Faith L. Potts's Blog, page 22
February 15, 2018
When Calls the Heart party ~ Day Four ~ Collaboration
Welcome to day four, friends! :) Rebekah and I have a special When Calls the Heart collab chat for y'all today. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading as we chat about our beloved series!
F: Hey, Rebekah! I’m enjoying the When Calls the Heart blog party so much! How about you? :D
R: Yes! This is always such a fun blogging week!
F: Agreed! And co-hosting with my WCTH buddy makes it special. ;)
R: Co-hosting definitely makes it all the more fun! Having a When Calls the Heart buddy is the best!
F: It definitely is. And you’re the one who got me started watching the show! How did you become a Heartie?
R: I’m pretty happy about that! ;)
I watched the When Calls the Heart movie and it was okay. Not my favorite movie though. In the bonus features it mentioned that there was going to be a TV series. I wasn’t all that excited seeing as how the movie wasn’t a favorite. Well, in the summer of 2014 my dad was at the Christian bookstore and When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence was on sale so he picked it up. We watched it and I enjoyed it. So we went and got the first one and I couldn’t wait for the rest to come out. I got hooked on this lovely show very quickly. So, that’s pretty much how I became a Heartie. ;)
F: That’s so cool!! Kudos to your dad. ;) A Telling Silence is a really sweet show. You’d been telling me how great the show is for a couple months, and then I found the first three shows for only a couple dollars on CBD. So I bought them and my family watched them and loved them immediately! We’d re-watched those three several times by the time the rest of Season One arrived. ;)
Speaking of the movie...I almost want to watch that one to see how it compares, but no one could ever replace Jack and Elizabeth. ;)
R: Yes, I was thinking that it was a show you’d really like so I was so thrilled when you told me you got those first three! I was even more excited when you loved them as much as me! ;) Talking with you about When Calls the Heart is so wonderful. :D
The movie is sort of good, but yes, no one can replace Elizabeth and Jack. Actually I don’t even think Jack is in the movie… ;)
F: I’m so glad I took your advice! ;D
Hehe, I was wondering about that… Is the love-interest still a Mountie?
R: :D
Yes, the love-interest is still a Mountie. Jack is way better though. ;)
F: *grins* I imagine he is.
Who would you say are your top favorites characters? :D
R: Oh, this is a hard one to answer! ;) Well, I just love Elizabeth, Jack, Abigail, and Rosemary. Those would be my top favorites.
What about you? Who are your top favorite characters?
F: I should have known better than to ask that, huh? ;) It is a hard one! Hmm...I think I would have to choose Jack, Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Bill as my top favorites. Abigail and Lee would be close ‘honorable mentions.’ ;)
R: Hehe. ;) It is hard to pick!
Those are great ones! I almost said Lee. He’s so great with Rosemary. ;)
I had a feeling you might choose Bill. He is great though, a bit confusing at times, but I’m so glad that he stuck around.
F: Lee and Rosemary are just SO cute! They need kids. You know...sticky ones… ;)
I’m glad Bill has stuck around too. There was several times I thought that he might get ‘written off’, so I’m glad he didn’t.
R: *laughs* Yes! Lee and Rosemary totally need kids! Hehe, yep...sticky ones.. ;)
I’m so glad that Bill didn’t get written off! I don’t like it when that happens to characters.
So, what would you say is your favorite season?
F: I don’t like it when that happens either! Like, Tom and Julie. I’m dying to know what became of them after Season Two. I’ve heard that Julie will be on Season Five though… Do you have any speculations on that?
Oh, that’s hard too! Well, I really loved season one with all the aftermath of the mine cave-in. And then season three was really great with all the Lee and Rosemary moments! And season four is amazing too. Haha, I’m having trouble with this one. ;D What about you?
R: Yes, Tom and Julie just disappeared! I really hope that story-line comes back. I remember you saying that you heard Julie will be in season 5! It’s about time. ;) I don’t have too many speculations on that story. I just really hope something happens. Season 2 ended really badly with that story line! (Well, actually it ended badly overall. ;))
Hehe, choosing a favorite season is hard! ;) Season 1 really was great and a great start to a wonderful series. I think I’d have to say that season 4 is my favorite though. :)
F: Hehe, agreed! The end of season 2 was a terrible cliffhanger in more ways than one! I only have one speculation on Julie’s return—that she comes to Hope Valley for her sister’s wedding. ;) That’s something that I really hope to see on season 5!
Season 4 is really wonderful!! :)
R: Definitely! I was excited when Jack was heading to the school with the ring for Elizabeth but then Charles had to go and ruin it!!
Oh, that’s a great speculation! I really hope Jack and Elizabeth get married in season 5!
F: I know it!! I may or may not have been yelling at the TV when I realized who was down on one knee...because, you know, that totally helped… ;) I wonder if Jack will ever tell Elizabeth how long he’d had the ring before he actually got to propose.
Me too!! I imagine them having a really pretty wedding. :D
R: Haha! Yes, yelling at the TV totally helps… ;) Yeah, I kinda wonder the same thing!
I think they would really have a nice wedding. The proposal was SO sweet so I’m sure their wedding would be too!
F: Totally. *wink* It would definitely be an emotional scene! <3
Yes!! The proposal was very sweet and thoughtful. Jack is quite romantic. ;) Sometimes I get focused on recent happenings between them, and I forget that they have been an item nearly since the beginning. Remember when he painted them into the backdrop? And gave her the picture he drew of the two of them? And the first kiss? <3
R: Jack really is quite romantic. ;) Yes, they’ve been an item for a long time now!
Yes! The backdrop! And when Elizabeth went to go tell Jack that someone painted them in the backdrop? His response was so funny. ;) The picture and their first kiss! <3 Eeps! So many sweet memories between those two!
F: *laughs* Yes, that was funny! He did a good job on the innocent act. So much sweetness! <3 Do you have a favorite Jack and Elizabeth moment? :D
R: Yes, he definitely did! ;D
Oh wow! A favorite Jack and Elizabeth moment...Hmmm...well the proposal was the sweetest, but I really liked it in the beginning of season 4 when Jack and Elizabeth were the baseball coaches. ;) That was so funny and sweet!
Do you have a favorite Jack and Elizabeth moment?
F: The proposal was very sweet! That whole episode was. <3 The baseball episode was great too! Haha, yes, I loved seeing them opposing each other...and Bill breaking up the near-fight. ;D
Hmm...there's just so many! I really loved the end of season three when Jack got swept away in the flooded river and developed pneumonia. (You know how I am with injuries… ;)) I liked a lot of the early shows too, when they weren’t always happy with each other. ;)
R: That episode was sweet! Emotional too!
*laughs* Bill the umpire did almost have to break up a fight! That was great. ;)
There really are! Oh my goodness, yes! How could I forget that part! That was another emotional part! (Hehe, yes, you always love those injuries. ;))
It was so funny when Jack and Elizabeth didn’t always get along. ;D
F: It was so funny! ;D
That show was so great! And much better season finale than season two, I believe we can agree. (Anything feelsy and I’m in. *wink*)
It was! I’m glad they came to like each other eventually, though, and fell in love despite some opposition.
R: Oh yes! I definitely agree, the season 3 finale was way better than the season 2 one! (*wink*)
F: Yes, it was! Now, if they’d left Jack unconscious and not told us if he lived until the beginning of season 4, I might have had a different opinion on that. ;)
Well, it’s been so much fun chatting with you this afternoon, dear girl! :D
R: That would’ve been horrible!!!
It has been blast chatting with you too! :D
F: I know!! How would we have survived months of waiting?! ;)
This party is so much fun! So glad we were able to do it again this year. :D
R: I’m not sure if we would’ve been able to handle it *wink*
It is super fun! I’m so glad we were able to do it again too! Doing a post together has been really fun too! :D
F: *wink* Definitely wouldn’t have been good for our health.
Yes, it has been! :D Have a good day, Rebekah!
R: Definitely not! ;)
You have a great day too, Faith!
F: Bye! :) Thanks for reading, all!
R: Yes, thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed it. ;)
F: Yep! :D
Hope y'all enjoyed this as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Click here to check out Rebekah's post! :D
~Faith
F: Hey, Rebekah! I’m enjoying the When Calls the Heart blog party so much! How about you? :D
R: Yes! This is always such a fun blogging week!
F: Agreed! And co-hosting with my WCTH buddy makes it special. ;)
R: Co-hosting definitely makes it all the more fun! Having a When Calls the Heart buddy is the best!
F: It definitely is. And you’re the one who got me started watching the show! How did you become a Heartie?
