Kate Willis's Blog, page 50
February 25, 2022
Another Second Edition (What?) + Cover Reveal Sign-Ups!
February 22, 2022
The Dreamiest Cover Reveal Ever <3
February 19, 2022
He Remembers You
February 15, 2022
Our Love-ly Wedding
In honor of love season, here are more wedding photos as promised. 
Necklaces that have been special to our relationship…
Our rings, my vows, and one of the flowers 
First look laughter 
I love this man. 
The coolest ever wedding party 
All the siblings (and additions )
I spy some pretty cool “Flower Agents” 
My girls! (Minus one who was sick 
)
Wahoo!
Bros for life
Here we go!
It’s official!
My favorite ever 
Making him laugh 
I just love our shoes 
Yes, we’re crazy 
Looking through these pictures reminds me of what a lovely day it was, and I hope you enjoy!
Photo credit: Reckless Radiance Photography
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I (Sort Of) Published!
Y’ALL. 
I’ve been very accidentally working on a new project.
Remember my short story “Enjoy the Poodle Skirt”? And how much fun we had with free copies when it was first released?
Well, good news for my newer readers (and longtime ones too), it’s now permanently free with an updated cover and interior files. 
Behold the cuteness…
While I’ve always adored the original cover by Victoria Lynn, late night insomnia decided it was time for a fresh one, and I started experimenting with my newfound confidence from designing for Sincerely, Jem.
This idea was born, and I couldn’t love it more.
It didn’t stop at the cover bug, though. 
I’d always thought this story was too short for a paperback edition, but with the trim size (and template!) of my medieval stories, I had to see if it could work.
And work it did! 
There was a learning curve for sure, and Perry was an amazing Jedi master. I’m especially excited about the cute details like quirky fluerons and the most darling back cover. (Committee Canva projects can get pretty hilarious. )
I could not believe how little and cute it was when I got my copy. 
I’m so excited to give an old story a fresh new face, and I hope you enjoy.
February 5, 2022
Those With Ears by Makenzie Gray // A Review
What will Takvi do when the End begins?
In the blink of an eye, Takvi’s guardians disappear into thin air, along with thousands more. When the government swiftly moves to cover up the Disappearing, she and her siblings grapple with the truth behind what happened. They’ve been government loyalists their whole lives, but a split in opinions threatens to upend their lives permanently.
And Takvi is trapped in a vacuum where no solution leaves her or her family unscathed, which is the one thing she can’t bear.
The illegal book their guardians left them has answers that agree with her siblings, but Takvi struggles to accept it. When the newly-formed government tightens its grip in eerie prophetic fashion, will she stand up or will she fold? Will any of it matter in the end of the world?
A compelling apocalyptic story on redemption, sibling bonds, and seeking truth in a corrupt world, Those With Ears is the first novel in the Midnight Hour series.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary ARC of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Going into this book, I knew that the view of end times was not one I subscribe to, and I ran into a couple other things that are definitely from a church tradition different from mine. I’ll be basing my review on other elements. 
The world building and character names were pretty much on point. 
Everything hit the balance of being super cool but easily understable, and I’m pretty confident I’m pronouncing everything right. My favorite things were the holographs and voice disruptors.
For the longest time I found the main characters pretty annoying, but I think I was supposed to. It was really cool watching everyone grow more balanced in their understanding of each other. Takvi is definitely going to be an interesting one to follow. And I can’t decide if Kenna or Asena is more legendary.
The story took its time getting going since it (realistically) takes a lot of talking to affect hearts and minds but once it did it was GOING. Seriously, those last couple chapters were some of the best action I’ve ever read, and the cliffhanger…
I did wish for a bit more development of the chaos in town and some conversations felt a little repetitive.
Favorite quote: “I stayed,” were the first words from her mouth as soon as I enter the attic. “Good girl,” I say, catching her in my arms and hugging her as tight as I ever could, burying my face in her curls.
CW: end times chaos, family dysfunction/trauma, a fire, wounds and injuries briefly described, mentions of drinking and drugs, frightening and intense scenes including death and near death.
Book two, when?!
February 3, 2022
My January Bookhaul <3
January was one for the books, and I mean that literally. An accidental preorder (yes, truly ), thriftstore finds, favorite indies, and a highly anticipated read… They’re mine and I couldn’t be happier.
1. The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd is one I’ve already mentioned in my reading goals for this year. When I recognized it at a thriftstore I couldn’t pass it up.
2. Kate’s Capitol and Kate’s Dilemma by Sarah Holman (Larkin) are from one of my absolute favorite series. I’ve read them all in ebook, and I’m slowly collecting them in paperback.
3. The second I had moolah, I ran to Target and picked up Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant. I’d been eyeing it and the sequel for a while, and I can’t wait to read it. Seriously looks like fluff of the best kind.
