Christmas Release, 200 Books, & A Blog Party || December Recap

(Yes, this is a tad late. We're going to blame that on the fact that Faith has been enjoying not blogging and reading an exorbitant amount of books. But here I am. Better late than never, am I right?)

I released a book, hosted a Christmas party, read 200 books... Oh, and it's been a year since I last wrote a December recap?? Like, what?? It's 2019—2018 is over? I haven't talked to y'all since last year?!

SAY WHAT.

|| Life. ||

>> We got over a foot of snow. Legit made me so happy. We were snowed in all weekend and I read four books and we got ridiculously tired of each other and it was fab. xD

>> You might be in the south, if the Taco Bell guy says "sorry for the wait, y'all. Alright, y'all have a good day now."

>> Having five dozen wacko conversations like this one.

Bro: a sister is something you have and don't want. A wife is something you want and don't have.

Me: *burst out laughing*

Bro: Wait... I think I said that wrong...?

>> My family went shopping one day, a week or two before Christmas. After hitting several stores and wandering Main Street, we went to Dairy Queen for lunch. And got locked in the restrooms. No joke.

So like, you go through the seating area and through this door into a hall that has restrooms and some employees entrance or something. My mom, bro, and I went in, and when we're headed back to the restaurant where Dad was waiting...the door we'd legit just came through wouldn't open. We all tried it (laughing until we couldn't breathe, of course), and it would wiggle but wouldn't open.

Apparently we were just doing something wrong and laughing too hard to realize it, because a guy on the other side heard us and got up to let us back in. So as we come through, laughing and telling Dad what happened, another guy spoke up across the room—"Y'all seem to be having way too much fun."

Yup, pretty much, sir.


>> Allll the Christmasyness. Christmas play + dinner at church, Christmas music everywhere, all the secrets and wrapping paper and packages received and packages to mail. Decorations, ornaments, nativities, books, outdoor lights *points*, a blog party, and SO MUCH DARN FOOD. Gracious, I love that time of year though. <3

>> Throughout the month, I spent about two weeks house-sitting/pet-sitting, for two different people/couples. One has an ADORABLE puppy who I basically just cuddled and adored and played with for like over a week...

Honestly, though. Just look at that face. And ignore my weird position.

>> Over the final weekend of the month/year, I enjoyed a fabulous readathon with a handful of other gals! It was so much fun. We had crazy-random discussions, read loads of books/pages, and danced in confetti...virtually, of course. ;)

|| Books. ||

// books

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti -- 5 stars -- Review
A Happy Trails Christmas by Roy Rogers & Dale Evans -- 4 stars
Silent Star by Tracie Peterson -- 4 stars -- Review
A Christmas Peril by Diane Moody -- 5 stars
Hope Your Heart Needs by Holley Gerth -- 4 stars -- Review
Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide -- 5 stars -- Review
Decree by Tricia Mingerink -- 4 stars -- Review
The 12 Ways of Christmas by David Jeremiah -- 4 stars
At Your Request by Jen Turano -- 3 stars
Coffee Shop Christmas by Ryana Miller -- 4 stars -- Review
Then Came You by Becky Wade -- 4 stars
The Old Mansion's Secret by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4 stars
The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson -- 3.5 stars
The Haunted Cabin Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- 3 stars
The Angel of Bastogne by Gilbert Morris -- 3.5 stars
Runaway by Dandi Daley Mackall -- 4 stars

short stories //

The Least of These by Kate Willis -- 4 stars

Emmanuel by Angela R. Watts -- 5 stars

Songs in Our Memories by R.A. Rooney -- 3.5 stars

Even in the Grey by Laura Guenot -- 4 stars

Kind by Kellyn Roth -- 4 stars -- Review

The Villain Who Saved Christmas by C.B. Cook -- 4 stars

These Three Things by Gracelyn Buckner -- 5 stars

|| Writing. ||

December in the writing realm was...interesting. I always say that, don't I? I can't say the month was exactly productive... But it wasn't bad? I published a book, wrote a short story, tried to keep up with editing and failed, and planned January to be an EPIC month.