R: I’m pretty happy about that! ;)
I watched the When Calls the Heart movie and it was okay. Not my favorite movie though. In the bonus features it mentioned that there was going to be a TV series. I wasn’t all that excited seeing as how the movie wasn’t a favorite. Well, in the summer of 2014 my dad was at the Christian bookstore and When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence was on sale so he picked it up. We watched it and I enjoyed it. So we went and got the first one and I couldn’t wait for the rest to come out. I got hooked on this lovely show very quickly. So, that’s pretty much how I became a Heartie. ;)
F: That’s so cool!! Kudos to your dad. ;) A Telling Silence is a really sweet show. You’d been telling me how great the show is for a couple months, and then I found the first three shows for only a couple dollars on CBD. So I bought them and my family watched them and loved them immediately! We’d re-watched those three several times by the time the rest of Season One arrived. ;)
Speaking of the movie...I almost want to watch that one to see how it compares, but no one could ever replace Jack and Elizabeth. ;)
R: Yes, I was thinking that it was a show you’d really like so I was so thrilled when you told me you got those first three! I was even more excited when you loved them as much as me! ;) Talking with you about When Calls the Heart is so wonderful. :D
The movie is sort of good, but yes, no one can replace Elizabeth and Jack. Actually I don’t even think Jack is in the movie… ;)
F: I’m so glad I took your advice! ;D
Hehe, I was wondering about that… Is the love-interest still a Mountie?
R: :D
Yes, the love-interest is still a Mountie. Jack is way better though. ;)
F: *grins* I imagine he is.
Who would you say are your top favorites characters? :D
R: Oh, this is a hard one to answer! ;) Well, I just love Elizabeth, Jack, Abigail, and Rosemary. Those would be my top favorites.
What about you? Who are your top favorite characters?
F: I should have known better than to ask that, huh? ;) It is a hard one! Hmm...I think I would have to choose Jack, Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Bill as my top favorites. Abigail and Lee would be close ‘honorable mentions.’ ;)
R: Hehe. ;) It is hard to pick!
Those are great ones! I almost said Lee. He’s so great with Rosemary. ;)
I had a feeling you might choose Bill. He is great though, a bit confusing at times, but I’m so glad that he stuck around.
F: Lee and Rosemary are just SO cute! They need kids. You know...sticky ones… ;)
I’m glad Bill has stuck around too. There was several times I thought that he might get ‘written off’, so I’m glad he didn’t.
R: *laughs* Yes! Lee and Rosemary totally need kids! Hehe, yep...sticky ones.. ;)
I’m so glad that Bill didn’t get written off! I don’t like it when that happens to characters.
So, what would you say is your favorite season?
F: I don’t like it when that happens either! Like, Tom and Julie. I’m dying to know what became of them after Season Two. I’ve heard that Julie will be on Season Five though… Do you have any speculations on that?
Oh, that’s hard too! Well, I really loved season one with all the aftermath of the mine cave-in. And then season three was really great with all the Lee and Rosemary moments! And season four is amazing too. Haha, I’m having trouble with this one. ;D What about you?
R: Yes, Tom and Julie just disappeared! I really hope that story-line comes back. I remember you saying that you heard Julie will be in season 5! It’s about time. ;) I don’t have too many speculations on that story. I just really hope something happens. Season 2 ended really badly with that story line! (Well, actually it ended badly overall. ;))
Hehe, choosing a favorite season is hard! ;) Season 1 really was great and a great start to a wonderful series. I think I’d have to say that season 4 is my favorite though. :)
F: Hehe, agreed! The end of season 2 was a terrible cliffhanger in more ways than one! I only have one speculation on Julie’s return—that she comes to Hope Valley for her sister’s wedding. ;) That’s something that I really hope to see on season 5!
Season 4 is really wonderful!! :)
R: Definitely! I was excited when Jack was heading to the school with the ring for Elizabeth but then Charles had to go and ruin it!!
Oh, that’s a great speculation! I really hope Jack and Elizabeth get married in season 5!
F: I know it!! I may or may not have been yelling at the TV when I realized who was down on one knee...because, you know, that totally helped… ;) I wonder if Jack will ever tell Elizabeth how long he’d had the ring before he actually got to propose.
Me too!! I imagine them having a really pretty wedding. :D
R: Haha! Yes, yelling at the TV totally helps… ;) Yeah, I kinda wonder the same thing!
I think they would really have a nice wedding. The proposal was SO sweet so I’m sure their wedding would be too!
F: Totally. *wink* It would definitely be an emotional scene! <3
Yes!! The proposal was very sweet and thoughtful. Jack is quite romantic. ;) Sometimes I get focused on recent happenings between them, and I forget that they have been an item nearly since the beginning. Remember when he painted them into the backdrop? And gave her the picture he drew of the two of them? And the first kiss? <3
R: Jack really is quite romantic. ;) Yes, they’ve been an item for a long time now!
Yes! The backdrop! And when Elizabeth went to go tell Jack that someone painted them in the backdrop? His response was so funny. ;) The picture and their first kiss! <3 Eeps! So many sweet memories between those two!
F: *laughs* Yes, that was funny! He did a good job on the innocent act. So much sweetness! <3 Do you have a favorite Jack and Elizabeth moment? :D
R: Yes, he definitely did! ;D
Oh wow! A favorite Jack and Elizabeth moment...Hmmm...well the proposal was the sweetest, but I really liked it in the beginning of season 4 when Jack and Elizabeth were the baseball coaches. ;) That was so funny and sweet!
Do you have a favorite Jack and Elizabeth moment?
F: The proposal was very sweet! That whole episode was. <3 The baseball episode was great too! Haha, yes, I loved seeing them opposing each other...and Bill breaking up the near-fight. ;D
Hmm...there's just so many! I really loved the end of season three when Jack got swept away in the flooded river and developed pneumonia. (You know how I am with injuries… ;)) I liked a lot of the early shows too, when they weren’t always happy with each other. ;)
R: That episode was sweet! Emotional too!
*laughs* Bill the umpire did almost have to break up a fight! That was great. ;)
There really are! Oh my goodness, yes! How could I forget that part! That was another emotional part! (Hehe, yes, you always love those injuries. ;))
It was so funny when Jack and Elizabeth didn’t always get along. ;D
F: It was so funny! ;D
That show was so great! And much better season finale than season two, I believe we can agree. (Anything feelsy and I’m in. *wink*)
It was! I’m glad they came to like each other eventually, though, and fell in love despite some opposition.
R: Oh yes! I definitely agree, the season 3 finale was way better than the season 2 one! (*wink*)
F: Yes, it was! Now, if they’d left Jack unconscious and not told us if he lived until the beginning of season 4, I might have had a different opinion on that. ;)
Well, it’s been so much fun chatting with you this afternoon, dear girl! :D
R: That would’ve been horrible!!!
It has been blast chatting with you too! :D
F: I know!! How would we have survived months of waiting?! ;)
This party is so much fun! So glad we were able to do it again this year. :D
R: I’m not sure if we would’ve been able to handle it *wink*
It is super fun! I’m so glad we were able to do it again too! Doing a post together has been really fun too! :D
F: *wink* Definitely wouldn’t have been good for our health.
Yes, it has been! :D Have a good day, Rebekah!
R: Definitely not! ;)
You have a great day too, Faith!
F: Bye! :) Thanks for reading, all!
R: Yes, thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed it. ;)
F: Yep! :D
Hope y'all enjoyed this as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Click here to check out Rebekah's post! :D
~Faith
February 14, 2018
When Calls the Heart party ~ Day Three ~ Cute Couples
Happy Valentines Day, friends! :) In honor of the day, we're going to talk about all the cute couples of When Calls the Heart. ;D
(My apologies for the lateness of this post. Faith overslept, skipped breakfast, dashed out the door, and just got home from a class. :P)
I'm going to divide the couples into 'those who made it'—the ones who are still couples—and 'those who didn't'—the couples who didn't last. ;)
Those Who Made It
Lee and Rosemary ~ Lee and Rosemary are a super cute couple! Rosemary appeared first on the show in late-season 1, and I did not like her. She was trying to come between Jack and Elizabeth, which is not okay. Lee came onto the show in early season 2, I believe. (The seasons run together in my mind, y'all. xD) I didn't like him at first either. I thought he was a con-man. ;D But eventually, I came to adore them both, especially when together. Their proposal and wedding was so sweet! <3
Jack and Elizabeth ~ Being the main characters, these two have been on the show since the beginning. Elizabeth is Hope Valley's schoolteacher and Jack is the town's constable. These two have some really cute moments and I'm hoping for a wedding in season 5. :D <3
Jesse and Clara ~ Clara originally entered the series as Abigail's daughter-in-law who no one knew existed. I wasn't sure if I liked her at first, but she's super sweet. Jesse first appeared in the New Years special that is part of season 3. I...didn't like him at first either? (I'm so untrusting. xD) But he proved himself, so I guess he can stick around...and they are pretty cute... ;)
Those Who Didn't
Bill and Abigail ~ Bill came to the town and the show in season 1 to aid Jack in investigating the mine disaster. Pretty soon, he was dating Abigail Stanton, one of the miners' widows who's been on the show since the beginning. Before long, it came out that Bill was married—something he'd lied to Abigail about—and their relationship obviously fell apart. :P They are now business partners though, and Abigail is dating Pastor Frank Hogan.
