Amber Stokes's Blog, page 6

Chapter 2 | Maya's Unconventional, Not-So-Fictional Romance {A Just-for-Fun YA Story}

Last week we met Maya, a girl who just moved to the coast of Northern California the summer before her senior year of high school. She's challenging herself to let each of the novels she reads over the next few months inspire her to do something different. Her first "something" inspired by Daddy-Long-Legs? Write a letter to the boy she briefly met on the beach.
Read Chapter 1 Chapter 2 begins now. :) I've included pictures I've taken of the area, to hopefully enhance the reading experience. Thank you for tuning in!

Maya's Unconventional, Not-So-Fictional Romance By Amber Holcomb
Chapter 2
It took Maya a week to run into Conner again. Every morning she tucked the folded note into her jeans pocket and made her way to the same beach. She'd seen a couple young families there, a surfer (in this water? Brrr!), and even an older man with a dog, but no Conner and Ace.

Until the following Saturday. That morning she arrived at her usual spot more from the pull of routine than the draw of hope. But a large golden creature caught her eye, and her heart started beating rapidly at the thought of releasing her letter today.

Just like the previous week, she found herself watching the boy and his eager dog as they played fetch together. She wondered if she should walk toward them, shove aside her childish hesitance and stride ahead confidently.

As she took the first step across the dry sand, Ace bounded her way, prized branch in his mouth. When he reached her, he dropped the stick at her feet, looking both pleased with himself and expectant of her participation in the game. She smiled and reached down to grab the branch. When she straightened, she saw Conner waiting behind his dog, hands in his jeans pockets.

"Hi," she offered, feeling brave, her smile still in place.

"Hi again," he replied. Dark hairs peppered his chin and cheeks, and Maya wondered if maybe he wasn't as young as he first appeared. Maybe she was trying to make friends with someone who had already left behind all traces of high-school associations.

She bit her lip and let her fingertips graze the edge of the note in her pocket. Sucking in a fortifying breath, she slid the letter from its comfort zone and held it out to Conner. "This is for you."

"It is?" He cocked his head, staring at the folded paper in nearly the same way Ace was staring at the branch in her left hand—but with a touch less eagerness.

After a moment, he grabbed the note. With one more curious glance at her face, he unfolded the page and read silently.

Maya bit her lip again and glanced down, not wanting to watch Conner read her childish words, and not wanting to make eye contact with Ace in case the dog thought she was ready to continue the fetching game. Not yet. Hopefully soon.

A minute or two ticked by, marked only by Ace's panting and the tide's steady arrivals and departures. Finally Conner cleared his throat, and Maya's head popped up.

He smiled, his posture appearing more relaxed than before as he folded the letter back up and stuck it in his own pocket. "Friends?" he asked, holding out his large hand.

Maya grinned, offering a shaky laugh along with her hand. "Friends. Thanks for not thinking I'm too weird. I've moved a lot, and I just know how long it can take to get to know people..." She trailed off, realizing her hand was still firmly ensconced in his. With a blush, she released her hold.

"I can understand that," he said kindly.

Before she could respond, Ace whined. "Oh." She held up the stick, and the dog crouched low and then sprung up, leaping and spinning in circles while barking excitedly. She giggled and caught Conner's eye. "May I?"

"Of course. I'm afraid of what will happen if you don't. Ace knows what he wants." He chuckled.

Maya took a step back, bracing herself in the tenuous sand. Pulling her arm back, she took aim and threw the branch as far as she could. It didn't quite reach the water, but Ace still bounded after it, leaving her alone with Conner.

The two of them watched the dog snatch up the stick. But he quickly became distracted by a seagull, barking and lunging at the poor bird, the stick forgotten.

"Since I now know some things about you," Conner began while Ace continued his antics, "maybe I should share some things about me. You know, if we're going to be friends and all."

Maya gave him a sideways glance and noticed he was smiling. She breathed a sigh of relief and grinned. "Seems fair."

"You already know my name is Conner. I graduated this year and am working as a waiter for the summer until community college classes start up in the fall. Not really sure what kind of career I'm going for, but I figured I should get my general ed out of the way."

Maya crossed her arms as the wind picked up. "That sounds really wise. A lot of my cousins are older than me and are constantly warning me about college debt."

Conner nodded, the wind teasing his dark hair and flapping his three-quarter-sleeve gray shirt. "Yeah. As for hobbies, I like watching basketball, sometimes playing it, and video games. I read some, too, but probably not as much as you. And I volunteer at an animal shelter."

"Really? That's awesome."

He glanced away, seeming almost embarrassed. "I like hanging out with the dogs. I started volunteering a couple years ago to improve my chances at scholarships and stuff, but now I just like it. It's where I got Ace, at the shelter. Took a while for my mom to agree to adopt him."

Ace seemed to sense he was being spoken of, as he finally retrieved the branch, running toward them with his prize.

Maya ran her hand through her thick ponytail full of curls. "Like I said in the letter, he's a great dog. I've never had a pet besides some fish when I was younger. I think I've been missing out."

