I can't say enough good things about this lovely, contented series of essays that champion blooming where you are planted. I follow several Instagram accounts of people who live in Thomasville, Georgia, so I have seen the quaint charm that makes this town special. But to hear about it from a person who moved there and somewhat accidentally acquired a bookstore was just beyond charming. It is the perfect book to read in your twenties, then revisit in your thirties and forties, and beyond.

Through each season of life the author reflects on what she has learned, and I felt such a kinship with her experiences in a way I haven't felt since I was in my twenties or as a new mother looking to feel seen. I was so surprised to connect so deeply with her writing and her advocacy for simplicity. I highly recommend this book for book clubs and women of all ages.

Annie B. Jones and I have never met, though I have visited The Bookshelf in beautiful Thomasville, GA (a wink to podcast listeners). I have followed her and her store for years and listened to her podcast for so long that I feel like we are dear, old friends. Even though that's not the case and she doesn’t know me, she wrote this book for me too. Rarely have I ever felt so seen in reading anything! Multiple times I thought, "She's been in my head somehow" - her questions of faith, her love of her family, and her willingness to stay where she landed resonated on a shockingly deep level for me. This book has me contemplating my own seemingly small existence and realizing that it’s actually quite wonderful. This is such a special book. As a millennial, eldest daughter I especially needed this book. I will return to this one over and over again without a doubt. I had the honor of getting to listen to an ALC narrated by Annie, herself; I would absolutely recommend checking this book out in that format as hearing Jones' stories in her own voice is something special. That said, I cannot wait for my print copy to head my way (of course, from The Bookshelf!) so that I can tab, mark up, and reread!

I have been listening to Annie B. Jones's podcast, From the Front Porch, for years, so I was delighted to receive an ARC of her upcoming book, Ordinary Time. This is a book of essays about staying put while those around you leave. It's a comforting reflection on and celebration of a life lived quietly. Just because a life is ordinary does not make it any less important or meaningful. The audiobook is read by the author herself, and if you're a fan of her podcast, you will adore listening to the book on audio. Ordinary Time was a delight!

I so much adored this book. A fan of Nora Ephron movies, Annie decides to open a bookshop in a small town. Is she in over her head? What will happen when the 2020 pandemic hits? A book of sitting back, reflecting, books and what really matters. Beautiful writing. Annie narrating the book herself made it all the more special!