Faith L. Potts's Blog, page 17
October 1, 2018
Five Fall Favorites {Pro-Life + Barns}
Good mornings, friends, and welcome to this year's Five Fall Favorites blog party! This popular autumn festivity is hosted by Rebekah Morris of Read Another Page and Kate Willis of Once Upon an Ordinary. These gals have been hard at work for longer than the rest of us bloggers to get things up and going. Let's be sure to let them know how much we appreciate it!
Each stop of the party will have a different theme each day. Every day, there will be a 'book' room which will have the link to a free short story. Keep an eye out for that!
Today, I'm the barn room. So grab a stack of books, scamper up the ladder, and let's hide away in the hayloft for hours of bookish adventures. But first I have to give you my five favorites for today's genre!
Our first genre of the week is pro-life. Adoption, foster care, special needs, the elderly...that kind of thing. I had lots of fun coming up with these books, and I hope you find some new recommendations here. Cover images are linked to the books' Goodreads pages, for your accessibility. Here we go!
Monday: Pro-Life.
Baby by Patricia MacLachlan
Larkin's family welcomes Sophie into their home, caring for her and teaching her games and new words. They come to love this baby as their own, all the while knowing that eventually Sophie's mother will return one day to take her from them.
Oh my goodness, this story is so precious. I adore Ms. MacLachlan's writing, and when I picked this book up at the library in January, I found it to be no exception to the rest. While not your typical foster care setting, this story of a family who took in a child not their own is a beautiful tale of love and loss.
True to You by Becky Wade (A Bradford Sisters Romance, #1)
After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.
Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.
John enlists Nora's help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side by side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?
I just love adoption stories, y'all. The promised genealogy side of the plot along with John's quest to find his birth parents were the reasons that prompted me to pick up this book in the first place. The air of mystery surrounding the whole situation and the shocking revelation it brought made it a fun read!
*This book does deal with such topics as divorce, romance, murder, and rape. If you're under 13 and/or uncomfortable with any of those topics, this may not be the book for you.*
Read my full review here.
Angel Unaware by Dale Evans Rogers
Entertainers Roy and Dale Evans Rogers were thrilled when their little daughter Robin was born. But their excitement turned to concern when they were informed that Robin was born with Down's Syndrome and advised to "put her away." The Rogers ignored such talk and instead kept Robin, and she graced their home for two and a half years. Though Robin's time on earth was short, she changed her parents' lives and even made life better for other children born with special needs in the years to come.
Angel Unaware is Robin's account of her life as she looks down from heaven. As she speaks to God about the mission of love she just completed on earth, the reader sees how she brought her parents closer to God and encouraged them to help other children in need.
This book, which changed the way America treated children with special needs, is now available to a new generation. It is the perfect gift for parents of special needs children, parents grieving the death of a child, or anyone whose life has been touched by a special child.
I knew before reading this that the Rogerses were Christians, but this gave enough insight into their personal lives that I better appreciate the people on the screen. Written by her mother, this little book gives a precious glimpse into the short life of young Robin Rogers. It was a sweet story, bringing tears to my eyes.
Kindred Souls by Patricia MacLachlan
Jake’s grandfather, Billy, hears the talk of birds, is eighty-eight years old, and is going to live forever. Even when Billy gets sick, Jake knows that everything will go on as always. But there’s one thing Billy wants: to rebuild the sod house where he grew up. Can Jake give him this one special thing?
From beloved author Patricia MacLachlan comes a poignant story about what we do for the ones we love, and how the bonds that hold us together also allow us to let each other go.
Ahh, this story was so darling. A tale of a young boy and his family's determination to make his grandpa's special request become reality. And, of course, there's an amazing dog in the story. Honestly, the pets and animals in Ms. MacLachlan's stories are nearly as trademark as her lyrical writing style. I may or may not have cried during this one. <3
(I was going to try to not 'repeat' authors each day, but in this case, I just can't help it. This book is precious.)
Brush of Wings by Karen Kingsbury (Angels Walking, #3)
Despite needing a heart transplant and against the advice of her doctor, Mary Catherine moves to Uganda to work at a brand new orphanage. Whatever time she has left, Mary Catherine wants to spend it helping children—especially since there will be no children of her own. The only problem is Major League Baseball player Marcus Dillinger, the man she never meant to fall in love with. Neither Marcus nor Mary Catherine’s other friends—Tyler Ames and Sami Dawson—know just how serious her heart condition is.
Still, Marcus is sure in the depths of his soul that something isn’t right. Ultimately his correspondence with Mary Catherine leads him on a desperate life-or-death mission to rescue her and get her to a US hospital before time runs out. Meanwhile, Sami and Tyler struggle with issues of their own. In a season when Tyler plans to ask Sami to marry him, the very core of their relationship is in jeopardy.
The team of angels walking is busier than ever in this epic battle between life and death. A Brush of Wings is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of faith.
Dealing with both adoption and a heart condition, Brush of Wings is a fantastic tale of one girl's journey to make the most of the time she has left. In that way, and concerning the adoption in the second half of the book, the book carries strong themes of the sacredness of human life.
Angels Walking is a series that I would definitely suggest reading in order—and they all deal with pro-life topics in some way!
What would a blog party be without a giveaway? Especially a party as large and fabulous as this one! This year's giveaway basket is chocked full of all sorts of bookish goodies.
The grand prize winner will receive... Gift from the Storm by Rebekah MorrisKiera by Kate WillisThere Was Always Laughter in Our House by Sarah HolmanLove Needs No Words by Faith PottsBound by Victoria LynnA Five Fall Favorites mug (designed by Rebekah Morris, created and donated by Salsa and Tea)
The book basket is only for US winners, but if you're International, still enter! If we receive enough entries, a second and even third place prize could be added. Those will be Kindle books, provided by the participating authors.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Click the button below and be directed to the Literary Lodge. You aren't going to want to miss a single post of this party!