Ace didn't slow down as he approached them, instead racing right between them and looping back around them. They laughed.

"Why don't you join us on the rest of our walk?" Conner asked. "I brought his leash and was going to take him up the Trinidad Head trail."

Maya happily agreed, and they returned to the sandy parking lot. As Conner unlocked his car and reached in for the leash, she studied the lighthouse sitting at the edge of the lot, marking the route toward the pier, which she'd discovered the other day. The lighthouse was fairly short, white with a red roof, and somehow out of place. A parking lot didn't seem like the most attractive or useful location for a cute little lighthouse like that.


The car door slammed shut, and Conner stepped up beside her, Ace at his heels. "The lighthouse wasn't always here," he explained, apparently guessing at her thoughts. "It used to be up there." He pointed toward town and the street on the bluff overlooking the ocean.

"Oh, that makes way more sense."

He went on. "They had to relocate it for some reason, so it ended up here. But it was pretty iconic where it used to be."

"Is it real?" Maya blushed, realizing how stupid her question sounded. "I mean, was it ever a functional lighthouse?"

Conner shook his head. "It's a replica. The real one is still on Trinidad Head." He gestured to his right, toward the trail they were going to take.

"Really?"

He just grinned in response and led the way.

The first part of the trail brought them to a road, which they followed until they came to the official trailhead. As they walked onward beneath trees and past little hideaways created by branches tangled together, they talked about the places Maya had lived, the kinds of video games Conner liked, and the books they'd been reading. They took a spur trail to the summit and found a bench at the top.

The wind blew more harshly here, but in a free, full-of-life way, like Ace when he'd run through the sand on the beach with no intention of slowing down. But up here, the dog was content to sit at their feet, his tongue moving up and down with his big breaths.

"I just finished Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen," Maya was saying. "It was part of my summer homework assignment."

"Oh yeah. I had to read that one too. That's that mystery wannabe story, right?"

She laughed at his description as her hair whipped around behind her. She raised her voice above the wind. "That's the one. I liked it. I've only read that one and Pride and Prejudice by Austen, but I want to read more of her books."

Conner peered at her as if he were attempting to decipher something. "You're a Darcy fan, aren't you?"

She laughed again and shook her head, crossing a leg over one knee. "Nope. I've seen a few movie adaptations, and Colonel Brandon is my favorite from what I've seen."

"Which story's that?"

"Sense and Sensibility. I want to read that one this summer."

"What's so charming about Mr. Brandon?"

"He knows his mind." Maya paused, staring out at the solid blue ocean surrounding them far below. "He's steady. Dependable. That's what I want in a husband someday. I've had enough changes in my life."


She suddenly realized the conversation had gone beyond guy-friend territory. "Umm, anyway..." She searched her mind for a change of subject. "I have a personal reading goal for the summer."

Conner stroked Ace's head and scratched behind the dog's ears. Ace looked like the most content creature in the world as he tilted his head toward his master. "To read all the Jane Austen books or something?" Conner asked.

"No. More like...well... I want to have reading not be just a comfort, but also something that inspires me to act, you know? To live more boldly this summer in a new town and everything. I wrote you that letter after I finished reading a story told through letters."

"Huh. That's cool." Conner stood then, and Maya followed suit. He led them carefully back to the main trail, slowing down and glancing behind him now and then, likely to make sure she didn't trip over the rocks. It was sweet.

Once they were walking along once again, he asked, "So what's your action for Northanger Abbey? You said you just finished that one, right?"

"Yeah. I'm not sure. I mean, I don't think it should inspire me to disobey my parents or try to uncover someone's family secrets or anything like that." She would have chuckled at her joke if she weren't so out of breath.

"How about finding a mystery?" he said over his shoulder.

"I'd thought about that, but I'd have no idea how to go about it. I'm not Nancy Drew."

Conner's chuckled floated faintly to her on the calmer wind. "Does it have to be a real mystery, or just like a little personal one?"

She pondered that as she watched Ace sniff at the bushes before getting pulled along by Conner's steady stride. "What do you mean?"

"Well, the lighthouse was a mystery to you. You know, how it got to be there, if it was functional, that sort of thing. What if I show you the real one and then you can call it good?"

"It seems a little...easy, I guess."

"I'd say your last task was pretty bold, writing a letter to a stranger."

She smiled at his back. "True."

"And hey, I don't remember much of that story, but wasn't the main girl from a different place, and she made new friends?"

Maya's smile grew. "Good point. And that's what I'm doing now with you and Ace."

"Exactly." He turned then, offering her a grin, then continued to lead the way.

They passed a large cement cross on their left before coming to a little wooden platform. Maya stepped up eagerly, but all she could see on the hillside below was a bunch of short trees, thick undergrowth, and the wide ocean spreading before them. "Where's the lighthouse?"

