Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, my dear readers! I hope you have a very wonderful day with family, eating good food and reflecting on the blessings, big and small.

(found on Pixabay.com)

Today, I'm grateful for so many things. Family. Brothers, sisters, and parents, as well as my many cousins, aunts and uncles, and my grandparents!

I'm thankful for friends. Those sweet souls who take the time to notice, reach out, care, and listen. Missing all the people, currently miles away, who have touched my life in friendship.

And thankful for the new people I've met recently ... hopeful that I can be a friend to them, and they to me! *smiles*

I'm very grateful for journeys to health, soul-stirring stories, laughter, delectable food, conversation, adventures (small and unassuming as they might be), Chick-fil-A, the fall season, and chocolate cake ...

(found on Pixabay.com)

*laughs* Not that I can have chocolate cake at this time. But by the time my birthday comes around, I'll be off this diet, so I'm hoping to make a gluten-free, dairy-free, fairly healthy (using coconut sugar or something) chocolate cake with whipped cream frosting. *sighs at the thought of such bliss*

And first and foremost, I'm thankful for the One who holds my heart. I am truly blessed to be called a daughter of God.

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

1 John 3:1

I pray that we all understand more deeply this love that He has lavished on us! ^_^

***

Very quickly, I want to do a tag. I was tagged by Natasha @ Simple Things for the Movies I've Watched Recently Tag! Thank you! *grins*

Here are a few movies I've watched somewhat recently ...

Sue Thomas: F.B.EYE (2002)

~ This is a series following the life of a deaf woman and her work with the FBI. Based on a true story, it's exciting, inspirational, humorous, fun, and intense by turn. It's clean, but there are some episodes with very intense or disturbing themes that would not be suitable for children. ~

Seasons of Gray: A Modern Day Story of Joseph (2013)

~ An inspirational, moving tale, that can liken to the account of Joseph in the Bible. I found it well-done and enjoyable, even humorous at times. There were a couple intense/somewhat disturbing scenes, so caution to younger children. ~

77 Chances: A Story About Letting Go (2015)

~ This story was a little confusing; a modern-day tale with a supernatural twist, I suppose? It was intriguing, though, and had a good message. I liked it. ~

Ultimate Legacy (2015)

~ I watched the first two movies that go with this one, and this 3rd installment might be my favorite of them all. A touching and entertaining story. ~

Book Review: The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Purchase HERE

Title: The Sound of Rain

Author: Sarah Loudin Thomas

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the Dark of the Mine

In the Face of Rising Water

In the Shadows of the Hills

Faith Will See Them Through

Judd Markley knew he could never set foot underground again. The mine collapse that nearly killed him and claimed his brother's life meant leaving West Virginia forever. Although that hard Appalachian world was all he knew, he put it behind him and headed for the open sky of the thriving town of 1954 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Larkin Heyward's life in the beach town is uncomplicated, mostly volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more and being more - maybe moving to the hills and hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she's never even met someone who's lived there - until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father's timber company.

Drawn together in the wake of a hurricane that changes Myrtle Beach forever, Judd's and Larkin's dreams pull them in divergent directions. It will take a significant sacrifice to keep them together - or maybe, it will take a miracle.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

I wasn't sure I was going to like The Sound of Rain, as I'd not read by Sarah Loudin Thomas before. But I shouldn't have worried. I usually love books set in the 1950s, and this one was so fun and also meaningful and tender.

Judd Markley leaves behind the Appalachian Mountains after a mine cave-in and tries to make a life for himself on the beaches of South Carolina. There he meets Larkin Heyward, the daughter of his new boss. She's full of life and light, and has big dreams of ministering to the needy in his home mountains.
Judd and Larkin take a liking to each other ... but with past wounds, secrets, schemes, and differing plans, will their romance be torn apart?

The Sound of Rain was exciting. Fun. Sweet. I loved the 1950s feel, and felt the author did a good job with bringing that era to life. The beach town. Dancing at the Pavilion. Then there were parts of the book that took place in the Appalachian Mountains, another setting I love! There were mines caving in and hurricanes. Walks on the beach and gatherings of mountain folk to dance and visit. Volunteering at the pristine hospitals of Myrtle Beach, and helping the needy in the hills of Kentucky.

Judd was sweet. Larkin was bubbly. I laughed and I sighed. Some parts of the romance were just so completely adorable. *heart eyes*

A couple things I would mention ... the ending felt a little rushed. So much going on. I didn't really care for Peter's character - I felt he acted in a way that was wrong and didn't own up to it. Some of the characters went back and forth in a way that was a little confusing and made me feel I didn't really get to know them, at times.

