1. I finished writing Book #3 of my WWI trilogy last week! It was a bitter-sweet moment. Sweet because I did it - this is the sixth book I've written overall. Bitter because I've spent the last year and a half getting to know these characters and writing their stories. And now all three books are written. But there'll be plenty of opportunities to visit them again as I work on edits and then get to share this trilogy with you! The first book is slated to release in March 2014.
2. It's a fall tradition for our family to can peaches in September, which we did again this year. Look at all those lovely bottles. They'll be perfect for cold weather.
3. The bookshelves my husband built for our family room have been installed and we'll start painting them today. I can't wait to get our books on there and hang the fabric banner I bought in England that spells out "read on."
4. Another family tradition in the fall is going to the state fair. This year, there was a super cool exhibit with these giant bubble makers. We need one of these at home!
5. I'm taking a short break from historical romance writing and working on a funny, contemporary romance I started a couple of years ago. I've also been solidifying a couple ideas for my next inspirational historical. I can't Not write. :)
What are some reasons you have to smile lately? What fall traditions do you keep?
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
One of the coolest castles we saw in England this spring was Brougham (pronounced "broom") Castle in Cumbria. Not only does it have well-preserved ruins and stairs leading all the way to the third floor, but I love the story behind this castle.
Unlike other females at the time, Lady Anne Clifford was supposed to inherit her father's properties, including Brougham Castle, upon his death. However, they went to an uncle instead. So Lady Anne spent years getting back the Clifford properties and restoring them. She actually died in Brougham Castle in 1676, in the same room her father was born in.
This castle is going to be featured in a couple of scenes in Book #3 of my WWI trilogy - and may involve an aeroplane ride and a kiss or two. ;)
Last week we returned from a three-week trip in England. Yep, my husband and kids accompanied me on my research jaunt across the Pond. While it was a little crazy at times, with three kids in tow, it was so worth going as a family and seeing all that we did, together.
We stayed in the northwest part of England, in the Lake District, so I could soak up the sights and culture for my book. But we drove all over - logging almost 2700 miles in our car!
One day we went searching for a narrow valley surrounded by mountains, to fit the setting in my head. We would pull over frequently to take pictures of the countryside. One such time, we pulled over, but unfortunately, some trees blocked our view of the valley. So my husband climbed out and headed into the muddy, poopy sheep pasture next to us to get a better shot.
As we waited in the car for him, I had an epiphany. He'd been willing to sacrifice convenience and his shoes because he loves me and wanted me to have a good picture for my research. To me, that's true romance!
1. It's been a couple weeks since we were here, but it was very smile-worthy! For spring break, we headed to southern Utah to one of my husband's and my favorite places - Zion National Park. While there, we visited the ghost town of Grafton.
I loved visiting ghost towns as a kid and want my kids to have similar experiences. This one has become quite popular now that most of the buildings have been redone. Before we were married, my hubby helped me do a documentary about Grafton for my film class, so the place holds good memories, too.
2. I've been re-reading some books I haven't read in years and loving them all over again - The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.
3. Our tulips are in full bloom and the weather looks like it may FINALLY be ready to stay in the nice spring temperatures.
4. I've written over 70 pages in Book #3 of my WWI trilogy and been enjoying my time with the main characters, Colin and Nora.
5. Notes of love left for me by one of my kids sure makes me smile, too!
What's made you smile today, this week? Does it feel like Spring yet where you live? Have you ever visited a ghost town?
What It's About:
Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.
Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.
My Thoughts:
I've heard a lot of great things about Jody Hedlund's books and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed with this one. This is the first of her books I've read. I very much enjoyed Hedlund's writing style, which is beautiful and vivid. I love "marriage of convenience" stories, and this one was very enjoyable. Great chemistry between Priscilla and Eli, and I appreciated how the story didn't overly-romanticize their arduous journey West but captured the difficulty. I liked the time period (early 1800's) and getting a real idea of what life was like in America then.A must read!
Find it here on Amazon
and Barnes and Noble.
