I ended up teaching more classes this school year than what I had anticipated, and one thing has become infinitely clear: More classes means more grading. As an English teacher, you’d think I’d have understood this going in. Summer has a way of washing our memories clean, though, so that we forget the parts of teaching that we don’t love.
I, for example, dread grading writing projects. I love assigning writing projects, and I love walking the students through them…but I don’t like grading them. The grading of a writing project is so much more subjective than a multiple choice quiz. Not to mention, I know how much work the student has (or has not) put into their assignment. Somewhere between rewarding the effort and pushing the student to do better is a razor thin wire stretched taught a hundred feet above angry, snapping alligators…and I’m the tightrope walker. I’m twitching at the thought of all the writing folders sitting on my desk at school awaiting my attention.
I also went back to school this fall (as a student). I’m working on a master’s degree at seminary. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to write anything for school. I’m convinced that academic writing uses a completely different part of the brain that fiction writing…and that in the years since I graduated college, the neglect to that part of my brain has caused atrophy. Talk about hard work! Every assignment has been a struggle. I love what I’m learning, and I love where it’s taking me. The nitty gritty of getting the work done, though, is harder than I remember.
In any event, spare time has been hard to come by. I’m looking forward to some time off in the coming month, though, and would LOVE to get some suggestions about what to read. Tell me what you’ve read recently – bonus points if it’s by an Inspy Romance author. I enjoy contemporary romance in almost all its forms – from suspenseful to funny and everything in between. So hit me with it. What have you read lately that you’ve loved?
Heather Gray loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped. Despite their different lives and situations, Heather’s characters have something in common. They're all flawed...but loved anyway.
I just finished reading The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrell. I absolutely loved that book and think you will too.
This past week I have actually finished several books that I enjoyed! His Healing Touch by Autumn Macarthur, Somewhere Beyond the Blue box set by several Inspy authors and The Cowboys Christmas Reunion by Valerie Comer, which is the first installment of her new series!
I have especially enjoyed Elizabeth Maddrey’s Peacock Hill series.
Hi Elizabeth. As an English and Creative Writing teacher for 30 years, I empathize with you Elizabeth. I enjoyed teaching literature and the writing process. Working with students to edit their papers was enlightening, but grading the students’ writing by the English department rubric was frustrating. Writing is personal and more than just mechanics. Blessings to you. Caring teachers are needed in today’s schools. May God give wisdom in your studies and guidance in your teaching. I definitely remember juggling home, career, schooling, church, caring for aging parents – life, which at times was overwhelming. You are in my thoughts and prayers. While teaching, my students always were amazed that I had reading goals during vacations. Fun now as a retiree to follow their reading goals and selections on Goodreads. This last month I have broadened my reading with new authors and genre. I enjoy reading boxed sets: Somewhere Beyond the Blue and the set with your selection A Christmas to Remember. Blessings, plus historical fiction and cozy mysteries. Best wishes. Enjoy your weekend.
Hi Heather, you are one busy lady! I feel like a slacker, but while you have been working I have been reading :) Here are my fav 5 star reads from the past 6 weeks:
Romcom novella-Literarily For Keeps by Sarah Monzon
Dual timeline romance and mystery-A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson
Contemporary-Miles From Where We Started by Cynthia Ruchti
Romantic Suspense-Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon
If your in the mood for Christmas-
The White Christmas Inn-debut by Colleen Wright
Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti
I have bought the boxed set by the Inspy authors, A Christmas To Remember and will be reading that soon, looking forward to it!
Thanks for commenting, Pat! What is it about?
Wow Paula! It sounds like you’ve had a great week for reading! And you can’t go wrong with InspyRomance authors. :-)
Yay Ellie! I love tge Peacock Hill series too! You have good taste. :-)
I love how varied your reading interests are Tracey! Thank you for sharing!
My goodness, you are one busy lady. I spend much of my time reading. Most recently, I read Pepper Basham’s “When You Look At Me.” I also read Melissa Jagears’ “Romancing The Bride.” On contemporary, one historical. Both were wonderful.
Currently, I’m reading “The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection” by Barbour. I like the novella collections for when I don’t have much time for reading.
Good luck with your grading and tightrope walking.
I recently read “All Made Up” by Kara Isaac. It’s about a farmer that’s on a reality TV show. I’m not a fan of reality TV but the book was excellent. I’ve given 5 stars to every book I’ve read by her. Other recent 5 star books were “Falling for You” by Becky Wade , “So This is Love” by Brooke St. James, “Lost in Nash Vegas” by Rachel Hauck, “Just Let Go” by Courtney Walsh, and “Lies Jane Austen Told Me “ by Julie Wright.
I loved this book too!
I really liked Clare Revell’s “Oceans Apart” in the Somewhere Beyond the Blue set. It’s mostly in epistolary form, and she really did a good job. Then last night I finished an ARC of Kristy Cambron’s “Castle on the Rise.” Oh my, is it good!!!
Renate – You’re so right. Those rubrics are helpful and maddening all at the same time! ^_^ Thanks so much for spending some of your time with us today!
Pepper always writes a fun story, doesn’t she? I haven’t read Melissa Jagear before, but I’ll put her on my to-watch-for list. :-) Thanks for stopping by today!
A read of mine introduced me to Rachel Hauck’s writing, and I’ve been enjoying her books ever since. I’ve had my eye on Lost in Nash Vegas but haven’t gotten around to it yet. You can’t go wrong with a title like that, can you? ^_^
I’ve read Clare before, but not that particular story. I’ll have to check it out. I’m not familiar with Kristy Cambron’s writing, but you make it sound worth my time! ^_^
The last book I read was, “The Texas Bride Collection ; 9 Romances of the Old West”.
It’s like checking out 9 books from the church library in 1 book with 7 different authors.
I volunteer in the church library and have for almost 40 years so I’ve read a “lot” of books.
I loved it also.
I just finished His Promise by Shelley Shepherd Gray
I’m reading Her Alaskan Cowboy by Belle Calhoune
The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano was a recent book that I absolutely devoured. I highly recommend it.
Oh! Thank you Ellie! :D
My life has been busy lately and I haven’t had time to read. I miss it. There are two new books out by two of my favorite authors, so I’m going to have to take a reading break pretty soon.
I used to work in a public library. I shelved books. That job helped pay my way through college. It wasn’t the most glamorous job, but I loved working with books and found so many new authors that I loved. ^_^
What was your favorite part about it?
I love Alaska! I used to tell my hubby that’s where I want to retire. As I’ve gotten older, though, I realize that I *might* prefer a warmer climate in my golden years. ^_^
Sounds great! It helps that you used the word “devoured” to describe a book with the word “supper” in the title. I’m a sucker for a good pun. ^_^
I hope you find that time soon – and that you enjoy the books!