Things I Read & Loved

Ep 6 | Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado

Have you ever felt a hurt so deep it felt tangible, like a rock pressing on your soul? If you have, you're not alone. The world is heavy right now—political strife, global crises, economic struggles. It’s no wonder that hope and joy are hard to come by.
But in the middle of this, I want to remind you: There is hope. In this episode, we dive into Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado, a book that speaks to the heart of what Christmas is really about.
Max Lucado’s book became a yearly reread for me because it’s an Advent book that speaks plainly, with a pragmatic view of the world and the perfect message of hope. Through the story of the birth of Jesus in a humble manger, Max reminds us that God’s love is real, unconditional, and transformative.
I’ll walk you through the three areas we explore in every episode:
The Characters: This book isn’t just about Bethlehem—it’s about Jesus, the Savior who changed the world. Max shares how the world reacted to God walking among us, from the redemption of the thief on the cross to King Herod’s tragic fear-driven actions.
The World-Building: Max has a gift for making the world of Bethlehem feel alive. He shows how even the most mundane details—the hassle of a census, a full inn—are part of God’s perfect plan to bring hope to a broken world.
The Feelings: Because of Bethlehem is filled with deep hope. It reminds us that no matter how heavy the world feels, grace is always greater. Max encourages us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, beyond the hustle and bustle of the season.
I’ll also share my star rating, and this one gets 5 out of 5 stars! Because of Bethlehem is a beautiful, comforting reminder of God’s love and the hope we can find in Jesus, no matter how hard life gets.
// Connect with me //· Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/heykelleyhill
· Books for Kids — https://www.youtube.com/@TheBluebirdBookshelf
· To request book reviews or to send ARCs, please email heykelleyhill@gmail.com

Ep 5 | Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

In this episode, I talk about Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund—a book that took me by surprise in the best way. I share how it reshaped my understanding of Jesus' love, how its words have lingered in my heart, and why it’s one of my most-recommended books of all time.
If you’ve ever struggled to believe that Jesus actually loves you, this is for you.
Join me for honest reflections, personal stories, and a deep dive into why Gentle and Lowly is a must-read.
Connect with me:· Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/heykelleyhill
· Books for Kids — https://www.youtube.com/@TheBluebirdBookshelf

Ep 4 | The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

In this episode, I share a heartwarming story about my nieces and nephew waiting a whole year to finish The Christmas Pig with me—a touching reminder of how stories can bond us. We explore the book’s unforgettable characters, magical world-building, and its deep themes of love, loss, and hope. It’s a holiday adventure perfect for kids and adults alike. Tune in to hear why this story left such a lasting impression on me—and why you should read it this Christmas.
 
Connect with me:· Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/heykelleyhill
· Books for Kids — https://www.youtube.com/@TheBluebirdBookshelf

Ep 3 | Chicken Divan by my mom

In today’s episode, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to the days of slow, dinner-table upbringings. I’ll share my all-time favorite recipe from my mom, the heartwarming memories tied to it, and how it shaped my life. We’ll also explore the lasting power of words, how they become our legacy, and simple actions you can take right now to impact future generations. Plus, I hope you’ll love the recipe I share—it’s a delicious slice of my family’s history!
 
Grab your copy of my mom's Chicken Divan recipe here: https://www.heykelleyhill.com/things-i-read-and-loved-podcast/ep3
 
Connect with me:· Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/heykelleyhill
· Books for Kids — https://www.youtube.com/@TheBluebirdBookshelf

Ep 2 | Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell

Juniper Bean has to stop killing people—in her books, that is. Today's episode is a fun, lighthearted read about growing up and chasing your dreams, all while solving a murder in the process. I don't typically like whodunits, but Juniper Bean captivated me from the very first page. It's the perfect Thanksgiving-week read!
 
Grab your copy of Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder here: https://amzn.to/4fLUaNm
 
Connect with me:· Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/heykelleyhill
· Books for Kids — https://www.youtube.com/@TheBluebirdBookshelf
 

Ep 1 | The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

In my first episode, I share something that broke my heart, one of my favorite books of all time, and encouragement for you that God is with you.
 
Grab your copy of The Hiding Place Here: https://amzn.to/3ZrO7rF
 
Connect with me:· Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/heykelleyhill
· Books for Kids — https://www.youtube.com/@TheBluebirdBookshelf