What It's About:
It's a Battle of Wills...and Love Is on the Line!
Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world...which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.
Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman are the last things he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.
My Thoughts:
Let me just say Deeanne Gist knows how to write great characters and crackling chemistry between the hero and heroine! I really enjoyed this story. It was super interesting to learn how complex an old-fashioned switchboard was; I had no idea being a switchboard operator was such a tough job. Georgie has great, believable spunk and Luke is a fantastic, protective hero. I love the element of him working undercover and how that keeps coming into conflict with his relationship with independent Georgie!
Find it here on Amazon
or Barnes and Noble.
live, laugh, love, write
Stacy Henrie
Pages
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
To Tide Me Over Til Downton Abbey Returns
Anyone else counting down the months until Downton Abbey Season 4 starts? I wonder if there's ever been a show more anticipated here in the US than this one!
In the meantime, my hubby and I found this hilarious show on Netflix called Monarch of the Glen. It's set in Scotland in the early 2000's and follows the lives of Archie McDonald, his family, staff and friends in the town of Glenbogle where Archie is "laird" of Genbogle House.
We finished Season 1 and started into the second season, and we're constantly cracking up as we watch this show. The conflict, especially for Archie, is so well done. The guy can't seem to get a break from trying to pull the estate out of ruin, deal with his crazy parents, and figure out which of the local girls he likes in return. It's like the contemporary, Scottish version of Downton Abbey! :)
The show reminds me a lot of our trip to Scotland and England. It's fun to hear that accent again, and while the town and house are set very far north in Scotland, it looks a lot like the town and castle of Inveraray that we saw in the Western Highlands.
Have you heard of Monarch of the Glen? What shows are you watching lately? Are you anticipating Season 4 of Downton Abbey, too?
In the meantime, my hubby and I found this hilarious show on Netflix called Monarch of the Glen. It's set in Scotland in the early 2000's and follows the lives of Archie McDonald, his family, staff and friends in the town of Glenbogle where Archie is "laird" of Genbogle House.
picture from here
We finished Season 1 and started into the second season, and we're constantly cracking up as we watch this show. The conflict, especially for Archie, is so well done. The guy can't seem to get a break from trying to pull the estate out of ruin, deal with his crazy parents, and figure out which of the local girls he likes in return. It's like the contemporary, Scottish version of Downton Abbey! :)
The show reminds me a lot of our trip to Scotland and England. It's fun to hear that accent again, and while the town and house are set very far north in Scotland, it looks a lot like the town and castle of Inveraray that we saw in the Western Highlands.
Western Highlands of Scotland
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Kiplin Hall
One of my quests while in England was to tour an estate house. The hero of Book #3, in my WWI trilogy, is the son of a baronet and lives in one of these centuries-old, country houses. We tried touring a couple of them, but it was either the wrong day or time to get in on an actual tour. Then I learned that a number of these great houses were doing an exhibition on living in a country house during times of war. So we decided to visit the one closest to us - Kiplin Hall.
The war displays were really interesting. Several members of the family served in WWI. During WWII, Royal Air Force officers lived in the house, which was also used for storing and supplying ammunition and bombs to nearby airfields. Several of the rooms used by the RAF have been left exactly as they were back then.
The grounds were also lovely with lots of lawn, a walled garden and a lake out back. And the sweet English ladies who oversee the tours were as delightful as the house itself!
We talked to them about my book and they gave me some great pointers on writing a story set in England. For example, they told me that no one asks if you want a cup of tea over there; they simply say, "I'll make you a nice cup of tea." And everyone in England talks about the weather. It was well worth the drive and time to see this gem - and find my hero a proper English country house for a home. :)
What do you think of English country houses? Would you rather live in one of them or a brand-new house/apartment?
back view
side view
We went somewhere else that morning and it took longer to get to the house than we thought, but we made it just in time for the last tour of the day! The inside of the house was amazing. I wish I'd been able to take pictures of it. The library was one of the coolest I have ever seen - it fit so well with what I wanted in my book.