Julie and Tom ~ Elizabeth's little sister, Julie, came on the show near the end of season 1, and then returned in season 2. Tom is Jack's younger—and quite troublesome—brother. We haven't seen anything from either of them since the end of season 2. Both of them need to grow up a bit before attempting a serious relationship, but they were still pretty fun. ;D
Visit Rebekah's blog for lots of adorable Jack & Elizabeth moments! :D (Also, in case you missed it, there's an epic indie book sale going on right now.)
Who's your favorite WCTH couple? :D
~Faith
(My apologies for the lateness of this post. Faith overslept, skipped breakfast, dashed out the door, and just got home from a class. :P)
I'm going to divide the couples into 'those who made it'—the ones who are still couples—and 'those who didn't'—the couples who didn't last. ;)
Those Who Made It
Lee and Rosemary ~ Lee and Rosemary are a super cute couple! Rosemary appeared first on the show in late-season 1, and I did not like her. She was trying to come between Jack and Elizabeth, which is not okay. Lee came onto the show in early season 2, I believe. (The seasons run together in my mind, y'all. xD) I didn't like him at first either. I thought he was a con-man. ;D But eventually, I came to adore them both, especially when together. Their proposal and wedding was so sweet! <3
Jack and Elizabeth ~ Being the main characters, these two have been on the show since the beginning. Elizabeth is Hope Valley's schoolteacher and Jack is the town's constable. These two have some really cute moments and I'm hoping for a wedding in season 5. :D <3
Jesse and Clara ~ Clara originally entered the series as Abigail's daughter-in-law who no one knew existed. I wasn't sure if I liked her at first, but she's super sweet. Jesse first appeared in the New Years special that is part of season 3. I...didn't like him at first either? (I'm so untrusting. xD) But he proved himself, so I guess he can stick around...and they are pretty cute... ;)
Those Who Didn't
Bill and Abigail ~ Bill came to the town and the show in season 1 to aid Jack in investigating the mine disaster. Pretty soon, he was dating Abigail Stanton, one of the miners' widows who's been on the show since the beginning. Before long, it came out that Bill was married—something he'd lied to Abigail about—and their relationship obviously fell apart. :P They are now business partners though, and Abigail is dating Pastor Frank Hogan.
Julie and Tom ~ Elizabeth's little sister, Julie, came on the show near the end of season 1, and then returned in season 2. Tom is Jack's younger—and quite troublesome—brother. We haven't seen anything from either of them since the end of season 2. Both of them need to grow up a bit before attempting a serious relationship, but they were still pretty fun. ;D
Visit Rebekah's blog for lots of adorable Jack & Elizabeth moments! :D (Also, in case you missed it, there's an epic indie book sale going on right now.)
Who's your favorite WCTH couple? :D
~Faith
Sweet Book Sale {You Don't Wanna Miss This!}
Good morning, friends! I'm interrupting the When Calls the Heart (<3) blog party for just a minute to let y'all know of a book sale that's happening. Today and tomorrow only, the books on the list below will be on sale. Free ebooks, discounted ebooks, and my own Dandelion Dust is in the sale as well. <3 So excited to be partnered with these other lovely authors!
Check it out and snag some on-sale reads. And share it with your friends!!
Book sale! ~ February 14-15, 2018
Free eBooksPoison Kiss by Kendra E. Ardnek Forget Not by Rebekah A. MorrisThe Dressmaker's Secret by Kellyn RothThe Lady of the Vineyard by Kellyn Roth Coffee Cake Days by Amanda Tero
$0.99 eBooksWater Princess, Fire Princess by Kendra E. Arnek Finding Joy by Rebekah A. MorrisGift from the Storm by Rebekah A. Morris The Fragrance of Geraniums by Alicia G. RuggieriBefriending the Beast by Amanda Tero Journey to Love by Amanda Tero
A Question of Honor by Jesseca WheatonBeyond the Horizon by Jesseca Wheaton
$1.99 eBooksLady Dragon, Tela Du by Kendra E. ArdnekAll Our Empty Places by Alicia G. Ruggieri A Love to Come Home To by Alicia G. Ruggieri The House of Mercy by Alicia G. Ruggieri The Secret Slipper by Amanda Tero
$2.99 eBooksFinding Mera by Elizabeth D. Marie
$3.99 eBooksA Time of Grace 3-in-1 by Alicia G. Ruggieri
25% off paperbackDandelion Dust by Faith Potts
Huge thank you to the lovely Amanda Tero for making the graphics! :)
February 13, 2018
When Calls the Heart party ~ Day Two ~ Pros and Cons
Good morning, Hearties! :) Hope y'all are enjoying the party as much as we are!
A quick note that totally slipped my mind yesterday – This party isn't just for Rebekah and I! Anyone who so wishes is completely welcome to participate! You can write a post about anything related to WCTH. You may use the graphics as well if you like! One was at the top of yesterday's post, the second is below, and another will be coming tomorrow. ;) If you do post, be sure to drop the link in Rebekah or my comment box so we can read it! :D
Today, I'm going to take a look into the 'pros and cons' of each season. The Pros are things that I particularly like about each season. And the Cons aren't all things that are wrong with the seasons, there's just things I didn't like as much. ;)
Season OnePros ~ Getting to know all the characters and Coal Valley townspeople.
~ The Montgomery family! As I mentioned yesterday, I really liked these characters in season 1. :D
~ All the mine explosion aftermath. I know, terrible. But I enjoyed seeing how the widows and the families pulled together in the months following the tragedy.
~ Bill and Abigail. *coughs* I know, I know...it didn't last. He was technically married. But it was cute, while it was a thing. ;) <3 #BillandAbigailforever
Cons ~ At first, I couldn't think of anything to put here. But then last night, while re-watching Lost & Found, I noticed Elizabeth's hair and how different it is from later in the series. The curls are pretty. the rest of the 'do...not so much. ;P
Season Two
Pros ~ Julie and Tom! They were quite the troublemakers, but I liked those two on this season. Maybe they'll both resurface for a wedding in season 5. *wiggles eyebrows*
~ Elizabeth's family. Meeting Elizabeth's parents and sisters was cool. ;)
Cons ~ The fact that so much time is spent in Hamilton. Not sure if the producers were trying out something new or what, but I'm just like "take us back to Coal/Hope Valley!' :P
~ Julie's disappearance. Excuse me, Hallmark, but I want to know what was planned for that storyline were she so mysteriously snuck around and then vanished. I kept expecting something from her on season 3, and...? Yup, nothing. Weird.
~ CHARLES KENSINGTON. Sorry, Charles-lovers, but I never liked this dude. And the way he showed up at the end of the season... *shakes head* Not okay, bro.
Season Three
Pros ~ Jack got hurt. *nods* That sounds terrible, but if you know me very well, then you'd know I love injury in books and movies. The more life-threatening, the better. ;)
~ Alllll the Lee and rosemary moments. Seriously, these two are just the cutest thing. Their screen moments always have me laughing and smiling over their adorableness. And the wedding! <3
Cons ~ Hmm...I can't think of any cons here. I really loved this season. :D
Season Four
Pros ~ The proposal! *melts* That was so sweet!
~ Again, Lee and Rosemary. Seeing their married life was just as fun as seeing their dating/engaged moments. They are just so cute. ;D
Cons ~ Doug's death. Oh my goodness, the funeral though, y'all. That was just so sad. <3
~ Jack's...leaving... *sniffles* Like, why must you go dude?! So sweet though. (Since this is supposed to be about season 4, I'll refrain from squealing about what happened in The Wishing Tree. *wink*)
Hop on over to Rebekah's blog for some changes in the series over the current four seasons and a quiz! :D
What's your favorite season?
~Faith
A quick note that totally slipped my mind yesterday – This party isn't just for Rebekah and I! Anyone who so wishes is completely welcome to participate! You can write a post about anything related to WCTH. You may use the graphics as well if you like! One was at the top of yesterday's post, the second is below, and another will be coming tomorrow. ;) If you do post, be sure to drop the link in Rebekah or my comment box so we can read it! :D
Today, I'm going to take a look into the 'pros and cons' of each season. The Pros are things that I particularly like about each season. And the Cons aren't all things that are wrong with the seasons, there's just things I didn't like as much. ;)
Season OnePros ~ Getting to know all the characters and Coal Valley townspeople.
~ The Montgomery family! As I mentioned yesterday, I really liked these characters in season 1. :D
~ All the mine explosion aftermath. I know, terrible. But I enjoyed seeing how the widows and the families pulled together in the months following the tragedy.
~ Bill and Abigail. *coughs* I know, I know...it didn't last. He was technically married. But it was cute, while it was a thing. ;) <3 #BillandAbigailforever
Cons ~ At first, I couldn't think of anything to put here. But then last night, while re-watching Lost & Found, I noticed Elizabeth's hair and how different it is from later in the series. The curls are pretty. the rest of the 'do...not so much. ;P
Season Two
Pros ~ Julie and Tom! They were quite the troublemakers, but I liked those two on this season. Maybe they'll both resurface for a wedding in season 5. *wiggles eyebrows*
~ Elizabeth's family. Meeting Elizabeth's parents and sisters was cool. ;)
Cons ~ The fact that so much time is spent in Hamilton. Not sure if the producers were trying out something new or what, but I'm just like "take us back to Coal/Hope Valley!' :P
~ Julie's disappearance. Excuse me, Hallmark, but I want to know what was planned for that storyline were she so mysteriously snuck around and then vanished. I kept expecting something from her on season 3, and...? Yup, nothing. Weird.