Ace danced around her legs, and Conner gently nudged him aside so he could stand next to her. "The trees make it really hard to spot it. But if you look carefully in just the right direction, you can see the top of it."


Before she knew what he was doing, he put his hands on her waist and hoisted her up to stand on the first rung of the fence enclosing the platform. Her face flushed bring pink. "Umm, where am I supposed to be looking?"

"Over there."

She followed the angle of his finger, squinting through the leafy branches to find the lighthouse—trying to ignore the fact that one of Conner's hands still rested on her side. She failed at both the finding and the ignoring.

Suddenly his hand drew back, as if he'd also just realized where he'd been resting it. Maya felt both relieved and slightly disappointed. His touch had been unexpected but reassuring, like he wouldn't let her slip.

Redirecting her focus, she scanned the greenery once again, then shook her head. "I don't see anything. No red roof."

"Oh," he said. She glanced over and saw him standing beside her, looking down the slope. "It's not red like the memorial lighthouse back there. It's black."

"Oh..." She stepped up one more rung, staring intently through the trees. "Wait... Is that it? I see a little black ball with a spike, and I thought I saw a glimmer, like light reflecting off glass."

"That's it!"

"Man, you can hardly see anything from here."

"Yeah," he agreed. "I think there's some sort of way to actually get down there. Not from here, but from another trail. But you have to go on a certain day or something to have access. I've never been."

"Still, this is cool. Just as mysterious as the abbey." She turned around, her heels stabilizing her on the fence, and grinned at Conner. "Thanks for showing it to me."

He met her gaze and smiled freely. "No problem."

Without a second thought, Maya put her hands on his shoulders and jumped to the floor of the platform. And as they walked along the rest of the trail together, Ace dragging them forward whenever they slowed down, it felt like they really had become friends in a day.

Maybe Conner could help her figure out what to do after reading the next book on her list. Dracula should provide a good challenge.

Copyright © 2019 Amber Christine Holcomb

*Did you spot the lighthouse in that last picture? You can learn more about the lighthouse HERE and the trail HERE. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Loved That Should Get More Love ♥

Top Ten Tuesday is such a fun blog series that's currently being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl! This week's topic is "Books I LOVED with Fewer than 2,000 Ratings on Goodreads." For the month of Valentine's, I think it's a great idea to spread the love for some amazing books that could be considered "hidden gems." Here are ten books I greatly enjoyed...

Windchaser 
by Krissi Dallas
Goodreads stats: 4.27 stars, 144 ratings

This is such a fun and epic YA fantasy series (perfect for summer vacation)! There are four books out so far, with a fifth in the works. :)
Recalled 
by Cambria Hebert
Goodreads stats: 3.66 stars, 745 ratings
The ratings show that readers have mixed feelings on this contemporary fantasy... But it's a total FAVE for me! The premise is different and rather dark, but it's hard not to fall in love with the hero (and the butler). 
The Pursuit of Tamen Littlejohn 
by Lori BentonGoodreads stats: 4.31 stars, 938 ratings

 I so need to reread this! In my review, I said this book is "the epitome of what I long for in historical romance." Such a lovely read! Burning Sky (the author's debut) is also powerful and beautifully written, and I have another book of hers on my TBR I'm looking forward to reading.

Ain't We Got Fun 
by Emily Chapman & Emily Ann PutzkeGoodreads stats: 4.19 stars, 42 ratings

This is such a charming epistolary story! In my review, I said, "The characters are all such dears! *Hugs them close*" Looking for a heartwarming little historical? Here you go!
Unlucky in Love & Lyrics 
by Tracy Joy JonesGoodreads stats: 4.75 stars, 4 ratings

You might have seen me mention this on the blog before, back when it was available to the author's newsletter subscribers. Well, great news! This delightful contemporary romance novella is now available on Amazon for only $.99, and you can read it in time for St. Patrick's Day!
Undercurrent 
by Michelle GriepGoodreads stats: 4.02 stars, 82 ratings

I also have to mention Gallimore; both books are such awesome time-travel romances that were published a while back. The author has become well-known in the realm of inspirational fiction for her great historical novels, but if you enjoy the concept of time travel, I highly recommend these engaging stories. :)
The Electrical Menagerie 
by Mollie E. ReederGoodreads stats: 4.64 stars, 88 ratings

Say hello to a super fun steampunk novel with such endearing characters! This author has a great writing style. As you can see by the star rating, readers love this book. :) Now we just need more readers to discover its awesomeness!

The Rose and the Briar 
by J.M. StenglGoodreads stats: 4.47 stars, 110 ratings

Any fairy-tale fans? This is such a fun reimagining of Sleeping Beauty! I still need to read the first two books in the series (!), but I loved this one, especially the garden setting.
Ten Thousand Thorns 
by Suzannah RowntreeGoodreads stats: 4.37 stars, 41 ratings

Another Sleeping Beauty reimagining...but in a very different genre! I've read a couple other unique retellings by this author, but this one is my favorite so far. It's exciting and thought-provoking, with a great hero!
Dancing & Doughnuts 
by Rachel KovacinyGoodreads stats: 4.29 stars, 21 ratings

Another fairy-tale reimagining, this one in the Wild West. :) If you're looking for something intriguing but utterly light and sweet, this is a tasty choice! 
* * *

What are some of your favorite hidden gems?
Which books should get more love?