Are you excited for the party? What's your favorite pro-life book? Have you read any of these?
~Faith
September 30, 2018
House Sitting, Book Fair, and the Arrival of Fall || September Recap
Tomorrow is October. If you freaked out when you realized that, you're not alone.
But whether you're on the "YAY FALL" team or the "COME BACK SUMMER" team, the season is upon us, so we might as well enjoy it. ^-^
|| Life. ||
>> So I got a house-sitting/dog-sitting job. For three weeks, so technically I'm still here until Wednesday. The independence is pretty cool, but I'm getting tired of having to drive 30+ minutes to get ANYWHERE. xD
>> I had a table at a local author book fair on the second Saturday of the month! Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, but it was a super amazing time! And I sold over a dozen copies of my books. :D
>> I laughed over my family's insanity.
>> My songs on repeat this month were... Fly, After the Storm Blows Through, No Place Like You, and Downside of Growing Up by Maddie & Tae, and Always Sing, Lonely Call, Say, Love Triangle, and For a Boy by RaeLynn, and Leaving New Orleans and Slow Dance in a Parking Lot by Jordan Davis... What can I say? Being alone in a quiet house calls for lots of jam sessions.
>> I guest posted on my friend Ashley's blog! Read the post here, and check out the rest of the Month of Friendship series while you're there.
>> I watched a gazillion movies, y'all. Mostly Hallmarks. A Country Wedding, Soldier Love Story, Chance at Romance, The Wedding March 4, All of My Heart: Inn Love & The Wedding, and Soldier of Destiny. Plus Garage Sale Mysteries, Flower Shop Mysteries, Hailey Dean Mysteries, Morning Show Mysteries, and Aurora Teagarden Mysteries.
|| Books. ||
// ReadsGoldfish Secrets by Kellyn Roth -- 4 stars -- Review here.
The Twin Arrows by Kate Willis -- 4 stars
Yours Forever by Robin Jones Gunn -- 4 stars
Surprise Endings by Robin Jones Gunn -- 4 stars
Island Dreamer by Robin Jones Gunn -- 4.5 stars
A Heart Full of Hope by Robin Jones Gunn -- 3.5 stars
Faithful by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4.5 stars
Waiting for His Return by Carrie Turansky -- 4.5 stars
The Prisoner's Wife by Susan Page Davis -- 5 stars
Praying for Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn & Tricia Goyer -- 5 stars
Give Attendance by Rebekah A. Morris -- 5 stars
Sometimes: A Storyteller's Journal by Deanna Lawrence -- 4 stars
I'm not going to list them, because I don't have pictures, but I got fourteen books from three different book sales/fairs. :D
|| Writing. ||
So writing was kind of interesting this month... I wrote about 5,000 words, edited most of Behold, and got some inspiration for editing War Tears. But other than that? I feel like I've been in a dry season which I'm slowing pulling out of it. And it was kinda awful, but it's getting better. I hope.
On another note, I found this quote on Pinterest and I LOVE IT. If we're not writing from our hearts, writing what we honestly think and genuinely feel down deep inside... what are we doing? How can we expect to make a difference in the world while hiding our true selves behind a facade? <33
|| Blogging. ||// Favorite Posts Summer of 1999 ~ The First Time
Whimsical Writings for His Glory ~ Life Changes
The Barefoot Gal ~ Learning How to Embrace the Pain in Change
Dancing in the Rain ~ Sweet Dreams
One Name ~ God is Still in Control
Apples of Gold ~ Your Purpose Proceeds You
Life of Heritage ~ When Enough is Enough
Authoring Arrowheads ~ Hurricane Florence
RebekahAshleigh ~ Fall...One of my Favorite Seasons
// My Posts
|| Goals. ||
~ September Goals >> Read 8 books. Scored.
>> Send Behold to beta-readers. Unscored? They'll be getting it this week though. xD
>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears. Uh, nope. I haven't even touched that mess. Gotta get things rolling with Behold first.
>> Be a hosted author at a local book fair. Yes, and it was F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.
>> Host another readathon. Yup! Rebekah, Brooklyne, Katja, Ryana, and I had so much fun that weekend! :D
~ October Goals>> Read 8 books.
>> Start working full-time. *fingers crossed*
>> Send Behold to betas and apply feedback.
>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.
>> Take part in the Five Fall Favorites party. (Starts tomorrow!)
Welp, this ended up rather lame and to the point, but I suppose that's all right.
How was your month, pals? Buy any books? Have a favorite post? Are you excited for the party next week?
~Faith
But whether you're on the "YAY FALL" team or the "COME BACK SUMMER" team, the season is upon us, so we might as well enjoy it. ^-^
|| Life. ||
>> So I got a house-sitting/dog-sitting job. For three weeks, so technically I'm still here until Wednesday. The independence is pretty cool, but I'm getting tired of having to drive 30+ minutes to get ANYWHERE. xD
>> I had a table at a local author book fair on the second Saturday of the month! Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, but it was a super amazing time! And I sold over a dozen copies of my books. :D
>> I laughed over my family's insanity.
*starts raining*
Dad: *runs out to cover the paint sprayer*
Mom: Quick, sign the birthday card!
Tucker: *innocently* That was so smart of you, Mom, to make it rain so he'd have to leave the house.
>> My songs on repeat this month were... Fly, After the Storm Blows Through, No Place Like You, and Downside of Growing Up by Maddie & Tae, and Always Sing, Lonely Call, Say, Love Triangle, and For a Boy by RaeLynn, and Leaving New Orleans and Slow Dance in a Parking Lot by Jordan Davis... What can I say? Being alone in a quiet house calls for lots of jam sessions.