~ CHARLES KENSINGTON. Sorry, Charles-lovers, but I never liked this dude. And the way he showed up at the end of the season... *shakes head* Not okay, bro.
Season Three
Pros ~ Jack got hurt. *nods* That sounds terrible, but if you know me very well, then you'd know I love injury in books and movies. The more life-threatening, the better. ;)
~ Alllll the Lee and rosemary moments. Seriously, these two are just the cutest thing. Their screen moments always have me laughing and smiling over their adorableness. And the wedding! <3
Cons ~ Hmm...I can't think of any cons here. I really loved this season. :D
Season Four
Pros ~ The proposal! *melts* That was so sweet!
~ Again, Lee and Rosemary. Seeing their married life was just as fun as seeing their dating/engaged moments. They are just so cute. ;D
Cons ~ Doug's death. Oh my goodness, the funeral though, y'all. That was just so sad. <3
~ Jack's...leaving... *sniffles* Like, why must you go dude?! So sweet though. (Since this is supposed to be about season 4, I'll refrain from squealing about what happened in The Wishing Tree. *wink*)
Hop on over to Rebekah's blog for some changes in the series over the current four seasons and a quiz! :D
What's your favorite season?
~Faith
February 12, 2018
When Calls the Heart party ~ Day One ~ Intro + Lost & Found Recap
Good morning, folks! :D Welcome to the second hopefully-annual When Calls the Heart blog party, hosted by yours truly and my lovely friend, RebekahAshleigh.
Last year, on the week on Valentines Day, Rebekah and I came up with the idea to host a week-long party in honor of the well-known Hallmark series. It was a ton of fun, and we've decided to do it again! :D Today through Saturday there will be a special post on each of our blogs—I'm especially looking forward to Thursday's post. ;)
Alrighty! Today I'm going to do a recap of the very first When Calls the Heart episode, Lost and Found. (In the individual TV episodes, this would be "Lost and Found" and "Cease and Desist.") Unless I'm mistaken, that's the episode that our party graphic image came from too! ;)
So much happens in this episode! First, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher comes to Coal Valley, a town that has recently been through the terrible tragedy of a mine cave-in, which killed most of the husbands and fathers.
The mothers aren't sure this young lady from a wealthy family in Hamilton is up to the challenge of teaching their grieving children. They give her a chance though, and Elizabeth does her best ... with minor errors like burnt food and burning buildings dotting her path.
Soon we meet Constable Jack Thornton, a Mountie who's recently been assigned to Coal Valley to investigate the mine cave-in. Pretty sure I was shipping those two from the very beginning... *wink*
Upon realizing who Elizabeth's father is, Jack is suspicious that he was stationed there to keep an eye on her. Which may or may not be true. ;) Needless to say, the two butt heads when Jack brings it up.
Elizabeth sets to work teaching the children, without much progress. A plank of wood is unearthed by the men working to clear the mine tunnels. 'Forgive me Pa' is etched into it, presumably by one of the trapped, dying miners.
The townspeople fight over the piece of wood, a reminder of what they've all lost, each convinced it was their husband, father, or son. The city-girl schoolteacher and I-didn't-even-want-to-be-here Mountie have to work together to solve the mystery and get the plank to its rightful owner. ;)
Slightly unrelated here, but I really liked the characters of Cat, Gabe, Emily, and Miles on Season 1. Kinda wish they still had more leading roles in the show. ;P
Moving on... In the second half of the show, the women widowed by the mine cave-in receive eviction notices from Henry Gowen, overseer of the Coal Valley mine. They're instructed the vacate the row houses they now occupy to make room for new miners and their families. In order to stay in their homes, the women themselves go to work in the mines.
Outraged at the man's audacity, Elizabeth seeks to find a way to help. Jack encourages her to look for a 'legal loophole'. She does, with the aid of her students. When the first attempt fails, Elizabeth is discouraged, but eventually finds another way, once which allows the women to keep their homes.
All turns out well in the end, with Jack and Elizabeth on much better terms than when the show began. Coal Valley is far from perfect, but the grieving, healing families now have a schoolteacher and a Mountie who truly care about the people in their new town. <3
~*~
Hope y'all enjoyed! What's your favorite WCTH episode from Season 1? Are you excited for the party?
Be sure to hop over to Rebekah's blog to read her post for today! :D
~Faith
Last year, on the week on Valentines Day, Rebekah and I came up with the idea to host a week-long party in honor of the well-known Hallmark series. It was a ton of fun, and we've decided to do it again! :D Today through Saturday there will be a special post on each of our blogs—I'm especially looking forward to Thursday's post. ;)
Alrighty! Today I'm going to do a recap of the very first When Calls the Heart episode, Lost and Found. (In the individual TV episodes, this would be "Lost and Found" and "Cease and Desist.") Unless I'm mistaken, that's the episode that our party graphic image came from too! ;)
So much happens in this episode! First, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher comes to Coal Valley, a town that has recently been through the terrible tragedy of a mine cave-in, which killed most of the husbands and fathers.
The mothers aren't sure this young lady from a wealthy family in Hamilton is up to the challenge of teaching their grieving children. They give her a chance though, and Elizabeth does her best ... with minor errors like burnt food and burning buildings dotting her path.
Soon we meet Constable Jack Thornton, a Mountie who's recently been assigned to Coal Valley to investigate the mine cave-in. Pretty sure I was shipping those two from the very beginning... *wink*
Upon realizing who Elizabeth's father is, Jack is suspicious that he was stationed there to keep an eye on her. Which may or may not be true. ;) Needless to say, the two butt heads when Jack brings it up.
Elizabeth sets to work teaching the children, without much progress. A plank of wood is unearthed by the men working to clear the mine tunnels. 'Forgive me Pa' is etched into it, presumably by one of the trapped, dying miners.
The townspeople fight over the piece of wood, a reminder of what they've all lost, each convinced it was their husband, father, or son. The city-girl schoolteacher and I-didn't-even-want-to-be-here Mountie have to work together to solve the mystery and get the plank to its rightful owner. ;)
Slightly unrelated here, but I really liked the characters of Cat, Gabe, Emily, and Miles on Season 1. Kinda wish they still had more leading roles in the show. ;P
Moving on... In the second half of the show, the women widowed by the mine cave-in receive eviction notices from Henry Gowen, overseer of the Coal Valley mine. They're instructed the vacate the row houses they now occupy to make room for new miners and their families. In order to stay in their homes, the women themselves go to work in the mines.
Outraged at the man's audacity, Elizabeth seeks to find a way to help. Jack encourages her to look for a 'legal loophole'. She does, with the aid of her students. When the first attempt fails, Elizabeth is discouraged, but eventually finds another way, once which allows the women to keep their homes.
All turns out well in the end, with Jack and Elizabeth on much better terms than when the show began. Coal Valley is far from perfect, but the grieving, healing families now have a schoolteacher and a Mountie who truly care about the people in their new town. <3
~*~
Hope y'all enjoyed! What's your favorite WCTH episode from Season 1? Are you excited for the party?
Be sure to hop over to Rebekah's blog to read her post for today! :D
~Faith
February 11, 2018
BookBurn Candle Launch
Good morning, readers! :) Today, I'm helping spread the word for Ivy Rose's new Etsy business, BookBurn Candles. They sound absolutely amazing, and I'm looking forward to trying one!
Hey everyone! I’m Ivy Rose, the author of The Old River Road and Left to Die, and I’m excited to be announcing my newest bookish endeavor!
Doesn’t everyone love a flickering candle that smells like their favorite book? I know I do! I'm excited to finally be opening my Etsy shop, BookBurn Candles.
With scents inspired by literary classics, authors, writers, and readers alike will love these adorable candles. Bookish candles make fantastic gifts for all book enthusiasts.
BookBurn Candles are made with natural soy wax, cotton wicks, and essential oils, making them as allergy-friendly as possible. They are available to purchase on Etsy.
Who in your life needs a bookish candle? (Is it you? That’s okay, too. ;-) )
Follow BookBurn Candles on Instagram for the first look at new scents and special deals!
>> Instagram // Etsy <<
Ivy Rose, the creator of BookBurn Candles, is a young novelist with a passion to create beautiful fiction. Armed with a desire to make scenarios readers can easily relate to, she writes in many genres about ordinary individuals faced with extraordinary choices. As a chronic illness warrior, Ivy eagerly encourages others to find joy no matter what the circumstances. In her free time, she loves dancing, playing music, or enjoying various outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.
>> Blog // Instagram // Twitter // YouTube <<
Hey everyone! I’m Ivy Rose, the author of The Old River Road and Left to Die, and I’m excited to be announcing my newest bookish endeavor!
Doesn’t everyone love a flickering candle that smells like their favorite book? I know I do! I'm excited to finally be opening my Etsy shop, BookBurn Candles.
