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You are here: Home / Reading / Books / 65 Clean Books to Read

65 Clean Books to Read

July 9, 2018 By Kerry 41 Comments

How to find clean books to read: that’s something many of us avid readers struggle with. I belong to a book club that is comprised of neighborhood ladies who attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regularly. Occasionally, someone not religious or of another faith will join us. Regardless, we all have a strong desire to enjoy clean books every month. None of us likes to be surprised with strong language, sexually explicit scenes, or things that make us cringe. That said, we’re not taking time each month to read boring fluff. Reading is our personal escape to challenge our minds and go places. We want books with good plots, strong characters, and realistic experiences. So what do we read?

Book Clubs, rev your engines. And don’t worry about nasty surprises in the great reads suggested here.

Are you looking for a clean book to read? This list of 65 excellent reads won't surprise you with foul language or explicit scenes. #cleanbookstoread #booksforwomen #bookclub #mustread #foradults

Clean Reads List

These are books I have personally read and remember them to be clean reads. There may be a few swear words that slip in, but they are mild. Most of them have squeaky clean language throughout. If you have any questions about how clean the language is in any of these books, be sure to read my tip at the end. You can determine exactly how many and which swear words are in any given book, which definitely helps when you’re recommending the book or determining if it’s worth your time and personal standards.

Please note: I use affiliate links in this post. If you purchase using the links, I make a small commission at no expense to you.

Safe House

Safe House, by Shannon Symonds at shannonsymonds.com. This is a work of fiction based on true accounts. The author is an advocate for women who have endured abusive situations. Through her community efforts and career, she has helped many women cope with or escape abusive situations. Why do some women stay? How do some find the courage to escape? Explore a little of what can happen through the eyes of fictional characters Grace James and Officer Hart. Shannon visited our bookclub in Utah. Our group was so impressed with her sensitivities and knowledge of a tough subject. We applaud her efforts to shed a light on this often-silent social issue, and we pray for women in abusive relationships. May they know of their worth and escape their tormented situations.

Carried

Carried, by Michelle Schmidt and Angie Taylor. A true account. Some of you may recall two years ago when Annie Schmidt, daughter of Jon Schmidt from The Piano Guys, went missing. October 2018 is the two-year anniversary, and Annie’s mother Michelle tells how she trusted in God to help her through the family’s excruciating ordeal of recovering Annie’s body. She also offers insight for coping with a variety of life challenges, hoping to help anyone suffering. I recommend this as one of the best clean books to read.

God’s Smuggler

God’s Smuggler, by Brother Andrew. Nonfiction account of Brother Andrew as a missionary, sneaking Bibles to countries behind the Iron Curtain after WWII. Read of the many miracles he experienced as he totally turned His life and mission over to Jesus Christ.

The Shoemaker’s Wife

The Shoemaker’s Wife, by Adriana Trigiani. Step into historic Italy with this compelling story of two brothers whose mother becomes ill from depression and leaves them under the care of nuns. They live in a monastery until life takes them on different paths. One brother, with his handsome Italian features, does have several relationships with women, but details aren’t shared. He finally settles down with his true love–after his life and hers take many different paths. Women characters are strong in this book, which our book club always applauds. 🙂

These Is My Words

These Is My Words, by Nancy Turner. This is always a book club favorite and has been suggested or read in every group I’ve attended. The main character, Sarah Agnes Prine, is a tough frontier woman. Self-educated, she learns to read and eagerly explore the world around her, despite the many challenges she faces in a hard life. There are some tough scenes in this book: loss of love, abuse, death. But the language is clean (with a few minor cusses) and overall the book is one you can’t put down.

Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven

Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven, by Fannie Flagg. One minute Elner Shimfissle is alive and well, picking figs from her tree; the next minute she’s . . . well, in heaven. But her version of heaven is humorous–and a little off-beat. Enjoy this book from the first page to the last. Every story has to have conflict, so just know there’s an attempted rape and killing for self-defense, though no details are shared. Just enough is shared to give the idea and lend suspense to the overall story. Elner will make you want to live life to the fullest. Every bug, every spec of nature is a delight. Enjoy this read.

The Secret Life of Bees

The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd. You have most likely read this book, but just in case you haven’t, it’s on our list. Set in South Carolina, young Lily Owens needs closure for her mother’s death. Her life journey takes a sudden turn when she frees her “stand-in” black mother, Rosaleen, from local racists and escapes with her to Tiburon to live with Rosaleen’s sisters. This small town holds the secret to Lily’s mother’s past–and a secret life of bees unfolds. This book goes deep. Suicide happens. The struggles of life are real. But this book won’t leave you shocked because you accidentally read something that goes against your reading standards.

Bomb

Bomb, by Steve Sheinkin. My son’s eighth grade English class just read this, and I had read it before him in book club. We had some great discussions, and he also interviewed his grandfather, who remembered a great deal about the making of the first atomic bomb. With this read, you’ll learn the history of the era and race to make and steal the weapon that changed the modern world.

