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!!