Fictional stories hold such a big place in my heart. They capture my interest and pique my imagination. They make me reach beyond myself, my world, to something new and different and beautiful. They touch me and grip me and make me laugh. I've cried over the death of characters and laughed when one of them cracks a joke. I've had the privilege to 'step' inside their shoes and explore their lives for the short journey of three hundred or so pages.
I hold an intense love for fictional stories with memorable characters. And nothing is ever going to change that. (I'll give you a briefing of my readerly-beginning...) I've always been read to. When I was a kid, my mom would read to my brother and I before we went to sleep. We have many, many children's books - Bernestain Bears, Franklin the turtle, Princesses Are Not Quitters, it's sequel, and Barbie books among that lot (Yep! A few...). In my first year of school or so, I was read the Little House on the Prairie series. I began writing (and sometimes copying!) short stories on the computer when I was maybe seven or eight years old. I'm guessing eight is more likely. I would print them out and hand them to my friends at church. (Whether they all read them or not... I actually really don't know, now that I'm thinking about it.) I've been writing for years. I mean, I went through phases of 'I want to be a singer' (which is still a dream of mine) or 'I want to be an astronaut' (this was really big in my eyes after I had watched, for the first time, Space Camp. The other day my younger brother said, on this subject, "Because you thought it was so cool to be almost dead." Haha! Seriously!? But, honestly, if you've seen the movie, you know what he means. He also mentioned never wanting to be an astronaut! I was a loner in the respect. ;) I guess the adventure and excitement inspired and intrigued me.). I've wanted to be a fashion designer, too. And an actress (still want to).
But the phases have done just what phases do. They've...faded. I was born with the desire to write ingrained into me. I may not have seen it for a while, but it was there all along.
When I was ten years old, I went into a Borders bookstore with my mom, my sister, and my younger brother. We shopped in there for quite while, and I ended up finding three novels that I wanted to get. Mom bought them for me. And I devoured them. (I think. I mean, I was ten, so devoured might not be the right term. I don't remember how fast I read them.)
Ever since then, I've been reading. And I love it. A series that had a big impact on my reader-ship was the A Life of Faith series, originally written by Martha Finley, and updated or rewritten or based on her original works. I adored that series. It's what I owe my love of the Victorian era to. It was my introduction to the time of tea and horse-drawn carriages and hoop-skirts. Over the course of a few years I greedily read many of the books. Beginning (I love how this happened...) with two books from the Violet series, Violet's Bold Mission and Violet's Perplexing Puzzles. I picked them up at a second-hand bookstore that we were donating a bucket-full of books to. I spied those two hardbacks sitting on the shelf in the small kids' section that the store boasted. And that's when it started. I now own all twenty-four A Life of Faith novels and adore the Millie Keith books the most of the lot. I really do still love many of the Millie books, and many of the characters. So very much. Over the years since then, I've broadened my scope and read fantasy, classical works, contemporary, a western, a thriller (ONE, people. Blink of an Eye by Ted Dekker. And, true to its genre, it was thrilling. ;)), biographies, more historical fiction of different sorts, and even a few sci-fi novels. The conclusion to this rambling? I love fiction. I love stories. I love reading.
And, one of the best things about story-worlds? The message you can portray through the characters and their individual journeys. Sometimes, life is too messy to clearly see things. But when we read a book about a character who's going through something very similar in structure as we are, we pick up on things and see different outcomes and we're encouraged. The way God's grace can shine through made-up people is really incredible! Books can change you. They make you laugh, they bring you to tears, and they wrap you up in a world so unlike your own that you can't help but be fascinated. You get to see things from someone's point of view who may be completely opposite you in personality. It's an amazing experience, and I'm never giving it up! Reading takes you on a journey. It's an adventure. And don't we all long for adventure, in some way or another? Books make an impact. I've been touched by books, and I want to touch others with my own someday. I do wholeheartedly believe God can use novels to touch us and reach us and help us along. Give us a glimpse of something utterly beautiful and make us wonder. And besides... Reading is just fun. Seriously! For some reason it has become one of my favorite things to do. I even dedicated a Pinterest board to the hobby.
And I am so glad! What book has impacted you in some way? What were your 'readerly-beginnings'? I'd definitely like to know!
Christmas is right around the corner. So is New Years. Because of that, I thought maybe I should drop by and give you the best books I read in the year of 2015...
10.Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke One of the best I've read from Mrs. Oke. This book had little pieces of wisdom I enjoyed stumbling upon. And that Christmas scene with Edward and the scarf? Yeah, that was fun. 9. Secret of the Lost Settlement by John J. Horn
I
reread this in August, I think. I was again brought to tears and
impressed by the amazing message. It was gritty, adventurous,
heart-pounding, and even humorous in rare moments.
