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Beneath a Prairie Moon | First Line Friday, Book Review

Published on January 5, 2018 by Amanda Tero7 Comments

Happy New Year! This is the first “First Line Friday” of the year! 🙂 And I’ve got a fantastic book for the first one! Beneath a Prairie Moon doesn’t release until March, but you will definitely want to get it on your list to read! I know that I say this with every new release Kim Vogel Sawyer publishes, but… I think this may be my absolute favorite of hers!! Just re-reading the first line makes me want to stop and read the whole things once more. But I haven’t time for that. So, here’s just the first line…

“When’re you goinna have your letter ready, Mack?”

What’s the first line of one of your favorite books?
(or any other one, if you’d like)
Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!

My Review

Be prepared for gushing.

Because I love, love, loooooved this book! So a cohesive review may not be possible.

This is probably my favorite of Sawyer’s so far. I did NOT want it to end and when I passed it along to my sister, she said the same thing. I just wanted to stay with Abigail and Mack and Helena and Bill and Spiveyville. They were all so real and believable. They each had their struggles, their strong points, and their weak points.

And the men of Spiveyville. Oh wow. I mean, two women of prestigious, Eastern training coming into a town to train sixteen westerners who want mail-order brides? That is such an amazing idea and Sawyer executed it very well! I loved seeing the growth of the various characters, the vastness of their personalities. Yeah… I just loved the characters here!

As always, Sawyer portrayed strong, Christian characters (when applicable) or young Christians who needed room to grow. There wasn’t a ton of preaching in this book because the characters lived out their Christian lives. That was so very refreshing to see!

The setting was completely amazing! I loved the many etiquette tips woven throughout the book and in Abigail’s personality. It made it feel true to its era.

I forgot at times that the basis of this book was “mail order bride.” There really wasn’t much romance until the end. It was more of solid friendships being formed and developing into a relationship. There were a few hints of things, but nothing portrayed at all.

This really was just one of the sweetest, most exciting, and un-put-down-able books I’ve read this year!

*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review*

Looking Backward, Looking Forward

Published on January 2, 2018 by Amanda Tero5 Comments

2017 was definitely not the writing year that I had expected, but when I look back over 2017, it was a good writing year. I didn’t get near as many words in as I had hoped, I’m not as far along in my writing projects as I had hoped, but I did make progress–and that’s what counts, right?

Looking back at 2017, I was able to…

Publish “Hartly Manor” (short story)
Publish “The Secret Slipper” (book 2 of Tales of Faith series)
Read 5 books on the writing craft (links to my reviews: The 12 Key Pillars to Novel Construction, Plot, The Story Cure, Creating Character Arcs, Write Well)
Start hosting writing days at our house
Finish second draft (major rewrite) of Nat’s story and place it in the hands of beta readers
Meet several new author friends
Read 9 Civil War books (fiction and non-fiction)
Read 2 medieval research books
Purchase a couple (few?) dozen Civil War books (hey, thrift stores have amazing deals, okay?)
Encourage others in their writing
Begin keeping you all semi-regularly updated with my writing progress (and hearing you all comment–that has been a big highlight of my blogging/writing year!)
Write some articles for Wordquill
Start at least a half dozen short stories and novellas still unfinished 😛

I’m sure there are plenty more writing blessings of 2017, but I’m coming off a week of sick-brain, which is fuzzy at best. 😉 That at least gives you a glimpse.

Now, we get into 2018. I’ll admit, I have some writing dreams and goals. All of these, I understand, will be carefully prayed through week by week. But you can’t hit a target if you don’t at least aim. I’m taking a challenge here–cause I usually am not one for big goals. So, with God’s guidance and direction, I shall attempt to:

FINISH NAT’S STORY!!! (yeah, that kinda has to be #1 with everyone breathing on my neck ;))
Write book 3 of the Tales of Faith series
Finish and publish 3 short stories that I began in 2017
Start book 2 of Nat’s journey
Read 10 books on the writing craft (any suggestions?)
Read 10 non-fiction/research books

Now, I’ll admit, these look like crazy lofty goals for me because I realize how little writing time I usually have. So, while these are my goals, I’m also considering what I had asked y’all to be praying for a few weeks back: a balanced schedule. It is always possible that my teaching schedule will expand, and I’m going to try my best to keep an opening for family time. But when writing time happens, Lord willing those will be my goals.

