Favorite Screen Characters Tag

     So I was tagged by Deborah O'Carroll for the Favorite Screen Characters Tag! Wahoo!! So exciting! :D Well, let's get on with it, shall we?

     I didn't take a whole lot of time to think back over all the movies I've watched (ha) ... so I'm not sure these are my absolute favorites; but they're definitely ones I enjoy!! :)

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Jack Thornton ~ When Calls the Heart: Seasons 1 & 2 (2014-)

     Jack has a great sense of humor, and is really a sweet, gentlemanly, strong guy. He and Elizabeth are so meant for each other (don't know why they can't see that yet!!!) *Ahem* Anyway, Jack-and-Elizabeth-scenes make the series. Brave and teasing mountie! Open your eyes, Elizabeth! ;D

~ "Elizabeth, please consider this an act of courtship." ~

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Peeta Mellark ~ The Hunger Games (2012) & Catching Fire (2013)

     I like his heart. So compassionate, loyal, and strong. Peeta loves Katniss despite her hard exterior and brokenness inside. He would give up his life to protect her ... He cares about what is truly important. Ah Peeta!! *sniff*

~ Peeta Quote ~

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Missy Davis ~ Love Enduring Promise (2004)

     I just really like Missy. She's such the picture of an innocent young woman having her first experiences with courtship, and finding true love. A strong, feminine, and sweet character who grows in wisdom and grace! (Love this movie!!! *grins*)

~ Scene from Love's Enduring Promise ~

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Willie LaHaye ~ Love's Enduring Promise (2004) & Love's Long Journey (2005)

     Can't forget Willie LaHaye!! Now he's the picture of the perfect, mysterious, gentlemanly, dashing hero from a western romance, ;D Hehe. But really, his story with Missy is so sweet, and I just loved watching how their lives went in the continuing movies. Well ... for the first two movies concerning the LaHayes anyway. The Love Comes Softly movies do NOT follow the books, and I'm still quite miffed about that! Because if you've watched the movies, you know some terrible things happened to poor Willie, that did NOT happen in the books!! In any case, Willie is great, :)

~ Willie and Missy on their ranch ~

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Bilbo Baggins ~ The Hobbit 1 (2012), 2 (2013), & 3 (2014)

     Well, he's quite hilarious ... and endearing ... and courageous ... and persevering ... and just a wonderful hobbit. ^_^ Loved watching his journey. Loved journeying with him! Seeing him grow, and yet somehow stay the same hobbit inside. *Sigh* Dear Bilbo, :)

~ "I don't want any adventures, thank you." ~

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Anne Shirley ~ Anne of Green Gables (1985), Anne of Avonlea (1987), & Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000)

     Anne is just so funny and spirited and full of hilarious escapades! :D I loved watching her life unfold (though it took her and Gilbert kind of long to finally get married!!) Such a sweet, classic story. Don't think I will soon tire of this series and our fiery, redheaded, endearing orphan!

~ Hehe ~

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Caspian X ~ Prince Caspian (2008) & The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

     Courageous. Humble. Strong. Good. Caspian is a leader. Narnia is awesome, and Caspian is just such a great prince/king! I don't know, but it was simply marvelous to watch him fight alongside the Pevensie siblings for Narnia and Aslan!! :) And then when he's a king and has his own ship ... Great adventures! Caspian is fun to follow! A dashing hero for sure, ;D

~ Kings and queen of Narnia ~

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Finnick Odair ~ Catching Fire (2013) & Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014)

     Finnick is hilarious ... charming ... ridiculous ... and hiding a broken yet noble, caring, and brave self inside. Loved watching him in both the 2nd and 3rd Hunger Games movies. Grand character!! Can't wait to see more of him ... though, do I hear right that bad things are in store?? :[

~ Scene from Mockingjay: Part 2 trailer ~

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Elizabeth Thatcher ~ When Calls the Heart: Season 1 & 2 (2014-)

