Honey, I’m home!!
No, seriously, I’m back from a little getaway overseas with my hubby 🙂 We toured England and Scotland for a couple of weeks, and can I just say that I loved it! With two countries rich in history, literature, and beautiful architecture and landscapes, it was hard to see it all.
While we didn’t manage to sneak over to Bath to tour the famous Jane Austen sites, Oxford well made up for it — especially seeing all the Narnia lore and inspiration! C.S. Lewis is a personal favorite of mine, so walking where he walked and seeing what he saw was absolutely fascinating!
Edinburgh and Inverness didn’t disappoint either, with the various shops and stops. But I won’t give too much away as, in this month’s newsletter, I’m giving you a mini look into the literary world in Scotland.
Let’s dive in…
KNEE SLAPPER THURSDAY
VERSE OF THE MONTH
“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.”
James 5:13 NASB1995
SERVINA
We tried a yummy new Apple Peanut Butter Treats this month. While I didn’t get a picture of Servina munching on her snack, it’s safe to say that she loved it! I’ve attached the link if you want to try it for your furry friends!
A LAND OF STORYTELLERS & SAINTS
From the lyrical verses of Robert Burns to the thrilling adventures of Robert Louis Stevenson, Scotland’s pen has never stopped moving. Yet, behind the folklore and fantasy lies a spiritual heartbeat — one most clearly heard in the works of George MacDonald, the 19th-century Scottish pastor and storyteller who shaped the imaginations of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. I won’t dive too deep into his work, as he’s our author for this month’s “Mini Cap!”
Spaces for Book Lovers
Here are your Edinburgh Book Stops!
Tucked away on Edinburgh’s historic Lady Stair’s Close, The Writers’ Museum is a hidden gem that celebrates Scotland’s literary giants — Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Each room feels like a time capsule, filled with personal artifacts, rare manuscripts, and portraits that bring these storytellers to life. Beyond its creaky staircases and stone walls lies something deeper: a reverence for words and imagination. For readers of faith, it’s a reminder that creativity, history, and spirit often intertwine — that stories can be both cultural treasures and quiet acts of devotion.
Just a short walk from the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirk stands as one of Edinburgh’s most historic churches: a place where faith and story intertwine. Founded in 1620, its churchyard has inspired poets, preachers, and even novelists. Here, you’ll find the resting place of George Buchanan, humanist scholar and tutor to King James VI, whose reign gave us the King James Bible. It’s a peaceful reminder that the written word has long been both sacred and enduring.
Tucked into a quiet corner near the Canongate, The Scottish Poetry Library is a sanctuary of stillness and song. Its shelves hold the voices of Scotland’s poets — from ancient Gaelic hymns to modern spiritual reflections. Visitors often describe it as a place that feels prayerful, where words lift like incense. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who believes poetry can be a form of worship.
Step inside Topping & Company in Edinburgh, and you’re met with the scent of paper and the warmth of lamplight. With floor-to-ceiling shelves and handwritten recommendations tucked between volumes, it feels more like a chapel for book lovers than a store. Whether you’re searching for theology, poetry, or the next great Scottish novel, this is a place where stories are treated like sacred things.
Nestled in the heart of Stockbridge, Golden Hare Books invites you to slow down and savor the written word. Every detail — from the wood shelves to the carefully curated titles — reflects a quiet reverence for storytelling. It’s a reminder that reading can be contemplative, even holy; that in every well-crafted book, we might glimpse something eternal.
Bonus
A Book Stop in Inverness:
Housed inside a converted 18th-century church, Leakey’s Bookshop feels almost sacred — and in a way, it is. With its soaring ceilings, stained-glass windows, and a wood-burning stove at its heart, this towering maze of secondhand books offers both warmth and wonder. Every creaking floorboard and dust-softened page carries the weight of centuries of stories. For readers of faith, it’s easy to feel that this place blurs the line between the holy and the literary — a cathedral for those who worship through words.
Facts to Know
1. Scotland was the first UNESCO City of Literature.
Edinburgh earned the title in 2004 — the first city in the world to receive it. The honor celebrates its incredible literary heritage, from medieval poets to modern authors.
2. The first book printed in Gaelic was a translation of the Psalms.
Published in 1567, Salm Dhaibhidh (The Psalms of David) helped preserve both the Gaelic language and Scotland’s Christian traditions.
3. Sir Walter Scott practically invented the modern historical novel.
His Waverley series didn’t just tell stories — it shaped how the world saw Scotland, reviving interest in tartan, clans, and Highland heritage.
4. Robert Burns is celebrated like a national saint.
Scotland celebrates Burns Night every January 25th, where people recite his poems, sing, and eat haggis. His poetry, rich with moral reflection and humanity, even appears in Christian hymnals.
5. Scotland’s oldest known poet was a Christian monk.
Saint Columba (6th century), founder of Iona Abbey, wrote early Gaelic poetry blending devotion and nature — among the first examples of Christian verse in Britain.
BOOK REVIEW
“CHRISTY”
This month’s book is “Christy” by Catherine Marshall.
My Overall Opinion:
This book is a rich and inspiring novel that beautifully portrays faith, perseverance, and personal growth amid hardship. Though I found it to include some heavy themes—such as revenge, illness, and a brief reference to rape—it ultimately offers a message of hope and redemption. *spoiler* David, Christy’s love interest, begins as charming but proves condescending and uncertain in his faith, serving more from obligation than genuine calling. Still, both he and Christy grow through their struggles, making the story feel authentic and spiritually meaningful. Overall, I enjoyed it!
My Favorite Character:
I really enjoyed Miss Alice as a side character. As a woman of strong faith and integrity, she was a good role model for Christy and those around her.
Things I Didn’t Like / Would Change:
Even though Miss Alice was a woman who loved The Lord and those around her, I don’t quite agree with women being preachers.
I wouldn’t change this, when Miss Alice tells Christy how she came to be with child, I would just be mindful of that portion before handing the book off to young readers.
Ranking:
4/5 — Despite a few difficult moments, its heartfelt message and emotional depth earn it a solid 4.
Other Comments:
There is three Christy films made in the early 2000s. I haven’t watched them recently but remember my mom watching them around that time: Christy: Return to Cutter Gap, Christy: A Change of Seasons, and Christy: A New Beginning.
COMING NEXT MONTH
The month of cozy rereads and thankfulness.
See You Next Month!