The Orphan Keeper

The Orphan Keeper, by Camron Wright. Based on the true story of Taj Rowland, this book will introduce the world of India as you’ve never read it before. Raised in a loving family, young Chellamuthu is suddenly kidnapped at age 7 and sent to live in a Christian orphanage, from which he is later adopted by parents in the US. Over the years, he struggles to adapt to American life, even changing his name to Taj, something people can pronounce. Though his past is buried deep in his mind, glimpses come back. Eventually, he falls in love with a young woman from India. Learn how he discovers bits and pieces of his past–and eventually returns to India, seeking his family.

The Rent Collector

The Rent Collector, by Camron Wright. Daily survival in one of Cambodia’s largest waste dumps is no life for anyone. But it is reality for Ki Lim and Sang Ly–and thousands of others who sort through the scraps to piece together earnings for a meager existence. No matter how hard they work, it’s never enough. And then The Rent Collector takes a huge chunk every month. Crusty, loud, rude–and often very drunk, she is the area’s tyrant who comes, again and again to collect her share. Yet Sang Ly is courteous and respectful, and an unusual teacher-student relationship forms when Sang realizes her ill-tempered rent collector can read. Not only can she read, but she has a story, a past life. Life in the dump shows that many things deserve a second chance to be repurposed–including an illiterate peasant and a seemingly stubborn, heartless woman.

The Fixer

The Fixer, by Jennifer Barnes. This is YA fiction, but don’t discount it. I stayed up until 3 am reading it. Some of the main characters are teens; some are the parents. You’ll discover surprising twists as young Tess Kendrick finds out that her big sister, Ivy, is a notorious “fixer” in Washington, D.C., someone who fixes “problems” for people of political affluence. There’s suspense as you learn about each character and how Tess inadvertently follows in her sister’s footsteps to solve a high-profile problem at the White House.

Life of Pi

Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. I didn’t like this one for many chapters. But the ladies in my book club a few years ago insisted I ignore my “two-chapter rule” and keep going. The son of a zookeeper, young Pi becomes stranded on a boat at sea with a few surviving, wild creatures from his father’s one-time zoo collection. A story of survival, the book wraps up with two surprise endings. I know which one I believe. Read it and see which one you believe.

The Help

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. 1962 Jackson, Mississippi. Aibileen, a black maid. White folks. This isn’t just any story about whites and blacks in the south, though. It’s told with a twist, a white lady who doesn’t fit in with society either. Educated and accomplished, Skeeter is a single woman in a time when that was taboo. Aibileen’s and Skeeter’s lives intertwine as this story unravels. This is one of my all-time favorite clean books to read. I keep used copies to give away.

I Am Malala

I Am Malala, by Malala Yousafzi. A memoir by the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, this book provides so much material for a great discussion. Malala: the girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban.

The Book Thief

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. One of my very favorites, this book is set in 1939 Nazi, Germany. Young Liesel Meminger manages to scratch out a meager living, with her foster parents. Despite tough times, her foster-father helps her learn to read. You’ll be amazed at his creative teaching techniques and her tenacity to learn. Together, they endure bombing raids and care for a Jewish man hidden in their basement.

The Poisonwood Bible

The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver. I read this book many years ago. What most stands out in my mind is it’s poignant example of zealous religion gone bad. An evangelical minister takes his wife and children to the Congo to “save” the residents. No one wants to listen to him, but he persists. Finally, their life is so in danger that the family leaves, minus Dad. I remember the story is told from the children’s point of view. It’s interesting to watch how innocence turns into questions and eventually realism.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Orczy. I read this fabulous classic in high school with one of my all-time favorite teachers, Mrs. Stewart. A group of us even watched the movie with her at her house! Years later now, I’ve seen the play several times. It’s always a favorite. If you have never read this fictional account of the French Revolution, stop what you’re doing and pick up a copy. It’s a timeless novel set in 1792. Learn about the reign of terror during that time, when the aristocracy were guillotined routinely. The secret Scarlet Pimpernel comes to the rescue of innocent victims. Enjoy the story, while at the same time learning about an important time in history.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca SKloot. Who? Who is Henrietta Lacks? You may not know her name, but her cells live on. Taken without her knowledge and permission, a small sampling of her cells became key to medical discoveries and gene mapping, developing the polio vaccine, and more. Learn how a poor black woman, virtually unknown to anyone but her family, was the source for cells that have earned the medical industry billions of dollars, yet many of her living descendants can’t afford insurance. This true story helped me to think about bio-ethics in a way I had never considered before.

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. I’ve read this book at least twice, watched the movie with Gregory Peck, and attended a theatrical performance–and I love the story every time! This Pulitzer Prize winner is a story of race and injustice. But it’s not just any story. You’ll fall in love with Miss Jeanne Louise, better known as Scout, as her father-attorney Atticus courageously tries to defend a black man, whose complete innocence will never be recognized as not guilty. By the way, don’t bother reading Go Set a Watchman, published in 2015 but written before To Kill a Mockingbird. It ruins the story of the first, beloved classic.