Chapter 1 | Maya's Unconventional, Not-So-Fictional Romance {A Just-for-Fun YA Story}

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Drama Begins in 1930s Hollywood | Review of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard

About the Book (from Penguin Random House)

In this novel from the acclaimed author of A Bridge Across the Ocean and The Last Year of the War, two women working in Hollywood during its Golden Age discover the joy and heartbreak of true friendship.

Los Angeles, Present Day. When an iconic hat worn by Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind ends up in Christine McAllister’s vintage clothing boutique by mistake, her efforts to return it to its owner take her on a journey more enchanting than any classic movie…

Los Angeles, 1938. Violet Mayfield sets out to reinvent herself in Hollywood after her dream of becoming a wife and mother falls apart, and lands a job on the film-set of Gone with the Wind. There, she meets enigmatic Audrey Duvall, a once-rising film star who is now a fellow secretary. Audrey’s zest for life and their adventures together among Hollywood’s glitterati enthrall Violet…until each woman’s deepest desires collide. What Audrey and Violet are willing to risk, for themselves and for each other, to ensure their own happy endings will shape their friendship, and their lives, far into the future.

Available NowLearn More or Purchase | Add to Goodreads
My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard is poignantly penned, a tale of two roommates and friends who carry past pain into their present choices. It's one of those stories where you can sympathize with both main characters and yet feel disillusioned with them at the same time. You don't have to look too deep to see your own weaknesses and fears reflected in their behavior.

This is first and foremost historical fiction, as the contemporary snippets are few and far between. But it's nice in that way to be able to stay firmly rooted in the lives of Violet and Audrey without much interruption. And the historical backdrop is quite fascinating! While modern Hollywood has little appeal for me, the Hollywood of the late 1930s depicted in the first half of this book definitely has charm (although I still don't think I'd have wanted to get too drawn in to that world, between the pressure, temptations, and crazy work schedule!). The studio, Audrey's bungalow, nighttime walks along the boulevard...all endearing in their own way.

As for Violet and Audrey themselves, what drama begins when these two meet! I enjoyed reading about their growing friendship, even as I grew dismayed at the signs that everything might be falling apart. There is some romance in this novel, although it doesn't quite take center stage. Instead, the main focus is on these two women, the span of their friendship, and the hurts and hopes marking their journeys.

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard isn't a rom-com with lots of feel-good moments and a typical happily ever after. Despite its many incidents of heartbreak, though, it's a star-studded story—featuring bits of distant light in the midst of dark times and emotions. It's a heartfelt, thought-provoking read that points to the importance of truth, freedom of choice, compassion, and grace.

*With thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*

This is the alternate Kindle cover of the book. Which version do you prefer? 
Have you read any books by Susan Meissner?

The Silver Chair Read-Along | Discussion 3

Welcome to the third and final discussion of The Silver Chair read-along! (Be sure to check out our first and second discussions too!) If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can learn more about the schedule in this  invitation post .

Today we're going to discuss chapters 12-16. If you've read them, go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to The Silver Chair read-along tag .) If you still have to catch up, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :)

Onward...
~ ~ ~
The Silver Chair: Chapters 12-16

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and four questions to answer for each week's reading
Favorite Quotes*
"There is nothing like a good shock of pain for dissolving certain kinds of magic.""This signifies that Aslan will be our good lord, whether he means us to live or die. And all's one, for that. Now, by my counsel, we shall all kneel and kiss his likeness, and then all shake hands one with another, as true friends that may shortly be parted. And then, let us descend into the city and take the adventure that is sent us.""I have heard of those little scratches in the crust that you Topdwellers call mines. But that's where you get dead gold, dead silver, dead gems. Down in Bism we have them alive and growing. There I'll pick you bunches of rubies that you can eat and squeeze you a cupful of diamond juice. You won't care much about fingering the cold, dead treasures of your shallow mines after you have tasted the live ones in Bism." "On fine nights when the cold and the drum-taps, and the hooting of the owls, and the moonlight have got into their wild, woodland blood and made it even wilder, they will dance till daybreak. I wish you could see it for yourselves.""You think I'm a ghost, or some nonsense. But don't you see? I would be that if I appeared in Narnia now: because I don't belong there any more. But one can't be a ghost in one's own country."General Impressions
I'm quite satisfied with the ending of The Silver Chair! Once again, Puddleglum shines with stalwart faith as he bravely stomps out the fire that was messing with the heroes' minds while conversing with the Witch. It seems to me like some of C.S. Lewis's theology finds its way into Puddleglum's words... Overall, I do love his character, and the children's parting with him is quite adorable. But let me backtrack to discuss other things. ;)

The time between the Witch's defeat (huzzah!) and the heroes' arrival in Narnia is interesting. I'm intrigued by the land of Bism, and while it's not necessarily a place I'd want to visit, I do love Lewis's creativity in presenting the nature of gems! (See my third quote above.) How cool would it be if there were live gems? What would they taste like? How would they shine? So neat to imagine!

