Roadtrip + Late Nights || February Recap

I suppose I should be honest—always a good place to start, eh?

I hadn't thought a thing about this post. Then, tonight, I was thinking that I probably needed to write up a post for next week...and realized it was the last day of the month. xP

So here I am, writing a post instead of binging a TV show editing my forsaken novel. Feel special, dears. *wink*

|| All the House-Sitting

I had several house-sitting and pet-sitting stints this month, each time just for a day/night/day. Twice for a couple who live in the neighborhood and whom I've stayed for in the past. The only problem with that is, considering the number of times the dog(s) thinks he needs to go out, I end up getting 3-4 hours of sleep per night while there. :P

And once with my favorite "foster pup", who I got to pick up from the groomers and haul home one evening. She's such a doll. I mean, honestly, who can resist that face...  <3

Backpack, cinch bag, crossover, rain jacket, not-pictured stack of library books... I'm probably the only person who takes three bags + an extra jacket + snacks to be gone from home less than two days. xD

|| Spontaneous Roadtrip

My family took a bit of a spontaneous road trip earlier this week. Although we stayed in-state, we went a few hours away to visit some friends that we met for the first time on a missions trip last summer. From hiking and "playing tourists" to wander Main Street to blaring country music on the front porch until late—the two days spent with them was such fun. :D

|| Random

• The bro came over one night while I was house-sitting. We watched a movie, played cards, and drank wayyy too much coffee. As was evident by the wacko things coming out of our mouths...

*arguing about who's going to deal for a card game*
Me: I am, because you did last time. Deal with it.
Bro: *burst out laughing*
Me:...what?
Bro: get it? Deal with it?!

• A random selfie of me because I'd dressed cute for church and ended up running around in the rain to get in and out of the car, pump gas, grab lunch, and walk the dogs 284573 times. Approximately.

• I stayed up insanely late the majority of nights this month. Aside from while away from home, 1:00 and 2:00 am weren't uncommon, and after midnight became completely normal of me. I'm almost always up past 11:30 pm anyway, but it got a bit overboard here of late. Will I do better in March? Heh, probably not... I seem to be cursed with a brain that works best—especially creatively—at those hours.

• A random picture of my child that y'all obviously needed. That annoyed lil' side glance though...

|| Best Read

Hmmm... Beloved by Kaitlyn Krispense or Dark Horse by Dandi Daley Mackall. Beloved was an alpha-read of a friend's upcoming release and a fabulous standalone that deals with themes near to my heart. Dark Horse was the fourth and final book in the Starlight Animal Rescue series and, in my opinion, the best and strongest book of the series.

|| Worst Read

I didn't really read any "bad" books this month. I buzzed through one of the Boxcar Children books that I'd picked up for a buck at an used bookstore, just to count it toward my reading goal. So I guess that claims the title of "least favorite" of the month.

Total Reads: 8

|| Update 

Um, wow. Not sure how else to say this other than—I've felt more like a writer this month than I have in...well, a long time. I'm not even exaggerating. I've had such freedom to write here of late. Whatever comes to mind, whatever is spinning through my brain. So what if it's not what I'm "supposed to be" writing or not "good enough" for publication? It's still words, bleeding out onto the page. It's still characters and worlds and jumbled sentences that somehow correlate.

And there, in the messy chaos of a writer's authenticity... isn't that where all good stories start?

|| Snippet

“Why don’t you come to the tent revival tonight?”  

He shrugged, eyeing her. “Not really my thing.”  

“Nonsense. Starts at five. I’m gonna be miffed if you don't come.”  

“Why should I?”  

“Do I have to tell you everything?” Her brow wrinkled and she leaned closer, the flicker of a dare in her eyes. “Do something spontaneous for once, Ross. Do it just because.” 

Ross smiled to himself as she walked away. Maybe he would go. Maybe he didn’t need a reason. Maybe he’d go just because.  

