Fanny's Hope Chest: A Review

A little different than my normal posts - my reviews mostly get posted to my review blog - but I want to spread the word about this revolutionary short story here as well!

This little story is bigger than it seems and is itself a hope chest of sorts.

I know I needed to read Ellie and Fanny's stories, and that any other woman (whatever your age) who is struggling or has ever struggled with singleness will be encouraged both by the feeling of not being the "only one" like we so often lament, but also by the exhortation and truth that remind where our hope must be founded.

I appreciated that while the reminders are clear and helpful, the reality of this being a real, ongoing, emotional rollercoaster for many is also there! The reminder isn't a "one and done", and we should never feel - and certainly not make others feel - like there is weakness or shame in needing a word of encouragement, understanding, and ultimately perspective-adjustment now and then and even often. God talks so much about desires and His comfort and provision during times of loneliness, despair, frustration, and discouragement that I think it's safe to say He knew this would be an area His children would need Him and His Word often.

That being said, read this! It's a quick read but flows well and is packed with so much emotion, truth, and restoration.

Follow this link to the Amazon listing! 

Not Your Average Friday Sale

Imagine a Friday Flash Sale...that lasted through Christmas...AND New Years Day! 

I'm so excited to share Gentle Revolution with you at the best possible prices, for the month of December, starting NOW!

Head over to the Amazon listing to get your 0.99 Kindle (free- as always- with Unlimited), or your paperback copy for only 6.99! (That's over 40% off the original price!)

GR was written for you and I want nothing more than to share it and go against the grain together!

May joy host the occasion that is your life, friend. <3

Bookish

I bought this book embosser years ago and I love the personal touch it adds to my collection.

It also helps when loaning books out, to have your seal of ownership in there. ;)

Do you have a favourite bookish item, tool, or decor piece?

And if you enjoy classic literature and a whimsy story, I recommend "The Enchanted April", by Arnim. A simple premise and flow, but an incredible depth of character development. Simultaneously fascinating and quaint.

Ravens and Reality

There's a timeless charm in sending hand written notes and letters across all the miles, that makes a friend feel closer and more precious than any number of texts.

~❤~

I think a lot can be learned from Wonderland about making the most out of the mundane; of taking time to make connections; and Alice's ability to speak up with truth and confront her nonsensical surroundings with a fresh dose of reality.

The Library in Spring

A peek into my library...

I call it Spare Oom.

It's like attending a garden party in an emporium...

A place to think, travel to faraway places, and breathe deep of that lovely book scent.

Have you created a special place in your home?

Challenge Accepted

One of the positives I can take away from this season (referring to the COVID phase) is that I was able to reach my 2020 Goodreads challenge this early! Woohoo! It's always both fun and interesting to look back over the titles that were read in any given year and consider how each one left an impact or made an impression due to the season it was read it, and to remember favourite takeaways, scenes, quotes, and authors.

And just for fun! below are my challenges from back and back and back! (That's a reference from The Giver. FYI. ^_^)

You can see, as the years go so does the time on hand for reading; but it's important, so it's worth finding or making!

Emma - A Character Study

I've found -as an introvert and reader- that one of the easiest ways for me to connect with and get to know other people is to discuss our favourite fictional characters. 

"I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." 

-"Emma", Jane Austen-

We all have characters from stories (be it book or movie) who we connect with and relate to for any number of reasons...

Sometimes it's completely- everything about them- sometimes it's in little ways that they act or even think, or even what we take away from between the lines and apply to our own lives.

Emma Woodhouse is one of those characters who I have always been drawn to, in her contradictory- and not all flattering- ways; she enjoys company and is generally good with people, but doesn't always have patience for them...she wants adventure, but loves her home/hometown...can talk to anyone, but is occasionally too blunt...she is mostly independent, but values relationships and is loyal to (and sometimes possessive of) her close friends...she is quick to deny needing anyone (particularly romantically) but wants to feel loved and needed.

Emma is such a reassuring heroine for me, because you can really start out not liking her much, but her character develops and grows so much over the course of the novel that by the end you feel proud of her and glad that she ended up with THE best hero in classic literature. 

"She was one of those, who, having once begun, would be always in love." 

(Also, the 2009 BBC mini series is the only worthy adaptation, in my opinion. ;))

Feel free to comment with some of your own fictional friends/mentors, or quotes about them...