Vanessa Hall's Blog, page 11

Review: Eyes to See by Makenzie Gray

Eyes To See by Makenzie Gray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Wow. Dystopian/end-times books can be stressful to read, but there are few books that I read as quickly or with as much adrenaline as these Midnight Hours novels!

Characters: Many of the same characters from the earlier books carry through into this third addition (well, not as many as I’d like, given how some characters kind of didn’t make it through the earlier trials.) But Tak (or Tikvah, now) is a great protagonist, and I love watching her journey and arc throughout the series. She has grown so much, and her strength really shown through in this book. And Asher … what a great guy. He definitely went through some hard times, but his courage was right there with Tak’s. Their relationship was such so precious – so pure and true with actual love for each other, not some random feelings based on each other appearance. And then there was Noam, the poor boy. I am looking forward to the next book and discovering the rest of his story – talk about a cliffhanger for several characters! The side characters also added even more depth and connection within the story. Nate and Kenna were my favorites – those two are pretty epic, and Kenna’s character development was on-point.

Setting/Writing Style/Plot: Okay, this setting is probably the worst I’ve ever read – not that it was written badly, but the fact I really don’t ever want to be in the situation. But it definitely made the suspense factor go waaaaay up. And the writing style fit the book so well – the sarcasm and dry humor was just perfect. The plot was so full of suspense, making me just keep reading and reading. Some new disaster was always coming, and the twists and turns had me sometimes whisper-screaming!

Theme: There was so much good stuff in here. I just loved how each of the characters were there for each other and prayed over each other when the hard times came. They leaned on each other so often, but moreover they held on to God. Then there were all kinds of themes about love and sacrifice and trusting God with the future … it was so good. Such an encouragement and blessing to me even in the midst of a wild plot.

Overall … you need to read this book. This whole series, really. Yes, there’s violence and very suspenseful moments, but there are also tender interludes filled with truth. I can’t wait for the next book!

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.



View all my reviews

Review: Crown by Madisyn Carlin

Crown by Madisyn Carlin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Isn’t it just beautiful when a series has multiple novellas in-between and before the novels that make up the series? And this book is no different. I just loved seeing all of the characters from IRON!!

Characters: Isadora and Calvin were such sweet and good parents to Chamonix, and I really enjoyed seeing them in their youths. Isadora, while not being the most brave and capable heroine in the world, did all she could to escape her captors and save her people. The characters that can’t fight their way out of all of their enemies’ clutches are both realistic and so relatable. And then there was Calvin – what a sweetheart! I loved his vulnerability and doubts about both ruling and being able to take care of Isadora. And I loved that both of them cared for each in the most pure of ways. Their relationship wasn’t built on temporary, fleeting, and shallow things like appearances, but on the heart and the Savior they both served. So beautiful! And the side characters … lemme tell you, the side characters this author writes are stellar. I’m ready for a novella about Euler and Janni. They are hilarious!

Setting/Plot/Writing Style: I enjoyed revisiting this world IRON took place in, and while it is fantasy, there’s no magic involved. The plot was action-filled but also full of beautiful truths and character development. Not too fast or draggy, which was wonderful. The writing style was typical Madisyn Carlin – so well done and full of humor.

Theme: Gorgeous truths of relying on the Lord for everything and knowing He is with you no matter what sang through this book. Also, the part about giving thanks in all things and giving our worries to the Lord – holding onto them are sins – were so touching. A shortish novella packed with so much lovely wisdom from the Bible!

Overall, a wonderful addition to the Redwyn Chronicles, and we get to see some of our favorite characters again, just as younger people. Now I just need that novella about E + J.

Spotlight: Identity by Annabelle Batie

Maria Brooks is just a plain orphan girl with a mysterious past. On the day of Maria’s sixteenth birthday, everything seems normal. From being required to do chores all day to being bullied by her own friends, nothing seems to be amiss. But when Maria goes swimming at the beach the next day, she discovers a secret about herself she didn’t even know: she’s a mermaid.

As Maria explores her newfound ability to change from mermaid to human, she finds herself in the midst of an underwater war that contains the secret to her past. Mixed with drama and fantasy; romance and mystery; this book is sure to hold you in suspense through the very end.

