Winter Have-Read List & Much More

Hello there! There are so many updates, so I will just jump right to it! First off, I have decided to do my first ever NaNoWriMo-ing by joining up for Camp NaNo this April! I'm really excited, but also very nervous. I set myself a small word count, but I'm only trying to make a comfortable habit, not knock myself out at this point. I will be working on Ember, and I think it would be incredible if I could at least make it half-way through this story by month's end.

Secondly, I am thrilled to share with you the cover reveal for Tricia Mingerink's next story. This one sounds like a lot of fun, and I know she put a great deal of effort into it so it is definitely a labor of love. 

It's a beautiful cover and I think it's going to be a great read. The release date is set for May 28, 2018, and you can learn more about it here, at Tricia Mingerink's website. 

Finally, I am obligated to share with you my usual Have-Read list, and I hope these books inspire you and that you try them for yourself!

Ilyon Chronicles #4 Exiles by Jaye L. Knight

I'm dying for the next one. There's no spoilers here, but it does end on a cliff-hanger. By this time in the series, we are well-acquainted with our MC and supporting characters and Knight takes us on a wild journey with them. I was seriously concerned for Daniel's life, and riveted wondering who might change... and who might not. Kyrin has grown up so much, and her worries are different than they used to be. I loved the depth we get into with each character this time.

A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller

This wasn't the devotional I had thought it would be. It didn't give me nice lists or "you should do this differently" or "start making that a habit". Instead, Miller weaves his own experiences into it to show you how his life was shaped by prayer. He gently guides the reader to an understanding of making prayer part of life, not just something you do intermittently in life. Like all devotionals, I took my time in reading it, but that really seemed to suit its pace anyway. It is the kind of book you need to read slowly and digest, so if you're looking for a fast and short book, you may want to consider something by Lydia Brownback, or perhaps Najapfour's lessons (below).

The Folkestone Files #1 War of Loyalties by Schuyler McConkey

I have so much to say about this one. First, because I know Schuyler, and I think she's grand. Second, because I read this and I think it's fantastico. It's long, but it is full of suspense, adventure and mystery. Ben is so nice, you can't imagine him being anything but sugared up, but he surprised and amused me when he is pushed beyond his breaking point, between morals and relationships, and forced to make difficult decisions. I enjoyed the complicated relationships between the characters, and their individual personalities were vivid, intriguing and warming.

The Gospel-Driven Tongue by Brian G. Najapfour

You can read my short-but-sweet review on Goodreads and it can be purchased from Amazon. The best way to compliment an author is by reviewing them on sites like this that help to promote the book. (Let me know if the links do not work, please.) Copied below is my short review on both Goodreads and Amazon. Rev. Najapfour was the pastor of my church, and we as a congregation enjoyed being under his teaching and learned a lot from his evangelical approach.
"I really enjoyed this book. It was written very clearly and simply, but it was also thorough and deep. It is thought-provoking and convicting, and I think it would make an excellent book for a Bible study because it also includes chapter questions to help you apply the lessons. I thought it was well-organized to also help the reader digest the information and includes an abundance of Scripture references."

Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin
I have just finished this one with a Bible Study group, and it was very good. I enjoyed the in-depth study of Matthew 5-7, reading it all at once and then taking it apart daily. My only two criticisms would be that some of the questions seemed repetitive in places, and it was a difficult task to begin each study chapter by re-reading all three Bible chapters in one morning. Working full-time means that in order to do something like that, I need to split it up into manageable chunks throughout my day which I found really defeated the purpose of reading it all at once. It was less stressful and more enjoyable to me when I felt free to take my time on a small section of verses. Otherwise, I appreciated this study and learning alongside a wonderful group of women.

Well, that's about it! I hope that you have a wonderful Spring. I'd love to hear what you are reading in the comments below. I am always open to new suggestions, fun reads or devotionals alike.