I had a journey with this book. I requested it as an ARC because I’m a fan of Hannah Anderson’s writing. Even when she’s writing nonfiction there’s a beauty to her prose that I’ve always appreciated in addition to her ideas. My issues began because I’m used to reading books quickly and “Turning of Days” asked me to go slow. It asked me to take my time and let the chapters, which are basically short essays, stand on their own. I struggled with this. I didn’t want to take my time; I didn’t want to look up the extra scripture reading. But I realized that binge reading it wasn’t working for me either. I put it down for more than a year and I’m glad I did. Once I picked it up again, I was ready to take my time. I read a couple chapters a day, one or two in the morning and one at night. Sometimes I wouldn’t read any for a few days and then I would come back to it. It turned into a lovely routine that I was able to appreciate.

I have tried a couple devotionals in the past, but I never could get into any. I loved Anderson’s approach by starting in nature. She’s from rural Virginia and uses that landscape to inspire her reflections. These meditations are broken down into the four seasons reflect on nature to reveal the character of God and explore how nature can teach us about life and death, while pointing to the one who is to come again. I also appreciated the verses Anderson included for extra reading. It’s so easy to forget that the Bible is a beautiful piece of literature in addition to being the inspired word of God. It was nice to visit these verses that are either not read or get lost in the midst of a larger book.

If you love nature writings, I highly recommend Turning of Days. If you’ve never been a devotional reader, I would say this is a good one to start with. It worked for me. I feel like I would even read this again so I’m planning on buying a physical copy so I can have it on my shelf. If you enjoy this books, I would recommend Anderson’s “Humble Roots” next as it is also very influenced by nature.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful book to ponder and reflect over. It would be a good choice for a daily devotional or any other quiet time with God. Thank you to NetGalley and Moody Publishers for the advanced copy to review. I hope to acquire this book at a later date to read slowly and thoughtfully during my own devotional time..

A pondering book, considering what God can teach us through the natural world. A gorgeous reflection book to read slowly during sacred seasons such as lent or advent.

Reading this book is like taking a stroll through nature and the seasons with the author helping us to see and feel The Creator and spiritual truths in everything . So beautifully written, lyrical even, and so thought-provoking. So encouraging and uplifting too.

I prefer my devotionals not to have too many details about the author' s life but this one is different because she uses her stories to point to nature and from there to things of faith.

I have been stuck at home, but maybe even the houseplants or the view outside the windows have a message to convey? After reading this book, I'm sure they do and I will be thinking about it. What a refreshing book and something so needed at a time like this.It enables us to observe the world with a whole different set of eyes.

I love the Learning to Listen field guide at the end so that we can learn to listen and see with our own eyes. It makes you want to go out there and look!

If you are a Christian and are into nature journaling (a hot trend now!), this book is a must-read. It could give your sketchbook a whole different spin and a depth not previously attained. I know I now have lots to explore in my art journaling.

Talking about sketching, the author's husband contributed some exquisite drawings. Loved them all!

Hannah Anderson is a favourite author of mine and I have two of her other books on my digital shelf. But I think this book deserves to be on my physical shelves.

All in all, a keeper to be treasured! Will also consider buying a copy for the church library.

Thank you Netgalley and Moody Publishers for the opportunity to review this title!