PurchaseAuthor Info

Annabelle Batie is a teenage author and book-enthusiast. She loves mermaids and all kinds of fantasy, and thoroughly enjoys reading and/or writing a good book. She is very passionate about her Christian faith, and she wants to share that passion with others. You will typically find her at her desk writing, playing the piano, or hanging out with her friends. She lives in Traverse City, Michigan, where she homeschools with her three younger siblings and parents. You can visit her on her website, annabelle.batie.com.

Tour Schedule

Wednesday, February 1

Annabelle Batie – Tour Kickoff

Thursday, February 2

Rhys-Marie Whitnell – Spotlight

Kaytlin Phillips – Review

Friday, February 3

Vanessa Hall – Spotlight

Ava Coulter – Interview

Break for the weekend…

Monday, February 6

Joy C. Woodbury – Spotlight

Lorelei Angelino (Pinterest) – Spotlight

Tuesday, February 7

Mayim – Interview

Wednesday, February 8

Grace A. Johnson – Spotlight

Micah Collier – Interview

Thursday, February 9

Adele H. (Newsletter) – Review

Friday, February 10

Annabelle Batie – Tour Wrap-Up

Cover Reveal: Key by Madisyn Carlin

When Nerissa Wessen finds an unconscious man near her village, she knows one thing: trouble is on its way. What she doesn’t anticipate is the stranger’s charming smile—or the reason why he’s in her land in the first place.

Detective Denton Yindell wants only to put his past behind him and make good on a failed promise. When unforeseen circumstances place him on the doorstep of the very people who can help, Denton must convince the distrustful villagers to assist him.

But good intentions can bring about disastrous consequences, and when Denton’s past hunts him down, Nerissa’s family and village are threatened. Can two hearts—one wary and one wounded—learn to trust before evil eradicates those who oppose it?

KEY is a Christian Fantasy Fairytale Retelling

Preorder!GoodreadsABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

Guest Post by Amelia Cabot: “Follow Your Heart” … or So They Say

Today I have the extreme honor of having my dear friend Amelia on for a guest post. She’s a newly-published author in the Tell Me You Love Me Anthology, and if you haven’t read that anthology yet, this is your cue to do so. Amelia’s story – as well as the others – was absolutely beautiful.

So without further ado, please welcome Amelia to the blog!

Ever realized how many times that famous industry called Disney wants to hurl that message to all of the innocent little kids watching their movies?

(Okay, granted, as a kid, I never grew up with many Disney princess movies. To this day, I still haven’t seen Aurora, or Cinderella, or most of Jasmine, or the first half of Tiana, or the portions of Mulan that weren’t fragmented, or Beauty and the Beast, or … you get the point. I was never allowed to see Ariel or Tinkerbell, for good reason, too. Disney, why you gotta let a girl comb her hair with a fork? Why? We’re crying for the fact that Ariel never got a hairbrush when she was on land, mk?

And yes, to all of you who will assume that I’m some overprotected homeschooler (and boy, am I glad for being hidden from some of the things I didn’t have to see or experience), I’ve seen some Disney princess movies. How else do you think I insulted Rapunzel once when I caught myself singing ‘I’ve Got a Dream,’ only to blurt out loud, “Nobody cares about you and your dreams, Rapunzel”?

*throws invisibility cloak over head and darts away before missing a step and tripping over a random cat that scampered into the way*)

I don’t think I have to elaborate on how often we’re encouraged to follow our hearts, as if they’re some wise sage leading us down the troubling road of life. snorts I’ve watched non-Disney movies that promote that message, thank you very much.

Yet even though we’re warned against the dangers of heart, don’t we still listen to our hearts?

Maybe you think, “But … but I don’t follow my heart! That advice is ridiculous anyway!”

You want to take a reality check for a minute?

When was the last time you complained about something when you had absolutely no need to complain because God had everything the way He wanted your life to be?

When was the last time you ever considered if the boy you like really is saved and has a heart for God instead of focusing on how he treats you well (not necessarily a bad thing though) or how good he looks?

When was the last time you turned down an opportunity to show kindness to somebody because you were too focused on self-pity for your problems and fear of what others would say or how the situation would turn out?

When was the last time you refused to do what God wanted you to do because you convinced yourself that you couldn’t do it, or that you were too scared to do it, or fill in the blank?

