Goooood morning people! Exciting times around here right now – I’ve had my first two orientations for school, and now I can’t wait to start on Monday. Bring on the learning!! We’re also in the midst of packing up Reid to take to college on Friday, and my sweet friend Cullen got engaged on Tuesday night. So much to do! So much excitement!!

In other news, we have been sucked into the Downton Abbey cult (albeit a little bit late). The hype? Totally worth it! We are only a few episodes in, and I am already hooked.

But we haven’t only been watching nightly TV, I have also been reading! Remember that giant stack of books? Yeah, I’d better get crackin.

My latest book was one that will change the way you think about the three wisemen forever… “Unholy Night” by Seth Grahame-Smith tells a possible story of who the wisemen really were (criminals, led by the ruthless Balthazar). It follows them on their journey to help Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus outrun the cruel king Herod and his men.

This book is fast-paced and interesting. It mixes historical fiction with wild imagination, giving you a glimpse into what life was like in biblical times. Do I think that this is what really happened? No. But I think, as a Christian, it is interesting to read historical fiction about biblical characters. Rather than finding this book sacrilegious, I think it is a great reminder of the humanity of biblical characters. I found myself considering for the first time what it would really be like to give birth in a stable, and to explain to your husband that you were carrying the Lord’s child, and to be on the run from a cruel king killing every young boy baby in sight.

If you enjoy this book, and this genre (as I did), another good one to check out is “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant which is about Leah, Rachel and Jacob. Biblical historical fiction is so interesting to me! I’ll have to seek out some other good ones to add to my never-ending list.

How about you – does this book sound interesting? Any other good books that y’all have read lately?