If you're feeling stuck in your WIP (work in progress) or just want to shake things up a bit, here's something different to try today:
It's a brand new year. Write about your goals, resolutions, or "one word" for 2019.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Friday, December 28, 2018
My Top Picks of 2018
I read a LOT of books in 2018 (around 300, according to Goodreads). It was hard to narrow down my list of favorites for the year, but here goes. If you've read any of them, leave me a comment and let me know which book and what you thought of it.
These are my top five fiction and nonfiction picks (in no particular order):
Fiction
Nonfiction
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Inspire Catholic Bible
My review...
I own the original Inspire Bible and the Inspire Praise
Bible, so I was excited to see the Inspire Catholic Bible. It’s the only
Catholic coloring and creative journaling Bible, and this NLT translation is
officially authorized for use by Catholics.
Starting with the packaging, this is a beautiful Bible,
though it is definitely geared toward females. The cover is a gorgeous metallic
rose gold flexible, leather-like cover. The edges of the pages feature
butterflies and flowers, also in pink (mainly). There is a ribbon bookmark and
elastic closure band, which are very useful. At the beginning of the Bible,
there is a section that explains the concept of Inspire, as well as information
on the New Living Translation.
There are over 450 illustrations, and many pages contain
two-inch-wide lightly ruled margins, perfect for taking notes or adding your
own illustrations. The font is 8.65, which is a bit larger than the font in
some jounaling Bibles. THE NLT version is quite easy to read and understand. However,
the pages are quite thin, even when compared to the other Inspire Bibles. I
found that taking notes with a pen created a bit of ghosting on the other side
of the page. As a result, I would suggest using colored pencils, or perhaps crayons,
for coloring. Other mediums (markers, paint, gel pens, etc.) could bleed
through. (I didn’t try these other mediums based on how the pen showed through
just in taking notes.)
Disclaimer: I received
a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a
positive review.
Friday, December 21, 2018
"Mind Games" by Nancy Mehl
I'm ending the year with a bang for my final Friday Reads post of 2018.
Book blurb...
Kaely Quinn's talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she's demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.
When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.
Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else--including Kaely herself--is killed.
My review...
If you’re a fan of shows like Criminal Minds or FBI (or
just love a good psychological thriller), then you’ll want to add this book to
your TBR pile.
This is the first book in a new series, and the suspense
starts from the prologue. The poem from the killer after Kaely adds a nice “creep”
factor to the story. Vivid detailing pulls the reader in, and the twists and
turns keep the reader guessing. Procedural details are on point, and it’s obvious
Mehl did her research, which makes her serial killer even more disturbing. Kaely
Quinn is a multilayered heroine, and I look forward to reading more of this
series.
There is a Christian element, as well as a romantic one, but
neither is overwhelming. The suspense is definitely the star.
Disclaimer: I received
a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive
review.
About Nancy...
Nancy Mehl is the author of more than thirty books, including the DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband,Norman, and their puggle, Watson. To learn more, visit NancyMehl.com.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Writing Prompt Wednesday
If you're feeling stuck in your WIP (work in progress) or just want to shake things up a bit, here's something different to try today:
Your main character receives an enchanted Christmas ornament.
Happy writing!
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
"Dead Sea Rising" by Jerry B. Jenkins
My review...
I enjoyed the Left
Behind series, so I was excited to read the latest from Jenkins.
Nicole Berman is an archaeologist waiting to hear back on her
request to dig in Saudi Arabia. She is sure there’s a secret waiting to be
uncovered that can alter what people believe about religion and history. Her plans
change after her mother is attacked, and an investigation ensues as to whether
or not it was a murder attempt. Could it be connected to Nicole and her potential
dig?
Terah’s son Abraham is born, and the readers see him battle
between the God his rulers follow and the God his wife believes in. He struggles
to make life-altering, and sometimes painful, decisions.