The war displays were really interesting. Several members of the family served in WWI. During WWII, Royal Air Force officers lived in the house, which was also used for storing and supplying ammunition and bombs to nearby airfields. Several of the rooms used by the RAF have been left exactly as they were back then.
front view
front gates - the road used to come up to the house from here
We talked to them about my book and they gave me some great pointers on writing a story set in England. For example, they told me that no one asks if you want a cup of tea over there; they simply say, "I'll make you a nice cup of tea." And everyone in England talks about the weather. It was well worth the drive and time to see this gem - and find my hero a proper English country house for a home. :)
What do you think of English country houses? Would you rather live in one of them or a brand-new house/apartment?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Brougham Castle
One of the coolest castles we saw in England this spring was Brougham (pronounced "broom") Castle in Cumbria. Not only does it have well-preserved ruins and stairs leading all the way to the third floor, but I love the story behind this castle.
Unlike other females at the time, Lady Anne Clifford was supposed to inherit her father's properties, including Brougham Castle, upon his death. However, they went to an uncle instead. So Lady Anne spent years getting back the Clifford properties and restoring them. She actually died in Brougham Castle in 1676, in the same room her father was born in.
This castle is going to be featured in a couple of scenes in Book #3 of my WWI trilogy - and may involve an aeroplane ride and a kiss or two. ;)
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Take That Fear of Heights!
I don't know if I've mentioned my fear of heights on here, but it's bad. I don't ever plan on going to the top of the Space Needle or the Sears Tower. And drives through the mountains with steep cliffs and that itty-bitty guard rail make me physically cringe.
But I took another step toward ignoring and conquering that fear! Last night, with a bunch of youth from my church, I went rappelling. And not just a short rappell. No, this was down a 100 foot cliff face.
Was it scary? Yes, especially at the beginning when you have to climb over the cliff ledge. But I didn't look down at all. And when I got to the bottom, my hands trembling from gripping the rope so tight, it was the coolest, adrenline-rush feeling to know I DID IT.
What have you done to conquer your fears lately? Have you ever been rappelling?
But I took another step toward ignoring and conquering that fear! Last night, with a bunch of youth from my church, I went rappelling. And not just a short rappell. No, this was down a 100 foot cliff face.
What have you done to conquer your fears lately? Have you ever been rappelling?
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
This is Cumbria!
The Lake District, in northwest England, is located in the part of the country known as Cumbria. This area of England is home to famous authors such as Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. And while some things you'll find there are universal to all of Britain, there are some things that are uniquely Cumbrian!
You known you're in Cumbria when:
1. You see views like these
2. The (two-lane) roads look like this
3. You hear words like "fell" (which means mountain) or "beck" (which means stream)
4. You have the opportunity to hike this
and see this
5. The fences look like this
6. People think you're crazy for not bringing your "wellies" (rubber boots)
7. A couple centuries ago, you were fighting off Scottish raiders from invading these
8. Full dark doesn't come until 10:30 p.m. in the spring/summer, and by 4:45 in the morning, it looks like this
9. You fall in love with the Lake District and its people!
Have you heard of England's Lake District before? Does it look like a place you might like to visit?
You known you're in Cumbria when:
1. You see views like these
2. The (two-lane) roads look like this
3. You hear words like "fell" (which means mountain) or "beck" (which means stream)
4. You have the opportunity to hike this
and see this
5. The fences look like this
6. People think you're crazy for not bringing your "wellies" (rubber boots)
9. You fall in love with the Lake District and its people!
Have you heard of England's Lake District before? Does it look like a place you might like to visit?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Downton Abbey in Scotland
Those who've read my blog for some time know I'm a Downton Abbey fan! So when I learned one of the homes they used for filming was a mere three-hour drive from our place in England, I HAD to go. Thankfully my husband and kids didn't mind.
Those who've seen the finale of Downton Abbey Season 3 will recognize this castle! Inveraray Castle was used as the Grantham's Scottish retreat. It's located in the Western Highlands of Scotland, northwest of Glasgow.
