Sarah Holman's Blog, page 4

February Wrap-Up

 

Photos from the month:

My sweet little nephew

Books I read:

Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke Kindle

Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black Audiobook

How to Memorize Scripture for Life by Andrew M. Davis Audiobook

Things Pondered by Beth Moore Kindle

The Honor Girl by Grace Livingston Hill Audiobook

They Were Single Too David M. Hoffeditz Paperback

Where Hope Begins by Michaela Bush Kindle

The Meeting Place by Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn Kindle

God's Missionary by Amy Carmichael Paperback

Single Isn't Second-Best by Philip Wilder and C. E. White Audiobook

The Fisherman's Lady by George MacDonald Paperback

A Garland for Girls by Louisa May Alcott Hardback

The Key by Christy Miller Kindle

To Live Is Christ by Beth Moore Kindle

The Sacred Shore by Janette Oke Audiobook

Your Husband Your Friend by Bob Barnes

The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

Writing goals met:

0

Yeah, while I made progress, I didn't meet any of my writing goals.

Projects completed:

0

Again, while I made progress on many projects, I didn't finish any. 

Favorite Sermon:

This one was so good and convicting.

Favorite memories: 

Our trip to Lake Brownwood.

Telling my mentor, Beth, how much God has used her in my life.

Going to the Temple Library Sale with Mikayla

Meeting Rose in Waco and getting to see my nephew.

Episode #9: The Weekly Mercies of Pam Ellis

 

My day off.

I took a deep breath. It felt good. I loved getting off randomweekdays. I was able to accomplish more with my time off. And I had beenwaiting for today to dust off an old hobby of mine: sewing.

I had a few yards of pretty pink fabric with little roseson it and a pattern for a swishy skirt. I pictured myself wearing it to churchwith my lace blouse.

Well, it would never get done if I didn’t get to work. Iturned on the audiobook I had selected for today’s work: Little Women read byBarbara Caruso. Meg, Ivy, and I had loved listening to this very version when wewere young. We would put it on when we were sewing or mending (which wasn’toften) and imagine we looked just like the March sisters.

I chuckled as thought of when Ben or Asa would tease usabout our girl book and we told them since we only had three sisters, oneor both of them could fill the role of Amy for us. They usually ran awayand left our precious book alone for fear of us actually following through on the threat.

“What’s so funny?”

I looked up to see Ben in the doorway of my room. He must have worked an early shift at the office to be home this early.

He looked toward my phone, from which I was playing theaudiobook, and rolled his eyes. “Oh man, I thought I would never have to listento that book again.”

I rolled my eyes. “You don’t have to. You’re in my room.”When he stayed in the doorway, I reached over and paused the audiobook. “What’sup?”

He shrugged, but entered my room and dropped onto my chair. “Doyou know if we’ll be taking a trip as a family this fall?”

I paused in my cutting out of the pattern. “I assume so. Wealways do.”

He nodded and rubbed his hands against his jeans. “Yeah, andDad is usually already talking about where we will be going by this time.”

I swallowed. I hadn’t thought about it, but he wasright. After the New Year was underway, Dad usually came home from work with acouple of ideas of where we would explore this year. “It’s only February.”

His eyes remained on the floor. “And they didn’t do anythingfor Valentine’s Day.”

I felt the fear rising within me. Our parents had nevermissed doing something for Valentine’s Day they at least exchanged cards andusually had a nice dinner at home in their room while their children watched a movieand made a sport out of who could insult the day most.

Would we become one of those homeschoolfamilies? The kind people whispered about and used to make fun ofhomeschooling, faith, and traditional views? I looked toward my bookshelves, butmy favorite tomes couldn’t give me any comfort.

“Are they going to make it Pam?”

I jerked my head toward him. “How am I supposed to know? DoI look like God to you?” I was shouting and on my feet. I hadn't even realized my fear had shifted to anger. “Good grief, just becauseI’m the oldest doesn’t mean that I can hold our family together. What do youexpect me to do? Make Mom and Dad stay married? I can’t even make my bestfriend stay. I can’t even….”

The hurt and horror on my brother's face finally penetratedmy eyes and heart. Like someone stabbing a balloon with a knife, the angerdrained out of me and I was left with shame and guilt.