>> I guest posted on my friend Ashley's blog! Read the post here, and check out the rest of the Month of Friendship series while you're there.
>> I watched a gazillion movies, y'all. Mostly Hallmarks. A Country Wedding, Soldier Love Story, Chance at Romance, The Wedding March 4, All of My Heart: Inn Love & The Wedding, and Soldier of Destiny. Plus Garage Sale Mysteries, Flower Shop Mysteries, Hailey Dean Mysteries, Morning Show Mysteries, and Aurora Teagarden Mysteries.
|| Books. ||
// ReadsGoldfish Secrets by Kellyn Roth -- 4 stars -- Review here.
The Twin Arrows by Kate Willis -- 4 stars
Yours Forever by Robin Jones Gunn -- 4 stars
Surprise Endings by Robin Jones Gunn -- 4 stars
Island Dreamer by Robin Jones Gunn -- 4.5 stars
A Heart Full of Hope by Robin Jones Gunn -- 3.5 stars
Faithful by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4.5 stars
Waiting for His Return by Carrie Turansky -- 4.5 stars
The Prisoner's Wife by Susan Page Davis -- 5 stars
Praying for Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn & Tricia Goyer -- 5 stars
Give Attendance by Rebekah A. Morris -- 5 stars
Sometimes: A Storyteller's Journal by Deanna Lawrence -- 4 stars
I'm not going to list them, because I don't have pictures, but I got fourteen books from three different book sales/fairs. :D
|| Writing. ||
So writing was kind of interesting this month... I wrote about 5,000 words, edited most of Behold, and got some inspiration for editing War Tears. But other than that? I feel like I've been in a dry season which I'm slowing pulling out of it. And it was kinda awful, but it's getting better. I hope.
On another note, I found this quote on Pinterest and I LOVE IT. If we're not writing from our hearts, writing what we honestly think and genuinely feel down deep inside... what are we doing? How can we expect to make a difference in the world while hiding our true selves behind a facade? <33
|| Blogging. ||// Favorite Posts Summer of 1999 ~ The First Time
Whimsical Writings for His Glory ~ Life Changes
The Barefoot Gal ~ Learning How to Embrace the Pain in Change
Dancing in the Rain ~ Sweet Dreams
One Name ~ God is Still in Control
Apples of Gold ~ Your Purpose Proceeds You
Life of Heritage ~ When Enough is Enough
Authoring Arrowheads ~ Hurricane Florence
RebekahAshleigh ~ Fall...One of my Favorite Seasons
// My Posts
|| Goals. ||
~ September Goals >> Read 8 books. Scored.
>> Send Behold to beta-readers. Unscored? They'll be getting it this week though. xD
>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears. Uh, nope. I haven't even touched that mess. Gotta get things rolling with Behold first.
>> Be a hosted author at a local book fair. Yes, and it was F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.
>> Host another readathon. Yup! Rebekah, Brooklyne, Katja, Ryana, and I had so much fun that weekend! :D
~ October Goals>> Read 8 books.
>> Start working full-time. *fingers crossed*
>> Send Behold to betas and apply feedback.
>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.
>> Take part in the Five Fall Favorites party. (Starts tomorrow!)
Welp, this ended up rather lame and to the point, but I suppose that's all right.
How was your month, pals? Buy any books? Have a favorite post? Are you excited for the party next week?
~Faith
September 26, 2018
20 Years Ago...
Brick church...
Girls in green dresses...
Guys in black tuxes...
Bride in a white gown...
Twenty years ago, two people said "I do" and set forth on the adventure of a lifetime. Those two people became my parents.
And, unlike with many marriages, they're still together. Two decades later. Twenty years. Two-hundred and forty months. Seventy-three hundred days. However you want to look at it, that's a long time.
That's two kids and twelve years of homeschooling.
That's starting a business, while still keeping up with the tree farm.
That's four churches, serving three as pastor and pastor's wife, Sunday school teachers, youth leader, mission trip chaperones.
These people are pretty amazing, y'all.
Mom, for eighteen years you've been my mother, my teacher, my friend, my confidant, my mentor, my chauffeur, my Sunday school teacher. You're an amazing and wonderful woman of God.
Dad, for eighteen years you've been my father, my friend, my confidant, my mentor, my teacher, my pastor, my protector, my chauffeur, my provider, You're a strong and faithful man of God.
And I love you both very much.
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. Here's to twenty more. <3
Girls in green dresses...
Guys in black tuxes...
Bride in a white gown...
Twenty years ago, two people said "I do" and set forth on the adventure of a lifetime. Those two people became my parents.
And, unlike with many marriages, they're still together. Two decades later. Twenty years. Two-hundred and forty months. Seventy-three hundred days. However you want to look at it, that's a long time.
That's two kids and twelve years of homeschooling.
That's starting a business, while still keeping up with the tree farm.
That's four churches, serving three as pastor and pastor's wife, Sunday school teachers, youth leader, mission trip chaperones.
These people are pretty amazing, y'all.
Mom, for eighteen years you've been my mother, my teacher, my friend, my confidant, my mentor, my chauffeur, my Sunday school teacher. You're an amazing and wonderful woman of God.
Dad, for eighteen years you've been my father, my friend, my confidant, my mentor, my teacher, my pastor, my protector, my chauffeur, my provider, You're a strong and faithful man of God.
And I love you both very much.
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:12 kjv
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. Here's to twenty more. <3
September 10, 2018
The Hallmark Movie tag + Upcoming Readathon
Hey, friends! My friend RebekahAshleigh tagged me to do her Hallmark movie tag a few months ago, and I'm finally getting around to it. :D
I also updated the Firefly's Readathon page with details about the readathon this weekend. Hop on over and check it out!
