Book #8 for 2025
“When Stone Wings Fly: A Smokey Mountains Novel” by Karen Barnett
This was my summer fiction novel. I almost exclusively read nonfiction, but every once in a while I’ll pick up a novel and pack it in my duffle bag to bring on vacation for a brain break. This particular book is a Christian split-time, historical fiction set in the Smokey Mountains National Park, there’s a cold-case murder mystery, and some adventure and romance too.
Here are my favorite quotes from the book:
“You’re pulling the stitches too tight again. Relax your hands while you’re knitting – don’t strangle the needles. The joy happens in the open spaces between the loops. Otherwise you’ll get a solid wall of fabric instead of a supple, cozy piece.” She demonstrated a few stitches. “A well-made sweater is like wearing a hug from someone you love, not a piece of armor to protect you from the world.” (pg. 15)
”The Bible says, ‘Bear one another’s burdens.’ It doesn’t say, ‘Take care of everyone else and never ask for anything yourself.‘“ (pg. 63)
“Self-sufficiency is nothing but pride on steroids.” (pg. 64)
“It had been ages since he’d been part of a family. Sitting here over the breakfast table swept him back to the lazy summers with his grandparents. His prestigious education had opened doors for him that he’d never thought possible, and yet now all he longed for was those simpler times. And belonging.” (pg. 82)
I was binge reading this book – I couldn’t wait to find out how all the pieces tied together in the end.
📚 What are you reading lately? Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction?
heavens to betty 
I love how you note your favorite quotes from the books. I have recently finished “Alaska”, and now I’m close to finishing a book about Mary Todd Lincoln. But truth be known, I enjoy fiction. A person can learn a lot of empathy and compassion from fiction.
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Thanks, I’ve been doing some commonplace journaling and I’m always on the lookout for a quote that strikes me! I agree with your assessment on the learning value in fiction books too!
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That book has now been placed on my “to read” list. The quotes are great! I am like you and usually read nonfiction but I also enjoy a good fiction book. I just finished The Siege by Ben Macintyre. It came up in my library search and I am glad I read it. The author is very detailed and the book is about the Iran Embassy hostage situation back in 1980.
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P.S. I just looked at my library app and put this book on hold. But then I saw it is an audio book only. That won’t work…I am deaf! HAHAHA
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If you have a good mailing address I’ll send you the copy I just finished. I was going to donate it anyways. 😁
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Thank you! I will email you an address. You are so kind.
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I predominantly read fiction. Said fiction is almost always in ebook form. I’m delighted that ebooks allow me to highlight because I love to highlight the turns of phrase that speak to my heart.
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