I also love the scene when Jill realizes they've reached Narnia and sees the Great Snow Dance! I love the way it's all described, and how it takes a while for disoriented Jill to notice the glow is actually from the moon and they're free. Such relief! And when Jill and Eustace are given hot drinks to enjoy, I then had to prepare myself a cup of hot cider to savor too. :)

As for the very end of the story, I'm a bit torn but mostly happy. The scenes with Caspian's death and then the meeting with Aslan are poignant. Ultimately so hopeful! But it feels like things are fixed so simply for Eustace and Jill upon their return to their world—almost too easy and perfect? I guess that's not a bad thing, though, when it reminds us that our circumstances matter to the God who sees and knows them, and He is more than able to work miracles in our lives for His glory and in accordance with His will. How the character of Aslan addresses the issue of a terrible school and bullies in Eustace and Jill's life is...interesting. That line about the Head of the school ending up in Parliament is pretty funny (and snarky)!

I should add that I love the last lines of the book and how they invite the reader to come visit Narnia and see the evidence of our heroes' journey. Makes it feel all the more tangible and epic!

Discussion Questions

Answer one, two, three, or all four of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!

1. Which part of the chapter featuring the Witch ("The Queen of Underland") impacted you the most?

2. Would you have been tempted to visit Bism if offered the opportunity? Why or why not?

3. How did you feel about the ending of the story—for Narnia, for Caspian, for Eustace and Jill?

4. What was your favorite line or scene in the whole book? If you've read the other books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, how does this one rank in your opinion?

To Conclude
Thank you so much for joining The Silver Chair read-along! I always love sharing and comparing thoughts with you all on some classics, and it's been fun to try something different (although I did so love our Jane Austen read-alongs too!). I hope you enjoyed reading this book, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the other titles in this series. (For me, I think The Voyage of the Dawn Treader might still be my favorite, but The Silver Chair could be a close second! I did enjoy it quite a bit. Granted, it's been a while since I read the other books...)

Next up, I'm planning to host a read-along for Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery in March. Stay tuned for more details!

*C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair (New York: HarperCollins, 2002), 190, 200-201, 218, 232, 253-254.

An Insightful Study on the Vital Truths of Colossians | Review of He Is Enough

About the Book
(from Moody Publishers)

Discover the Secret to a Full Life

We live in a world of scarcity. We say, “I don't have enough time… maybe when we have more money… if only I had a little more help…” But Scripture says if we have Jesus, we have enough.

In this 6-week study of Colossians, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers to discover the life-altering importance of Jesus' sufficiency and sovereignty. And you don't need hours a day to enjoy this Bible Study. Each day's study contains two paths:
Snack on the Go: a bite-size morsel of truth to chew on throughout your busy day FEAST: a dig-deep guide to maximizing the “meat” you're getting out of your Bible study PLUS! a supplemental "Serving and Leading" section that includes service challenges for making theory a reality You can enjoy this study in whatever way works best for you. Discover the joy and freedom that abounds when we know deep in our hearts that Jesus truly is enough.

Available Now! Order on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My Review

He Is Enough provides an insightful and encouraging study on the book of Colossians. The format offers two options for each day: a quick and simple route, and a more in-depth study. There is a lot to love about this book, and I hope that fact will shine through by the end of my review!

I'll admit, I struggled. As in, I received the Bible study in June 2018, did some of it that summer, and then didn't finish until the first month of 2019. I think there might be a few reasons for that, one being that, as a reviewer, it feels like there might be a bit more pressure in approaching the study and being thorough about it.


The truth is, I wasn't as thorough as I probably should have been. I started out trying to answer most of the questions, but I quickly (sadly) ditched that route. I figured if I wanted to actually make it through the Bible study in order to review it, I "needed" to be willing to skip questions (read them, but not answer them all).

Honestly, the book provides that sort of grace already in its format, by giving you a choice each day on how in-depth you'll go. I just chose a different route, of sorts, by reading through the longer sections and choosing which questions to answer. It's not that I recommend this path; I just want to be up-front in my review. If I had put more time into answering questions than the weekly coloring, that might have been an even better choice. (Although I did appreciate the lovely coloring pages!)


All that to say, if you go the long ("FEAST") route each day and answer every question (or even go through the leaders' guide in the back along with the study), it's going to take time and energy. It's going to take a big commitment. But in the end, you're likely to get a lot more out of the experience and have an even richer understanding of Colossians.

Now, did I still find it worthwhile to go through even some of the study? Absolutely!

