Birthday Blessings!

Hello, friends and readers! I hope this day finds you well.

I turned twenty-two a few days ago! Yay! It's fun to have a birthday celebration to brighten up the winter.

I was so blessed to be able to celebrate with my mom, sisters, aunts, and friends. All special ladies! *hugs them* We got ready, packed lunches, met up, and spent the day in the city.

I wore my "new" shirt! Simple, black, and comfortable. I bought it from Goodwill for around $2. And I found a purple, sparkly choker from Walmart for $1. Fun, fun! ^_^

What better way to spend my birthday than roaming around a giant bookstore?? I could hardly tear myself away from this store. *laughs*

A big stack of books, and I'm only $1.70 poorer for it! Look at these lovelies!! I found lots of Christian Living, Christian fiction, some children's & classics, and a couple movies.

So exciting to find Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery, which is the last ANNE OF GREEN GABLES book that I need to read, and will complete my collection!

And I was thrilled to get Recovering Redemption by Matt Chandler, which I had been looking for!

Super excited to read The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen, An Ocean Away by Lisa Harris, and To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain by Matt Chandler.

This bookstore is one that you can trade books in. So I brought about one and half bags of books to trade in, and got $40 store credit! Thus, the reason I didn't spend much from my wallet.

**

After spending a good deal of time in this amazing store, we did a little grocery shopping.

And then we went out for pizza! This was not planned, but I looked up restaurants and found a place with gluten-free, dairy-free pizza. The place was cozy and fun, and the food absolutely delicious!

It was such a wonderful day. Praise the Lord! So glad I have family and my Bible study ladies to hang out with!

Here are some darling gifts I got from sweet family and friends. Stocking up on the chocolate, yes, indeed! *grins*

Such a good day. And I'm looking forward with hope and expectation to what God, my Joy, is going to do in my 22nd year of life!

Ilyon Chronicles & Blades of Acktar BLOG TOUR!

Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, Bitter Winter, and companion novella Lacy have been released! Bitter Winter is the fifth book in the Christian fantasy series, Ilyon Chronicles. Tricia Mingerink's newest novel Decree is also releasing! Decree is the fifth book in the Christian fantasy/kingdom adventure series The Blades of Acktar. Read about these books below and be sure to check out the other blog stops on the tour by visiting the official tour page. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

The Ilyon Chronicles

About Bitter Winter Already struggling with a harsh winter and the threat of food shortage, a catastrophic event leaves those in the Landale camps reeling. Just when things couldn’t get much worse, camp members fall ill with the same devastating sickness that’s sweeping across the country. Determined to gain the cure, Jace sets off to Valcré. However, there are only two sources—the queen, or a powerful gang of smugglers who have made the dangerous city their home. When Jace gains audience with the gang leader, he finds the price of the cure is steeper than any of them imagined, forcing him to make an impossible choice—betray his conscience or let those he loves die.

Available now on Amazon!

About Lacy The last thing Aaron ever envisioned was falling for a prostitute. Everything about it spells trouble. However, he can’t help noticing the way her smile lights up when she sees him and how much brokenness she hides behind it. Neither can he ignore how desperately she needs rescue and protection. When Lacy shares a life or death secret with him, Aaron is willing to risk everything to help her and to show her Elôm’s love. Yet, such a choice could destroy his reputation and maybe even cost him his freedom. An Ilyon Chronicles Novella

Available now on Amazon!

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website! 

About the Author Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.

The Blades of Acktar

About Decree The Adventure Continues. Discover more of The Blades of Acktar in this collection of novellas and short stories. The Blades as They Should’ve Been A test and the Gathering of Nobles will decide Leith and Martyn’s futures. Can they fight to become more than the Blades they were? Will Keevan accept the man who attempted to kill him as family? The First Mission When Martyn visits Surgis, his past seems determined to haunt him. Can he figure out how to forgive, especially when confronted with an enemy in need of his help? To the Far Great Mountains A death sends Leith and Martyn far beyond the borders of Acktar. Will they be able to arrest their quarry before they are caught themselves? From the story of how Leith and Martyn met to Ranson’s search for a life outside of the Blades, these stories will answer plaguing questions and expand the world of Acktar.

Available now on Amazon!

Haven’t discovered the The Blades of Acktar yet? Find out more at on the official Blades of Acktar page.

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 pursuing backwoods adventures across the country. You can connect with Tricia on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Giveaway!

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a full signed set of the Ilyon Chronicles and The Blades of Acktar! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.) Click on this link to enter. Be sure to stop by each of the character chats (links in the blog tour schedule) for additional giveaways throughout the tour!

Halfway Through December!

Hello, folks! How is your December going? Mine has had a lot of lovely in it ... I really feel I've seen people way more this month than I usually do. *grins* So yay!