You don’t have to subpoena me to get me to confess that yeah, I trust my heart a lot, too.

We shouldn’t be surprised by how filthy our hearts are; Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Based on the four rhetorical questions I asked a few moments ago, we know that we lean towards listening to what is deceitful and desperately wicked.

Living life in this manner should send alarms screeching through our heads. We know in our heads that we shouldn’t do the exact opposite of what we should do. But our hearts? Nah. They care less. They’d rather we go frolic down the path of destruction—at least until it’s too late.

But if I left you with that last paragraph, I think I’d leave you utterly depressed.

And I’m not intending to leave you utterly depressed.

Unless I wrote something that happened to be dark for the sake of a story plot and you read it and then became utterly depressed.

In that case, proceed so that I can know how to afflict you as my reader even further.

The questionable writer within me aside …

Don’t you just love how God’s going to give us strength to not act as if we’ve got one brain cell bouncing erratically around in our heads? In II Corinthians 12:9, Paul talked about what God told him when he had a thorn in the flesh: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

I’m going to forsake my nit-picky grammar self for a second and say that if God’s ability to give perfecting strength ain’t awesome, then your version of awesome is clearly different from mine.

Yes, there is hope for us to not act impulsively with our heart! All we have to do is ask God for strength to stay the course. And if we mess up, He’s still willing to forgive us based on I John 1:9, which promises that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Absolute beauty right there. (Why can’t I think of a better word than beauty? Sigh. You should know what I mean though. It’s starting to get me excited to know that God’s with us and will help us do what’s right.)

Can’t we keep loving how Jesus Christ’s blood that was shed when He died on the cross already covers how many times you’ll run to the flesh’s impulses instead of the Holy Spirit’s guidance? And the fact that He didn’t stay dead but that He rose again three days later is still even more awesome!!

And the fact that’s greater and more awesome is that His gift of salvation is free! All we have to do is repent and believe on His finished work, and He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.

So reader, know that you don’t have to stay stumped on how much you rely on your heart. As a Christian, regardless of how long you’ve been saved, you will still struggle with doing wrong and listening to the wrong voices.

Yet we have an Almighty Heavenly Father Who forgives and loves and gives strength way more than we deserve to be given any of those gifts.

And what better option than this could exist?

About the Author

Amelia Cabot is a sinner saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, homeschooler, and Christian fiction/poetry writer who has embraced the world of writing since she was six. She can typically be found in the corner of the living room at her desk, mostly due to the fact that she lives in an apartment and doesn’t use her room half of the time. Although she hasn’t published her own novels, she has dabbled in writing contests, with the Tell Me You Love Me anthology as the first official work she has been published in. When she’s not writing, she’s mentally correcting improper grammar (and punctuation, and capitalization, and spelling), uncovering the enigmas of the piano and violin, singing, comprehending Spanish, or daydreaming about her characters and their never-ending predicaments.

Review: Shattered Revelation by Madisyn Carlin

Shattered Revelation by Madisyn Carlin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wow. For a short story, Shattered Revelation packs one of the most important punches that people need to hear these days. The issue of abortion is truly a life or death scenario, and the world desperately needs people to stand up and tell the truth about the evil abortion truly is. And that’s exactly what Madisyn Carlin has done in this short story.

Characters: Both Thana and Boden were somewhat-relatable characters; no, I’m not the lady of a fantasy town, but we all face hard choices and decisions in our lives. I really liked that Thana wasn’t a cold-hearted, rampant murderer – she was misled in some ways that contributed to her wrong beliefs about abortion. But even though she was misled by others, she also made her own incorrect mistakes and beliefs. And Boden … wow, that dude is one courageous person. He sacrificed so much to do what was right, and that was just such a beautiful reminder to always choose what is right, no matter the cost.

Setting/Plot/Writing Style: The setting was similar to the earlier book in this series, but there wasn’t a ton of overlap. However, I wasn’t confused by anything regarding the setting, and if you haven’t read the first book, you probably won’t be, either. The plot was not super complicated or filled with twists and turns, but for a short story, it worked. And of course, the writing style was signature to this author – I loved the little bits of humor!