I'm truly grateful for God's gracious timing, because there was a day in Week 3 of the study (which I didn't get to until this month) that touched me deeply. I ended up journaling about it and was so blessed by the way God's Word lovingly spoke to my struggles and wrong attitudes. And I'm grateful this Bible study pointed me to those verses and helped me in pondering them afresh.


And it's not just that day's lesson that was meaningful to me. There's plenty more to gain in studying Colossians and having a better understanding of particular passages and the main message. This study is great about helping you really observe the biblical text, and it also gives an awesome and useful tip for memorizing verses, so we can better hide God's Word in our hearts (see Psalm 119:11).

Whether this study takes you six weeks or six months, and even if you find yourself "snacking" more often than "FEAST-ing," there's a lot to learn from it. Colossians is most definitely worth diving into, and the truth of Jesus's sufficiency is vital to dwell on and remember. In He Is Enough, you'll find lots of great info, food for thought, important questions to address, and various extras to help you get into God's Word.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*

Reviews of Other Asheritah Cicuciu Books
Full: Food, Jesus, and the Battle for Satisfaction Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional

January 2019 Reads + a Few Reviews

We are now just a few days away from February! I'm excited for the month of Valentine's Day...and to be even a bit closer to spring and the end of winter. :) But first, I thought I'd share about my reads from this month!

You can see in the snipped image above (or at this link) what I finished in January. (I believe I started both Price of Privilege and For What It's Worth before January, so that helped! Not to mention Blizzard at Three Bears Lake and Maggie's Song are both very short reads.)

I rated all except a couple of the book 4 stars. I gave P.S. I Like You and Maggie's Song 5 stars. So, they're all great stories! The nice thing is that I'm mostly at a point where I'm reading what I want to read. I still have some books I was given with the hope or expectation that I would review them, but not so many as I used to have. And I've been going through my shelves, picking out titles I don't really think I'd like or want to try. If I start a book I'm not obligated to read and don't want to finish it, then I typically remove it from my shelf (as well as on Goodreads).

Anyway, of these nine books, four were paperbacks from my shelf, three were ebooks on my Kindle, and two were library finds. I'll share a few quick reviews below! (If you'd like more of my thoughts on The Silver Chair—and you don't mind spoilers—be sure to check out The Silver Chair read-along posts.)

For What It's Worth by Karey WhiteDescription on Goodreads
My Rating
Spring
My Review
Karey White's stories are so readable, filled with must-see locations and sweet adventures! It was a lot of fun to immerse myself in the world of a wedding cake business, from its beginning to its booming success. The recipes in these chapters (not just pertaining to cakes!) are enticing, and some definitely seem worth trying. I loved the mention of Victoria, British Columbia, as well; my family and I have made a lot of delightful vacation memories there.
For What It's Worth has a clever premise and great descriptions of the bakery and various aspects of starting and running such a neat business. One thing I didn't care for as much was the direction of the theme... There are some interesting thoughts regarding "worth," but I didn't like the emphasis at one point on becoming "worthy" of love and blessings (in a sense, earning them), instead of growing and loving from the foundation of God's grace. (But I did appreciate the encouragement to show what's worth the most to you by your priorities.) 
All in all, a sweet, gently romantic reading experience.

P.S. I Like You by Kasie WestDescription on Goodreads

My Rating
Summer
My Review
This is the second Kasie West book I've read, and it's definitely my favorite of the two! (The other being The Fill-In Boyfriend, which was still good!) This one has an engaging high-school plot that keeps each chapter interesting, great characters (including a fun family and a more-than-meets-the-eye hero), and a lot of sweetness. I loved the letters between the hero and heroine, of course, but I also loved the heroine's interactions with her little brothers and the way this story promotes forgiveness, character growth, and supportive love.
Maggie's Song by Karey WhiteDescription on Goodreads

My Rating
Spring/Summer
My Review
This is one of those short-but-sweet ebook novellas! I enjoyed that the story covers a guided outdoor trip in Arizona—showcasing Karey White's great descriptions. (I love the locations and activities she chooses to feature in the stories I've read by her.) Maggie's Song doesn't include any super exciting plot points, but the characters are endearing and the backdrop inviting. There's a scene toward the end that's very clever and cute. :) I don't want to ruin the surprise meaning behind the title, but I will say that I absolutely loved and appreciated the reference. Just a little, adorable story about being brave when it comes to romance!

The Silver Chair Read-Along | Discussion 2

Welcome to the second discussion of The Silver Chair read-along! (You can check out our first discussion HERE.) If this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can learn more about the schedule in this  invitation post .

Today we're going to discuss chapters 7-11. If you've read them, go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to The Silver Chair read-along tag .) If you still have to catch up, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :)

And we're off!

