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Praying with Jane: 6-Week Reading Plan

kindredspiritbooks

Do you love or hate summer rain storms? We’ve b

Do you love or hate summer rain storms?

We’ve been longing for rain and a real summer storm, and it’s here! It’s been an unusually dry summer and I’m here for it.

There’s nothing quite like watching a summer thunderstorm from my front porch. Everything gets dark and cool, and the breeze comes up, and then…

Boom! Crack. Pow. Rain pours down our roof and windows and eaves, and a river flows down our front sidewalk.

It gives me all the nostalgic feels of summers at my grandparents’ house growing up.

What is your favorite part about summer, Kindred Spirits?

Here’s to summer storms and special memories…

Rachel xx

#cozycore #cottagecore #porchlife #porchsitting #porchview #summerrain #summerrains #summerstorms #rainyday #cozyvibes #readinglife

When did you first discover The Blue Castle?? For

When did you first discover The Blue Castle??

For my fellow mood readers, Valancy waits for Barney in July...

In the velvety twilight,
She puts everything on the line...
She waits for him,
With her heart in her hand...

Waiting to see what he will say,
In that magic, warm, odorous July twilight.

Montgomery's inspiration for The Blue Castle came about on a visit in July 1922 to Bala, Muskoka in Ontario:

"The situation here is very lovely. The lawn runs down to the river where the bank is fringed by trees. It is beautiful at all times but especially at night when the river silvers under the moon, the lights of the cottages twinkle out in the woods along the opposite bank, bonfires blaze with all the old allure of the camp fire, and music and laughter drift across from the innumerable canoes and launches across the river.

"Bala is a dear spot—somehow I love it. It has the flavor of home—perhaps because of its pines which are plentiful hereabout." (from The Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery, Volume III, 1921-1929)

The Blue Castle is the only book she wrote that takes place outside of her beloved Prince Edward Island.

Just think... a little trip to a new place... brought about the inspiration for a beloved novel.

Where have you been this summer that has inspired your heart or imagination? What mood reads are you enjoying during the month of July?

Here's to warm summer nights and waiting expectantly by garden gates in the twilight, Kindred Spirits!

Rachel xx

#gardengate #gardenlife #gardenlifestyle #thebluecastle #bluecastle #anneofgreengables #valancystirling #anneshirley #lmmontgomery #muskoka #lakelife #lakelifestyle #summerreading #summervibes #readingvibes

Meg March got married in June when the roses were

Meg March got married in June when the roses were in bloom!

Which movie version did the best job with Meg March's wedding? (Swipe to see photos).

I've always loved Meg's wedding in the book. She planned everything simply and beautifully.

"Meg looked very like a rose herself, for all that was best and sweetest in heart and soul seemed to bloom into her face that day, making it fair and tender, with a charm more beautiful than beauty. Neither silk, lace, nor orange flowers would she have."

Meg said, "I don’t want a fashionable wedding, but only those about me whom I love, and to them I wish to look and be my familiar self.”

I think June roses and June weddings are lovely. I was married in a garden at a historic home because of Anne Shirley and Meg March. An outdoor wedding, surrounded by flowers and family and friends, was perfect for me.

Which of Meg's weddings did you enjoy most in the Little Women movies? Who is your favorite Meg? And John?

Here's to June roses, Kindred Spirits!

Rachel xx

#littlewomen #littlewomen1994 #littlewomen2017 #littlewomen2019 #jomarch #megmarch #bethmarch #amymarch #marmee #orchardhouse #louisamayalcott #anneofgreengables #thesecretgarden #booksandblooms #bookwedding

Here’s to all the fathers and father figures who

Here’s to all the fathers and father figures who are loving, strong, encouraging, upright, and kind. Those who remind us of the love of our Father in Heaven. Who pour out their lives as a living sacrifice for their families.

I’m thankful for my own dad who has always been my biggest champion and encourager. He taped Anne of Green Gables on PBS for me on VHS tapes, and we watched the movies over and over when I was growing up. We still talk about Anne and quote her all the time! The characters are part of our lives.

