Last weekend I attended a conference, a wedding, family birthdays, and a visit to a church where friends I haven’t seen in years happen to attend. I heard people who love books wax eloquently about topics close to their hearts, I heard musicians make beautiful music, I watched a friend dance with his brand new baby daughter in a father-daughter dance. It was a joy and a whirlwind. But mostly a joy. Take joy, friends.
Around the Web
Alcuin’s Nightingale
Jake Meador explores what nature does to our souls.
- How does nature move, even transform, the soul? Amidst many discussions about the importance and value of the natural world, I do not think this question is considered with anything like sufficient attention.
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Good Soil
Laura Blyth meditates on a moment of parenting a special needs child.
- The rain fell blue but quickly ran red as it inflicted wound-like paths across our barren backyard. Rivulets turned to ruts as water coursed in fury over red-dirt clay and gravel. Save for a few chunks of quartz, little else was left in the aftermath of this relentless theft of nature. The topsoil, fallen leaves, even the weeds, all washed away by the momentary tempest that is an Australian summer storm.
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Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina
Janie and Redeemed Reader reviews a chapter book.
- The Juana and Lucas chapter-book series offers entertaining glimpses into the daily life of an exuberant Colombian 8-year-old.
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Picture Books about Latin America: Martin de Porres, A Flicker of Hope, and Water Day
Janie also has some great picture books to recommend.
- Latin Americans are Americans too! Three picture books from past and present that shed light on our neighbors to the south.
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Around the Warren
Review: Son of the Deep
Lindsey Murphy reviews K. B. Hoyle’s novel.
- I’m naturally a trusting person. Really, I am. My husband and I joke that my method is “you have my trust until you break it,” while his is “you get my trust when you earn it.” And this way of operating holds pretty true for us…unless you’re remaking a story I love.
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Waiting
Shelly Holt Campbell honestly considers the experiences of a cancer diagnosis.
- Most of the following words were written last spring in a post on Caringbridge. Earlier this year, my 39 year old (seemingly healthy) husband was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. We are now on a journey with cancer that we never would have chosen. But God has made His presence known to us and we are being held. The process of finding honest words to describe our experiences with cancer and what we are learning through those experiences has been life-giving.
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Forward Me Back To You
Forward Me Back To You by Mitali Perkins caught me by surprise. I rarely pick up books without knowing anything about them, but I picked it up at the library on a whim, began reading, and finished it in a day! This inspiring story about hope, strength, belonging, service, and family is beautiful, touching, and profound. Katina and Robin come from different backgrounds and have different struggles but form a bond of friendship through their differences through a desire to love and serve others. I adore this story’s heart. (Heads up, parents, this book does deal gently with S.A.)
Ember Rising
Ember Rising is the third book in the Green Ember series, and the stakes are high! Heather and Picket are separated, evil seems to be prevailing, and things seem hopeless. This enthralling tale follows our heroes as they continue to fight for freedom, hold onto hope and fight for freedom. I so looked forward to the release of this book, and it is to this day probably my favorite! I love to see the themes of hope blossoming in the darkness and rebels fighting for a good cause. Give Ember Rising a try!
Something to Do with Your Kids
Erica at What Do We Do All Day has an amazing poetry bingo game for you to try while you introduce poetry to your kids.
Something to Watch
Destin introduces an organization he believes in…and explores the mysteries of toilets in jungles.
Thanks for reading. We’re on your side.
–The Story Warren Team
You can find her at carolyncgivens.com or on Facebook or Instagram at @carolyncgivens.
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 24 - July 5, 2025
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 23 - June 28, 2025
- The Warren & The World Vol 13, Issue 22 - June 21, 2025
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