You’ve Arrived!
Life’s busy. Let’s stop and smell the books.

I’m Michelle, and I’m so glad you’re here.
The Book Devotions is for people who love to read books and want to make it a priority.
Here, we read for the sheer delight of it. In the process, we learn and grow.
Com’on, I’ll give you a tour…
Book Reviews
Here’s a master list of all the books I’ve reviewed here. Have your TBR handy!
Email Newsletter
Treat your inbox to bookish bliss every week. I share fun freebies, resources, trivia, and newsy literature links.
Book Lists
Need help deciding what to read next? These themed booklists are surefire slump-busters
Shop
Snag printables, templates, and other literary goods for devoted readers and teachers.
The Essential Devotions
These short articles describe what The Book Devotions is all about. Consider this my manifesto.
Let’s lose ourselves in books!
Losing yourself in a book is more than just enjoying a bit of entertainment. It’s sanctifying to your soul. Here’s why.
Reading is not a guilty pleasure
Why do you feel so guilty for taking time to read books? Let’s release the guilt and embrace the gift.
Is reading books good for you?
Or is it a time-waster that detracts from your spiritual walk?
Why the world needs readers (like you)
Is being a reader that important in the big scheme of things? YES, it is. Discover why the world needs readers now more than ever.
Read to relax (here’s why it works)
I read to relax and destress, and I bet you do, too. But WHY is reading so relaxing? Here’s why books are your fast track to R&R.
Bookworm Alert!
Here’s the latest on the blog.
Escape into a World of Words: 19 Summer Reading Book Lists for Middle Schoolers and Tweens
These 19 summer reading book lists for middle school will have your 7th and 8th graders escaping into a world of words that will capture their imagination and (just maybe) turn them into lifelong bookworms!
Adventure Awaits: 23 Summer Reading Book Lists for Upper Elementary Students (Ages 9-12)
These 23 summer reading book lists for upper elementary kids will keep your 9- to 12-year-olds stocked with awesome literary adventures that’ll last all summer long. Perfect for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.
How I created a FUN summer reading challenge for my kids (that’s EASY for me!)
Not crazy about your library’s summer reading challenge? Here’s how I created a custom summer reading challenge for my kids. It’s simple and fun. What more can you ask?
Book Reviews for May 2023
My book reviews for May 2023 include a backlist title by an author I love, a DNF of a mega-popular novel, and some great kids books (as always).
Dive into Imagination! 21 Summer Reading Book Lists for Early Elementary Kids (Ages 6-9)
Dive into these 21 summer reading book lists for early elementary kids that will help your emerging reader fall in love with books over summer break!
22 Superb Summer Reading Book Lists for Mom
This collection of summer reading book lists for mom will explode your TBR with beach reads. Here’s to easy, entertaining summer reading!
Summer Reading Challenge 2023
Looking for a FUN summer reading challenge to do with your family? One that isn’t too blah or bonkers? Well, do I have something for YOU!
How to use ChatGPT for book recommendations, custom booklists, and more
Can you use ChatGPT for book recommendations? Yes—if you know how to ask the right way. I’ll show you how to prompt ChatGPT to find awesome bookish goodness.
Book Reviews for April 2023
Here are my book reviews for April 2023. My reading revolved around Shakespeare’s birthday and Middle Grade March. Come see what’s new!
Michelle’s Master List of Book Reviews
Here’s my master list of book reviews. Yep, every book I’ve reviewed on the site so that you can find what you’re looking for in a flash.
5 Free printable reading trackers for adults
Here are 5 free printable reading trackers that are perfect for adult book lovers! The bundle includes soft colors as well as black and white versions.
Book Reviews for March 2023
My book reviews for March 2023 include a few ADORABLE romcoms, an emotional novel that brought me to tears, and lots of fun middle-grade series.
3 Printable Pride and Prejudice Reading Schedules: Finish in 1, 2, or 4 Weeks
Finally check this classic novel off your bucket list (even if you don’t do classics). Choose from three Pride and Prejudice reading schedules to finish in 1, 2, or 4 weeks.
Best Page-Turner Books, According to 12 Devoted Readers and Authors
Say goodbye to that reading slump! Here are the best page turner books that’ll have you reading past your bedtime, according to 12 readers and authors.
Book Reviews for February 2023
Here are my book reviews for February 2023. I’m in the middle of a doorstopper classic. I read YA fantasy, a modern romance, and a bunch of kids books.
Book Reviews for January 2023
Here’s what I read in January 2023. One stellar memoir. A nostalgic new middle-grade novel. Loads of children’s books.
Papa Panov’s Special Christmas Read-Along
Read the short story Papa Panov’s Special Christmas, written by Ruben Salliens and translated by Leo Tolstoy. Or listen to me narrate the story to you on audio.
Your Year in Books 2022
Here’s how to take a snapshot of your Year in Books. I’ll show you mine for 2022, and you can use it as a template to map your best-loved reads of the year.
Book Reviews for Winter 2022
Here are my book reviews for winter 2022. Lots of five-star books this month, including two atmospheric literary novels and (probably) the best motherhood book I’ve ever read.
Christmas at Red Butte Read-Along
Join us for a festive holiday read-along of “Christmas at Red Butte,” a charming short story by L. M. Montgomery. Great for homeschool literature and book club-style discussions.