I published my darling collection of Christmas stories! Behold turned out to be such a cute, lovely little book. (Lovely on the outside anyway. I guess y'all will have to be the judges of the inside.) But yup, it's out in the frightening world of Amazon, in paperback and Kindle.

Other progress in the writing world would be the cutesy little Christmas story I finished (after starting in '15 or '16...), edited, and shared on the blog this month. A Carnathan Christmas is a prequel to War Tears, the epic novel y'all have heard me talk, cry, whine, and ramble about for like years. Which I'll hopefully have a major update on by the end of January...so stick around, kay? There will probably be more tears.

|| Blogging. ||

// favorite posts

A Small Dream ~ Important Nothings

it's just part of the story ~ Twilight to Dawn

I See You Growing ~ Dancing in the Rain

// my posts

Day One ~ Day Two ~ Day Three ~ Day Four

One ~ Two ~ Three ~ Four ~ Five ~ Six ~ Seven ~ Eight ~ Nine ~ Ten ~ Eleven ~ Twelve

|| Goals. ||

// December Goals 

>> Read 15 books.     YESS.

>> Publish Behold.     *nods*

>> Host 12 Days of Christmas blog party.    Ahaha, yes.

>> Edit pt.2 of War Tears.    ...no??

// January Goals

>> Read 12+ books. (Yes, I'm crazy.)

>> Finish editing War Tears. (Even if it kills me.)

>> Post weekly on each blog. (Quality posts, at that.)

>> Re-vamp both blogs. (More on this coming soon!)



How was your Christmas? Did you read any adorable Christmas reads? What was the randomest thing that happened to you this month? If you tell me you've also been locked in a DQ hallway, I'll probably laugh until I choke... 
~Faith

Behold {paperback release + giveaway winners}

Hello, readers!

How are you all this week? After the craziness of the blog tour (and getting snowed in last weekend....ahh, but that was nice <3), I'm catching up on blogging and homework. Oh, and a house-sitting/pet-sitting job over the next few days, so that should be fun. ;)

Tonight I'm here with some quick news and then it's back to prepping for the 12 Days of Christmas party—which starts on Friday!! *cue the panicking*

Behold paperbacks

Exciting news! Behold is now available on Amazon in paperback. After many setbacks, issues, rejections, and much trial and error, the lovely lil' paperback is available for purchase. :)

Click here to grab your copy!

giveaway winners 

Congratulations to the winners of the giveaway! And thank you to everyone who entered and shared. <3 It's a great way to spread the news and up the hype of a new book.

Eliza N. 

&

CutePolarBear

Thirteen days until Christmas! <3
~Faith

Behold // blog tour // Day Four + Fav Indie Christmases

Happy last day of the blog tour, friends! <3

Thank you all so much for joining me in the tour. It means a lot to have such a supportive community!

Unfortunately, at the time I'm writing this (11:20 pm), paperback still hasn't been approved on Amazon. The files were rejected, but I got that worked out and re-submitted, so hopefully soon... Hey, maybe by the time you're reading this I'll have deleted this paragraph and instead inserted a link to the paperback version. ;D

The final four stops on the tour are linked below—spotlights and reviews today. Give them a read!

