Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Books of 2022

January 2, 2023 by Kristin 2 Comments

I love book lists! And here I am a little late to the year-end party, but 81 books are the most I’ve read since I started keeping track. My list this year is heavy on romance and suspense, but that could totally change in 2023. You can follow #KHTreads on Instagram and Facebook, where I share reviews as I read throughout the year.

I shared on social media the other day some things about my reading habits that helped me accomplish this:

  • I like to read on my Kindle (I just upgraded to a Kindle Oasis and love it!) and also read actual books.
  • I started listening to audiobooks, mostly memoirs, while I drive.
  • I don’t plan ahead what I am going to read. Perhaps that makes me an emotional, circumstantial reader — I read what fits my mood. This means I also like to have options — Kindle Unlimited, Book of the Month, library books, and Amazon wish list of recommendations.
  • I use Goodreads to keep track of what books I’ve read, but I don’t set reading goals.
  • I quit books if I don’t like them or am not into them.
  • I totally judge a book by its cover and description.
  • I mostly read fiction. Yes, it’s kind of an escape, but, also, stories matter and teach me so much about myself and the world around me.

Now, onto the books!

Contemporary Fiction

  1. “The Girl Who Could Breath Under Water” by Erin Bartels {Review}
  2. “Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult {Instagram Review}
  3. “The Unsinkable Greta James” by Jennifer E. Smith {Instagram Review}
  4. “Winter in Paradise” (Paradise #1) by Elin Hilderbrand {Facebook Review}
  5. “What Happens in Paradise” (Paradise #2) by Elin Hilderbrand
  6. “Troubles in Paradise” (Paradise #3) by Elin Hilderbrand
  7. “This Time Tomorrow” by Emma Straub {Facebook Review}
  8. “South of the Buttonwood Tree” by Heather Webber {Instagram Review}
  9. “The Words Between Us” by Erin Bartels {Facebook Review}

Suspense / Thrillers

  1. “Reckless Girls” by Rachel Hawkins {Instagram Review}
  2. “Local Woman Missing” by Mary Kubica {Facebook Review}
  3. “The Golden Couple” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen {Instagram Review}
  4. “Such a Quiet Place” by Megan Miranda {Facebook Review}
  5. “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley {Instagram Review}
  6. “The Sun Down Motel” by Simone St. James {Instagram Review}
  7. “The Book of Cold Cases” by Simone St. James {Facebook Post}
  8. “The Good Sister” by Sally Hepworth {Instagram Review}
  9. “The Mother-in-Law” by Sally Hepworth {Facebook Review}
  10. “The Girl from Widow Hills” by Megan Miranda {Instagram Review}
  11. “Have You Seen Me?” by Kate White {Facebook Review}
  12. “The Family Next Door” by Sally Hepworth {Instagram Review}
  13. “What Happened to the Bennetts” by Lisa Scottoline {Facebook Review}
  14. “The Match” by Harlan Coben {Instagram Review}
  15. “The Family Upstairs” by Lisa Jewell {Instagram Review}
  16. “The Younger Wife” by Sally Hepworth {Facebook Review}
  17. “The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes” by Diane Chamberlain {Instagram Review}
  18. “Two Truths and a Lie” by Meg Mitchell Moore {Facebook Review}
  19. “The Soulmate” by Sally Hepworth {Instagram Review}
  20. “Distant Echoes” (Aloha Reef #1) by Colleen Coble {Instagram Review}
  21. “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden {Facebook Review}
  22. “The Locked Door” by Freida McFadden {Facebook Review}
  23. “The Inmate” by Freida McFadden {Instagram Review}
  24. “All Good People Here” by Ashley Flowers {Facebook Review}

Romance / Romantic Comedies

  1. “Talk Bookish to Me” by Kate Bromley {Instagram Review}
  2. “Reminders of Him” by Colleen Hoover {Instagram Review}
  3. “Love on Paper” by Sarah Madelin {Facebook Review}
  4. “Love on Film” by Sarah Madelin {Facebook Review}
  5. “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry {Instagram Review}
  6. “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune {Instagram Review}
  7. “The Friend Zone” by Abby Jimenez {Facebook Review}
  8. “The Happy Ever Playlist” (The Friend Zone #2) by Abby Jimenez {Instagram Review}
  9. “Life’s Too Short” (The Friend Zone #3) by Abby Jimenez {Instagram Review}
  10. “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez {Facebook Review}
  11. “The Bodyguard” by Katherine Center {Instagram Review}
  12. “The Layover” by Lacie Waldon {Facebook Review}
  13. “Meet Me in the Margins” by Melissa Ferguson {Instagram Review}
  14. “Love & Other Words” by Christina Lauren {Instagram Review}
  15. “From the Jump” by Lacie Waldon {Facebook Review}
  16. “More Than Words” by Jill Santopolo {Instagram Review}
  17. “Flying Solo” by Linda Holmes {Facebook Review}
  18. “Something Wilder” by Christina Lauren {Instagram Review}
  19. “Before I Do” by Sophie Cousens {Facebook Review}
  20. “The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker {Instagram Review}
  21. “Wild at Heart” (The Simple Wild #2) by K.A. Tucker
  22. “Forever Wild” (The Simple Wild #3) by K.A. Tucker
  23. “Running Wild” (The Simple Wild #4) by K.A. Tucker {Instagram Review}
  24. “Here for the Drama” by Kate Bromley {Instagram Review}
  25. “It Starts With Us” (It Ends With Us #2) by Colleen Hoover {Facebook Review}
  26. “June, Reimagined” by Rebekah Crane {Instagram Review}
  27. “Five Winters” by Kitty Johnson {Facebook Review}

