Hurricanes, Bargain Books, and Story Hype // September Recap

Welcome to the September 2017 recap, friends! Honestly, these recaps are rolling around FAR too OFTEN. *huffs*

\\ Life. \\ 

>> I had some weird-for-most, normal-for-the-Potts-house, amusing lil' conversations... 

Me: *walks into the kitchen* Just so you know, as a general rule, clothes on my desk chair will be dirty. 

Mom: *looks at me like you're-17-years-old-and-perfectly-capable-of-making-sure-your-clothes-get-to-the-hamper*

Me: Just...in case...you know...I like crash the bike into the ditch and die. You might want to wash my clothes before giving them to Goodwill. 

Mom: *laughs and rolls her eyes* 

Bro: *listening to music*

Music: "we put a man on the moon, and before we're done we'll put a man on the sun" 

Me: What IS that?! 

Me: *walking up the stairs from the basement after feeding the dogs*
Me: *hears the oven timer beeping*
Me: *wondering why Mom isn't turning it off*
Me: *walks into the kitchen*
Mom: *standing in front of the dishwasher* *staring at said dishwasher with phone in hand*
Mom: Why is this thing making that noise?!
Me: Mother! That's the oven! 

>> This happened. Some random dude photobombed my selfie. I really don't know him. Honest. *look of supreme innocence* What? 

>> I saw my characters in a restaurant and it was utterly amazing and inspired a new scene (actually, two) and I am just so happy over it, YAS. Also, you're welcome for that run-on, grammar nazi frens.  

>> A friend sent me a sweet note and bookmark and totally made my day!! ^_^ 

>> Hurricanes happened. Not good stuff, peeps. Irma effected us somewhat (and Maria canceled our beach trip *scowls*), but we faired much better than some. #prayersforTexas #prayersforFlorida

>> Those moments when... 

When you're staring off into space, planning the next scene in your head and grinning like a moron, and a guy who works for your dad walks by watching you suspiciously... 

When you type 'stupid' into your phone and it offers 'phone' as the next word. 

Me: See?! You even admit to it!

When someone is talking about a capo and you're just like... Is it kinda like a cape? Because I was that kid who draped a blanket around their shoulders and ran around the house, thinking that if I ran fast enough it would fly out behind me.

>> It's fall, peeps. Ya know what that means? That means CANDY CORN. 'Nough said.

>> I got back into pottery after taking the summer off! :D 

>> I spent a glorious day at the lake with my family. ^_^ 

\\ Books. \\ 

I read... 

The Vintage Wren: Week 3 by Chautona Havig -- 5 stars 

The Home for Wayward Children by R.S. Oswald -- 4 stars 

Millie's Steadfast Love by Martha Finley -- 5 stars 

Dying for Love by Cara Putman -- 3.5 stars 

Dancing on the Head of a Pen by Robert Benson -- 3.5 stars 

Princess of the Reformation: Jeanne D'Albret by Rebekah Dan -- 5 stars -- Review HERE. 

Choosing the Cowboy by Liz Isaacson -- 3.5 stars 

James -- 5 stars 

So remember what I said last month about trying not to buy many more books? Yeah, well, it ain't going so well. *cough* 

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis -- library book sale 

The Proving by Beverly Lewis -- review book

Destroy by Tricia Mingerink -- bought new

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen -- giveaway win

Bought from a Goodreads friend who was getting rid of some books... 

Kelly's Chance, Sarah's Choice, and Love Finds a Way by Wanda E. Brunstetter 

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer

A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer 

Happy Trails by Roy Rogers & Dale Evans Rogers 

The good thing is that my wallet is still pretty much happy. Aside from Destroy, all of these were free or $1 deals. But, you see, then shipping comes into play. Let's just think about that for a moment, alright? It's not okay when the shipping cost more than the books. (I think I need a carrier pigeon...a big one...I could send him to get my books...) 