8. The Island Queen by R.M. Ballantyne When three ship-wrecked siblings end up on an island that's deserted, more castaways show up, and a 'government' forms, you're in for a fun ride! I liked this book a lot - it's one of the best of Ballantyne's! It was very humorous and lots of fun! I smiled through almost a whole chapter. Yup. That happened. ;)
7. Becoming Nikki by Ashley Elliot This
book was really cool! The main characters were, interestingly enough,
brother and sister. They're broken relationship needs mending -
little do they think that a horrible accident will become the starting
point. I really enjoyed the story and some of the characters. It was
funny, touching, and sweet.
6. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom Man, this book. I cried multiple times. I saw World War II in a whole new light - it changed my perspective on the time. The Hiding Place was highly interesting, engaging, touching, and had such a great message. 5.The Heart of Arcrea by Nicole Sager Surprisingly, this one made it on the list. I say surprisingly because as I read each book in the Arcrean Conquest series, the one I had just finished became my favorite Arcrean book. However, after months of not really thinking about the books, I thought about them again and ended up realizing that the first novel in the series, The Heart of Arcrea, was, honestly, the best. We're introduced to fun characters and taken along a sometimes agonizing but interesting and life-changing journey. I loved the way that Druet, the hero of the tale, followed God's leading. Not many books have that in it, and I thought it was really cool. Plus, it's fantasy - a really fun, non-magical fantasy in a land that is seriously unique. You won't forget it. 4. Fighting the Flames: A Tale of the London Fire Brigade by R.M. Ballantyne A book about the London Fire Brigade in the mid-1800s? How cool is that!? I really enjoyed reading this. I loved the story and Willie Willders, one of the main characters. It was interesting and fun and one of the best by Ballantyne I've read.
3.Millie's Steadfast Love by Martha Finley Granted, I did re-read this one, (okay, okay! And the one below...), but I loved it all over again. The characters and the story are so fun. I adore this book. The Millie Keith series holds a special place on my ever burgeoning bookshelves. 2. Brothers at Arms: Treasure and Treachery in the Amazon by John J. Horn This book has been one of my favorite novels for a few years now. It still holds a very special place in my heart and is one of the best books I have read to date. Fun, heart-pounding adventure, charming characters, exotic locations... It's incredibly fun, and I'm so looking forward to rereading it AGAIN with my younger brother.
1. To Get to You by Joanne Bischoff This
book is all about redemption, grace, and second chances. Though the
message isn't forced, it seeps into the crevasses of the story (and your
heart). I enjoyed it a lot! The characters were fun, and the whole
road-trip/broken-son-and-father-relationship story was fantastic and really well done. Intertwined was an adorable romance between the unlikely hero and the homeschooled heroine. (Yes, she's homeschooled.) Super cute. And theeeeeeeere you have it! The top ten books that I read this year. Totally check 'em all out, and totally let me know if you do. (Or if you've already read any of the above books, and if you liked them as much as I did!) ;) They all come recommended (and I've reviewed most of them too. Either here, on my blog, or on Goodreads.) That's all for now, but be on the lookout for another 'Top Ten' post! Merry Christmas! ~Micaiah K.~
Hey, all! Today is special because... Grace Triumphant: A Tale of the Slave Trade has released!!! This is the seventh book written by Alicia Willis, who I have been privileged to be internet-friends with over the last year and a half or so. I have read all (yep...all) six of her already-published novels. My favorite? Rising to the Challenge: A Tale of Perseverance and Unconditional Love (which I got to beta-read for last winter - that was sure a cool experience!).
It also happens to be Alicia's 24th birthday today, so happy birthday! And I'm going to soon be reading Grace Triumphant... (I'm looking forward to that! It sounds like an interesting, faith-based tale.) Without further ado, here's the books synopsis, an interview with Alicia, and links to where you can find her new book (and the author herself). Synopsis:
Profligate London, 1788.
Slave ships haunt the seas, bearing human cargos to further the wealth
of the rich and destroy the souls of the slave traffickers.
Russell
Lawrence is an avid skeptic. Captain of the slave ship Barbados,
wealthy, and a respected leader, he views religion as a crutch for the
weak. But when the debauchery of the slave trade begins to destroy his
good morals, his battle becomes more than fighting pirates and
mutineers. What if there really is a God?
Impressed as a cabin
boy, Jack Dunbar sees his forced service on the Barbados as a God-given
opportunity to witness Christ to the crew. But his efforts to influence
the hardened slavers seems to be doing little good. How is it possible
to live as a Christian on the sin-ravaged seas? Can his light shine
bright in Africa's dark interior?