Big in Japan

Big in Japan, by Jennifer (Stewart) Griffith at authorjennifergriffith.com. Yes, her mom was the favorite English teacher who introduced me to Scarlet Pimpernel. I’m also friends with Jennifer; we were college buddies at Utah State University. But that’s not the sole reason I recommend her book. Having lived in Japan for a time, Jennifer tells this story with heart. Buck, a big, beefy Texan whose life in the U. S. is ho-hum, travels to Japan for a vacation. All of a sudden his 300-pound stature is esteemed, and his life is changed forever. Learn all about sumo wrestling and the Japanese culture as this beefy blonde suddenly becomes skilled, famous–a HUGE somebody in Tokyo.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. When someone asks me to share my all-time favorite book, this is the one I go to. I love stories where girls teach themselves to read and love literature. Young Francie Nolan, a second-generation, impoverished Irish-American, has guts. She does what it takes to survive and thrive. Much like the tiny sapling outside her apartment window that struggles to push up through cracks in the concrete, Francie makes a good life for herself, despite all odds.

Popular Clean Books to Read

I haven’t read these, but they come highly recommended by friends.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Donald Miller
Al Capone Does My Shirts, by Gennifer Choldenko
Austenland and Midnight in Austenland, by Shannon Hale; update: I have since read this. They’re so much fun! Brain candy! I recommend them. (7/9/2018)
Behind Closed Doors, by B. A. Paris
Children of the Promise series, by Dean Hughes
Edenbrooke, by Julianne Donaldson
Entwined, by Heather Dixon
Fablehaven series, by Brandon Mull
Five Kingdoms series, by Brandon Mull
For Darkness Shows the Stars, by Diana Peterfreund
Jane Austen Ruined My Life, by Beth Patillo
Heaven Is Here, by Stephanie Nielson
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford
Inside Out And Back Again, by Thanhha Lai
Letters in the Jade Dragon Box, by Gale Sears
Letters to the Lost, by Iona Grey
Little Princes, by Conor Grennan
Roots, by Alex Haley
Sarah’s Key, by Tatian de Rosny
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas
The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
The Lightning Thief series, by Rick Riordan
The Lord of the Rings series, by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Lymond Chronicles series, by Dorothy Dunnett
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble
The Passion of Dolssa, by Julie Berry; update: I’ve read this one too. Excellent, with little swearing.
The Secret Keeper, by Kate Morton
True Sisters, by Sandra Dallas
Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, by Beth Hoffman
Unbroken, by Lauren Hillenbrand
Whistling Past the Graveyard, by Susan Crandall
Without You There Is No Us: My Time with the Sons of the North Korean Elite, by Suki Kim

How to Find Clean Books to Read

Have a book you want to read but aren’t sure if it’s clean? Read my related post about how to find clean books to read. You’ll learn some great tips for checking out a book before you buy it or recommend it.

Filed Under: Books Tagged With: book reviews

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Comments

  1. ShootingStarsMag says

    July 26, 2017 at 11:58 am

    I totally agree with The Book Thief. That’s such a great read!
    I’d also recommend Inside Out and Back Again that was on your list of ones you hadn’t yet read. It’s very good.

    -Lauren

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      July 27, 2017 at 5:45 pm

      Funny story about The Book Thief. I once had a friend who sent out a group message, asking if any of us had her copy of The Book Thief. She honestly didn’t recognize the irony of her request. Myself and a few other friends couldn’t resist replying with silly comments. Too funny!

      Reply
  2. Courtney says

    July 27, 2017 at 9:37 am

    Thank you for the list! I’m always looking for a good book.

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      July 27, 2017 at 5:46 pm

      Enjoy!!! And you don’t have to worry about nasty surprises. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Debbi says

    July 29, 2017 at 10:10 am

    Thank you! This is such a great list.

    Reply
  4. Dixie Henrie says

    July 3, 2018 at 9:51 am

    I was glad to find this list today, but surprised to see The Glass Castle listed as a clean read. Or maybe language isn’t a consideration, just content?

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      July 9, 2018 at 11:09 pm

      Dixie, You’re right! I will remove it from the list and should have checked the swear words first. (I actually searched them using Amazon’s Look Inside feature.) I compiled this list with a group of friends; we all liked it, and it’s certainly a memorable read. However, The Glass Castle does not meet my standards for a clean read–too many swear words. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

      Reply
      • Chery says

        November 10, 2020 at 8:30 am

        Sometimes a few swear words are easier than smutty content sexually or unbearable sadness. Thanks for your work and inout

        Reply
        • Kerry says

          November 14, 2020 at 10:49 pm

          Agreed. I can take a little salty language. But too much is too much. The smut is even worse. I just don’t need such junk in my mind. Thanks for weighing in.

          Reply
          • Tanya W says

            August 19, 2022 at 11:04 pm

            I’m a pretty sensitive reader, and usually bad language is very offputting, but for some reason I really like Tina Fey’s Bossypants (it has a few F=bombs, but is hilarious and I think generally clean. I’d be interested in a “Clean but Salty” list. Thank you for creating this post!

