Women on 20s

Have you heard about the campaign to have an American woman honored by adding her to the $20 bill?

{Yes, this does mean Mr. Jackson will be booted out.}

The idea sounds intriguing to me -- we've never had a woman on our paper money before! Check out the details at womenon20s.org.



15 lady candidates, in all, are on the ballot. Important historical names such as Harriet Tubman, Alice Parker, Clara Barton, Rosa Parks and Elizabeth Cady Stanton are a few of the suggested women that you can vote for.

Want to take part? Meet the candidates and vote!

Book Review: The Pursuit of God

The Pursuit of God

written by A. W. Tozer

77 pages, Christian non-fiction
originally published in 1948

My Review...

The Pursuit of God, a Christian classic, is a deep look into how a spiritually enriched life can blossom if we each, individually, decide to follow God's call.

"We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit.... and all the time we are pursuing Him we are already in His hand." (The Pursuit of God)

Written in 1948 by American preacher A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), it's amazing to see how many points that Tozer brought across of his own time period that parallel, and perhaps have even intensified, in our modern times. One thought that stood out to me, for an example, is that believers not associated with work in ministry have sometimes quit pursuing Christ because they think they are in a happy place in their relationship with Him.

"We have been snared in the coils of a spurious logic which insists that if we have found Him we need no more seek Him." (The Pursuit of God)

The author covers many topics throughout the ten chapters, such as:
• Complacency in faith
• Carrying the burden of artificiality
• Wrongly dividing the unseen and the physical into two different worlds
• Worries of the church drifting into a secular attitude
• Overall spiritual development

"Faith is a redirecting of our sight, a getting out of the focus of our own vision and getting God into focus." (The Pursuit of God)

Many truths are found within the pages of The Pursuit of God. I definitely recommend it for Christian readers, as the book contains many good points to think about, concerning spiritual life. I personally enjoyed The Pursuit of God and A. W. Tozer's writing. I now look forward to reading more of his works one day.

If you're interested in reading this book too, you may find it handy to locate a free e-book version of it available through Project Gutenberg, Librivox, Amazon Kindle, or from many other resources.



Stop by Carrie's blog this month to join!



P.S. See this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Book Review: Brothers and Betrayal + GIVEAWAY!

Brothers and Betrayal
Book #2 (Tales of Taelis)

written by Sarah Holman

174 pages, young adult fiction
published in 2015

My Review...

I so enjoyed Book #1 in the Tales of Taelis series back in February and just couldn't wait to start reading THIS ONE, Book #2, Brothers and Betrayal. This series is AMAZING.

In the distant land of Taelis, there is a man who lives in the woods and shelters those who need protection. His name is the Archer. A hero of the Medieval era. In his camp deep within the forest, there are many willing volunteers who risk their lives for the cause of greater good in the land.

Not too far away, in the castle of Delmore, Princess Brianna tends to what she believes are her country's rights. She sees and attempts to mend the unsound actions that her father chooses to do. To her, it doesn't seem that he takes his role as king seriously, but Brianna's actions often put her dangerous situations.

Still yet, there is Bryon, son of an earl and brother of one now dead. He pursues revenge upon the killer of his brother and safety for the rest of his family. Although he puts together his own plan, God's timing will come to show Bryon what to do.

These three characters each have individual quests converging with each other. What they each seek in life may or may not be what they get, for only the Father truly knows a person's true needs.

"Noble hearts, if they are willing to be led by God, will make the right decision."
— The Archer (Brothers and Betrayal)

Brothers and Betrayal reveals many big truths for the young hearts of Taelis, and escorts the reader through downfalls and triumphs, all to illustrate the glory of God. Sarah Holman has created a completely authentic world where He reigns, adventure ensues, and the reader can't help but ask for yet another tale.

Now, I wonder when Book #3 will be published...

The Tales of Taelis series shines a light in the midst of the available books on the market. Through the sense of an historical setting, the author brings forward a good Christian message. This makes it perfect reading for kids (and families) to enjoy. I consider Sarah Holman's books to be of high quality, especially in regard to the morals upheld and the victorious themes. I think this book would be best enjoyed by pre-teens and young adults, although anyone could certainly appreciate the story.

Book #2 still reads well, even if you haven't read Book #1 -- but if you do read Adventures and Adversities first, you'll see the character connections between the two stories.