Just because she’d asked.

|| Favorite Posts

Dancing in the Rain >> Where is Love

Paige's Pages >> Girl, Read Your Bible

Rebellious Writing >> Always Reading

More Precious Than Gold >> For Our Good and His Glory

Inside Out Designs >> Writers' Minds vs. Normal Minds

Ordinary Girl Extraordinary Father >> When Letting Go Hurts

Beautifully Broken >> Love is Scary

|| My Posts

Day One ~ Day Two ~ Day Three ~ Day Four ~ Day Five ~ Day Six

|| February Goals

• Read 8 books.       Scored.

• Edit 15 chapters.       Ehhh, no.

• Finish a short story.      Nope.

• Co-host a blog party with this gal.      #nailedit

|| March Goals 

• Read 8 books.

• Finish a short story. (or two?? I'm pathetically optimistic.)

• Blog weekly.

• Review 3 books.

how was your february? any thoughts or opinions on how I've been tweaking the recaps? 

There Was This Girl

Once upon a time, there was a girl.

A girl with stars in her eyes and Jesus in her heart.

A girl who had just discovered how stories work—how she could put those wild ideas tumbling through her head into words, string those words into sentences, chapters, and stories.

And she did just that, every chance she got. Half of the stories were slightly unbelievable. Most of the stories were never finished. But they all had special beginnings, in things she saw or experienced or observed.

That same girl carried around a pocket-sized notebook in the back pocket of her denim cut-offs for when inspiration struck. She ran barefoot through the field to the chicken coop and ended up sitting in the shade scribbling down her thoughts, instead of gathering eggs and checking the water.

But then...then she grew up, like all kids do whether they like it or not. (This would be a case of 'not.')

And writing became something she didn't have as much time or imagination for, sad as that sounds. She was of the mind that if she wasn't writing something good, it wasn't worth the effort. If it needed polishing, it must not be right. She blamed it on writers block, on lack of inspiration.

She forgot that her best stories started when she scribbled things down without waiting to name the characters, overlooking punctuation and spelling accuracy in her hurry to grab hold of the ideas before they slipped away. She forgot that inspiration is something that comes and goes, and not "having it" doesn't make you inferior.

Something as beautiful, intricate, and fascinating as creating people, worlds, and tales from twenty-six tiny shapes we called letters should never be considered a drudgery, second-rate, or stupid.

If you don't feel like writing, that's okay. That doesn't make you any less of a writer. If you need to take a break and get some perspective, take it. And then if you still want to write, chase that dream. And if you don't, be okay with letting it go. Basically, let it be a joy—don't turn it into a chore.

You see, this barefoot girl is starting to realize that.

The girl that never really left, just got confused and caught up in things that don't matter as much as she thought they did.

The girl who still has stars in her eyes and Jesus in her heart.

The girl who's rediscovering the simplistic miracle that takes place when a dreamer with a story in their heart puts pen to paper.

And that girl just placed a small notebook and pencil on the end of her desk, to stick in her back pocket sometime. Because she sees what really matters—and she's going to get back to that.

if you write, how did you start out? (and if you came to 

this post expecting Riley Green, then I'm sorry to disappoint...)

Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzy {blog tour}

Greetings and salutations! Welcome to one of the final stops on the month-long blog tour for Sarah Grace Gray's debut novella. :D 

I was privileged to alpha-read this beauty and write an endorsement for the interior. Piper and Ezra were such sweet characters and I adored their story. I can assure you that you don't want to miss this precious read! <3

// synopsis

Piper Redding is a loner, but lonely. Everyone she loves has abandoned her and opening her heart to others is just asking for more pain. She can’t help but blame herself for her brother’s tragic death six years ago, and in her guilt, she shuts herself off from the world. No one could love her—not even the God who promised to be there for her but wasn’t.

For paramedic Ezra Bryant, failure is not an option. He’s had enough of it, and only by God’s grace is he able to put it behind him. But when a traumatic event brings Piper’s greatest fear and Ezra’s failures to light, can they use that event to allow God to mend their broken pieces? Can love triumph over fear, and grace over guilt?

Paperback ~ eBook ~ Goodreads

// author bio

Sarah Grace Grzy is a voracious reader, and if it weren’t for this crazy thing called 'Life,' she’d be tempted to spend all her days in front of a wood stove, book in one hand, coffee mug in the other.