     Yes ... she does annoy me sometimes when she allows Charles's (infuriating) attentions or gets all miffed over trivial things; but overall, I really like the character of Elizabeth Thatcher. School teacher in rugged town in the start of the 1900s, yes please! I love these type of historical films! There's just something so intriguing and heartwarming about the rich girl with a heart for children going out into the west. ... And meeting a handsome mountie ...  *Ahem* Anyway, Elizabeth is a nice young woman. Though she struggles with understanding who she is and who she loves sometimes, she is more sensible than her younger sister at least, ;) Hehe. Such fun! I really, really want to see a beautiful "ending" for this sweet woman and her dear Jack in Hope Valley!! <3

~ Elizabeth with younger sister, Julia ~

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Edmund Pevensie ~ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008) & The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

     Edmund's transformation is amazing to watch! After going down the wrong path, and then being restored by Aslan, Edmund comes back to the good side with scars, but lots of courage, determination, and genuine care for his siblings. He's a great character. Love his interactions with Lucy! His selfless bravery when standing up against the white witch! What a truly changed guy! Narnian warrior!! ^__^

"Don't suppose you have any matches, do you?"

"No, but ... would this help?"

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     So that's that!! Hope it was semi-enjoyable! :D As for bloggers that I tag ...

Natasha

Katie Grace

Jaye L. Knight

Amber Stokes

Skye Hoffert

Amanda

Hannah Williams

Christine

Angie Brashear

Schuyler

     Now, if you nominees find the time, do write a post about your ten favorite screen characters, and then nominate ten more bloggers! Be sure to comment below with the link to your post if you end up doing it! ^__^

     For those of you not nominated, comment and tell me which of my ten favorite you enjoy! ... Or maybe you don't enjoy any ... Oh well. Hehe, ;p

(All Pictures Found on Pinterest)

Book Review: Untangled: Let God Loosen the Knots of Insecurity in Your Life by Carey Scott

Purchase HERE

Title: Untangled: Let God Loosen the Knots of Insecurity in Your Life

Author: Carey Scott

Genre: Christian Living/Self Help

Audience: Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

Untangled: Let God Loosen the Knots of Insecurity in Your Life by Carey Scott is a book exploring the big, and small, things that tangle our hearts up into knots of insecurity ... and what we can do about it. It shows reasons why some people are so insecure or ashamed about this or that. It makes you realize that some issues you thought were “normal” are actually very damaging—and that you can get rid of them!

Like every other self-help sort of book I’ve read, I didn’t absolutely agree with everything or connect with every bit of the explanations and wordings ... Some things were kind of confusing, or I didn't understand how they related. Some parts felt kind of long to me. But why Untangled is a 4.5 star read for me, is because it truly touched me. Reading this book was one of God’s ways, I believe, of untangling some of my own knots of insecurity. Recognizing them, first off. And recognizing them as lies and deception. Which is a huge relief and freeing sensation! Thank you, Carey, for stepping out, even in your fear and vulnerability, and writing this book! For the record, you appear to be a beautiful woman, inside and out(!), whose heart is seeking after the Lord! *smiles*

Because yes, we do get tangled up into huge, frustrating, painful knots. I see that more now than ever. And it’s freeing. Like, “Wow, my amazing King! I was not meant to live with these hurts, and insecurities, and this shame! I am Yours, and therefore, I can stand with my head held high.” I am a daughter of the Creator. I am a princess! How spectacular! How beautiful to see your own worth through Jesus Christ. Now I just want to share this book’s message with all my sisters (and brothers—though they would want to find a book directed toward men, probably) ... saying, “You are beautiful and valued! The God of the Universe says so! Why would you listen to anybody else’s words over His??”

So yeah. If you’re struggling with the weight of trying to live up to other’s expectations; with the distorted view that you have to look or be a certain way in order to be valued; with the dark lie that you aren’t, and will never be, worth anything ... Then maybe you need to pick up this book and ask God to speak through it to you. It’s silly, some of the things we get insecure over. But those things are very well Satan’s attacks against us. We need to fight darkness, and look up into God’s face and say, “I’m Yours! Help me live for You! ... And stop muddling aimlessly through these pointless and damaging insecurities!” Be honest. Does your heart sometimes feel like that heart of the cover of this book? Mine sure does! Maybe you should read Untangled. It might reveal some things you never realized before.

