I requested this book on a bit of a whim and with a personal goal of reading more memoirs. I knew nothing of the author prior to reading and I still enjoyed it and will give her podcast a listen! It was well structured, she shared her experience in relatable ways and I grew an appreciation for staying put in a world where everyone is trying to go places and do big things. Thank you!

Oh, Annie! You’ve written a book worthy of a hug and a sigh! Thanks to #harpercollins and #netgalley I received an early copy of Ordinary Time and devoured it on this rainy Sunday afternoon! I laughed with Annie at her awkwardness that most of us introverts share and cried with her as she shared her thoughts on her faith and her precious memories of her grandparents. My favorite and most resonating quotes from the book:
“My faith is messy and muddled and not at all certain or sure. There is fear and trembling at every turn….but God is still there and He is big, so much bigger than the wood-paneled church told me He was.”

“Even us stayers will one day be dust. We’ll leave, too, and I hope we will have learned how from those who went first.”

Thankful to have read this delightful piece of work and I will be in line at The Bookshelf as soon as it is released to get my signed copy!

I've been following @bookshelftville for years, but I'm not a podcast person (too many audiobooks on my TBR!), so I'm not all that familiar with Annie B. Jones and her background. Ordinary Time is a memoir about Annie, a bookstore owner in Georgia, USA. The book reflects on staying when it feels like everyone around you are moving away. It's about growing a flourishing where you're planted. It's also quite a bit about the author's journey with religion. This is where I kind of tuned out, if I'm honest. I wasn't expecting the religious aspect, so it threw me off! Overall I enjoyed the sentiment, finding awe in the ordinary. It's a quick read and I really liked most essays.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for this book. Annie's book was just what I needed to steep out of my hectic life. It encouraged me to reflect on the choices I've made over the course of my life. It felt like we sitting on her front porch while she shared a bit of her life story. As I read, many of my own wonderful memories were jogged from their slumber. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will add it to my own bookshelf.

Annie B. Jones’s Ordinary Time is a reflective, tender collection of essays that explores themes of faith, home, marriage, and friendship. Written from the perspective of a 35-year-old bookstore owner in Georgia, Jones invites readers into her quiet, deliberate life, one centered on finding meaning in the everyday. While there’s a definite warmth and authenticity to her voice, the book feels tailored to a very specific audience—one that may not include every reader.

As a 19-year-old college student living in New York, I struggled to connect deeply with Jones’s narrative. My life, shaped by the constant motion and reinvention of a large city, feels far removed from the rootedness she describes. Jones’s life—staying close to her hometown in Tallahassee, navigating adulthood through marriage and faith—feels distant from my current experiences. Her reflections are insightful but, at times, lacked the universality I was hoping for, leaving me feeling more like an observer than a participant in her story.

The book’s tone and writing style also didn’t fully resonate with me. Jones’s prose leans toward the understated, occasionally slipping into a vaguely preachy cadence. While this might complement the contemplative nature of her essays, I found it a bit too subdued for my taste. That said, there is a time and place for this kind of introspective, heartfelt writing, and for readers at a different stage of life, it might feel exactly right.

Despite my reservations, Ordinary Time has a memorable conclusion that struck a chord:

“Good stories are anywhere you are. Your ordinary life matters, and the place you’re living it matters, too.
We can’t all move to New York. We can’t all leave; some of us, for whatever reason or purpose, have to stay.”

As someone who has chosen to leave but still feels tethered to the idea of home, this sentiment resonated. It’s a gentle reminder that meaning is not bound to one place, but found wherever we choose to embrace it. Though the book didn’t align with my current perspective, it left me with a sense of warmth and respect for those who find their story in staying rather than going.

Ordinary Time may not be the perfect fit for younger readers like me, but for those in search of comfort and connection in the quiet rhythms of adulthood, it’s likely to feel like home.

