Sundays” and Corrie Ten Bloom “Hiding Place”
Both were EXCELLENT
Also before Christmas read Denise Jackson (Alan Jackson’s wife) book “It’s All about Him”
By far one of the best books I have ever read! Her story and her faith and honest is amazing!
By: Brittany on January 13, 2009
at 12:23 pm
I literally just finished reading Redeeming Love for a book club. I have read the book before but since it was the first book assignment for the club, you had to read it! LOL! LOVE Redeeming Love.
By: Tiffany on January 13, 2009
at 12:31 pm
I’m reading mark of the lion right now!! And I don’t read fiction, so this is a big deal for me. Love it!
By: Linnae Hoppe on January 13, 2009
at 12:45 pm
The last book I read was Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. I loved the Twilight Saga!
I am now reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. So far, it’s really good!
By: Jenny on January 13, 2009
at 1:27 pm
the lucky one by nicholas sparks. before that, mulitple bles8ings by kate gosselin.
By: missy on January 13, 2009
at 5:16 pm
The last book I read was the Shack– it was decent!
By: kaymarie (upturned.barbie) on January 13, 2009
at 7:45 pm
Totally off the subject, but I made the Louise’s chicken pot pie for supper. You weren’t kidding when you said it was the best ever! It was a big hit. Keep the good recipes coming.
By: Joann on January 13, 2009
at 8:24 pm
Last book was Grace and Favour by Caroline Upcher. Current book is The Moon at Midnight by Charlotte Bingham. Both authors are new to me…my mother in law gave be a great big bag of books I am working my way thru.
By: Steph on January 14, 2009
at 1:18 am
I just finished up the Mark of the Lion books. They are fantastic! One thing, you can’t put them down and you will find yourself reading at 2 am!! After those, I have started reading Francine Rivers’ novellas – Lineage of Grace. These are wonderful, quick reads!!
By: Paula on January 14, 2009
at 10:49 am
Making Room For Life is the one i read before christmas. right now i am in the middle of Why You Cant Stay Silent and the Power of a Praying Parent. i am committing to finishing these before i pick up One Tuesday Morning that a friend bought for me. i am a huge Karen K junkie so i have to make myself read other books inbetween hers.
i totally agree with all of you on your Francine and Karen recommendations!!
By: mandy on January 14, 2009
at 1:03 pm
So very behind here….I just finished reading “It” by Craig Groeschel (sp?). Its for church leaders and was FABULOUS! I just read that shopoholic book that is about to be a movie. GREAT! And now I’m looking for that book written by those Manning parents and see how they did it!
By: Fran on January 14, 2009
at 4:30 pm
I have read all of the Twilight Series & saw the move twice. I truly didn’t think I’d like them but obviously I did. I can’t wait till the 5th one! before I read the Twilight saga I read The Shack and absolutly loved it marked pages’ highlighted words.could read it over & over. maybe I should read what you are reading;)
By: Heather2 on January 14, 2009
at 5:05 pm
I did the workbook with my best friend and accountability partner and it was really good too. You will love Voice in the Wind. Press through the first few chapters since they are a little slow going with tons of history. But it is great. I think you’ll really like it.
I just finished Mr Knightly’s Diary a follow up to Jane Austen’s “Emma.” It was ok. Moving on to the next book now.
By: Lori Wilhite on January 14, 2009
at 6:46 pm
A new favorite book of mine that I recently finished is “Strong Women Soft Hearts” by Paula Rhinehart (a woman’s guide to cultivating a wise heart and a passionate life). This book was excellent and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes books that dig deep. It even has a discussion guide in the back and would make a great book for a women’s study.
By: Tammi on January 14, 2009
at 11:51 pm
I last read “The Shack” and am currently reading “Monopoly Mindset” not currently in print yet.
By: Angela on January 15, 2009
at 1:55 pm
I’m in the middle of “The Shack” right now, and just finished Cross Country by James Patterson. That one was pretty violent and had lots of stuff about all the awfulness going on in Africa so it wasn’t as “fun” to read as his usually are. I also am starting Plum Scary by Janet Evanovich. If you haven’t read the Stephanie Plum series by her, they’re very fun, fast reads!
By: dcjfoto on January 16, 2009
at 2:26 pm
Oh Girl!! I loved the Mark of the Lion series!!! Best christian series I have ever read…I like fiction…a lot!! I cried like a baby at the end of a Voice in the Wind!!! Hope you like it!!
By: Laurie on January 21, 2009
at 4:47 pm
I just finished reading As Sure as the Dawn last night, and it is really good! Francine Rivers knows how to write.
My sister has read the book about nine times in the past two months… she loves it!
By: Audra on January 31, 2009
at 7:28 pm