I’m so glad my parents fostered such a deep love for books and movies like these. I’d surely be a different person if they hadn’t!

Who first introduced you to the Anne movies or books? Can you imagine anyone else ever playing Matthew Cuthbert as well as #richardfarnsworth? For me, he IS Matthew.

Three cheers for Matthew Cuthbert and all the great fathers (real and fictional) out there!

Happy Father’s Day, Kindred Spirits!

Rachel xx

#fathersday #fatherlove #anneofgreengables #matthewcuthbert #anneshirley #marillacuthbert #avonlea #littlewomen #littlehouseontheprairie #christianwomen #fatherhood #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozyreads #comfortreads #princeedwardisland

Have you read the Besty-Tacy books? I hadn’t re

Have you read the Besty-Tacy books?

I hadn’t really heard of them until a few years ago, and I wish I had known about them when my daughter was little. I read so many old-fashioned books growing up, so I know there are only a few reasons I didn’t hear about them:

1) My library didn’t have them (I would know bc I read ALL the books in the children’s and middle grade section)
2) My mom didn’t have them (rare)
3) My grandmother didn’t have them (even more rare)

I’d love to find vintage copies, but I’m working on building my library with new copies for now.

It’s never too late to read lovely old books, and children’s books are usually my favorite! What about you? Do you read grown-up books exclusively or do you read children’s books, middle grade, YA?

Bonus: If you grew up with Betsy-Tacy, tell me who introduced you to the books!

Here’s to old books and roses in June, Kindred Spirits!!

Rachel xx

#maudhartlovelace #maudhartlovelacequotes #betsytacy #anneofgreengables #littlewomen #thesecretgarden #heidi #littlehouseontheprairie #thebobseytwins #childrensbooks #childrensliterature #oldfashionedbooks #summerreading #kindredspirits #kindredspiritbooks #nostalgiareads #cozycottage #cozycore #cottagecore

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to @sma_fb on winnin

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to @sma_fb on winning! Thank you to everyone who participated!

🌷Book Giveaway!🌷

Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer, two of my Kindred Spirit author friends, wrote these books together--and both books have been wonderful for my teen to read! In honor of summer reading and investing in the hearts of our girls, I am giving away this 2-book set to one lucky winner!

Praying for Your Future Husband: "Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer believe God answers women's prayers for husbands--even husbands they may not meet for years. They invite young women to pray boldly for their future mate ... while also asking God to prepare their own hearts."

Before You Meet Your Future Husband: “Bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn teams up with author and teen advocate Tricia Goyer on a devotional for young single women to help them establish God-honoring thinking and beliefs that will lay a firm foundation for their future marriage.”

This 2-pack is perfect for single women of all ages!

To enter:

1. Follow me @kindredspiritbooks
2. Tag all your friends in separate comments below!

Please share to your stories!

Details: Giveaway closes Friday, June 7! Must be 18 and over. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Open to U.S. only. Books provided by yours truly.

#bookgiveaway #christianwomen #prayingwomen #prayercloset #christianmarriage #christianbooks #kindredspirits #kindredspiritbooks #devotional #shereadstruth #wellwateredwomen #encouragement

I had a Green Gables sighting!! Okay, not really

I had a Green Gables sighting!!

Okay, not really, but I visited the Smoky Mountains for the first time last week, and I had moments where I felt like I had been there before. I felt some PEI vibes!

AND, I found a house on a hill that reminded me of Green Gables from the 1985 films!! (Swipe to see.)

Something about the green, the sky, the grassy hills. Something about it spoke to my heart. Do you see it??

It had SCOPE for the imagination!!

And it made me think, we all need places that spark our imaginations and bring that wonderful pang of joy to our hearts.

As we move into June, take time to allow your imagination to drift a bit. You never know what God might want to speak to your heart or stir in your soul.