Like I said above, it did for me! And now I just need to pray every day for God to plant the truth of my value deep in my heart; and also for Him to help me reach out to others to help show them their value! We, as children of the King, are all worth much! How awesome and invigorating! Stop stooping in shame and insecurity. Stand up with confidence and run the race the Lord has set out before you! What we need, is to stop looking at ourselves (because when we do, one, we just keep getting caught up in how we're "not enough" by the world's standards), and fix our eyes upon Jesus! <3

I feel that, overall, Untangled: Let God Loosen the Knots of Insecurity in Your Life, shows some profound Biblical truths. And it has potential to help people!

I received a copy of Untangled by Carey Scott from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Love's Rescue by Christine Johnson

Purchase HERE

Title: Love's Rescue

Author: Christine Johnson

Series: Keys of Promise #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

I’m always a little nervous to read a book by an author I’ve never read by before, but I could have saved my fretting when it came to Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson. This book was perfectly lovely! ^_^

...And yet deep. Poignant. Heart-wrenching, but soul-touching. It was such a beautiful tale with not only a meaningful and “true love” sort of romance, but also a noticeable theme of faith. All my fears were for naught! *grins* I have another wonderful book to add to my bookshelf, and am able to write a positive review for an author!

There's a lot going on in Love’s Rescue. A young woman is battling with guilt, a forbidden romance, and her father over an impending marriage she doesn’t want. A godly and brave captain has waited for his love for four years, but is suddenly thrust into circumstances that can only pull them further apart. A slave woman needs to be spirited away in the night in order to be reunited with her husband. Things are stolen. Innocents are accused. Dirty secrets found out. Bitterness and anger escalate. Yet guilt molders continually.

The mystery and suspense/danger of this story had me always guessing or on edge. -While the romance tugged at my heart and made me wonder and hurt with Elizabeth. Some characters endeared themselves to me. Others I could hardly stand. I had to do some forgiving right along with Elizabeth...

Rourke was a great guy! His respect for women and his open protecting of their heart and purity...I was extremely impressed. You godly man of wonderful character! No wonder Elizabeth fell for you! *beams* He still struggled, yet leaned on God’s strength to do the right thing.

Annabelle, dear Annabelle! I quite loved her, even though she didn’t have a huge amount of “screen time” in the story.

I don’t really know how to explain why I loved this book. It was another one of those historical romance, high seas, exotic islands, forbidden love kind of tales. And yet it had a moving faith theme. Real love. Sacrifice. Forgiveness. I suppose I just felt it was deeper than a lot of the Christian romance norm. It tugged my heart strings, I tell you! I’m truly touched. ^_^ The mystery/suspense of it also made it particularly intriguing.

But yes. It was simply a beautiful, and even unique, tale. I loved it! So excited to read more from Christine Johnson!

I received a copy of Love's Rescue by Christine Johnson from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Blog Tour: Dare by Tricia Mingerink

     I'm very excited to be part of the blog tour for Dare by Tricia Mingerink today!! :) Haven't gotten to reading the book yet, but I'm so looking forward to it!! Fantasy!! Yay!! :D

About the Book

Courage could cost him everything.

Third Blade Leith Torren never questions his orders or his loyalty to King Respen until an arrow wound and a prairie blizzard drive him to the doorstep of the girls whose family he once destroyed.

Their forbidden faith and ties to the Resistance could devastate their family a second time.

Survival depends on obedience, but freedom beckons. How far does he dare go to resist the king and his Blades?

No matter what Leith chooses, one thing is certain.

Someone will die.

About the Author

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursing backwoods adventures across the country.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and her blog.

Interview with Author Tricia Mingerink

Me: Hi Tricia!! So lovely to have you on my blog! :) My first question is . . . What is one reason you love to read/write fantasy (seeing as your debut novel, Dare, is a fantasy)?

