Favorite Authors & Books #7

       I would like to start off this post by saying "thank you" and giving a special shout-out to Rebekah Morris for hosting the Five Fall Favorites party, which occurred earlier this month. Were it not for that party which gave me a bunch of splendid new books to read (that we got for free-- and who doesn't love free books??), I wouldn't be making this review. 

   As I said, we got a bunch of new books, so I think I can see some more book reviews on the horizon. The first one, though, is one I simply must mention. And it's written by what very well may become one of my favorite authors.

It's I Love Thee, by Faith Blum.

   May I just say . . . I . . love . . this . . book. It was so beautifully written, kept my attention, had a simply satisfying ending, had a creative plot, portrays a delightful yet clean romance, and has a gorgeous cover. :)

Sensitive content: romance, some kissing (but nothing vivid)

Age recommendation: 12+

My rating: 4.5 stars

   I am known by my close family and friends to have a bit of a flair for drama . . . and therefore may tend to exaggerate (just a bit!). But let me be extremely clear . . . I am not overstating how easily this book has earned my satisfaction. It's a beautiful story with caring, wit, Christian attitudes, romance, and some pretty amazing characters! 

Just a Few Fall Joys

    Hello, friends! I am doing the blog post idea I got from Ellen who got it from Mikayla, so we'll see how this goes! It's a list of some of the little joys of this autumn. Enjoy!

Just a Few Fall Joys

Tromping around in a muddy corn maze

Rubber rain boots

Cuddly throw blankets

Long-sleeved pajamas

My precious fuzzy bed socks 

Red, orange, brown, and yellow

Deepening twilight

An interesting got-vehicle-really-stuck-in-deep-mud adventure

The pumpkin patch in the freezing cold valley

The scent of freshly-cut new firewood

My brown winter coat

Gorgeous sunsets ablaze over the valley

Various adorable teeny tiny pumpkins

Hot chocolate

Spiced apple cider

Warm travel mugs

Christmas approaching 

Huddling indoors while other people run around outside in short sleeves

Seeing five squirrels on our porch at one time

Putting out peanuts for fluffy-tailed critters (squirrels, specifically)

Making new friends

Glittering frost on delicate blades of grass

Puffs of breath that quickly disperse

Painted pumpkins

And here's a few pictures to go with it.

This is my own pumpkin.

            Credit goes to my sister for painting this.

   Now, I must note a few things regarding this list. First of all, I wear fuzzy socks in bed all the time in every season . . . though winter and fall is when I am most appreciative of them. And secondly, the picture which has my rubber boots is not from the got-vehicle-really-stuck-in-deep-mud adventure; it is from the pumpkin patch trip. Trust me. After that event with the mud (in which it took half an hour to forty-five minutes to get all the vehicles free from their sticky confines), my boots were not as clean as they are in that picture. It took a pretty amount of time for me to scrub them decently clean with a rag. And lastly, while getting stuck in goopy mud is generally not joyous and is time-consuming, it was both my first time experiencing such an event and it also could have been worse (though you might not have thought so if you were there. It was crazy). Thus I put that event on the list . . . not necessarily because the event itself was fun, but because I now can look back on it and laugh. 

Changes and a Special Surprise

    I'm back! And I believe an apology for my absence is in order. I meant to post, but life happened, and I'm sure all of us know how that is. :) But this also means I've stockpiled on things to post about! So this time, I have at least three things to mention. Hang tight!

   Ah, yes, an announcement first. As you can see, I've made a change to my blog. The new header!! As a warning, I may or may not keep the background as it is. I'm still deciding. For now, it'll stay, but I'm not promising that you will find the background the same when you next visit. That old header was sweet, but I really like the new one myself, so I think I'll keep it. :) Do you like it? Also, I have made a "Behind the Blogger" page where you can see more information about me. I hope to put up a page about my works-in-progress, but that'll take a little more work, so bear with me. 