I'm ready to shift gears into summer and enjoy family time and more time on projects that bring me joy.

What is your favorite place to go when you want scope for your imagination?

Happy June, Kindred Spirits! May the summer months bring joy to your heart.

Rachel xx

#kindredspirits #kindredspirit #anneofgreengables #anneshirley #princeedwardisland #smokymountains #encouragement #happyplace #cozycore #cozycottage #cabinlife #cabinlifestyle #timeaway #marillacuthbert #matthewcuthbert #dianabarry #gilbertblythe

My happy place is coming to life! And the cicadas

My happy place is coming to life! And the cicadas are here!

I’ll be here, reading and resting today. With a sick husband and one sick kiddo, I’m grateful for a few (relatively) quiet moments on the porch.

What are you doing today to fill your soul, Kindred Spirits? Where do you love to read?

Wishing you a restful Sabbath Day and a Happy Mother’s Day!

Rachel xx

#porchlife #porchdecor #cozycottage #cottagecore #cozycore #sundayvibes #mothersday #readinglife #relaxingreadsunday #porchsitting

Do you like to sit outside and read?

Which quote is your favorite? Who is the literary

Which quote is your favorite? Who is the literary mother you loved growing up?

I couldn't choose just one quote about mothers, and of course I had to include some of my favorite literary mothers!!

I think of Marilla who adopted a little girl in her old age. Of Anne who had lots of children, but lost one sweet darling first. Of Marmee who raised four girls. Of Mrs. Sowerby who had so many of her own but spread wide her arms for more.

And I'm so inspired.

I think of my own mother, my grandmothers, my aunties, my mother-in-law, and all the women who have mentored me and loved me.

And I'm thankful.

Thankful that mothers exist in this world.
Thankful for mothering hearts that come in all shapes and sizes and seasons.
Thankful God made mothers.

I know not everyone has the relationship they want.
I know we're all a work in progress.
I know dear ones who long to be mothers at last.

But I look around, at women like you and me, and I see mothers all around.

Mothers all around us.
Behind us, beside us, before us.
Within us.

Mothers everywhere we go.

Because where there are women, there is care. And where there is care, there is a mother's kind and tender love.

And the world wouldn't be the same without the mothers all around.

So here's to you, mothers and mother-hearted friends. Here's to the mothers all around us, every one.

All my love to you, Kindred Spirits.

Rachel xx

#mothersday #motherhood #motherhoodrising #christianwomen #mentoringmatters #titus2women #titus2 #loveoneanother #mothering #adoptionislove #birthmothersday #marmee #marillacuthbert #anneshirley #anneshirleycuthbert #momquotes #momlife #encouragement #bookquotes

Now closed. Congrats to @bekaann on winning! Thank

Now closed. Congrats to @bekaann on winning! Thank you to all who participated!

🌷Book Giveaway!🌷

As we look forward to summer and reading great books, I’m honored to partner with Anna Rose Johnson @annarosewriter to giveaway a signed copy of her newest book, The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, to one lucky winner!

The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry is about a young Ojibwe orphan girl living near Lake Superior around 1912. Her father was lost in a shipwreck and she goes to live with a family of lighthouse keepers. Anna Rose Johnson writes in the style of my most favorite authors, and this book made me think of Anne Shirley went she went to live at Green Gables.

This book is clean, heartwarming, and perfect for middle grade and up or as a family read-along!

To enter:

1. Follow us both
@kindredspiritbooks and @annarosewriter
2. Tag all your friends in separate comments below!

Please share to your stories and tag us!

Details: Giveaway closes Sat, May 11. Must be 18 and over. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Open to U.S. only. Signed book will be provided by @annarosewriter

#bookgiveaway #middlegradebooks #middlegradefiction #summerbooks #readinglist #anneofgreengables #cozyreads #readmorebooks #annarosejohnson #cleanreads

Have you been to Prince Edward Island? I've been

Have you been to Prince Edward Island?