A tale of adventure on the high
seas, redemption, and faith. Sin abounds. Is grace enough to conquer
doubt and triumph over evil? (Doesn't this sound good?)
Interview time! MK: Hi,
Alicia! Welcome to Adventures Beyond the Horizon. Congratulations on
your book's release! Could you start by telling a little bit about
yourself?
Alicia: Thank
you for having me! I am a 24 year-old Independent Baptist, engaged to
the most wonderful man in the world. When I am not writing or doing
research, I enjoy being the church pianist, a Sunday School teacher,
music teacher, and coffee connoisseur. My fiance and I are to be
married, Lord willing, on February 13 of 2016. We are called to
full-time ministry as missionaries with an emphasis on the deaf.
MK: What inspired Grace Triumphant?
Alicia: The story of Amazing Grace, John Newton, and William Wilberforce were my sources of inspiration.
MK: Were there any ways in which you were encouraged or challenged in your faith-walk while writing this?
Alicia: One cannot write a story about the slave trade and God's amazing grace without being entirely blown away by our awesome God!
MK: What is one thing you're hoping readers will take away from this book?
Alicia: I
hope readers will understand God's amazing grace, forgiveness, and
love. I also hope to clear up the misconceptions about the slave trade
and understand the racism on both sides.
MK: What
does your writing process look like - do you outline and write
everything down, or are you more of a mental planner? (I tend to fall
into the latter category...but then again, I outline in my head.) ;)
Alicia: I am a panster. Towards the end of
the book, I outlined a little bit, just to bring the loose ends
together. However, I am a strong believer in allowing the characters to
tell their own story.
MK: Do you have a favorite book/author?
Alicia: Modern or classic? Oh, Florence Kingsley is my favorite classical author. And I
love Erynn Mangum, Sarah Varland, Anne Mateer, and John J. Horn.
MK: Yes, John J. Horn is really an amazing author - I agree with you there! Okay, Alicia, we must know... Do you have a favorite character from Grace Triumphant? Whose story did you enjoy writing the most? (Or can you just not pick?)
Alicia: That
is hard! I had a difficult time "feeling" Jack at first, but, as he
matured, he really grew on me. I loved Russell from the start and could
totally understand him, which is funny, seeing as he is a skeptic! And
my heart went out to Elizabeth the entire time. So, I cannot really pick
a favorite!
MK: What is your favorite time period - to write or to read about? (I kinda fell in love with the Victorian era when I read Martha Finley's updated A Life of Faith series...and I still love it!) Alicia: The
Middle Ages would be number one. But ancient Rome is a favorite too! I
mostly enjoy writing about those eras, but have found a few books
centered around those times that I have enjoyed reading too!
MK: And, lastly, what inspires you to write - and keep writing?
Alicia: I love history. And I want to bring glory to God! Weaving God-centered
tales around fascinating historical eras always inspires me!
Buy the book (get it signed! That's always a plus!), read it, and enjoy it! I will hopefully (maybe) be posting a review of it once I get my signed copy - and the specially included tea!
Kelsey Bryant did a post recently on her blog - Kelsey's Notebook. It was a bookshelf tag (it originated on Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens), and I thought it looked like fun! She tagged anyone to do it who wanted to, so I thought I'd give it a go. And what avid reader doesn't love to talk about their books? There aren't really any rules to go along with this tag, and I think anyone can do it who wants to - so...if you think it's a fun idea, go ahead and do the tag on your blog! You're officially nominated. ;) Without further adieu: Describe your bookshelf (or wherever it is you keep your books-it doesn't actually have to be a shelf!) and where you got it from:
The bookshelf!
