Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
    • Peace in the Process
    • Bringing Home More Than Groceries
  • Contact

Books of 2022 … so far

June 24, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Here we are halfway through the year, and so far I’ve read 40 books. That pace is well beyond my usual number for the year. Last year I read 62 total. I don’t join challenges, plan what I’m going to read next, or even have a goal. But I still love keeping track.

And I like to talk about books. Hence this list, which includes links to Amazon as well as my #KHTreads reviews on social media. Follow the hashtag for more book talk. I do also have a big ol’ list of recommended reads on Amazon from recent years.

Some things to know about my reading habits: I like actual books, but I’ve been reading often on my waterproof Kindle Paperwhite. I introduced audiobooks into my life this year and especially enjoyed some memoirs while I was driving around while the kids were in school. I will quit books if I can’t get into them, and I’ve done that a few times this year. I almost always have a book (or books, hello, Kindle) with me, you know, just in case I happen upon some time to read. Here are some other tips for making time for books and reading more.

Contemporary Fiction

  • “The Girl Who Could Breath Under Water” by Erin Bartels {Review}
  • “Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult {Instagram Review}
  • “The Unsinkable Greta James” by Jennifer E. Smith {Instagram Review}

Suspense

  • “Reckless Girls” by Rachel Hawkins {Instagram Review}
  • “Local Woman Missing” by Mary Kubica {Facebook Review}
  • “The Golden Couple” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen {Instagram Review}
  • “Such a Quiet Place” by Megan Miranda {Facebook Review}
  • “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley {Instagram Review}
  • “The Sun Down Motel” by Simone St. James {Instagram Review}
  • “The Book of Cold Cases” by Simone St. James {Facebook Post}
  • “The Good Sister” by Sally Hepworth {Instagram Review}
  • “The Mother-in-Law” by Sally Hepworth {Facebook Review}
  • “The Girl from Widow Hills” by Megan Miranda {Instagram Review}
  • “Have You Seen Me?” by Kate White {Facebook Review}
  • “The Family Next Door” by Sally Hepworth {Instagram Review}
  • “What Happened to the Bennetts” by Lisa Scottoline {Facebook Review}
  • “The Match” by Harlan Coben {Instagram Review}
  • “The Family Upstairs” by Lisa Jewell {Instagram Review}
  • “The Younger Wife” by Sally Hepworth {Facebook Review}

Romance / Romantic Comedies

  • “Talk Bookish to Me” by Kate Bromley {Instagram Review}
  • “Reminders of Him” by Colleen Hoover {Instagram Review}
  • “Love on Paper” by Sarah Madelin {Facebook Review}
  • “Love on Film” by Sarah Madelin {Facebook Review}
  • “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry {Instagram Review}
  • “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune {Instagram Review}
  • “The Friend Zone” by Abby Jimenez {Facebook Review}
  • “The Happy Ever Playlist” (The Friend Zone series #2) by Abby Jimenez {Instagram Review}
  • “Life’s Too Short” (The Friend Zone series #3) by Abby Jimenez {Instagram Review}

Historical Fiction

  • “Bridge of Scarlet Leaves” by Kristina McMorris {Instagram Review}
  • “The Edge of Lost” by Kristina McMorris {Facebook Review}

Memoirs

  • “The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm” (audio) by Hilarie Burton Morgan {Instagram Review}
  • “The Stories I Only Tell My Friends” (audio) by Rob Lowe {Facebook Review}
  • “Open Book” (audio) by Jessica Simpson {Instagram Review}
  • “Glad You’re Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread & Fences” (audio) by Walker Hayes & Craig Allen Cooper {Facebook Review}

Other Non-fiction

  • “Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace” by John Mark Comer
  • “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Philippians” by Tony Merida and Francis Chan
  • “Before the Throne: Finding Strength through Prayer in Difficult Times” by Crickett Keeth {Review}
  • “Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking” (audio) by Jon Acuff {Instagram Review}
  • “The Gospel Comes with a House Key” (audio) by Rosaria Butterfield {Facebook Review}
  • “Send Out Your Light: The Illuminating Power of Scripture and Song” by Sandra McCracken {Instagram Review}

*****

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

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Helping adopted teens belong

June 8, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

The teenage years get a bad rap – and they certainly can be difficult. But they can also be wonderful, at least in my brief time raising a teenager. 

Our family was created by three adoption processes when our children were newborns. Now they’re 6, 12, and 15. That’s one teenager and one less than six months from becoming one! And, let me let you in on a little secret, I like having big kids. They’re fun and funny. I enjoy being with them and making memories. Of course, they have hormones and social awkwardness too. (Read our adoption stories in my book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family.”)