Tricia: I’ve loved fantasy ever since I was little and read The Chronicles of Narnia the first time. I love fantasy’s ability to go anywhere and do anything. I’m not bound by reality.

Me: Perfectly said!! Favorite book? (Or favorite few books *grins*)?

Tricia: Do I have to choose? I love way too many! I guess The Chronicles of Narnia is my all time favorite series. I’m always fascinated with C.S. Lewis’ ability to show Christian truths while not being preachy while also creating stories so vivid they are still fascinating readers years later. 

Me: Love Narnia!! Was there ever a big moment or turning point in your journey as a writer? If so, do elaborate! :)

Tricia: One of the biggest “moments” for me was my 7^th through 9^th grade English classes. I had a great teacher who taught the class how to write not just papers but also stories, and he was one of the first ones outside of my family who encouraged my writing.

Me: Is there a Christian speaker (like on youtube or whatnot) who especially inspires and encourages you?

Tricia: A few months before I started writing Dare my brother bought me tickets to a Chris Tomlin concert for my birthday present. I didn’t really know who Chris Tomlin was until going to the concert, but I really enjoyed the concert and loved his music. Partway through the concert, Louis Giglio gave a speech that really hit me. Between the speech and the music, it was a pretty memorable night. Right now, I’m listening to Chris Tomlin’s Burning Lights CD in my car, which has all the songs he sang at the concert I heard. The song “Whom Shall I Fear” really fits with the themes in Dare.

Me: That sounds awesome!! I love listening to Louis Giglio, and also enjoy Chris Tomlin's music! What’s one thing you’d like your readers to come away from your books with?

Tricia: The characters in my books are very weak and very afraid, yet they still find courage. I’d like readers to know that you don’t have to be a butt-kicking heroine like Katniss Everdeen or a sword-swinging warrior like Percy Jackson to have courage. You can be weak. You can be afraid. But that doesn’t mean you can’t also find courage and strength if you look in the right place.

Me: So true! Ah!! Now I really can't wait to read Dare!! Thanks for being here!! I’m so looking forward to reading your book when I get the chance! :D

Giveaway!

Enter to win a Grand Prize giveaway to celebrate the release of Dare! Prize includes an autographed paperback of Dare, a necklace like the one Renna has in the book with a sterling silver cross pendant, a medieval dagger (not sharp) like the one Leith carries, and Dare-themed bookmarks! (Due to the difficulties in shipping weapons across international borders, this giveaway is open to US residents only). The winner of the giveaway will be announce at the end of the Facebook party on June 10.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Here is a link to the Facebook Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/868240409913703/

Schedule

June 2

• Tricia Mingerink - Announce Release and Blog Tour
• Jaye L. Knight - Author Interview
• Kim Moss - Author Interview

June 3

• Jansina on River Shore Books - Author Interview
• Nadine Brandes - Author Interview

June 4

• Shantelle Hannu on A Writer’s Heart - Author Interview
• Jaye L. Knight - Character Spotlight (Leith Torren)
• Kim Moss - Character Spotlight (Renna Faythe)

June 5

• Alicia Ruggieri on A Brighter Destiny - Author Interview
• Faith Blum on Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections - Character Spotlight (Shadrach Alistair)
• Nadine Brandes - Character Spotlight (Brandi Faythe)
• Tricia Mingerink - Q&A with characters

June 8

• Kathrese McKee - Author Interview
• Gillian Bronte Adams - Character Spotlight (Blizzard)
• Tricia Mingerink - Q&A with characters

June 9

• Jansina on Thilly Little Nothings - Character Spotlight (Harrison Vane)
• Claire Banschbach on Thoughts and Rants - Author Interview

June 10 

• Angie Brashear - Author Interview
• Tricia Mingerink - Blog Tour Wrap Up
• Facebook Party

Book Review: Draven's Light by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Purchase HERE

Title: Draven's Light

Author: Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Series: Tales of Goldstone Wood #7.5

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Young Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~ 

**5 stars**

Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s stories are always so incredible! Draven’s Light was no different. Amazing. Tender. Intriguing. True love. Simply grand. I just heart it! ^_^

We meet a little girl who brings water to two brothers (they’re rather famous in my eyes, if you’ve read all the other TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD books!) as they’re building the House of Lights. The Kind One begins to tell the little girl a story. A story a cowardice. A story of bravery. A story of terror. A story of redemption.

