September 2020 Wrap-up

I would say September was a good reading month. Had a lot of enjoyable books I read PLUS I actually got time to read (maybe that's actually what's most important here). Come see what I read, what I loved, what I didn't, and what I recommend (and don't) from this month's reading. 

P.S. I've hit the 77% mark on my Goodreads reading goal for this year! 77 books out of 100! Are you doing a challenge? Are we friends on Goodreads? Add me here: https://www.goodreads.com/eahcreative

February Wrap-Up 2020

What did you read in February? I made my way through 12 books and feel pretty good about it. In this post I'll highlight a few that I thought are worth recommending.

January 2020 Wrap Up

Here's what books I read in January and what I thought about (some of) them!

How many books will I read this year?

Last year I read 91 books out of my goal of 90 (just made it!). This year, I'm taking a look at my 2020 reading goal, what I've accomplished so far, and what I think I'm going to shoot for.

March Wrap Up

I've decided to do something a little new. In conjunction with my BookTube Channel, I'm going to be doing a monthly warp up of the books that I've read each month. I thought it could be a fun way to share a quick peek at my thoughts to each book. I'll link any reviews that I've posted (either on here or on Goodreads) and you can pick up a copy of the book via the link I provide if it sounds interesting.

Reading Habits Tag

I thought I'd do something fun today on the blog. I'm going to do the Reading Habits tag! I've heard of this one and considered doing it on my BookTube but I've been so sick and am only now just feeling better so I thought I'd do the written version for now.

Honest Thoughts: Happy Endings

We talked a little bit about this in last weeks post about fictional romance, but I felt it deserved its very own, honest post.

Let's get this out in the open just to be safe:

I LOVE HAPPY ENDINGS.

Whew. There, I've said it. I confess. No, I'm not strong enough to endure a sad ending. No, I don't want to look for the "slightly hopeful tidbit" that "really creative" author put there in that last sentence. No, I don't want to feel like I've been run over by a truck and, despite what everyone says, will recover eventually. I don't like sad endings. I. Just. Don't.

Okay, before I rant any more, I will say that I do however, understand sad things happening in a book. I guess, if we're being specific here, a case could be made that in many instances of "sad endings" there were "happy things" to redeem the book, but to me it's usually not enough. I guess we could debate on a case by case basis if needed.

The Why

My desire for all things to work out may stem from my motivation to read. Why I read what I read is a direct result of what I want to feel after I read. (tweet this) I want to be taken on a journey. To feel the adventure. To agonize over the path that leads to the end. BUT, I want to be left satisfied. I guess, for most books that I've read or stories that I've heard told (or seen in movies) satisfaction is gained by happiness.

Hum, that could be analyzed if we dove more deeply into what happiness really is and all that, but let me mention the second reason why I read fiction (I'm add "fiction" to this so it's more specific). I also read to escape. Not as a way to ignore my own personal life, but as a way to jump off the ledge of reality and plummet headfirst into a world that's not my own.

It doesn't have to be a fantasy for me to get lost. I will find myself in another world that's very similar to our own, but in this world there's one particular thing that makes it magic: It's not our world. It's a world where love can over come obstacles. Where killers can be found and stopped. Where good can overcome evil. Where we get to see into the minds of characters.

In this world, I don't think it's too much to ask for a happy ending.

The How 

I'm not going to say that everyone's happy endings need to look the same. In fact, that wouldn't necessarily make it a "happy ending" just an ending. I think the beauty of real happy endings come from the authors mind. It begins with their characters and the issues they must face, overcome, and conquer. Then it transfers onto the page by the adventures and misadventures their characters journey through. It lands when the resolution shows just how it all works out.

The tricky thing about this, in my opinion, is for authors to come up with a truly great ending that packs a punch (no matter your genre) while surprising the reader. We don't want the typical, easy answer. We want something vibrant, creative, and unexpected (if I can speak for readers as a whole).