But overall, it was a very delightful read, with some lovely romance, meaningful lessons, and adventure. I really enjoyed.

I received a copy of The Sound of Rain from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham

Purchase HERE

Title: The Simple Soul of Susan

Author: Noel Branham

Series: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary

Audience: Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been found. 

Every day Susan saw Calder Hurtz, her next door neighbor and childhood best friend. They always enjoyed the short drive to school down the dusty streets of their small Texas town. She was happy in those perfect moments, for her life at home was most imperfect. The challenging homestead she inhabited was also the favorite subject of local gossip.

But one autumn day she overhears Calder and another boy having a conversation. This occasion of accidental audience sets Susan’s life on an unforeseen path. In the seasons to come, her future will be changed by two hospitalizations, two confessions of love, and one betrayal. 

Compulsively readable, The Simple Soul of Susan is an engaging, soul-endearing romance and a mesmerizing debut.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

A very sweet, old-fashioned feeling story. The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham was an easy and fun read; the storytelling was charming and the characters catch your interest right away.

A small Texas town. A girl with an old-fashioned soul. A boy next door - her childhood friend who has secretly been the love of her heart for years. A hilarious group of ladies in the nursing home. A captivating little adventure.
I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the authenticity of it. It was written with such a sense of reality, you felt like you were there with Susan. Feeling her quiet, hidden hurts. Chuckling alongside her over the nursing home ladies' gambling tales. The Simple Soul of Susan may have leaned toward a narrative writing style but it was still very engaging, and there was a depth to the story.

Contemporary is generally a hit or miss for me. But maybe because of Susan's personality, I really enjoyed going with her through her last year of high school and beginning of her love life. It was both hard and sweet.

There were just a couple things I didn't like so much. Despite there being a faith theme, Calder had kind of a careless attitude toward it. I felt like Susan should have stepped back and guarded her heart, despite him being her childhood love, because he wasn't serious about his faith like she was.
Also, Calder could have chosen a better way to interact with and pursue girls.
But, it was real and raw and showed some of the hurts that come from not being honest, cautious, and intentional about romantic relationships. And I believe Calder did mature and grow up a bit throughout the book.

Overall, it was just an enjoyable read, with some surprises and endearing moments, that I enjoyed returning to.

I received a copy of The Simple Soul of Susan from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Cover Reveal for Coming Release by Nadine Brandes + Giveaway!

Hello, my dear reader friends! How's life? Is your day going well? Are you ready for it to get even better? *winks*

Today I have the privilege of helping reveal the epic cover of the next release from Nadine Brandes! In case you don't know who Nadine Brandes is, let me explain. She is the brilliant author who wrote the OUT OF TIME series—a young adult, dystopian trilogy filled with action, faith, a little romance, and cool futuristic stuff! *grins* If you haven't read A Time to Die, A Time to Speak, and A Time to Rise, I highly recommend that you pick them up and join Parvin Blackwater on an amazing, thrilling journey.

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Twitter & Instagram: @nadinebrandes

Goodreads

I loved this series and am so, so, so excited at the idea of reading something new by this author! *ahem* Are you ready to see the new cover?

Scroll down to see Nadine Brandes's newest book ... *smiles*

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Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the king of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King James.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.

Expected Publication: July 10th, 2018

Pre-Order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

So what do you all think?? Isn't it gorgeous? And doesn't it sound absolutely fascinating? Does the mix of historical and fantasy interest you? What do you think of the title? Comment below and let me know all your thoughts! I'd like to fangirl with you a little over Fawkes. *grins and winks*

Enter the GIVEAWAY:

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Book Review: Descriptions and Prescriptions by Michael R. Emlet

Purchase HERE

Title: Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications

Author: Michael R. Emlet

Series: Helping the Helper #1

Genre: Christian Living/Self-Help

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder ... these are not just diagnoses from the DSM; they are part of our everyday vocabulary and understanding of people. As Christians, how should we think about psychiatric diagnoses and their associated treatments? We can t afford to isolate ourselves and simply dismiss these categories as unbiblical. Nor can we afford to accept the entire secular psychiatric diagnostic and treatment enterprise at face value as though Scripture is irrelevant for these complex struggles. Instead, we need a balanced, biblically (and scientifically!) informed approach that is neither too warmly embracing nor too coldly dismissive of psychiatric labels and the psychiatric medications that are often prescribed.

