Author: Shilo Dawn Goodson

My name is Shilo Dawn Goodson. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Reading and writing are my two big passions.

Finding Baby Holly: A Cult and An Adoption (4.5 Stars)

Finding Baby Holly: Lost to a Cult, Surviving My Parents’ Murders, and Saved by Prayer was written by Holly Marie (AKA Baby Holly) with help from Cindy and David Lambert. This book was published last month, and I just finished reading it. Despite giving it 4.5 stars, I have included it on my “well-worth reading”…… Continue reading Finding Baby Holly: A Cult and An Adoption (4.5 Stars)

I Admire Those Who Do Rather Than Make Excuses

I’ll admit it. I’m one of those people who sometimes makes excuses why I can’t do something. I’m too tired. It’s too hard. I really don’t want to. It’s too awkward. I did it last time. I don’t even know that person that well. Can’t someone else help them? Examples of People Who Don’t Make…… Continue reading I Admire Those Who Do Rather Than Make Excuses

Once Upon a Time in Millsbury: Neighbors Love (4 Stars)

Once Upon a Time in Millsbury by Iris Lim is a Regency novel, which will be published on December 15th. I got the chance to read an ARC of this book. This is the story of neighbors, who were practically like family, falling in love and marrying. I don’t think I’m ruining the book by…… Continue reading Once Upon a Time in Millsbury: Neighbors Love (4 Stars)

Hitting 40: How Life Didn’t Turn Out as Planned

This week was a monumental sort of birthday for me. While the day itself wasn’t especially memorable, the significance of the number hit me a little hard. Let’s just say that I was halfway between 20 and 60 earlier this week, but every second that goes by, I get a little closer to 60 and…… Continue reading Hitting 40: How Life Didn’t Turn Out as Planned

Give Me My Outer Darkness Donuts Now!

Any family member who reads this headline is probably going to roll their eyes, smile a bit, and tell me to get over it. Honestly, they’re probably right. I should get over it, but before I do, I’m going to tell you how I know that there are no donuts in Outer Darkness. The Story…… Continue reading Give Me My Outer Darkness Donuts Now!

Wishing for the Girl…: Hurt by Toxic Relationships (4.5 Stars)

Wishing for the Girl Next Door is the third book in the Piney Brooks Wishes series by Tia Marlee. I read the previous two books, Sweet Summertime Wishes and Love on the Brain, earlier this year. In this book, our two main characters, Evan and Karlee, are recovering from past toxic relationships. Karlee’s ended when…… Continue reading Wishing for the Girl…: Hurt by Toxic Relationships (4.5 Stars)

Can I Be Proud of Something Without Being Prideful?

I could be 100% wrong in this thought, but I feel like there is a huge difference between feeling proud of someone or something and being prideful about something. To me, the core of this difference lies in whether it’s about gratitude or if it’s about the desire to be better than others. What is…… Continue reading Can I Be Proud of Something Without Being Prideful?

I Hate Sarah Smith: Not a Writing Contest Winner

Recently, I entered a flash fiction writing contest. It needed to be 200 words or less and include a twist. Mine was cutting it close at 193 words. When I entered my story, “I Hate Sarah Smith,” the contest through Fusilli Writing was free. It was the last free contest for the company, and they…… Continue reading I Hate Sarah Smith: Not a Writing Contest Winner

They Must Be Rich: Seeing the Dandelions for the Flowers

Earlier this year, I was walking in our neighborhood with my niece. who is 5 years old. We walked by several houses, some of which had beautiful flowers in flower beds. Others had dandelions and morning glory growing in their lawns. My niece admired the lawns. Her Flower Attitude Before long, my niece said, “Can…… Continue reading They Must Be Rich: Seeing the Dandelions for the Flowers