A lover of learning, she finds enjoyment in many things and has more hobbies than she knows what to do with. Sarah Grace is a freelance web and graphic designer, and when not working, spending time with her ever-growing family, or reading, she can be found painting, playing the piano, or fangirling with her sisters and friends. She inhabits the State of Great Lakes, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else—unless it meant she could have a baby penguin, in which case, she’d gladly move to the South Pole.

Newsletter ~ Goodreads Author ~ Goodreads Profile ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

// giveaway 

Grand Prize ~ $20 Amazon gift card + signed paperback of Live Without You + specialty designed mug
Second Prize ~ $5 Amazon gift card + ebook copy of Live Without You
3 Third Prize Winners ~ Ebook copy of Live Without You

{{ Note: Grand prize open to US entrants only, 2nd and 3rd prizes available internationally. Giveaway runs from 12AM 1.21.19 - 12AM 1.23.19. Victoria Lynn Designs retains the right to disregard any entries that they deem bogus or spam. Good luck to the entrants! }}

Enter Here

have you read Sarah Grace's debut novella? are we in agreement that the cover is TO DIE FOR? what's your favorite contemporary Christian romance? 

When Calls the Heart || Best Moments + Giveaway Winners

Since I've already did three favorite gals, three favorites guys, and five underrated characters, I decided to choose a favorite moment from each season for my final post. Maybe not my top favorites, but a favorite. I tried to pick some that don't get as much attention, too. xD

Stay tuned to the end to discover the giveaway winners—and be sure to check out Rebekah's post of the day!

{ Season One }

In Lost & Found, when Jack and Elizabeth are officially introduced...and he realizes who her father is and (possibly) why he was sent to Coal Valley instead of Cape Fullerton—the posting he wanted. He's fit to be tied, to say the least, and spouts off something about how the wealth shipping tycoon's daughter won't last a week in a mining town. Elizabeth gives the tongue lashing right back. It's quite amusing... ;)

{ Season Two }

Season Two had it's good moments, but it wasn't a favorite of mine—not a fan of the Nora/Bill drama, for one thing. Aside from the trial, though, one of my favorite scenes took place in Hamilton. Elizabeth is trying to console Julie after her and Tom's...uh, escapade that turned into a car crash.

Julie: Father’s forbidden me to see Tom ever again. And I’ll die if I don’t see him! I’ll wither away and die.

Elizabeth: You won’t die. 

Julie: Then I’ll wither.

{ Season Three }

Season Three had lots of sweet and humorous Lee and Rosemary moments. One of my favorites was when they were talking about Rosemary accepting the offer of a several film contract with motion picture (movie) producer that was in town. It wouldn't take forever, but Lee knew it was unlikely she'd return to Hope Valley afterwards if she did leave with the production crew.

Rosemary: You’re not going to make this easy, are you? 

Lee: Perhaps the best I can do right now is not make it any harder.

{ Season Four }

In the fourth season of the show, Elizabeth and Jack join forces to coach and oversee a baseball game for the schoolchildren. The day of the big game, Elizabeth, Jack, and Abigail get into an argument about the game, whether or not Cody was safe. Umpire Bill steps in to make a call and dares anyone to argue with it. Quite the humorous scene, I'd say. xD

{ Season Five }

Near the beginning of the season, Abigail and Bill travel out of town to testify at Henry Gowen's trial—on opposing sides. Bill (Sheriff of Hope Valley, with Jack away) places Lee in charge of things while he's gone. Of course, this would be when a "tonic" salesman shows up in town, much to Carson's disgruntlement and irritation. The scene where Lee arrested Carson—or, rather, Carson put himself in jail—was absolutely fabulous.

{ Giveaway Winners }

Annndd the giveaway winners! Rebekah and I stayed up late last night to "draw" these after the widget closed at midnight (Eastern) and get them into today's posts. ;) 

First Place || Kaylee

Second Place || Alice S.