          • Kerry says

            August 21, 2022 at 2:50 pm

            Tina Fey isn’t my thing. But I know a lot of people love her. I totally specialize in clean reads. If you’re ever interested in joining along, I have a Facebook book club: The Book Club Ladies. You’re welcome to join us. It’s a fabulous, drama-free group of several hundred women.

  5. Kay West says

    January 31, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    Such a great list! I’ve been wanting to read the secret keeper. I always appreciate a list like this! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      January 31, 2019 at 7:34 pm

      I’m so glad this list is helpful to you. You’ll love The Secret Keeper.

      Reply
    • Chery says

      November 10, 2020 at 8:31 am

      A really good one!! As are her first four

      Reply
      • Kerry says

        November 14, 2020 at 10:51 pm

        I’m not sure which book you are referring to, but thanks for commenting.

        Reply
  6. Sharon says

    February 29, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    Hi Kerry, I am so glad I stumbled across your Pin on Pinterest! I appreciate the time and effort you put in to assemble this awesome list. Thanks, again!

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      March 6, 2020 at 12:07 am

      You just made my day! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

      Reply
    • Stephanie says

      April 19, 2022 at 8:47 pm

      Yes! Thank you so very much…I work so hard to find good, clean reads from our library, but so many of the books are fraught with profanity and graphic content.

      I am planning on releasing my novel this fall. It’s definitely a book that can be shared with your teen, your mom, or your grandma with no worries. It’s for women who love to read but are bone-weary of unwholesome books.

      Thanks again for this wonderful list!

      Reply
      • Kerry says

        May 5, 2022 at 11:57 pm

        You might be interested in joining my clean reads book club. There’s even a weekly, designated thread for sharing book deals. It’s a private group on FB called The Book Club Ladies. Let me know if you have any trouble finding it.

        Reply
  7. Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books) says

    March 6, 2020 at 7:06 am

    My book club is made up of mostly LDS ladies, too, so finding clean books is a struggle for us as well! This list should help 🙂 I’ve read a lot of these titles, but not all, so thanks for the recs. I just put a couple of them on hold at my library. I hadn’t heard of your blog before I Googled “clean happy books,” but I’m really glad to have found it. I’ll be back for sure!

    I read all kinds of books, not all of them clean, but when I review a book on my blog I always give it a movie-style rating to alert readers about content that may be offensive/disturbing. I always like to have a heads-up about such things, so I thought this would be a useful feature and my readers seem to agree.

    Susan
    http://www.blogginboutbooks.com

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      March 8, 2020 at 12:25 am

      Nice to meet you, Susan. I enjoy reading books so much that I don’t like nasty surprises. Thus the list. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Ruth says

    June 24, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    I’d recommend Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria. Historical fiction written by an stenographer about the Lakota culture before the advent of the white man, from a woman’s perspective. Tells the life story of Waterlily from birth through her young adulthood and you learn all about the cultural expectations and norms. I’ve read it over and over.

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      June 24, 2020 at 7:49 pm

      Thank you for the fabulous recommendation!

      Reply
  9. Elizabeth says

    July 28, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    Thank you! Is “A Man Called Ove” on your list? It Is a beautiful book and I remember it to be clean.
    Also “June Bug” by Chris Fabry

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      July 29, 2020 at 7:12 pm

      Thank you for your comment. A Man Called Ove is a good book, but it has the f-bomb a few times, so it’s excluded from this list.

      Reply
  10. Jessica says

    October 9, 2020 at 12:37 am

    Thanks for this list! Always looking for ways to find clean books to read. I looked up The Night Circus on goodreads and apparently there is an f-word in it as well as a couple of other words.

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      October 14, 2020 at 11:55 pm

      I’m glad you like the list. And I’m kicking The Night Circus out of our club. 🙂 Thanks for the help rooting it out. It’s one I haven’t read yet and relied on others’ recommendations to include it on the list.

      Reply
  11. Rachel says

    January 25, 2021 at 3:44 pm

    I’m shocked to see Secret Life of Bees on this list, as the Lord’s name is taken in vain in it’s pages. It’s a shame that folks accept this as “squeaky clean language”.

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      February 12, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      Oops! It’s such a great story that I must have overlooked that. It had been a while since I’d read the book, and when I asked friends for ideas for this post, several of them had recommended it. I certainly don’t tolerate taking the Lord’s name in vain. I’ll replace the book with another suggestion. Thanks for your comment.

      Reply
    • Stephanie L. Robertson says

      April 8, 2021 at 8:25 pm

      It really is a shame that some people believe it’s okay to take God and Jesus’ names in vain.

      Reply
      • Kerry says

        April 9, 2021 at 9:55 pm

        Agreed. It’s not ok.