Sometimes fitting can be difficult for any teenager. Along with the struggles of growing up and developing cognitive skills that will help any child become a successful adult, teenagers also have to tackle major physical and psychological changes and challenges. 

When children’s story includes adoption, there can be another layer of challenge for their sense of belonging. Whether your child has been adopted from birth, like ours, or later in childhood but has grown up in your family, or was adopted as an older child, you may have to tackle some unique challenges. 

Dealing with any challenges as a family helps secure the child’s sense of belonging in the nuclear family before going out into the world. 

Open Communication

The teenage years don’t have to mean parents and their older kids are opponents. Open communication helps families work together and stay on the same page, even when that page has to change as we navigate life. The stereotype is most teenagers don’t like talking to their parents, but fostering open communication in the early years helps those lines remain open when those toddlers grow into teenagers. I’m thankful my kids talk to me – and I remind myself of this blessing when there are so, so many words! 

One way to make yourself as the parent more approachable to teenagers is to open up to them. In the vulnerability equation, someone has to go first. It’s okay for the first step to be by the parent. Tell them how you feel, be honest about your own struggles, and share stories from your own life.

Another way to become more approachable to your children is to spend free time with them. Share a regular activity with them to take the pressure of being together. Nobody likes being lectured or interrogated, but people, including teenagers, may be happy to talk when they’re doing something they enjoy.

Privacy is okay because our teenagers are people too, but parents still need to have access to phone and email messages. Allowing teens to cultivate relationships outside the home with friends is important, but so are boundaries. A private journal is a good privacy option, but a therapist can help your teenagers to talk through their life with another, trusted person.

Language and Cultural Barriers

Some adopted children and teenagers have different cultural heritages. This could lead to attachment and belonging issues, but it can also be celebrated. Even teenagers who haven’t been adopted can have identity struggles, but cultural barriers from adoption can certainly compound this. Find ways to connect with them by eating food, listening to music, and visiting places related to their story. 

If the child or teenager speaks a different language, then a newcomer book can help them to learn English. This doesn’t just make it easier for you to communicate, but it also allows them to fit in – both in and out of your family. Of course, you may want to learn their language too to help bridge that communication gap. 

Whatever the issue, just work through it together. Don’t be afraid to find trusted people to come alongside you as you navigate life – with a teenager and whatever other season you may find yourself. 

*****

There are so many good adoption resources out there. Empowered to Connect, Jockey Being Family, and The Center for Adoption Support & Education are full of information. Find more free resources on my website.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Laundry talk

June 1, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Let’s talk laundry! And, yes, that’s a live look into my laundry room.

I’m thankful to have a laundry room separated from the rest of my house. I can even close the door when I want to ignore the chore! The room is mostly dedicated to actual laundry, although the same room also houses a utility sink, our extra fridge of mostly drinks, and shelves with cleaning supplies. It’s right by the door people use, so it’s a convenient, functional space that works for our life. 

Certain things make a laundry room most effective: storage spaces, the right appliances, and a safe space for manuals (so you know where to look when your washing machine won’t spin correctly!). 

Quality machines

I replaced my washer and dryer a few years ago, and I got a deep washer that allows me to do large loads of laundry. I got the matching dryer that also accommodates the large loads. The side-by-side option works great in my space, but considering stacking appliances is also a good way to go for a smaller space.  

Counter space

I had a counter installed in my laundry room a couple of years ago, and it truly makes folding laundry much better! On a good day, I can fold as the loads finish in the dryer. Or I can pile the load for when I have time to deal with it. This counter space keeps me from piling the clothes elsewhere in the house while they await my attention! I even use the counter/bench space to organize socks – especially when the loose socks bin is too full for my liking!

Great storage

My counter is the right height for my laundry baskets to fit underneath it. I also have shelves above my washer and dryer for the detergent, stain sprays, sock bins, beach towels when it’s not pool season, and other household supplies. 

Baskets

Each person has a laundry basket for dirty laundry in their bedroom and then brings their dirty clothes to a laundry basket in the laundry room. Plus there’s a basket in the laundry room for towels. I wash laundry by person, so the sorting is done on the front end. Then when the clothes are washed, dried, and folded, my kids can put theirs away! 

Hanging space

Near the counter is also a space for hang-up clothes. I find it I hang shirts, dresses, and Greg’s work pants as they come out of the dryer, everybody’s wardrobe looks better. I don’t like to iron, so this is an important step for me! 