What's the best Hallmark Christmas movie you've seen?If The Bridge (both parts) can count as a Christmas movie...definitely that one. Love it so much, and the book is amazing too! <3
What's the best Hallmark movie you've seen?Oh, wow, I don't know... Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream would definitely be at the top of the list, along with the movie I previously mentioned.
What's your favorite Hallmark movie season?I'll go with Christmas since I haven't really seen many from other seasons. xD I do love Christmas movies though!
The last Hallmark movie you saw?The Hallmark movie I saw most recently was A Summer to Remember. It's set in Fiji, so there was lots of lovely scenery!
Have you ever decided to watch a Hallmark movie based off it's title?I'm not 100% positive that it was the title that first drew me to it, but I'm going to go with Dashing Through the Snow. It's a really cute road-trip Christmas movie!
Do you like the Hallmark murder mysteries? If so, which one is your favorite?I haven't saw any of the murder mysteries. ;) I'd like to try the Garage Sale Mysteries sometime though!
Favorite Hallmark series?I love both the Hallmark TV series When Calls the Heart, and the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series Signed, Sealed, Delivered. <33
A Hallmark movie that had you dying of laughter?I watched All of My Heart for the first time a few weeks ago, and it was so funny! I was definitely 'dying of laughter.' ;D
Is there a Hallmark movie out that you haven't seen yet, but would like to?There are several! To name a few, I plan to watch A Very Merry Mix-Up and Operation Christmas this holiday season, along with some others.
What's your most anticipated Hallmark movie?I'm hoping to watch All of My Heart: Inn Love soon, and then the third All of My Heart movie as soon as it comes out. And I'm definitely looking forward to When Calls the Heart season 6!
I'm going to 'cheat' and not tag anyone by name, but if you're a Hallmark fan, you should totally give this one a spin!
What's your favorite Hallmark movie? Have you saw any of these?
~Faith
I also updated the Firefly's Readathon page with details about the readathon this weekend. Hop on over and check it out!
What's the best Hallmark Christmas movie you've seen?If The Bridge (both parts) can count as a Christmas movie...definitely that one. Love it so much, and the book is amazing too! <3
What's the best Hallmark movie you've seen?Oh, wow, I don't know... Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream would definitely be at the top of the list, along with the movie I previously mentioned.
What's your favorite Hallmark movie season?I'll go with Christmas since I haven't really seen many from other seasons. xD I do love Christmas movies though!
The last Hallmark movie you saw?The Hallmark movie I saw most recently was A Summer to Remember. It's set in Fiji, so there was lots of lovely scenery!
Have you ever decided to watch a Hallmark movie based off it's title?I'm not 100% positive that it was the title that first drew me to it, but I'm going to go with Dashing Through the Snow. It's a really cute road-trip Christmas movie!
Do you like the Hallmark murder mysteries? If so, which one is your favorite?I haven't saw any of the murder mysteries. ;) I'd like to try the Garage Sale Mysteries sometime though!
Favorite Hallmark series?I love both the Hallmark TV series When Calls the Heart, and the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series Signed, Sealed, Delivered. <33
A Hallmark movie that had you dying of laughter?I watched All of My Heart for the first time a few weeks ago, and it was so funny! I was definitely 'dying of laughter.' ;D
Is there a Hallmark movie out that you haven't seen yet, but would like to?There are several! To name a few, I plan to watch A Very Merry Mix-Up and Operation Christmas this holiday season, along with some others.
What's your most anticipated Hallmark movie?I'm hoping to watch All of My Heart: Inn Love soon, and then the third All of My Heart movie as soon as it comes out. And I'm definitely looking forward to When Calls the Heart season 6!
I'm going to 'cheat' and not tag anyone by name, but if you're a Hallmark fan, you should totally give this one a spin!
What's your favorite Hallmark movie? Have you saw any of these?
~Faith
August 31, 2018
Dog Sitting, Hallmark Movies, and a Farewell to Summer // August Recap
Guess who survived her first month of adulthood? *points to self* Guess who hasn't did anything too drastic like flee the country yet? *also points to self*
|| Life. ||
>> So, I finally started work this month. xD Not full time yet, but hopefully soon! In the meanwhile, I've found lots of random jobs to compensate. Pet sitting, for one. I looked after an older couple's dogs last Saturday, and then I've taken care of two dogs for the lady I work for several times this summer. Goodness, they're sweet girls. <33
>> I also ended up driving a neighbor to and from work one weekend and made some extra cash, so that was cool. Early one day, though...like get-up-at-6:00 kind of early. O.O (I'm not a morning person. In case you couldn't tell.)
>> I attended a corn roast/cookout with my family! So that was cool. xD
>> One night, I was hunting for my desk for a somewhat empty binder that I could clean out to use for ASL 3. And I ended up clearing everything out of my desk, tossing it into the floor, and sorting through it. I may or may not have found stuff from like 24975 years ago. Along with books that someone lent me and I never read...or returned.
>> My favorite songs of the month were Love by Jane Kramer, Blue Tacoma by Russell Dickerson, Every Storm by Gary Allen, and Come On Down and Dear Life by High Valley. And basically everything from Scotty McCreery's latest album! <3
>> So...Dairy Queen closed, y'all. The one we went to the most closed. The Sunday evening hangout spot for, like, half the county. The place with lots of memories of ice cream and laughter and friends. <33
>> I watched lots of Hallmark this month! I finished my re-watch of the lovely Signed, Sealed, Delivered series. I also watched All of My Heart, Summer of Dreams, and A Summer to Remember.
>> I may or may not have ate key lime pie for breakfast. Like three days in a row. #RockinTheAdultLife
|| Books. ||
// ReadsOutpourings of a Beloved Heart by Joan Embola -- 5 stars -- Review here.