What about you? What were you able to accomplish in writing 2017? Are you satisfied with those goals? Do they help you to make different goals for 2018?

Scripture Graphics #72

Published on January 1, 2018 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” Job 2:9-10

These words show Job’s humility. He didn’t think he deserved good because of his faithful life to God. He didn’t say, “Look, God, I’ve not cursed You because of what You’ve allowed–You ought to bless me.” He basically said, “God is God, I am fallen humanity.” God didn’t “owe him” because of his obedience. Job just stayed faithful, not expecting good. What trust!

Whether it is the unbeliever who hardens his heart against conviction and his need of God, or the believer who goes through a season of hardened rebellion, God is still God in control. We can never “stump God.” Rather, we will find ourselves as the ones being troubled.

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Job 14:4

Stopping here can be discouraging. Yet Psalm 32:1 says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” 1 John 1:7 promises, “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” With God, nothing is impossible.

Plead (Hebrew word: riyb) – to toss, grapple, wrangle, i.e. to hold a controversy…
God is all-powerful to do anything He wants to against us. Yet so often, instead of finding fault with every area of our lives and snuffing us out as would a candle, He instead imparts to us His strength!

It’s the New Year!!

What changes do you hope to make this year when it comes to Scripture reading and memory?

At the End of the Year…

Published on December 30, 2017 by Amanda Tero3 Comments

When I look back at 2017, our family sure had its share of difficult days, weeks, and months. On paper, 2017 dealt us several harder blows than 2016. That is why, when I think back to 2017, I am amazed—because, for me, it was a much better year.

In 2016, I was a rebel fighter. I fought change. I fought schedule conflicts. I fought my little circle being turned inside out. I clung desperately to the way things had been and blamed people for changing everything that I was comfortable with.

via

Then 2017 came along. Our family faced far more changes (in 2017 alone, our family singing group changed its main singers and repertoire three times completely—that usually happens about once every four years). We faced a magnitude of heartache and trials like never before. But somewhere in between ‘16 and ‘17, the fight left me. The God Who continually works in me (Psalm 138:8, Philippians 1:6) didn’t give up on the “me” of 2016. Instead, He was patient. He never stopped speaking to me from His Word. He never stopped giving me “just the sermon I needed to hear.” He never took away godly family and friends who prayed for and counseled me. Over and over again, He would point me in the direction I should walk. He extended to me grace like I refused to extend to those around me. Oh yes, there were days in 2017 when I audibly declared, “I give up! I just give up!” The pressure was too hard. The change was too close. The hurt was too real. But you know what? No matter what God allowed our way, He held me close. He gave me the comfort I needed. He convicted me where I needed to be convicted. And He has used it all to continually mold, shape, grow, and mature me.

So when I examine my life, the biggest difference I see from 2016 and 2017 is me. In 2016 I was on the verge of being bitter, crushed, and critical. God’s grace opened my eyes to that and helped me to forgive, heal, refocus, and surrender.

I’m not saying all of this to at all exalt myself, but to exalt my Savior. My family can testify that there were many days this year where my attitude was pathetic, my focus awry, and my time mismanaged. But at the end of the year, the Lord and Savior I serve brought me through another year of ups and downs. Yes, we go through hard days. Yes, life is difficult. Yes, some years are more trying than others. Our God never changes. And, if we will let Him, He will use the merciless storms of life to show us a broader measure of His grace and mercy.

Coffee Shop Christmas | First Line Friday, Book Review

Published on December 29, 2017 by Amanda Tero15 Comments

Happy Friday-after-Christmas! How many of you got new books this month? I know that I added several nice books to my shelves and added yet more book to my towering TBR pile!

I know it’s technically past Christmas, but I’ll still feature a Christmas book today by one of my author friends, Ryana. It was a good-hearted Christmas book.

The jingling of keys reached the ears of Deputy Ellis Wright.

How many Christmas books did you read this year? Any favorites?
Feel free to share a first line from your current read!
Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!