Angela Watts @ The Peculiar Messenger >> spotlight

Gracelyn @ Literatura >> spotlight

Serethiel @ The Book Sprite >> spotlight & review

Abigail @ Books, Life, and Christ >> spotlight & review

Favorite Indie Christmases

Today, I'm spotlighting two of my favorite indie Christmas stories. Yes, I've read many more than two—and picking was rather difficult—but I have so many book reviews and recommendations planned for the 12 Days of Christmas party (starting next week!), y'all will have to settle for these. ;)

~ A Christmas Peril by Diane Moody (The Teacup Novellas, #5) ~ 


I love this story so much, my peoples. Like, I can't even explain how or why or anything. It's so dear, so good, so precious. <3

I'm currently reading it for the third (or fourth?) time. It has just about everything a love in a story—contemporary, WWII, sweet romance, a good Christmas tale, and plenty of injuries and some angst. *wink*

~ As in Olden Days by Jesseca Wheaton (Questions of War, #0.5) ~


Ahhh, this story is so darling. For anyone who loves sweet, simple Christmas stories of family, love, and good times—give this one a read.

And if you're a fan of the Questions of War series, you definitely need to grab this little gem! <3

What's your favorite Christmas story, indie or otherwise? Do you plan to grab a copy of Behold? 
~Faith

Behold // blog tour // Day Three + Release

Happy release day to mmeeeee!

*pauses mid-dance-move and glances around* Oh, hi, people. You're here for more than my frighteningly pathetic happy dances, aren't you?

First off—be sure to check out the release day bloggers. Four more reviews, an interview, and an excerpt is on today's itinerary! :D

Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh >> review

Ryana Lynn Miller @ Life of Heritage >> review & interview

Rebekah Morris @ Rebekah’s Reading Room >> review & excerpt

Molly Anne @ Qadash - Set Apart, for Him >> review

Release

So, you see, I kinda wrote this book and it kinda releases today so I kinda have reason to freak out...??

Well, actually, the Kindle version releases today. Or, if you pre-ordered, it should be on your Kindle device awaiting you as we speak!

Paperback isn't available yet...so I'm kind of bummed about that. :P It should be up in time for me to share the link tomorrow *fingers crossed* so check back for that!

Speaking of paperback, here are the pictures of the lovely proof copy. Pardon the watermark...and the fact that—even with some editing—these don't nearly do justice to the starry sky colors. <3

isn't the spine adorable?! 

Okay, I'm done flailing. ;) Be sure to enter the giveaway—or re-enter! Some options can be repeated each day.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Nineteen days until Christmas, my friends! Who's buying books for the friends and family on their list? *wink*
~Faith

Behold // blog tour // Day Two + Shoutouts

Welcome to day two, my friends! I can hardly believe tomorrow is the release! <3

I'm kinda going crazy with the blog tour, the Christmas party starting next week (SAY WUT), homework I'm procrastinating, memorizing lines for the church play, crossing my fingers that the paperback appears on Amazon tomorrow... Yup, it's all good. :P 

Be sure to check out all of today's bloggers. We have another interview, two excerpts, and four reviews! :D

One day until release! 

bloggers 

Janelle @ The Ramblings of a Bookworm >> review

A. Kaylee @ Kaylee’s Kind of Writes >> review & interview & excerpt

Kaitlyn Smith @ Maidens for Modesty >> review & excerpt

Hannah Marie @ Silver-Lined Ramblings >> review

Shoutouts

I think we can agree that the blogging/indie book community around here is rather amazing. I'm just going to take a moment to spotlight a few indie entrepreneurs who were essential to the release of this book. 

Editing // Abigayle Claire

This was my first time working with a professional editor, and Abi made the experience so awesome. Her feedback and critiques were knowledgable and helpful. She was a pleasure to work with!


Cover // Estetico Designs

The lovely Sarah Grace from Estetico did a fabulous job on my cover. I literally had no idea what I wanted going in, but I'm so pleased with the outcome! Sarah Grace was quick, competent, and more than willing to work with my tweaks.


Formatting + Graphic // Inside Out Design

The two gals between IOD are rather special to me... One did the interior formatting of Behold and I'm so tickled with how it turned out. Oh, and that gorgeous blog tour banner you've been eyeing? Admit it, you have been. You have Miss Kaitlyn to thank that you don't have to put up with my lame attempts, four days straight. ;)

Totally not just tossing this in here because I'm in love with my cover. Nope, course not. I'll share pictures of the full proof (back, spine, etc.) tomorrow, though. So stick around, kay? *passes out coffee and cookies*

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

What's your favorite Christmas short story? 