4. In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh wins the prize for my longest anticipated book. Back in June/July of 2021 when I heard she was releasing it, I scrambled to preorder the ebook aaaaand apparently bought the paperback instead and DIDN’T KNOW IT UNTIL IT HAD SHIPPED?!! Like, I was still eyeing the paperback and turns out I’d already bought it. One of the best surprises of the year so far, lol.
5. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall is another I mentioned in my reading goals. I’ve heard great things about it, and scrumptious hardbacks are impossible to ignore at the thriftstore.
There you go! That’s the rundown on my new happy books.
February 1, 2022
Meet Makenzie Gray! (+Book Spotlight)
Today I’d like to welcome author Makenzie Gray! Makenzie, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m so excited to be here! Thanks for having me. Well, I’m an animal lover, a huge bookworm, and perpetually fascinated by the truth we can weave into fiction. I’ve actually been a published author since my teens, but recently decided to move into writing grittier fiction/the dystopian genre, which has been equally difficult and exciting!
Can we have a brief introduction to your new novel Those With Ears ?
Those With Ears is my first dive into the dystopian genre, and it’s based around the book of Revelation. It blends sibling dynamics (my favorite part of writing it) with heartbreak and the hope that God can offer us even in the worst of situations.
What led you to become an indie author?
Mainly because of the freedom being an indie affords me! A lot of traditional publishers (not to bash them or anything) usually have guidelines that go against what I write, so it was an easy choice to make. A lot of work, granted, but I think it’s definitely worth it!
If you could change one thing about your author journey, what would it be?
I would learn a lot more about marketing before diving headfirst into publishing, for sure! While this is my debut under Makenzie Gray, I’ve also published a smattering of books under another name, and trial-and-error marketing ideas were the bane of my existence, haha.
What is your favorite aspect of the ordinary life God has blessed you with?
He continually surprises me with the extraordinary circumstances He places me in, despite my limitations and fears. I’ve been on a bit of a rollercoaster in the past couple of years, but I can also see how He’s using me in some surprising ways (and how He uses other people to reach out to me when I start doubting). It always amazes me that He can use absolutely anyone, and equips them as they move forward.
Thank you so much for coming!
Thanks so much for having me! It’s been a blast.
Follow Makenzie Gray on Instagram and Facebook as @authormakenziegray
About the BookWhat will Takvi do when the End begins?
In the blink of an eye, Takvi’s guardians disappear into thin air, along with thousands more. When the government swiftly moves to cover up the Disappearing, she and her siblings grapple with the truth behind what happened. They’ve been government loyalists their whole lives, but a split in opinions threatens to upend their lives permanently.
And Takvi is trapped in a vacuum where no solution leaves her or her family unscathed, which is the one thing she can’t bear.
The illegal book their guardians left them has answers that agree with her siblings, but Takvi struggles to accept it. When the newly-formed government tightens its grip in eerie prophetic fashion, will she stand up or will she fold? Will any of it matter in the end of the world?
A compelling apocalyptic story on redemption, sibling bonds, and seeking truth in a corrupt world, Those With Ears is the first novel in the Midnight Hour series.
January 31, 2022
Another (DEBUT!) Cover Reveal…
Y’all, one of my favorite bookworms, aka Madi from Madi’s Musings is publishing her debut, and I get to share about it with you!
Ready, set?
Cover by Lynnette Bonner of Indie Cover DesignAbout the Book
In a land built upon lies and deception, uncovering the truth can be deadly.
Therese Westa is sick of death, but taking lives is what provides for her younger sisters. When a client approaches her with an unusual request, Therese takes the job offer, which includes the condition of “no questions asked”. As Therese uncovers the reason for the request, she is faced with a choice: kill an innocent man or save her sisters.
Therese’s hesitation to carry out the assassination thrusts her into the aftermath of a dangerous chain of events. Caught between security and truth, Therese must choose where her loyalties lie, for the answer will determine who survives.
Coming April 26, 2022!
Pre-order on Amazon // Add on Goodreads
About 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.
Blog // Pinterest // Goodreads // Instagram
Congrats, Madi!
January 29, 2022
After Endgame: My Thoughts on the Continuing MCU
Avengers: Endgame was The Movie for me. My second Marvel movie in theaters, one of the best crowd experiences ever, and everything I had hoped for and didn’t even know I could dream of. 
It was one of those movies I couldn’t stop thinking about for days afterward (and wrote an intensely long blog post about), and I still have a fond place in my heart for it. Especially since it’s one of the first things that got my now-husband and I talking.
Endgame was so satisfying for me personally, that I kinda considered the MCU over. 
All my favorite movies had been tied up, I had no real attachment to any of the new characters, and I was planning to watch Black Panther 2 then call it quits.
(*laughs at past self*)
Never have I been happier to say that I was wrong. This new era of Marvel, the TV show format especially, has been exciting, moving, and so full of good character development. I’m so happy I’ve continued.