For those who've seen that famous episode and those who haven't (I promise no spoilers!), here's a picture tour of Downton Abbey at Inveraray Castle.
The Grantham family enters the castle from this set of stairs (behind me in the picture). In reality, this is the garden entrance, with the castle's main entrance on the either side.
Remember this amazing weapons-decorated hall the Granthams walk through? It's incredible - three stories high and featuring all sorts of swords, muskets, battle axes, etc.
The dining room is another part of the interior that was used in this episode. Remember the bag-piper who comes in and walks around the table? Here it is.
These cool-looking arches are the spot where Mr. Bates and Anna stumble on Rose smoking a cigarette, before her mother leans over the balcony above and tells Rose to come inside.
The gardens were also used in this episode for a stroll and talk between the Dowager (Maggie Smith) and Rose's mother.
This spot on the nearby river looks very much like the one where Matthew and Edith's editor go fishing.
Here's the river from the opposite side, looking toward the cool, stone bridge.
While not in the show, the woods near Inveraray Castle are stunning! The bluebells were in bloom and the forest, with all its moss-covered trees, was absolutely gorgeous.
While it wasn't Highclere Castle near London (which is the Downton Abbey home in the show), Inveraray Castle was amazing - and so worth the trip!
For those who've seen that famous episode and those who haven't (I promise no spoilers!), here's a picture tour of Downton Abbey at Inveraray Castle.
The Grantham family enters the castle from this set of stairs (behind me in the picture). In reality, this is the garden entrance, with the castle's main entrance on the either side.
Remember this amazing weapons-decorated hall the Granthams walk through? It's incredible - three stories high and featuring all sorts of swords, muskets, battle axes, etc.
The dining room is another part of the interior that was used in this episode. Remember the bag-piper who comes in and walks around the table? Here it is.
These cool-looking arches are the spot where Mr. Bates and Anna stumble on Rose smoking a cigarette, before her mother leans over the balcony above and tells Rose to come inside.
The gardens were also used in this episode for a stroll and talk between the Dowager (Maggie Smith) and Rose's mother.
This spot on the nearby river looks very much like the one where Matthew and Edith's editor go fishing.
Here's the river from the opposite side, looking toward the cool, stone bridge.
While not in the show, the woods near Inveraray Castle are stunning! The bluebells were in bloom and the forest, with all its moss-covered trees, was absolutely gorgeous.
While it wasn't Highclere Castle near London (which is the Downton Abbey home in the show), Inveraray Castle was amazing - and so worth the trip!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Romance of a Sheep Pasture
Last week we returned from a three-week trip in England. Yep, my husband and kids accompanied me on my research jaunt across the Pond. While it was a little crazy at times, with three kids in tow, it was so worth going as a family and seeing all that we did, together.
We stayed in the northwest part of England, in the Lake District, so I could soak up the sights and culture for my book. But we drove all over - logging almost 2700 miles in our car!
One day we went searching for a narrow valley surrounded by mountains, to fit the setting in my head. We would pull over frequently to take pictures of the countryside. One such time, we pulled over, but unfortunately, some trees blocked our view of the valley. So my husband climbed out and headed into the muddy, poopy sheep pasture next to us to get a better shot.
As we waited in the car for him, I had an epiphany. He'd been willing to sacrifice convenience and his shoes because he loves me and wanted me to have a good picture for my research. To me, that's true romance!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
My Recommendation: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
What It's About:
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.
Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.
Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?
My Thoughts:
Most of you already know I'm a big fan of Karen Witemeyer's books! I've read every book she's written. And I think I'd have to say this one is probably my favorite.
I loved both Travis and Meredith - they were both very likable and a great match for each others' strengths and weaknesses. I really liked the premise of the book - it's a unique, fresh twist on the "marriage of convenience" plot line. I liked that Travis and Meredith met years earlier and she's pictured him as her "hero" ever since. Their story - like all of Witemeyer's - had the right amount of adventure, humor and romance to make it a fast, thoroughly enjoyable read. I also liked how all of the Archer brothers had distinct personalities. Witemeyer's next book comes out June 1st and it follows one of Travis' brothers, which I'm also very excited to read!