With scents inspired by literary classics, authors, writers, and readers alike will love these adorable candles. Bookish candles make fantastic gifts for all book enthusiasts.
BookBurn Candles are made with natural soy wax, cotton wicks, and essential oils, making them as allergy-friendly as possible. They are available to purchase on Etsy.
Who in your life needs a bookish candle? (Is it you? That’s okay, too. ;-) )
Follow BookBurn Candles on Instagram for the first look at new scents and special deals!
>> Instagram // Etsy <<
Ivy Rose, the creator of BookBurn Candles, is a young novelist with a passion to create beautiful fiction. Armed with a desire to make scenarios readers can easily relate to, she writes in many genres about ordinary individuals faced with extraordinary choices. As a chronic illness warrior, Ivy eagerly encourages others to find joy no matter what the circumstances. In her free time, she loves dancing, playing music, or enjoying various outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.
>> Blog // Instagram // Twitter // YouTube <<
February 10, 2018
A Question of Loyalty // Cover Reveal
A lovely Saturday to you, readers! :D As you've probably guessed from the title of this post...I'm here with a cover reveal. For the third book in a series that I absolutely ADORE. <3
Join me in fangirling over the beauty you're about to behold... *insert heart-eyes* <3
Synopsis
A Man. A Brother. A Traitor.
The war has taken everything Micah Wilson has ever held dear, and with all his being he wishes he could do something to stop the heartache. But he often wonders if he'll ever be able to move on after the war, or forget the brother who left six years before. How can God still have a plan, when it seems that the world around him is falling to pieces, to say nothing of his own heart?
Ann Wilson has seen two brothers changed by the war. And she's resolved to do something to stop the pain she sees in their eyes from becoming a reality for so many others. The world is on the brink of Normandy when her nursing unit is shipped to England, and while there, an unexpected encounter promises to change her own life . . . Forever. But it's only the beginning. As the war in Europe rages on, Ann is caught in the crossfires. And when the unthinkable happens, she comes face to face with the evil of the Third Reich. Is it possible that the reality of it all is more deadly than even her worst nightmares?
Erich Essler never questioned his duty to his country. All his life he's struggled to live up to his father's expectations, and bring honor to the Essler name. But when the man he thought of as his only friend turns out to be the enemy, he can no longer rid himself of the questions that continue to torment him. Is what he's doing really honorable? And does he owe his loyalty to his country . . . Or a higher power?
Freedom for Europe dawns on the distant horizon. But in the midst of the fight, four lives will be forever changed, and their loyalty to God and Country brought into question.
*Not final blurb
~Add it on Goodreads~
About the Author
Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home. Though, being in the sky is pretty awesome, too.
Website~Blog~Amazon~Goodreads~GooglePlus~Pinterest~Instagram
Join me in fangirling over the beauty you're about to behold... *insert heart-eyes* <3
Synopsis
A Man. A Brother. A Traitor.
The war has taken everything Micah Wilson has ever held dear, and with all his being he wishes he could do something to stop the heartache. But he often wonders if he'll ever be able to move on after the war, or forget the brother who left six years before. How can God still have a plan, when it seems that the world around him is falling to pieces, to say nothing of his own heart?
Ann Wilson has seen two brothers changed by the war. And she's resolved to do something to stop the pain she sees in their eyes from becoming a reality for so many others. The world is on the brink of Normandy when her nursing unit is shipped to England, and while there, an unexpected encounter promises to change her own life . . . Forever. But it's only the beginning. As the war in Europe rages on, Ann is caught in the crossfires. And when the unthinkable happens, she comes face to face with the evil of the Third Reich. Is it possible that the reality of it all is more deadly than even her worst nightmares?
Erich Essler never questioned his duty to his country. All his life he's struggled to live up to his father's expectations, and bring honor to the Essler name. But when the man he thought of as his only friend turns out to be the enemy, he can no longer rid himself of the questions that continue to torment him. Is what he's doing really honorable? And does he owe his loyalty to his country . . . Or a higher power?
Freedom for Europe dawns on the distant horizon. But in the midst of the fight, four lives will be forever changed, and their loyalty to God and Country brought into question.
*Not final blurb
~Add it on Goodreads~
About the Author
Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home. Though, being in the sky is pretty awesome, too.
Website~Blog~Amazon~Goodreads~GooglePlus~Pinterest~Instagram
February 6, 2018
The Literary Dinner Party Tag!
Hello friends!
After a month away from the blogging realm, I'm officially back and planning to tackle the stack of tags awaiting me. There will hopefully be a tag every Tuesday this month, starting today and excluding next week...because #reasons.
For today, Ivie @ Ivie Writes tagged me for the Literary Dinner Party tag. It looks like sooo much fun. Here goes :D
1 // A character who can/likes to cook.
Debbie Carmichael from Love Me Tender works in a restaurant, sooo...? *nods* We'll go with that.
2 // A character who has the money to fund this party.
Legit anyone in the Bradford family, in the Bradford Sisters series by Becky Wade. We'll go with Nora. ;)
3 // A character that might cause a scene.
Andrea Carter in any of the Circle C books. She wouldn't do it intentional...but things don't always go according to plan with her around. :P
4 // A character who is amusing.
I could say my own characters... (Because, y'all, I finished my read-through of A Soldier's Freedom this afternoon, and my characters are SO SNARKY AND GOLD. <3) ...but instead, I'll go with Don and Cyril from the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series. ;)
5 // A character who is super popular.
Leith Torren. He may not be popular to the majority of the world, but he definitely is to TBoA fangirls. *points to self*
6 // One villain.
Erich Essler from A Question of Honor. He's like the epic-est, best-est villain ever.
7 // One couple-doesn't have to be romantic.
Riley and Becca from To Get to You are SO-O adorable!
8 // One hero.
Walt Novak. You thought I was going to get through this without mentioning Sarah Sundin, didn't you? *winks*
9 // One underappreciated character.
This one was rather difficult... but I finally came up with William from The Princess and I. I'm still trying to recover from that ending... *sniffles*
10 // One character of your own choosing.
Sadie from The Pursued. (Jake may accompany her if he so wishes.) She's such a dear thing! <3
Well, that was harder than I thought it would be... :P I feel like I mention half of these books in every bookish tag, but I am trying to be creative...promise... *wink*
Alrighty, I hereby tag... anyone who read this post while wearing socks.
Thanks for reading, dears! <3
~Faith
After a month away from the blogging realm, I'm officially back and planning to tackle the stack of tags awaiting me. There will hopefully be a tag every Tuesday this month, starting today and excluding next week...because #reasons.
For today, Ivie @ Ivie Writes tagged me for the Literary Dinner Party tag. It looks like sooo much fun. Here goes :D
1 // A character who can/likes to cook.
Debbie Carmichael from Love Me Tender works in a restaurant, sooo...? *nods* We'll go with that.
2 // A character who has the money to fund this party.
Legit anyone in the Bradford family, in the Bradford Sisters series by Becky Wade. We'll go with Nora. ;)
3 // A character that might cause a scene.
Andrea Carter in any of the Circle C books. She wouldn't do it intentional...but things don't always go according to plan with her around. :P
4 // A character who is amusing.
I could say my own characters... (Because, y'all, I finished my read-through of A Soldier's Freedom this afternoon, and my characters are SO SNARKY AND GOLD. <3) ...but instead, I'll go with Don and Cyril from the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series. ;)
5 // A character who is super popular.
Leith Torren. He may not be popular to the majority of the world, but he definitely is to TBoA fangirls. *points to self*
6 // One villain.
Erich Essler from A Question of Honor. He's like the epic-est, best-est villain ever.
7 // One couple-doesn't have to be romantic.
Riley and Becca from To Get to You are SO-O adorable!
8 // One hero.
Walt Novak. You thought I was going to get through this without mentioning Sarah Sundin, didn't you? *winks*
9 // One underappreciated character.
This one was rather difficult... but I finally came up with William from The Princess and I. I'm still trying to recover from that ending... *sniffles*
10 // One character of your own choosing.
Sadie from The Pursued. (Jake may accompany her if he so wishes.) She's such a dear thing! <3
Well, that was harder than I thought it would be... :P I feel like I mention half of these books in every bookish tag, but I am trying to be creative...promise... *wink*
Alrighty, I hereby tag... anyone who read this post while wearing socks.
Thanks for reading, dears! <3
~Faith
February 1, 2018
Time Management, Editing, and a New Focus || January Recap
Hey, people! After a (nearly) month-long, planned hiatus, I'm back into the blogging world. :) Throughout the month, I read most of y'all's posts and left some comments. Now I'm officially back, though still in denial that January is OVER, and ready to take on February. ;)
Sometime in the past few weeks, I came up with a bit of a plan for my monthly recaps for 2018. There isn't much changing, but hopefully it'll be formatted a bit more professionally now. (Did I mention how much easier it is to blog on a laptop than an iPad?! <3)
Let's take a peek into my month. :D
|| Life. ||
>> Y'all... I was super epic at managing my time this month. Which says a lot for someone who can seriously get distracted while doing things like brushing her teeth. It was kind of weird, but I really just didn't waste time. (Okay, I kind of did...some. Read on and when you get to point 3, you'll understand. YouTube is a trap.) But I was pretty productive. I may or may not have folded clothes while doing chemistry. And I totally didn't get toothpaste on my phone case because I was reading while I brushed my teeth. xD
>> I ate roasted asparagus and mushrooms straight out of the fridge... Let it never be said I'm complicated when it comes to food.