My Review

I loved the premise of this novella: the widow of a police officer who has opened a coffee shop. And in that coffee shop, she has a solid platform on which to reach all sorts of people who need the love of Jesus Christ shown to them.

Katherine Shannon is a very likeable character—a strong Christian, a woman who refuses to hold onto bitterness. The other characters were also neat to meet as well. I really did like Sgt. Piper. I also appreciate the realistic view into a police officer’s life in a real world.

There was a lot of Scriptural content in this. At least twice the Gospel was shared, church was mentioned. It definitely had a strong spiritual thread.

Definitely no romance. Which I liked (I mean, more than just because romance isn’t my strong favorite), because it explored different problems that people have apart from relationship issues.

There did seem to be a ton of characters, situations, problems, and solutions presented for just a novella. The author in me thinks this would have seemed more believable had it been written as a novel, and the characters had more time to ponder the way their beliefs and lives were challenged. Because it was a novella, the characters made rush-choices in about an 8-hour span that took the “real-life” aspect out for me. But, just as a story, it was a pleasant read.

*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review*

Purchase here.

Add to your Goodreads here.

Scripture Graphics #71

Published on December 25, 2017 by Amanda Tero2 Comments

I started to skip today with sharing Scripture graphics, since it’s Christmas… but then, why? The best thing about Christmas is that it’s a reflection of God sending His Son to us. And the more Bible I can get on Christmas, the better!

It’s not that God is silent or unwilling to show us His ways—how often does He point us to the right direction, yet we refuse to acknowledge it or change? We are responsible for every time we answer or do not answer His calling; every time we hear or refuse to hear His voice; every time we choose evil over His ways. And this applies as much in the “small areas” of life as in the “big areas.”

We are still able to stand by the words and epistles—the Scriptures which have been preserved for us. The question is, are we standing fast? Or do we listen more to what the world has to say than God’s Word does?

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

This is written of the examples of church leaders/ministers, but how is our example? Are we living our lives so that others can follow? Though Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were leaders, they did not abuse their position because they realized it would affect their testimony. Whatever stage of life we’re in…are we living with a thought of the testimony we’re leaving behind?

“Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.” Job 1:9-10

When Job’s livelihood and family were taken away, it proved that his security was God, not possessions; his master was God, not things; his worship was God, not that which fades away. Do we view things in life above God?

Merry Christmas!
Today, instead of just commenting here, today makes a great opportunity to share Scripture with someone else, pointing them to Jesus Christ!

The Sound of Rain | First Line Friday

Published on December 22, 2017 by Amanda Tero9 Comments

Happy first line Friday!!! I get to share another first line with you, as well as a newly-released book. Sarah Loudin Thomas is a new-for-me author, and one that I’d like to revisit!

Now… I couldn’t just stop at the first line. You get the whole first paragraph here, because her first chapter really was amazing!

Judd wanted to take a deep breath more than anything. But the weight on his chest, combined with the dust-laden air, made it impossible. He closed his eyes and opened them again, finding it made no difference. Either he was blind or the cave-in had erased any hint of light. He coughed and spit.

Have you read any books with coal miners?
(Gotta throw this in: or have you watched “When Calls the Heart”?! I love the coal mining parts!!!)
What is a first line (or paragraph 😉 ) from a book you’re reading?

Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!

My Review

This book opens with a heartrending tragedy and continues as Judd attempts to pick up the pieces of his life and lives the dream his brother desired to live. Meanwhile, Larkin lives life full speed ahead, trying to follow what she believes God has called her to do.

The story seems to follow a realistic pattern more than a fiction pattern. It very much felt the era of the 1950’s. I did find it to be slow moving and without a real thrust of tension that moved the story forward—even during tragedies (which this book had a fair share of). That could likely be me, though.

Romance wasn’t highly prominent until the latter half of the book. I’ve just gotta say: I was impressed. Larkin actually prayed about whether or not “he is the one.” Usually it’s all “follow your heart,” so that little bit surprised and delighted me. There were kisses mentioned, but it didn’t feel sensual at all, just mentioned. And through it all, Judd showed honor to Larkin’s dad, even though he was difficult to deal with. I can admire the romance portrayed in this book.