Going to do another post of pictures and snippets from my life. So here we go!

Saturday, 17th of November: I made a batch of hot-process charcoal soap, because I had some orders for it.

Sunday, 18th of November: Family Bible study! My sister and I drove together. I ended up feeling a bit sick. I don't know if it was because I hadn't had enough protein, or I was getting a migraine. Anyway, I took some Advil and did get to enjoy the evening!

Starting to get ready for Thanksgiving Day! My mom made homemade stuffing ...

And sweet potatoes, turkey and gravy, and pies, and such! I made a gf apple pie, gf rolls, and a Paleo dessert. Unfortunately, the Paleo dessert was a bit of a flop. *sad face* It wasn't a complete disaster ... just didn't taste as good as I had hoped. I'm actually thinking it might have still had too much sugar with the honey and coconut sugar combination! Or maybe because we did lemon instead of lime.

Later, my sister and I ran to town to pick up a few ingredients we were missing.

Thursday, 22nd of November: My outfit for the day! If you want to see better pictures of it, follow the new fashion Instagram account my sister and I started!

Happy Thanksgiving! I had such a sweet and lovely day with family and friends. Good food, lots of laughter. Just a pleasant, joyful and relaxing time.

The next day, all of us ladies went out for lunch, and then did a tiny bit of shopping. It was very nice. I enjoy hanging out with my mom, sister, aunts, and grandma!

Wednesday, 28th of November: Ladies' Bible study!

Book mail!!!! Who loves getting books in the mail? ^_^ I got Buttermilk Sky by Jan Watson for free from Reader's Rewards. Go sign up if you want free books! I love the cover and title of this book. And I love the story inside! Such a great series ... and I've almost collected them all now!

Thursday, 29th of November: My sister and I made a hot-process batch of peppermint pumice soap (this is our most popular kind thus far). And a cold-process batch of orange peppermint.

Then we spent time labeling soaps ...

And making lip balm! Clove-orange, hot chocolate, and peppermint shimmer!

And also body butter and salt scrubs. I didn't do much with these two besides whipping up the body butter, which took a good while!

Ready to sell some things! We really enjoyed having a table at a bazaar ... Talking to people, selling soap, and seeing what everyone else was selling!

Sunday, 2nd of December: We started an Advent family devotional! This is the first time my family has participated in Advent. I found a study on YouVersion called Advent: Christ is Coming!

We read Scripture, discuss, pray, and sing! And eat snacks! One night we had a veggie tray and ranch dip. Christmas cookies. Sparkling water with fruit in it. Hot apple cider. Fruit bowl. Etc.

It has been a blessing.

Tuesday, 4th of December: I made a hot-process batch of lavender soap! A couple people had requested this one as well. It smells amazing. I love lavender.

Met with some of my Bible study ladies at Starbucks! ^_^ It was so fun chatting and getting to know them a little better. 

Set up a Christmas tree one of these days! I love Christmas traditions ... and pray that my light for Christ will shine like these sparkling lights and draw people to the beauty that is our Lord!

I made yummy mashed sweet potatoes to go with supper one night. Who else enjoys cooking? ^_^

I watched Holiday Inn with almost all six of my younger siblings, and quite enjoyed it! *grins* It was a bit silly, but ultimately quite sweet. And I loved all the dancing! Such fun. It's definitely a movie I would watch again - especially with my siblings.

Sunday, 9th of December: Out to eat with Sunday school group. Family Bible study later. Great conversations with my ladies. Great food. Just such good fellowship with these families. I'm so grateful that God brought us all into this group.

And ... I've been shopping a lot. Searching for fun, unique things to make up a family Christmas gift. Also, finding deals on clothes & books at Goodwill. *grins* I bought two nice shirts and three books (one for someone else) for about $7. And grocery shopping.

I brought my siblings to a meeting of a group they're part of. Went to my ladies' Bible study. Went to a cookie exchange. Lots of fun Christmas cookies! (Nearly all that I couldn't eat, but they were still lovely to look at!)

Sold some more soap. Got orders online. Packed up boxes of soap to ship out. Figured out how much money my sister, my mom, and myself each made. More organizing, and calculating, delivering orders, and such ...

Also, sang with some families at nursing homes. I really enjoy singing Christmas songs, and then chatting a little with these dear folk.

I love Christmas season! Can't believe December is almost halfway over! Looking forward to doing some lovely things on my birthday. *smiles* And looking forward to celebrating with family on Christmas Day.

Hallelujah! Christ is King forever! <3

HOW HAS YOUR LIFE BEEN?

