It's like sitting down with a best friend and discussing all of life's mysterious and wonderful events. Small town Southern life, books, friendship, romance and the mystical and majestic relationship with God. I grew ip in the South and this made me yearn for a trip back home. Not to be missed!

Annie is a well known name in the book world, and this personal collection of essays is only going to endear her even more to readers and book people. I really resonated with her musings on being a person who stays, and while I don't share her experiences with faith, the book doesn't preach. It feels like a story of fierce love for place and people, and it feels like a quiet conversation with a friend.

This is one of the greatest things I have ever had the pleasure of reading. These stories and anecdotes met me exactly where I am, which is fifteen minutes from the house I grew up in. I have never felt more seen or understood in my life. This is a warm hug. These stories make you feel comforted and supported by a friend who loves you. I am so shocked at how proud I feel of where I live and the small town job I have. Thank you.

A special thanks to NetGalley, HarperOne, and Annie B. Jones for a free digital ARC of this book!

This book is about what it means to stay put while everyone else is leaving, and how to cherish what you have in the process. I really appreciate the effort and reflection it took to write a book dedicated to the slower stories, the ones that aren’t usually shared in the book industry. I loved the energy of this book! It was so wholesome and uplifting. From being a reader, introvert, stayer, Christian, to even the Noah Kahan reference at the end, this book resonated with me deeply. It’s been a mindset I’ve been slowly trying to adopt, my dreams of running away seeming less necessary as I realize just how much I have right in front of me. I think both Ordinary Time and Noah Kahan’s music share that feeling of staying put extremely well, better than I’ve ever personally seen in the media before. Through sharing her own struggles of being misunderstood, she helps her readers feel seen in a way that she didn’t feel for a long time. So, I wanted to take a moment to thank Annie B. Jones for that.

That said, this book was longer than I think it needed to be. It started to get quite repetitive, and some lessons just dragged on a little bit. That’s not to say I didn’t love all the great slow sentiment in each chapter… I just think it could’ve been edited to be a tad bit more concise.

This book inspired me to quit placing mobile orders just because it’s ‘easier.’ To smile and say hello to strangers. To show up to funerals. To try new things, even if I’m not sure I’ll like them. To take a moment to appreciate the sunset. To remember what I used to love in childhood. To be Ringo. To join a book club. To stay put.

“When was the last time you loved something, and it showed?”

I’ve been following Annie B. Jones and The Bookshelf for years, so I was excited to see she was writing a book. In fact, I just knew I had to choose it for our book club’s next pick.

I related to a lot of Annie’s story. The oldest daughter, a business owner, resident of a small town, a person who “stays put”—these things often define me, too. And funny enough, as I was reading this book, I was also saying “goodbye” to one of my closest friends.

Annie’s writing style and her ability to capture big feelings and unique people are reminiscent of other writers I love.

This phrase is corny and overused, but I don’t know how else to describe it: Ordinary Time is a breath of fresh air. A delight.

I've been listening to Annie B. Jones on her podcast "From the Front Porch" for a few years, following along with her reading and her life running an indie bookstore, so I was so happy to hear she was releasing a book, and that I got to peruse an early copy. Annie's voice translates to her debut book so well; even without the audiobook, I could hear her voice as I read it, and her writing is exactly how she seems on her podcast and social media: warm, approachable, and thoughtful.

I am also a southerner, but one who moved to the big city; I've never planned to move or live in a small town, but the idea of a "small" or "ordinary" life is a relatable one you don't see discussed often. I also relate to larger ideas that Annie tackles, like those around making and keeping friends, finding community as an adult, and relationship to your family. I'm not religious, and don't look for writing on the subject, but I didn't mind a section being devoted to here, as Annie brought her particular perspective and reflections to it in a way that felt open and a natural fit. The overall subject of the book is perhaps a bit narrow for the book, and the themes and ideas could feel a bit repetitive at points, but not so much that I got bored or frustrated. The book is still a cozy, hopeful, and affirming read, and one I'll remember when I reflect on life feeling quiet.

Her writing is approachable and enjoyable, especially to this elder millennial. I found many of her observations and experiences relatable as a fellow Southerner who grew up around the same time that she did. Each chapter reads like a short, standalone essay, but the parts of the book fit a larger theme of staying when others leave. I especially enjoyed the chapter on the relationship between older sisters and younger brothers, an often overlooked dynamic.

From the moment I heard Annie B. Jones was publishing a book, I knew I'd want to read it, regardless of its subject matter.

Nine years ago, when in Thomasville, Georgia, for a wedding of one of my husband's college friends, we wandered through the shops on their quiet main street and stumbled upon a bookstore. When I crossed the threshold, I knew I'd found a special place. We browsed for quite a while, and walked away with a giant picture book of funky animal art prints that was on clearance (with the dream of someday hanging them on my kids' walls -- and I'm happy to report that seven of those prints do adorn my 5yo and 2yo's walls) and a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. It wasn't until probably a year later when I discovered the From the Front Porch podcast and became an avid Annie B. Jones fan. And even then, I felt like I already knew her a bit from just being in her store for an hour.

Annie is a beautiful writer. Anyone who follows her instagram knows that. Her captions are some of the loveliest words on the platform. I'm pleased to say that beautiful writing translates equally well into a longer format in this, her debut collection of essays about the art of staying put. While her childhood dreams always had her in the bustle of a big city, Annie's realities kept her tucked right where she grew up. Through careful reflection but without taking herself too seriously, she meditates on why there is plenty of joy to be found in that life too.