Let's face it. Anyone can say "they lived happily ever after" but if you don't show us how they got there, it's not worth it. (tweet this) We need to see them working for that happy ending. It needs to be like a juicy stake we get to after a month of eating salad (this metaphor breaks down if you're a vegetarian...). A truly happy ending comes after a lot of pain--just like most good things in this life, right? (tweet this)

So please, authors, remember the power of a happy ending. Your readers will grow based on what your characters discover and that will, in turn, shape more than just your story.

Your turn for honest thoughts: Do you like a happy ending? Why? Is it a requirement? What are some of your favorite books with happy endings?

20 Awesome Books $11 and Under | Paperback Book Deals

Hello dear readers! So, today's post is a little different and a LOT of fun for me. You see, I was helping a friend pick out a few books to add to her Amazon cart earlier today. Her qualifications were: Christian Fiction and under $10. So I said: challenge accepted!

As I was looking around Amazon I saw so many amazing books that fit those requirements and I decided to highlight 20 of them here for you guys. Well, when I went to add a few favorites I noticed they were just over $10 so I decided to make the threshold $11 ;-)

I had so much fun compiling my best eBook deals post from last week, but from conversations over on my Facebook author page (come find me here) that there are a LOT of you who love a great paperback - myself included. So, here you go!

I hope you find some new reads here and know that, though I haven't read all of them, these all come highly recommend from readers I trust!

Keep An Eye Out | Great Deals on Kindle Books

Hello, my dear readers! So, I just thought I'd do something fun today because I know some authors who are having sales this week as well as some eBooks that are a great deal and they are by people you SHOULD be reading...trust me!

P.S. All prices shown here were accurate when I posted this, but they are subject to change by will of the publisher, author, or price-gods ;)

Centralia
by Mike Dellosso

Yep, Mike was on the blog this week but his book Centralia is on sale in eBook format for $2.99! 

{And there's still time to enter to leave a comment for him on his post - he's giving away 2 copies!}

In Between 

by Jenny B. Jones

FREE on Kindle

The Cactus Creek Challenge
by Erica Vetsch

$3.99 on Kindle

Chasing Amanda

by Robin Patchen

FREE on Kindle

What A Girl Needs: An Ashley Stockingdale Novel
by Kristin Billerbeck

$4.99 on Kindle

To Mend A Dream

by Tamera Alexander

$2.99 on Kindle

Three Little Words
by Melissa Tagg

FREE on Kindle

 A Lady of Esteem

by Kristi Ann Hunter

FREE on Kindle

I Hope You Dance
by Robin Lee Hatcher

$3.99 on Kindle

The Wedding Chapel

by Rachel Hauck

Pre-Order for only $4.99 on Kindle

Falcon
by Ronie Kendig

$7.99 on Kindle

Operation Zulu | Beginning

by Ronie Kendig

FREE on Kindle

More Than This 

by Staci Stallings

FREE on Kindle

Good Enough for A Princess

by Carol Moncado

FREE on Kindle

The Curse of Crow Hollow

by Billy Coffee 

$4.99 on Kindle

A Cast of Stones

By Patrick W. Carr

FREE on Kindle

Rules of Murder

by Julianna Deering

FREE on Kindle

 Courting Miss Amsel

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

$1.99 on Kindle

Take and Give

by Amanda G. Stevens

Pre-Order for $3.03

The Isaac Project

by Sarah Monzon

$0.99 on Kindle

Love in Mistletoe Springs

by Lee Carver, Kimberly Rose Johnson, Lee Tobin McClain, Gail Sattler, Ginger Solomon

$0.99 on Kindle

The Hesitant Heiress

by Dawn Crandal

$3.82 on Kindle

Sailing in Style
by Dana Mentink

$4.99 on Kindle

 

Truth or Dare
by Denise Hunter

$0.99 on Kindle

All for Anna

by Nicole Deese

FREE on Kindle

The Ryn | Eyes of E'Veria
by Serena Chase

$3.99 on Kindle

_____________________

I decided to do this post of my own volition. I haven't read all of these, but I love sharing a good deal! And, as noted on my "About" page, I am an affiliate with Amazon and for some purchase links provided, I will receive a portion of the sale. This does not affect your purchase price in any way.