Historical Fiction

  1. “Bridge of Scarlet Leaves” by Kristina McMorris {Instagram Review}
  2. “The Edge of Lost” by Kristina McMorris {Facebook Review}
  3. “Truths I Never Told You” by Kelly Rimmer {Hard, hard topics and I have mixed feelings on it.}
  4. “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post” (audio) by Allison Pataki {Instagram Review}
  5. “We Hope for Better Things” by Erin Bartels {Facebook Review}

Memoirs

  1. “The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm” (audio) by Hilarie Burton Morgan {Instagram Review}
  2. “The Stories I Only Tell My Friends” (audio) by Rob Lowe {Facebook Review}
  3. “Open Book” (audio) by Jessica Simpson {Instagram Review}
  4. “Glad You’re Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread & Fences” (audio) by Walker Hayes & Craig Allen Cooper {Facebook Review}
  5. “Delete That: (And Other Failed Attempts to Look Good Online)” (audio) by John Crist {Instagram Review}
  6. “Start with Hello: And Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors” (audio) by Shannan Martin
  7. “The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters” (audio) by Joanna Gaines {Instagram Review}
  8. “Where the Light Fell” (audio) by Philip Yancey {Facebook Review}
  9. “Talking as Fast as I Can: From From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between)” (audio) by Lauren Graham {Instagram Review}

Other Non-fiction

  1. “Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace” by John Mark Comer
  2. “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians” by Tony Merida and Francis Chan
  3. “Before the Throne: Finding Strength through Prayer in Difficult Times” by Crickett Keeth {Review}
  4. “Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking” (audio) by Jon Acuff {Instagram Review}
  5. “The Gospel Comes with a House Key” (audio) by Rosaria Butterfield {Facebook Review}
  6. “Send Out Your Light: The Illuminating Power of Scripture and Song” by Sandra McCracken {Instagram Review}
  7. “Your New Playlist: The Student’s Guide to Tapping Into the Superpower of Mindset” by Jon Acuff with L.E. and McRae Acuff {Facebook Review}

Family books

  1. “Britfield & the Return of the Prince” by C.R. Stewart {Review by Cate}

*****

Need more recommendations? Here are #KHTreads from 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

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How to enjoy winter days at home

December 19, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

God has made each season beautiful and appropriate in its own time. - Kristin Hill Taylor, Bringing Home More Than Groceries #morethangroceries

Y’all know I’m a summer girl, but cozy, slow mornings or evenings at home are one of the perks of winter. Yes, days are short and temperatures colder than I’d prefer, but let’s look on the bright side of these colder times of the year. Even though I’m not sure about the single-digit weather coming our way later this week, I’ll have to take advantage of my warm house and some cozy activities!

Pajama mornings

I just told someone today I’m craving a slow morning in my pajamas. We have some plans during Christmas Break, but I purposefully didn’t make any early morning appointments. To wake up without an alarm and be able to stay in comfy clothes for a few hours will be a treat for us all in my house. My son will make hot chocolate, my oldest daughter will sleep in the longest, and my youngest will sneak into my bed to snuggle with me. I love making pancakes (especially this Cracker Barrel copycat recipe) or French toast on our griddle. 

Game nights

Game nights are our favorite winter social activities! Inviting people over in the summer comes more naturally with our pool and porch, but there are fun winter opportunities too. We have friends over to watch our favorite Murray State Racers basketball team or play board games. There are many new board games out there, and I even bought my kids some for Christmas! (Here are some of our other favorites!) 

Prepare meals

I like to cook more in the winter too. Warm casseroles and soups hit the spot and provide good meals. Sometimes it’s just as easy to cook for more people, so we will invite friends over to share Taco Soup with us. I have a couple of meat lovers in my house, so maybe I need to learn new ways to make the best tomahawk steak at Jerkyholic.com or embrace baking a little more! I do love baked goods, but I’d rather cook the main courses. 