I have been a fan of Annie B Jones and her podcast, From the Front Porch, for many years! I was thrilled to hear she had a book coming out, and I'm most grateful to NetGalley for the free ARC digital copy for review. I flew through this book so quickly - this memoir has that 'un-put-down-able' quality I love when reading, but especially, when reading nonfiction/memoir/essay. Annie is the owner of the independent bookstore, The Bookshelf, in Thomasville, GA. (Of which I hope to visit one day soon!)
Ordinary Time is about staying, in many of its forms--chapters include, "staying put", "staying friends", staying faithful", "staying grounded" and "staying you". Author Emily P. Freeman wrote the forward to this book, and I loved her comparison of Annie's words to the combined voices of Wendell Berry and Nora Ephron. Each essay is absorbing, and full of wisdom, humor and moments I found myself saying, "Oh, you too? I thought I was the only one!".
Given that statement I just shared, I also have to say something that probably sounds contradictory. Parts of Annie's life don't feel relatable to me, especially in terms of her close-knit family and friends, her warm and friendly front porch, and beautiful connection to so many in her life. But I don't say that as a negative. Usually, when people write about "warm, fuzzy moments" (my terminology, not hers), that I can't relate to, it makes it hard for me to enjoy the book fully. But Annie has a wonderful way of writing about her experiences that made me feel warm and drew me into her experience. Her stories about her life reminded me to find the good and beautiful and true in my own life, and for that, I'm so grateful.
Annie's writing style is very conversational, and I highlighted so many quotes throughout the book. She writes about everything from her family and friend's experiences, to her journey of being a bookstore owner, to hospitality and of course, books. Though I highlighted pages and pages, some of my favorites include her words about staying:
"I am someone who stays...I have read very few books about stayers; those stories don't have pulsating plot lines or climactic moments of courage. Those books are the quiet ones...They are lauded for their quietness, but no critic says what we're really thinking, which is that these are the stories most familiar to our souls. Most of us, as it turns out, stay..."
I also loved this quote on reading:
"Books move me forward when I want to stay put. I read books because they fill up my depleted soul and give me renewed energy for a life spent outside the walls of my home...I think they're meant to be flashlights, moving us forward, p[lacing us in community with one another, giving us a reason to walk together..."

I look forward to giving this book to friends, as well as picking up a hardcover copy for myself when it releases next spring. If you love memoir, essays, and a book that feels like a friend when you're finished, don't miss Annie's shimmering debut! I can't wait to read what she writes next! Congratulations and wonderful job, Annie B. Jones!

I am a huge fan of Annie B. Jones and all that her and her staff do at The Bookshelf. This book is so essentially Annie. I felt like I was in a private conversation with her and learned things about her that I never knew. This book about staying and the lessons learned has come at the perfect time for me. I am debating making changes and Annie so captured a lot of the emotions that I am going through.

Ordinary Time is a heartfelt celebration of finding meaning and grace in everyday life. Annie B. Jones shares her personal journey of faith, family, and small-town community with warmth and authenticity. Her writing invites readers to reflect on the quiet power of staying rooted and making a difference right where you are. A beautifully written and inspiring reminder that the ordinary can be truly extraordinary.

I started out as a podcast listener to “From the Front Porch,” then became an online customer of “The Bookshelf.” Now I am an enthusiastic reader of Annie B. Jones’s first book, “Ordinary Time,” a collection of essays.

There are chapters about running a bookstore, about being childless, about the angst of changing faith communities – yet the common denominator is rootedness. Annie identifies as the high school friend who remained in the home town while classmates left the area to seek their fortune.

I loved discovering the backstory of The Bookshelf (Annie’s bookstore) as well as the behind-the-scenes operations. It’s been awhile since I worked retail and Annie aptly describes the impact a customer’s words – whether appreciative or critical – can have on employees.

I especially resonated with the section on staying faithful. Annie reminds me of the late Rachel Held Evans: in terms of her writing, her auburn bob, her contagious enthusiasm, and her willingness to grapple with challenging issues of faith.

My copy is full of highlighting and I know I will be re-reading it soon. “Ordinary Time” is one of those books where you feel as though you spent a long, lazy afternoon on the porch swing chatting with a friend, and you don’t want it to end.

As someone who moved from their small hometown and has lived in major cities on multiple continents since, I didn’t think I would relate to the heart of this book. And in some ways I couldn’t; but I love reading non fiction that shows me other viewpoints. But even without sharing a lot of these life experiences, I did still relate to the heart of this book, and it made me think of ways I have — and want to — “stay put” in my own life. This book was part memoir, sociological exploration, and self-help; it struck a good balance of all three.

I have been a fan of Annie's podcast so I was really excited for this. I really liked certain chapters and others not as much--which works well in a collection of essays. I really liked the section about her brother and their relationship and the many references to her grandparents. It is very genuine and sweet. I wasn't as interested in the sections about religion, but I knew that some would be like that when I started reading. It didn't take away from the book--just not my cup of tea.

Ordinary Time by Annie Jones is a beautifully written reflection on the quiet yet profound moments of life. Jones captures the essence of finding grace and meaning in the mundane, weaving together themes of faith, resilience, and human connection. Her prose is both lyrical and grounded, inviting readers to pause and savour life’s overlooked details.
Jones reminds us that the ordinary is often extraordinary when viewed through a lens of gratitude and reflection.