I sank to the floor and stared at the carpet I needed toclean. “I’m sorry, Ben.”

He said nothing.

I tried not to cry. The last thing Ben needed was todeal with a weepy sister on top of the anger I had subjected him to. “Pleaseforgive me. I know we’re all worried. I just… I don’t know what to say. I neverthought our parents would be like this. I don’t think they would ever think ofgetting divorced, but I just don’t know.”

He shifted. I saw his bare feet wiggling in the carpet. Ifinally lifted my eyes to meet my sweet, gentle brother’s eyes. He lookedlike I had slapped him and called him vile names. Guilt washed over me. Whycouldn’t I do anything right? I had failed my best friend, and now I wasfailing my brother.

He slid off the chair onto his knees next to me on thefloor. “I’m sorry. I guess I hoped Mom and Dad had told you something theyhadn’t told the rest of us that would make sense of what's going on.”

I shifted and shook my head. “Ben, they've told me exactly what they’ve told you. I… I don’t thinkthey would share anything else with me. Clearly, I’m unable to handle life right now.”

Ben shrugged. “Last year wasn’t easy for you.”

I brushed a wayward tear from my face and determined itwould be the only one. “Yes, but this isn’t just about me.”

Again Ben shifted and his gaze looked to the floor. My adultbrother hadn’t looked so much like a little boy in ages.

“Maybe, we could do better at being there for each other. Assiblings I mean. I think we’ve all drifted apart because of… everything.” Hegave a shrug.

I nodded. “I like the idea. What did you have in mind?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll come up with something.” He stoodand left my room. "Oh I came back to get some papers I left here. I'll be back around five."

I reached for my mercies notebook and put Ben down. He not only was a mercy, he had shown me mercy.

 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and narrated by Barbara Caruso was something my sisters and I listened to a a few times growing up. I was excited to find this was available digitally and I now own a copy. 

Novellas I love (that aren't Christmas books)

this post contains Amazon affiliate links

This list isn't executive. I plan to keep this list updated. 

The Accident by A.M. Heath Goodreads | Amazon | Review

The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott Series Goodreads | Amazon | Review 

The Big Blue Soldier by Grace Livingston Hill Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Review

Bridge to Trouble by Elisabeth Grace Foley Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Easter Carats by Erynn Mangum Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Enemy Born by Jessica Greyson Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Review

Left-Hand Kelly by Elisabeth Grace Foley Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Meant to Bee by Storm Shultz Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Review

The Mrs. Meade Mysteries Series Goodreads | Amazon | Review 

The Mystery of Mary by Grace Livingston Hill Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Review

A Sidekick's Tale by Elisabeth Grace Foley Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Tell Me You Love Me by Grace A. Johnson Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Where Hope Begins by Michaela Bush Goodreads | Amazon | Review 

Note: Some of these are clean fiction, not Christian fiction.

Episode #8: The Weekly Mercies of Pam Ellis

 

I had been thinking about my project for the week. Sincethere were no customers in the bookshop at the moment, I scrolled through my shoppingapp and my idea list. This week, I would send a random package to someone, justbecause. Who did I miss the most?

Evan

The name popped into my head. I hadn’t thought about him ina couple of weeks. When I talked with Joan again, I would ask her advice aboutEvan. I still missed him and still wished he hadn’t moved away. But I wouldn't be sending him a package. I had received his family’s updates on the churchplant, but other than that, I hadn’t heard from him.

I shook myself. I needed to stop thinking about Evan and grievingthat loss. Could it even be counted as a loss if I had never had him to beginwith? I needed to accept that God’s plans for me weren’t exactly what I hadwanted. Why had I even let myself hope or wish for someone who had only beennice to me?

My silly heart. I liked to think of myself as practical, butI still built up hopes like a typical girl. It was enough to make me questionmy maturity.

Now, on to my plans. I thought over people who neededsome cheering up.

Crystal and Ivy

I had only planned to do one but I knew my younger sisterand my friend both not only could use a surprise. I would have fun packingtwo different packages.

I quickly picked a few things in myshopping cart that I thought Crystal would like and had them shipped to her house.