Get outside 

Of course, I’m tempted not to leave my house in the winter, but getting outside – even in the cold – is always good for my soul. Thankfully, we live where we have lots of wide-open spaces to roam, so walking through our woods, down the logging road, or even down the street is always a welcome break from the indoors. My kids like when it snows – and then they’re most definitely interested in getting outside! Yes, and then Ben will make more hot chocolate to warm himself right up! 

How do you like to spend your winter days?

*****

Hospitality matters in every season, and I share some ways to connect with others even in winter in the free printable that goes with my book, “Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories About Gathering & Nourishing People.”

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A welcomed return to Britfield

September 27, 2022 by Kristin 1 Comment

Cate, a high school sophomore, was ready for the newest installment in the Britfield series, “Britfield & the Return of the Prince.” The following is her review of the novel that’s geared toward middle and high school students. 

This new addition to the Britfield series does not disappoint as it keeps up the fast-paced, action-packed saga of Tom and Sarah’s quest to find Tom’s parents. With many old and new friends to aid them in their journey, Tom and Sarah inch closer and closer to that goal. 

I love all of the action, and the plot is amazing, however, I would love to see some more depth into the characters’ thoughts and emotions. Aside from that, Britfield is a book that I would recommend. 

Readers can tell that Stewart really knows his European facts due to all of the mini history lessons and architecture in this series – which I love. There are constant chases and close calls, so if you like on-the-edge-of-your-seat tales (but not scary), then this is your kind of book. While a lot of the time it’s hard to relate to the characters, the story leaves a lot of freedom for the readers to interpret, which personally I don’t like but some may. 

Overall, this is a great book and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

One year later, the Committee struck back with a vengeance, crippling the Resistance now scattered throughout Europe. When Devonbury Academy in Switzerland is attacked, Tom and Sarah’s only hope is to make it to a safe house in northern Italy by relying on their own experience and covert training. Overpowered and outnumbered, they are ruthlessly hunted throughout Italy by the Black Nobility and a team of assassins. 

Henry and Oliver discover a devastating truth, Detective Gowerstone is confronted by a secret from his past, and Inspector Fontaine is pushed to her limits. Will Tom and Sarah ever find the Britfields? Relationships will be challenged, new friendships forged, and an unparalleled finale of sacrifice, romance, revenge, and loss.

This is the third book in a series that’s expected to include a few others. It’s a 592-page paperback book that’s also available as part of Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited. Learn more about 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, and tennis, and is passionate about fostering creativity in students of all ages.

*****

You can read her other reviews of the books in this series here:

  • “Britfield & the Lost Crown” (2019)
  • “Britfield & the Rise of the Lion” (2021)

The author sent us a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, but Cate was genuinely excited when this latest installment in the Britfield series arrived in our mailbox. These opinions belong to Cate. Now her seventh-grade brother is into the series as well. 

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About Me

Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our high school girl who never forgets, our middle school boy who has no fear, and our joy-filled first-grade girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

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I know traveling is a privilege, but I will always I know traveling is a privilege, but I will always tell you: Take the trip. It may not be easy or convenient, but it’s always worth it. And always take lots of snacks along for the ride! 

HOW & WHY TO TRAVEL WITH KIDS is #ontheblog today. The post includes some of our travel experiences, tips for including the kids, and a tip to make it more affordable. Plus there are links to posts about some of our recent trips. 

#linkinbio #bloggerlife #momlife #travelwithkids #adventurers #getoutside #travel #travellife #travelers #choosingJOY #favoritethings
I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by P I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by Prince Harry. But I also keep hearing different opinions about it. So here’s mine!

I am intrigued by the royal family and I liked watching “Suits,” just so you know my very loose interest. I had also watched the @netflix documentary Harry and Meghan released. 

Short answer: I really enjoyed listening to this book. 

An heir, then a spare. Deep grief as a child when his mom dies that he doesn’t really confront until he’s older. An institution that governs every decision in his life yet doesn’t protect him when he felt like he needed it. That’s some heartbreaking makings of a good story. And I appreciate Prince Harry telling it — even though I’m sure parts were incredibly difficult. I also appreciate why he and Meghan did what they did and are trying to establish new, different roots. 

Ultimately, this book is about death and life and all the moments in between. I’d recommend listening to it because his voice is a good one. 

One minor, silly complaint: There are 232 chapters, although they’re numbered starting with one in each of the three sections. That makes the audiobook not flow quite as well as it would otherwise because most of them are just a few minutes long. 

I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I’d love to hear what you think because, you know, everybody is reading it! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #readersofinstagram #audiobooks #audible #princeharry
We are all in for basketball season! Tonight was @ We are all in for basketball season! Tonight was @murraystateuniv Spirit Night at the @memgrizz game. We had some pre-game fun with friends, watched the Grizzlies come back from 19 down to win, and witnessed Ja Morant’s triple double.