While I didn't think a ton of this felt new (like I said, I've been reading her musings for years) and think that readers unfamiliar with Annie might get even more out of this, I still loved my reading experience. I love the concept as a whole -- giving honor to the ordinary. I underlined a ton, and cannot wait to translate those underlines to my print copy when I go to one of her few book launch events next month. Hopefully plenty of other readers will too, once this beautiful little book releases next week. Congrats, Annie!

Many thanks to HarperOne and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Annie's essays on small town life, and building true friendships in an area that is already a close-knit community is heartwarming. Annie B. Jones is a treasure on her podcast "From the Front Porch" and this book just adds to reason to adore her.

I don't think I've ever read a memoir where I've related to the author's mindset and lifestyle this much. I felt very seen by the idea that ordinary, quiet, and consistent lives can be just as fulfilling or exciting as loud, adventurous, ever-changing ones. That being said, I don't think I got much out of this book because the messaging was nothing new to me. I was also expecting more of a cohesive memoir about a small town independent bookstore owner, but it was more like a collection of essays about various topics all related to a central theme of slow living and staying put. There were some very touching excerpts though and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was already a fan of the podcast.

Thank you to HarperOne and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this book!

In Ordinary Time, Annie’s voice is earnest and accessible, and she’s open about her decisions to stay put and lead a quiet life. Because I also married the man I met when I was a teenager and seek a quieter life than other people I know, I thought that I would relate more to her, but ultimately, I just didn’t feel like the right reader for this book.

Because I did leave my hometown and start a new life in a big city, the messages here didn’t resonate as much with me, so I decided not to finish after 15%. I know that this book resonates with so many people and I think it’s beautifully written, it’s just a case of me not being quite the right reader for it! I also didn’t realize how much faith would play into the narrative, which was an element that I couldn’t personally relate to but I know that other readers will.

Overall, I think it’s a great book for so many people but ultimately just not right for me at this stage in my life!

A book that feels like you’re sitting on the front porch with Annie as you hear about some of the pivotal (and more ordinary) moments of her life. I appreciated the author’s vulnerability - her willingness to express doubt and admit that even now she doesn’t know all the answers. A lovely read of beautiful reflections.

Annie B. Jones is the owner of small-town bookstore The Bookshelf, as well as the host of the podcast "From the Front Porch." She has been a personal Instagram follow of mine for quite a while, so I was excited to see that she was authoring her first book! This book, "Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put", fights against the idea that we have to leave our hometowns and do something newsworthy in order to live an accomplished life. Jones asserts that staying put and planting roots is a courageous act as well. I especially resonated with her section about faith and the difficult decisions she and her husband have made in that area.

Jones is honest, transparent, and genuine in her writing and invites her readers into her thoughts and emotions. I enjoyed this book and appreciate Jones cheering for those of us who don't travel far. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones--I loved this collection of essays by bookstore owner & podcaster Annie B. Jones. She writes about her ordinary life and staying in a place when others come and go. There are essays about work, family, community, books, church, and the things we all deal with as people. Her writing is lovely and warm. Definitely pick this one up when it releases on 4/22 if you enjoy essays. Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the advance copy.

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.

Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put, is our book. I could have read it in one day, but I made myself stop. And when I turned the last page, I wanted to start back over and read it again. Annie Jones wrote this one for us, for the ones who stayed. The world shouts for us to move on, to make changes, to toss out the old. And yet, through the hardships and even the loneliness, we stayed—in small towns, in struggling church congregations, in routine jobs. We weathered struggling friendships and the ups and downs of marriages, and for better or for worse, we stayed put.

I was not prepared for the impact that this book delivered. So much of it was chapter and verse of the life so many women, like me, have lived. Society embraces the idea of constant change. Relationships fade, friends move away, and family dynamics shift, but we tenaciously cling to ours and nurture them back to life.

This memoir encourages readers to search for contentment right where we are. We are rooted here, and we’ll bloom or bust right here! This book is about holding on, which means that we sometimes have to let go of those insignificant things that don’t matter anyway. Instead, we pass along thoughtfulness, honesty, compassion, mercy, and an overwhelming sense of awe and wonder at this one life we have to live. What inspiration I found throughout the text, like the call to be the calm in the storm. Annie’s collection of stories is about our staying seasons. Whether we choose to stay or are forced to remain, our days can still be full of light, of promise, and of hope.

A book for the stayers. A look into the gifts of living an ordinary life and challenging the idea that loud lives and bold moves are better or more fulfilling.

Full disclosure: I’m not a podcast person so I had no idea who Annie was when I requested this book. I loved the color and the description was interesting; that was enough for me. Never in a million years did I think I was about to read one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. Truly. I was immediately enamored, as Annie described ordinary life in such an extraordinary way.

I made so many highlights and notes throughout my ebook, it’s wild. So much of what Annie touched on was incredibly relatable (minus the religion pieces, and even those I could find parallels for some) I found myself wondering if we were long lost twins or something (and not just bc we both had a 90s obsession with twins).

I highly recommend for anyone who has ever struggled with feeling different than everyone else, maybe a bit behind the curve, or a little strange about how different life turned out differently than you expected. I feel very seen, understood, and less alone. More ok. It feels weird to say this book changed my life, but it kind of did.

I really loved this little book. Jones adds in her history with organized religion without pushing one set of beliefs over another. I saw a lot of myself in this novel and enjoyed her point of view. It is a wonderful book for book lovers.

I absolutely loved this book because it brings comfort to those that want to stay where they are, despite the strong urge, from friends and society, to get out and explore the world. Some people don't want to and that is fine, but finding content about their choice is still hard when you hear so many voices coming at you. I loved reading about Annie B. Jones day to day and I would definitely read this again.

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. This book was a delight!