Why I Stopped Writing (and other small revelations)

So, why did I stop writing?

I've been writing stories since eight-years-old ... been wanting to publish books since I was a little girl. I used to write almost nonstop. I always had an exciting tale in the works.

But as I got older, I think stress, anxiety, and even depression started to creep in and stifle my creative spirit. I overthink things like crazy, and I think I've been going through some kind of early-twenties crisis where I'm just trying to figure out life! And I'm really having a tough time of it!

Recently, when I had a full-time job at a daycare, I felt like I was losing myself. I woke up every weekday morning, tired; irrational dread looming over me. I struggled through the day - this exhausting battle in my mind. When I got home from work around five o'clock, I usually just felt tired and uninspired. No energy for writing. The stories still came sometimes, but I didn't dare sit down and write. I guess I was scared of staring at the blank page and feeling panicky, like ...

Why don't the words come? Why can't I do it anymore?

It's like my dream to write and publish just slowly died during these last couple years. It's been hard, because I do still have this urge to write. To create stories. To share my thoughts with the world.

But I guess I just decided I couldn't do it.

The good  news is, I've been healing in a lot of ways! The dream to publish a book is coming back to life deep in my heart - a little burning ember. I haven't forgotten about Karalee and Wolfe. *smiles* I still think about my first novel, Silver Rose, and I want to keep working on it.

But it might be awhile yet. And that okay. I'm learning that God doesn't see time like we do. I need to rest in His timing ... trust that He's in the details.

I still don't have a laptop. And I still feel a lot of stress and uncertainty about where I am in life right now.

But I think there's a change coming.

This verse has been on my heart for about a year and a half. I feel like it's my verse for this season ... for the coming season.

1 Peter 5:6-11

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I'm ready to be settled and established. The biggest thing that means to me at this moment is finding relief from the stress, I suppose. (That reminds me of a NF song: My Stress). In order for that to happen, there are some things about my life that I need to change or adjust. I've been praying and seeking the Lord ... waiting for Him to open doors and lead me where He wants me to be!

I think I'm going to have to make some sacrifices and take some leaps of faith. You all can be praying for me!

For now, what it looks like is me stepping back from this blog. Being the personality I am, in the life situation I'm in, I have a hard time balancing things. Not subconsciously worrying about blogging here will hopefully free me up to more fully pursue other things.

Like making friends. Building relationships in real life. Cooking and baking. Working on Silver Rose. Reveling in the little, simple moments.

I'll still be on Lady Grace sometimes. Maybe do a life update over there now and then. Perhaps share recipes. Do a book review or two.

But I'm going to cut back on book reviews, too. I'm going to be very selective about what kind of fiction I read. Why? Well, I just wonder how beneficial it is to read romance all day long. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for romance. Just ask my friend who recently got married ... more than once while we were talking about her and her now-husband, she laughed and said: "Shantelle, you're such a romantic!" And I am. Proudly. *winks* Romance is a glorious design of God's! But I think I'd rather wait to experience my own special, real romance someday than constantly be half-living fictional romances. This doesn't mean I'm no longer going to read Christian romance, probably just a lot less.

I don't think I'll be doing Youtube videos anymore, either. I may end up deleting my channel. But for now it's just there. As much as I love interacting with you all, I just need to be in my real space in the world. As cool as it is to connect with people who are so much like me online, I end up feeling perhaps even more lonely than before because we can't connect face-to-face. And that's important to me because I'm a super relational person. My top love language is probably quality time!

I do still want to stay in touch with you! If you want to, too, please follow me over at Lady Grace. I am hoping to pick up novel writing again sometime ... for God's glory! So excited for the ways He's going to use me in His kingdom work! Perhaps someday I'll be able to tell you all that Silver Rose is ready to be explored. *smiles*

For now, here I am, still trying to figure things out. But more and more, I'm resting in the fact that my Heavenly Father is working it all out for me!

My older brother said to me, about this song, the other day: "This is your song, hey?" I think I agree. *smiles*

NF - Change

Change is sometimes scary. But I think I'm ready now. I'm looking ... searching ... for change.

Dear readers, the very best choices you can make in your life are to pursue intimacy with Jesus Christ and give your life for His kingdom work!