        Reply
  12. Stephanie L. Robertson says

    April 8, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    Thank you so much for the list. I’m always in search of clean reads, which actually led me to write a novel…Hopefully, you’ll be able to add it to your list one day. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      April 9, 2021 at 9:56 pm

      Thanks for chiming in. I may create another list at some point, but I’m happy with the 65 already on this list. I, too, am authoring some books. 😉

      Reply
  13. Kathryn says

    April 24, 2021 at 11:33 am

    Thanks for compiling this! I came across this when I was googling “books without profanity” and your post was the first! I would also suggest anything by Maeve Binchy. She will have an occassional cuss word but no sex scenes and she is a great storyteller. Our book club also just finished “Rebecca” by Daphne Du Maurier and had a great discussion. It was written in 1936 so no cursing or sex scenes though it certainly has twisted moments.

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      April 29, 2021 at 9:14 pm

      I enjoy Maeve Binchy’s books as well. Thank you so much for your suggestions. I’ll have to read Rebecca.

      Reply
  14. Linda Coe says

    May 28, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    Thanks for compiling this list Kerry; so hard to know if a book is clean until you start reading. I tear them up when I find a bad one. Looking forward to reading some of these; especially The Book Thief.
    I loved Maeve Binchy”s “The Glass Lake” & would also recommend the following books:
    “Salt to the Sea”, Ruta Sepetys – “WWII”
    “The Nightingale”, Kristin Hannah (WWII as well)
    If you like the “The Nightingale” you might move on to “Fatal Decision: Edith Cavell WWI Nurse”, by Terri Arthur (multiple authors to Edith Cavell’s life but Terri Arthur did a great job) it is based on the true story of Edith’s life. Edith followed in Florence Nightingale’s footsteps (hence, the title of the other book) she saved the lives of hundreds of soldiers & put her life at risk by hiding them from the Germans while working at a hospital in Belgium. (includes photos of the real people) Makes us realize how good we have it when we read about what they went thru back then; makes me complain less after reading these books………….
    “Lost Girls” by Heather Young
    “We were the Lucky Ones” Georgia Hunter (WWII based on true story written by granddaughter of the family) It is amazing the things they went thru; a lot of details I could have never imagined………….VERY well written. There is a page of the family tree at the beginning of the book, be sure to flag that page to refer back to it until you get familiar with the family members. Once I hit chapter 4, I couldn’t put it down.
    “Calling me home”, Julie Kibler – takes place in the south & goes back in time as elderly woman shares dark secrets of her past.
    Leigh Perry’s series “A Skeleton in the family” is a very cute 6-book series if you want something lighthearted and fun! She is a very good writer.
    I would also recommend Debbie Macomber & Karen Kingsbury books. Both have several series book sets. Debbie’s “Rose Harbor Inn” 5-book series is very good as her books tend to teach good morals.
    “Little Women” Louisa May Alcott
    Richard Paul Evan’s “Christmas Box” series books.
    “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” by Mark Sullivan – Takes place in Italy about a teen boy & his family when the German’s start bombing & invading their city during WWII; the author interviewed the main character prior to writing his story.

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      June 21, 2021 at 11:42 pm

      Thank you! Thanks for your list. Some of them I’ve read. Some not. I should point out that Nightengale, by Kristin Hannah doesn’t make it on this list. It has the f-bomb several times. Excellent book, but it’s not a clean read.

      Reply
      • Linda S Coe says

        September 8, 2021 at 10:12 pm

        I am almost embarrassed to admit this but when I read Nightingale I skipped several chapters to the end as the anticipation was killing me so I must have missed the language in the chapters I skipped; sorry about that Kerry. Glad you caught that & took it off the list.

        Reply
        • Kerry says

          November 8, 2021 at 3:55 pm

          Many of my book club members skip pages that have objectionable content or language. I pay attention so I don’t recommend a book that contains such. I invite you to be in my online book club if you’re not already there. It’s a Facebook group: The Book Club Ladies. Come and join us!

          Reply
  15. BookZealots says

    March 8, 2022 at 1:31 pm

    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is not a “clean” book.
    It contains cussing, including using God and Jesus as curse words. Aunt Sissy is an adulterer, bigamist, and her mother, tries to justify a boy who was chased off from the neighborhood for rape, as having a good heart.
    This makes me suspicious of the rest of your books listed. =/

    Reply
    • Kerry says

      May 6, 2022 at 12:15 am

      It’s ok if you’re suspicious of my list. I don’t mind. It’s still my favorite book and is definitely PG/PG13, in my opinion.

      Reply

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But we have been very blessed by autism too. We have family members who have excelled academically, technologically, and in running world-renowned businesses. 

Autism, you’ve been a challenge. But you’ve also made us who we are. 💙

#april2 #autismawareness #autismmoms #autismmama #autismacceptance #autismfamily #autismlove #autismspectrum #autismutah #autismidaho
Inspired by the lives of the author’s maternal g Inspired by the lives of the author’s maternal grandparents. 

Will Kien desires to serve a mission to China in the early 1900s. Family friend Edward encourages Will to join their ministering family, which includes his sister-in-law Katherine. 

Will and Katherine eventually fall in love as they work tirelessly to teach and help the Chinese people in several remote communities. 

It’s a rough life and an incredible journey to read about. 

It’s absolutely a clean read and one that I highly recommend. 

This is one of those books you’ll think about long after you’ve read it. 