\\ Writing. \\ 

Word count: 20,003 

Do y'all see that glorious number I just had the privilege of typing? It.is.pretty. So many words!! All but like *maybe* 1k of those were poured into my precious A Soldier's Story. It is growing, y'all. It's now over 43k!! Out of 30 days, I wrote 26 or 27 days this month. *squeals* 

Back in January, I was living and breathing Dandelion Dust. It was the story of my heart, the one I felt like I was meant to write. Then, in April, War Tears got its turn for that. (Ya know, when I went a little crazier than usual and wrote 60k in one month.) And now it's A Soldier's Story's turn. The characters are so very dear to me and the story is just flowing. I love it. <3 

The editing of War Tears has been postponed until this one is finished. I want to go back to WT, but I feel like this is the story I'm supposed to be writing right now. Once it's out, I'll be able to focus on my precious WWII novel. And hopefully after I finish the first edit of it, I'll find time to edit A Soldier's Story and turn it into a serial story on here, sometime after the first of the year, like I've talked about. ;) 

\\ Music & Movies. \\ 

*is not even sure what to write here* I listened to Pandora and didn't even pat attention to the songs much? Yeah, basically. Oh, but I do love these. 

Warrior ~ Hannah Kerr

The Locket ~ Lauren Alaina

My Recovery ~ Unspoken 

So, I watched some When Calls the Heart episodes from season 4. Like, y'all...they're just as amazing as I expected. *sighs happily* I must finish those soon. ^_^ *forces self not to ramble and fangirl over THAT right here right now because SPOILERS* 

We also finished Waltons S7 and started S9. (We don't have S8 for some reason? Weird? I know.) Speaking of which, here's a golden Waltons moment that you obviously needed in your life. 

Elizabeth: Erin, what do you do when you can't fall asleep?

Erin: I stay awake. 

\\ Blogging. \\ 

Some of my top favorite posts of the month :D 

Ten Things I Hate About Driving @ Raindrops of Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

What God's Been Teaching Me // Summer 2017 @ Fishing for Ideas

Encouragement from our Savior @ Having a Heart Like His

Never Forget @ Whimsical Writings for His Glory

STAY @ Totally Graced

Stories are Remembered @ Scattered Scribblings 

To Heal @ Like No Other

\\ Goals. \\ 

~ September Goals 

>> Read 10 books.            I was close? And I might finish another tonight and then I'd be REALLY close? 

>> Write in A Soldier's Story.           I DID VERY WELL WITH THIS THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 

>> Edit in War Tears.          *cough* No. Explanation in Writing section. 

>> Survive school.              *nods pathetically* I'm still alive, so obviously I'm surviving. (This week is fall break so like YAYYY.) 

>> Continue posting weekly at Chosen Vessels and here.      I think I missed a week here? But for the most part, yes. 

>> Get/stay caught up on emails and blogging.          YES FINALLY. Okay, so not 100%. But I'm doing quite well, so I'm giving myself some credit here. 

~ October Goals 

>> Read 8 books. 

>> Finish A Soldier's Story, first draft. 

>> Join Ivie's October Writing Challenge. 

>> Stay caught up with emails. 

>> Take part in the Five Fall Favorites party. 

>> Have an absolute blast when this awesome gal comes to visit! 

Happy a blessed October, dears! <3 

~Faith 

Their Story // a firefly poem

(I'm getting a teensy bit better at making graphics, yes?)

the words 

they just come 

late at night

early morning 

the in-between

they come

they're here

the words 

flow

the story is 

being told 

this 

this is it

this is the way 

my writing 

is meant 

to be done 

the story

is alive

the characters 

growing 

breathing 

telling their story

through my fingers 

because it is

it's their story

and they've shared it

with me

so that I 

can at least try

to share it 

with the world 

and to that 

I say

Soli Deo Gloria. 

-- written September 26th, 4:00 to 4:15 pm 

The Back to School Tag.

Happy Wednesday, readers! (My vow to think of a more original intro line didn't exactly stick...) Today I bring to you a tag from the dear Angela at The Peculiar Messenger! 

Rules... 

> Thank the person who tagged you.

Thanks, Angela!! 

> Answer the questions.

I shall. 

> Post new questions.

Ehh...I'll probably cheat on that one. 

> Tag as many (or as few) people as you want. (Try to make sure they’re still doing school!)

Wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

Yup, okay. 

> Don’t die. 

Heh, no promises. Humans have a 100% mortality rate, ya know. 

Questions... 

1. What grade are you in, and how old are you?

I'm 17, and I'm a senior this year. :)

2. Are you homeschooled, private schooled, or public schooled? Do you enjoy your type of schooling?

Homeschooled – and I love it! 

3. What is your favorite subject?

This year or just in general? I really like ASL, but of the ordinary subjects, I guess history is my favorite. ;) 

4. What is your least favorite subject?

MATH. SCIENCE. GRAMMAR. *cough* Yeah, all of that. 

5. One thing you learned in school when you were younger that is still in your head?

Umm...multipulication tables? XD I mean, shouldn't a lot of stuff still be in my head? XD 

6. Do you study hard or wing it, most often?

...wing it? That sounds really bad, but I usually don't study hard unless I have an upcoming test or something. :P

7. Your way to study is…?

Read the material. That is all. 

8. What is one subject you want to work really hard on this year, to better yourself?

Probably my recordkeeping/business math course. Ya know, the kind of math you actually need in life. ;) 

9. Any extracurricular activities this year? What are they?

Yup, ASL 2 and ceramics. ;) 

10. What is one thing you look forward to this particular year of school? What does this year mean for you?

Looking forward to – ASL 2. What does it mean – I'm months away from being a graduate...provided I don't flunk out of anything. *coughcough*

11. What is one thing that school introduced you to, that made you look farther into, that you still really enjoy?

Well...I could say writing, but school wasn't really what got me into writing. ;) Maybe reading? 

12. If you could take a dream field trip, where would you go and what would you do?

OOHH!! I would go to all the WWII museum-y things on the continent. Maybe on the whole globe. And I'd take special people with me. *nods solemnly* 

13. Are you excited for school? If so, why? If not, why?

Yup...because it's my last year... :D :D 

BONUS, USELESS QUESTION: Can you recite the alphabet backwards aloud? (Honestly, who can?)

Um, well, let's see... *tries* Apparently I actually can? Besides a delayed pause between P and O. xD 

Alrighty! I tag... 

Lydia @ Lydia Therese

Faith @ The Writer's Song

Jonathan @ The Second Brother

Questions... 

1. What grade are you in, and how old are you?

2. Are you homeschooled, private schooled, or public schooled? Do you enjoy your type of schooling?

3. What is your favorite subject?

4. What is your least favorite subject?

5. One thing you learned in school when you were younger that is still in your head?

6. Do you study hard or wing it, most often?

7. Your way to study is…?

8. What is one subject you want to work really hard on this year, to better yourself?

9. Any extracurricular activities this year? What are they?

10. What is one thing you look forward to this particular year of school? What does this year mean for you?

11. What is one thing that school introduced you to, that made you look farther into, that you still really enjoy?

12. If you could take a dream field trip, where would you go and what would you do?

13. Are you excited for school? If so, why? If not, why?

BONUS, USELESS QUESTION: Can you recite the alphabet backwards aloud? (Honestly, who can?)

This was a kind short post, but I don't have a lot of free time for SBF this week. (Yes, my blogs have nicknames.) Anywho! The Five Fall Favorites party starts Monday morning. Are you ready? :D 

~Faith 

Two Announcements.

Happy Thursday, friends! *silently promises to come up with a more normal intro than stating the day of the week* 

But, Thursday, y'all. That means tomorrow is my favorite day of the week. xD Okay, okay, I'll abandon the rabbit trail and get down to business... Anyone remember the two upcoming-epic-things I mentioned in my most recent wrap-up post? 

Well, I'm here today to tell y'all about those. One of them is blogging related and the other isn't (although it sort of is?), but I'm pretty sure y'all are gonna enjoy hearing about both when the time comes. ;) 

First up, the blogging related announcement! Many of y'all probably recall the Five Fall Favorites party that Rebekah Morris at Read Another Page hosted last year. Well, it's happening again and I'll be taking part! 