Theme: Life is precious and belongs only to the Lord. We don’t have the right to decide who gets to live or not, and we most certainly have no right to kill a person just because they’re defenseless and have no voice. And that’s what this story teaches – truth straight from the Word. And what a beautiful reminder that only the Lord can change hearts and minds, no matter how hard those hearts and minds might be. Because in the end of the story, only the Lord Jesus can change a person!

Overall, such a beautiful story that shows such a crucial truth. Well done, Madi, and thank you for standing up for those who can’t.



View all my reviews

Cover Reveal: Prince of Vengeance by Kaytlin, Marisa, and Jaiden Phillips

Loyalties are shattered, hope dwindles, and vengeance stalks every step like a shadow of death.

As the leaves turn gold, Kahtan has settled into the idea of his life at Larkspur Manor. But storms are brewing on the horizon as the Shadowed One’s dark presence spreads across the shattering land.

With no news of the precious heir, the army of Mazleah has lost all hope. When fire consumes the peaceful life Kahtan has settled into, it’s up to him and his team to get Mazleah’s only heir to the throne.

With traitors among them, danger around every turn, and the Dragon Prince seeking Prince Merickson’s demise for his wicked vengeance, will Kahtan and his team be able to get Merickson to the capitol before the crushing darkness collapses upon them all? Or will the Dragon Prince seize the vengeance his twisted soul so desperately craves?

Goodreads!AmazonAbout the Authors:

Kaytlin Phillips is Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction and Fantasy author. She’s a homeschool grad who spends her days praising her Savior, reading, writing, blogging and annoying her sisters with random thoughts. She is the fifth child out of seven and resides in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Her published works include World of Silence, a Middle-Grade Fantasy adventure, and she is featured in two of the Seize the World Anthologies.

Linktree (Including all Kayti’s links): https://linktr.ee/kaytlinphillips

Marisa Philips is a teen author, saved by the grace of God! She was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. She is the sixth child out of seven and has been homeschooled her whole life. She likes to write fast-paced stories that catch the attention of all and that will hopefully inspire them in a wonderful way.

She published her first book last year, Emotional Commotion: A Short Story Collection.

Pinterest: Pinterest

Goodreads Author Profile: Marisa Phillips (Author of Unfortunate Events) | Goodreads

Jaiden Phillips is a teen author residing in the mountains of western North Carolina. She has six older siblings and one set of amazing parents!

More often than not, you can find her sketching one of her wild ideas, writing out a scene for a book, or giving her sisters a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Her debut novel, The Guild of Thieves, is set to release later this year!

Pinterest: Pinterest

Goodreads Author Profile: Jaiden Phillips (Author of Unfortunate Events) | Goodreads

Blog: www.sisters-three.com

Group Goodreads Account: Sisters Three | Goodreads

Newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/93248/59816909004080388/share

Reveal

King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp!

Are you a writer who loves getting together with a group of like-minded writers? Are you a Christian lady who yearns for the encouragement and camaraderie from fellow Christian ladies? Then you should check out The King’s Daughters’ Writing Camp!

Joining The King’s Daughters Writing Camp is completely FREE! All you have to do is sign up and then either open Slack through your browser or download the app. It’s that simple! And if you feel lost or overwhelmed among all the spaces feel free to tag any of our lovely Aunties for help.

Not sure which tent you want to be in? Feel free to put me down as the friend you want to be a tent-mate with! Or you can pick randomly and be pleasantly surprised with where you end up.

Are you unsure if you have time to participate? That’s not a problem! KDWC has zero commitments and the only requirements are you have to have some sort of writing goal (even if it’s just figuring out what story you want to work on next) and to follow the Camp Rules.

Camp sign-ups are open from February 18th and remain open until the last week of Camp. Camp’s virtual gates open a little before Camp’s start date so you can get situated and then Camp will officially start on March 1st!

We would love to see you at Camp! Feel free to comment with any further questions you may have, I’d be more than happy to answer them!

Join here!

