Thoughts on Having Fun by Annie F. Downs

 

That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs

Annie was a new to me author and speaker, but it sounds like she has developed quite a following with her down-to-earth conversations with readers and podcast listeners.

I had imagined that her book would tell me to get out there and have some fun, and she did.  She also wrote about a lot of the fun that she has experienced in her life, too. 

She impressed me with the thought that our desire for fun is a longing for Eden.  I pondered that thought for a while.  I came to the conclusion that she is right.  When we lost Eden, we lost more than we imagined.  Having fun in itself won’t return us to Eden, but will make our time on earth more enjoyable. 

Annie also covers the joys of being an amateur, the power of falling in love, and why you need a hobby.  Her writing style reminded me a bit of Anne Lamott, another author I enjoy.

If you enjoy a lengthy, meandering but meaningful conversation with a friend, you will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for this, my honest review. 

Lynn Austin's Newest Historical Fiction

 

Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin

This novel is the latest by Lynn Austin and takes place in the Netherlands during the time of World War 2.  It centers around a family and their friends, including some Jews.  Ans, the oldest daughter leaves the farm that her parents, Lena and Pieter run in order to find her life in the city.  Suddenly the neutral Netherlands are plunged into the war and everyone’s life is turned upside down.  Both Ans and her parents must decide how to respond to the Nazi occupation.  Their decisions are the ripples in the pond which carry the book’s plot forward.

This book has some dark, despair-filled sections, which must have mirrored the real events on which it is based.  There are, however, also some times where the light breaks through and hope shines brightly.  Sacrificial love, forgiveness, belief in the providence of God and standing up for the right make this a novel to remember.

Reading this book causes the reader to remember that others have suffered and that the suffering is never in vain but produces fruit in the lives of those suffering.  Readers who enjoy historical fiction laced with the reality of darkness and hope will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to the publisher for the copy to read and review for this, my honest opinion.