Belated Final Favorites | March 2015

Oops! So, I missed the last day of March (*grins*) but to be fair I had one of my best friends and her husband visiting and they are more important than me being silly and talking about books ;) Plus, they were headed back overseas and when you only get to see people once every year and a half, you put everything else to the side! Then I had another friend visit and...well yes, it is D.C. in the Spring so of course people want to come and see the lovely cherry blossoms (and me too I guess).

Anyway, on to my Final Favorites for March. I found this month that I was overrun with stuff...on top of a too-ambitious posting schedule. There is so much to be said about Marketing and Social Media! I'll probably be posting more about this in the future, but I hope that what was posted was helpful!

On to the favorites...



Also...

ENTER TO WIN

Giving away some AWESOME books on the blog this week. Stop by the post (click on the titles below), leave a comment, and you'll be entered to win!

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

Bride of Faith by Catherine West

Dandelions for Dinner by Valeire Comer

Dana R. Lynn, Jennifer Uhlarik, Dana Mentink | New Novel News

Presumed Guilty
by Dana R. Lynn

Published April 1, 2015
Love Inspired Suspense
Purchase: Presumed Guilty

“I’m innocent!” After four years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit, Melanie Swanson’s finally free. Yet starting over brings a heavy load of challenges. Nearly everyone believes she’s guilty- including police lieutenant Jace Tucker. Jace’s certainty cracks only when Melanie is repeatedly attacked, and when the people around her are picked off one by one. Melanie’s clearly innocent- and terrified. Someone wants her dead to keep her shattered memories from recalling the crime she witnessed rather than caused. She lost her friends, her fiancé and her freedom when she was found guilty- but proving her innocence could cost Melanie her life.

Get to know Dana...

What’s your favorite book? 
My favorite book ever is Pride and Prejudice. I have read it countless times, along with all the variation and spin off stories I could get my hands on. I have watched all the movies, too.

Cats or dogs? 
Cats. Definitely. They have so much personality. Plus, there’s something comforting about holding a purring cat in your arms.  

Would you rather go to the future or past? 
I would prefer the past. I will admit, however, that the idea of going without indoor plumbing terrifies me. And the lack of electricity…yeah, don’t much care for that idea either.

The Oregon Trail Romance Collection
with Jennifer Uhlarik

Published April 1, 2015
Barbour
Purchase: The Oregon Trail Romance Collection

Dreams Are Challenged and Romance Is Born on the Journey West. Risking all their hopes and dreams on promises of fertile land in the Northwest, thousands set off on the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s. Despite the majestic landscape and daily opportunities for fireside chats, the trail was hardly the place these migrants expected to find romance. In these nine novellas, travelers on the wagon trains experience all the challenges and dangers of the trail. Travel along on romantic adventures in which faith is honed. Some will lose much, settled down along the trail, and even turn back home, while others endure to the end with a love by their side.

Get to know Jennifer...

What are the names of your pets? 
Gracie, Jake, Paisley, and Pippa. (The first two are dogs, the last two are cats).

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? 
Hawaii. My husband and I cruised around the islands for our honeymoon.

Favorite dessert? 
Cheesecake. Preferably one of the crazy flavors they serve at The Cheesecake Factory. (Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my chin…)

Secret Refuge
by Dana Mentink

Published April, 2015
Love Inspired Suspense
Purchase: Secret Refuge

Former parole officer Mick Hudson blames himself for the death of Keeley Stevens's sister. If he hadn't paroled a criminal, she might still be alive. When he hears that the suspected killer has been spotted in Keeley's hometown, he worries she might be the next victim. Keeley doesn't want to take help from the man who could have prevented her sister's death, but she has more than herself to worry about. She'll do anything it takes to protect her family. And Mick will risk his life to make sure that the past does not repeat itself.

Get to know Dana...

What are the names of your pets?
We've got a quirky German Shepard mix who answers to the name of Nala, and a geriatric box turtle named Boyd. My teen daughter also owns Indiana, a lovely yellow parakeet who resists my efforts to teach her to talk.