The particular bookshelf I will be talking about in this post I share with my sister. My books occupy the top shelf, and she takes the bottom two (though, the stacked books you see on top of all those Garfields are mine! And I have other shelves where I keep the rest my collection!). It is a very light wood, and is actually a very nice size! It's not too large, and it fits perfectly between our bunk-bed and the wall (you will recognize the bookshelf from a post I did last year, where I toured my room!). I normally keep some of my favorites on it, but otherwise I keep books there that are too tall to fit in my other shelves! :) My mom previously used it, and I think she got it from a garage sale, but I could be mistaken! Do you have any special or different way of organizing your books? I organize my books partially by size, series, and author. Normally, if I have more than one book by the same author, they'll be grouped together. What's the thickest (most amount of pages) book on your shelf? The thickest book would be my old Bible, which reaches a page count of 1,713. The next largest book would be my seven-in-one, hardback Narnia. Since all seven books in the series are grouped together in one, it comes to 778 pages, which includes an essay from C.S. Lewis on writing children's books! What's the thinnest (least amount of pages) book on your shelf? Okay, okay...wait a moment while I check... ;) Titanic Crossing by Barbara Williams, at 167 pages. Is there a book you received as a birthday gift? I'm positive I received a few of the A Life of Faith novels for one of my birthdays! What's the smallest (height and width wise) book on your shelf? Eric Liddell by Catherine Swift. What's the biggest (height and width wise) book on your shelf? The seven-book Chronicles of Narnia definitely taps out as the widest, but Ted Dekker's Outlaw is slightly taller. Most expensive book? Haha!! This question... XD You'll all be surprised to hear that my paperback copy of Violet's Bumpy Ride in the A Life of Faith series cost about $63 dollars! It was ridiculously high-priced, but I really, really wanted to read it and see what happened, so I split the cost with my mom! (Then, come to find out, a little while later there was a hardback copy of the same book for $12. *sighs*) The last book you read on your shelf? The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. But I'm currently reading The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis. Of all the books on your shelf, which was the first you read? I actually know the answer to this! It was my God's Word translation Bible, but the first novel was Violet's Bold Mission in the ALOF series, and I read it when I was ten or eleven years old. (I got my Bible when I was ten.) Do you have more than one copy of a book? Not that I personally own, but my sister and I both got a copy of Outlaw by Ted Dekker (and her copy is also on this bookshelf). We went to see him speak live in 2013, so we both bought a copy and got it signed afterwards! (He is really nice, and literally hugs everyone...) ;) Do you have the complete series of any book series?
The series!
I am so happy/proud to say 'Yes'! I have the whole Elsie Dinsmore, Violet Travilla, Millie Keith, and Men of Grit series on my shelf! What's the newest addition to your shelf? The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom is one, and then there's Sense and Sensibility, A Chance to Die, and End of the Spear. What book has been on your shelf FOREVER? Most of the books on the shelf (or, a substantial amount of them), have been there since I started using the shelf: all three series from A Life of Faith, my old Bible, Outlaw, Narnia, Titanic Crossing, and the Men of Grit series. All the other books I've gotten more recently. :) What's the most recently published book on your shelf? Rising to the Challenge by Alicia Willis. The oldest book on your shelf (as in, the actual copy is old)? I actually don't know... The oldest is my old Bible, I guess. It's not that old, though...I just don't have any old copies of books! I think it would be cool to, though! A book you won? None, currently. A book you'd hate to let out of your sight (aka a book you never let someone borrow)? Haha! I don't think I would let anyone borrow any of the books of the Men of Grit series by John J. Horn... ;) But most especially Secret of the Lost Settlement (it's signed!!!). Most beat-up book? Most of my books stay in pretty good condition, however, the Bible I have on my shelf is...falling apart at the binding. :P Most pristine book? I think I'd have to say Live Original by Sadie Robertson! A book from your childhood? The A Life of Faith series in general. A few of the books I just read for the first time last year, but I think I'll always connect that series to my childhood. Those were the first chapter books I started reading. They're the reason I got so interested in the Victorian era - and actually reading itself. A book that's not actually your book? Hope in Front of Me by Danny Gokey - my mom bought it, but I read it first! You'll find me taking pens that aren't mine, but not books, normally... ;) Quiet in His Presence is also not mine. It's Mom's, but she's lending it me. A book with a special/different cover (e.g. leather bound, soft fuzzy cover etc.)? Not really! My copy of The Hiding Place is a nice hardback with gold lettering and part of the cover is a cloth-like material, though. A book that is your favorite color? No - but both the Violet and Millie series have nice colors. Book that's been on your shelf the longest that you STILL haven't read? I normally only keep books I have read on this shelf, but I haven't read Live Original or The Silver Chair yet (I don't plan on reading The Silver Chair, though - at least not anytime soon!). Any signed books? Yes, actually! *happy grin* Secret of the Lost Settlement: The Duty of Warriors, signed by John Horn; Outlaw, signed by Ted Dekker; and both In Search of Adventure and Rising to the Challenge, signed by Alicia Willis. Wow! That was a ton of fun. Again, anybody can do it! But, I officially tag Mikayla H. at The Bubblegum Ballerina, Jessica Joy at (Almost) Perfectly Pink, and Julia Ryan from Writing for His Glory! (Note: I'm finally back! I've been on vacation! I might post an update of sorts later, talking about the trip my family and I went on, and maybe sharing some pictures!)