The Boxcar Children Beginnings by Patricia MacLachlan -- 4 stars
I Survived: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 by Lauren Tarshis -- 4 stars
Shower Thoughts by Gray Marie Cox -- 5 stars
Love Finds a Way by Wanda Brunstetter -- 3 stars
Mere Hope by Jason G. Duesing -- 5 stars -- Review here.
The Hallelujah Lass by Wendy Lawton -- 4 stars
The River Between Us by Richard Peck -- 4 stars
Thoughts in Verse: A Collection of Poetry by Rebekah Eddy -- 4.5 stars
The Way to Go by Rebekah A. Morris -- 3 stars
Behind Enemy Lines: A Young Pilot's Story by H.R. DeMallie -- 4 stars
Child of Mine by Beverly Lewis -- 5 stars
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof -- 5 stars
The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins by Walter Dean Myers -- 4 stars
The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall -- 4 stars
Love Blind by Angie Thompson -- 4 stars
This month, I got nine Beverly Lewis books, two books from the Miracles of Marble Cove series, A Life of Joy by Amy Clipston, The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall, and Thoughts in Verse by Rebekah Eddy! :)
|| Writing. ||
The first half of the month was rather crazy in the writing world. I finished the second edit/third draft of A Soldier's Freedom, which included lots of new scenes. That book is now in the hands of beta-readers while I focus on other projects and decide what happens with it next. ;)
However, there wasn't much happening during the second half of the month. I worked on some random short stories, as well as planning out the stories that will be included in Behold.
Hmm, I haven't told y'all about that, have I? Behold is a Christmas short story collection that will be releasing on September 7th! Super excited for this one. <3 No cover yet, but here's the synopsis.
So yes, that's what going on. Oh, and somewhere in there I technically failed the Go Teen Writers 100-for-100 challenge without realizing it. Whoops. xD
Word Count: 9,943
|| Blogging. ||
// Favorite Posts Apples of Gold ~ The Best Thing
twilight to dawn ~ DEFINING BRAVE
Counting Your Blessings One by One ~ Choosing Joy
The Rebelution ~ What Disappointment Taught Me About Dreaming Big
Inside Out Designs ~ Why Good Graphic Design is Crucial to Authors
The Introverted Extrovert ~ How are You for Real?
// My Posts
|| Goals. ||~ August Goals >> Read 8 books. Score!
>> Finish editing A Soldier's Freedom. Yuusss. :D
>> Catch up on blog posts. Most definitely!
>> Start editing War Tears. Nope, but I decided to get Behold shipped off to betas first. xD So, halfway?
>> Go camping. *fingers crossed* *sniffles* nope...
>> Complete a beta-reading project. Yes, and gracious, it was fabulous. <33
~ September Goals >> Read 8 books.
>> Send Behold to beta-readers.
>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.
>> Be a hosted author at a local book fair. #nervous
>> Host another readathon. (I'm thinking September 14th-16th... Would anyone be on board for that? I'll update the page and post more details soon!)
Quick announcement. I'm going to be participating in the Five Fall Favorites blog party again this October! Super excited to take part—and I was thrilled to see some new (though familiar) names on the list of participants. Take a peek at the invitation and be sure to mark your calendars for a week of bookish fun!
How was your August? Are you ready for fall? Saw any good movies lately? Last amazing book you read?! Let's talk! <33
~Faith
|| Life. ||
>> So, I finally started work this month. xD Not full time yet, but hopefully soon! In the meanwhile, I've found lots of random jobs to compensate. Pet sitting, for one. I looked after an older couple's dogs last Saturday, and then I've taken care of two dogs for the lady I work for several times this summer. Goodness, they're sweet girls. <33
>> I also ended up driving a neighbor to and from work one weekend and made some extra cash, so that was cool. Early one day, though...like get-up-at-6:00 kind of early. O.O (I'm not a morning person. In case you couldn't tell.)
>> I attended a corn roast/cookout with my family! So that was cool. xD
>> One night, I was hunting for my desk for a somewhat empty binder that I could clean out to use for ASL 3. And I ended up clearing everything out of my desk, tossing it into the floor, and sorting through it. I may or may not have found stuff from like 24975 years ago. Along with books that someone lent me and I never read...or returned.
>> My favorite songs of the month were Love by Jane Kramer, Blue Tacoma by Russell Dickerson, Every Storm by Gary Allen, and Come On Down and Dear Life by High Valley. And basically everything from Scotty McCreery's latest album! <3
>> So...Dairy Queen closed, y'all. The one we went to the most closed. The Sunday evening hangout spot for, like, half the county. The place with lots of memories of ice cream and laughter and friends. <33
>> I watched lots of Hallmark this month! I finished my re-watch of the lovely Signed, Sealed, Delivered series. I also watched All of My Heart, Summer of Dreams, and A Summer to Remember.
>> I may or may not have ate key lime pie for breakfast. Like three days in a row. #RockinTheAdultLife
|| Books. ||
// ReadsOutpourings of a Beloved Heart by Joan Embola -- 5 stars -- Review here.
The Boxcar Children Beginnings by Patricia MacLachlan -- 4 stars
I Survived: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 by Lauren Tarshis -- 4 stars
Shower Thoughts by Gray Marie Cox -- 5 stars
Love Finds a Way by Wanda Brunstetter -- 3 stars
Mere Hope by Jason G. Duesing -- 5 stars -- Review here.