   And now for the surprise! I have begun my graphic design journey, which means . . . I get to make my own book covers! *tosses confetti every which way* I'm excited about this because I delight in fiddling with photos and fonts and shading to make it look just right. So once I finally decide I am satisfied with the cover for it, I may end up doing a book cover reveal for a new Christmas short story I'm working on, called Millie's Miracle. I am really liking how this story's turning out, and I have a secret hope (which isn't secret anymore, since I'm sharing it with you) that I might be able to finish, edit, and publish it by this Christmas! I haven't gotten a single book published yet, so that would be huge for me. I'll just work on it and see where the Lord leads.

   I know this is a short post, but I am cutting it short because I have other things I want to mention at a later date.

WARNING: This blog is technically still under construction, so if you see things disappear, reappear, or move someplace else, that's why. :)

   

The King's Daughters Writing Camp Fall 2020

   Yipee, yahoo, and all the other exclamations of delight! The King's Daughters Writing Camp (also abbreviated as KDWC) is back, this time for autumn. I had a wonderful time participating in its July camp (read about it here) and meeting likeminded Christian writers. This virtual camp is for ladies only, and each participant must agree to the terms and statement of faith. Each writer can set their own goal, and can write as much or as little as they want. The ladies are fun and encouraging, and we've definitely had some remarkable conversations. *laughs in remembrance*

   This is an excellent opportunity for Christian writers both young and old to get together to make friends, encourage and pray for each other, ask for advice, and share their stories and goals. The gates have been open since October 1st, but the official camp hasn't started yet. It'll begin on the 15th and end on November 15th (thought the gates will remain open until November 30th). You can find information about it at their website. Looking forward to writing stories this autumn!

Favorite Authors & Books #6

    Hello, all! I have another book to share with you; it's one I really liked as a kid and now have on my own book shelf. I don't think it's printed much anymore. (Sorry if the pic isn't the best . . . I took it myself.)

                      

      This story is about a boy named Jeff who makes an unexpected discovery: an injured dog that washes up on the shore near his home. The mystery deepens when it becomes apparent this is no ordinary house dog. Why would no one be looking for a superbly-trained canine such as this one? As Jeff and the dog become inseparable, Jeff begins to hope no one ever will claim his few friend. It seems as though his wish just might come true . . . until a stranger shows up in town. (That was my own paraphrase.)

Sensitive content: a slightly intense scene, some attitude (but it gets resolved)

Age recommendation: 9 or 10+?

My rating: 4 stars

 There's really nothing wrong with it. There are some characters that have a bit of an attitude, but it's nothing too terrible, and it gets resolved in the book. There's a good amount of Christian content in it. And for all you equestrian-enthusiasts . . . it has quite a bit of "horse-y" stuff in it. I personally enjoy it. Can't wait to read it to my younger siblings sometime. 

Favorite Authors & Books #5 / Classics Pt. 2 / Five Fall Favorites

    

   This post is going to be a multi-informational one. First, I'll kill two swans with one stone (sorry, that was probably a terrible joke) and tell about a favorite classic book of mine. Then I'll tell about five more books . . . and a fun event happening right now. Without further ado:

Second post of my favorite "classic" books! I don't expect that too many of these will be new to you (after all, these are classics), but I'd like to put these books up on the stage, all the same. Probably one of my favorite kids' classics is . . . 

                             

   Written by the well-known E. B. White, this book is about a family of trumpeter swans with a rather interesting problem. They are pleased as can be when their babies hatch, but they find, to their horror, that one of their sons, a young swan named Louis, cannot do what trumpeters swans are known for . . . trumpeting! How is Louis to attract a mate if he is mute? After many adventures, including going to school and learning how to read, Louis's father steals a brass trumpet, in hopes it may be the answer to his son's handicap. Could it be the key to winning the heart of Serena, a beautiful female swan, with whom Louis has fallen in love?

   This book is so fun! I really enjoy these kid books that have interesting dilemmas, fun characters, and just the right amount of humor. It is so fun, and perfect for those who like great books written by people with a great imagination.