Find it here on Amazon
or Barnes and Noble.
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.
Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.
Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?
My Thoughts:
Most of you already know I'm a big fan of Karen Witemeyer's books! I've read every book she's written. And I think I'd have to say this one is probably my favorite.
I loved both Travis and Meredith - they were both very likable and a great match for each others' strengths and weaknesses. I really liked the premise of the book - it's a unique, fresh twist on the "marriage of convenience" plot line. I liked that Travis and Meredith met years earlier and she's pictured him as her "hero" ever since. Their story - like all of Witemeyer's - had the right amount of adventure, humor and romance to make it a fast, thoroughly enjoyable read. I also liked how all of the Archer brothers had distinct personalities. Witemeyer's next book comes out June 1st and it follows one of Travis' brothers, which I'm also very excited to read!
Find it here on Amazon
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Things That Make Me Smile (Spring Edition)
1. It's been a couple weeks since we were here, but it was very smile-worthy! For spring break, we headed to southern Utah to one of my husband's and my favorite places - Zion National Park. While there, we visited the ghost town of Grafton.
I loved visiting ghost towns as a kid and want my kids to have similar experiences. This one has become quite popular now that most of the buildings have been redone. Before we were married, my hubby helped me do a documentary about Grafton for my film class, so the place holds good memories, too.
2. I've been re-reading some books I haven't read in years and loving them all over again - The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.
3. Our tulips are in full bloom and the weather looks like it may FINALLY be ready to stay in the nice spring temperatures.
4. I've written over 70 pages in Book #3 of my WWI trilogy and been enjoying my time with the main characters, Colin and Nora.
5. Notes of love left for me by one of my kids sure makes me smile, too!
What's made you smile today, this week? Does it feel like Spring yet where you live? Have you ever visited a ghost town?
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Who's Your Favorite Prince?
We talk, read and watch princesses at our house. Recently the movie of choice was Disney's Sleeping Beauty. After watching it, I got to thinking about the different heroes (princes) in these cartoon fairy tales and their interactions with the heroines (princesses). And I decided my favorite cartoon prince is definitely Prince Phillip from Sleeping Beauty.
I like his teasing manner ("But we've met before . . . you said so yourself; once upon a dream"). He's cute; he can dance; and he falls in love with Aurora before learning she's a princess. But my favorite thing about him is that he has to work hard to get that kiss from her (unlike Prince Charming on the cartoon version of Snow White - sorry to any of his fans). Prince Phillip has to break out of prison, chop through thorny bushes and slay the dragon - all before he can climb the tower and kiss the girl he loves. Which translates into a great love story for this romantic. :)
So which cartoon prince is your favorite?
I like his teasing manner ("But we've met before . . . you said so yourself; once upon a dream"). He's cute; he can dance; and he falls in love with Aurora before learning she's a princess. But my favorite thing about him is that he has to work hard to get that kiss from her (unlike Prince Charming on the cartoon version of Snow White - sorry to any of his fans). Prince Phillip has to break out of prison, chop through thorny bushes and slay the dragon - all before he can climb the tower and kiss the girl he loves. Which translates into a great love story for this romantic. :)
So which cartoon prince is your favorite?
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
My Recommendation: The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund
What It's About:
Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.
Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.
My Thoughts:
I've heard a lot of great things about Jody Hedlund's books and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed with this one. This is the first of her books I've read. I very much enjoyed Hedlund's writing style, which is beautiful and vivid. I love "marriage of convenience" stories, and this one was very enjoyable. Great chemistry between Priscilla and Eli, and I appreciated how the story didn't overly-romanticize their arduous journey West but captured the difficulty. I liked the time period (early 1800's) and getting a real idea of what life was like in America then.A must read!
