Note: I'm not sure I chose the right book from the selections on here, but I read A Creativist Compendium, Orna's book for her subscribers.
Reading thiNote: I'm not sure I chose the right book from the selections on here, but I read A Creativist Compendium, Orna's book for her subscribers.
Reading this book was a pleasure and allowed me an opportunity to think through ways to dig deeper into my creative mind as I work. It gave me a lot of great thoughts to consider for my Authorpreneur journey and how to really tap into my creative energies. Also, Orna's words reminded me just how incredibly complex our brains are—which is a thought worth a pause for reflection.
I enjoyed the way she interspersed snip-its from her full Go Creative! series books with some of her fiction and poetry. Through her creative writing, I could see her creative process at work....more
Elizabeth Rawls and her mother, Rachel Rawls, have compiled poems, short stories and even riddles into this volume that will encourage, inspire and coElizabeth Rawls and her mother, Rachel Rawls, have compiled poems, short stories and even riddles into this volume that will encourage, inspire and comfort. They explore life, with its variety of grief, humor, beauty and sadness. More than that, they dive into faith and purpose at the heart of life.
This is a volume you will want to return to often. Many of these poems are not a one-time read; they're meant to be fellowshipped with, like a dear old friend....more
Final 42 by Christy Decker takes readers into the homes of the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day. Through theFinal 42 by Christy Decker takes readers into the homes of the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day. Through these pages, readers get to know the members of the Bravo 400 shift, their stories, their families and their battles at home and on the job—and, as a result, we get a glimpse behind the badge to the heart of those who serve us and the ones who love and support them.
Two things are sure when you read this book: you'll have an even deeper appreciation for our police officers and their families and you'll need plenty of tissues....more
When I was a little girl, I was a hopeless romantic. I was also an extreme night owl with an early bedtime. So, every night I would lay awake for hourWhen I was a little girl, I was a hopeless romantic. I was also an extreme night owl with an early bedtime. So, every night I would lay awake for hours on end making up stories of first love of the forever variety--sweet, innocent and adorable.
Fast-forward to today when I read this lovely Christmas story that reminded me greatly of the tales I used to imagine.
In A Clearwater Christmas, sixteen-year-old Lindsey's battling all the emotions that come with an unconventional family. She wishes her parents had stayed together, but she recognizes happiness in her mother's second marriage. As she's settling in to the concept that perhaps true love is only a mirage, she meets Joe.
Thanks to a chance meeting that was never planned, she finds herself wondering if ...
If true love could not only exist, but last.
In a Currier & Ives town that loves its Christmas traditions, the twitterpated teens find themselves in a winter wonderland of mistletoe, jingle bells and hope.
On the edges of this beautiful moment in Lindsey's life lie whispers of struggles in those around her. Some hard blows have crashed into the adults in this story, but even in their unwritten battles Brown adds bright colors of hope for a future of possibilities and love.
This story will charm you, warm you and lift your spirits, even as the setting and the characters stick with you ... like the scent of a fresh-baked sticky bun.
Plus, it includes a lovable St. Bernard named Buttercup who's wishing for a home in time for Christmas. Who could possibly say no to her?
A Clearwater Christmas by Julie Mayerson Brown is a perfect holiday read ... preferably accompanied by a roaring fire and warming drink.
I recommend it to hopeless romantics (or those who used to be) and anyone who loves the simple beauty of young love with its endless possibilities. As a wholesome and lighthearted tale, this novella would be perfect for the Hallmark-movie-watching teen or preteen in your life as well. ...more
Rachel Hollis brings it in this often humorous, frequently shocking and always hardcore truth-telling book about being women who believe the lies consRachel Hollis brings it in this often humorous, frequently shocking and always hardcore truth-telling book about being women who believe the lies constantly thrown our way. You will laugh, cry and say out loud, "You too?"...more
Do you love stories that stick with you? That make you think? That get your heart racing? If so, this is the collection for you!
Follow 16 internationaDo you love stories that stick with you? That make you think? That get your heart racing? If so, this is the collection for you!
Follow 16 international authors on a journey through time, space and genre on the adventure of a lifetime. As diverse as the authors and their characters are, the theme of the cover and title carry through each and every tale.
I am proud to be part of such an incredible work of literature and anxious to share it with all our readers. You can bet if I were to rate this book, I'd be searching for more than 5 stars!
The Crux Crew looks forward to hearing from you!...more
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane follows the maturation of a kid-made-soldier during the Civil War. The horrors of battle changes its particiThe Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane follows the maturation of a kid-made-soldier during the Civil War. The horrors of battle changes its participants instantly, and Crane presents this truth in a raw literary display.