Author bio:
Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of five published books and counting. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

Visit the author online!
Blog • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • Goodreads • Linkedin

Pre-order your copy of Brothers and Betrayal from Amazon.

{Add the title to your Goodreads shelf}


And... ENTER TO WIN the ebook before the big release!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway






P.S. See this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Favorite Finds #50 {Book Stuff + Chess}

Here's a week's worth of interesting and genius things I've found online...



March of Books
{Kindred Grace}

The annual blog series about BOOKS has returned! You should check out what Kindred Grace has been posting this month. Lots of fun articles and even a few giveaways.

How Arthur Conan Doyle's Brutal Scifi Story Became A Horrific Reality
{io9}

An interesting coincidence in history.

24 Brilliant Bookmarks You Need In Your Life
{Buzzfeed}

I would definitely enjoy using several of these myself!

Alternate sets
{Chess Tales}

Who wouldn't love a unique chess set like this?

We don't have to make headlines to be a success in life...

A commonplace life, we say and we sigh,
But why should we sigh as we say?
The commonplace sun and the commonplace sky
Makes up the commonplace day.
The moon and the stars are commonplace things,
And the flower that blooms and the bird that sings;
But dark were the world and sad our lot,
If the flowers failed and the sun shone not.
And God who studies each separate soul
Out of the commonplace lives makes His beautiful whole.
— Anonymous

The bottom line? .:.:.:. We don't have to make headlines to be a success in life.

Read Nathan Zacharias' article for some inspiration today .:.:.:. The Beauty of a Commonplace Life

Book Review: Adventures and Adversities

Adventures and Adversities
Book #1 (Tales of Taelis)

written by Sarah Holman

314 pages, young adult fiction
published in 2013

My Review...

After reading Sarah Holman's epic novel, A Different Kind of Courage, last year, I've been itching to tackle another of her books. Adventures and Adversities didn't let me down. It's fantastic.

Alditha lives during the Middle Ages in the distant land of Taelis. After being snatched from her family's village by an overbearing king, she is forced to work as a servant in Castle Delmore. As a lowly servant, she is often picked on by those of royalty and wealth, and still beaten down by others of even her own status.

Living in the times when chopping a hand off for punishment was easily common, adversities seem to surround Alditha at every turn. To accidentally offend, embarrass or disobey anyone socially higher than herself would automatically heap unthinkable hardships onto her head. Alditha's life hasn't turned out to be at all what she expected, but this is the story of her strength and faith in God.

There's actually much more going on within the story than what first meets the eye. The story doesn't just stay in one place either, as there has to be some good, fast-paced "adventures" in there somewhere (as the title implies). You'll find the characters to each be charming or interesting in their own way. There's even a bit of sweet romance blooming.

Marion, Alditha's best friend she grew up with, is the sweetest type of selfless friend who will help you no matter what. Eleanor, who kindles a new friendship with Alditha, forges the family that Alditha needs, but has lost. I think these two other characters are my favorites in the story (aside from Alditha, of course), but there are many others the reader meets along the journey.

I just adore Adventures and Adversities, and felt it to be quite refreshing in the midst of all the books available on the market today. This is exactly what good, clean, Christian fiction is supposed to be. I think this book would be best enjoyed by pre-teens and young adults, although anyone could certainly appreciate the story.

Adventures and Adversities takes place historically in the Middle Ages, although in a fictional European country. I believe the author created a brand new setting like this, so that she can imagine up her own history of the place, instead of having to stick to actual details... and I love the setting of Taelis! It's a very picturesque land with rolling hills, small villages and stone castles. Perfect.

"We all doubt, my child. We all question at one point in time or another." His eyes sparkled as if the joy within could hardly be contained. "But there is a faith that lies on the other side of doubt that God gives. You will doubt, but hold onto your faith. Seek God and His son Jesus even as you doubt. He is a living God, slow to anger, and abounding in love. He will meet you where you are."

I'm greatly anticipating the upcoming release of Miss Holman's sequel, Brothers and Betrayal. Read Adventures and Adversities NOW to prepare yourself for book 2 in the Tales of Taelis series!

Author bio:
Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of five published books and counting. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

Visit the author online!
Blog • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • Goodreads • Linkedin

Grab your copy of "Adventures and Adversities" in either ebook or paperback format from Amazon.





P.S. See this review on Goodreads and Amazon.