"But God does use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. It doesn't matter who we are really, just who He is." - Martha Finley, Millie's Faithful Heart (A Life of Faith: Millie Keith #4)
"God calls us to a wild adventure, not a tea party, my dear. I don't follow Jesus because He can give me a life without pain. I follow Him because He is good. Someday I will follow him right through death, and into our Heavenly Father's house." - Martha Finley, Millie's Unsettled Season (A Life of Faith: Millie Keith #1)
Millie's Courageous Days (A Life of Faith: Millie Keith, Book Two) Rating: 5 stars Ages: 11 and up (for a somewhat intense scene where someone was badly injured, etc.)
'"If God is in control, why did He make Fan fall?" Millie asked desperately. "I thought I was doing so well with the promise God gave me when we left Lansdale. And now it's all come to pieces! If He lets terrible things like this happen, how can anyone trust Him?" "Oh, Millie," said Aunt Wealthy. "God didn't make Fan fall, although He did allow it. But we must trust Him," she said passionately. "We cannot give up hope - no matter what the doctor says."' (Excerpt from Chapter Two)
Millie Keith put her faith in the promises of God when her parents moved the entire family out to the wild frontier, where life is full of surprises, adventure, and danger. But now Millie, just turned thirteen, finds her faith tested again when tragedy strikes her family, when she loses her best friend because of her faith, and when deadly fevers stalk the town. Can she trust God with life...and death? Millie's Courageous Days, the second book in the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith series, continues the captivating story of Millie Keith. Although she is best known as cousin to the famous fictional heroine Elsie Dinsmore, in this faith-filled, modern-language adaption of the 19th century work by Martha Finley, Millie stands as a strong heroine herself - and one to which 21st century girls can easily relate.
Millie's Courageous Days is one of the best books of the whole Millie Keith series! It was captivating, intriguing, and adventurous. Full of touching, heart-felt moments and gripping, page-turning chapters, this book is on my favorites shelf.
It was incredibly exciting. It was definitely more intense than the first book - there are a few major injuries and an epidemic, which are some of the main points of the story - but I loved it all the same.
The characters from Millie's Unsettled Season - both new and old - are back, and are loads of fun. Honestly, a lot of my favorite characters would be from the A Life of Faith series, if I named them! I love Cyril, Gordon Lightcap, Millie, and Aunt Wealthy, just to name a few.
Millie's faith is definitely tested, numerous times, throughout this novel. But it is called the 'A Life of Faith series,' right? ;) I would highly recommend Millie's Courageous Days! An awesome addition to the series. Be sure to pick this one up! I absolutely loved it!
Hey there! Mikayla H. from The Bubblegum Ballerina tagged me to do the Chocolate Book tag! I was excited when I saw my name! Thanks, Mikayla, for the tag!
All right, with out further ado, the questions:
1. Dark Chocolate (A book that covers a dark topic)
I don't really read dark books...but, From the Dark to the Dawn by Alicia Willis was pretty intense - plus, I cried and teared up numerous times. 2. White Chocolate (A light-hearted, humorous read)
When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke. It wasn't really humorous (well, sorta, but that could've just been me and my sister!), but it was one of the most light-hearted books I've read! ;)
3. Milk Chocolate (A book with a lot of hype that you really want to read)
I really want to read Captive of Raven Castle by Jessica Greyson! I really enjoyed Annabeth's War! I also want to read A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker.
4. Caramel-filled Chocolate (A romantic book)
When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke (again), and the romance in Brothers at Arms was cute!
5. Wafer-less Kit-Kat (A book that surprised you)
God's Smuggler - for some odd reason I was really expecting it to be boring, so I wasn't very happy about reading it, but I actually ended up loving it. Annabeth's War - whatever I was expecting when I opened the first pages was not what I got! It was a lot more fun and adventurous - and maybe just different than what I was thinking it would be (in a good way, of course)! The expectations we put on books... ;)
6. Snickers (A book you are going nuts about)
As always, Brothers at Arms: Treasure and Treachery in the Amazon by John J. Horn. #favoritebook It's funny (to me, at least. My sister says it's dry humor - whatever that really means ;) - but I think it's so humorous!), adventurous, lively, gripping...need I go on? In one word: Amazing.
7. Hot Chocolate with Mini Marshmallows (A book that you go to for comfort)
The Bible. But otherwise I think it'd be the A Life of Faith: Millie Keith and Violet Travilla series by Martha Finely. Those series are really what got me started reading, and I love the characters!
8. A Box of Chocolates (A series you feel has something for everyone)
Oh, gosh, I don't think I've read one of those! ;) I thought about saying the Men of Grit series by John J. Horn, but that's more just under the genre adventure. So...I don't know!
Oh, and what do you think of this picture below as my blog button - at least, for now? I'd love to hear what you think!