Congratulations, ladies! I'll be contacting both of you so we can get your prizes sent as soon as possible. :D Thanks for reading, commenting, and entering, everyone!

via GIPHY

(I usually despise GIFs, buuttt...couldn't help it. xD)

did you enjoy the blog party? congrats to the giveaway winners & thank you all for entering! <3

When Calls the Heart || Fav Male Leads

Happy discounted chocolate and flowers day, friends!

(Oh, do we not celebrate that? Because we really should...just saying...)  This morning, I'm going to ramble about my favorite guys from When Calls the Heart, since I already covered the gals on Tuesday.

{ Lee Coulter }

Owner and operator of Coulter enterprises, a lumber mill/company based in Hope Valley. Husband to actress Rosemary Leveaux Coulter. All around epic dude. Famous for his plaid pants.

When Lee first appeared in town, in the midst of the trial to determine if the mining company was at fault in the cave-in, I was suspicious that he was a swindler. Seriously, though. Dude rides up on a motorcycle and immediately catches Rosemary's eye? Doesn't necessarily say much for his character. (Sorry, Jack.) As it turns out though, Lee is a great fellow and his business the main source of economy for the town.

{ Jack Thornton }

Constable Jack Thornton of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. Husband to schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher. Son of a Mountie and a schoolteacher. Man in the red coat, the town's protector. Fighting the good fight.

Ah, yes. The dude that rides in on episode one and breaks up a disagreement between the workers and the bosses of the coal mine. He appears in the trademark jacket and hat, prompting a young student to ask who it is. To which, Elizabeth responds "that's a Mountie." Quite awestuck, now that I think about it. Which might be fitting... ;)

{ Bill Avery }

Former Constable Bill Avery, now a private investigator and undercover detective. Co-owner of Abigail's Cafe, but only works there (meaning, cook and threaten customers with a rolling pin) when absolutely necessary. Has no family in town since his ex-wife disappeared.

I almost included Bill in my underrated characters list, because he seems to get a lot of dislike. No, he's not perfect, but he's a pretty good fellow. His sarcasm and dry humor is superb. And who doesn't appreciate a good ol' mystery-chaser? (Basically, don't hate on the guy. Because, I mean, what if he gets a complex?)

{ Giveaway }

Today's the last day to enter to win one of these When Calls the Heart themed bundles! The giveaway closes at midnight and the winners will be announced in tomorrow's posts. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

who's your favorite guy character? which item from the giveaway would you most like to win? 

When Calls the Heart || Collaboration with RebekahAshleigh

Good morning, all, and happy Valentine's Day! <3 Rebekah and I have a special treat for y'all today—a collaboration of the two of us discussing our speculations for what Season Six will bring to Hope Valley. Read on and then chime-in in the comments!



Faith: *waves* hey, girlie :)

Rebekah: *waves back* Hello Faith! :D

F: How are you today? Having fun with the party?

R: I’m doing great! The party has been a blast so far! Are you having fun? ;)

F: EEPPS, yes, it’s always so much fun!

R: I’m so glad we made this an annual thing!!! :D

F: Yup! I’m glad I discovered When Calls the Heart a couple years back...thanks to you. ;)

R: I’m so glad I discovered it as well. And of course I had to try and get you to watch it. ;) I’m so happy that you fell in love with it and we can talk all about it together! <3 :)

F: A friend in the fandom is always nice to have! Speaking of which, I suppose we should get down to business. So...what’s your #1 speculation for season 6?

R: Totally! ;D
Well, I would have said Elizabeth’s baby, but that’s already happened. ;) So, I’m not even that sure. I’m definitely speculating that we’ll be seeing more of the other characters now that the main focus isn’t on Jack and Elizabeth…
What about you?

F: Haha, yup! Although, I guess that’s technically part of season 6, just wasn’t aired with the season. Yes, I think so too! Which will be nice, if it wasn’t for *cough* that *cough* reason.
Hmm...well, I want there to be a Coulter baby, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen or not… ;) I’m hoping for some developments in Jesse and Clara’s relationship too. They’ve been back-and-forth for awhile it seems like, but they were “steadier” in the Christmas special.