Website – http://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com/

Statement of Faith – http://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com/statement-of-faith/

Camp Rules – http://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com/camp-rules/

Camp Schedule – http://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com/camp-schedule/

Contact Page – http://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com/contact/

Blog – http://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com/blog/

Happy Campers – http://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com/happy-campers/

Writing Resources – http://kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com/writing-resources/

TMYLM and STL Dual Blog Tour: Tell Me You Love Me Review

Tell Me You Love Me – a timeless collection of stories that truly understand the meaning of “I love you”

Twelve young Christian authors have come together, alongside romance novelist Grace A. Johnson and editor Issabelle Perry to show our world of depravity and cheap imitations of romance what love really means: faith, hope, and sacrifice.

These stories range from contemporary YA to historical to fantasy, and tell diverse, unique love stories that compel, captivate, and warm readers’ hearts with their sweet and authentic nature.

Featuring work from Michaela Bush, Saraina Whitney, Karynn Heckler, Margaret Copeland, Lucia Molano, Sarah Lawton, Brooklyn O’Brennan, Mackenzie Hendricks, H.S. Kylian, Lydia M. Jupp, Katherine Perry, and Amelia Cabot, the Tell Me You Love Me anthology is the collaboration of talented and inspirational young writers you’ve been waiting for!

Learn more at graceajohnson.com/tell-me-you-love-me... or on Goodreads !

Cover design by Issabelle Perry at www.iperryauthor.wixsite.com/blog!

Tell Me You Love Me Anthology by Grace A. Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Oh my. Tell Me You Love Me is an anthology of stories written by up and coming Christian authors that is sure to blow you away. With a range of genres spanning from historical to fantasy to contemporary, there’s something in here for every reader – and most importantly, there’s truth in here for every reader about the actual meaning of love.

“Always” by Michaela Bush: What a lovely story of sacrifice – because isn’t that what so much of love is about? The worldbuilding was excellent; even though it was a short story, I felt as if I’d walked into the middle of an established story. No fluff or extra words around here. And Demir’s love for Aaiyana – so precious! He was willing to give up everything for her. (And I appreciated the ending – sometimes short stories scare me with their endings.)

“Until You Call Me Yours” by Mackenzie Hendricks: My heart. My poor little heart. This contemporary romance was so incredibly sweet. The writing style was absolutely perfect for this setting and these characters – ultra modern, chill, and personal. The characters were so relatable – Saige was the perfect narrator, and she and Weston were just the cutest. The whole “friends to more than friends” stuff was perfect. I fell in love with this story – full of heartbreak, true love, and so much sweetness. I loved how Saige realized that even if she didn’t get with Weston, she already belonged to Someone so much greater. Such an important truth that’s overlooked in some romance stories. Also, that ending? So perfect.

“His Freedom Over Mine” by Amelia Cabot: This historical. My heart. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of the Berlin Wall and the pilots that airlifted supplies and candy into the trapped Berliners, and this story perfectly captured that. I loved the way the author chose to spread the story over more than a decade, showing the progression of initial love to the highest expression of love. (So beautiful.) I loved Annemarie’s spunk and deep care for her children – I think Gabriele’s adoption has some sort of story behind it. (Those are some of the best stories that keep you asking questions and wanting more.) In the end, such a gorgeous picture of sacrificial love and that true freedom comes with Jesus.

“Forever Loved” by Lydia M. Jupp: Another sweet, truth-filled historical that showed love from different angles. Poor Charity struggled so deeply after the things she had suffered, and only after she was brought to her lowest did she find the deepest love of her life – far greater love than her fiance’s love. And in the light of the Lord’s love, she could understand her fiance’s love and in turn love him as she was called to in spite of the pain. Full of beautiful verses and truth – so well done!

“Love Is the Little Things” by Brooklyn O’Brennan: Okay, what is it with these contemporary romances that just rip my heart out – or make me very happy? Reece and Levi were just some of the cutest characters. Their relationship was so simple, patient, and full of true love. Love isn’t about the most flashy gifts or grand words, but about serving the other person, loving them slowly, gently, and respectfully. When Levi and Reece started studying the Bible together, I just melted – that’s what a godly relationship ought to look like. I loved this story!

“The Day That Tragedy Strikes” by Margaret Copland: A WWII-era romance story that shows the power of hope and love even in the face of pain! Nancy was so stalwart and brave even when she’d received the worst of news about her fiance, James. She didn’t give up and despair; rather, she kept working and serving and loving in spite of her own suffering. And then the ending … like I said, short story endings can scare, but this is one that needed to happen. A lovely picture of walking through your worst fear and coming out on the other side by God’s grace and love.