>> I watched an insane amount of Studio C sketches. Worst Lawyer Ever, Worst Doctor Ever, A Friend's Dying Secrets, and We Have Big News are the best ones out there. Suggestions accepted. *nods*
>> Our youth group went snow tubing, which was super epic. Sadly, the only pics I have are from ChickFilA afterwards...and they include weird glares and ketchup...just don't ask.
>> My family did strange (but somehow normal for us...?) things.
Dad: *gets up out of the chair* *kneels in the floor* *sticks his head under the chair*
Mom: *watching him with wide eyes*
Me: *laughing so hard*
Tucker: *whispers* I think he's trying to get out of the rain...
Tucker: *goes to the cabinet for food*
Mom: There's some leftover apple crisp in the fridge
Me: ...no, there's not.
Mom: Oh, never mind.
*watching a movie*
Guy: *proposes*
Me: say no...say no...
Girl: I'm sorry, I can't..
Me; YES.
Dad: *dies laughing*
Dad: *commenting on how much Tucker has eaten*
Me: You know you have to feed him for at least 4 more years, right?
Dad: Mhm. It's getting expensive
Tucker: He's going to rent me out
Me: Nobody would want you once they knew how much you eat.
Tucker: He could rent me out to Little Debbie. I'll be their sampler.
Me: *dies*
>> I was walking down the hall, and I told Mom that I was going to 'take a speedy shower that probably wouldn't be very speedy' and she was like 'yeah, because Faith doesn't take speedy showers' and I'm like DUDE, TIME ME. Needless to say, I nailed it in six minutes flat. Boom.
>> I got good advice from my people.
Faith: Do I need cake?
Friends: No. go do something useful.
Faith: But that book about made me cry.
Friends: Oh, that's different. Eat the entire cake and sob your heart out.
>> I binged season 8 of The Walton's over school break, and since then watched Little House on the Prairie season 1. xD
>> For those of you who may not follow my other blog, you probably didn't know that I joined three other lovely ladies and I'll now be posting (hopefully) twice a month on Living for Jesus Christ. Naomi is our leader *wink*, and Ashley, Olivia, and I will be posting as well. It's great fun, and y'all should totally go check it out. Some good, encouraging stuff on there. ;)
>> I took weird selfies. Let's just call this editing at it's best.
>> When someone asks you if you're "still writing"... Like, lady, if I could stop, I think I would. At least, some times.
>> I won Abi's signature contest! That was super cool. ;)
>> My favorite songs of the month were: Still a Soldier - Trace Adkins, Love Has Been Spoken and Listen to the Sound - Building 429, and I Am Sure - Dan Bremnes. <33
>> A day in the life of Faith... *stays up after 11:30 editing* *crashes into bed* *sleeps through first alarm* *finally gets up* *edits/does school until class time* *attends class* *edits while eating lunch* *finishes school* *edits another chapter* *goes for a walk* *edits another chapter* *helps with supper* *eats supper* *goes back to editing*
|| Books. ||
This month, I read 21 books...and I'm really not sure how. xD Usually when it looks like I got a lot of reading done, I've actually read a lot of short stuff. Not entirely the case here, since the average page number among these books was 155, giving me a total page count of 3,261. #record
I'm also doing decently with the reading jar challenge. I've only bought three books so far, sooo.... XD
// ReadsBeloved by Kaitlyn K. (unpublished) -- 5 stars
Wisp by Paul Willis -- 4 stars
Beyond the Horizon by Jesseca Wheaton -- 5 stars
Fly Away by Patricia MacLachlan -- 5 stars
The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado -- 3.5 stars
Seek by Angela W. (unpublished) -- 5 stars
Wrapped in Red by Meghan Gorecki -- 4.5 stars
To Carry Me Through by R.S. Oswald -- 5 stars
Kelly's Chance by Wanda E. Brunstetter -- 5 stars
Flowers by Kellyn Roth -- 4 stars -- Review
A Question of Loyalty by Jesseca Wheaton -- 5 stars
The Pursued by Willowy Whisper -- 5 stars -- Review
Betsy's Return by Wanda E. Brunstetter -- 4 stars
What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller -- 4.5 stars
A New Life by Rebekah A. Morris -- 3.5 stars
Forest Zooks by Gray Marie Cox -- 2.5 stars -- Review
Go Teen Writers by Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson -- 5 stars
Baby by Patricia MacLachlan -- 5 stars
Sarah's Choice by Wanda E. Brunstetter -- 5 stars
While You're Awake by Amber Stokes -- 4.5 stars
Numbers -- 5 stars
// Books ReceivedI got 5 books this month, and they're all so darling. ^-^
A Question of Loyalty -- from a friend (Not the same AQoL listed above. *wink*)
100 Days with Jesus -- Review book
Out of the Ashes -- Review book
King's Folly -- CBD sale
Sea of Glory -- CBD sale
|| Writing. ||
So, writing was kinda interesting this month. I realize now that I got a ton done, although it didn't really feel like it at the time...? *shrug*
I wrote a short-story and entered it in the Circle C contest. I edited/re-wrote Love Needs No Words and sent it to a few beta-readers. I edited the first part of War Tears. I started reading through the first draft of A Soldier's Freedom (and also allowed my critique partner to see it). I celebrated the first anniversary of writing Dandelion Dust. I had ideas for two new stories. (More on this next month, perhaps. I'm considering working on outlines, and then writing one of them for Camp NaNo April. We'll see. ;D)
But the biggest/most important thing that happened this month...was that I got a new focus concerning my writing.
As I dove back into editing War Tears (after hardly touching it since like, November), I was badly unsatisfied with how it was turning out. I was distracted, utterly bored with the book in general. The characters are flat, the plot is cliche, and even above that, I couldn't figure out what the theme is. Which...kinda scared me, to be honest. What is a story without a message? Why bother with it at all when there's no purpose?
I whined about it to my critique partner, and another writer friend, and my Mom. The first two assured me that the story is good. Mom reminded me that she hasn't read it, and therefore isn't much help when it comes to plot and characters. (She's very good at pulling me back to earth this way.)
Finally, after trying numerous different ways to 'fix' War Tears, I realized the root of the problem. I couldn't find a purpose in the story, because I didn't want to be working on it at all. The entire time I was trying every possible alternate, my mind was on A Soldier's Freedom. Wrapped up in a story that I adore so, so much. Why? Because it has a message – and I know what it is. (The fact that I was listening to the ASF soundtrack while editing WT should have been a clue, but no, it wasn't. I'm slow like that sometimes.)
So what am I doing now? I'm still editing War Tears, yes. Because I do like that book, horrible as it is. And I'm determined to find a purpose in that hunk of 127,000 words if it kills me. I'm brutally attacking the bad scenes. Glorying in the good. Cutting the unnecessary words. (Seriously, Faith, it doesn't matter if you liked that line. It's pointless, so it needs to go.)
But I'm also reading through my first draft copy of A Soldier's Freedom. A chapter or so a day, depending on how much time I have. And I'm leaving a TON of sticky notes with things I need to change. But I'm also grinning and laughing and tearing up because, y'all, I love this book.
When I pray for God to have His way in my writing, it's A Soldier's Freedom that comes to mind. Not War Tears. And I'm okay with that now. <3
|| Blogging. ||
So....I somehow hit 80 followers this month?! Wow, thanks, y'all! <3 I do find it ironic that I gained several followers when I was hardly around. xD
// Favorite PostsTaking Dictation // The Probably Deserved a Medal
Twilight to Dawn // Heartbeats Fill the Earth
Geoturtle //Encouragement for the Waiting Girl
Like No Other // You Are
Twin Thoughts // Beloved {My Book}
Scattered Journal Pages // Cry, Pray, Trust
Inbetwixt // Run Away With Me
Ink Blots and Coffee Stains // Choice After Choice / a poem
// My Posts
|| Goals. ||
~ January Goals >> Read 8 books. Yuusss!! :D
>> Finish editing part one of War Tears, start part two, and send part one to my alphas. *nods* I'm barely into pt.2, but yes. xD
>> Stay caught up with emails. Yeah...not as well as I could, but yes.
>> Survive school. Mhm. Somehow.
>> Rewrite/edit a short story from last year to, hopefully, publish soon. Yep! And send it to betas.
>> Write 1-2 short stories for a contest. *nods* I decided to just submit the one and not try to write a second, but I still entered.
>> Finish a beta-reading project. #yaasss
>> Take a break from blogging. Yeppers. Twas kinda nice. ;)
>> Host a bookstagram challenge! Yes! This was a lot of fun.