R: True. ;)
Don’t make me cry, Faith! ;) that was so awful though, but it will be great seeing more of everyone else.
I’d love for there to be a Coulter baby!!! That would be so adorable and Lee and Rosemary would make such great parents! Yeah, I’m unsure if that will happen, but us Hearties can hope. ;) Some more developments in Jesse and Clara’s relationship would be nice. The season 6 preview kinda hinted towards that…
I also wonder about Abigail’s love life now that Frank is no longer around…

F: Aww, here you go! *passes tissues and heart-shaped chocolates*
I know, right?! Especially after the classic Rosemary moment in Season 3 (“Babies are so...sticky.”), it would be so precious to see them as parents. <3 Yup, the Hearties will always cling to hope… Yes, it did! I also saw a video on YouTube the other day that suggested something about a “new role” or “new season” for Rosemary. I’m not crossing my fingers that it’s motherhood, but you never know, I suppose! And I don’t remember the source of that video, so it may not have been reliable. Fun to consider though. ;)
Oh, good point! Wonder if she’ll get a new love interest… Although, you know me...I’m still hoping for Abigail and Bill to get back together… *wink*

R: *wipes away tears and nibbles on Hearties chocolate*) I’ll be okay. *sniff* *wink*
Goodness yes!! That scene was golden!! (and the mention of diapers. ;) *laughs*) They are just the cutest couple. They’d be such great parents. Wait, really?!?! Oh dear, well let’s just hope that it was somewhat reliable. Hehe. ;) Definitely fun to consider! We mustn’t get our hope too high though. =)
Oh, I never considered the possibility of a new love interest...Hmmm… Yes, I was pretty sure you’d bring up Bill. I know you well, Faith. ;) I do like Bill, but Frank and Abigail were one of my favorite couples! Actually come to think of it, out of my three favorite couples only one is left...

F: *winks*
Yes!! I’ll have to look that video up and, if I can find it, send it your way. Haha, yes! Hearties learn the hard way about not getting their hopes up… :P
*laughs* Sorry, couldn’t help it. ;) Yes, you do know me too well. Oh goodness, I hadn’t realized that! Well, I suppose it’s the same for me, now that I think about it… Lee and Rosemary better stay together...and healthy! ;)

R: Oh, thanks! :)
For sure….
Hehe. ;D I know! The writers are tearing apart our favorite couples. Yes!! Nothing must happen to Lee and Rosemary.
So, Faith, what are your thoughts on the two new guys who are coming to Hope Valley?

F: They’d better stay together until they’re old and grey...or until we are...or whatever... xD
Ooohh, good one. I knew we’d get to this eventually. Well, I saw on (you guessed it) another maybe-gossip video that the new Mountie may become a love interest for Elizabeth in the future. I’m...not sure how I feel about that. I’m not saying she should stay single forever, but the Hearties—and all of Hope Valley—need time to grieve! Also, Jack was much better looking...I’m just saying… *wink*
But back to my thoughts… I’m not sure. I think it’ll be fun to have new characters on the show, with different personalities to figure out and backgrounds to discover. The new Mountie looks like a fun guy, and the saloon owner/gambler/whoever-he-is looks a tad suspicious, so I’m wondering where that will go. ;) How about you?

R: *laughs* For sure!!
Hmmm...I think I’d be okay with the new Mountie becoming a love interest for Elizabeth in the future...but I’m with you, everyone needs some time to grieve! Even though it has been several months, that’s not really enough time for Elizabeth to move on. I mean, she’s been in love with Jack for so long. Hehe. *wink* Well, yes, I agree, Jack is better looking, but the new Mountie is better looking then the saloon guy. ;)
I think if Elizabeth is to fall for one of the guys it should be the Mountie, but I’m good with her just being friends with guys for now. ;) The saloon owner/gambler guy does look suspicious. I saw somewhere what both of the new guys names are, but I can’t remember. ;) I’m really not sure what to think of this part of the season 6 storyline…

F: Yes, I’d like some time before anything develops in that department. I know! And they were, like, so perfect together. Haha, this is true… ;)
Oh, me too! The saloon guy looks creepy—and probably older than her? Not sure, just speculating. ;P I wonder if he’ll have some sort of redemption theme or past. Kind of like Frank’s, but different. Just a thought. :) Hmmm...is the Mountie’s name Nathan? That sounds right, for some reason.

