Kate Willis's Blog, page 121
July 1, 2016
What’s on My Plate?
I have a LOTon my plate right now. My own writing, my Bible, four how-to books (one is being read-aloud), six fiction books, and some Longfellow poems to try. (Fortunately, most arefrom the library, and they are generous with renewals.) My baby computer on top represents ten beta-reading projects, two blogs, Goodreads, the Rabbit Room forums, Homeschooled Authors communications, Noble Novels, and just a pinch of Pinterest. (The tiny blue thing in the corner that’s not showing up well is one...
June 30, 2016
Book Review: Set Free
“Mysterious gunmen, a note of warning, and Kyle James, a young hand on the TCR, has his past brought back to haunt him. Meanwhile, Stephen’s dislike of school, Mrs. O’Connor’s sick sister, and a man eager to own part of the Triple Creek, all combine to make life anything but dull for the Mavrich family and the members of the Triple Creek Ranch.”(from Amazon)
When Rebekah Morris asked me to test read the fifth book (Ky’s book) in this series, I jumped up and down and screamed. (By email.) Aft...
June 29, 2016
Author Moods
Inspiration
“A book comes and says, ‘Write me.”
― Madeleine L’Engle
“I never exactly made a book. It’s rather like taking dictation. I was given things to say. ”
― C.S. Lewis
“I saw a street car conductor today with one brown eye and one blue. Wouldn’t he make a nice villain for a detective story?”
― Jean Webster, Daddy-Long-Legs
“Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, and nothing else.”
― C.S. Lewis
“Stuff your eyes with wonder, he said, live as...
June 28, 2016
Aggie’s Inheritance: Ante Up!
Last year, I spent a heavenly week reading the Aggie’s Inheritance series and loved it to pieces. Since then I’ve been off-the-walls pleased to discoverChautona Havig is releasing thefourth booktoday!
I cannot wait to seewhat happens to Aggie and her family next!
June 27, 2016
Welcome to Ordinary
Hello there! Welcome to my new author blog; I hope you stay a while.
Book Review: Through the Tunnel
“‘I hate being a foster kid!’ Fourteen-year-old Lissa had thought those words dozens, if not hundreds, of times over the last twelve years. She and her twin brother, Leigh, had been foster kids for as long as they could remember. Naturally shy, this life of bouncing around from one foster home to another, of changing schools mid-term, and of never having a real place they could call home had left Lissa with feelings of insecurity and doubt. Would they ever have a real home? Why didn’t anyone want them? Then one cold, winter afternoon, Lissa persuades her brother to make believe that a tunnel under a snow covered bridge is the entrance to a new world and a new life; together they walk through it, and it changes their lives forever.” (from Amazon)
I was super excited when I found out that Rebekah Morris had released another stand-alone book. After waiting a while until resources would permit it, I bought the book and read it in a day. ; )
The Setting:
Set in winter first at a vacation cabin and later at a country farmhouse, this book just pulls you into these places and makes you love them. Most of the story happens during Christmas, which is always a special treat. ; )
The Characters:
Leigh and Lissa were great! Close twins who had learned to depend on each for everything, they had you both loving and pitying them at the same time. The Holdens were awesome in every way! (Debbie definitely won if for the humor side, though.) ; )
The Story:
I loved the story. From the moment they entered their “new world”, I was hoping it would actually be; and the outcome delighted me. Lessons in trust and a beautiful parallel between adoption and God’s gift to use were woven nicely into the story. Some of my favorite parts included the twins going through the tunnel, decorating the house for Christmas, and Ben’s Christmas gift. (I’ll say no more…) ; )
The Concerns:
Parents may want to have caution considering this book for younger readers because of the foster children’s general mistrust of people and insecurities. Other mild concerns include slightly rebellious actions against foster family and mention of previous neglectful family who were the cause of young boy getting a little hurt. Also, the main characters do not know Christ (SPOILER ALERT! for most of the book), so the have some doubts and questions same families may not appreciate for younger readers.
Altogether–I loved it! And I think you will too. (Notice the “will”.)
If you found this review helpful, please consider voting for it on Amazon and Goodreads.