I've been dreaming of my cancelled 2020 trip lately, and I keep hoping I'll get to take that trip soon. I would love to take my daughter to see it soon!

Have you been to PEI? Are you planning to go soon? What season is best?

"Spring had come once more to Green Gables—the beautiful capricious, reluctant Canadian spring, lingering along through April and May in a succession of sweet, fresh, chilly days, with pink sunsets and miracles of resurrection and growth. The maples in Lover’s Lane were red budded and little curly ferns pushed up around the Dryad’s Bubble. Away up in the barrens, behind Mr. Silas Sloane’s place, the Mayflowers blossomed out, pink and white stars of sweetness under their brown leaves. All the school girls and boys had one golden afternoon gathering them, coming home in the clear, echoing twilight with arms and baskets full of flowery spoil."

Has spring come to your neck of the woods?

Happy Spring, Kindred Spirits!
Rachel xx

#springtime #tulipseason #princeedwardisland #pei #anneofgreengables #anneofgreengables1985 #anneshirley #gilbertblythe #marillacuthbert #matthewcuthbert #dianabarry #bookquote #quoteoftheday #cozyvibes #cozycore #cottagecore

Book signings and meeting readers is my favorite p

Book signings and meeting readers is my favorite part!

One of the best stories from today was the middle grade boy who saw my Little Women Devotional and wanted so badly to get it for his mom for Mother’s Day.

“It’s her favorite book. Oh, I wish I could get a signed copy for her.”

He went to find his dad and bought the book. I signed it to his mom. He held it against his chest as he walked away.

Later, his dad came and told me that he was so excited, he couldn’t wait until Mother’s Day and had to call his mom and tell her what he got for her!

Yup, let’s all cry together over that cuteness!! 😭😭😭

I had a great day signing books and meetings readers. God always draws the most wonderful people to my little table.

Happy Saturday, Kindred Spirits!
Rachel xx

#littlewomen #devotional #bookevent #booksigning #mainstreetfestival #readingforjoy #christianreaders #christianauthors #christianauthorsofinstagram #dailydevotional #louisamayalcott #anneofgreengables #thesecretgarden #littlehouseontheprairie #janeausten

Who else uses the term "ennui?" I know a few of my

Who else uses the term "ennui?" I know a few of my fellow Gilmore Girl fans will get this!!

First, Marmee. Because she is wise and wonderful. Momentum + forward motion are essential for our health and happiness.

But second, Michel from Gilmore Girls! (Don't you love him??)

He says he has ennui in an episode. (Can you hear him say it in his French accent?) Then he tells Sookie, so of course she thinks she has ennui. When she snaps out of it, she realizes she's just fine.

Sookie: What's the opposite of ennui?
Loreli: Off-ui?

Ennui (on-wee) - "a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction"

It's a favorite term in our house! House about you? What else do you quote from Gilmore Girls?

I've also been known to shout, "If you're going to throw your life away, he'd better have a motorcycle." (Just for fun.)

There's your Friday Funday quote, Kindred Spirits!

Rachel xx

#gilmoregirls #gilmoregirlsedit #gilmoregirl #littlewomen #marmee #jomarch #michelgerard #loreleigilmore #starshollow #rorygilmore #roryandjess #roryandlogan #lukedanes #sookiestjames #quoteoftheday #fridayfunny #friyay #hardworkdedication

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to @uknowmekaytieb o

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to @uknowmekaytieb on winning! Thank you to everyone who participated!

🌿🌸BOOK GIVEAWAY!🌸🌿

In honor of Easter and springtime reads, I’m giving away one more Jane Austen Puffin in Bloom book. This time I’m giving away Sense and Sensibility!

If you haven’t read met Elinor and Marianne Dashwood in print, this is your chance! If you already adore this exquisitely drawn story of family and love and heartache, then this pretty edition is surely your cup of tea! With this cover by Anna Bond at @riflepaperco, you won’t be disappointed!

To enter:

1. Follow me @kindredspiritbooks.
2. Tag all your friends in separate comments below! (One per line please.)

Please share to your stories for 24 hours and tag me!