“What I do know is for now, I stay. And the stories I live here are as consequential, as interesting, as dynamic as anything I could have encountered in a larger city, even in the greatest city in the world.” - Annie B. Jones, Ordinary Time

Annie,

As a long-time From the Front Porch listener, your voice has accompanied me for many hours as I commute or do chores around my home. Listening to your podcast feels like I am traveling with a friend.

When you first announced that you were writing a book, I smiled from ear to ear. I felt so much pride for you, that you are bringing your lifelong dream of publishing a book to fruition.

When I received a notification from NetGalley that my request for an ARC of Ordinary Time was approved, I yet again found myself smiling from ear to ear.

Our life’s stories are so similar. I am a lifelong reader. I long to be a writer. I have lived in the same, small Alabama town my entire life while many of my friends have moved on. I still live two minutes from my parents.

I’ve never been to New York, or travelled anywhere outside of the South (minus one cruise to the Bahamas).

I painfully left the church my family belonged to for generations and it felt akin to what I imagine an ugly divorce is like.

I have always been a stayer. Our culture has long portrayed leaving as the ultimate power move, but we rarely get stories about the strength it takes to stay. Often, staying is much harder than leaving. The world needs more stories about staying.

Thank you for sharing your stories of staying with the world.

I emailed Annie B. Jones, nervously, in October of 2012 with a request: asking if one evening, after the @bookshelftville was closed, could I take over the shop for an engagement scavenger hunt for Hunter…to my delight, she said yes (as did Hunter 💍).

This was my first interaction with Annie and the foundation for our own friendship, outside of just knowing Hunter wanted to be her best friend. I am so privileged to know her.

There are biases, I will admit, to reading a work of art that your friend has put into the world. But bias, in this instance, is set aside to say that there is something in this book that literally anyone can relate to. Annie’s wisdom and experiences shine ✨ through her words like a beacon, guiding the reader in understanding her life, her choices, and the lessons she has learned along the way.

In particular, I was drawn to the essays where Annie speaks about faith. Her faith is strong, but not untested, and not without fear and trials. She writes about her faith in a similar way to Marilyn Robinson — not preaching, not attempting to sway anyone else’s beliefs, and boldly taking us through the struggles of maintaining faith and hope in the face of trials.

Having uprooted our lives this year in a move across the country, this book is a tonic, healing wounds I didn’t know existed from the move. From “leaving” while our friends and families stayed put. Annie dissects what it means to stay put in a world filled with “going” or living in search of particular dreams. Her life may not have turned out how she imagined, and the choices, or events she couldn’t control led to the life she has — a life filled with joy, meaningful relationships, and an understanding of translating the idea of faith into faith in yourself.

Annie writes with such clarity and her humor breaks through just when you need it (to break up my tears 😭).

What does it mean to live an ordinary life? Are there extraordinary things to be found in the ordinary? Let Annie take you on this journey. You won’t regret it.

I always struggle rating a memoir - who am I to put stars to something so very personal? This book is no exception. Thrilled to read an arc through NetGalley, I was a little hesitant to start this one. A long time listener of From the Front Porch and a long distance fan of The Bookshelf, I was worried the Annie B Jones I have formed in my mind, a slightly goofy fellow nerd laughing at a get together, plate in hand and not worried about keeping up with the “cool kids” wouldn’t be the Annie B Jones I met in this deeply personal collection of essays. Rest assured, I was not disappointed.

Until the last couple of chapters and Epilogue, this was a very solid 4 star for me. The stories were interesting, Annie’s takes on school, faith, friends, grandparents and such were easily consumed even if at times the translations weren’t perfectly smooth. The last few chapters, where Annie confronts her feelings about motherhood, about family, and about dreams not followed really resonated and bumped my rating up. I highlighted so many passages and was assured that my feelings about Annie being 100% comfortable in her own skin yet a bit askew in the world were spot on. A fellow book lover, nothing ever hit so close to her description of how home fills her up, how routine and consistency are the foundation of her life, while recognizing some deviations from this continuity including a pool and a puppy can enrich a completely satisfactory life.

I am a stayer, an ordinary person without fanfare, fame or high amounts of exciting experiences. Yet in this book my love of books, of everyday moments and nature and comforting routines was acknowledged and seen as just as worthy and valid as the life of leavers and doers. And for that I gladly round up to 5 stars.

