Kristin Hill Taylor

How reading on a Kindle works for me

July 8, 2021 by Kristin 2 Comments

I love to hold a book in my hands and read. It’s like an escape from ordinary life and an adventure into another world.

But I also sure do love the convenience of my new Kindle Paperwhite. I know, I know, nothing feels or smells like an actual book. But let’s just assume two different things can be good.

This newest Kindle Paperwhite is about the size of a mass-market paperback but much slimmer. It is easier on my eyes than my iPhone or my Kindle Fire, making it closer to reading a book than a screen. And it’s waterproof, so it can go near and in the pool with me.

I can adjust the font, letter size, and brightness to make reading on the Paperwhite work best for me. It’s easy to slide in my purse so I can have a big ol’ collection of books awaiting me.

Plus reading on a Kindle opens up endless shelves of books, some of which are available free or greatly discounted.

I bought the Paperwhite during Prime Day, and even got $5 from Amazon for trading in my original Kindle from 2010 that was just sitting in a drawer collecting dust and barely holding a charge. If you’re thinking about getting a new Kindle, remember you can trade in an old one for a discount on a newer version of the same model.

Right after I purchased this new Paperwhite, Elin Hilderbrand released “The Sixth Wedding,” a short story that follows her novel “28 Summers,” which I enjoyed. Catching up with my friends in Nantucket on my new Kindle Paperwhite was fun. I have since read two other Kindle books too:

“The Magic of Found Objects” by Maddie Dawson, which I’d been looking forward to and was pleasantly surprised to get as my free First Reads selection for July. Are you an Amazon Prime member? Don’t miss these free Kindle books each month. They’re typically early releases of novels.
“The Accidental Text” by Becky Monson was a free Kindle Unlimited selection. I have subscribed to and enjoyed Kindle Unlimited before, but I got a free three-month subscription to it with my new Kindle purchase. This is another great way to discover new books and authors.

(Of course, you don’t have to have a Kindle to take advantage of these deals. Kindle books are just ebooks that you can read through the free Kindle app on your phone, laptop, desktop, or tablet. Although, as I’ve already shared, I think the Paperwhite is the best way to go!)

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I bought my new Kindle Paperwhite with my own money. Nobody asked me to review it, but y’all know I always want to share how I incorporate reading into my life. Here are some tips for making time for books and reading more as well as the list of books I’ve read so far this year.

Britfield series continues with adventure

July 5, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

The following book review is written by my daughter Cate, who has been eagerly awaiting in the second installment in a book series she’s enjoyed. The Britfield books are adventurous tales that include lots of real European landmarks and history geared toward middle school and high school readers.

“Britfield & the Rise of the Lion” was a great sequel to follow the first book in the series. The plot twists are amazing, and constantly keep you guessing on what is going to happen next. While I love, love the plot, I would have liked some more development in the characters. Like any good series, the end of this one made me wish I had the next book. I am very excited about what happens next in this series.

About the book

Now in France six months after the end of “Britfield & the Lost Crown,” Tom and Sarah are trapped on an island fortress, facing an entirely new enemy: a nefarious and clandestine group.

Searching for the truth, Tom and Sarah must navigate the streets of Paris, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, chased by an assassin determined to remove any potential threat to the British throne.

Aided by old friends and new allies, Tom and Sarah’s fast-paced adventure is filled with twists and turns, unexpected betrayals, and life-changing revelations.

An interactive world of mystery and adventure, culture and education, the Britfield series is about friendship, family, loyalty, and courage with accurate geography and history interwoven throughout each exciting story. This seven- book series will be followed by movies.

“Britfield & the Rise of the Lion” is a 474-paperback book is published by Devonfield Publishing (July 4, 2021). Learn more about this book and series at The World of Britfield.

About the author

Originally from Newport Beach, California, C.R. Stewart has 20 years of experience writing fiction, nonfiction, and movie screenplays. His expertise also includes film and media production, global strategy, and international marketing.

He received a Bachelor of Arts in British Literature and European History from Brown University; did post-graduate work at Harvard University; earned an MBA from Boston College; and is pursuing a Master of Science in Advanced Management and a Ph.D. in Strategy.

Now based in San Diego, Stewart is a strong supporter of education and the arts. He enjoys world travel, reading, riding, swimming, sailing, tennis, and is passionate about fostering creativity in students of all ages.

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Cate received a free paperback copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. These opinions are hers, and she recommends this series to people in real life regularly. Here’s the review of “Britfield & the Lost Crown” from 2019.

Books of 2021 – so far

July 1, 2021 by Kristin 2 Comments

I love a book list, so this post has become a favorite of mine. I hope y’all find some good reads on here! These are the 35 books, mostly fiction, I’ve read so far this year.

I link all the titles to Amazon, where I also keep a big ol’ list of recommended reads, and have links to reviews on social media if you want to know what I thought of the books. Plus, now I tag all my reading-related posts on Instagram and Facebook with #KHTreads, so follow along there too!

Some things to know about my reading habits: I like actual books, but I do sometimes read on my Kindle. I suspect I will read more on my new, waterproof Kindle Paperwhite. I will quit books if I can’t get into them, although I’ve gotten better about selecting books I anticipate liking. I almost always have a book with me, you know, just in case I happen upon some time to read. (Here are some tips for making time for books and reading more.)

Now, to the list …