That’s it! Giveaway will close on Wed, April 3. Must be 18 and over. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Open to U.S. only. Prize will be provided by @kindredspiritbooks.

Good luck, Kindred Spirits!!
Rachel xx

#puffininbloom #mariannedashwood #elinordashwood #senseandsensibility
#janeausten #allthebooks #giveaway #bookgiveaway #bookcollector #oldbooks #vintageaesthetic #vintageinspired #booksbooksbooks #vintagebookstagram #booksandblooms #anneofgreengables #bookish #prideandprejudice #emma #austenite #janeaustenfan #britishlit #englandlove #emmathompson #hughgrant #katewinslet #cottagelife #cottagecore #cozycore

Do you agree with Anne? Do you like surprises or d

Do you agree with Anne? Do you like surprises or do you like looking forward to special things?

My fellow fans (swipe for pics):
Tell me WHAT (or WHO) Anne is looking forward to in this amazing scene from the 1985 film adaptation!! #swoon

Look at the look on her face!!!

I personally love knowing about things in advance and anticipating them. Surprises are sweet, but somehow I much prefer thinking and planning ahead for life's little (and big) treats!

I'm on my way to a yearly conference that fills my heart and soul. I've been looking forward to it for so long and I'm so glad it's finally here. I want to soak up every minute, but the planning and anticipation with friends has been delightful too!

Tell me if you agree with Anne or if you'd rather be surprised!

Happy Friday, Kindred Spirits!

Rachel xx

#anneofgreengables #anneofgreengables1985 #anneofgreengablesedit #anneofgreengablesquote #bookquotes #anneshirley #gilbertblythe #happyfriday #itsfriyay #friyay #avonlea #cozycore #cottagecore #happyvibes #encouragement #kindredspirits #lmmontgomery

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to @nootnoot_liv on

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to @nootnoot_liv on winning! Thank you to everyone who participated!

🌿🌸BOOK GIVEAWAY!🌸🌿

Hello, Kindred Spirits! Since you all fell in LOVE with the new Puffin in Bloom Emma I gave away last week, I decided to keep it going! I’m giving away this beautiful Puffin in Bloom Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen to one happy winner!

If you've never read Pride and Prejudice, you are in for a treat! If it’s a favorite of yours, why not add one more pretty edition to your shelves?! Don’t you love the sampler feel to this cover? The designer, Anna Bond at @riflepaperco always delivers!!

To enter:

1. Follow me @kindredspiritbooks.
2. Tag a friend in separate comments below! (Each tagged friend counts as a separate entry.)

Please share to your stories for 24 hours and tag me!

That’s it! Giveaway will close on Sunday, March 24. Must be 18 and over. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Open to U.S. only. Prize will be provided by @kindredspiritbooks.

Good luck, Kindred Spirits!!
Rachel xx

#puffininbloom #elizabethbennet
#janeausten #allthebooks #giveaway #bookgiveaway #prideandprejudice #bookcollector #oldbooks #vintageaesthetic #vintageinspired #booksbooksbooks #vintagebookstagram #teacup #booksandblooms #teatime #teapot #anneofgreengables #bookish #littlewomen #prideandprejudice #senseandsensibility #austenite #janeaustenfan #britishlit #englandlove #keiraknightley #matthewmacfadyen #colinfirth #jenniferehle #prideandprejudice2005

What books are like coming home for you? Little W

What books are like coming home for you?

Little Women is definitely at the top of my list. Along with Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, The Secret Garden, and so many others!

I've read some books so many times, it feels like I'm walking in the door to spend time with the characters.

For Little Women, I love the book, but I love watching the movies even more! Just hearing the music from the 1994 (Winona Ryder/Christian Bale) version makes me teary! It's so homey and happy and nostalgic for me.

Do you have a favorite movie version of Little Women? Did you like the newest one? (Swipe to pick your fave.)