The Hallelujah Lass by Wendy Lawton -- 4 stars
The River Between Us by Richard Peck -- 4 stars
Thoughts in Verse: A Collection of Poetry by Rebekah Eddy -- 4.5 stars
The Way to Go by Rebekah A. Morris -- 3 stars
Behind Enemy Lines: A Young Pilot's Story by H.R. DeMallie -- 4 stars
Child of Mine by Beverly Lewis -- 5 stars
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof -- 5 stars
The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins by Walter Dean Myers -- 4 stars
The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall -- 4 stars
Love Blind by Angie Thompson -- 4 stars
This month, I got nine Beverly Lewis books, two books from the Miracles of Marble Cove series, A Life of Joy by Amy Clipston, The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall, and Thoughts in Verse by Rebekah Eddy! :)
|| Writing. ||
The first half of the month was rather crazy in the writing world. I finished the second edit/third draft of A Soldier's Freedom, which included lots of new scenes. That book is now in the hands of beta-readers while I focus on other projects and decide what happens with it next. ;)
However, there wasn't much happening during the second half of the month. I worked on some random short stories, as well as planning out the stories that will be included in Behold.
Hmm, I haven't told y'all about that, have I? Behold is a Christmas short story collection that will be releasing on September 7th! Super excited for this one. <3 No cover yet, but here's the synopsis.
From two siblings caught up in the harrowing days of WWII to separated foster children in the US…
From a missing child in the wake of a natural disaster to a memorable roadtrip across the Southeast…
You’ll be swept into the Christmas spirit with the endearing stories tucked inside these pages. The storylines range from family to romance to the bond of community, with settings scattered across America and beyond.
Behold the beauty of the Savior’s birth with this gathering of stories that warm the soul and bless the heart.
So yes, that's what going on. Oh, and somewhere in there I technically failed the Go Teen Writers 100-for-100 challenge without realizing it. Whoops. xD
Word Count: 9,943
|| Blogging. ||
// Favorite Posts Apples of Gold ~ The Best Thing
twilight to dawn ~ DEFINING BRAVE
Counting Your Blessings One by One ~ Choosing Joy
The Rebelution ~ What Disappointment Taught Me About Dreaming Big
Inside Out Designs ~ Why Good Graphic Design is Crucial to Authors
The Introverted Extrovert ~ How are You for Real?
// My Posts
|| Goals. ||~ August Goals >> Read 8 books. Score!
>> Finish editing A Soldier's Freedom. Yuusss. :D
>> Catch up on blog posts. Most definitely!
>> Start editing War Tears. Nope, but I decided to get Behold shipped off to betas first. xD So, halfway?
>> Go camping. *fingers crossed* *sniffles* nope...
>> Complete a beta-reading project. Yes, and gracious, it was fabulous. <33
~ September Goals >> Read 8 books.
>> Send Behold to beta-readers.
>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.
>> Be a hosted author at a local book fair. #nervous
>> Host another readathon. (I'm thinking September 14th-16th... Would anyone be on board for that? I'll update the page and post more details soon!)
Quick announcement. I'm going to be participating in the Five Fall Favorites blog party again this October! Super excited to take part—and I was thrilled to see some new (though familiar) names on the list of participants. Take a peek at the invitation and be sure to mark your calendars for a week of bookish fun!
How was your August? Are you ready for fall? Saw any good movies lately? Last amazing book you read?! Let's talk! <33
~Faith
August 29, 2018
End of Summer Giveaway // A Free Book
Greetings, everyone! :)
Hope y'all are having a fabulous Wednesday. If you are, it's about to get even better. If you're not, I have something that just might brighten your whole week. Today I'm sharing about a special giveaway—one in which everyone is a winner!
Livy Jarmusch, author of the lovely Tales of Tarsurella series, is holding a book sale. During these three days book one of the series, The Coronation, is free on Amazon Kindle!
The Tales of Tarsurella series is set in a fictitious European country, and the stories are clean, whimsical, and God-honoring, eloquently weaving family ties, a dash of romance, and the struggles that come with living as royalty.
The series is comprised of The Coronation, The Rebellion, and the yet-to-be-released third book, The Wedding. And The Coronation is currently free, so this is the perfect time to snag a copy and hop a plane to Tarsurella to check it out for yourself!
Just click the quote graphic below and then enjoy the adventures between the pages! <3
Have you downloaded The Coronation yet? Are you a fellow Tarsurella fan? :D
~Faith
Hope y'all are having a fabulous Wednesday. If you are, it's about to get even better. If you're not, I have something that just might brighten your whole week. Today I'm sharing about a special giveaway—one in which everyone is a winner!
Livy Jarmusch, author of the lovely Tales of Tarsurella series, is holding a book sale. During these three days book one of the series, The Coronation, is free on Amazon Kindle!
The Tales of Tarsurella series is set in a fictitious European country, and the stories are clean, whimsical, and God-honoring, eloquently weaving family ties, a dash of romance, and the struggles that come with living as royalty.
The series is comprised of The Coronation, The Rebellion, and the yet-to-be-released third book, The Wedding. And The Coronation is currently free, so this is the perfect time to snag a copy and hop a plane to Tarsurella to check it out for yourself!
Just click the quote graphic below and then enjoy the adventures between the pages! <3
Have you downloaded The Coronation yet? Are you a fellow Tarsurella fan? :D
~Faith
August 27, 2018
Rain {Pinterest Stories: August Edition}
Does anyone remember the series I started awhile back (think—over a year ago), short stories from Pinterest prompts? (If you don't, don't feel bad. I didn't either until I found this little gem in some old draft posts. xD)
I can't promise that this series will make a comeback, but for the time being, enjoy this little flash fiction! <3
Standing on the sidewalk under the tree with my damp hoodie covering my head, I watch her in wonder. She spins and dances in the middle of the wet street. Rain pours down from the sky, steam rising from the warm asphalt. People scurry into their homes and places of abode to escape the downpour, but not Jaylynn. She rises up on her toes, pirouetting and twirling like the beautiful ballerina princess she is. She must have felt my eyes on her for she turns and grins at me, motioning for me to join her. I know she can't read my lips or catch my signs at this distant, so I just shake my head and pretend shiver. I detect a stealthy eyeroll, and she ignores my negative reply and persists. Shaking my head and snickering, I call out, “I'm not a dancer!” She doesn't know what I said, but still she grins at me, shaking droplets of water from her hair. My focus is drawn past Jaylynn and on up the street to...a truck. A pickup truck traveling top-speed down the residential street. Water from the pavement slings up creating a phantom-like mists behind his tires. In the following split-second, I glance to Jaylynn and back to the truck. She stands barefooted on the centerline, face upturned to the rain. But he sees her...right? As the truck continues to barrel down the road, I realize no.