Ladies and gentleman, I believe this calls for celebration. This is like one of the only months ever when I accomplished every goal, at least in part. Shall we go for two in a row?? ;D
~ February Goals >> Read 8 books.
>> Finish editing War Tears pt.2 and send it to alphas.
>> Stay caught up with emails and blogging.
>> Post on both blogs once a week, plus a couple posts on the group blog.
>> Start applying beta-readers feedback on Love Needs No Words.
>> Finish my read-through of A Soldier's Freedom.
How was your month, lovely readers? Did ya miss me? *wink* There may or may not be a surprise coming in a few weeks for those of you who did miss me... (Kidding, it's for everyone. Well, kinda.)
~Faith
Sometime in the past few weeks, I came up with a bit of a plan for my monthly recaps for 2018. There isn't much changing, but hopefully it'll be formatted a bit more professionally now. (Did I mention how much easier it is to blog on a laptop than an iPad?! <3)
Let's take a peek into my month. :D
|| Life. ||
>> Y'all... I was super epic at managing my time this month. Which says a lot for someone who can seriously get distracted while doing things like brushing her teeth. It was kind of weird, but I really just didn't waste time. (Okay, I kind of did...some. Read on and when you get to point 3, you'll understand. YouTube is a trap.) But I was pretty productive. I may or may not have folded clothes while doing chemistry. And I totally didn't get toothpaste on my phone case because I was reading while I brushed my teeth. xD
>> I ate roasted asparagus and mushrooms straight out of the fridge... Let it never be said I'm complicated when it comes to food.
>> I watched an insane amount of Studio C sketches. Worst Lawyer Ever, Worst Doctor Ever, A Friend's Dying Secrets, and We Have Big News are the best ones out there. Suggestions accepted. *nods*
>> Our youth group went snow tubing, which was super epic. Sadly, the only pics I have are from ChickFilA afterwards...and they include weird glares and ketchup...just don't ask.
>> My family did strange (but somehow normal for us...?) things.
Dad: *gets up out of the chair* *kneels in the floor* *sticks his head under the chair*
Mom: *watching him with wide eyes*
Me: *laughing so hard*
Tucker: *whispers* I think he's trying to get out of the rain...
Tucker: *goes to the cabinet for food*
Mom: There's some leftover apple crisp in the fridge
Me: ...no, there's not.
Mom: Oh, never mind.
*watching a movie*
Guy: *proposes*
Me: say no...say no...
Girl: I'm sorry, I can't..
Me; YES.
Dad: *dies laughing*
Dad: *commenting on how much Tucker has eaten*
Me: You know you have to feed him for at least 4 more years, right?
Dad: Mhm. It's getting expensive
Tucker: He's going to rent me out
Me: Nobody would want you once they knew how much you eat.
Tucker: He could rent me out to Little Debbie. I'll be their sampler.
Me: *dies*
>> I was walking down the hall, and I told Mom that I was going to 'take a speedy shower that probably wouldn't be very speedy' and she was like 'yeah, because Faith doesn't take speedy showers' and I'm like DUDE, TIME ME. Needless to say, I nailed it in six minutes flat. Boom.
>> I got good advice from my people.
Faith: Do I need cake?
Friends: No. go do something useful.
Faith: But that book about made me cry.
Friends: Oh, that's different. Eat the entire cake and sob your heart out.
>> I binged season 8 of The Walton's over school break, and since then watched Little House on the Prairie season 1. xD
>> For those of you who may not follow my other blog, you probably didn't know that I joined three other lovely ladies and I'll now be posting (hopefully) twice a month on Living for Jesus Christ. Naomi is our leader *wink*, and Ashley, Olivia, and I will be posting as well. It's great fun, and y'all should totally go check it out. Some good, encouraging stuff on there. ;)
>> I took weird selfies. Let's just call this editing at it's best.
>> When someone asks you if you're "still writing"... Like, lady, if I could stop, I think I would. At least, some times.
>> I won Abi's signature contest! That was super cool. ;)
>> My favorite songs of the month were: Still a Soldier - Trace Adkins, Love Has Been Spoken and Listen to the Sound - Building 429, and I Am Sure - Dan Bremnes. <33
>> A day in the life of Faith... *stays up after 11:30 editing* *crashes into bed* *sleeps through first alarm* *finally gets up* *edits/does school until class time* *attends class* *edits while eating lunch* *finishes school* *edits another chapter* *goes for a walk* *edits another chapter* *helps with supper* *eats supper* *goes back to editing*
|| Books. ||
This month, I read 21 books...and I'm really not sure how. xD Usually when it looks like I got a lot of reading done, I've actually read a lot of short stuff. Not entirely the case here, since the average page number among these books was 155, giving me a total page count of 3,261. #record
I'm also doing decently with the reading jar challenge. I've only bought three books so far, sooo.... XD
// ReadsBeloved by Kaitlyn K. (unpublished) -- 5 stars
Wisp by Paul Willis -- 4 stars
Beyond the Horizon by Jesseca Wheaton -- 5 stars
Fly Away by Patricia MacLachlan -- 5 stars
The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado -- 3.5 stars
Seek by Angela W. (unpublished) -- 5 stars
Wrapped in Red by Meghan Gorecki -- 4.5 stars
To Carry Me Through by R.S. Oswald -- 5 stars
Kelly's Chance by Wanda E. Brunstetter -- 5 stars
Flowers by Kellyn Roth -- 4 stars -- Review
A Question of Loyalty by Jesseca Wheaton -- 5 stars
The Pursued by Willowy Whisper -- 5 stars -- Review
Betsy's Return by Wanda E. Brunstetter -- 4 stars
What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller -- 4.5 stars
A New Life by Rebekah A. Morris -- 3.5 stars
Forest Zooks by Gray Marie Cox -- 2.5 stars -- Review
Go Teen Writers by Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson -- 5 stars
Baby by Patricia MacLachlan -- 5 stars
Sarah's Choice by Wanda E. Brunstetter -- 5 stars
While You're Awake by Amber Stokes -- 4.5 stars
Numbers -- 5 stars
// Books ReceivedI got 5 books this month, and they're all so darling. ^-^
A Question of Loyalty -- from a friend (Not the same AQoL listed above. *wink*)
100 Days with Jesus -- Review book
Out of the Ashes -- Review book
King's Folly -- CBD sale
Sea of Glory -- CBD sale
|| Writing. ||
So, writing was kinda interesting this month. I realize now that I got a ton done, although it didn't really feel like it at the time...? *shrug*
I wrote a short-story and entered it in the Circle C contest. I edited/re-wrote Love Needs No Words and sent it to a few beta-readers. I edited the first part of War Tears. I started reading through the first draft of A Soldier's Freedom (and also allowed my critique partner to see it). I celebrated the first anniversary of writing Dandelion Dust. I had ideas for two new stories. (More on this next month, perhaps. I'm considering working on outlines, and then writing one of them for Camp NaNo April. We'll see. ;D)
But the biggest/most important thing that happened this month...was that I got a new focus concerning my writing.
As I dove back into editing War Tears (after hardly touching it since like, November), I was badly unsatisfied with how it was turning out. I was distracted, utterly bored with the book in general. The characters are flat, the plot is cliche, and even above that, I couldn't figure out what the theme is. Which...kinda scared me, to be honest. What is a story without a message? Why bother with it at all when there's no purpose?
I whined about it to my critique partner, and another writer friend, and my Mom. The first two assured me that the story is good. Mom reminded me that she hasn't read it, and therefore isn't much help when it comes to plot and characters. (She's very good at pulling me back to earth this way.)
Finally, after trying numerous different ways to 'fix' War Tears, I realized the root of the problem. I couldn't find a purpose in the story, because I didn't want to be working on it at all. The entire time I was trying every possible alternate, my mind was on A Soldier's Freedom. Wrapped up in a story that I adore so, so much. Why? Because it has a message – and I know what it is. (The fact that I was listening to the ASF soundtrack while editing WT should have been a clue, but no, it wasn't. I'm slow like that sometimes.)
So what am I doing now? I'm still editing War Tears, yes. Because I do like that book, horrible as it is. And I'm determined to find a purpose in that hunk of 127,000 words if it kills me. I'm brutally attacking the bad scenes. Glorying in the good. Cutting the unnecessary words. (Seriously, Faith, it doesn't matter if you liked that line. It's pointless, so it needs to go.)
But I'm also reading through my first draft copy of A Soldier's Freedom. A chapter or so a day, depending on how much time I have. And I'm leaving a TON of sticky notes with things I need to change. But I'm also grinning and laughing and tearing up because, y'all, I love this book.