Book recommendations, discounted and free books, a super awesome giveaway (including a signed copy of Dandelion Dust :))...there is simply no reason you shouldn't attend the party! 

It will be going on Monday, October 2nd through Friday, October 7th with daily posts from each of the participants on the invitation below. (Some but not all of the bloggers will be posting on Saturday to announce the prize winners.) 

Spread the news, peeps! We're going to have SO much fun!! 

Secondly, the not-really-blogging-related-except-sorta announcement. (On this one, I'm giving y'all a bit of backstory. Just hang tight, bear with me, and don't you DARE skip ahead.) 

In the spring of 2015, I started this blog. One of my first followers and commenters was an young, aspiring author who's blogs I had been reading for several months. She commented, asking if I'd like to swap emails. I agreed, and we started talking. Every couple days...every day...several times a day... Over that spring/summer/fall we quickly became great friends, and kept discovering the oodles of things we have in common. Writing, reading, family, books, Nazis, blogging, school. (We literally have the strangest conversations sometimes.) 

That fall, my family was planning a trip out west and, of course, I was immediately like "Are we going through Kansas?!" Turns out, we would probably be coming through some part of Kansas on the way home. So, of course, I asked if it would be possible to meet my friend and her family. 

(By the way, this certain, amazing girl is Jesseca Dawn from Whimsical Writings for His Glory. Did I forget to mention that until now? Pfft, half of y'all had probably already guessed it.) 

Although not a long visit, we were able to meet up with her family for the evening and get ice cream. It was SO amazing to meet in person someone whom I had only talked to online!! 

Yeah, that's us...a really terrible, really fuzzy picture. But look how young we look, y'all!! o.O

Nearly two years has past since that quick meeting. During that time, we remained friends (obviously) and talked, almost jokingly at first, about when we would be able to get together again. (When you live 1,000 miles apart, this is not exactly simple.) 

Then, sometime back in August, Jess was like "ya know, I should come visit you this fall." My immediate response was "YES YES COME," followed quickly by, "please be serious!!" 

And she was. And, yes, it is happening. *squeals and grins and dies* 

PEOPLE. This girl is coming to see me in, like, less than three weeks!! And I get to spend ten glorious days with this beautiful, amazing, inspiring, young lady!!! <3 One of my favorite people in the world!! <3 

*cue background noise of dramatic screams* *cough* Yeah, I'm sorta-kinda excited and probably won't sleep a wink for a week before she gets here. XD 

All that said...blogging friends, y'all are special. Very special. Don't let anyone ever tell you that such 'online friendships' aren't real friendships. Because they are – or can be. And I'm blessed to have the best ones out there. <33 

(Jess, I'm so thrilled this is happening. <3 Forgive me for stalking your social media to collect that second picture? *wink*) 

~Faith 

From the Shelves {Autumn Reads}

Happy Monday, friends! Welcome to the first installment of a new series. :D 

Several people expressed an interest in seeing more such posts at the close of the bookshelf tour. So I've came up with From the Shelves, which will be book recommendations from my physical books. Sound fun? :D 

This edition will be autumn reads. From the Shelves won't be a monthly occurrence, but I do have several others planned for the next little while. ;) 

Here goes!!

HISTORICAL. 

This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof is, simply put, a masterpiece. It's winsome and beautiful, heartbreaking and dear. It shattered my heart all over the ground and yet I love it so much. <3 I read it last September, and it makes for the perfect autumn read. 

historical fiction // christian fiction // young adult // romance // tissues recommended 

I have two words to describe any Janette Oke book I've read, The Winds of Autumn included. Warm and real. They are the stories that never fail to warm my heart, make me smile, and make me feel. (This is book two in a series that I would suggest reading in order, though it could be read as a standalone.) 

historical fiction // christan fiction // early 20th century 

I read the Amish Beginnings trilogy by Suzanne Woods Fisher this year and really enjoyed them! The Newcomer was probably my least favorite of the series (shouldn't say that when I'm trying to recommend the book, huh?), but it was still a super good read. And the majority of the book is set in the fall of the year! 

*Read my full review of this book here. 

historical fiction // christian fiction // amish fiction // romance // revolutionary war era 

CONTEMPORARY. 