This is the second time I've read this book. I remember really, really liking it as a teen. This time, though, I struggled to get through it. Crane's writing style and some of his characters' traits just irked me to no end. But ... I kept on reading and I pushed myself to look past those things that bugged me. I appreciate this book for the classic it is. It made me consider war's realities in some ways I may have never done before....more
Every now and then, you pick up a book, read a few words and instantly realize you've met a new book bestie. For me, my most recent new friend is AdelEvery now and then, you pick up a book, read a few words and instantly realize you've met a new book bestie. For me, my most recent new friend is Adela's Curse by Claire M. Banschbach.
This book holds within its covers faeries galore, magic—both good and evil, action, adventure, intrigue and sacrificial love. Adela faces a seemingly impossible task, one that could rend her very soul if she complies but lead to the death of all she loves if she doesn't. Does she have another choice?
I teared up as I read the Prologue because the author's prose was just that beautiful. I got misty again in Chapter 1 when I fell in love at first read with every single character. Let's just say, I finished the book and added tissues to my shopping list.
I unreservedly recommend this book to readers of all ages who love a well-written faerie tale that will linger on the edges of their mind long after the final page....more
Senior Scott McCully scans the stands for his parents during his football game. He comes up empty and wonders what it is that often keeps them away frSenior Scott McCully scans the stands for his parents during his football game. He comes up empty and wonders what it is that often keeps them away from these events. Scott will soon learn there's a lot about his parents he doesn't know ... and even more he's willing to do for them.
Scott sets out on a mission to find the truth about his parents, but he's not alone. He's got God and his loyal best friend, Matt, behind him as he faces mystery, heartbreak and danger.
Jessica C. Joiner has launched a great series for young people. In addition to being an exciting page-turner, the Scott McCully series presents characters whose lives unashamedly find their center in God. I highly recommend this book for all the young readers in your life ... and their parents!...more
Claire M. Banschbach has created another delightful tale in her Faeries of Myrnius series with The Wolf Prince. Set long after the events in Adela's CClaire M. Banschbach has created another delightful tale in her Faeries of Myrnius series with The Wolf Prince. Set long after the events in Adela's Curse, readers get to revisit a few familiar characters while falling in love with a whole new cast. Killian, Lars and Rose make an unlikely trio on an extraordinary quest to break a double curse and stop a wicked sorcerer.
If you like faeries, quests, troubled princes and the intrigue of a curse, this book may just be a new favorite for you....more
The Beauty Thief by Rachael Ritchey spins the tale of Princess Caityn, a deeply gorgeous young woman both inside and out. Just before her wedding, theThe Beauty Thief by Rachael Ritchey spins the tale of Princess Caityn, a deeply gorgeous young woman both inside and out. Just before her wedding, the princess has both types of beauty stolen from her. Can her prince remember his love for her despite the deep changes? Can they find a way to retrieve the beauty that matters most ... before it's too late?
This YA fantasy book is the first in a trilogy of good, clean, well-told tales of magic and adventure, love and life. I would recommend this to any friends who love to read fantasy, whether they are adults or older teens....more
Modern-day teenage angst meets the classics in this YA first love drama. The story is kissed with inspiration from one of my all-time favorite books,Modern-day teenage angst meets the classics in this YA first love drama. The story is kissed with inspiration from one of my all-time favorite books, Wuthering Heights. ...more
Like many others, I remember the animated movie from my childhood. It terrified and horrified me and left me with nightmares for years. However, it leLike many others, I remember the animated movie from my childhood. It terrified and horrified me and left me with nightmares for years. However, it left me something far greater as well—something I couldn't understand until I finally read the book as an adult.
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle filled my imagination tank to full and kept it that way. Looking back on my reading choices and writing leanings over the year, I see this tale's influence throughout it all. Beagle's writing style and word choices, his fantasy, his characters, his setting ... every part of this book called to me and drew me as I read it and reminded me of all I couldn't remember from the movie.
I can confidently say this story shaped and molded me into the reader and writer I am today.
The story centers around the last unicorn and the unlikely traveling companions she attracts along her way to find any remaining of her kind. This is a tale of beauty and wonder and belief and hope in the darkest of nights. It's a story of knights and heroes (including the most unlikely among them), love and loss, humanity and immortality.
The Last Unicorn is a story for all ages ... in both senses of the phrase....more
If you enjoy sword fights, daring feats of bravery against seemingly insurmountable odds, royalty with a conscience and imperfect characters, this booIf you enjoy sword fights, daring feats of bravery against seemingly insurmountable odds, royalty with a conscience and imperfect characters, this book should grace your nightstand.
As a Sword in My Bones by Jessica C. Joiner bestows upon readers an intriguing tale of a young prince whose kingdom's been stolen by the wicked queen—his mother. Can he regain his rightful place on the throne without giving up his faith in God and the people he loves most? And, who will he lose along the way?
