Kate Willis's Blog, page 98

Savor

The last time I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was years ago, I’m sure, but I still remember the delightful way Charlie could make a bar of chocolate last. A little nibble here, a little nibble there. Creamy deliciousness that was all the more precious because it came infrequently.

Later in the book when he finds a piece of money in the grate, he buys a chocolate bar and literally crams it into his mouth. I’m not sure if he enjoyed it more or less, but he did enjoy it that’s for sure!

I think books are a lot like chocolate. Perfection. Comfort. Essential.

Plate Update: Quilting, the Galaxy, and School

Septemberrrr!! How I love thee!! But I’m supposed to be talking about August, so… *stuffs autumnal Kate back in closet with sweaters*

August was a very full and very varied month.

Book Review: The Destiny of a Few

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“On her quest to find the crown prince, Maria Morris faces an abundance of obstacles. Now a marked Christian, it will be difficult and dangerous for her to travel. The USF follows her every move. (as the vibrating chip in her arm irritatingly reminds her.) Yet knowing all of this, Maria puts her trust in God and, with the help of a few new friends, refuses to give up her mission. She must find the crown prince. The Destiny Of A Few depends on it.” (from Goodreads)

Hooray for getting to continue this series by Sarah Holman! I was hoping to get to see more of Maria’s world, and I was not disappointed! (Can I just say that all of the names were beyond beautiful?! Corateda, Centaur, Nymph Sea, that’s what I’m talking about!) I also liked the glimpses of farm life. Maria is such a unique heroine. She’s capable, feminine, and practical (almost to a fault).

Social Media: Choose Your Platform

(Welcome back to my series on social media. You can catch up with previous posts here. I’ll be collecting questions throughout the series for a final Q & A post. Please note that I will sometimes link out to helpful articles. I cannot vouch for everything on the site, so explore at your own risk.)

Thank you all for your patience! At last, here is your post.

Postponing a Post

Hello, folks!!! School this week has been more crazy than I could have ever imagined! Beside getting everything worked out with schedules, finding the right class at the right time (“I have walked five hundred miles…”), remembering to eat, and holding my head during indoctrination class, I’m learning TIME MANAGEMENT!

Book Review: Crossroads

[image error]“Lethal persecution. Haunting decisions. Death just a whisper away.

Jack grew up concealing his faith, but now the persecution of Christians has turned lethal. After inadvertently putting his family in danger, Jack becomes aware of a covert agency dedicated to protecting Christians. The agency takes his mother and sister to safety and offers him a position as an emergency medic within their ranks.

Caring for the injured allows Jack to help their cause without violating his pacifistic beliefs, but he stands at odds with tough resistance fighter Britain. Grueling firefights, severe losses, and desperate choices test their beliefs as each of them seeks to save lives no matter the cost. But what is that cost?” (from Goodreads)

This book was like one of those good war movies that make you feel and think through several facets of the same issue. In fact, this book was so action packed and thought provoking I felt exhausted by the end of it, but it was absolutely worth it. The spiritual theme never got “preachy” as the two main characters moved closer to the truth in a very real way. It floored me later when I realized how much their final decisions had been foreshadowed! (SPOILER ALERT! Thank you, Pastor Whatever-Your-Name-Is.)

Jack was my favorite character. He had an attitude of trying again even when he failed, seeking wise counsel, and always trying to do the right thing. I loved nearly all of the side character, but Ashlynn, Amy, and Chris stood out to the most. I found Ashlynn to be the right ratio of spunk to femininity. (I have the perfect comparison to another fictional character in mind, but spoilers, sweetie.) And AMY!! She was nearly-nonsensically hilarious, but not without her big moment of extreme usefulness. I especially enjoyed her subtle Doctor Who reference.

First Day

Never let two authors loose in the back-to-school supplies section. It’s dangerous.

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Seriously, my sister Perry Elisabeth and I claim we nearly bought everything.

Social Media: Got Goals?

(Welcome back to my series on social media. You can find the introductory post here. I’ll be collecting questions throughout the series for a final Q & A post.)

Back when I was a little kid and could memorize things easily, my dad began teaching us the catechism. I don’t remember how far we got, but I do remember the most important question and answer.

Q: What is the chief end of man?

A (in a munchkin voice): Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to love and enjoy Him forever.

Boom. Talk about goals.

Everything I do and say should be to the glory of God. I am to honor and serve Him with my life. My relationship with Him consists of loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And enjoying Him forever? That starts now with joy in who He is and the gifts He’s given me.

Book Review: At Home in Mitford

[image error]“Enter the world of Mitford, and you won’t want to leave.

It’s easy to feel at home in Mitford. In these high, green hills, the air is pure, the village is charming, and the people are generally lovable.

Yet, Father Tim, the bachelor rector, wants something more. Enter a dog the size of a sofa who moves in and won’t go away. Add an attractive neighbor who begins wearing a path through the hedge. Now, stir in a lovable but unloved boy, a mystifying jewel theft, and a secret that’s sixty years old.

Suddenly, Father Tim gets more than he bargained for. And readers get a rich, provincial comedy in which mysteries and miracles abound.” (from Goodreads)

This book in one word: cozy. ❤

My favorite part in two words? Father Tim.

And my least favorite part in three words: Dooley is crude.

But that’s no proper review at all. Let me try again.

My Top 10 Favorite Indie Books

The amazing Victoria Lynn is celebrating her blog Ruffles and Grace with a blog party! Today’s topic happens to be books which is too fantastic.