I highly suggest reading an essay at a time and stopping. This will smooth out the transitions a bit and allow Annie’s words to really sit with the reader. I plan to re read this book that way. Well done Annie B Jones!

Ordinary time was such a poignant read for me as I often have felt the same way as author Annie B Jones has in life. Just an ordinary girl finding her way through. On the journey where it may feel that others are passing by and doing "more" or "bigger" or that you are not doing enough. Staying when others are leaving and what that really means.

Finding purpose and meaning in a life well lived and defined on your own terms is a journey this book takes you on as Annie shares her experience in this book as she also shares on her From the Front Porch podcast, which I'd not heard of until I read the book. I will be listening soon.

There was something so personal and comforting about it in the world of parasocial relationships this read felt a bit different. A bit closer to home and relatable. Giving a value to not only the bigness of life but of the here and now of it, the home and relatability and ordinaryness that can be just as beautiful as the extraordinary.

I would recommend this book for anyone who may have felt that they should desire more when what they have is enough.

*Ordinary Time* is like having a heart-to-heart with a good friend about the magic in the everyday stuff we often overlook. It’s full of warmth, wisdom, and reminds you that life doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful—sometimes, staying put is the most important choice of all.

When I saw the title, I immediately wanted to read this book. I figured I could relate as I have lived in the same town for my entire life. I am 55 and just assumed the author would be at least my age or older to be writing about a lifetime of living in one place. I was disappointed when I started reading the book and realized she is just pushing 40. She is the owner of an independent bookstore and a podcaster, but I have never listened to From the Front Porch. I assume fans of that would enjoy the book.

The whole book isn’t bad, it just isn’t what I was expecting. She does write about some life lessons she feels she learned by staying in place. I think they are basic lessons we all learn in the course of a lifetime. I guess if one is in their 20’s they might find this useful, but I did not. I do agree with her thought that a small life is worth as much as a big one meaning you can do great things wherever you are.

Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones is a collection of stories about Annie's personal career, family and religious journey. Reading the book is like chatting with a friend about her life experiences. The premise of the book is the importance of community builders - those that stay in a community and build businesses and families in their small towns. These community builders, like Annie and her husband, are vital and have a strong impact on those around them. Annie B. Jones proves that an individual does not need to move to LA or NYC to make an impact. They can do it right from their front porch.

Annie B. Jones’s *Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put* is a beautifully introspective and quietly profound book that celebrates the value of a life lived on its own terms. In a world that often glorifies big moves and loud achievements, Jones offers a counterpoint: staying put can be its own kind of adventure, filled with meaning, growth, and unexpected joy. With her signature warmth, wit, and keen observational eye, the *From the Front Porch* podcast host and independent bookstore owner invites readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Jones recounts her own journey, from dreaming of bustling cities and high-powered careers to finding herself rooted in the same small town she’d always called home. It’s a life she once thought would be too quiet, too small, but over time, she discovered it was filled with treasures—community, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. With candid reflections and relatable humor, Jones shares how staying in one place shaped her marriage, her faith, and her identity, ultimately transforming her perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling life.

What makes *Ordinary Time* stand out is Jones’s ability to find beauty and significance in the everyday. She explores universal themes—identity, purpose, and contentment—through the lens of her own life, offering lessons that resonate no matter where readers are in their journeys. Her writing is approachable and conversational, making it feel like you’re chatting with a wise and funny friend over coffee. She doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges of staying put, from the nagging "what ifs" to moments of self-doubt, but she frames these struggles as part of the beauty of a life well-lived.

The book is filled with poignant insights and gentle reminders to appreciate the lives we’re already living. Jones writes with a Nora Ephron-esque charm, blending humor and heartfelt reflection to paint a picture of a life that, while seemingly quiet, is rich with meaning. Her anecdotes about her small-town bookstore, her enduring marriage, and the shifting dynamics of friendships and faith are relatable and inspiring. They remind readers that fulfillment isn’t found in far-off dreams but in the daily choice to embrace where we are.

*Ordinary Time* is a love letter to the unsung moments that make up our lives, from the familiar streets of a hometown to the small victories of sticking with what matters. Jones challenges readers to rethink the notion that bigger is always better, instead inviting us to find adventure and possibility in the here and now. It’s a message that feels especially timely, offering a grounding perspective in a world that often prioritizes movement over stillness.

For fans of memoirs that blend humor, wisdom, and soul-searching, *Ordinary Time* is a must-read. Annie B. Jones delivers a tender, thought-provoking reminder that the lives we’ve always dreamed of might just be the ones we’re already living. This is a five-star celebration of the ordinary, proving it’s anything but.