~ ~ ~
The Silver Chair: Chapters 7-11

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and four questions to answer for each week's reading
Favorite Quotes*
"Puddleglum's question annoyed her because, deep down inside her, she was already annoyed with herself for not knowing the Lion's lesson quite so well as she felt she ought to have known it.""It's no good, Pole. I know what you were thinking because I was thinking the same. You were thinking how nice it would have been if Aslan hadn't put the instructions on the stones of the ruined city till after we'd passed it. And then it would have been his fault, not ours. So likely, isn't it? No. We must just own up.""The children huddled close together on each side of Puddleglum. They had thought him a wet blanket while they were still above ground, but down here he seemed the only comforting thing they had.""There are no accidents. Our guide is Aslan; and he was there when the giant King caused the letters to be cut, and he knew already all things that would come of them; including this.""Oh, if only we knew!" said Jill. "I think we do know," said Puddleglum. "Do you mean you think everything will come right if we do untie him?" said Scrubb. "I don't know about that," said Puddleglum. "You see, Aslan didn't tell Pole what would happen. He only told her what to do. That fellow will be the death of us once he's up, I shouldn't wonder. But that doesn't let us off following the sign." 
General Impressions

Well, quite a lot happens to our three adventurers in these chapters! It definitely seemed obvious that all the talk of a giants' feast would include the three smaller creatures on the menu...but as they admit to themselves later on, their arrival at Harfang is filled with the children's hopes and expectations, not wisdom and caution and a focus on their mission.

I like the turn the story takes when Eustace and Jill finally wake up from their self-absorption (I can sadly relate to how it easy to get caught up in a quest for comfort!). It's great to see them work together, along with Puddleglum, in order to escape the giants' castle.

And um...the Deep Realm they unwittingly discover is creepy! (It also has me wishing I could remember more details from The Last Battle; surely some of the things we learn in this story about the sleeping creatures and Father Time come up again in the last book...?)

Then there's the Black Knight and our introduction to the silver chair and its significance. I'm so proud of Jill, Eustace, and Puddleglum for choosing to stick to Aslan's sign rather than heed their own limited (and sometimes false) knowledge, uncertainties, and fears! And I love how Puddleglum is proving to be a great role model for the other two through his unwavering faith in who Aslan is, and through his unwillingness to be taken in by appearances or creature comforts.

It's a relief to have Prince Rilian set free from enchantments...but what a cliffhanger! I'm eager to see how the group escapes the Deep Realm.


Discussion Questions

Answer one, two, three, or all four of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!

1. Which character's journey/growth resonates with you the most so far? Do you relate more to Eustace, Jill, or Puddleglum—or perhaps Prince Rilian?

2. Did you find yourself liking the giants at any point in these chapters, or did they seem like villains to you from the beginning?

3. Which moment in these chapters made you feel the most emotion, be it frustration, relief, aversion, eagerness, or happiness?

4. What are your first impressions after meeting Prince Rilian and seeing the role of the silver chair in the story? If you've read the book before, do you remember what you felt when you read chapter 11 and discovered the truth about the Black Knight?

Join us next Thursday for our third and final discussion! (Chapters 12-16)


*C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair (New York: HarperCollins, 1953), 103, 123, 153, 160, 175.

The Silver Chair Read-Along | Discussion 1

Welcome to the first discussion of The Silver Chair read-along! We already have so much to discuss from the first part of the book; an adventure is underway! Before we get started, though, if this is the first you've heard of the read-along, you can learn more about the schedule in this  invitation post .

Today we're going to discuss chapters 1-6. If you've read them, go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section or in your own post! (Feel free to use the image above, linking back to The Silver Chair read-along tag .) If you still have to catch up, you're welcome to check in whenever you're ready. :)

Off we go...

~ ~ ~
The Silver Chair: Chapters 1-6

Discussion Format: your favorite quotes, general impressions, and four questions to answer for each week's reading
Favorite Quotes*
"Scrubb saw that she wasn't quite herself yet and very sensibly offered her a peppermint.""I've an idea that all those circles and things are rather rot. I don't think he'd like them. It would look as if we thought we could make him do things. But really, we can only ask him.""You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you." "Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia, the air will thicken. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look, when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances." "The window looked west into the strange land of Narnia, and Jill saw the red remains of the sunset still glowing behind distant mountains. It made her long for more adventures and feel sure that this was only the beginning." "Puddleglum's my name. But it doesn't matter if you forget it. I can always tell you again." General Impressions

Such an interesting start to Eustace and Jill's journey!

The more that's shared about the school they're attending, the more I dislike it. And yet, I love that Eustace has obviously grown and changed since his first time in Narnia in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and it's even noticeable to the bullies at his school. I also appreciate the depiction of Eustace, showing that while he's different, he's still imperfect and has his struggles. He's been changed, but so far he still displays some temper and doesn't perfectly keep his focus on Aslan's mission. He's still growing.

I'm curious to see how Jill and Eustace end up getting along as the story progresses. I like how Eustace reaches out to her at the beginning (imperfect but sweet as his gestures may be), and I like that Jill is open to believing his accounts of Narnia. She's easily distracted, but definitely up for an adventure. :)

Jill's first interaction with Aslan has a lot of food for thought. I love some of the lines (see my favorites above) and how they serve as such great spiritual reminders of God's sovereignty and our "mountaintop versus valley" experiences—and how we should cling to the truths in God's Word when we find ourselves in both life's day-to-day and incredibly difficult valleys.