Between customers, I came up with things I thought my sisterwould like. I decided to buy a fun old film and some themed items with it. Sheneeded some more fun things in her life. I smiled as I hit the buy button. In acouple of days, she would get a surprise package in the mail. This would befun.

With that done, I grabbed a cup of Lavender Vanilla tea andwalked around straightening shelves. I found the kid's area was a mess. I supposedthat mom hadn’t watched her two toddlers well or cared what they were doing. Toobad I had been distracted by another customer and hadn’t kept them from ripping oneof the picture books.

I sighed and set the kid's area to rights and logged thedamaged book into the records. I placed it in Lacie’s work area so she coulddecide if she would discount it or take it home to use in some clever craftproject.

I glanced out the window and let out a slow breath and thenfelt a smile lift the corner of my mouth. Today may be an average day with itslittle ups and downs. Making up the packages had been fun, but it didn’t floodme with emotion. Much like my Bible reading this morning. I had been glad tospend the time in God’s word, but it hadn’t flooded me with good feelings either.

Yet, I savored the normalcy and realized how often I hadtaken the average days for granted. I didn’t want to do that again.

I moved back to the counter as the door opened.

“Good day, Pastor Bob,” I said to one of our regulars.

“Hi, Pam!” I lifted his briefcase slightly to me. I saw hissignature yellow pad peeping out. “I’m going to look at the menu for a minutebefore I decide.” He always said that.

I replied the same way I always did: “Take your time.”

I took the moment before he picked which syrup hewanted in his black tea, to jot down in my mercies notebook.

Normal days

Regular customers

That I don’t have Idrink coffee, only serve it.

 

I lay on my bed, trying to decide which of the items on mychecklist to do next week, and also read Stranger in Williamsburg When mydoor burst open and Ivy ran in and threw her arms around me.

“I love it!”

“Love what?” I asked and then my brain remembered and Ismiled. “Oh!”

She laughed and retreated out of my room and returned withthe box. There were the Cinderella-themed items in there I had picked out. “It’sperfect.”

I looked at the fun items. Cyrstal had loved the pens,highlighters, and annotation tabs I had sent her. It made me want to send randomgifts to people every day.

“I’m going to put the socks on now. How did you know Iwanted this version of Cinderella?”

I laughed. “Perhaps because you check it out for the libraryabout five or six times a year. They probably have a copy they keep there justfor you.”

She hugged me again. “Thanks. This really made my day.” Shelet out a sigh.

I sat next to her. “Rough day?”

She shrugged. “My co-worker Rene was making fun of the factI still live at home and she and her friend Carl were talking about how theirparents had divorced a while ago and… Do you ever worry we are getting lifewrong? I’m scared when I think about if Mom and Dad can’t work things out.”

I gave her another side hug. “There are many things Iquestion in life, Ivy. Living at home isn’t one of them. After all, I love myjob and my housemates are people I know and trust. As for Mom and Dad, I knowthere are no guarantees, but I think they both love Jesus and will do what theyneed to to work things out.”

Ivy nodded. “I guess sometimes, it’s just hard to bedifferent.”

We talked for a long time. Ivy sharing her struggles. Imostly listened. When I finally had to go to sleep, I made sure I put theconversation in my mercies notebook before I shut off the lights.

You can find Stranger in Williamsburg on Goodreads on Amazon

I Surrender All

 

This is one of my favorite hymns ever. It has been a theme of many of my days as I struggle to let go of my plans and allow God to have His way.

Ways I'm stretching myself this year

 

I have some ways I'm purposefully stretching myself in 2025. They weren't all on my 2025 goal list, that's because they were a little more nebulous but I feel they were just as important if not more so. Today, I am going to share some of these things with you.

Being introverted, I wait to be included/asked into a group or for someone else to initiate anything. However, I was convinced that this needed to change. Yes, it's not comfortable for me to ask and pursue relationships with others, but I am capable. So, the most important way I'm stretching myself is to create meaningful connections with those in much church as well as neighbors. So far, this has meant inviting more people over to our house or to lunch after church. I've also hosted a book exchange and a Valentine's Party for the single ladies.