Spiritual content had its ups and downs. Ben was very knowledgeable in the Bible and quoted several verses. The other characters seemed to have a nominal understanding of the Bible and what was right to do. At the same time, Larkin’s blatant dishonoring of her dad and going behind his back somewhat disturbed me. It definitely fits her personality, and was halfway dealt with, but it was more of a “things changed, so thus what she did wasn’t exactly wrong.” And I still never got where Judd stood with his relationship with God. He didn’t go to church until it was to impress/be with a girl. He had good morals, but it wasn’t because of his relationship with God. Also, the only mention that went anywhere near salvation was when a granny was asking about “Do you think I’ll see them again?” and Larkin assured her that she was certain she would, but there was nothing mentioned about whether or not she had received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior (and the only way to Heaven). So, there seemed to be spiritual content in this book, it was just somewhat vague and shallow with some dips at leaning toward strong.

*I received this book from Bethany House and happily provided my honest review*

Goals Completed and Upcoming

Published on December 19, 2017 by Amanda Tero5 Comments

Last Tuesday, I listed out my writing goals for the week. I’ll start with the uncompleted goal: research. I managed to get about three chapters and three pages in. So, not my five chapters like I intended. Whoopsie!

However, the Lord gave me a great writing week! My goal was to write 150 words each day. In fact, there was only one day that I only wrote 150 words. The other days surpassed that goal and I finished the week with a grand total of 3,170 words!

This week’s goals:

Average 150 words per day
Read 10 pages of research book each day

Yeah, yeah… so I may be cheating on the research book and lowering my goal, but it’s the week before Christmas and now that I’m finished with teaching this semester (i.e. vacation time), I’m going to strive to spend a ton of family time.

How did you do with your goals last week? I loved hearing them all!!

What are your goals for this upcoming week?

Oh yeah, and I likely will not be posting next Tuesday, as it’s the day after Christmas, and we’ll be out of town. 😉 But if I can average 150 words per day until the end of the year and finish that research book that’d be fantastic (there are 90 pages left, which doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a research book…a little hard to whiz through)!

Scripture Graphics #70

Published on December 18, 2017 by Amanda Tero3 Comments

And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. (Isaiah 44:7-8)

Isaiah is the book that reveals so much of God, Who He is, what He has done, and how that proves He is God. It contrasts pagan idols to the living God and reveals to us portions of the character of God. For the believer, Isaiah is a book that is a blessing to read. Have you considered rereading it recently?

What we believe will directly influence our view of Scripture. If I believed that life didn’t exist until actual birth, verses like this wouldn’t make sense. I would discredit the many verses that mention life after conception, but before birth. What we believe directly affects how we read God’s Word.

Only the spotless Lamb of God could do this on our behalf. Reflecting on it should lead us to humble gratitude.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

When we take part in distributing God’s Word, do we leave the results completely up to Him, or do we define what a “successful harvest” looks like? God’s Word accomplishes what He pleases; it prospers in the thing where He sent it. Not us.

What is your favorite verse from Isaiah?

Books I Read | November 2017

Published on December 16, 2017 by Amanda Tero4 Comments

Once again, I’m late in posting this. 😛 But it’s here! My November reading in review! And now that I’m doing this, I realize that I skipped October!! Whoopsie!!

So…
Books of October

I really read a bit in October (especially compared to November). I had a lot of review books plus a few borrowed books that I wanted to get back to people.

Since there are so many books to catch up on (and I honestly don’t have time to write a detailed post 😛 ), I’ll just share covers and my stars. Click on the star rating to be taken to my Goodreads review.

5 stars

Books of November

Some questions

With the New Year right around the corner, I’m considering things to cut out of my schedule. Because yes… as you read a few days ago, I’m trying to simplify some things and find a better balance. So. Book reading recaps are in the danger of being discontinued. How many of you are interested in reading them? I realize if you already follow me on Goodreads, you see my reviews. And, I already put about 50% of what I read up on First Line Fridays. What are your thoughts with me continuing or discontinuing this portion?

And, it’s the last month of the year!! What was your favorite book that you read this year??