~Faith

Behold // blog tour // Day One + Intro

Greetings, dear reader, and merry Christmas! 

Welcome to the first day of the blog tour for Behold. Yup, I'm pretty hyped. Pretty excited. And also low-key going crazy because my book baby is about to be out there for the world—and the world is a frightening place to release my child, friends. 

We have several amazing people joining the tour today, so be sure to check out their posts. :) 

Two days until release!! 

bloggers 

Brooklyne @ Showers of Blessing >> interview 

Abigail McKenna @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors >> review 

Victoria G. @ Victoria’s Book Nook >> spotlight & interview 

Jana @ Reviews from the Stacks >> spotlight & excerpt

synopsis

A collection of short stories honoring the birth of the Savior

From two siblings caught up in the harrowing days of World War II to separated foster children in the US…

From a memorable road trip across the Southeast to the reunion of a war-torn family... 

You’ll be swept into the Christmas spirit with the endearing stories tucked inside these pages. The storylines range from family to romance to the bond of community, with settings scattered across America and beyond.

Behold the beauty of the Savior’s birth with this gathering of stories that warm the soul and bless the heart.

AMAZON || GOODREADS

giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for reading! What's your favorite Christmas story? (Also, how on earth is it only 20 days until Christmas?!)  
~Faith

Christmas Trees, Shoeboxes, and Meeting a Friend || November Recap

So apparently there's only 31 days left in the year. Faith is slightly in denial over the fact, but since there's little she can do it about... Ya know. Moving on.

|| Life. || 

>> Allll the pretty leaves. *heart eyes* We usually have nice color in mid-October, but it was on into November this year. 

>> So I wore plaid, like, daily this month. Because...because that's what you do when the temperatures droop lower and leaves are changing and there's pumpkin stuff everywhere. (Also, I voted for the first time! And I'm slightly proud of it. Check out the sticker on the back of my phone case. xD)

>> One night, I ended up talking about Marine haircuts with my bro. While brushing my teeth. Yeah, not sure what happened there...

>> Christmas tree harvest...happened. So things are rather crazy at the Potts residence currently. *inserts image of all the baled thingies in the ditch* 

>> I got to meet a sweet online friend in person! I've known Angela (of The Peculiar Messenger fame) for a few years. She was nearby Thanksgiving weekend and we got to hang out. Chatting with this dear was such fun! <3

|| Books. || 

// Books 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson -- 4 stars
Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli -- 4 stars -- Review
When God Calls the Heart at Christmas by Brian Bird & Michelle Cox -- 5 stars -- Review
Hannah's Hope by Karen Kingsbury -- 5 stars
The Thief, the Damsel, and the Dragon by Angela R. Watts -- 4 stars -- Review
Adventures and Adversities by Sarah Holman -- 5 stars
A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid -- 4 stars
O Come All Ye Faithful by Faith Blum -- 4 stars
Storyteller by Morgan Harper Nichols -- 5 stars
There was Always Laughter in Our House by Sarah Holman -- 5 stars -- Review
His Law is Love by Rebekah A. Morris -- 5 stars

Short Stories // 

Snip by Abigayle Claire -- 4 stars

Homeward by Angela R. Watts -- 4 stars

For My Good by Sarah Holman -- 4 stars 

The Christmas She Wanted by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4 stars

Christmas by the Sea by Beth Wiseman -- 5 stars

First Christmas in American by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4 stars

A Christmas Disaster by Rebekah A. Morris -- 5 stars

Befriended by Sarah Holman -- 3.5 stars 

Some Christmas Camouflage by Elisabeth Grace Foley -- 5 stars 

|| Writing. || 

Writing was kind of crazy this month. As in, crazily non-existent. The only actual writing I did was in a random fan-fiction story, and I've been editing War Tears.