Book Review: Gift from the Storm
“One cold, dark evening a young stranger appears outside the Morgan home with two small children. Injured and on the verge of complete exhaustion, she will only say that her name is “Amy.” Where did she come from? Who is she? And what has she been through? Dr. Justin Morgan and his family look for answers as they struggle to minister life and health to the needy ones in their midst.” (from Amazon)
Since I love Rebekah Morris‘s writing style and saw this gorgeous cover, I decided to buy this book. I was not disappointed in the least. After reading through the book in a day or so, I immediately spent the same amount of time reading it to one of my sisters. It is that good. : )
The Setting:
I loved the cozy, mountain cabin setting through each of the seasons it was portrayed in. It was so accurate and descriptive that it reminded me very much of a place I’ve been to and loved before.
The Characters:
Amy was favorite character. Her struggles were realistic and captivating. The love of the Morgan family, Adam’s quiet speeches, Sarah’s enthusiasm, and Justin’s doctor-liness were all a delight. And Danny was a crack up!
The Story:
I enjoyed the plot twists and the well-crafted mystery so much! It would be a bit on the slow side for readers looking for a ton of action, but I found it amazing. Add to the story a powerful Gospel presentation and wonderful Spiritual lessons!
The Concerns:
Parents may want to use caution in choosing this book for younger reader’s because Amy’s story is a sad/scary (but not immoral) one. There is some question if she is the children’s unmarried mother, but the thought is dispelled early in the story.
Altogether, I found this book to be an intriguing, godly mystery that is now added to my list of favorites!
If you found this review helpful, please consider voting for it on Amazon and Goodreads.
Book Review: Brothers and Betrayal
“A boy, running for his life
A princess, trying to save her people
And an archer who seeks to defend the defenseless
Bryon, after witnessing his brother’s murder, takes his sisters and flees into the woods to a mysterious figure known as The Archer who lives there. But though he finds temporary safety, bitterness threatens his heart.
Brianna only wants to help the people of Taelis, but her father, the king, seems bent on making life hard for all of them. She works tirelessly to save the kingdom from war, while secretly helping The Archer.
Join the adventure in… Brothers and Betrayal” (from Amazon)
After enjoying the first book in the Tales of Taelis by Sarah Holman, I was super excited when I won an advance digital copy in a giveaway.
The Setting:
I’ve always loved the medieval time period, but especially tales of brave people surviving off the land and hiding in the dense forests. Very fascinating and awesome setting.
The Storyline:
The story was very interesting and exciting as it included all the things I love about the tale of Robin Hood but left out all the questionable ones. Disguises, tricks, daring escapes, etc. Oh marvelous! I also loved the subtle ties between this book and the first one. The spiritual lessons were amazing as the characters learned the Gospel and forgiveness.
The Characters:
I loved the Archer! He was confident enough to be an inspiring leader and caring enough to be a great friend to the men he led. Brianna and Bryon were great characters as well, and Nathaniel was cool.
The Concerns:
Parents may want to use caution in considering this book for younger readers because of some ungraphic stabbings (one by an evil stepmother), arrow shots, and mention of a peasant’s house being fired. Also, Brianna must work around her father (a foolish king) to save the kingdom; and Bryon and his sisters are in danger from their evil stepmother while Bryon also mistrusts his father.
Altogether, I found this to be a very nice book and (for anyone who loves Robin Hood minus the thievery!!!) a must read!
If you found this review helpful, please consider voting for it on Amazon and Goodreads.
Book Review: Adventures and Adversities
“One day Alditha is content living with her family, the next she is taking her friend’s place to serve at the king’s castle. Her father’s final instructions, to keep smiling and to do what is right, will be harder to live out than she ever imagined. She will face a royal nephew who delights in making people miserable, an angry servant girl who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, and noblemen who plot murder. Will she be able to keep the promise she made to her father? Will she find the faith she longs for during all her Adventures and Adversities?” (from Amazon)
I picked up this book by Sarah Holman at the OCEANetwork Homeschool Convention’s Homeschooled Authors table. The cover wasn’t the most appealing or highest quality I had ever seen, but I had heard great things about this book and I decided it to try it. IT WAS AWESOME!