Sensitive content: none (expect romance between the swans)

Age recommendation: 8+

My rating: 4 stars

   Wait, don't leave yet! I haven't finished my post yet. I mentioned that a certain event is going on . . . Five Fall Favorites! It's a fun stay at Literary Lodge, starting today and going to Saturday, October 10th. There's a grand prize giveaway, and a bunch of authors each will be posting their five favorite books in accordance with each genre of the day. For example, today's genre is "Vintage." And in accordance, though I am not officially participating, I will give my own five favorite vintage books! I will try to make these as "vintage" as possible. So here they are:

1. Rose in Bloom by Louisa May Alcott

I enjoyed this book, which I hadn't ever even heard of before a few months ago. It can get slightly serious at times (like a character having to deal with drinking & gambling habits), so I personally wouldn't recommend it as a kids' book. However, as a bit older of an audience who also happens to enjoy stories with a feel similar to Jane Austen or L. M. Montgomery, I liked it quite a lot. A lot of character development occurs, and despite all the drama, the characters grow and learn in their relationships. Also . . . spoiler! Mac is the absolute best character. Better than Charlie. Better than Archie. Yes–even better than Phebe or Rose. And I will not be dissuaded from this.

Sensitive content: romance, some mentions of smoking and drinking, some intense scenes, one kiss (barely described)

Age recommendation: 12+ 

My rating: 5 stars

2. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Who doesn't like this book? Such a classic, so fun, and definitely one of my most favorite "vintage" books!

Sensitive content: none (that I'd caution on)

Age recommendation: 9 or 10+

My rating: 4 stars

3. Corduroy by Don Freeman

Oh. So. Cute! This is a very sweet short story for children. 

4. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

If I'm honest, I haven't read this book for years. But I do remember getting it from the library as a child and loving it. So fun.

5. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

Well, whaddya know? Another kids' book! This one is a classic. Too funny, and the kids really like it . . . and so do I!

Hope you enjoyed it. Go check out the FFF party; it's sure to be a lot of fun!

Dewdrops and Spiderwebs

    Happy Saturday, all! This morning, when reading my daily Scripture passage, I was reminded to be thankful in all the little things. When you consider all God's made, you are astounded that God has so much love He even cares about the birds of the air (Matthew 6:26), even when they are but seemingly insignificant specks in this great big universe. He cares about even the smallest things. 

   I was turning this concept over and over in my brain this morning when I opened the front door and breathed in the crisp, fresh air of a new day. Fog hung low over the trees, and rainy mist fell from the heavens and kissed the dewy ground (I know, that probably sounded kind of silly, but I'm a poet, so . . . *wink*). I hung around outside, admiring the tiny delicate droplets on the blades of grass and the spiderwebs. The many spiderwebs. Random question: why do all the spiders wait until it rains to make their webs? When I went outside this morn, I counted over three of them on one tree. If I remember correctly, I think I saw about ten webs within the scope of the front yard. Where do they all come from?? 

   To get back to the point, it struck me that even among the chaos, unrest, and complications of this world, there's still plenty of little joys --intricate displays of jeweled webwork, so to speak-- if only you take time to notice and appreciate them.

   I have a "dewdrops and spiderwebs challenge" for any of you who have a blog. Call it an unofficial tag (it's similar to the "simple things" tag) or what you please; it's for anyone who would care to take me up on it. 

Rules:

1. Give 3+ examples of "dewdrops and spiderwebs" . . . little things you like that don't get noticed much (if at all).

2. Include pictures . . . or don't. Whichever you prefer.

3. Include a passage from the Bible that talks about something "insignificant" being taken care of by God. (I know you can do it. Can't find a passage? Look in Psalms!)

4. Tag at least one person (? I don't even know it this is a real tag. I just made it up).

4. Include this graphic (if you want to). 

Well, there you go. Can't wait to see if anyone accepts the challenge. I've never made a tag of any sort before. For the record, if this becomes a real tag, you can choose to attribute it to me or not. I don't mind either way.