While I love walking and hiking, I've never liked to exercise. However, I've noticed my metabolism isn't what it used to be. So, this year, I'm exercising every day except Sunday. Now, I keep my exercise pretty simple, and I still primarily use walking (I'm just taking and keeping faithful to doing it daily). This has helped me lose a couple of pounds and is helping me to see some eating habits that needed to change.

While this wasn't originally a way I planned on stretching myself, I added this one: I noticed that I was struggling to sit down and read. This was because I was shortening my attention span by too much screen time. It's easy when so much of my work is on screen to slip into bad habits. I'm taking reading breaks and setting timers to help retrain my brain for longer attention spans. It's helping not only my attention span but also helping me to truly relax more. 

What are some ways you're stretching yourself this year?

Best Books for Singles

 

Post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

Looking for some books on singleness? While I've decided to make a list here and (hopefully) keep it updated. Even though I'm married, I have a heart for singles and seeing them thrive in the life God has for them. I read about two singleness books a year. While I only share the good ones here, you can see my opinions on all that I read on Goodreads

Note: some of these books are not for younger readers. 

For Men and Women

Kingdom Single: Living Complete and Fully Free Goodreads Review | Amazon 

They Were Single Too: 8 Biblical Role Models Goodreads Review | Amazon

7 Myths about Singleness by Sam Allberry Goodreads Review | Amazon

Thrive: The Single Life as God Intended by Lina Abujamra Goodreads Review | Amazon

The Significance of Singleness by Christina S. Hitchcock Goodreads Review | Amazon

Women

I Don't Wait Anymore by Grace Thornton Goodreads Review | Amazon

Ten Reminders for the Single Christian Woman by Pamela Q. Fernandes Goodreads Review | Amazon

Waiting For Isaac by Jessica Greyson Goodreads Review | Amazon

Beyond Waiting by Rebekah Snyder Goodreads Review | Amazon

Savoring Single by Shelley Black Goodreads Review | Amazon

Singled Out for Him by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth Goodreads Review | Amazon

Living Whole Without a Better Half  by Wendy Widder Goodreads Review | Amazon

Fiction:

Wedding Score by Amanda Tero Goodreads Review | Amazon

Fanny's Hope Chest by Sarah Holman Goodreads Review | Amazon

I Will Follow by Bethany Patchin and Claire Cook Goodreads Review | Amazon

Emma and the Reasons by Natasha Metzler Goodreads Review | Amazon

They were single too:

Love, Amy by Amy Young Goodreads Review | Amazon

Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior Goodreads Review | Amazon

Top Three Picks:

Kingdom Single: Living Complete and Fully Free Goodreads Review | Amazon 

Thrive: The Single Life as God Intended by Lina Abujamra Goodreads Review | Amazon

Living Whole Without a Better Half  by Wendy Widder Goodreads Review | Amazon

Valentine's Book Recommendations

 

Would you like some seasonal reading? This is something I'm really enjoying reading books based on the season or holiday. I'm here today with a few Valentine's Day recommendations for you to read:

Tell Me You Love Me: This is 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.

A String of Paper Hearts: A rejected invitation to a dance sends Jeremiah Clark spinning and evaluating what is important in life. Can he change to be the man worthy of the girl he has loved for a long time?

Pace was shocked when the wrong Clark brother asked her to the dance. However, as she faces hardships, she is forced to confront the person she is becoming. Can she become the woman God wants her to be amid the trials?

Paper Hearts: Abigail Pressman would never have guessed that love notes penned on paper hearts by an anonymous couple could restore her belief in love. As a business owner in a quaint town at the base of the Rockies, she’s poured everything into dreams of expansion...and resisting the matchmaking efforts of the Valentine Volunteers, who gather in her store to continue Loves Park’s tradition of stamping mail with the city’s romantic postmark.

Devotedly: Riveting for old and young alike, this moving account of their personal lives shines as a gold mine of lived-out truth, hard-fought purity, and an insider’s view on two beloved Christian figures.

Lore in Love: Inspired by Laura from Little Town on the Prairie, Lore reaches out to her community, celebrates Valentine's Day, and makes a new friend who could become more.