I appreciated the underlying biblical themes and references throughout the story and found them refreshingly done. I look forward to reading many, many more tales by this author....more
KT Daxon's debut novel showcases her passion for her characters and their story. This is not your typical love story and was not written for readers wKT Daxon's debut novel showcases her passion for her characters and their story. This is not your typical love story and was not written for readers who like happily ever afters....more
Robert Leckie takes readers on a candid journey through the horrors of war. Helmet for My Pillow: From Parris Island to the Pacific follows the authorRobert Leckie takes readers on a candid journey through the horrors of war. Helmet for My Pillow: From Parris Island to the Pacific follows the author's trek from a wide-eyed kid who signed up to serve his country four days after the attack on Pearl Harbor to a veteran Marine warrior. He remembers those with whom he served and recounts all their deeds, good and wild. He paints a picture of a war against more than flesh and blood. They fought the elements, the land and disease all while fighting a foe far better entrenched and fortified than they....more
29-year-old Cece finds herself learning the steps for her most important role in the dance of life.
Long Dance Home will delight, entertain and remind29-year-old Cece finds herself learning the steps for her most important role in the dance of life.
Long Dance Home will delight, entertain and remind readers of the dreams they once held ... and maybe even help them discover one worth dreaming once more. ...more
This book offers an excellent introduction to church history for children. The stories engage younger readers while offering plenty of depth for theirThis book offers an excellent introduction to church history for children. The stories engage younger readers while offering plenty of depth for their parents as well. I highly recommend this book and series for Christian families to use together....more
Quo Vadis? by Henryk Sienkiewicz has taken a permanent position in my Top 3 favorite books of all time. The writing is perfect; the story is captivatinQuo Vadis? by Henryk Sienkiewicz has taken a permanent position in my Top 3 favorite books of all time. The writing is perfect; the story is captivating in its horror, sadness and hope; and the history of Nero's depraved and terrifying reign comes alive in this novel. The reader follows the unlikely love story of a young Christian girl and a Roman centurion. That tale nestles amongst the horror story of Nero's blood lust and madness. This novel follows some of the first Christians from conversion and peace to torture and martyrdom in the arenas and all around Rome. The reader is led to Peter and Paul's deaths at the hands of the Romans and all the way to the end of Nero's reign of terror. I cried many times as I read this book and found many beautiful quotes. It's not surprising that this book won the Nobel Prize for Literature. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Roman history, church history or historical fiction. I would go a step further and declare that every believer should read this book. The faith of the martyrs and the light they shone in a midnight dark era inspired me and bolstered my faith. Let me end with a quote from the final page: "So ended Nero, passing like a windstorm, a typhoon, a fire, a war and a plague. But Peter's church stands on the heights of the Vatican to this day, and it commands the city and the world." p. 579...more
Finding the Light by Kelsey Atkins is a YA fantasy that will keep teens and adults alike flipping the pages as their imaginations become fueled by theFinding the Light by Kelsey Atkins is a YA fantasy that will keep teens and adults alike flipping the pages as their imaginations become fueled by the author's imagery, character-building and action.
Kiya may seem like a typical teenager, but the dreams that have ruled her slumber for years make her anything but ordinary. On the day her dreams invade the reality surrounding her, she takes a step toward discovering just how extraordinary she is. The light within Kiya reveals great secrets, powers and possibilities as it also draws to her a handsome stranger. She has no idea the adventures and perils that await her once she takes Zac's hand. They embark together on an epic battle of light vs. darkness. Hold on to your comfy reading chair as the pace quickens and the action ramps up in the first book in the Finding the Light series.
This is a good, clean YA fantasy read that adults and teens alike will want to read again and again....more
Stephen King's writing has the ability to accelerate his readers' hearts to terrifying speeds and shut them down instantaneously with one carefully plStephen King's writing has the ability to accelerate his readers' hearts to terrifying speeds and shut them down instantaneously with one carefully placed word. I admire the way he writes as a man would relay a tale to a friend over a drink on the front porch. This is only the second book of his I've read, but it won't be the last. There's a reason he wrote the book On Writing.
King's research into the mysterious depths of our complex brains shines through in the very best way as his character, John Smith, lives with the aftershocks--both real and fantastical--of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Beyond the captivating story-telling and carefully thought out details, the central question presented in The Dead Zone sticks with readers after the cover closes. If you had the foresight to know a tyrant's future, would you kill him? Would you take a single life to spare countless others?...more
Christopher Tolkien has once again gifted the world with a glimpse at his father’s literary genius. A pivotal piece in the creation of The SilmarillioChristopher Tolkien has once again gifted the world with a glimpse at his father’s literary genius. A pivotal piece in the creation of The Silmarillion, the “Tale of Beren and Lúthien” showers readers with adventure, magic, original creatures and a love story for the ages.