Courage, unconditional love, and absolute service are long-lasting lessons you’ll treasure from these pages. 

#cityoftranquillight #christianbooks #christianbookstagram #cleanreads #cleanreadsbooks #mrsladywordsmith #basedonatruestory
❤️Michael J. Fox but not this book. I keep w ❤️Michael J. Fox but not this book. 

I keep waiting for his documentary, Still, to be released on apple+. Until then, I thought I’d learn more about his life through his autobiography. 

Sadly, it’s a tedious read. I skipped a bunch. 

I gave up altogether because the f-bombs and other language were too much for me and completely ridiculous, to be honest. There was absolutely no reason for them. Just foul language. 

So this book went right back to the library drop box. 

Has anyone seen the documentary? Will the language in it make me cringe? 

I’m hoping it’s not so peppered with salty language. He has such a fascinating life story and has been such a courageous role model in his battle with Parkinson’s. 

I’d really like to learn more about him. 

#michaeljfox #still #autobiographybooks #mrsladywordsmith #booksthatswear
Stumped about what to read next? Let’s see if I Stumped about what to read next?

Let’s see if I can help you. Others might chime in too with ideas. 

What are you in the mood for??? What genre(s) do you like? 

I can ALWAYS find a good one, and I’m picky about good, clean content. 

#cleanreads #cleanreadsbooks #momswhoread #mrsladywordsmith #whattoreadnext
Plus a Cleaning HACK!☘️ My house is such a di Plus a Cleaning HACK!☘️

My house is such a disaster because I haven’t cleaned much all week. 

My husband has been out of town. 😊

So I just told the neighbor kids our leprechaun made a HUGE mess over here. 

They looked around, marveled at the leprechaun’s work, and believed me. 💚☘️🌈

And we made these awesome Leprechaun Trap Cookies. So it’s all worth it! 💚

#leprechauntricks #leprechauntrapcookie #leprechauntraps #stpattysdaycookies #cleaninghacksthatwork ☘️
Chicken, Alaska. 1927. A young, white teacher with Chicken, Alaska. 1927. A young, white teacher with grit. 

I love a good outdoor adventure with a strong female who takes the lead. Anne Hobbs was only 19 when she took on the tough assignment to teach in a small gold-mining town on the Alaska frontier. 

Based on a true story, this page turner unravels one challenge after another. A ramshackle schoolhouse, illiteracy, extreme poverty, irrational hatred for Native Americans, wolves, bears, harsh winter … It just goes on and on. 

Included is a bittersweet romance that just tugs at your heartstrings. 

Tisha (meaning teacher and pronounced tee-shaw) is how one beloved Native American refers to Anne. Originally published in 1976. This book isn’t politically correct. It tells the story as it really happened. There are harsh references to Native Americans and several non-white races. Sadly, that’s how things were and I applaud the historical accuracy in this book for telling us how it was. Plain and simple. 

By chance, have you read this one?
Watching flowers grow makes my world better. 🌷 Watching flowers grow makes my world better. 🌷

I moved my tulips into my room after making this fun reel to share with you. 

Why? Because I’m reading a new release that I can’t wait to share with you. 

Give me a couple of days, and watch for it. 💜

Tulips + Excellent Book = Happy Me 😊

I may also add chocolate …
🌷12 Feltboard Quotes to Ring in Spring 🌷

I’m finally updating my felt board after Christmas. 🤣

The rest of my home decor was put away on time, but my sign has been hidden for a few months. 

In case you’re looking for some fun, short seasonal sayings to display at home or work, I have a few you might love: 

🌷Winter left me with a few spring rolls. 

🌷Sorry for what I said in winter. 

🌷 Spring to your thing. 

🌷Easter is the only time it’s safe to put all your eggs in one basket. 

🌷Sunshine and shorts!

🌷Peony for your thoughts. 

🌷 Welcome, Easter Peeps!

🌷I hid Easter eggs in my tummy. 

🌷Don’t worry; be hoppy. 

🌷He is risen. 

🌷Only Jesus

🌷 #HearHim

Save this post for your next creative project that needs a fun, short quote. 💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Such a fabulous book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Such a fabulous book! Chiaverini’s books are clean reads, and I love recommending them. 

WIth this one step back in time to WWI when women were just beginning to help war efforts in new ways. 

Male soldiers weren’t able to multitask quickly enough to effectively man the switchboards, vital positions in communicating key tactical maneuvers. 

So select women were trained for the job. First missions were sent to France, some on the frontlines. 

Learn about how these women earned respect and finally gained Army recognition as soldiers. 

#historicalfiction
#bookreviews
I’m in love with this bookshelf. I love how it’s functional art. 

I saw this in a FB group and asked for permission to reshare the picture. 

The bookshelf is available on Etsy, but it’s spendy for me. 

Maybe you know a clever someone who could make this for you. 💜
Looking for a good read that’s not commonly know Looking for a good read that’s not commonly known. Try to surprise us. What’s a good, clean book you think we’ve never heard of?
Smart teacher! She’s got parent-teacher conferen Smart teacher! She’s got parent-teacher conferences all lined up. 