When I pray for God to have His way in my writing, it's A Soldier's Freedom that comes to mind. Not War Tears. And I'm okay with that now. <3
|| Blogging. ||
So....I somehow hit 80 followers this month?! Wow, thanks, y'all! <3 I do find it ironic that I gained several followers when I was hardly around. xD
// Favorite PostsTaking Dictation // The Probably Deserved a Medal
Twilight to Dawn // Heartbeats Fill the Earth
Geoturtle //Encouragement for the Waiting Girl
Like No Other // You Are
Twin Thoughts // Beloved {My Book}
Scattered Journal Pages // Cry, Pray, Trust
Inbetwixt // Run Away With Me
Ink Blots and Coffee Stains // Choice After Choice / a poem
// My Posts
|| Goals. ||
~ January Goals >> Read 8 books. Yuusss!! :D
>> Finish editing part one of War Tears, start part two, and send part one to my alphas. *nods* I'm barely into pt.2, but yes. xD
>> Stay caught up with emails. Yeah...not as well as I could, but yes.
>> Survive school. Mhm. Somehow.
>> Rewrite/edit a short story from last year to, hopefully, publish soon. Yep! And send it to betas.
>> Write 1-2 short stories for a contest. *nods* I decided to just submit the one and not try to write a second, but I still entered.
>> Finish a beta-reading project. #yaasss
>> Take a break from blogging. Yeppers. Twas kinda nice. ;)
>> Host a bookstagram challenge! Yes! This was a lot of fun.
Ladies and gentleman, I believe this calls for celebration. This is like one of the only months ever when I accomplished every goal, at least in part. Shall we go for two in a row?? ;D
~ February Goals >> Read 8 books.
>> Finish editing War Tears pt.2 and send it to alphas.
>> Stay caught up with emails and blogging.
>> Post on both blogs once a week, plus a couple posts on the group blog.
>> Start applying beta-readers feedback on Love Needs No Words.
>> Finish my read-through of A Soldier's Freedom.
How was your month, lovely readers? Did ya miss me? *wink* There may or may not be a surprise coming in a few weeks for those of you who did miss me... (Kidding, it's for everyone. Well, kinda.)
~Faith
January 19, 2018
The Pursued // Blog Tour + Book Review
Hello readers! I'm still technically on break, but today I'm dropping in with a blog tour for Willowy Whisper's latest release, The Pursued. :D
// Synopsis
Fawn Wendell has no choice but to flee. Her life depends on it. She has no where to go, but that doesn’t matter. She has to disappear. She has to get lost, never to be found again, before her pursuer attacks.
Adam Preston loves his children. They’re all he has left. But with the ranch to run, is there any way he can give them what they need, especially when he’s hurting himself?
Jake Sumner returns to an old house, a place that arouses too many memories. If he decides to stay, he may have trouble on his hands . . . trouble a whole lot bigger than him.
Sadie is an injured, silent bird, locked in a cage she can’t free herself from. Her nightmares are real. The fear kills her voice. Will she ever fly again?
Add on Goodreads // Purchase on Amazon // Purchase on Blurb
// Review
I'm not okay. After spending yesterday evening sucked into this book, staying up until the wee hours of the morning to read (I was legit reading while I brushed my teeth), and then awaking this morning and devouring the last 25% in just over an hour, I'm really not okay.
This story wrenched my heart right out of my chest. It made me eat cake for breakfast—e-reader in hand, of course. My pulse has yet to return to normal, and my poor lungs not even know how to function. My heart hurt, I teared up, I stared wide-eyed, soaking up the words.
Am I exaggerating? Maybe in the slightest. But y'all, this book... <3
I've read all but one of this author's published works, and with every new book that releases, I think I've finally found a favorite. And then the next book comes out and it changes again. :P And yes, that happened here. Why? Sadie.
While I did love Fawn and Adam, Sadie and Jake were my favorite part of the story. The way he protected her, took care of her and looked out for her. Ahh! <3 It was seriously just the sweetest thing. Precious. I loved their story, so, so, SO much. I need a sequel with the two of them, m'kay? ;)
Fawn and Adam's story was darling as well. His backstory and struggles with guilt absolutely broke my heart, and at the same time he infuriated me. ("Just be honest and let healing come, man!") Fawn needed someone to protect her and love her and make sure she was taken care of. And, oh my goodness gracious, Betsy. She was the most precious child I do think I've ever read. So adorable!! <3
Also, the dual storyline. How does the author pull this off so well?! The two stories (well, four really) are not vitally connected. They probably could stand alone. But they're woven together so nicely, loosely drawn together in a darling story that tugs at the heartstrings. <3
As far as the ending goes...it did leave some loose ends hanging, which I personally would have liked to see the outcome off. *spoilers ahead* Like, was Fawn ever reunited with Mrs. Taylor? When/how did Jake learn that she was finally safe? Did Jake ever introduce Sadie to Brock and his family? Some other things were not explained. Like, how did Adam know Fawn was at the laundry? Where did the sheriff disappear to after showing up at the Preston ranch? *end of spoilers*
Aside from that, I adored the book. The Pursued is an amazing tale, with a lovely, simplistic writing style. I was dying to know how everything turned out, and yet I did not want it to ever end. <3
5 stars! Only because that's as high as I'm allowed to go. ;)
**I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
// Favorite Quotes
Let the sky cry. Let it grieve with him.
"Did you know that angels watch over us, Sadie?"
There was a certain feel to it, this night. A calmness, maybe. As if the trees sang songs, as if the wind told tales. Even the sun, lowering across the horizon, blazed in shades more intense, more stirring, than ever before.
// Author Bio
Willowy Whisper is a young, Christian fiction author. She lives in a beautiful place called West Virginia, nestled between mountain and field. She is the author of nine novels, eight of which are published, and numerous short stories. She is also a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, an incurable romantic, and a passionate dreamer. To follow her, visit her blog: www.willowywhisper.com
Have you read any of Miss Willowy's books? Do you have a favorite? :D
// Synopsis
Fawn Wendell has no choice but to flee. Her life depends on it. She has no where to go, but that doesn’t matter. She has to disappear. She has to get lost, never to be found again, before her pursuer attacks.
Adam Preston loves his children. They’re all he has left. But with the ranch to run, is there any way he can give them what they need, especially when he’s hurting himself?
Jake Sumner returns to an old house, a place that arouses too many memories. If he decides to stay, he may have trouble on his hands . . . trouble a whole lot bigger than him.
Sadie is an injured, silent bird, locked in a cage she can’t free herself from. Her nightmares are real. The fear kills her voice. Will she ever fly again?
Add on Goodreads // Purchase on Amazon // Purchase on Blurb
// Review
I'm not okay. After spending yesterday evening sucked into this book, staying up until the wee hours of the morning to read (I was legit reading while I brushed my teeth), and then awaking this morning and devouring the last 25% in just over an hour, I'm really not okay.
This story wrenched my heart right out of my chest. It made me eat cake for breakfast—e-reader in hand, of course. My pulse has yet to return to normal, and my poor lungs not even know how to function. My heart hurt, I teared up, I stared wide-eyed, soaking up the words.
Am I exaggerating? Maybe in the slightest. But y'all, this book... <3
I've read all but one of this author's published works, and with every new book that releases, I think I've finally found a favorite. And then the next book comes out and it changes again. :P And yes, that happened here. Why? Sadie.
While I did love Fawn and Adam, Sadie and Jake were my favorite part of the story. The way he protected her, took care of her and looked out for her. Ahh! <3 It was seriously just the sweetest thing. Precious. I loved their story, so, so, SO much. I need a sequel with the two of them, m'kay? ;)
Fawn and Adam's story was darling as well. His backstory and struggles with guilt absolutely broke my heart, and at the same time he infuriated me. ("Just be honest and let healing come, man!") Fawn needed someone to protect her and love her and make sure she was taken care of. And, oh my goodness gracious, Betsy. She was the most precious child I do think I've ever read. So adorable!! <3
Also, the dual storyline. How does the author pull this off so well?! The two stories (well, four really) are not vitally connected. They probably could stand alone. But they're woven together so nicely, loosely drawn together in a darling story that tugs at the heartstrings. <3
As far as the ending goes...it did leave some loose ends hanging, which I personally would have liked to see the outcome off. *spoilers ahead* Like, was Fawn ever reunited with Mrs. Taylor? When/how did Jake learn that she was finally safe? Did Jake ever introduce Sadie to Brock and his family? Some other things were not explained. Like, how did Adam know Fawn was at the laundry? Where did the sheriff disappear to after showing up at the Preston ranch? *end of spoilers*
Aside from that, I adored the book. The Pursued is an amazing tale, with a lovely, simplistic writing style. I was dying to know how everything turned out, and yet I did not want it to ever end. <3
5 stars! Only because that's as high as I'm allowed to go. ;)
**I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.**
// Favorite Quotes
Let the sky cry. Let it grieve with him.
"Did you know that angels watch over us, Sadie?"
There was a certain feel to it, this night. A calmness, maybe. As if the trees sang songs, as if the wind told tales. Even the sun, lowering across the horizon, blazed in shades more intense, more stirring, than ever before.
// Author Bio
Willowy Whisper is a young, Christian fiction author. She lives in a beautiful place called West Virginia, nestled between mountain and field. She is the author of nine novels, eight of which are published, and numerous short stories. She is also a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, an incurable romantic, and a passionate dreamer. To follow her, visit her blog: www.willowywhisper.com
Have you read any of Miss Willowy's books? Do you have a favorite? :D