Although I haven't had a re-read lately, I read the Summerhill Secrets series several times when I was 10-13. House of Secrets (book six – the first book of the second volume) is one of my favorites of the ten book series, and just so happens to be set in October. Wonderful autumn book! <3 

contemporary fiction // christian fiction // great for teens 

Martin Hospitality is a super amazing book. I had the privilege of beta-reading for Abi, and I totally fell in love with the story. So beautiful and inspiring! It isn't completely set in the fall, but it definitely feels like a fall read to me. ;) 

*Read my full review of this book here. 

contemporary fiction // christian fiction // indie author // young adult 

(I know...I know...a repeat author. But at least the books are vastly different. ;)) I hadn't read many of Beverly Lewis' adult books, until a friend recommended them to me awhile back. I decided to give them a try, and when this book came available for review, I grabbed it. And...(surprise!) I loved it! The writing style is simplistic, the friendship endearing, and the romance sweet. An autumn-feeling book! 

*Read my full review of this book here. 

contemporary fiction // christian fiction // amish fiction // romance 

TBR. 

Yes, that is sunflower petals. No, it's not as nice as I'd hoped it would turn out. 

// From the Start by Melissa Tagg // 

  Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley. 

  Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

  While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them? 

This book just sounds so sweet! After reading Three Little Words (prequel to the Walker Family series) earlier this year, I knew I wanted to read more. I grabbed this one on a CBD sale and I can't wait to read it!! Obviously, I don't know yet if this book is actually set in the fall, but...doesn't that cover just look like an autumn read?! :D 

// Theft and Thanksgiving by Emily Thomas // 

  Anne Gibson is alarmed when identity thefts leave elderly Blue Hill citizens with bank accounts drained and credit cards maxed out. When a mysterious young woman arrives at the library's first book club meeting and starts asking personal questions of Anne's friend Mildred Farley, Anne wonders if the stranger is behind the thefts. As Anne sets out to uncover the truth, she discovers that there is far more behind the woman's curious behavior than she could have imagined. 

  Meanwhile, when Anne learns that her parents can't come for Thanksgiving, she and her children plan a big dinner at the library for their new friends. But will their guests' last-minute cancellations make the family's first Blue Hill Thanksgiving a lonely one? 

This book sounds so darling! Though I haven't read any/many lately, I do enjoy a good mystery. And this one sounds great! And a Thanksgiving setting? Need I say more? 

I hope y'all enjoyed! Have you read these? Want to now? Any requests for other posts in the series? What's on your Autumn TBR? 

~Faith 

Snippets of a Story + National Suicide Prevention Week

Happy Tuesday, my peoples! 

I realized that it had been awhile since I posted (in other words, I didn't last week), so here I am. I was planning to post some book recommendations (y'all are gonna get those next week instead :D), but I've decided on something else. 

Story snippets. 

More specifically, snippets from my current WIP, A Soldier's Story. (Some of y'all may remember this story from when I talked about it here.) I've never before publicly shared snippets of this story. And I've shared very little about it/of it with friends. 

So why am I sharing now? The reasoning for that lies in the second half of the post title. 

I found out yesterday (thanks to an Instagram post) that this week is National Suicide Prevention Week. A quick Google search informed me that this has actually been a thing for 40-something years? (And I've never heard of it? Not that I've been around for over 40 years, buuuuttt...) 

This realization made me think of my story. You see, parts of it has to do with suicide. (Particularly soldier suicide and the heart-aching statistics surrounding it...but that's a post in itself.) I think that's part of the reason I haven't shared much about this story. It's a story that is dear to my heart (okay, they all are...), and I don't want it to read and torn apart by anyone. Not that I think y'all would do such a thing! It's just, for whatever reason, been/being harder for me to share of this story than of previous written works of mine. 

So. All of that being said, I have decided to share the beginning of this work (currently almost-30k, btw!) with you all today. Although I don't have it broken into chapters yet, the italicized part will be the prologue and the other will be the beginning of chapter one. :) 

*deep breath* Here goes... 