Before meeting his character in The Silver Chair, I think I imagined Puddleglum being like Gloppy from the Candy Land board game... With his description as a Marsh-wiggle in the "Cast of Characters" section (which is included in other books in the series, from what I recall), as well as the nature of his name and where he lives, it just seemed like he must be some sort of swamp monster or something, LOL. I'm pleasantly surprised by how adorably frog-like he is! His attitude and words can be a bit much, but he seems to be a wise and generous creature. I'm looking forward to seeing how his role plays out in the mission/story.

Also, loved the reference to a group of owls being called a "parliament" and how that was demonstrated! Too fun.

Discussion Questions

Answer one, two, three, or all four of these questions in the comments section or in your own blog post!

1. What do you think of Jill's first impressions of Aslan and Narnia? If you were in her shoes, how might you react to the Lion and the new world in which you arrived?

2. Which scene or character has made you laugh (or smile) the most so far? What makes it (or him/her) so amusing?

3. How did the recounting of Prince Rilian's disappearance make you feel? If this is your first time reading the book, do you have any theories about what happened to him and why? If you've read the book before, did you notice anything new or more impactful when rereading this scene?

4. What do you think has been Jill and Eustace's greatest challenge so far on their journey? What do you think they might struggle with in the future based on how they've already acted?

Join us next Thursday for our second discussion! (Chapters 7-11)


*C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair (New York: HarperCollins, 1953), 3, 7, 23, 25-26, 42, 69.

Announcing a Spring New-Adult Blog Tour (Plus an Exciting Contest from the Author!)

Coming this spring...a blog tour celebrating Eniola Prentice's second installment in the Still series, Mercy! The series features four main characters who are medical students navigating relationship drama and the challenges of college life.

Tour participants can...
Review an e-copy of Mercy (and book 1, Still, if you'd like!)Share your own experience or lesson from collegeInterview the author or feature a post from her Spread the word about the book release with a fun giveawayYou can sign up by filling out the form at the link below...
Sign Up Today!
To learn more about the book and author, read on...

About the Book
Set at the fictional Stedman College of Medicine, Mercy is a continuation of an epic four-part new-adult series that illustrates the redemptive power of the cross.

Fadesola Cardoso 
The secret that could destroy Fadesola’s carefully constructed facade is out…but the consequences aren’t what she expected. Now she must navigate the treacherous waters of being in love with two men. Will she realize that her healing lies not with them but with the God she struggles to trust—before bitterness consumes her?

Ladi Adeoti 
Ladi is in love with Fadesola. But as their second year of medical school begins, his character will be tested like never before. With new challenges around every corner, can he ever hope to live up to the impossible expectations of those he loves?

Tayo Smith
Tayo is finally coming to terms with the mistakes of his past—but the revelation of Fadesola’s secret could make it impossible for him to be with Nikky, the one he truly loves. Just as his life starts to fall apart, hope arises in the most unexpected place.

Nikky Abe 
Nikky is coping with loss, questioning everything she has ever believed in—except, perhaps, for Tayo. But their imperfect relationship is about to face its biggest test yet…


About the Author

ENIOLA PRENTICE was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where she began to pen her stories at nine years old. Her budding writing career was put on the back burner when she pursued her dream of becoming a medical doctor. She completed her undergraduate studies in Chicago, Illinois, and received her medical degree in Washington, DC. However, in her third year of medical school, she became inspired to write again by the unique stories of her friends, which led to the release of her debut novel, Still. She hopes that her writing compels and challenges her readers, drawing them to the Christian God’s redeeming love.

Website // Amazon

Note to Potential Reviewers

Mercy is book 2 in a four-part series. You can choose to review books 1 and 2 together—or book 2 on its own. The Still series is inspirational fiction with mature, new-adult themes, featuring characters in college. There is no explicit sexual content, although the series includes reference to rape (in the past).

Bonus Contest from the Author!

Grab your free copy of book 1 in the series, Still, then send the download link to your friends or post it on social media (Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook). Please tag Eniola's social media pages if you do this:

Instagram: @eniolaprentice
Twitter: @eniolaprentice
Facebook: Eniola Prentice

Encourage downloads in other creative ways. The person with the most attributable downloads of the novel will win!

How will the downloads be attributed to you? Tell your friends to use your name as their last name on the BookFunnel download page (in the sign-up form).

For example, Jane Reeds sends the link to her friend Sally Dorm. When Sally clicks "Get My Book" and signs up for Eniola's e-newsletter, she writes Sally Dorm Jane Reeds in the "First Name" slot.

**The Prizes**
$100 e-gift card of your choice A character in Mercy (book 2) named after you!Remember, you can find the BookFunnel link HERE or by clicking the image below. The contest ends January 31, 2019. Void where prohibited. Good luck!