No one who’s waiting needs to wonder when it their turn. No one needs to interrupt. 

Such an easy way to communicate who’s next. Plus the board can be reused for so many purposes. 

Love it!

What does your child’s teacher do to organize for parent-teacher conferences? Or what do you do if you’re the teacher? ✏️

#teacherhacks #parentteacherconference #classroomorganization
I challenged myself to pull an old book off my boo I challenged myself to pull an old book off my bookshelf and start reading. 

I haven’t read this since I was a kid, probably 40 years ago. 

It’s been fabulous to revisit an old book friend. 

In my FB book club, other women have accepted the challenge to do likewise. It’s been fun to see what they’re reading. 

Want to join in? What’s a book on your shelf you haven’t read at all or in years?
#bookreview This has so many f-bombs and other fo #bookreview

This has so many f-bombs and other foul language that I gave up on it. 

For me, the storyline was mediocre. The fact that it’s historical fiction but not WWII piqued my interest. I wanted something different. 

But not this kind of different. …This book goes into sordid details about a female scientist in the 1950s who is abused in every way by men as she pursues her education and first career.

She meets another scientist, a famous one, at that job. They try to keep it simply professional but soon fall in love and live together. 

The intimacy scenes aren’t too detailed, which I think is good. 

But I just now stopped because I’m tired of wading through the f-bombs that have no relevance to the story. 

Sadly, before I ever got this book from the library, I asked three times if it is a clean read. Each time I was reassured that it is. 

I’m here to tell you it’s not. That doesn’t make it a bad book, and it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. But I’m going to share an honest review because I couldn’t get one before I picked this up and wasted several hours of reading.
Surround yourself with good books and join us! We Surround yourself with good books and join us! We have the BEST online book club. 💜

💜International and nondenominational 
💜For women only
💜Clean reads (PG13 or less)
💜Almost 800 members
💜Good engagement 
💜Zero drama

Link in first comment. Or PM and I’ll give it to you. 

#bookclub #onlinebookclub #onlinebookclubs #cleanreads #cleanreadsbooks #momswhoread  #mrsladywordsmith #womenwhoread #wordsmiths
Every person has their own agency, their own abili Every person has their own agency, their own ability to make choices. We simply cannot change that. 

For years, I have been one to try to fix others’ problems. I have a big heart, but it’s the wrong thing to do. 

Instead, I can support. But I cannot fix. 

Events in my life recently have taught me this more than anything. 

So I recently reread this helpful book to help me better understand my role. 

I’m not perfect—not even close. But I’m learning to simply validate others’ concerns and offer less suggestions (unless I’m specifically asked). 

It’s actually a huge relief. 

Have you read this one? Did it help you too? 

Comment if you’d like me to DM you the link. I’ll also share it in stories.
I just now finished The Last Bookshop in London. I just now finished The Last Bookshop in London. 

There have been some interruptions to my reading time, and today I was finally able to cozy up and escape. 

This book gives me courage. Grace, the main character, survives the London blitz by sharing her love of books with other survivors. 

But it’s more than that. She rebuilds lives as people come together in great need. 

Gathering to listen to Grace read, their souls are saved. Literally. 

I often feel deep connections to others when discussing shared reads. 

I believe couple and family bonds may be strengthened by reading too. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is absolutely clean and worth having in your mind.
Some schools are gearing up for spelling bees. If Some schools are gearing up for spelling bees. If you're in charge of it at your school or know who is, make it easy to do the award certificates.

Shown is one of four available in an instant download kit. Easily customizable. Fill in the blanks. Classic look worthy of scrapbooks and keepsakes.

Link in bio or comment/PM me for the link.

#spellingbee #spellingbeeaward #mrsladywordsmith
Need a goal chart for your kids? This one is popul Need a goal chart for your kids? This one is popular in my Etsy shop. Help your child focus on physical, spiritual, academic, and social goals to be well rounded.

Instant download. Link in bio or comment/message me for a link.

#goals2023 #kidsgoals #goalsetting #mrsladywordsmith
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I’ve had this up all year in my home. This most I’ve had this up all year in my home. This most glorious message is for every day. 

It’s for me. 

And my family. 

And for you … and your family. 

Jesus Christ is real. 

God sent Him to this earth to be our Redeemer. 

I am ever grateful. 

Every day. 

For eternity. 

#believeinhim #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #jesuschrist #heisrisen #mrsladywordsmith #christian #easter

Thank you, Natalie, for this beautiful scripture decor you gifted me. I treasure it. 💜 @doodlecraft
We are on this autism journey. 💙 Some of you k We are on this autism journey. 💙

Some of you know that our family (including extended family members) have had a lifetime of autism experiences. 

Each person is different. That’s why I like this image of autism. It’s every color. The symbolism of the circle represents infinity, the love we have for one another on this journey. 

With our family members, you wouldn’t immediately recognize the autism tendencies. Or maybe you would. 

I have aspects of autism. For instance, I can’t tell when I’m talking too loudly, but it makes for a great “teacher voice.”