~*~ 

  The soldier stopped in front of the telephone. He inserted his quarters, lifted the phone to his ear, and punched in the desired number. And waited. Waited. 

  Just when he was on the verge of giving up, the call was answered. 

  “Hello?” 

  “Hey, Dad, it's me.” 

  “James! Hello son, where are you?” 

  “Well, um, I'm on my way home. But I have a favor I'd like to ask. I have a friend that I want to bring with me.” 

  “Sure, son. Your mother and I would love to meet him.” 

  “Okay, but…there's something you ought to know before you see him.” 

  “Oh?” 

  “Yeah, he, uh…he got hurt pretty bad in the fighting… lost an arm and a leg. I don't just want you to meet him; I want him to live with us. He doesn't have anywhere to go.” 

  The son’s words were met with silence. Awkward silence during which he fidgeted and waited, almost expecting the next words. 

  “That's too much for you to ask of us, son,” his dad said. “Someone like that – who we don't even know, I might add – would be a terrible burden to your mother. I suggest you forget about this guy and come on home. He’ll make his own way in the world.” 

  The son pulled the phone from his ear and slammed it into the box, causing the entire stand to jangle and rock. 

  The father spoke his name a few times before deciding they'd gotten cut off and hanging up the receiver. Not caring enough to wonder at the odd disconnection. 

  Meanwhile, somewhere across the country, a young soldier stood staring at the pay phone, contemplating his next move. 

~*~ 

\\ Alexandria 

  My heart pounds, blood pulsing through my temples. No, no, no… I race up through the flights of stairs. Seeing as how I'm just recovering from a cold, I'm getting winded quickly but this is still faster than the elevator. 

  Please, let me get there in time. 

  The plaque on the wall is a blur as I blow past. Did that say 4th floor? Only three more flights. I can do this. 

  As my feet gobble up the metal stair treads, the image I saw from the parking lot flashes back through my mind. Back to the second when I looked up and saw a person on the roof, leaning over the edge. A man, unless I'm sorely mistaken, who looked like he was about to jump. 

  Suicide. 

  No. 

  With a second wind (or third?), I fly up the last flight of stairs and shove my weight against the door that lets me out onto the rooftop. 

  My gaze bounces first to my right, then to my left. I don't see him. Please, please, be here. 

  I walk out across the roof, dodging what appears to be a dead rat. I hurry across the concrete rooftop until I can see the side of the building which overlooks the parking lot. 

  There he is. 

  I draw closer to the spot, being careful not to make any loud or sudden noise and startle him into going over the edge unintentionally. Studying him, I notice with gratitude the uniform he wears. And I wince when I see that he's missing two limbs. 

~*~ 

On the story note, did you like it? Interested to learn more? Got any constructive criticism to offer? 

On the suicide prevention note, I may be writing more about that on Chosen Vessels this Saturday. Also, I totally suggest checking out Julia's, Mikayla's, and Grace's posts on the subject. 

Twilight to Dawn ~ Stay

Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father ~ Remember and Stay 

Totally Graced ~ Stay

Hope y'all are having a fabulous week! 

~Faith 

Farewell to Summer, Start of School, and Hallmark Movies // August Recap

Today is September. Hahaaa. Silly, Faith. There's no way that's right. *checks calendar* *repetively* 

\\ Life. \\ 

>> I talked to a styrofoam box. (And no, I'm not even kidding.) 

>> I took pictures of pretty things. Like, vines, cornfields, and flower petals. <3 

>> I had a strange convo about a broken tractor thingy. 

Me: *walking up the drive* 

Dad: *comes by on the tractor with the bush-hog behind it* 

Me: *points* That don't look so good. 

Dad: That's what happens when you bush-hog in a Christmas tree field. 

Me: It looks like it's been welded together before. 

Dad: It has. Several times. 

>> I started school. 12th grade. I'm a senior. That's just sorta kinda frightening, ya know? 

>> I apparently was very lame and legit did not have a life because I can think of nothing else to go here. Oh well. 

// Books. // 

I read 17 books this month, y'all. *screams* I haven't read that many books or pages since March. MARCH!

