Fall Challenge Switcharooni

.....Updated Addition!

I hope this is allowed, but I have completely changed around my Fall Reading list!

I tried, really tried, to get into two of the books on my list. But they just were not grabbing me right now. Sometimes, what is not so exciting reading for me today, is excellent reading for me a month for now. Just call me moody!

So...I am now adding to my list two books (and taking off a few!)

The first I want to mention is one that I happened to pick up in Hawaii.

I had tried to go into the famous Hilo Hattie's that day, but they had not re-openned yet, due to the power outage and earthquake. *sigh* It was pouring down rain, and when I wandered into the bookstore nearby, I began looking for a good read to cheer me up. (And hopefully read when the weather cleared on that lawn chair I was envisioning!)

And then I saw it....a newish book by the famous author, Nicholas Sparks.
Most of you know him...he has written some wonderfully romantic stories, many of which have been made into movies, such as "Message in a Bottle" , "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember".
I had heard he was a Christian that wrote for the "secular market" and I had read two of his books before.
And this title, "The Wedding", along with the beautiful cover, captured my attention.

In this story, a husband of thirty years has began to realize how his workaholic ways and general aloof personality has slowly grown a wedge between he and his wife. He even completely forgets their 29th anniversary, which signals his realization that he is still very much in love with his wife and sets out to begin to make things right.

I was struck in how not only does Sparks paint a beautiful picture of forgiveness within marriage and renewing that old "spark" (no pun intended!)...but he makes clear references to the fact that the characters had both accepted Jesus as their Savior...his wife, before their marriage, and later, the husband.

Although the story might be thought of as a little slow-moving in parts, I was completely drawn in...I have only a couple chapters to go and am savoring it like a rich dessert that I hesitate on finishing.

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The other book I am currently reading might come as a surprise. You see, I was perusing the children's section at the library with my kids and as I strolled through the "upper grades" section, I saw an old book- based on the true story of a missionary wife who was one of the first two women to cross on the Oregon trail.
"Narcissa Whitman, pioneer of Oregon" by Jeantte Eaton.
I didn't know a thing about this person, and as I skimmed this thick book, I was very much intrigued. So...I checked it out and have absolutely loved reading about this remarkable woman. I've really learned a lot about this time in history just by this story, as well as about this incredible heroine (in every sense of the word.)
I am also nearly finished with this book since I'm alternating between these two stories (depending on my mood...did I mention I can be a moody reader?)
So, the moral of this second choice is...don't be afraid to read a book supposedly geared towards "young people"...you just might find yourself learning something! (And if you have kids, it's even better since you can pretend it was for them!)

So...I with only a short time left to go in our reading challenge, I am going to try and catch up on this rainy weekend and do some overtime!

And a big thank you to Katrina for organizing this. It's been a good thing!

*Edited for major typing boo-boos... and to say that I also name the books that I decided not to read- or re-read- at this time if you click on the link at the top (the original list). But it's no reflection on the books themselves- just my mood!