Otherwise my focus was on... Behold! This month, I got the book back from my editor, applied edits, sent it to a formatter, got the final cover, ordered a proof copy, got the Kindle version up for preorder, arranged the blog tour, answered author interviews questions...

Yeah, all that good stuff. ;) Six days until release!

|| Blogging. || 

// Favorite Posts 

It Feels Like You Have Forever ~ Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father

This is Good ~ A Purpose and a Promise

Five Ways to Conquer Writers' Block ~ Inside Out Design

<3 ~ Like No Other

// My Posts

|| Goals. || 

// November Goals

>> Read 8 books.     YUSSS.

>> Do the final edit of Behold, get it formatted, and order proof.    *fist pump*

>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.     Not quite, but I've made significant progress, so we're counting it. xD

>> Post weekly on both blogs.      Another yes. First time I'm completed all my goals in AGES.

// December Goals 

>> Read 15 books.

>> Publish Behold.

>> Host 12 Days of Christmas blog party.

>> Edit pt.2 of War Tears.



So how was your month, dear reader? Did you write 50k? Start getting ready for Christmas? 
~Faith

Behold, a Blog Tour is Coming!

(*smirks* See what I did there?)

As you've probably already guessed, the release of the short story collection y'all have been hearing about for months is rapidly approaching! I absolutely adore Christmas stories and releasing this collection has me super hyped.

What is a indie book release without a blog tour, you ask? I'm not entirely sure, because I haven't ever saw one.... ;) Okay, slightly kidding.

But seriously—blog tours are so much fun. I'm having a three day, weekend blog tour for Behold. There will be a post on my blog each day, spotlighting a different aspect of the book's journey, and a Christmas themed giveaway.

Interested in joining the blog tour? :D Details and sign-up form below!

A collection of short stories honoring the birth of the Savior

From two siblings caught up in the harrowing days of World War II to separated foster children in the US…

From a memorable road trip across the Southeast to the reunion of a war-torn family... 

You’ll be swept into the Christmas spirit with the endearing stories tucked inside these pages. The storylines range from family to romance to the bond of community, with settings scattered across America and beyond.

Behold the beauty of the Savior’s birth with this gathering of stories that warm the soul and bless the heart. 

Are you excited for the new release? Can you believe it's only one until Thanksgiving, and 40 days until Christmas?! 
~Faith

Homemade Gravestone, Cover Reveal, & Christmas Comes Early || October Recap

Okay, yes, "click-bait" may have popped into my head when I titled this post. But since it's true...that's okay, right?

|| Life. ||

>> After not doing anything with it since spring, I got a couple inches of hair whacked off. It's still below my shoulders, but easier to manage. And cuter, in my opinion. xD

>> So I almost accidentally got two copies of the same book from the library and it wasn't even my fault...

I was reading the If I Live series by Terri Blackstock, (I'm still recovering, by the way. If you've read those, let's chat. Or maybe start a survivors club.) and I needed books #2 and #3. I'd placed #2 on hold, but when I get to the library, I checked the shelves to see if #3 had been returned. It hadn't been...but #2 was still on the shelf.

Faith's brain assumed that it was actually #3 that I had placed a hold on (honestly, who doesn't confuse those titles?!), so I nabbed #2 and went to the front desk. And when the librarian went to get my hold from behind the counter...it was #2 as well.

They'd literally brought another copy of the same book from a different location when there was a perfectly fine copy sitting on a shelf, only a few yards from the desk. I laughed all the way home.


>> The Potts family plowed potatoes! Yes, it was kinda late in the season to finally get around to it. And yes, that's a hand plow. Don't judge. We're traditional. ;P

>> Two girls who I've recently come to know through the blogging world, Maddy and Lillian, started a business to aid indie authors in getting reviews for their books! Stellae Books is an awesome—not to mention, beautiful—website. If you've been wanting to read Dandelion Dust, here's your chance to grab a free copy! Hop on over to their site for details. :)

>> The Potts family also cut and shipped out Christmas trees and I'm still in denial that it's already time for such shenanigans...