“As Beautiful As the Stars” by Karynn Heckler: This was such a sweet and interesting dystopian-ish story! It wasn’t dystopian in the sense that the government was going to come down on all the citizens and do terrible things, but there was definitely that shadow of an overreaching government that tried to control peoples’ lives. (Aka, trying to force them to get married by a certain time.) But this was beautiful – the blemishes that Haseena saw as hateful were seen as beautiful by an outsider, Amro. I so enjoyed the sweet and slow love Amro showed Haseena in spite of how she thought of herself. A beautiful picture of faithful and good love!

“He Wanted My Heart” by Katherine Perry: I don’t think I’ve ever read a fairy tale- set story quite like this! But Greyson and Clarissa were such an interesting couple. Greyson’s past with her made her not really want anything to do with him, but she slowly realized how much he had changed from who he’d been before. Both of them had to learn to see each other in the correct light. Such a sweet story that shows the power of seeing the truth, and the beautiful love that can be found after that realization!

“Old Time Devotion” by Lucia Molano – Okay, I’m going to be honest, but I was not expecting this story. And it completely melted me. A romance between two seventy-something-year-olds, both who’d waited their entire life to find a spouse? Incredibly sweet. I loved Evangeline’s pure heart – she was such a vivid character – and Gabe’s honesty and humility. In fact, they were both such incredibly vivid characters. I adored them – can I please have more of a story about them? The writing fit the story so well, and I just couldn’t get enough of it.

“‘Til Death Do Us Part” by Sarah Lawton: Wow, this one was full of emotions! Jonathan was in such a hard, heartbreaking place as he watched his girl suffer the affects of cancer. Yet he was by her side and loved her in spite of how difficult it was. Carlie was also so selfless – in spite of the fact she could be dying, she thought of others. That’s love – denying oneself for the good of the other. Jonathan also displayed this love, both to Carlie, her family, and those around him. Such a beautiful story of sacrifice, even in the small things, that show great love.

“For Better or For Worse” by H. S. Kylian: This story touched on the immense suffering some soldiers go through after war. Poor Will was definitely not okay, and even though he tried to convince his family he was, it was obvious something was terribly wrong. I enjoyed the flashbacks to happier days with Will and his wife, Susie – it sounded like such a sweet time. And Susie’s love for him was precious – going after him and loving him no matter what happened!

“To Be Loved” by Saraina Whitney – Oh my word, the writing in this story. I was just soaking up the beautiful phrases and word choices throughout. So poetic and lush and just gorgeous! And Reed and Evangeline … such emotional and precious characters. The truth in this was glorious – in spite of all Ev had done, Reed still loved her. He didn’t push aside her guilt, but he loved her in spite of it. And isn’t that just a tiny picture of what Jesus does for us? In spite of our sin, He comes after us and removes that sin. He loves us and makes us guiltless. Reed couldn’t remove Ev’s sin, but Jesus could. So beautiful!

All in all, this is a must-read book, perfect for Valentine’s day or really any day. Because love is faithful always, not just one day a year.
And true love? It always points us back to Jesus.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tour Schedule

February 7th

Grace A. Johnson – tour kickoff

H.S. Kylian – anthologies spotlight & giveaway

Kaytlin Phillips – anthologies spotlight & giveaway

February 8th

Grace A. Johnson – anthologies spotlight & giveaway

February 9th

Rhys-Marie Whitnell – anthologies spotlight & STL review

February 10th

Vanessa Hall – STL spotlight & anthologies giveaway

Weekend Break

February 13th

Lilly Wiscaver – STL spotlight & giveaway

Allyson Jamison – STL spotlight

February 14th – Release Day!