#memphisgrizzlies #basketballseason #NBA #TeamTaylor #bettertogether #weekending #favoritethings #RacerNation #MurrayState #WeAreRacers
Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most ever Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most everything in life — is more fun with friends! What an awesome atmosphere at the CFSB Center today with a Murray State win, Ja Morant in the arena, and more memories.

#RacerNation #MurrayState #collegebasketball #basketballseason #bettertogether #WeAreRacers
I’ve worn a favorite sweatshirt that says “Let I’ve worn a favorite sweatshirt that says “Let heaven and nature sing” twice this week. I may not be singing Christmas carols anymore, but I still felt the depths of winter this week. The sweatshirt seemed right. 

The sun didn’t shine much this week, although seeing on Friday as we wrap up the work and school week was welcomed. It’s mostly been cold and gray. It’s felt like winter. 

A lingering tension needs resolution and understanding, but honestly the gap between seems so vast. I crave slow time at home and meals around our table. I miss some friends and was reminded of the heartache that can come with community, but I also felt the deep appreciation of friendship and remembered the beauty of sharing this life with others. I was excited for an invitation and easily accepted it. I started a new habit (hopefully) walking with a friend. 

While driving through my days, I remember how uncertainty is what makes me look up. I remember my Creator when I am slapped in the face with the reality I’m not actually in control. I remember (again) to surrender. 

Goodness happens in the gray of winter. Life may look and feel different, but new life is always preparing to break through the cracks of the ground. The gloom that tempts us to look down doesn’t last long when we believe the sun will break through the icy trees and the fog will lift. 

This is hope. Even in winter. Thank God for it all. Let’s let heaven and nature sing. 

#countryliving #latergram #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #reallife #weekending
I heard mixed reactions about this book from two d I heard mixed reactions about this book from two different friends, but I enjoyed it! 

I liked the backward timeline, although I was uncertain about how it would work until the end. Some of the twists and connections were so good! 

I also liked the bigger ideas Gillian McAllister tackles: We miss things when we are living our life at our normal pace. What if we could go back? What would be notice that would change our reality? And, of course, perhaps, there would be unintended consequences. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It did get a little slow in the middle, but the end and beginning are quite good! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #kindleoasis #readersofinstagram
This about sums up motherhood: My teenage girl in This about sums up motherhood: My teenage girl in the middle rebounding and playing hard and little sister photobombing the moment! 

Honestly, parenting has been hard lately. Nothing major. But so constant and always adjusting. 

Even so, I love watching them on the court and in life. There is so much excitement and goodness among the repetition and exhaustion. 

This is real life. And those are our 10-0 Lady Lions out there. 🦁💛

@ncca.lions #momlife #reallife #basketballseason #momconfessions #livingfaithfully #girlmom #firstborn #thirdchild
I finished studying Colossians today with my Prece I finished studying Colossians today with my Precept group. Paul wrote this letter to an established church that was still growing and learning and maturing in the faith — like us all.  I really loved this study because it spoke right into my life with encouragement for knowing Christ, walking in wisdom and truth, praying continually, letting peace rule, and giving grace. Plus Paul deeply loved his people. 

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” — Colossians 2:6-7

Too often I step out of God’s presence for two minutes while are loading up the van in the morning or I’m rushing kids to bed. Too often I don’t surrender my fleshy desires and feelings to the One who holds this whole wide world in His hands. Too often I think my plans are worth holding onto tightly. Too often I think I can bring peace to my household, minivan, or dinner table. 

But real peace passes all my understanding. It rests in God’s wisdom and knowledge alone. How amazing we have access to that, thanks to Jesus. How easily I forget where I’m rooted. 

I want to let peace rule — in my home, in my head, and in my heart. 

Today while I was driving, I noticed how lovely the road, land, and sky looked. But today was really windy, like feel-it-move-my-vehicle and knock-over-trash-cans windy. It almost felt deceptive with the beauty before me, but, really, that’s like life. 

Sometimes it seems I have it together. People know my gifts of organizing information and people. I show up on time and am responsible. But so many thoughts and feelings are swirling in my mind. I replay conversations and fight against the same insecurities from the previous day. 

I feel both lovely and like my swirling mind could knock me over at any moment. And that’s why I needed God, particularly through His words through Paul to the Colossians. 

#livingfaithfully #faithlife #churchlife #reallife #countryliving
This girl has been complaining of a sore throat th This girl has been complaining of a sore throat the last couple of days, but she hasn’t had a fever or any other symptoms so I kept telling her she was fine. Truth be told, she a bit of a hypochondriac and generally happy, so it’s hard to tell if she sick sometimes. 

The folks at Aligned Health took care of her this afternoon and are treating her for strep or whatever bacteria is making her throat look and feel rough. 

I’m thankful for access to medical care and an unexpected night at home.

#momlife #thirdchild #reallife #momconfessions #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #sickday
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