A Cord of Three Strands: Follow the love stories of those who served in public positions such as soldiers; martyrs; and pastors through the letters they wrote to their loved ones. However marriage is not purely about the husband and wife; there is another strand which is vital. Marriage is a gift from God and a most important factor in the strength of that marriage is the love we have for the Giver of that gift

Southeaster Lodge: Katy Meyer has longed for adventure and romance all her life.

So when the opportunity comes to leave her family and her small town for a job at the prestigious Southeaster Lodge, she jumps at the chance.

At first, she is enchanted by the bustling life of a tourist destination, as well as by new friends and, in particular, the charming and witty son of the lodge's owner.

Something Sweet, Someone Sweet: Several years after the passing of his first wife, Matt’s daughter, Evelyn, has declared it’s time for him to find a new one. His best friend, Jacob Tanners, already has someone picked out for him. But is he ready to cross that bridge, especially with a woman he barely knows?

Annie’s just a barista determined to make people’s day a little brighter with a cup of coffee. One customer catches her attention more than the rest, but he never smiles, orders his coffee black, and he might be handsome, too. But appearance isn’t a good enough reason to fall in love. Is there anything else that can tie them together?

Do you like to read books in season?

The Classic Children's Book Themed Shower

I recently had the privilege of throwing a baby shower for one of my dearest friends expecting her first. As she loves books, I picked a children's book theme. I had to share a little bit about it because I loved how it turned out. 

 I had so much making food the match up to books

I can't take credit for these two though. A wonderful lady had these two made for the shower

The Pooh backdrop for opening gifts was one of my favorite things.

The table decor

The welcome table:




Kids Table



Gift Table


My mom and my sister Rose, who came to the shower

If you could have any kind of themed party, what would it be?

The Weekly Mercies of Pam Ellis Episode #7

 

The Sarah’s Journey Series had been a favorite in myearly teens. I curled up on the couch with a mug of tea and dove into Homeon Stony Creek. I was preparing to enjoy my day off.

As I enjoyed the setting of the early days of the AmericanRevolution and Sarah’s journey to the wilds of Kentucky, I sipped at my tea andenjoyed the cozy feeling.

“We are going shopping? Do you want to come with us?”

I looked up at Meg and Ivy. They were all ready to go and bythe looks on their faces, I knew they expected me to say no. I opened my mouthto do just that and then I stopped myself. Wasn’t spending some quality timewith my sister one of the things on my list? The three of us used to do so muchtogether but the last year, with my job and hurts, I had pulled out.

I could hear Ben and Asa in the other room, playing a gameof Risk, a favorite Saturday pastime for our brothers.

I stood. I had withdrawn and I wouldn’t keep doing that. “Iwould love to come with you. That is…” I looked between them. “If you want me.I know I haven’t been the best company.”

“Of course we want you!” Meg rushed to give me a hug.

Ivy didn’t look as eager but she nodded her head.

I put my book down. “I’ll be ready in a few moments.”

I rushed into my room and changed clothes, made sure toreapply deodorant, and grabbed my purse. I was about to rush out the door whenI saw my list of things to do. I glanced at the page that held things I wantedto do with my siblings.

Take my sisters tothat fancy ice cream place we’ve wanted to try.

I nodded. That would be the one I would do with them. Itwould be fun, spontaneous, and enjoyable despite the cold.

I took a deep breath and offered a prayer that I would be ablessing to my sisters.

[image error]

“I can’t believe how good this is,” Meg said between bitesof her vanilla ice cream loaded with candy bits.

Ivy nodded as she licked away at her blueberry cheesecake ice cream in the fresh-made waffle cone.

I smile as I scoop up another bite of cookies and creamfrom my dish. “It really is good.”

“We should come here more often,” Meg said. “Make it aregular girls thing.”

I smiled at my enthusiastic sister but said nothing. I enjoyed doing this for them. I loved the ice cream, but it wasn’t cheap. Ididn’t think any of us would be coming here for a while.

“I just wish we could have more fun.” Meg set down herspoon. “Since Dad and Mom announced they were going into counseling, everyonehas been mopping and acting like we are waiting for someone to die.”