Book Review: As the Lily Grows by Susan E. Kirby

Purchase HERE

Title: As the Lily Grows

Author: Susan Kirby

Series: Prairie Rose #2

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Having put the general store in trust for Frankie, her uncle's illegitimate son, Libby Watson pursues her long held dream by writing for the local newspaper. When Frankie wins a trip to the St. Louis World's Fair, Libby must chaperone the boy accompanied by neighbor Ike Galloway. During the trip, Libby discovers Ike to be a man of quiet strength and faith, and their friendship blossoms into an ardent love.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

I loved it! ❤ At last I got to continue this series and watch Libby's story unfold! And it was so worth it. As the Lily Grows is book two in the PRAIRIE ROSE series by Susan E. Kirby, and is set in the late 1800s/early 1900s. It follows Elizabeth Watson as she has moved to a new town and works at a post office. Her father and brother join her. And she continues to deepen relationships with the townspeople, grow in her faith, and figure out romance! Speaking of romance, I was delighted to realize a certain young man is a POV character, along with Libby, in this book!

Some things I loved about this book were Libby's loving father and his godly wisdom and advice; Libby's friendship with a certain young man *winks*; delving deeper into the backstories of some characters, and seeing new angles and figuring out secrets; truth being displayed in a gentle, raw, admonishing way; the fair(!); and just meeting and growing to love so many endearing characters!
There were so many lovely things about As the Lily Grows and it definitely kept me turning pages. I felt a little lost within the pages of these by-gone days!

It is definitely an exciting, adventurous, old-fashioned tale that will tug at your heartstrings. If you enjoy Christy, the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series, or any of Janette Oke's books, you'll probably love this series by Susan E. Kirby. Do check it out!

Book Review: Prairie Rose by Susan Kirby

Purchase HERE 

Title: Prairie Rose

Author: Susan Kirby

Series: Prairie Rose #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

The first novel in a richly rewarding three-book series about a young woman's journey to find her place in a small town at the turn-of-the-century. Seventeen-year-old Libby Watson is thrilled at the news that she has inherited a small town general store. In Edgewood, Illinois, Libby becomes the town's post-mistress. Quickly swept into the lives of the locals, she soon finds herself with two suitors.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Prairie Rose is a sweet, adventurous, and meaningful tale akin to the classics! It made me think of Christy and perhaps the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series. My second time reading it, I quite enjoyed. Though a little slow at times - or wrapped up in politics or legal matters that I couldn't really bring myself to care about - I still count it a worthy read and love some of these characters even more after an additional read! Elizabeth, Libby, is a lovely character. Kindhearted and ambitious, yet temper-headed and flawed. She's real and I like that. I look forward to watching her grow and blossom as her journey continues in the next couple books of the PRAIRIE ROSE series!

And, I must admit, I'm very invested in the thought of which young man she will choose. I know who I like best! *laughs* Even if I was bored at times, Prairie Rose sucked me into this historical setting and into the lives of these unique characters. And I'm happy to report that I'm reading and loving book two, As the Lily Grows!

Unique Blogger Award

Hello, readers! Today I want to do a tag! I found this tag quite awhile ago on Faye's blog, Create.in.me ... which you should definitely check out! Anyway, I wasn't tagged, but I decided to do it anyway. I hope that's okay! ^_^

The Rules

Answer all the questions asked by the blogger who nominated you
Share the link of the blogger who nominated you
Nominate 8 to 13 bloggers for the same award
Ask 3 questions

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1. Who is your favorite author? How have they influences your own writing?

One of my favorite authors is Tessa Afshar, namely for her three most recent novels (Land of Silence, Bread of Angels, and Thief of Corinth). I suppose she inspires me with her captivating, easy-to-read writing style, the emotion she evokes, and the way she brings out such beautiful and raw faith themes within her novels.

Jill Williamson would be another writer who inspires me. The way she makes me feel I'm right there with her POV character is impressive. I try to remember the aspects of her creative style while doing my own writing.

2. What are three of your favorite worship songs?

These might not be my three all-time favorites, but they are ones I love!

Big Enough - Clark Family

Till I Found You - Phil Wickham

You First - Riley Clemmons

3. Who are three of your favorite bloggers and why? Link their blogs below.

Here are three blogs that I really enjoy. Some I've been following since they started ... some are new ones that I love!

Simple Things: Life Through the Lens of an Introverted Artist

Roses Are Red: Health / Beauty / Fashion

Scattered Journal Pages

***

I Tag ...

Victoria @ Victoria's Book Nook

LaKaysha @ Calico and Lace

Deborah @ The Road of a Writer

Emily @ Living Through Jesus

Daminika @ Walking in the Sonshine, Dancing in the Rain

Jacky K. @ Where the Eagles Fly

Felicity @ A Grand Adventure

Faith @ A Writer's Faith

The Questions to Answer:

1. What are you passionate about? Tell us all about it!

2. What is one of the best books, novel or nonfiction, that you've read in your lifetime? What is it you love about it?

3. What is your favorite holiday? Why?