Love you all and wishing you the very best! <3

Book Review: Until the Mountains Fall by Connliyn Cossette

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Title: Until the Mountains Falls

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Cities of Refuge #3

Genre: Biblical Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh's head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother's death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah's father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Until the Mountains Fall was a bittersweet continuation to the CITIES OF REFUGE series by Connilyn Cossette. I think it's my favorite book of the series! It was exciting to travel back to these Biblical times and reunite with characters from previous books ... Moriyah, Sofea, and so on. It's so interesting to glimpse what the Israelites' lives might have looked like as Joshua led them to settle in the Promised Land.

Rivkah was a different kind of character. Living in a city of refuge and betrothed to the son of an accidental killer, she is straining against the things that she feels hold her back. I found this whole storyline to be unique from many books with just a little twist in how everything turns out. Rivkah isn't a perfect characters and she certainly isn't always right. Watching her path to redemption was compelling.

Malakhi definitely had some character growth throughout the course of the book, too, and that was great! I really enjoyed these characters and the different dynamics of the story. While this story is set in the Old Testament ... it also is based on a parable from the New Testament! Which was really neat and heartfelt.

There were some emotional moments ... especially the one at the end for one of our dear characters!

Overall, an exciting read. Though I felt like the first two books in the serious were a little too heavily-focused on romance/attraction, this one was better in my personal opinion. And I look forward to reading Like Flames in the Night!

I received a complimentary copy of Until the Mountains Falls from the author/publisher. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

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Title: The Number of Love

Author: Roseanna M. White

Series: The Codebreakers #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

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~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Roseanna M. White is a fantastic writer. Her latest novel, The Number of Love, starts a brand new series set during the Great War ... and actually focuses on a secondary character from her last series!

If you read A Song Unheard (SHADOWS OVER ENGLAND #2), you met the brilliant, young Margot De Wilde. I don't know if she intrigued you, but she did me! It was so exciting to dive into her personal story in the first book of THE CODEBREAKERS. She is now seventeen years of age and spends her days deciphering messages and breaking codes. Throw in a brave field agent named Drake, spies, emotional drama, and a journey of faith, and you have a superb historical novel.

Margot was such a fascinating character to follow. Her brain just works so differently ... always thinking in numbers. She's spunky, but also sweet and unassuming, in a way. The way she approaches people, friendship, romance, even God, is very interesting. I loved watching her grow. I loved seeing her faith expand. I loved the way she fell in love. At some points, I worried that The Number of Love would push that feminist rhetoric, saying stuff about how being a wife and a mother is such a drudge, and why do they force that on women, and Margot was made for more than that!! But I think that it actually turned out quite beautiful and sweet, and cherished Biblical womanhood.

This author does really well with historical detail and setting. It was intriguing learning more about World War I, and also going undercover with the spies and breaking enemy codes! So cool! Action, drama, intrigue ... this book has it all! Again, I loved the faith theme - it was heartfelt. And that romance was just so tender and adorable and fun! Drake Elton was definitely a great character. And also his sweet sister! It was great seeing characters from other books, as well.

Truly, a unique, exciting, and thoughtful novel. I loved it! So looking forward to Book Two!

I received a complimentary copy of The Number of Love from the author/publisher. This review is honest and all my own.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

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Book Review: The King's Mercy by Lori Benton

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Title: The King's Mercy

Author: Lori Benton

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers of Sara Donati and Diana Gabaldon, this epic historical romance tells of fateful love between an indentured Scotsman and a daughter of the 18th century colonial south.

When captured rebel Scotsman Alex MacKinnon is granted the king's mercy - exile to the Colony of North Carolina - he's indentured to Englishman Edmund Carey as a blacksmith. Against his will Alex is drawn into the struggles of Carey's slaves - and those of his stepdaughter, Joanna Carey. A mistress with a servant's heart, Joanna is expected to wed her father's overseer, Phineas Reeves, but finds herself drawn instead to the new blacksmith. As their unlikely relationship deepens, successive tragedies strike the Careys. When blame falls unfairly upon Alex he flees to the distant mountains where he encounters Reverend Pauling, itinerate preacher and friend of the Careys, now a prisoner of the Cherokees. Haunted by his abandoning of Joanna, Alex tries to settle into life with the Cherokees, until circumstances thwart yet another attempt to forge his freedom and he's faced with the choice that's long hounded him: continue down his rebellious path or embrace the faith of a man like Pauling, whose freedom in Christ no man can steal. But the price of such mercy is total surrender, and perhaps Alex's very life.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Lori Benton pens another riveting tale, filled with love, loss, darkness, danger, and faith. This author is one of those authors whose books you know will be a rich historical adventure. And in the 1700s, no less! One of my favorite eras! Her novels never disappoint.