“Can we not talk about this?” Ivy shifted in her seat andher eyes darted around.

“Why? Why can’t we ever talk about what’s going on? Is theresomething I don’t know?” Meg asked.

“I’m just tired of talking about sad things.” Ivy swallowed andstared at her ice cream like she suddenly didn’t want it. “Can’t we just havefun?”

Meg sighed. “Why does everything have to be about what youwant. Just because you’re the youngest doesn’t make life about you.”

As the oldest, I felt I should probably say or do something,but I wasn’t sure what I should say or do. Somehow, I felt like if I had been readingmy Bible like I should, I would at least have an idea of what I should say.

Tears slipped down Ivy’s face. “That’s not true. I just amtired of all the sad stuff.”

I took a deep breath, knowing I had to intervene.

“It can be hard when everything has been so heavy not towant to keep things light. Meg, maybe you and I can talk about things when weget home.”

Meg crossed her arms. “Why is everyone avoiding this.”

“Maybe because we are all afraid of what this means for ourfamily if Mom and Dad don’t work things out.” I blurted.

Ivy set her one down on the table and covered her eyes withher hands.

Great, I had made this into a worse mess. “Ivy, I’m sorry.I…”

“Are they going to divorce?”

“Of course not.”

“I don’t think so.” My answer overlapped Meg's. I moved towardIvy. “I’m really sorry things are so rough right now. We can try to make thingshappy for the rest of the day.”

Ivy huffed. “All you do is mop around and think about howyou’ve been hurt. Why do you suddenly care?” She dashed off toward thebathroom.

Tears sprung to my eyes. I felt like I had been stabbed. HereI had been trying to give my sisters a good time and I had caused them more pain.Is that all I was capable of these days? Feeling pain and causing it?

No, I needed to also remember what Joan had said. I neededto combat these lies and remind myself of God’s truth. We were all hurting. Ithad been a hard year for all of us. I had just drifted away further because ofeverything with Jessie.

“I’m sorry. I just thought it might help if we talked.” Meghad her arms crossed and leaned back in her chair. She looked for all the worldlike a sulking toddler.

I took a deep breath. “I think you’re right, but Ivy wantedthis to be a fun day.”

“She always wants things to be fun and happy! She neverwants to talk about hard things. And please don’t remind me she isonly seventeen. I’m tired of that line.”

I shook my head. I wasn’t going to tell you that. I wasgoing to suggest you and I have a long talk about things and hopefully, Ivy will…

“I’m sorry.” Ivy’s choked whisper brought both of us to lookat her. “I just…” her tears spilled over again. “I heard someone say Dad andMom would probably be divorced by summer and it… I don’t want to think aboutit.”

I reached out a hand to her. “None of us want to think aboutthat. I don’t think our parents even consider that a possibility okay?”

“Then why are they in counseling every week and acting madwith each other?” Ivy asked, wiping her eyes.

I pressed my lips together, trying to decide how much tosay. I knew more than I wanted to know. “Dad…did some stuff in the past Momjust found out about.”

Ivy rolled her eyes. “I’m not a baby. I know about the pornography.”

I swallowed. I wished we lived in a world where neither Inor any of my siblings had to know those sorts of things existed. “I wasn’tthinking you were a baby. I just wasn’t sure everyone had been told. Anyway,they have a lot to work through.”

“Do you think they will stay married?”

Both my sisters looked at me like I was their lifeline. Itook a bite of my ice cream and then nodded slowly. “I think they will. But wecan’t expect them to be happy and back to normal in a few weeks. It is going totake time.”

Both of them looked like I had given them hope. I reachedand took each of their hands, grateful for the connection and closeness Ishared with them.

“We’ll get through this together.”

They smiled and looked at each other.

“Now, let’s eat our ice cream and then go get some stuffedanimals or something else fun.

[image error]

As I sat on my bed, I pulled out my Mercies notebook.

Mercies this week:

Ice cream with mysisters

The ability to crytogether

My new stuffed RedPanda, Lucy

God’s gift of sisters

The Sarah's Journey Series, including Home on Stoney Creek, were some of my favorites in my early teens. Find them on Amazon and Goodreads.