Biblical counselor and retired physician, Michael R. Emlet, gives readers a helpful way forward on these important issues as he guides lay and professional helpers in the church through the thicket of mental health diagnoses and treatments in a clear, thoughtful primer in which the Bible informs our understanding of psychiatric diagnoses and the medications that are often recommended based on those labels.

This first book in the Helping the Helper series will give readers biblical, gospel-formed categories that will help them understand and minister to those who are struggling with mental health issues.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications by Michael R. Emlet wasn't exactly what I was expecting - especially not in the first quarter or so of the book. But it had good information to impart, and I feel like I've learned a lot. I received some things to ponder, and now have an overall more balanced view of medications and how to help those dealing with mental struggles.

For a long time, I've wanted to know more about the struggles of the mind. Helping people work through emotional/mental issues - counseling, on a small scale - has been something on my heart. On the other hand, I'm a deep thinker and I understand, to some extent, some of these mental struggles, having dealt with anxiety for many years.

So yes. This book was very interesting to me. At first, it was a little over my head, what with some of the history of psychiatric stuff and all these technical terms, in-depth diagnoses, and medications and what they do. But as I kept reading, Descriptions and Prescriptions really became engrossing to me. I started understanding things a little more. And then, toward the middle of the book, the author started talking more about the spiritual and emotional side ... and asked the question: How do we approach mental illnesses and struggles? Is medication always the answer? Where does faith factor into all this?

There were some real-life stories and situations that were very helpful in understanding people and seeing this author's points.

Overall, I felt Michael R. Emlet approached this subject with solid history and facts, wisdom, good information, grace, and some great thoughts. One thing I liked that he said, more than once, is: we are both body and spirit. To neglect one or the other when helping someone, or reaching out for help yourself, is a mistake.
I'm glad I read this book. I plan to keep it on my bookshelf for future reference, and recommend to those wanting to understand more about this subject.

I received a copy of Descriptions and Prescriptions from Litfuse Publicity Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Prodigy Prince by Natasha Sapienza

Purchase HERE

Title: Prodigy Prince

Author: Natasha Sapienza

Series: The Seven Covenent

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

At seventeen, all Prince Nuelle had ever known was safety and peace while living in the Supreme Palace of Zephoris. 

But one night, his older brother, Tane, defies their father by traveling to a cursed land. Now Nuelle holds the signet-ring and carries more responsibility than even Tane bore. Thrust from the palace and sent to a knight-building academy, Nuelle must discover his purpose for the entire kingdom’s sake. 

From his place of banishment, Prince Antikai has been exacting revenge through fear and rebellions. Nuelle has the potential to defeat him, but he needs the help of a powerful book and six gifted youths. 

Summoned by Antikai, shape-shifting beasts and other enemies hunt Nuelle and the Acumen. If either is destroyed, the faithful citizens in Zephoris will perish, and darkness will rule forever.

~ MY REVIEW ~

Prodigy Prince is book one in a young adult fantasy series, THE SEVEN COVENANT, by Natasha Sapienza. It starts off with drama and action, pulling me into the story at once.

We journey along with Prince Nuelle and his friends on a dangerous adventure. From knight training school to dark forests to neighboring kingdoms. This world is quite thrilling, with princesses and dragons and all manner of other fantastical creatures. We’ve villains and betrayals. Intrigue and battles. Lessons learned and friendships formed. Prodigy Prince is pretty exciting and action-packed from beginning to end.

The start of the book captures your attention, as I mentioned above. Through the middle, the plot seemed to lag a little, though there was plenty of action – many skirmishes and unexpected clashes with the enemies.
And there were lots of fantasy creatures and terms that had me a little confused for awhile.

But by the last 30 or 40% of Prodigy Prince, I think I was starting to get a better grasp on things, and was really enjoying the characters development … so I had quite a fun time finishing reading this book. *winks* It was intriguing, adventurous, and even humorous.

The biggest thing that kept me from fully enjoying this fantasy novel was the theology/faith theme. It kind of kept me confused and wondering what it was leading up to the entire length of the book. By the end of Prodigy Prince, I still wasn't sure what it all meant/symbolized. I ended up asking the author about it, and she explained her reasoning, which was helpful. I'm still not sure if I prefer/am comfortable with the kind of subtle/"not exact" allegory. But I can understand where she's coming from. I will leave it up to readers to decide what they think! It may just be something I'm not so much comfortable with.

Besides my personal complaints, Prodigy Prince was a very interesting read and I see a lot of potential in this author and her writing!

I received a copy of Prodigy Prince from the author in exchange for my honest review.