In The King's Mercy we meet a Scotsman named Alex MacKinnon who has been exiled to the colony of North Carolina. Mistress of the plantation he's to be an indentured servant on, is a young woman named Joanna. While he's plotting escape, she's burdened heavily by the life her stepfather is adamant that they live.

Lori Benton's stories often have a heavy undertone to them, and The King's Mercy was no different. Although there were sweet friendship moments, a tender love story, and awe-inspiring acts of faith, this book also highlighted the heart-wrenching happenings in the lives of the slaves on Severn Plantation, as well as unfolded the story of a particularly disturbing villain. Sometimes I wanted to scream in frustration at a certain character! Other times I was sick to my stomach as a vile mystery unfolded. Yet, nonetheless, it was incredible. And when the darkness was cleared away, the beauty shone so radiantly! I loved following all the threads of this story ... with Alex, Joanna, little sister Charlotte, a slave girl named Jemma, and a Christ-filled minister named Reverend Pauling.

While the story mostly takes place on Severn Plantation, there are some intriguing surprises and twists in store ... that put me in the mind of Lori Benton's previous books! The King's Mercy truly is a masterful tale. I loved the faith theme so very much. It was raw and real and permeated the entire book. There were some amazing moments! I so appreciate how this author unashamedly shares her faith in her works of fiction. It is beautiful. And it makes the story so much more meaningful and relatable and beautiful for me!

There are definitely some mature elements in this book. Fornication, rape, and child abuse are discussed, though not in explicit detail.

Overall, another stunning historical fiction novel from Lori Benton. I eagerly look forward to her next book.

I received a advanced reader copy of The King's Mercy from WaterBrook and Multnomah. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: A Love Letter Life by Jeremy and Audrey Roloff

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Title: A Love Letter Life: Pursue Creatively. Date Intentionally. Love Faithfully.

Author: Jeremy & Audrey Roloff

Genre: Nonfiction

Audience: Young Adult/Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

More than 2.3 million people watched as Jeremy and Audrey Roloff shared their vows and committed their lives to each other. Now for the first time, the former co-stars of TLC's hit show Little People, Big World share their imperfect, resilient, and inspiring love story.

As Jeremy and Audrey write, if you can fall into love, you can fall out. True love is something you choose to live out each day through your actions, decisions, and sacrifices. To find and still seek, now that is love. From the moment you meet your potential spouse, you can be intentional about shaping a beautiful love story, uniquely written for who God created you both to be. Whether you're single and searching, in a serious dating relationship, or desiring to love your spouse better, Jeremy and Audrey equip you to pursue an intentional, creative, and faithful love story by sharing theirs.

The journey to their wedding day was the culmination of a bumpy and complicated dating relationship. From health problems, to emotional walls, to being separated by one thousand miles, the couple faced daunting obstacles. But their unique approach to dating empowered them to write an uncommon love story and prepared them for married life. Because as beautiful as their wedding was, the Roloffs made a point to prepare more for their marriage than their wedding day.

Told through both Jeremy's and Audrey's voices, A Love Letter Life tells a passionate and persevering story of relatable struggles, hard-learned lessons, practical tips, and devout commitment. In these pages, they encourage you to stop settling for convenient relationships, offer perspective on male and female differences in dating, tackle tough topics like purity, give their nine rules for fighting well, suggest fun ideas for connection in a world of technology, and provide fresh advice on how to intentionally pursue a love story that never ends.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

A Love Letter Life: Pursue Creatively. Date Intentionally. Love Faithfully. was a really great read! I'd seen it around on social media - from Jinger Vuolo, "Marriage After God", and Dale & Veronica Partridge, I think - and became intrigued. Although I've never watched the TV reality show that Jeremy Roloff is a part of (Little People, Big World), I thoroughly enjoyed his and Audrey's book! It was an easy read; interesting, fun, and thoughtful.

So basically it tells the story of Jeremy and Audrey. Little bits of their individual lives, and a lot of how they became friends, fell in love, and eventually joined lives in marriage! I thought it was awesome how they emphasized the importance of friendship first, and also being intentional and faithful about getting to know, understanding, and caring for one another. There were some hot topics discussed! Such as physical purity and close friendships with the opposite sex after you're married. I appreciated how honest Jeremy and Audrey were about their relationship, purity, and where they failed ... and the fact that they wrote it as a warning: Make boundaries! Have accountability partners. Don't make the same mistakes that we did.

I loved the few pages of pictures near the center of the book. It's so fun to see snippets of what you're reading about! Absolutely lovely.