Find it here on Amazon
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Word that Can't Be Said
As most of you know, I recently finished writing Book #2 of my WWI trilogy. The setting for this story is a hospital in France during the Great War. With this setting, the word b-l-o-o-d inevitably came up.
Problem is, I can't see, read, talk or even listen to stories involving blood without getting squeamish. To illustrate just how bad it is, a few weeks ago I attempted reading a Magic School Bus book to one of my kids. One of the students in the story had a cut and the class shrank in size, as they do, and went to explore her veins. I made it only a few pages before I had to stop reading the book altogether. It was making me sick just reading the scientific information about veins out loud!
Needless to say, it was a big feat for me to even describe blood in my book. There's a scene where the heroine cuts her hand with a pair of scissors, and boy did it take great courage to "write" about even a little blood. Maybe I'm getting better, because a later scene with some references to blood weren't as tough to write.
Then again, this whole post has me squirming over the topic! :)
Are you as squeamish as me?
Problem is, I can't see, read, talk or even listen to stories involving blood without getting squeamish. To illustrate just how bad it is, a few weeks ago I attempted reading a Magic School Bus book to one of my kids. One of the students in the story had a cut and the class shrank in size, as they do, and went to explore her veins. I made it only a few pages before I had to stop reading the book altogether. It was making me sick just reading the scientific information about veins out loud!
Needless to say, it was a big feat for me to even describe blood in my book. There's a scene where the heroine cuts her hand with a pair of scissors, and boy did it take great courage to "write" about even a little blood. Maybe I'm getting better, because a later scene with some references to blood weren't as tough to write.
Then again, this whole post has me squirming over the topic! :)
Are you as squeamish as me?
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Over and Over Again
I'm a reader who enjoys re-reading books on occasion. Books like Beth Pattillo's Jane Austen series, She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, Austenland by Shannon Hale, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James, and others.
I think the fiction book I've read more times than any other, though, is Beauty by Robin McKinley. I first read it as a teenager, and as you can tell from the worn binding, I've enjoyed it many times since then. (My copy has the 1985 cover on it - way different than the current cover!)
The beautiful writing, the well-thought retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the fairy-tale magic, and the romance make this book one of my all-time favorites.
Have you read Beauty? Do you like to reread books? Which book(s) have you read over and over again?
I think the fiction book I've read more times than any other, though, is Beauty by Robin McKinley. I first read it as a teenager, and as you can tell from the worn binding, I've enjoyed it many times since then. (My copy has the 1985 cover on it - way different than the current cover!)
The beautiful writing, the well-thought retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the fairy-tale magic, and the romance make this book one of my all-time favorites.
Have you read Beauty? Do you like to reread books? Which book(s) have you read over and over again?
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Crazy Ebb and Flow
In an email to a friend who lives far away, I recently remarked how things had been "crazy" that week. Right about then, I realized how often I pin that word "crazy-busy" to my week or life at the moment. It got me thinking that maybe all that craziness is life.
But that didn't completely ring true. So I decided a better comparison would be the ocean, with its high and low tides. Life is a lot like that - there are periods of high tide, full of challenge or intense activity, and there are periods of low tide, full of calm and rest. I'd even venture to say we may have times of high and low tide within a day, just like the ocean.
As much as I think I would like to live perpetually in calm waters, I'm starting to recognize we need both types of tide in our lives. While the intense times can be tough physically and emotionally, those are typically times of growth, too, times of smoothing out our roughness. Plus, the intensity of high tide can help us appreciate the calming times of low tide all the more.
Though I don't live anywhere near the ocean, whenever we do visit the beach, I collect shells. I love seashells! To me, there is something awesome and beautiful about them.
These shells have been subject to both high and low tides, as well as wind and sand and sun. I believe God intended for us to turn out every bit as awesome and beautiful - from weathering the different tides in our lives.
How's your week been so far? Feeling like you're in the middle of high tide or low tide?
