Kate Willis's Blog, page 57
July 6, 2020
Plate Update: Weary and Blessed
This year is rushing by like a puppy who stole something. I’m pretty sure I just did one of these updates last week, right? *laughs and cries because quarantine has made time meaningless*
I’ve spent this quarter both world and injustice weary and exceedingly blessed and surprised by what God is doing. I can’t wait to see what happens next. 
July 2, 2020
Book Review: I Am a Dalek
“Equipped with space suits, golf clubs and a flag, the Doctor and Rose are planning to live it up, Apollo mission-style, on the Moon. But the TARDIS has other plans, landing them instead in a village on the south coast of England; a picture-postcard sort of place where nothing much happens. Until now…
An archaeological dig has turned up a Roman mosaic, circa AD 70, depicting mythical scenes, grapes and a Dalek. A few days later a young woman, rushing for work, is knocked over and killed by a bus, then comes back to life.
It’s not long before all hell breaks loose, and the Doctor and Rose must use all their courage and cunning against an alien enemy and a not-quite-alien accomplice who are intent on destroying humanity.” (from Goodreads)
Hello. I am a nerd.
I splurged and bought ebooks during quarantine (due to library lockdown) and this was one of the lucky winners.
It was so, so good.
From the moment the Doctor and Rose jumped out of the TARDIS, they were fully in character, utterly in love (even if they don’t know it), completely hilarious, and out to save the world. This book had just the feeling of one of my favorite episodes and was written so well that I could read lines in the characters’ voices. The author did an amazing job weaving strands of story together, and I gawked a few times at particularly beautiful phrases.
June 26, 2020
Mystery Blogger Award Tag
I was tagged for this by Katja from Little Blossoms for Jesus. Thanks, Katja!
(And I have no idea what the “mystery” part of the name means, so maybe that itself is the mystery… :O
June 24, 2020
Heartstorm
Once upon a time, the skies were gray, thick with clouds of possibility. She stood outside with her eyes closed and her heart trained to see. They rained down, seeping into her skin and flowing deep inside until bittersweet water bubbled up.
The rain coursed through her filling her mind with songs and dreams and poetry and words. So many words. The waters grew into fountains of words until they spilled over onto every page.
Her eyes ran as pain gushed dark lines onto a heavy book.
Her mouth smiled as hope splashed gold in among them.
Her throat bubbled with laughter as curlicues of joy wove across the pages.
And her heart sighed as it shrank again, and her eyes cleared to a bright new day.
The sky was empty except the sun, and the clouds were replaced by a seared blue. She smiled in relief at the book in her hands and hugged it close against her heart.
A child walked by, his coat soaked by rain that had nowhere to go. The echoes of it dripped from his eyes, and she held out the book.
Maybe the words would help him find his own.
A little smile greeted her shyly before disappearing back into his face, and he took the book with outstretched hands, leaving her own empty.
Emptiness crept through her bones and into her fingertips. She cupped them and looked up at the blank, cruel sky.
Waiting.
She waited. Ready for the pain and the joy and the loss to begin again, so the next child would have the words.
A little cloud began to form at the edge of the sky, and she smiled.
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June 17, 2020
Book Review: The Dollhouse Magic
“Lila and her little sister Jane have long admired the dollhouse in the window of Miss Whitcomb’s house down the street. Since Daddy lost his job, the girls can only dream of owning a dollhouse as grand. One day, Miss Whitcomb invites them inside, and a warm friendship soon develops. But after a devastating incident, how will the girls continue to find hope in a time of need?
Set during the Great Depression, The Dollhouse Magic by Yona Zeldis McDonough, and illustrated by Diane Palmisciano, is heartwarming chapter book that proves that friendship is indeed a magic all its own.” (from Goodreads)
Happiest of happy sighs. 
I spent a great deal of my childhood wishing for a dollhouse book that didn’t include murder, magic, or other drama. Just dolls.
This book immediately took me back to that time in life and was such a lovely, enjoyable experience. The main characters had a sweet, wholesome family life and a beautiful friendship with an older lady in their community. Also, the dollhouse and its occupants were surprisingly detailed for how short the book is, and my little girl heart ate up every word.
June 16, 2020
Hello, Library
Mask? Check.
Hand sanitizer? Absolutely.
Library bag? Yuppers!
I was more than ready to go to the library, and even though it was only a partial selection (a small room filled with new arrivals and quarantined favorites), it was absolutely worth it.
I didn’t know it, but I had really, really missed getting to be among the silent, possibility-stuffed shelves, looking for new stories to love. It was so quiet, so library-ish, and so lovely. I’m very grateful Mom took me! 
June 3, 2020
Summer Reading Time!
Summer is here already. I can feel it in the 100+ degree weather and my insane love for lemonade.
I chose my reads for this season, and you’ll notice that the stack is a little shorter than usual. I’m telling myself this is because I’m leaving room for libraries to reopen.
May 30, 2020
Giveaway Winner!
Congrats to Rachel Taylor for winning a paperback copy of The Treasure Hunt (+goodies)!
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Rachel, I’ve emailed you and will ship your copy soon.
May 29, 2020
The Treasure Hunt Blog Tour: Last Day! ;)
Happy last day of blog tour, y’all! Again, it has been brilliant fun to have you all around here, and I hope you enjoyed.
May 28, 2020
The Treasure Hunt Blog Tour: DIY Treasure Hunts (+copies available!)
Happy blog tour day four!
Anna (yes, THE Anna from the book) just posted a fantabulous blog post with tips for setting up your own treasure hunt (and a super cute picture of her with the book). Check it out here!
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Also, today, Abigail is sharing her review of The Treasure Hunt on her blog.
Thanks so much, ladies, and thank you to everyone who has been a part of this tour.
Also, as promised… I. HAVE. COPIES.