And the love letters they wrote each other? Absolutely precious! I love this idea - especially for dating couples! ^_^

This romance definitely wasn't perfect. It had it's ups and downs. It's bumps and break-ups. But no love story is perfect. What makes the difference is how you pursue. How intentional you are. How faithful you are. Are you willing to fight for this person, despite the setbacks? And, once married, are you willing to cling to each other until death parts you ... regardless if you "fall out of love" someday? Most importantly, are you actively putting Christ at the center? It's wonderful to see a fun couple like Jeremy and Audrey pursuing God's design for a man and his wife. Fighting for each other. Promoting a healthy marriage relationship that doesn't give up.

This book talks about how to creatively love your special person, work through baggage from the past and/or generational sin, understand each other's personality, respect each other, be intentional in a long distance relationship, and so on.

Jeremy and Audrey have a sweet story of coming together, and, overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book! I recommend to those who like learning about the real-life romances of Christian couples!

I received a copy of A Love Letter Life from Book Look Boggers Program. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

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Title: Flight of the Raven

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Series: The Ravenwood Saga #2

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Exiled and on the run, Selene Ravenwood is in search of the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking but first she must adapt to her marriage with the man she was originally assigned to kill. With war impending and a dark being after her gift, she finds herself at a crossroads but time is running out and soon her choice will be made for her.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

How exciting it is to dive back into the adventures of Selene and Damien! Flight of the Raven was one novel I was highly anticipating, and it did not disappoint! In book two of THE RAVENWOOD SAGA, Morgan L. Busse carries on with this epic story, following a would-be-assassin, her sister, and the young lord who is their target. With action, romance, mystery, and a journey of faith, this tale swept me away.

Truly, I'm always looking for new Christian fantasy novels, and this one has caught my attention. Just as with the first book, I loved the world. It is rich, diverse, and fascinating. We're learning a little more about each house, and with every tidbit of information, I get more excited! It's one of those fantasy lands that you could get lost in.

The Christian allegory is unfolding so wondrously! Selene is hunted by the Dark Lady whom she's sure she doesn't want ... and haunted by the Light that always seems out of reach. It was amazing to watch her wrestle within herself and slowly come to believe and trust this Light. The way the author writes this beautiful, intense allegory reminds me of Anne Elisabeth Stengl's TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD series. (Oh, how I miss reading from that series! It's good to get a taste of that kind of awesome fantasy in Morgan L. Busse's novels!)

It was interesting to get some of the story from Amara's point of view. I loved seeing some more of little Ophelia. Their mother makes me furious! *feeling all kinds of rage* So many great characters! That's what makes this series glorious!

Mark of the Raven definitely built up to the romance we get in Flight of the Raven. I was looking forward to it, and glad to see this couple blossom! *happiness* There were many sweet, tender moments. And some raw, sacrificial moments that made this love story that much more beautiful. Pretty far into the book, there were a few kisses and talk about the marriage and feelings. It was all pretty sweet, though some of the details weren't necessary (in my own opinion). And even though there was nothing explicit, since this book does have a marriage of convenience it felt more "adult" than "young adult".

I smiled, I cried, I was surprised, and my heart sighed within me. Flight of the Raven was an emotional, thrilling journey! I was sad to finish ... realizing I won't be feeling that happy feeling that I get when reading about these characters for awhile. And, whoa, that cliffhanger! (It made me think of the Marvel movies, for some reason. *laughs*) I can hardly wait to see what happens! Next book, please!

I received a complimentary copy of Flight of the Raven from the author and/or Bethany House Publishers. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: It's a Love Story by Lincee Ray

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Title: It's a Love Story: From: Happily To: Ever After

Author: Lincee Ray

Genre: Nonfiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Human beings love to be loved. And we love to fall in love. As children we pour our love into our pets and our friends. As teenagers we fall in love with musicians and actors and the boy whose locker is next to ours. As we mature, we long for romantic love that will last a lifetime. Sacrificial love, unexplainable love, familial love, desperate love. Love songs and love stories. Clearly we were created with the longing for love ingrained in our souls.

With lots of wit and a bit of wisdom drawn from a lifetime of falling in love, Lincee Ray invites you to an unabashed celebration of that loving feeling. As she reveals the loves of her life and encourages you to recall your own, you'll discover alongside her that there is only one who can ever truly fulfill the deepest longings of our hearts. And he made us to be part of a divine love story.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**not rated**

This is my first time reading by Lincee Ray, and it was not at all what I expected. From the description, I was thinking that It's a Love Story: From Happily to Ever After would be about our love for romance and longings to be known and cherished, and how that points to our deeper need for God. In reality, this book is more like stories from the author's life. And a lot of said stories didn't seem to have much to do with romance or faith. Some were funny. Some unfortunate. Some sarcastic. Many had to do with how she loves "oldies" music, dancing, and movies such as The Notebook.