He doesn't see her.
He hasn't slowed down at all.
And he's headed straight for her. That driver must be drunk, blind, stupid, or psychotic. “Jaylynn!” My scream sounds like pure terror, but I couldn't care less. It should sound terrified; I'm scared to death. She can't hear me. Of course, she can't. I know that. I've always known that. Why did I even scream? A barrage of stupid thoughts race through my brain as another split second passes. My mind flashes to what's about to take place before me, and the tragedy of it all forces me into action. I race out into the street, into the flooding rains, and straight to Jaylynn. She hasn't budged, has no idea we could both very easily be dead within seconds. I grab her around the waist and haul her back towards the safety of the cement sidewalk. She jolts and starts as my arms come in contact with her body. There's no time to sign an explanation. Odd thing to notice at such a time, but Jaylynn was right. The wet, warm asphalt does feel good on bare feet. She twists in my arms as I struggle to stumble out of harm's way, but I don't release her or loosen my hold. We’re not out of the oncoming lane yet. Another series of staggering steps and we’re to the side of the road. My foot slipped on the drain grate between the sidewalk and the road lane, and I vault forward. Somehow managing to end up with my backside taking the brunt of the fall and Jaylynn arriving in safety without a scratch, I slap across the ground on both concrete and grass. As my cheek comes in contact with the wet grass, the pickup truck whizzes by. Never even slowing down. He would've killed her. Both of us, if I'd been a millisecond later. I could break something with all this anger bottled up inside of me. I get my bearings enough to sit up with only a groan. Jaylynn is to my right, her knees drawn to herself, staring out at the spot she stood mere seconds ago. I reach out and touch her arm. She's trembling violently. I notice something else too.
Jaylynn is no longer smiling and the rain has ceased.
What do ya think? Would y'all like to see more of this type of stories?
I can't promise that this series will make a comeback, but for the time being, enjoy this little flash fiction! <3
Standing on the sidewalk under the tree with my damp hoodie covering my head, I watch her in wonder. She spins and dances in the middle of the wet street. Rain pours down from the sky, steam rising from the warm asphalt. People scurry into their homes and places of abode to escape the downpour, but not Jaylynn. She rises up on her toes, pirouetting and twirling like the beautiful ballerina princess she is. She must have felt my eyes on her for she turns and grins at me, motioning for me to join her. I know she can't read my lips or catch my signs at this distant, so I just shake my head and pretend shiver. I detect a stealthy eyeroll, and she ignores my negative reply and persists. Shaking my head and snickering, I call out, “I'm not a dancer!” She doesn't know what I said, but still she grins at me, shaking droplets of water from her hair. My focus is drawn past Jaylynn and on up the street to...a truck. A pickup truck traveling top-speed down the residential street. Water from the pavement slings up creating a phantom-like mists behind his tires. In the following split-second, I glance to Jaylynn and back to the truck. She stands barefooted on the centerline, face upturned to the rain. But he sees her...right? As the truck continues to barrel down the road, I realize no.
He doesn't see her.
He hasn't slowed down at all.
And he's headed straight for her. That driver must be drunk, blind, stupid, or psychotic. “Jaylynn!” My scream sounds like pure terror, but I couldn't care less. It should sound terrified; I'm scared to death. She can't hear me. Of course, she can't. I know that. I've always known that. Why did I even scream? A barrage of stupid thoughts race through my brain as another split second passes. My mind flashes to what's about to take place before me, and the tragedy of it all forces me into action. I race out into the street, into the flooding rains, and straight to Jaylynn. She hasn't budged, has no idea we could both very easily be dead within seconds. I grab her around the waist and haul her back towards the safety of the cement sidewalk. She jolts and starts as my arms come in contact with her body. There's no time to sign an explanation. Odd thing to notice at such a time, but Jaylynn was right. The wet, warm asphalt does feel good on bare feet. She twists in my arms as I struggle to stumble out of harm's way, but I don't release her or loosen my hold. We’re not out of the oncoming lane yet. Another series of staggering steps and we’re to the side of the road. My foot slipped on the drain grate between the sidewalk and the road lane, and I vault forward. Somehow managing to end up with my backside taking the brunt of the fall and Jaylynn arriving in safety without a scratch, I slap across the ground on both concrete and grass. As my cheek comes in contact with the wet grass, the pickup truck whizzes by. Never even slowing down. He would've killed her. Both of us, if I'd been a millisecond later. I could break something with all this anger bottled up inside of me. I get my bearings enough to sit up with only a groan. Jaylynn is to my right, her knees drawn to herself, staring out at the spot she stood mere seconds ago. I reach out and touch her arm. She's trembling violently. I notice something else too.
Jaylynn is no longer smiling and the rain has ceased.
What do ya think? Would y'all like to see more of this type of stories?
August 24, 2018
Choose Your Own Story ~ Journey Through Taelis
Welcome to Stories by Firefly! Today I’m taking part in Sarah Holman’s Choose Your Own Story event. This is to celebrate the release of her latest book, Escape and Endurance. (In this event, you get to pick the outcome of the story by making choices. A lot of different things can happen.)