Regal Hearts: Episode One by Livy Jarmusch -- 4 stars 

Waking Up by Ted Dekker -- 4 stars 

The Vintage Wren: Week 1 by Chautona Havig -- 5 stars 

When the Clouds Roll by by Myra Johnson -- 3.5 stars 

Edward's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan -- 5 stars 

The Vintage Wren: Week 2 by Chautona Havig -- 5 stars 

Tea with Emma by Diane Moody -- 3.5 stars 

The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher -- 5 stars -- Review HERE. 

Whisper Goodbye by Myra Johnson -- 4 stars

To Get to You by Joanne Bischof -- 5 stars

Sing a New Song by R.S. Oswald -- 4 stars 

Mother by Kathleen Norris (adapted by Jennie Chancey) -- 5 stars 

Descent by R.S. Oswald -- 3 stars 

Father, Forgive Them by Sarah Holman -- 4.5 stars 

Where Dandelions Grow by Lydia Howe -- 4 stars -- Review to come. 

Choosing Courage by Peter Collier -- 4.5 stars 

Genesis -- 5 stars 

I bought 4 books this month. (I started to type "only" between those first two words, but NO. I'm trying to cut back. Trying to force myself to read all the books I have before I buy more. Keyword? Trying.) 

The Angel of Bastogne by Gilbert Morris 

Love Finds You in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts by Melody Carlson 

Unforgettable by Trish Perry 

Something Beyond the Sky by Siri L. Mitchell (Spontaneous purchase! I never read by this author, never heard of this book – nothing. But it sounds good. :D) 

\\ Writing. \\ 

Word count: 1,367

So...basically, I failed at writing this month. If that's even a thing? I wrote hardly anything. And what I did write was in this story, so...I'm thinking about finishing it before seriously moving ahead with This Summer. ;D 

I'm also considering submitting this WIP to a publisher... Honestly, that thought is terrifying. But at the same time kinda cool. Any advice? :P 

// Music & Movies. // 

I watched lots of Hallmark movies, y'all. I watched the series of Signed, Sealed, Delivered episodes. Along with the next 5 movies. XD Other Hallmark movies were The Reckoning (finally finished that series <3) and The Perfect Bride. 

I also watched Moondance Alexander and half of The Waltons: Season 7. (Pearl Harbor was bombed, peeps. *sobs*) 

*does not know what I listened to other than the obvious answer of Pandora, so sneakily skips that part* 

\\ Blogging. \\ 

I hit 55 Google followers!! Thanks, guys!! :D 

Epic Posts... 

The Art of Writing for Him // Apple Falls – Prologue

Truth and Tailgates // Into the West

Inkwell // review // chasing jupiter

Thriving Hope // I don't know what to write about but....

Fishing for Ideas // 5 Things You Should Know about Beta Reading

Wonderland Creek // Jesus wants you.

// Goals. // 

~ August Goals 

>> Finish beta-reading project.   I DID IT, PEOPLE. (Admit it, you thought that would still be on the list when I'm a 62 year-old spinster.) 

>> Read 10 books.      *smirks cheerfully* 

>> Begin again posting weekly on Chosen Vessels.     #success

>> Start school.     *smirks not-so-cheerfully* 

>> Catch up on blogging and emails.       .....kinda of? 

>> Write 10k in new writing project.      *cries* Um, no. I don't think I even wrote in TS

>> Edit 14 chapters of War Tears.      *laughs like a maniac* I edited like the prologue, y'all. The PROLOGUE. *rolls eyes at self* 

~ September Goals 

>> Read 10 books. 

>> Write in A Soldier's Story. 

>> Edit in War Tears. 

>> Survive school. 

>> Continue posting weekly at Chosen Vessels and here. 

>> Get/stay caught up on emails and blogging. 

ALSO! Two super epic things are going to be happening in the month of October. Now, obviously this month is not October (thank heavens – its flying by fast enough as is), but both of those things will be announced sometime this month. So stay tuned... :D 

How was your August? Your whole summer? Got a favorite memory? Have you started school? Read an epic book? Wrote an epic book? Let's chat, friends. <3 

~Faith