I found the premise interesting and the mystery solid. Characters
are well-developed. I like the timeslip feel of the book, though there wasn’t
as much of a connection between the two time periods as is normal in books of
this genre. Chapters alternate between Biblical and present day, though a few
chapters are flashback chapters to Nicole’s father’s time in Vietnam. The
present-day story line seemed to progress much more than the Biblical one, and
I found it easier to connect with and a bit more interesting. Many chapters
were short, which kept the pace of the story active. The various time periods
set up things for the next book. I’m interested in how Jenkins will bring everything
together, and I look forward to reading the sequel.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FaithWords blogger program, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Monday Motivation
"Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people."
— Anne Lamott
Have a wonderful week!
Sunday, December 16, 2018
"Daily Readings from All Things are working for your Good" by Joel Osteen
My review...
If you feel that your faith is being tested or you’re
experiencing setbacks in life, then this may be a good devotional book for you
to read. Osteen wants to remind the reader that God can, and will, use struggles
and challenges for His good, to pull us closer to Him, and to move us toward
the person we were created to be.
Each reading begins with a scripture verse (from a variety
of translations), followed by the daily devotion. This is a 365-day devotional,
aligned with the calendar. There is no ribbon bookmark, as is common in books
of this nature. The book is a bit smaller than average, so it is easy to put in
a purse or bag and take along on your daily travels. However, the small size
and font could prove a bit tricky for some readers. I've read a number of
devotional books from Osteen. This one was not my favorite, but I still found
it to be full of helpful and inspirational readings.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the
FaithWords blogger program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Friday, December 14, 2018
A trio of journals from Ellie Claire
It's almost a new year, which is a great time to pick up a new devotional journal. Ellie Claire has three options to choose from.
This devotional begins with a beautiful, brightly colored cover. The devotions feature God's creation, including nature in all forms. It's a 365-day devotional journal, running January to December. Each one features a verse, devotion, prayer, and space for journaling. The pages complement the cover with flowers and peacocks. I find it somewhat calming to read this, as I was taken in with the descriptions (such as "A creek runs through my neighbor's field..." and "Fireflies glittered in the pasture surrounding my daughter's home...") If you feel closer to God when you're outside, this is a devotional journal to check out. A ribbon bookmark is also included, as is an elastic band for closure.
This is a yearly devotional journal which contains inspirational quotes from popular Christian worship songs or hymns at the beginning of each devotion, followed by the message, a Bible passage to read, and a prayer. I love worship music, so I was excited to see lyrics used with the devotionals. (Note: You do need to have access to a Bible, as the verse referenced is not provided with the devotion.) There are numerous lines to use for daily journaling. The pages have flowers which complement the cover, and a bookmark and elastic closure band are included.
Examples of the inspiring quotes/lyrics:
- "And with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength." from "Love the Lord" by Lincoln Brewster
- "I'm pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed." from "Trading My Sorrows" by Darrell Evans
- "His banner over us is love, our sword the Word of God." from "Faith is the Victory" by John H. Yates
The focus of this journal is on peace, and that starts with the cover, which is beautiful and peaceful to look at. The focus is on the fact that God is the only source of true peace, and He wants to give it to us, as well. The daily devotions in the 365-day devotional journal follow the standard format (verse, devotion, and prayer), along with lines for journaling. The edges of the pages match the coloring of the cover. In a world full of chaos on a daily basis, I like that this devotional focuses on helping the reader find (that sometimes elusive) peace. A ribbon bookmark and elastic band for closure are included.
Monday, December 10, 2018
"Silent Days, Holy Night" by Phyllis Clark Nichols ... and a GIVEAWAY! (JustRead Tours)
Let's all get in the mood for Christmas with this blog tour and giveaway for Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols, hosted by JustRead Tours.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Silent Days, Holy Night Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Christmas
The sounds of Christmases past echo through a silent house...
Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill: the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights— and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second . . .
When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, the entire course of her life is altered. She meets a man who is nothing at all like the rumors she’s heard from neighbors and classmates. He’s kind and extraordinarily talented—he also happens to be deaf and uses a wheelchair. And when she overhears a secret about him, Julia decides it’s time for the town to bring Christmas back to Emerald Crest—an act that will change them all forever.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository
Link to my review
AUTHOR Q&A
AUTHOR Q&A
Q: Can you tell me how you came to write this story?
A: In my work in cable television programming, I had opportunities to meet high-profile politicians, leaders of national organizations related to health and disabilities, but the most interesting people I met were differently-abled people who were doing extraordinary things with their lives. Their lives taught me about focus, living life fully, fulfilling your purpose in life, and life-defining moments. I wanted to write a story that would incorporate some of those themes.
Q: What is the key takeaway from the book?
A: There are two themes that run like interwoven ribbons through the book. The first is the idea of life-defining moments. The main character, young Julia, has a life-defining moment when she meets Mr. Henry Lafferty the Second and the second. And the second theme is that one small act of kindness can make a big difference.
Q: So true! Which character is most like you and why? And was it intentional?
A: I would probably say that young Julia is most like me, and it was not intentional. There seems to be a bit of me at each of the characters, but as a child, I was inquisitive like Julia. And when I set my mind to something, there was no stopping me — a stubborn streak that has served me well and caused me some pain. God is still working on that part of me.
Q: I understand about the stubborn streak! Did you base Emerald Crest on an actual mansion?
A: Emerald Press is entirely fictional, but it was a magical place to spend my time writing the book. I actually sketched out a floor plan, designed the space, and decorated the rooms. I knew the scene from every window, and I knew the hollow sounds of its halls, and then the splendid evening when Christmas returned to Emerald Crest.
Q: What would you be doing if you weren't an author?
A: I've always wanted to write since I was a teenager, but my career path took a different direction. Finally in my retirement, I got my dream job. So, if I were not writing, I'd be more involved in community service, and I'd be leading more mission trips to Central America.
Q: What advice you have for new authors?
A: Read the classics, and write, and read some more, and write some more. Learn what you can about the changing publishing business and always be honing your craft.
Q: Great advice. What can you tell me about your current project?
A: "The Rockwater Suite" series is my focus right now. The first book, Return of the Song, was released in September with four more to follow. The second book, Freedom of the Song, will be released this spring. The third book is finished, but I'm ready to start the fourth in the series. I was able to take a trip to Austria this past summer to do much of the research I needed to do, so I'm sitting on G, waiting on O to GO with book four after the holidays.
Q: What is something about you that would surprise your readers?
A: I think it might surprise my readers to know that I enjoy fishing. There is just something about sitting on the bank with my pole in the water that is restful and at the same time exciting. I always anticipate getting a bite and catching the big one, but if I don't catch him, I still have been outside enjoying God's creation.
Q: What book do you wish you'd written and why?
A: I wish I had written Gone with the Wind. It is set my home state of Georgia, and people are still reading it nearly one hundred years later.
Q: Do you have any writing rituals?
A: Sitting down in my writing chair with a cup of tea and opening my laptop and I move into my right brain in a few seconds. I suppose there's nothing unusual about that.
Q: What writers have inspired you?
A: George MacDonald is a master storyteller of an age gone by, and I have all of his translated books on my shelf. If C.S. Lewis says that he would never have written anything had it not been for the work of George MacDonald, that I thought it wise that I read George MacDonald. His work is captivating, and every book is a tutorial. He packs more theology in his yarns than preachers do on Sunday morning. And I thoroughly enjoy the works of Maeve Binchy her art of character development.
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer a few questions, Phyllis. I'm sure readers will enjoy getting to know you a bit better.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phyllis Clark Nichols’s character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions using the imagined residents of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a strong faith and a love for nature, art, music, and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment . . . often through surprisingly serendipitous events.
Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.
She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.
Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.
CONNECT WITH PHYLLIS: website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive (US only):
- a print copy of Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols
- a print copy of Sleigh Bells Ring by various authors
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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