R: They were one of the sweetest couples ever! <3
Yeah, he does look a bit on the creepy side….I knew there was something else that I wasn’t sure about, but yeah, now that you mention it he does look older. Oh maybe, good point! Although the Mountie seem a bit mysterious too… They both kinda do. ;)
Nathan does sound right! We need to try and look up what their names are. ;)
Another thing I’m excited for about season 6 is Baby Jack! I can’t wait to see Elizabeth as a mother! She’ll be a great one. She’s amazing with the school children.

F: Glad you mentioned that, haha. I wasn’t sure if I was just assuming everyone was suspicious because they often turn out to be, or if they really are. xD
Yes, we should. So we can talk about them without codes. “Saloon guy.” “New Mountie.” Haha!
Oh, definitely! It’ll be sweet to see a baby on the show! Other than the twins in Season 1 and Edith’s baby in Season 3, has there been any other infants on WCTH?

R: Hehe, nope, it’s not just you! ;) Although new people on the show tend to be hiding something, so we definitely have the right to be suspicious. ;)
*laughs* That should be our goal, to find out what “Saloon guy” and “New Mountie” real names are. ;D We don’t have much longer though until we get to “meet” them.
It will be so fun! No, actually. I think those were the only two times that there were babies in When Calls the Heart. The twins in season 1 were just in the very end of the episode and Edith and her baby weren’t in many episodes. So this should really be fun!

F: Valid point, my dear. xD
Yes, I know!! I’m hyped to see what they do with season 6. In the Facebook live with Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, and Lori Loughlin after the startling conclusion of Season 5, they promised Season 6 to be fabulous. So...I’m hoping for good things. :D
I know! It’ll be so cute. ^_^

R: Same here! I cannot wait to see all that happens! Oh, that’s right! I had forgotten that they said that. =) I think we can definitely expect this to be another great season even though there will be some major changes. :)

F: Yep! I’m really curious to see how that will look and what it’ll be like to have a different Mountie in town. There should be some sweet moments too though!

R: I think there will definitely be a different feel to this season, but I’m quite excited to find out what will happen! Yes, I’m sure there will be plenty of sweet moments! <3

F: Talking about this show with you and sharing our thoughts on the upcoming season has been so much fun!

R: It really had been! I’ve enjoyed it so much!

F: Until next time, Heartie fans! *waves to the readers*

R: Yes, until next time, fellow fans! *waves* Goodbye! :)

do you have any speculations for the new season? do you agree with ours? 

When Calls the Heart || Underrated Characters

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Today's post is going to focus on characters from the show that are/were, in my opinion, underrated. Either they didn't get much attention, appreciation, or screen time, or they disappeared from the show without a trace.

Afterwards, be sure to hop over to Rebekah's blog for her post of the day, by clicking the graphic near the bottom of this page. :)

{ Cat Montgomery }

Cat Montgomery, a widow of the coal mine disaster that took place shortly before the start of the show and a mother to three adorable children, was a special part of the first season of this TV show. Sadly, for some reason and unlike many of the actors and actresses from Season One, she's not seen later on!

Also in that season, Cat has three children. Emily and Miles remain on the series, often spotted among the crowd of schoolchildren. But there was also Gabe, the oldest, who disappeared along with his mom. I'd have loved to see a continuation of this whole family's story!

{ Julie Thatcher }

Julie, Elizabeth's sister, is the youngest of the three pretty, privileged, and polished Thatcher girls. She has a bit of a wild side that escalated greatly when she crossed the path of—and fell in love with—Tom Thornton, Mountie Jack's brother.

For all of her faults, dramatic responses, and adventurous escapades, Julie is a character that I always enjoyed. Sure, she and Tom were immature and irresponsible in the way that went about pursuing a relationship (and there was that little thing about "borrowing" her father's car...) but I think there was something genuine between them.