Madisyn Carlin – STL spotlight & giveaway

Lillian Keith – anthologies spotlight & giveaway

February 15th

Kellyn Roth – anthologies spotlight

February 16th

M. L. Milligan 

February 17th

Kristina Hall – anthologies giveaway

Vanessa Hall – TMYLM review

Weekend Break

February 20th

Allyson Jamison – TMYLM spotlight

February 21st

Merie Shen – TMYLM review & anthologies giveaway

Katja Labonte – anthologies spotlight

Katja Labonte – anthologies review

Abigail Kay Harris – tour conclusion

A Post for Valentine’s Day

I don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day (except if it means some really good, really dark chocolate or some chocolate chia pudding – anyone out there a chia pudding fan?), but I thought today would be a good time to bring back one of my favorite blog posts written to date. We can all deal with feelings of jealousy, discontent, and bitterness around this time of the year (or any day of the year) when we see all the people around us “moving on” in life – eg., dating, getting engaged, getting married, having children, and so on.

But here’s your reminder that you are exactly where you need to be right now as long as you’re obeying the Lord’s commands for your life. And never forget – you are loved far more than you can ever imagine, believer.

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It’s that time of year—you know, the one where all the stores become decked out with various shades of pink, atrocious amounts of candy, and lots of hearts.

Valentine’s Day. The day when you’re supposed to be all gushy and romantic and get dressed up and go on a date.

And for those of us who are single? Ah, well, we’re expected to stay home and cry ourselves to sleep.

(Actually, I’ll be sitting through an education class that night.) EDIT: Now I’ll be sitting in orchestra, Lord willing, which might be even more fun than a date.

But that’s what the world – and our own hearts – can want us to think. That we’re missing something, that we’re victims, and we’re suffering because we’re not dating/courting/married, etc.

Let me just tell you something. If you’re single and a Christian, you’re right where God wants you. You’re not a victim. You’re not just stuck in this terrible time, waiting for your Prince Charming or (Princess Charming? Is that a thing?) to come to rescue you.

You have already been rescued.

I’m preaching to myself here. There have been times when I have desired to be married, to have kids. I think a lot of people—I daresay, especially young women—tend to ponder these things often.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. Marriage and children are some of the Lord’s biggest blessings, and they’re absolute gifts from Him. Marriage is a beautiful picture of Christ and the Church—it can’t get much better than that!

But when it gets to the point that we’re discontent because we’re not married, that we’re questioning the Lord’s plans because we aren’t in a relationship … that’s a problem.

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:8). That’s what the Bible says, and to me, that sounds pretty minimal. Just food and raiment? What about shelter? What about family, friendship, hobbies, pets?

We’re supposed to be content with our barest essential needs met. Nothing more.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11 KJV

We aren’t supposed to be covetous. Not desperately striving and longing for something that isn’t ours, even when it’s something good and honorable like marriage.

Okay. So we know we’re supposed to be content. But what about when the rubber meets the road, per se? How do we deal with these longings (longings that aren’t wrong in themselves), and keep them from becoming jealousy, bitterness, and hopelessness?

We look at Jesus.

Marriage as we know it doesn’t exist in heaven (Matthew 22:30). It’s an earthly thing, one that ends with death (in the perfect situation.) It’s simply a picture—a beautiful one, but still a picture. Not the end goal. Not the most important thing in our lives.

The only marriage that exists in heaven is the one between Christ and the Church. The perfect, ultimate marriage.

And guess what. We already have that Bridegroom, that Husband, that Savior. He is ours, and we are His. His love is greater than any person’s—why should we desperately long for more? His covenant to us is far greater, far deeper than any marriage vows. He will never fail us. He will never leave us. He will never be unkind to us. He will always perfectly love us.

So when the world, or someone close to you, or even your own heart shouts that you are missing something, that you are just a poor suffering single person … don’t listen.

You have the greatest Gift of all – Jesus.

And you know what? Singlehood is a blessing that God gives. Trust that the Lord knows what He’s doing in your life. If you would’ve been better off dating or married, you’d be there.

Seek to be content where you are today—don’t get caught up in the what-ifs of the future, those things that you could have, but just haven’t attained.

Live in today’s calling. Live in the blessings the Lord has showered upon you today – don’t look to tomorrow’s earthly hopes for your happiness. Your joy and your fulfillment come from the Lord … and you can have that today, for He changes not.

And the future we should look to? Well, that’s the one in heaven, a sure one, for it is “… an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you…” (1 Peter 1:4).

So, single person, trust the Lord in all things. Whether He brings that special person into your life or not is under His control—and right now, rejoice.

For you have already found Him whom your soul loves, and His banner over you is love.