Depending on where we all fall in terms of age/era (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z), I'm sure we all have different opinions!!

I personally LOVE the 1994 version best. It is like HOME to me! What's yours?

Happy Friday, Kindred Spirits! I'm dreaming of all the cozy books and movies as we come into the weekend!

Rachel xx

#littlewomen #littlewomenedit #littlewomenmovie #christianbale #christianbaleedit #jonahhauerking #timothychalamet #jomarch #amymarch #bethmarch #megmarchedit #theodorelaurence #laurielaurence #joandlaurie #joandlaurieedit #louisamayalcott #orchardhouse #literary #bookcrush #bookish #classicbooks #christianwomen #anneofgreengables #littlehouseontheprairie #thesecretgarden #janeausten #bookish #cozycore #cottagecore #cozyreads

Giveaway closed. Congrats to @paigerdn on winning!

Giveaway closed. Congrats to @paigerdn on winning! Thank you to all who participated!

🌿🌸BOOK GIVEAWAY!🌸🌿

Kindred Spirits, the new Puffin in Bloom Jane Austen editions are here and I’m in love with this beautiful cover of Emma! I am spreading joy and giving away one copy of Emma to one lovely winner!

If you’ve never read Emma, this is your chance! If you’re like me and you feel like you might need “just one more” edition of Emma for your shelves, you’re my people! (Don’t you feel seen?)

To enter:

1. Follow me @kindredspiritbooks.
2. Tag a friend in separate comments below! (Each tagged friend counts as a separate entry.)

Please share to your stories for 24 hours and tag me!

That’s it! Giveaway will close on Tuesday, March 12. Must be 18 and over. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Open to U.S. only. Prize will be provided by @kindredspiritbooks.

Good luck, Kindred Spirits!!
Rachel xx

#puffininbloom #emmawoodhouse #janeausten #allthebooks #giveaway #bookgiveaway #emmamovie #bookcollector #oldbooks #vintageaesthetic #vintageinspired #booksbooksbooks #vintagebookstagram #teacup #teacupcollector #teatime #teapot #anneofgreengables #bookish #littlewomen #prideandprejudice #senseandsensibility #austenite #janeaustenfan #britishlit #englandlove

Where are my Blue Castle friends? Do you love it a

Where are my Blue Castle friends? Do you love it as much as I do?🙋🏻‍♀️

If you could cast Valancy and Barney in a film adaption, which actors would you choose?

The Blue Castle has become a book I read over and over. I want to live inside the world that Valancy and Barney build together at Mistawis.

The Blue Castle is one of the most brilliant books of Montgomery’s career and it’s equal parts coming into your own, finding your voice, fierce love, nature book, and cozy core all wrapped up into one. It’s such a healing book too.

What do you love most about The Blue Castle and Barney and Valancy? If it could be a movie, who would be in it?

Happy Mistawis Friday, Kindred Spirits!

Rachel xx

#thebluecastle #lmmontgomery #anneofgreengables #anneshirley #bookclub #readalong #buddyread #kindredspirits #kindredspiritbookclub #readingtogether #classicbooks #cozyreads #winterreads #cozybooks #cozybookstagram #cozycore #cozycabin #cozycore #booksandtea #booknook

When your 11 year old son helps with your reels…

When your 11 year old son helps with your reels…😂

Just call me Cordelia…mmmkay??

Remember how Anne and Marilla started?

Just think how far they came. They were later so dear to one another. Each clinging to the other and delighting in one another.

Just think what God can do….

If you could choose another name, what would it be?

Happy Friday, Kindred Spirits!

Rachel xx

P.S. If you like little man’s reel, put a 😎 in the comments!

#anneofgreengables #anneofgreengablesedit #anneofgreengables1985 #anneofgreengablesquote #marillacuthbertedit #callmecordelia #marillacuthbert #matthewcuthbert #avonlea #instareels #anneshirley #kindredspirits #anneshirleyedit #lmmontgomery #cozycore #momlifebelike

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