J.R.R. Tolkien exemplifies perfect pacing, choosing exactly the right words to excite readers, speed them along and get their heartbeats racing at just the right tempo to meet each climactic moment. His word choices and pairings produce poetry at its finest, even in his prose. Frequently while reading, I would stop and just say, “Wow!” Hands down a master wordsmith, Tolkien crafted literary gems to rival even the finest works of his Elves and Dwarves.
As with anything Tolkien wrote, this book gave me endless inspiration. I enjoyed moments of clarity about my own fantasy work as I read. I cannot get enough of these books that piece together the writing process of Tolkien and the evolution of the stories he left us, both finished and not quite. Each paragraph leaves me overwhelmed, amazed and in awe of his abilities. I am thankful for these windows into his work of world-building and creating timeless classics....more
Tim Gautreaux takes slices of life and serves them up in this pie worth revisiting for seconds and thirds. Signals explores human nature and reveals sTim Gautreaux takes slices of life and serves them up in this pie worth revisiting for seconds and thirds. Signals explores human nature and reveals something about each one of us—good and bad. Mr. Gautreaux's matter-of-fact storytelling style still manages to paint the most vivid word pictures of his characters, their settings and their motivations. In his opening lines, he picks up his readers and transports them smack dab in the middle of someone's life and leads them along like some Ghost of Life Past/Present/Future. Before you know it, you're back in your reading chair with a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you, surrounded by a swirl of feelings.
I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Gautreaux speak on two separate occasions and got to meet him once as well—though I was too star-struck and shy to say a whole lot that he'd recall. He was as kind and approachable as his stories are affecting and lasting. I look forward to reading more of his collections as well as his novels. Perhaps next time I bump into him around the book tables, I'll do a bit more than stammer....more
Andy Andrews' conversational tone and storytelling nature make this a delightful read any time of year. Be warned—tissues not included.
For my family,Andy Andrews' conversational tone and storytelling nature make this a delightful read any time of year. Be warned—tissues not included.
For my family, this has become a newer Christmas tradition. My sister introduced us to this book in 2016. Now we read this on Christmas Eve night before my kids open their own little gifts ... of socks....more
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater brings back the Faeries we first met in Lament with a vengeance. The Fey's existence becomes more interwoven with the humaBallad by Maggie Stiefvater brings back the Faeries we first met in Lament with a vengeance. The Fey's existence becomes more interwoven with the humans' they scorn and tensions soar leading up to the Day of the Dead.
My favorite character from Lament, James, takes center stage here and remains at the top of my list. I welcomed the addition of a few other characters as well.
As with the first book, I'm left with many questions. I know Maggie planned to make this a trilogy, so I hope she will return to the Faeries and finish their tale for us. ...more
That pretty much sums up The Princess Bride. I'm glad I finally read the book after enjoying the movie for so long.Entertaining. Humorous. Sarcastic.
That pretty much sums up The Princess Bride. I'm glad I finally read the book after enjoying the movie for so long. And, yes, the book was better. They always are.
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is I'm not a huge fan of the whole author-writing-as-an-adapter-of-another-(non-existent)-author's-work-but-really-the-author-all-along story line. ...more
John Piper's exegesis of the scripture and commitment to God's word can be trusted. This little devotional makes a perfect addition to the Advent seasJohn Piper's exegesis of the scripture and commitment to God's word can be trusted. This little devotional makes a perfect addition to the Advent season....more
Bravery. Respect. Understanding. And, above all, kindness. This book paints a refreshing picture of what happens when all people—kids and adults—choosBravery. Respect. Understanding. And, above all, kindness. This book paints a refreshing picture of what happens when all people—kids and adults—choose to be kind ... to see only the fellow human beings in front of them instead of the labels we often make up to explain away what we don't understand.
When that happens ... well, it is a WONDER!...more
Chip and Joanna Gaines have inspired me over and over since I first watched their show. I've had The Magnolia Story sitting in my living room since IChip and Joanna Gaines have inspired me over and over since I first watched their show. I've had The Magnolia Story sitting in my living room since I preordered it and finally got around to reading it. I knew I'd find even more inspiration inside, and I was not disappointed.
This book reads like a conversation between two people—best friends, partners, lovers and soulmates—who are on a journey together to the end through the ups and downs, the ugliness and the beauty. It reads that way because that's exactly what it is. Chip and Joanna's relationship, family, life and business are all founded on their relationship with God. Talk about a solid foundation!
The Magnolia Story is the story of one family's beginnings, dreams, growth, challenges and persistence.
While this book is full of truth and great advice and beautiful thoughts, one line stands out above all the rest for me. In fact, I may just have to make a pretty little graphic with this quote and hang it somewhere I will see it daily.
"If you can't find happiness in the ugliness, you're not going to find it in the beauty, either." (p. 168)...more
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