So with that in mind, I thought it’d be fun to do some mini-reviews…
WARNING: potential spoilers and ridiculously happy fangirling ahead.
Two characters, who I’d only thought of as cool sidekicks or kinda strange plot devices, take center stage in one of Marvel’s most emotionally deep, beautiful romances wrapped in the guise of a psychological thriller and old-fashioned sitcom.
It was so full of deep and sometimes deeply disturbing emotional workings through grief.
Really quite amazing. Creative format, lovable side characters, feels and philosophy = a new Kate favorite.
(And J got me the coolest Monica Funko Pop for my birthday. )
CW: one of the later episodes gets pretty spooky in the magic department with flashbacks to Salem witches. The scene is easily skipped if you feel the need to.
Falcon and the Winter SoldierI am soooo hyped for our new Captain America. I love his strength and empathy balanced with realism about this country, and I can’t wait to see a movie all about him. The show, unfortunately, didn’t stick the landing for me as it felt unfinished and far too open-ended for all the plotlines they set up. (Probably due to Covid. 
)
It definitely still had its highlights though, and Bucky’s healing, Sam and his family, and Isaiah Bradley were among them.
CW: explosions, gruesome violence in episode four, mentions of racism and traumatic experiments on Black soldiers.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsFirst off, Simu Liu just fits perfectly in the Marvel family with his very chill, wholesome vibes. I started following him on Twitter before the movie came out just cause he’s so funny.
Hooray for the first brand new character in ages!! I really enjoyed his origin story, and I can’t wait for his next appearance. The entire movie was so gorgeous, from the fighting styles, beautiful yet functional costumes, and Ta-Lo itself.
Katy (I also have a Funko Pop of her) is probably one of my favorite newest female characters. She is so loyal, downright hilarious, and really just seems like a regular person. It’s delightful.
While this movie had some beautiful explorations of family and grief, I especially enjoyed the messages about finding your purpose and finding home.
LokiApologies in advance, but I never really liked Loki. He was too flip-floppy for me, disgustingly evil in Avengers, and always dying, lol. It’s hard to get attached that way.
WOW TO THE WOWZERS THOUGH.
Again with emotional depth and character exploration, a little bit of multiversal retcon, and that really, really meaningful romance, this was intensely satisfying. Sylvie and Kang were brilliant characters in their own right, and the worldbuilding and Doctor Who vibes were amazing.
I’ll have another.
CW: stabbing, magic, dissolving similar to Infinity War.
Black WidowHalf of me is like… this movie should have come yearrrrssss earlier, but the other half posits that Marvel and their main writer (*cough* Whedon *cough*) were not in the mature place to give this character the respect she deserves.
I honestly was still not expecting much–just ye old Femme Fatale spy lady up to No Good stuff they’d always seemed to stick her with–but they surprised me again. I’m happy to say the objectification was almost null, though there’s still room for growth.
The beginning had such an artistic gravity it was really quite hard to watch, and the human trafficking parallels throughout were not lost on me. It also had some of the funniest and most tragic explorations of family life I’ve seen.
In the end, it ended up being intensely empowering and beautiful. I really feel like the character can rest now.
CW: probably one of Marvel’s darkest movies. Violence similar to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, except this time against women. Mind control, human trafficking, a stabbing, descriptions of forced sterilization. A burn victim’s appearance may be disturbing. One character breaks her nose and the sound is audible.
Spiderman: No Way HomeTo be honest, this movie draws from a lot of nostalgia I haven’t seen, so I didn’t enjoy it as much as others did, but J explained some things to me and I can see just how meaningful it is. It really was kinda another Endgame, this time for Spidey fans.
I did enjoy it–especially a handful of intensely emotional, well-done moments. The ending really got me, and I feel like it’s a coming of age for Spiderman.
CW: stabbing, death, magic.
HawkeyeMERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY PERFECT VIBES! Also, stabbings, and archery, and the daddiest dad of them all, and mega-nerds, and perfect humor, and CHRISTMAS. 
I know we’ve all said since Age of Ultron that Clint “collects strays” and someone took that aspect of him and made an entire show, and I couldn’t be happier.
I don’t have a ton of deep things to say about this one, except that I really enjoyed it and sometimes that’s really quite enough. Perfection.
Rogers the Musical is going to be on my headstone.
We weren’t super interested in this one, so J and I watched it just recently when it hit Disney Plus. It was just as visually beautiful and overstuffed as I expected, but a couple side characters (*cough* Druig *cough*) caught my interest. I just wish there had been more time put into them because I’d get interested and then the character arc would slide away in favor of something else.
In the end, I didn’t really like it.
CW: mind control, a sex scene, and a gay kiss. There was also a monster that could be rather disturbing for younger viewers.
While it’s certainly had its ups and downs, this entire last year stuffed with Marvel projects has been pretty fun, emotionally meaningful, and really honoring to its characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Let’s talk! Which are your favorites? Which ones do you still need to see?