But that didn't completely ring true. So I decided a better comparison would be the ocean, with its high and low tides. Life is a lot like that - there are periods of high tide, full of challenge or intense activity, and there are periods of low tide, full of calm and rest. I'd even venture to say we may have times of high and low tide within a day, just like the ocean.
As much as I think I would like to live perpetually in calm waters, I'm starting to recognize we need both types of tide in our lives. While the intense times can be tough physically and emotionally, those are typically times of growth, too, times of smoothing out our roughness. Plus, the intensity of high tide can help us appreciate the calming times of low tide all the more.
Though I don't live anywhere near the ocean, whenever we do visit the beach, I collect shells. I love seashells! To me, there is something awesome and beautiful about them.
These shells have been subject to both high and low tides, as well as wind and sand and sun. I believe God intended for us to turn out every bit as awesome and beautiful - from weathering the different tides in our lives.
How's your week been so far? Feeling like you're in the middle of high tide or low tide?
Thursday, February 21, 2013
My Recommendation: Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist
It's a Battle of Wills...and Love Is on the Line!
Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world...which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.
Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman are the last things he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.
My Thoughts:
Let me just say Deeanne Gist knows how to write great characters and crackling chemistry between the hero and heroine! I really enjoyed this story. It was super interesting to learn how complex an old-fashioned switchboard was; I had no idea being a switchboard operator was such a tough job. Georgie has great, believable spunk and Luke is a fantastic, protective hero. I love the element of him working undercover and how that keeps coming into conflict with his relationship with independent Georgie!
Find it here on Amazon
Thursday, February 14, 2013
A Love Story
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Like my favorite fictional couple Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe, my husband and I met in school. He didn't pull my braid and call me "carrots," though my hair is strawberry blonde. :) He moved nearby, right before our junior year of high school. We passed each other outside one day, having learned about the other from a mutual friend, and said "Hi." And you know the signifcance of that when you're in high school!
Then he showed up in my drama class. We were paired up to do a scene from Romeo and Juliet - the balcony scene, no less - for a competition. Though we didn't win anything, we had a very long bus ride to get to know each other better.
We went to a few dances that year and liked each other off and on - but never at the same time it seemed. When I finally realized just what an awesome guy he is, during our senior year, he already had a girlfriend! And though I knew it was impossible, I really wanted him to ask me to our senior prom. Alas, it didn't happen - we both went with other people.
We graduated from high school and went to different colleges, though we stayed in contact. When I would come home, we would go places together. But we were just friends. We’d never even held hands.
Another three and a half years later, both of us more mature and wiser - ha, ha - we decided it was finally time to give "dating" each other a try. After a couple of months, when we realized we felt much more than friendship for each other, we began exclusively dating. Three more months went by, and he asked me to marry him. The theme of his proposal was about dancing, since we'd missed the chance to dance at prom together all those years before.
There are numerous ways the hero and heroine meet in books and movies, but one of my favorites has always been the couple who begin as friends. Maybe that's because I planned on marrying my best friend, even before I met him - and I did.
How did you meet your hubby or boyfriend? What's your favorite way the hero and heroine meet in a book or movie?
Then he showed up in my drama class. We were paired up to do a scene from Romeo and Juliet - the balcony scene, no less - for a competition. Though we didn't win anything, we had a very long bus ride to get to know each other better.
We graduated from high school and went to different colleges, though we stayed in contact. When I would come home, we would go places together. But we were just friends. We’d never even held hands.
Another three and a half years later, both of us more mature and wiser - ha, ha - we decided it was finally time to give "dating" each other a try. After a couple of months, when we realized we felt much more than friendship for each other, we began exclusively dating. Three more months went by, and he asked me to marry him. The theme of his proposal was about dancing, since we'd missed the chance to dance at prom together all those years before.
There are numerous ways the hero and heroine meet in books and movies, but one of my favorites has always been the couple who begin as friends. Maybe that's because I planned on marrying my best friend, even before I met him - and I did.
How did you meet your hubby or boyfriend? What's your favorite way the hero and heroine meet in a book or movie?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)