It's a Love Story was an interesting read. It told a lot about Lincee Ray, including a little bit about her divorce, which was very sad. But I can't say I really get her sense of humor (sarcasm and such), and some of the content surprised me. Still getting butterflies from remembering her first kiss with some random guy ... All the hot men in favorite movies (most of which contain sexual content, I believe) ... Her love of the film, Dirty Dancing, and the hip shaking and whatever they do ... Screaming crazily at the concert of a "boy band" you used to crush on when you were a teen ... You haven't lived until you've smoked and drank on your last day of a mission trip? She talked some about romance and wanting to be married again, but it mostly had to do with hoping to fall in love with a really hot guy while grocery shopping or something. Hmm. I don't know. I just wasn't feeling a lot of it.

In the end of the book, Lincee Ray did touch on longings and loving to love pointing to our need for a relationship with God, which is the only relationship that can truly fulfill us. But, overall, I didn't feel that the rest of the book backed that up. That's my personal reaction. Maybe you would feel differently. It wasn't at all what I thought I had picked up, and I don't think I will be reading anymore from this author.

I received a copy of It's a Love Story: From Happily to Ever After from Revell Publishers. This review is honest and all my own.

Cover Reveal: Midnight's Curse by Tricia Mingerink

Y'all, I am so beyond excited for this Cinderella retelling from Tricia Mingerink! And today is the day to reveal the cover! *squeals* Midnight's Curse is book two in BEYOND THE TALES, which is a series of fairy tale retellings set in a world of curses and gifts and an Appalachian Mountain-like setting.

Midnight's Curse releases August 6, 2019!

Scroll down to see the cover

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Isn't it stunning? The cover was designed by Savannah Jezowski at Dragonpen Designs. You can find more examples of her work here.

About the book:

High King Alexander rules the Seven Kingdoms of Tallahatchia—a divided nation on the brink of yet another war. When an invitation arrives from the king of Pohatomie, Alex knows it must be a trap, but could it also be his opportunity to unite the kingdoms? Daemyn Rand has lived a hundred years, served an arrogant prince, fallen in love with a princess, and lost himself somewhere along the way. He has already died for his loyalty. Will he have to sacrifice his last chance to truly live? Elara Ashen is a lowly, miserable servant. All she wants is to spend one night in a fancy dress, dancing with the high king. When she is offered a pair of glass slippers, it seems all her dreams have come true. But dreams have a price, and gifts can be curses in disguise. What will it cost to stop this curse from tearing Tallahatchia apart yet again? Fairy tales meet the Appalachian Mountains in this adventurous fantasy retelling of the classic Cinderella story.

Preorder the Kindle on Amazon.

Add to Goodreads.

About the author:

Tricia Mingerink is the author of the bestselling The Blades of Acktar series and the Beyond the Tales series. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country. You can connect with Tricia on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram To celebrate the cover reveal, Dagger's Sleep, a Sleeping Beauty retelling and book one in the series, is on sale in Kindle for $.99 this weekend! Click here to purchase on Amazon.

 

Giveaway!

To celebrate even more, there's a giveaway for a paperback copy of Dagger's Sleep and a 2 oz Plot Twist candle by Novelly Yours Candles. To enter, share the above sale graphic for Dagger's Sleep, the cover for Midnight's Curse, or the below Midnight's Curse promo graphic and make sure you use hashtag #MidnightsCurse and tag @triciamingerink on any social media site to enter. The giveaway will end May 22 at midnight. Please note this giveaway is only open in the United States. It is not sponsored by Novelly Yours Candles.

 

How Life Is Going ...

Hi, friends! How have you all been? I wanted to give you all a little life update. God is good! As always.

Enjoy the photo dump! And just for your information, I will be on a hiatus of sorts for almost a week, starting tomorrow. Going to be housesitting and I probably won't have service and such. Yay! *winks*

Still working through my "read-the-Bible-in-a-year". I'm now in Job and Acts! And, of course, loving those Christian nonfiction books!

Read my review of Freedom! by Jennifer Renee Watson HERE.