{ Tom Thornton }

Tom Thornton, younger brother to Hope Valley's constable—brothers that are quite opposite in many ways—and the aforementioned temporary boyfriend to Julie.

Honestly, how could I talk about Julie without throwing Tom into the mix? He's definitely got his fair share of problems—many of which he brought on himself—but anyone could change, and after his goodbye to Julie in Season Two, I believe he truly wanted to. And then after their reappearances in Season Four... well, I'm still routing for him and Julie to get back together.

{ AJ Foster }

A.J. Foster, the woman who was paid dirty money to keep quiet about the discrepancies she uncovered while working as an auditor. That is, until Detective Bill Avery found her hideout.

Okay, okay, I know. There was probably quite a few breathing sighs of sweet relief when this crazy lady disappeared from the show—and most likely some groans when she reappeared. And honestly, I may have been one of them.

But after re-watching, I concurred that she was indeed an "underrated" character. While I didn't like her with Bill in a romantic sense, their banter and the way they bested the bad guys was superb. And she did kind of save Bill's life, so I guess she gets bonus points for that.

{ Shane Cantrell }

Shane was one of the men working for the railroad and single father to young Phillip, one of Elizabeth's classmates. He even took Nurse Faith Carter out a few times (they were cute!) and I assumed they'd all become a continual part of the show.

Until they vanished. Shane was already gone from the show—something about working in another town—and then Phillip left to have an operation at a city hospital. And then...nothing. Currently, neither character has returned to the show. I'd certainly like to know what happened to them. ;)

who's your favorite underrated characters? have you entered the giveaway yet?

When Calls the Heart || Fav Female Leads

Happy Tuesday and welcome to day two!

If any of y'all missed yesterday's post, I suggest reading it and then continuing on—don't want to leave you out of anything! In short, Rebekah and I are posting about the When Calls the Heart TV show all this week. Today's topic over here is favorite female leads, but be sure to check out Rebekah's posts as well. ^_^

* spoilers for those who haven't saw all five seasons * 

{ Abigail Stanton }

Leader of the band of women widowed by the coal mine disaster. Proprietor of Abigail's Cafe. Adoptive mother to Cody and Becky, mother-in-law to Clara. Temporary mayor of Hope Valley.

Not that I have anything against our leading lady, but sometimes I prefer Abigail's character to Elizabeth's. She's so strong and sweet, with a great personality, and I admired her from her first scene. Not to mention Lori Loughlin is just such a fabulous actress. Abigail has had two romances during the show—Mountie Bill Avery and Pastor Frank Hogan—both of which ended with them parting ways.

{ Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton }

Daughter of a prestigious family from the city. Schoolteacher on the frontier, originally in a saloon. Wife/widow of the town's Constable, Jack Thornton.

Originally, I wasn't sure what to make of her—so determined and so opinionated, yet sticking out like a sore thumb. But from her first word-match with Jack (or was it when she slammed the door in his face...?), I knew I'd like her. Elizabeth's love story with everyone's favorite Mountie has been a major focus of the show since Episode 1. Which has been adorable, but I'm wondering what it'll be like to see her character in Season Six...without our Mountie. *tears*

{ Rosemary Leveaux Coulter }

Former Broadway actress. Advice columnist for Hope Valley's paper, specializing in life and love. Wife to Lee Coulter, owner of the town's lumber company. Organizer of literally anything and everything—whether she's asked or not.

Rosemary is a character that I despised when she first appeared, smack-dab between Jack and Elizabeth at the end of Season One. I was fingers-crossed that she'd disappear before Season Two—which obviously didn't happen. I adore her character now though, and she and Lee are the cutest. <3 Now, rewatching the earlier shows, I can appreciate her humor and quirkiness even then.



So there you have it! I had enough honorable mentions to make the list over and then some. But several of those characters will be making an appearance in another post...so check back to see what's up with that. ;)

who's your favorite female lead? male lead? I'll talk about the guys later in the week!