The Setting:
This story was set in the fictional medieval kingdom of Taelis. After a time of upheaval in their government, serfs are being sent to serve the new king by building his castle. I found it really interesting how the author managed to give her fictional kingdom a feel of authenticity. Reading it one almost feels as if this were really history. (Characters did come in contact with actual historical things such as the Vikings and Gaul.) Mentions of clothing and customs seemed historically accurate enough to me. : )
The Storyline:
The storyline was so amazing! There were some loose ends, but I’m convinced that those are set up for the next book. (Hooray!) All the way through the characters had to learn to be grateful, to trust God, and to have faith. It was such a cool story–a real page-turner at some points!
The Characters:
The characters were delightfully real. The reader either extremely hates the characters or loves them to pieces! I, of course, like Alditha. She was such a sweet character, but not too perfect either! The lessons she had to learn really spoke to me as I read about them. The Captain was such a complicated, conflicted, and loyal character! I found him very real and very intriguing. Alditha’s friends (to name a few–Marian, Eleanor, Luke, Guy, Gregory, and so on) made a great “supporting cast”. Two other characters that I really enjoyed were the honorable stable boy William and the insightful hermit/priest.
The Concerns:
Parents should have caution in considering this book for younger readers because of some mild romance (all friendship based with marriage in view and the utmost purity) and medieval torture. SPOILER ALERT–the penalty for stealing is the loss of a right hand which almost happens to one of the characters. (Everything turns out fine, but it is really tense for a while there.) Also, political usurpers talk about murdering the royal children in their beds which also doesn’t end up happening.
I found this book so fabulous! The romance was sweet, the characters and setting were very real feeling, the lessons were wonderful, and the story was compelling! Not to be missed!
If you found this review helpful, please consider voting for it on Amazon and Goodreads.
Book Review: Unbroken
“Difficulties arise at Triple Creek Ranch when Orlena, Norman Mavrich’s spoiled, pampered younger sister comes to live with her brother and his wife. The move is much against Orlena’s wishes, and she doesn’t hesitate to let everyone know it. Time and again Mr. and Mrs. Mavrich are driven to their knees to find strength to face another day. Join the young ranch boss, Norman Mavrich, his sweet wife, Jenelle, and the rest of the members of Triple Creek Ranch as they strive to be examples of Christ to the unbroken newcomer.” (from Amazon)
This is the other book I picked up at the OCEANetwork Homeschool Convention’s Homeschooled Authors table. I do judge books by their covers, and this book by Rebekah Morris owned a well-done and quite appealing one. I was also really excited by the rumor that this was a non-violent western (which are so hard to find!); so I decided to bring it home with me, and I haven’t regretted my decision one bit!
The Setting:
This story was set on a ranch in the Midwest. I loved all the mentions of the cattle and the beautiful horses, and its description of ranch life seemed both realistic and interesting to me. : ) The illustrations are just fabulous and really bring to life the world of cowboys and prairies.
The Storyline:
The storyline was really great! I loved watching the journey of the Mavrichs and of their younger sister as well. The plot is cleverly twisted throughout the book, and one would have never guessed how the climax was being set up with an encounter extremely early on in the story! Lessons in controlling a temper and loving difficult people, as well as a clear Gospel presentation, were integrated into the book.
The Characters:
The characters were delightful, at least the ones that were supposed to be. : ) I very much enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Mavrich, and their relationship was a beautiful reminder of how wonderful marriage can be under Christ’s headship. Mrs. Mavrich was sooo sweet, and Mr. Mavrich was awesome in his own way! : ) I also enjoyed Mrs. O’Conner and their cast and (more importantly) crew of considerate ranch hands including Hardrich, St. John, and Hearter. Orlena was definitely not the protagonist, but she was very real and at some points one could almost understand (definitely not agree with) her.
The Concerns:
Parents should have caution in considering this book for younger readers because of some things that Orlena says in her arguments with her brother. Also, although the marriage relationship between two of the main characters is very sweet and godly, some parents may not want younger readers to read this yet because there is a lot of kissing throughout the book. : )
I found this book so fabulous! The marriage relationship was sweet, the characters and setting felt very real, the lessons were wonderful, and the story was one of loving difficult people and leaning on God! A must read. : )
If you found this review helpful, please consider voting for it on Amazon and Goodreads.