A trip to Smoothie King with sister and friend! ^_^

Sick day. Make that days. I was sick for over a week with a flu of sorts. Missed church, Wednesday night Bible study, and two and half days of work. It was terrible.

I've been sick three times in the last month and a half. Cold, flu, allergies ... I don't know. But I've had my fair share of days of feeling miserable. Thankfully, no more missed days of work. And I've been taking some natural supplements to help allergies and I've been feeling much better!!

My doctor thinks my immune system is down and all. But I believe God has kingdom work for me to do, and I'm not going to let being sick all the time prevent me from doing that! I'm praying against sickness. Praying for healing. Trusting God, whatever happens.

Book haul! The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz, Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore, and The One True Love of Alice-Ann by Eva Marie Everson. I was gifted with some money for Valentine's Day. All three of these novels were amazing, by the way! *heart eyes*

Still a little sick. But well enough to make myself some yummy lunch! Sweet potatoes, mushrooms, green peppers, and chicken!

Chiropractor/doctor visit. Tired. A little sick. (Excuse my flyaway hair.)

Earl Grey Tea to help me get through the work day! However, I've found that I can't have caffeine too much. I think it eventually starts to make me feel more tired.

Overnight babysitting job! Reading my Bible in the morning.

Still haven't finished this book, but it has been amazing! I would definitely recommend that you check it out!

Still struggling with feeling poorly. But went with my sisters to snap a few pictures downtown. I wanted a new profile picture. *winks*

Riding with sister to work.

 

Easter Sunday!

 

And a little photo shoot with these awesome books by @GirlDefined! Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal have just released their third book, Sex, Purity, and the Longings of the Girl's Heart. And it's great!!

 

Love Defined // Girl Defined

I feel like God has been giving me a vision of leading a Bible study for teen to adult women for years. So recently, I stepped out in faith and decided to start a book study on Girl Defined. It's starting next Saturday! I'm excited and nervous! Please pray for me and for God to work mightily in all these young women's lives! <3

Doing one of my favorite things! Thrift shopping!! Who else loves thrift shopping?

Baby clothes!! I couldn't help but buy a few while shopping. 100% cotton, of course! *winks* My little brother is coming sometime this month! I'm so excited to hold him close and get to know him! Babies are so precious. I can't get enough of them! <333

Thankfully, I get to hold sweet little ones at my job!

My Father is preparing a place for me! What a precious truth! I'm not perfect, but He wants me! He welcomes me! In His house, there's a place for me. Praise Jesus Christ! <3

A Chick-fil-A treat on a hot day! Half unsweetened tea, half lemonade, of course! I'm so happy that summer is coming. It was 81 degrees, or so. I am so done with winter. I was so done with winter in January, probably. I'm a summer girl. ^_^

Do I look tired? Because I was feeling exhausted!!! Work for four hours. Work-out for 20 minutes. Feeling ready to collapse. But happy about my new, thrift-shopping dress.

Surprise baby shower to celebrate my mom and baby boy! What a sweet time.

Taking pictures and sharing as part of the launch team for Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart!

Chick-fil-A for supper! With three sisters, brother, and some cousins! It was a special event at our Chick-fil-A, so it seemed like the perfect time to splurge on some yummy-ness!

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Other news:

* One of my dearest friends is engaged and asked me to stand as a bridesmaid! So excited for a summer wedding and vacation! ^_^

* I decided I'm done with PBS series. They all seem to be pushing a leftist political agenda instead of giving us quality entertainment. And I'm so done. Call the Midwife has gone so downhill, and I can't ignore it anymore. Their latest thing is pushing the abortion and transgender stuff. Abortion is cruel and heartbreaking and I don't feel like I should keep watching. (The first three seasons of Call the Midwife are pretty great, though! It was after the woman whose life the show is based on died that it really started becoming about gay people, abortion, sexual promiscuity, and transgender.)

* I love Swiss Dark Chocolate. *grins*

* I'm getting more into politics and social issues than ever before. It's time to be part of the resistance! Stand for truth, justice, and freedom. I'm an American and I intend to fight for the things my country was founded on. Faith and liberty.

Check out the Youtube channels on such things that I follow. Listed on the side of this blog.

* I'm part of the launch team for Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse (amazing so far!!!) and The King's Mercy by Lori Benton (which I haven't received yet.)

* I'm hoping to look into volunteering at my local crisis pregnancy center. Ask me about it later. Hopefully that'll give me the push to just go there and ask about volunteering!

* So thankful for my family in Christ. I don't know what I would do without them. <333

TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE!!