If you could live in a fantasy world, who’s would it be? 
I think I'd like to hang out in Narnia, or possibly Oz but only for a short time because there's no place like home, as they say!

What’s one thing you must have/do in the morning? 
I have to have my quiet time with a Bible reading and devotional. It just reminds me about what's important before I dive into the day.
Thanks for having me and God bless!

Leave your comments below to enter to win!

Final Favorites | February 2015

I've been pretty busy this month! Lots of blogging and some amazing guests have been featured and I was so excited to do another "Final Favorites" video for you all. There's just something fun about getting the chance to reflect back on the month.

A few posts of note this month: 

•  "A Flawed Perspective and a Missed Opportunity: Rob Bell on Oprah" | Me sharing my thoughts on Rob Bell's talk with Oprah and why I think he's wrong in his views about the Bible. 
• My introduction of The Grove for New Novel News (p.s. check them out!)
• "True Love in a 50 Shades World" | My post talking about true love in the midst of the release of Fifty Shades of Grey.

 And, while I'm sharing, stop by Putting On The New for my monthly contribution, "A Page From My Journal on Trust". I think you'll like it!

Without further ado...

This month's book Recommendations: 
Book 1, Book 2, Book 3

Flash Back To Childhood

I happened across a Facebook post from author Rachel Hauck asking about favorite book characters from childhood. It got me reminiscing about my childhood and all of books I read (or my parents read to me).

I though it would be fun to share some of my favorites here and then to see what you readers loved when you were young.

Enid Blyton | The Adventure Series

Dating back to 1944, this amazing series by British author Enid Blyton had more than enough to satisfy my adventurous, reading spirit. I remember my mom reading these to me and wondering... Why is there food in tins? What are biscuits? And then dreaming night and day about being on and adventure like Philip, Dinah, Lucy-Ann and Jack got to be. 

Purchase: Enid Blyton Adventure Series Set Collection




Nancy Drew

In keeping with the adventure, mystery theme, I loved the Nancy Drew books. And yes, you caught me, I still do :D I was given an almost complete set of them and can't wait to someday have the shelf space to display them (haha).

Purchase: Nancy Drew Complete Series Set, Books 1-64


The Hardy Boys

The Hardy Boys may have been boys, but that didn't stop me from enjoying their adventures. These were books my dad would read to me and I loved them just as much as Nancy Drew.

Also, did you know that they made a really fun (though slightly cheesey) TV series about Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys?

Check it out here: The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries - Season One
Purchase: The Hardy Boy Books

The Boxcar Children

Imagine this: a long road trip, the front cab of a truck (we're talking no back seats here), and a small child. What do you do? Well, you read of course?

Whenever we would take road trips I was insistent that we had enough books to make it to our destination. I'm so glad my mom never got car sick, though there were a few times we're pretty sure she fell asleep while reading to my dad and I.

Purchase: The Boxcar Children Bookshelf (The Boxcar Children Mysteries, Books 1-12)

Frank Peretti | The Cooper Kids Adventure Series

Hum, are you sensing a theme here? Yes, adventure was definitely what I wanted to read when I was a kid. Makes sense why I like it now as well, and why I write Romantic Suspense ;)

Purchase:
Cooper Adventure Series




Robin Jones Gunn | Christy Miller Series

I got into the Christy Miller Series in my early high school years - introduced by my dear friend Steffani. I picked up the first book and was hooked. I love that they took you through to the college years and now I hear there's a married years series too! Definitely going to check that out.

Purchase:
Christy Miller Sereis

J.K. Rowling | Harry Potter

What childhood reading experience could be complete without Harry Potter? I recognize there is a lot of debate around the books in Christian circles, but one of the things I appreciated about my parents was how they handled things like that. My mom is a various reader who loves Fantasy and Sci-Fi. I took my cues from her and she read Harry Potter as well. For me as a child it was never about anything more than letting my imagination go.  The world Rowling created is simply amazing and fostered a lot of creative thinking on my part while also pointing out the very real fight between good and evil.

Purchase: Harry Potter Series


So, what about you? What books did you read as a child? Did you have a favorite series? Did you parents ever read to you?