What are you waiting for? Start your adventure by clicking the image below.
He reached the West River and approached an old bridge. The next moment his horse jerked back as a rock hit him.
“This is my bridge, none shall pass.”
Sir Andrew rolled and withdrew his sword. “Come now! Show yourself! Who dares delay a knight of the king?”
An old man appeared from the bushes. “I’ve lived in the cottage yonder all my life. My grandfather built this bridge, and it is mine. You can either give me your horse and cross or fight me.”
Andrew thought for a moment and decided to…
Are you interested in reading about a knight, a tower, a princess, and a servant? Pick up a copy of Escape and Endurance ! Haven’t read the other books in the Tales of Taelis series? Not to worry. Each book can stand alone.
About Sarah
Sarah Holman is a not-so-typical girl, a homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and lives in the great state of Texas. If there’s anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny greater than anything she could have imagined. You can find out more about her at her website: www.thedestinyofone.com
You can join the Adventurers (her newsletter) by going here: http://eepurl.com/bitBIf
August 22, 2018
What Summer Means to Me.
Summer is...
sunshine
laughing until you can't breathe
sundresses and loose hair
staying up late and sleeping in
days by the pool, chlorine in your hair
ice cream every day
wading in the creek until your toes go numb
a hairband tan line on my wrist
spur-of-the-moment thunderstorms
eating outdoors
flip-flops and peeling sunburns
cloudless skies
fireflies in the dewy grass
dandelions and fresh-cut grass
lemonade
sunsets and sunrises and the days when you see both
cruising down a back road with the wind in your hair and country music up loud
heat and humidity
blackberries growing wild
garden dirt between your toes and tomato stains on your fingers
books books and more books
deep thoughts
ball caps and road trips
dancing in the rain
campfire sparks against an inky sky
staying up until 3 AM to talk to people you love
open windows
being spontaneous and crazy and wild and free
Dear summer 2018, I'm not ready to say goodbye...
sunshine
laughing until you can't breathe
sundresses and loose hair
staying up late and sleeping in
days by the pool, chlorine in your hair
ice cream every day
wading in the creek until your toes go numb
a hairband tan line on my wrist
spur-of-the-moment thunderstorms
eating outdoors
flip-flops and peeling sunburns
cloudless skies
fireflies in the dewy grass
dandelions and fresh-cut grass
lemonade
sunsets and sunrises and the days when you see both
cruising down a back road with the wind in your hair and country music up loud
heat and humidity
blackberries growing wild
garden dirt between your toes and tomato stains on your fingers
books books and more books
deep thoughts
ball caps and road trips
dancing in the rain
campfire sparks against an inky sky
staying up until 3 AM to talk to people you love
open windows
being spontaneous and crazy and wild and free
Dear summer 2018, I'm not ready to say goodbye...
August 20, 2018
Mid-Year Book Freak Out // tag
Happy Thursday, readers and friends!
After watching Lindsey's and Rebekah's book tube videos of this tag, I decided to do my own rendition. I'm not doing a video and dragging y'all into the misery of watching me mumble and be camera-shy for ten minutes (you're welcome), but I thought the tag still looked too fun not to join. ;)
And yes, it's past the mid-way point of the year, but we're gonna go with it. Just...let me live in denial a bit longer...please...
Best Book you've read so far in 2018That's a hard one...but I would have to go with Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury. I literally have no words for this book. If you haven't read it, I seriously don't know why.
Best sequel you've read so far in 2018A toss-up between Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury and The Rebellion by Livy Jarmusch? ;) Both were amazing and nicely continued the stories from the first books!
New Release You Haven't read yet but want toThe Road Home by Beverly Lewis and Falling for You by Becky Wade both qualify. I'm hoping to read them both super soon.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the yearA Question of Loyalty by Jesseca Wheaton releases in a few months! It needs to join the first two books in the series on my shelves... ^-^
Biggest disappointmentLove Finds a Way by Wanda Brunstetter was definitely disappointing. I've really enjoyed Mrs. Brunstetter's books in the past, but the three stories in this collection were...rather boring.
Biggest SurpriseI'm pretty sure I'm still recovering from When Sparrows Fall by Diane Blackstone... I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book, other than I figured it would be kind of dark. It was, but ohmygoodness, it was amazing. <3
Favorite new author (debut or new to you)I'm not sure I've acquired a new favorite author yet this year... Karen Kingsbury could definitely become a favorite, though, if all her books are as good as the four I've read so far. :D
Newest fictional crushI don't have one?? (Congratulate me, guys. I've stopped fangirling over guys that don't exist.) Noah from The River Between Us could be, though...if we got more of his story.
Newest favorite characterNatalie (Nattie) Livingston from Child of Mine by Beverly Lewis! She is so precious and I basically want to adopt (ha, pun) her!
Book that made you cryNot only did this book make me cry, The Pursued by Willowy Whisper ripped my heart out and kept me up all hours of the night. And it's like 400+ pages and I read it in under 24 hours, so #record.
Book that made you happyJust Dance by Patricia MacLachlan was so sweet and darling and full of happy feels! <3
Most beautiful book you've bought/received this yearThis was hard...because I ooh and ahh over book covers, like, daily. But I'm going to go with A Midnight Clear by Pattie Berg. It.is.gorgeous.y'all.
Books you need to read by the end of the yearThis lovely stack and hopefully some others, as well as oodles of Christmas books. :D
Favorite book community memberUm, wait, what?! I can't pick something like that! Each and every one of you in this book/writing/blogging community are so special and unique. How could I ever pick a favorite?! <33
Have you done this tag? Saw it around? What's the best book YOU have read so far this year?
~Faith