What about your space helps you tackle this chore?

I won’t go as far as to say the laundry room is my favorite room in the house, but it’s definitely practical and I’m grateful for the space to serve my family this way. And if you’ve been here, you’ve probably grabbed a cold drink from the extra fridge. 

Now, it’s time to go move around some loads and tidy that counter space!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
Next Page »

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

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 ninth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear sixth-grade boy, and our joy-filled kindergarten girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • Books of 2022 … so far
  • Helping adopted teens belong
  • Laundry talk
  • Brave Ben & his broken heel
  • Fifteen

#PorchStories button

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

I brought my laptop to get some work done while on I brought my laptop to get some work done while one kid plays computer games at the library and the other two play basketball at school. But I got distracted. 

What are you reading? I’m always adding books to my long, long to-be-read list. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #librarybooks #booklover #momlife #reallife #favoritethings
We’ve had a great day celebrating America’s bi We’ve had a great day celebrating America’s birthday with a small-town parade, grilling and swimming with friends, and playing cards with friends. 💙

#independenceday #july4th #poolpeople #PorchStories #88daysofsummer #summerisbest #TeamTaylor #choosingJOY #MurrayKY
I know travel is a privilege. I’m thankful we ar I know travel is a privilege. I’m thankful we are able to take our kids to see other places. But I’m also always grateful to come home. 

#countryliving #reallife #88daysofsummer #roadtrip #momlife #adventurers #choosingJOY #livingfaithfully #latergram
While the big kids went bow hunting yesterday, Gra While the big kids went bow hunting yesterday, Gran-Gran, Grandmom, and I took Rachel to @countrybumpkinfarm. It was perfect for her. She fed animals, played by herself, made friends, and played some more — for 3 1/2 hours. I found an Adirondack chair and finished my third book of the trip. 

#wisdells #wisconsindells #thirdchild #momlife #choosingJOY #favoritethings #88daysofsummer #summerisbest #wisconsin
These three went bow fishing today. Cate wasn’t These three went bow fishing today. Cate wasn’t even sure she wanted to go and the shot one right in the mouth — something the guide said he’d never seen in his 20 years of bow fishing! 

#momlife #wisconsindells #wisconsin #88daysofsummer #firstborn #boymom #girlmom #bowfishing #wisdells
We are having fun — and some forced sibling love We are having fun — and some forced sibling love — at @wildernessresort in Wisconsin Dells. We’ve played at four water parks here since we arrived yesterday afternoon. 💦

#WildernessWI #WildernessResort #roadtrip #88daysofsummer #TeamTaylor #reallife #wisconsin #wisconsindells #wisdells
Nothing like starting a road trip by finishing an Nothing like starting a road trip by finishing an @elinhilderbrand book. I’d held off reading “Winter in Paradise” because the premise that a father’s death exposes his secret life hits way too close to home. But, really, fiction books can be therapeutic. 

I appreciated the raw emotions of a wife, two brothers, and others learning of tragedy and processing the ripples of that moment. Of course, who doesn’t love a story set in the U.S. Virgin Islands? AND it’s this the first in a three-book series, and I’ve got the next two ready to go on my Kindle. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #kindlepaperwhite #roadtrip
My kids had a yearbook signing party today. And ki My kids had a yearbook signing party today. And kids today don’t know how to sign yearbooks. Cate, my rising sophomore, says it’s because they have phones to take photos and text each other. She’s probably right. 

But the whole conversation and experience took me down memory lane. So much so, I got these yearbooks from my high school days off my bookshelf and read notes. Admittedly, I can’t remember a few people who proclaimed what a great friend I was and I never called some people who wanted to KIT — that’s Keep In Touch, kids — and left their phone numbers (and pager number in one instance!)! 🤣 

I also proceeded to text the three friends (well, really, five, because two girls married two guy friends of mine) with whom I do actually KIT. I have their numbers saved in my iPhone, thankfully. We have made grown-up memories together. We message and try to see each other. My husband knows their maiden names. 

Truly, how has it been 25 years since I graduated from Oldham County High School? I’m sitting on the porch now, rememebering how faithful God has been and thinking about how high school seems like a lifetime ago but also like yesterday. 💙

HAGS, everybody! 

#memorylane #highschool #livingfaithfully #yearbooks #choosingJOY #reallife
Cat nap! 💕 #catsofinstagram #thirdchild #napt Cat nap! 💕 

#catsofinstagram #thirdchild #naptimeshenanigans #PorchStories #reallife #88daysofsummer #summerisbest
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorites

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2022 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM