July Highlights

 Well, somehow it's the end of July again! How did that happen? I guess we ask that question at the end of every month, don't we? :D

~ADVENTURES AND HIGHLIGHTS~

// Spending time with family and friends I don't get to see often

// Enjoying new books :)

// Trying some fun new activities that I normally don't have time for! xD

// Attempting to do Julia's no-sugar challenge for a week..... I'm on Day 4, so we'll see how it goes!

// 43 followers!! I appreciate all you readers so much, and I have a surprise coming up shortly for you :)

~BOOKISH THINGS~

I read a total of 9 books this month, so don't worry- I normally don't get anywhere close to 16 in a month. ;) I'm looking forward to reading some more new books in August!

Books read in July: 9

All of these books were good! My favorite was probably either the Janette Oke books or Beauty Begins, although all of them were good! I didn't really have a least-favorite, although Stepping Heavenward was kind of hard to read, although it was a good book.

~BLOGGING~

There were so many amazing posts from my favorite blogs this month, but here are a few that I really enjoyed. Plus, I found an awesome new blog that I'm really enjoying, written by Tane Hannah. You can find it here. I'd encourage you to go check out and follow her blog! :)

// In the World... by Tane Hannah
// The Future Before You by Hannah E.
//Little White Spots by Hosanna Emily
// I Think I'm a Chicken by Kara Lynn
//Foolproof Responses to the Question: "What's Your Book About?" by Katie Grace

And in case you missed any, here are my blog posts from July:

// June Highlights

// The Old River Road Blog Tour

// Time- A Poem 

// "Beauty Begins" Book Review

// The Silent Blade Blog Tour

~THINGS COMING UP~

// A possible guest post 

// A few fun tag posts

// Getting ready for school to start again

// And all the adventures that God has planned for us in August!

How has your July been for you? What are you looking forward to in August? Comment below, and thanks for reading!

//Emily 

The Silent Blade Blog Tour

Hello, readers!
Today, I'm participating in The Silent Blade Blog Tour for Jesseca's new novel, The Silent Blade!

~ Book Synopsis~

Dromiskin, Ireland. 925 A.D.

Eira has no greater desire than to see her life returned to what it once was—before her older brother Kevin's sudden disappearance four years earlier. But the simple life she hoped for seems unattainable; on the contrary, her life is about to get all the more complicated.

When she suddenly finds herself and Willem, her twin brother, taken captive by someone who claims to be Kevin’s enemy, things go from bad to worse. It soon becomes clear that she and Willem are to become bait in a trap set for Kevin, and Eira knows she must try to warn him. But how, when she herself is a captive?

As mysteries of the past are unveiled, and loyalties are revealed, Eira realizes how precious her friends truly are. And when mortal danger threatens those nearest to her, will she be able to trust God with the lives of her friends and family?

You can add the book on Goodreads here, and you can find the author's blog here.

~My Review~

I was very interested in reading The Silent Blade, as I had heard much about it on Jesseca's blog. Although the book wasn't perfect, there was definitely a lot to like about it! I especially liked the sweet brother-sister relationships portrayed throughout, and the characters were  well-developed. It was pretty hard not to like them! xD The main girl character, Eira, was fascinating, as she enjoyed things most girls probably don't (like swordsmanship!), but done in a very good way, not at all "feminist" or anything, like so many other YA novels. The rest of the characters were very interesting too, and the names were so neat! The writing was slightly  hard to follow at times, and sometimes, it seemed like everything wasn't consistent with the era, but that was probably the only main thing to point out. Also, it seemed to me like there was a lack of parental involvement at places.

But overall, it was a sweet story, and a good turn-out for a first time author.  I would rate it 4 1/2 stars out of 5. I'm inspired by another young teen author about to be published! :)

~About the Author~

Jesseca is an 18-year old daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano.  And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

~Blog Tour Schedule~

Wednesday, July 20th

Mikayla H.at The Bubblegum Ballerina --Review

Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One --Author Interview

Ivy Rose at  Lakeside Publications --Review, Spotlight

Mallory Beth at Renewed by Grace --Review

Thursday, July 21st

Lydia Dyslin at Through the Wardrobe --Review

Rebekah Eddy at Rebekah’s Remarks --Review, Interview

Abigayle Allison at The Left-Handed Typist --Review, Spotlight

Friday, July 22nd (Publication Day!!)

Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One --Review

Rebekah Ashleigh at Rebekah Ashleigh --Spotlight

Amanda Tero at  With a Joyful Noise --Review, Interview, Spotlight

Deborah O’Carroll at The Road of a Writer –Review, Spotlight

Kaitlyn K. at Prairie Gal Cookin’ --Review, Spotlight

Bethany R. at A Great God and Good Cocoa --Review, Spotlight

Deborah C. at Reading in June --Spotlight, Review

Emily at A Purpose and a Promise --Spotlight, Review

Saturday, July 23rd

Kellyn Roth at Reveries--Review, Interview

Jason McIntire at Elisha Press--Interview

Natasha H. at Looking Through my Lens --Review

Faith P. at Stories by Firefly --Review, Interview

Monday, July 25th

Jesseca Wheaton at Whimsical Writings --Blog Tour wrap-up post

~The Giveaway~

a Rafflecopter giveaway






I hope you enjoyed learning some more about Jesseca's new book!
//Emily

Book Review | Beauty Begins

Author: Chris Shook and Megan Shook Alpha

Series: None

Genre: Non-fiction

Published: 2016

Publisher: WaterBrook

Pages: 208

Age Group: 12 +  

Do you feel beautiful? 

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Others may tell you that you’re beautiful, but do you believe them? Why not? Don’t let another day go by without believing and knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. 

It’s time for you to exchange society’s cookie-cutter suggestions for what is beautiful and instead discover and reclaim what true beauty looks like – and the One who created it.  In Beauty Begins, Chris and Megan Shook share with you their own experiences and struggles with appearance and body image, as well as equip you with the wisdom to distinguish what’s artificial beauty and what’s real. Filled with heartfelt encouragement, insightful challenges, and undeniable truth, after reading Beauty Begins, you’ll never look in the mirror the same way again.

Beauty Begins is an excellent book! At first, I was hesitant because I have already read quite a few books on the topic. But this one is unique. Written by a mother and daughter, Beauty Begins starts with the origins of true beauty and points us forward in the right way to a proper understanding of true beauty. One section talks about the difference between "beautiful" and "pretty". While what the culture says is "pretty" has changed drastically over the years, true beauty has remained the same. Truly "beautiful" comes from the heart, while "pretty: is simply an outward thing. I also appreciated how the book emphasizes how we are beautiful and treasured by God, but also while reminding us that it's not all about us and what we think! So many books leave that out, and while it's definitely important  to remember who we are to God, we also need to remember that we're only where we are by God's grace. Anyway, there's a lot more I could say about this book, but instead, I'll let  you go get Beauty Begins  and read it all for yourself. :)  I would definitely recommend this book to any girl or woman who who wants to learn more about how true beauty begins! 9 out of 10 hearts- ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥


**I received this book from Blogging for  Books in exchange for an honest review**

Time~ A Poem

Time

Time flies by

Sometimes

When we are glad

And have no cares

The sun is bright

When life

Is golden and right

Up to the brim

Time creeps by

Sometimes

When we are lost

Afraid and scared

Of what comes next

When life is bent and broke

Beyond repair

Time is not

Sometimes

It is forever until

The end of all time

When the Master comes

When life is done and over

As we know it now

Time stopped
That time

On the cross

When the Master of time

Gave Himself up

When life

Was ended and begun

His for ours; old for new

Time is now

But sometime

It will be gone

Judged by the Master

Who created yet is not tied by time

When lives

Are condemned

Or redeemed forever-

In His time 

So, what you just read was my first attempt at writing a blank verse poem (meaning one that doesn't rhyme). And let me tell you, those are much harder to write than the regular kind! Don't you agree? *waves hand wildly*  I'm not sure where the idea came from, but I randomly thought up with the entire poem the other day (which is really rare). Normally it takes me days to finish a poem! Anyway, I thought you wonderful people might like to read it, and maybe I'll keep practicing and turn out a better one in the future. ;)

I know this post is rather short, but I'll see you back on Tuesday with another book review! Oh, and make sure to check out this awesome giveaway from Lindsay at Books for Christian Girls. She's giving away 10 books!!
Thanks for reading!

//Emily

What did you think of my attempt at a blank verse poem? Do you like to write poetry? If so, what's your favorite kind to write?

The Old River Road Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Hello, readers!
Today, I'm super-excited to be participating in The Old River Road Blog Tour for Ivy Rose's debut novel! Today is also the release date which makes it even more special. :)  The Old River Road Blog Tour will be going on today (July 8) to July 15, so you have a whole week to learn more about Ivy Rose's amazing novel. =) Make sure to take a look at the other amazing blogs that are participating in this tour. The full list is at the end of this post. ;)
This post will include a spotlight overview, and my review of the novel, plus Ivy's giveaway.
And now, on with the tour!

Meet Ivy Rose and her debut novel, The Old River Road. This book is the first in a series of a yet-to-be-determined number of books based on the lives of the author’s ancestors. Written in a style similar to that of Janette Oke and Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

1885

When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.

This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Available now in paperback and ebook on Amazon

Add on Goodreads

My Review of The Old River Road 

I am so glad that I was able to read  and review this book, and not just because the cover is beautiful! =) As other reviewers have mentioned, I thought that Ivy Rose's writing style is indeed similar to Janette Oke's, and the overall story was similar to some of her books, as well as having some "Little House on the Prairie" flavor to it. For a first-time author, she is truly gifted! It is evident that a lot of research went into this book to make it a historically accurate novel that is heartwarming yet heart-wrenching at the same time!   Another enjoyable thing about this book was the sweet, clean romance and portrayal of courtship between Clara and William. It's so rare to find a clean Christian romance, but this is definitely one that you can enjoy reading and is honoring to God! I also liked how the story was told including things about other family members that you eventually got to know as well as the main characters, and over the course of several years. It did seem like the end was slightly more rushed than the beginning, but that's definitely not anything bad, just a note.  Overall, I really enjoyed this lovely historical fiction book, which is especially neat since it is based off of the lives of the author's great-great-grandparents. I am looking forward to reading more works from this wonderful authoress in the future! * I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*

About the Author

Ivy Rose is an 18 year old history lover and literary enthusiast. Aside from writing, she enjoys being outdoors, chocolate, travelling, reading, and ATVing (preferably if there is mud involved). She resides with her family of 9 on the banks of the Long Lake in eastern Washington.

You can connect with Ivy via her blog, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

The Giveaway!

                                                                      

The Old River Road Prize Pack International Prize

~Blog Tour Schedule~

Friday, July 8^th (release day!)

Emily  — Review, Spotlight

Jesseca Wheaton — Review, Interview

Saturday, July 9^th

Olivia K. Fisher  — Interview, Spotlight

Faith Blum  — Review, Interview, Spotlight

Hannah E.  — Review, Interview

Monday, July 11^th

Faith Potts  – Review

Rebecca Morgan  — Review, Interview

Tuesday, July 12^th

Abigayle Ellison  — Review, Spotlight

Kenzi Knapp  – Review, Interview

Hosanna Emily  — Review, Interview

Wednesday, July 13^th

Blessing Counter  — Interview

Victoria Minks  — Review, Spotlight

Thursday, July 14^th

Deborah C.  — Review, Spotlight

Anna S. Brie  — Review

Leona G. — Review, Interview

Friday, July 15^th

Hope Ann — Review, Interview

Amanda Tero — Review, Interview

Anika Joy – Review, Interview

June Highlights

Hello, readers!
Somehow, it's July! I am not sure where June went, but it sure breezed by this year! I finally decided to start doing these monthly wrap-up things, since they looked like so much fun. ;) I hope you'll bear with me as I figure out how to do them. And I apologize that this is a day late!

 HIGHLIGHTS

// I actually read 16 books this month! That's a record, even for a speed-reader like me. Of course, it helps when you get to go to a bookstore and use all your saved money to but more books :P

// My family picked lots and lots of blueberries! I love blueberries, though, so it was fun.

// I was able to do a bunch of my little "to-do's" that I really needed to get done... not too exciting for you, but it was for me, anyway!

// I have 39 followers! Thank you so much for taking the time to read, comment, and/or follow. I never thought that I would have 39 followers in just 5 months of blogging, so thank you!!

BOOKISH THINGS

As I mentioned above, I read 16 books this month:

I especially liked the Janette Oke books, Do Hard Things and its sequel, The Old River Road, and The Sparrow Found a House. The rest of them were pretty good too, except that I didn't really like The Room with The Tassels. It was a weird mystery book that was rather, er, not to my liking.

BLOGGING 

Some of my favorite blogs had some wonderful posts this month. Here are a few of my favorites, so please check out these wonderful blogs!

Hannah's post about  Motives.

Jessica's post about God's timing.

Hosanna's post about a part of love.

Kara Lynn's post about Commitment. 

Princess Hannah's post about Beauty 

WRITING

At the moment, I am not actively working on a novel or anything, so I don't have any updates for you.  Don't worry, I do have some ideas floating around that will probably appear soon. :D I have been writing a few other things, however, and I added a writings page to my blog also.

COMING UP

// I am participating a blog tour this July, and that will be exciting! 

// I am hoping to really get a start with an idea that I've finally come up with for a short novella/story, so...... ;)

What did you do in June, and what are you looking forward to in July? Comment below! And have a happy 4th of July (to you Americans. ;)