Collectively, we deal with many of the harder aspects of the disorder: echolalia, meaning of words, social skills, isolation, sensory needs, and more. 

But we have been very blessed by autism too. We have family members who have excelled academically, technologically, and in running world-renowned businesses. 

Autism, you’ve been a challenge. But you’ve also made us who we are. 💙

#april2 #autismawareness #autismmoms #autismmama #autismacceptance #autismfamily #autismlove #autismspectrum #autismutah #autismidaho
Inspired by the lives of the author’s maternal g Inspired by the lives of the author’s maternal grandparents. 

Will Kien desires to serve a mission to China in the early 1900s. Family friend Edward encourages Will to join their ministering family, which includes his sister-in-law Katherine. 

Will and Katherine eventually fall in love as they work tirelessly to teach and help the Chinese people in several remote communities. 

It’s a rough life and an incredible journey to read about. 

It’s absolutely a clean read and one that I highly recommend. 

This is one of those books you’ll think about long after you’ve read it. 

Courage, unconditional love, and absolute service are long-lasting lessons you’ll treasure from these pages. 

#cityoftranquillight #christianbooks #christianbookstagram #cleanreads #cleanreadsbooks #mrsladywordsmith #basedonatruestory
❤️Michael J. Fox but not this book. I keep w ❤️Michael J. Fox but not this book. 

I keep waiting for his documentary, Still, to be released on apple+. Until then, I thought I’d learn more about his life through his autobiography. 

Sadly, it’s a tedious read. I skipped a bunch. 

I gave up altogether because the f-bombs and other language were too much for me and completely ridiculous, to be honest. There was absolutely no reason for them. Just foul language. 

So this book went right back to the library drop box. 

Has anyone seen the documentary? Will the language in it make me cringe? 

I’m hoping it’s not so peppered with salty language. He has such a fascinating life story and has been such a courageous role model in his battle with Parkinson’s. 

I’d really like to learn more about him. 

#michaeljfox #still #autobiographybooks #mrsladywordsmith #booksthatswear
Stumped about what to read next? Let’s see if I Stumped about what to read next?

Let’s see if I can help you. Others might chime in too with ideas. 

What are you in the mood for??? What genre(s) do you like? 

I can ALWAYS find a good one, and I’m picky about good, clean content. 

#cleanreads #cleanreadsbooks #momswhoread #mrsladywordsmith #whattoreadnext
Plus a Cleaning HACK!☘️ My house is such a di Plus a Cleaning HACK!☘️

My house is such a disaster because I haven’t cleaned much all week. 

My husband has been out of town. 😊

So I just told the neighbor kids our leprechaun made a HUGE mess over here. 

They looked around, marveled at the leprechaun’s work, and believed me. 💚☘️🌈

And we made these awesome Leprechaun Trap Cookies. So it’s all worth it! 💚

#leprechauntricks #leprechauntrapcookie #leprechauntraps #stpattysdaycookies #cleaninghacksthatwork ☘️
Chicken, Alaska. 1927. A young, white teacher with Chicken, Alaska. 1927. A young, white teacher with grit. 

I love a good outdoor adventure with a strong female who takes the lead. Anne Hobbs was only 19 when she took on the tough assignment to teach in a small gold-mining town on the Alaska frontier. 

Based on a true story, this page turner unravels one challenge after another. A ramshackle schoolhouse, illiteracy, extreme poverty, irrational hatred for Native Americans, wolves, bears, harsh winter … It just goes on and on. 

Included is a bittersweet romance that just tugs at your heartstrings. 

Tisha (meaning teacher and pronounced tee-shaw) is how one beloved Native American refers to Anne. Originally published in 1976. This book isn’t politically correct. It tells the story as it really happened. There are harsh references to Native Americans and several non-white races. Sadly, that’s how things were and I applaud the historical accuracy in this book for telling us how it was. Plain and simple. 

By chance, have you read this one?
Watching flowers grow makes my world better. 🌷 Watching flowers grow makes my world better. 🌷

I moved my tulips into my room after making this fun reel to share with you. 

Why? Because I’m reading a new release that I can’t wait to share with you. 

Give me a couple of days, and watch for it. 💜

Tulips + Excellent Book = Happy Me 😊

I may also add chocolate …
🌷12 Feltboard Quotes to Ring in Spring 🌷

I’m finally updating my felt board after Christmas. 🤣

The rest of my home decor was put away on time, but my sign has been hidden for a few months. 

In case you’re looking for some fun, short seasonal sayings to display at home or work, I have a few you might love: 

🌷Winter left me with a few spring rolls. 

🌷Sorry for what I said in winter. 

🌷 Spring to your thing. 

🌷Easter is the only time it’s safe to put all your eggs in one basket. 

🌷Sunshine and shorts!

🌷Peony for your thoughts. 

🌷 Welcome, Easter Peeps!

🌷I hid Easter eggs in my tummy. 

🌷Don’t worry; be hoppy. 

🌷He is risen. 

🌷Only Jesus

🌷 #HearHim

Save this post for your next creative project that needs a fun, short quote. 💜
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