Finding Cheer: Amnesia, Tulips, and Magic (4.5 Stars)

Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider is the sequel to the Christmas story, Chasing Cheer. This book, which comes out on April 5th, takes place in the fictional city of Emerald Hollow, Oregon. It involves a man who is found unconscious on a trail with amnesia. The only thing he remembers about himself is his name,…… Continue reading Finding Cheer: Amnesia, Tulips, and Magic (4.5 Stars)

Putting Off the Shoveling Just Results in Extra Work

It’s been snowing a lot in Idaho Falls since last Friday. Up until that point, it had been a mild winter. I guess that we were trying to fit four or five months of winter into a week. Of course, a lot of snow meant we had to do some shoveling. On Friday morning, there…… Continue reading Putting Off the Shoveling Just Results in Extra Work

The Paris Housekeeper: World War II Women (4.5 Stars)

I recently finished reading The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan. This book was published late last year. I won it in a Goodreads Giveaway. It’s the story of three women living in Paris when the Germans first invaded France during World War II. Introducing the Women This book follows the stories of three women in…… Continue reading The Paris Housekeeper: World War II Women (4.5 Stars)

The Not So Haunted House: First Sentence Writing Prompt

I’ve recently started teaching a student online in a first-sentence writing prompts class. Each week, there’s a genre. Then I have a list of 100 first sentences, which may or may not easily apply to that genre. The student picks a number, and that’s the prompt that we go with for the class. Then we…… Continue reading The Not So Haunted House: First Sentence Writing Prompt

Hypnotized by Love: Who Really Started the Rumor? (4 Stars)

When I saw that a Sariah Wilson book was listed as one of this month’s First Reads options, I knew I had to grab Hypnotized by Love. I figured you can’t go wrong with a Sariah Wilson book. This book is the story of Savannah Sinclair and Mason Beckett, who were high school best friends…… Continue reading Hypnotized by Love: Who Really Started the Rumor? (4 Stars)

Being Judgmental Versus Righteous Judgment

Other than Jesus Christ, none of us are perfect. While some sins are bigger than others, we all sin daily. Unfortunately, it can be easy to be judgmental of others despite our own imperfections. Yet, there are also times when we have to use our righteous judgment abilities. We are taught that we are all…… Continue reading Being Judgmental Versus Righteous Judgment

Once Upon a Christmas Kiss: Holiday Novellas (4.5 Stars)

Yes, it’s a little after Christmas now, but I recently finished reading Once Upon a Christmas Kiss. This collection of 6 Christmas novellas takes place in Cherry Creek, Tennessee. Each story is written by a different author. Along with all the stories taking place in Cherry Creek, the connecting factor is the book Once Upon…… Continue reading Once Upon a Christmas Kiss: Holiday Novellas (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

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

SA Ward: Still Feeling Like the Odd One Out

About a month ago, my younger sister and I encountered the bishop just as we were heading out to take the dogs for a walk. He asked us if we knew about a meeting the next day, Sunday, for Single Adults 31-45. We hadn’t heard about the meeting, but right away I was pretty sure…… Continue reading SA Ward: Still Feeling Like the Odd One Out