I was enthralled almost from page one. Something about the lovely, mysterious way Anne Elisabeth writes ... it just pulls you in! Draven’s Light has to be one of the best novellas I have ever read. Let’s just say it’s the best. I’m longing for Poison Crown: The Smallman’s Heir!! And then of course, Poison Crown: The House of Lights right after that! *winks and grins*

Anyway, this was a heart-rending story. And it had a dash of spookiness—but I felt that was very tasteful and never went too far. There were tears, and gasps, and shivers, and sighs. The characters—awesome. Loved it!!

If you haven’t read any of the TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD books, they are an amazing, Christian allegory, fantasy series. As I’ve been talking a lot about magic lately, I’ll touch on that in this review. Anne Elisabeth very much creates a unique fantasy world. I don’t feel there’s really much “magic”, but there is a fae world as well as a mortal world. From what I'm remembering, there may be an instance or two in the series where some happening seems a little bit like sorcery, but its always the dark work of the bad guys exclusively. Evil creatures from the fairy realm that slip into the mortal world and create havoc among misunderstanding mortals. A higher Being (God) known as the King of Farthest Shore, and His son, the Prince of Farthest Shore (Jesus). The creepy Dragon who represents Satan. Lessons and things symbolic to the Christian faith abound in this series, as well as adventure, action, fairytale-ness, and a touch of romance! *smiles* I find them to be poignant and profound stories.

So yes! Give the TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD a try! (I would recommend reading them in the order published). The superb Draven’s Light is waiting for you to open it! *grins*

I received a copy of Draven's Light from the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Cover Reveal: Five Magic Spindles (Fairytale Writing Contest)

     I am so, so excited today to help announce the next fairytale retelling writing contest that author Anne Elisabeth Stengl is hosting!! EEP!! Take a look at the gorgeous cover!!! <3

Rooglewood Press is delighted to introduce their third fairy tale novella contest—

Five Magic Spindles

a collection of “Sleeping Beauty” stories

The challenge is to write a retelling of the beloved fairy tale in any genre or setting you like. Make certain your story is recognizably “Sleeping Beauty,” but have fun with it as well. Make it yours!

Rooglewood Press will be selecting five winners to be published in the Five Magic Spindles collection, which will be packaged up with the phenomenal cover you see here. Maybe your name will be one of the five listed?

All the contest rules and information (how to enter, story details, deadline etc.) may be found on the Rooglewood Press website. Just click HERE and you will go right to the page.

Rooglewood Press’s first collection,Five Glass Slippers is available for purchase, and our second collection, FiveEnchanted Roses is scheduled to launch on July 27, and is currently available for pre-order. Be certain to get a copy of each and see what previous winners did with their wonderful retellings.

Cover Illustrator:

This cover illustration was rendered by Julia Popova, “ForestGirl.” You can find out more about this gifted artist on her website: www.forestgirl.ru

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     Did you hear that, guys?? Five Magic Spindles... retellings of Sleeping Beauty!! Eek!! So super excited!! :D My mind is spinning with ideas of what kind of interesting retelling I could come up with, ^__^

     If you are a writer, do join this contest!! It's always such fun . . . and in the end, even if you don't win, you're still helping fellow writers get their stories out there! :) It's a great experience all in all . . . and who knows, your story might get picked!

     Oh my, I just feel so fluttery happy right now, ;D Fairytales are the best! Even if I don't end up participating, I so can't wait to read five more Sleeping Beauty retellings come Summer 2016!

     Also, if you want to share about this exciting contest, do share this blog button and link on your own blog! :)

http://www.rooglewoodpress.com/#!writing-contest/c22i6

     Tell your family, friends, and fellow writers!! This is news not to be missed!! ;D :)

     Sleeping Beauty! *Squeals*