>> I spent a day last week wandering around cemeteries with my mom and great-aunt. And if that freaks you out, well, you don't know what you're missing. Check out these....

Isn't that just the best?! xD

Apparently homemade gravestones were a thing in the '80s....
Sorry I missed that fad. 

>> I listened to oodles of songs on repeat this month. In particular, Burn the Ships and God Only Knows by For King & Country, Stuck on Me + You by Emily Ann Roberts, Die from a Broken Heart by Maddie & Tae, I'm Listening by Tenth Avenue North, and Olivia Mae by Brett Young. Someone flail over these gems with me. <33

|| Books. ||

// Reads

If I Run by Terri Blackstock -- 5 stars
Falling for You by Becky Wade -- 3.5 stars -- Review
The Yellow House Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- 3 stars
If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock -- 5 stars
The Christmas Child by Max Lucado -- 3 stars
Surprise Island by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- 3 stars
Mystery Ranch by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- 3 stars
The Waltons: The Accident by Virginia McDonnell -- 4 stars
If I Live by Terri Blackstock -- 5 stars
Plot Bunny to Novel by Kellyn Roth -- 4 stars
Never Fear Anything by Robert Terkla -- 3.5 stars
The Christmas Prayer by Wanda Brunstetter -- 2.5 stars
Kate's Dilemma by Sarah Holman -- 4 stars
The View from the Lighthouse by Melody Carlson -- 3.5 stars
In the Dark Streets Shineth by David McCullough -- 5 stars

// Short Stories

Heritage of Praise by Rebekah A. Morris -- 5 stars

True Love by R.A. Rooney -- 4 stars

A Change of Heart by Anika Walkes -- 5 stars

Unto Him by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4 stars

One December Night by Melissa Tagg -- 5 stars

The Christmas Robe by Jennifer Lamont Leo -- 4 stars

So, yeah, I kinda read a ton this month.... I also bought a ton of books. :P Eleven from a used book store and these three lovelies from a CBD sale!

|| Writing. ||

Unlike with recent previous months, I actually have something to say in this section, without rambling for 7.4 minutes, boring y'all to tears, and getting no where.

First off, I finished the final story in Behold and got the collection off to betas. Betas finished a week or so ago, and I applied their edits and then got the manuscript sent to my editor.  The December 7th deadline is quickly approaching! Meanwhile, I'm diving into editing War Tears, until it's time to do the final edit and format. :)

Another fabulous happenings this month... I got Behold's cover! Sarah Grace from Estetico Designs did an amazing job and I'm so happy with how it turned out. :D

|| Blogging. ||

// Favorite Posts 

More Precious than Gold ~ Turn to God

A Purpose and a Promise ~ Let There Be Light

Having a Heart Like His ~ You Have a Purposeful Calling

Loved Before Time ~ What is Surrender?

Twilight to Dawn ~ Give Up Ideals

Important Nothings ~ Maybe Love

Showers of Blessings ~ Words to Live By

// My Posts 

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

|| Goals. || 

~ October Goals

>> Read 8 books.     Several times over, yes...

>> Start working full-time.      Ha, no. Long story there. But soon. xP

>> Send Behold to betas and apply feedback.      Yup! It's in the hands of a fabulous editor. ;)

>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.      Um, no? Behold took too much of my time. Hopefully this month I'll get into that. xD

>> Take part in the Five Fall Favorites party.      YESSS!

~ November Goals 

>> Read 8 books.

>> Do the final edit of Behold, get it formatted, and order proof.

>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.

>> Post weekly on both blogs.

How was your October? Can you believe the holiday season is creeping up on us so quickly? What's one of your goals for the month? If you're doing NaNo, I might be jealous.
~Faith