Yeah, I know. I should’ve resisted it. Too easy, right? But I just couldn’t. Not when it is just asking for it….I mean, it’s MAY. ;)
Which is now over. The beginning of the month was fair, temperature wise, but towards the middle and end it turned scorching hot…I’m dreaming of winter. ;)
This month consisted of reading, a visit to a park with family and extended family (wherein I remembered the joys of swinging. So freeing!), yard and garden work, and some more reading in between. Besides the heat, it was enjoyable. :) Not without its trials, but what life is?
The books I read:
– I read a couple more stories in this collection.
The first three you can click on to read my review, the next two have reviews that will be posted soon, same for “Enchanting Nicholette”, and the SMW books – my reviews are on Goodreads. :)
Books added to my already-too-big collection:
Three are review books, one is from Tyndale Rewards (where you can sign up to earn points towards FREE books! <3), a couple were book-swaps, and the rest were garage-sale and library sale finds, besides “Ain’t Misbehavin'” which I purchased on a FB group. :)
Yep. What else can I say than that I love books?
May Post Sum Up:
And posted about the GDPR news HERE, and also reviewed “Judah’s Wife” HERE.
I’m pleased to be sharing the cover of Kate Willis’ next book, “Kiera”! Isn’t that a lovely title and name too? I really like it. :)
But let us wait no more…the cover:
Kiera is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday. The official end of school, a party with her best friend, and chocolate cake. A sudden military draft, no possible exemptions, had never crossed her mind. Kiera is terrified! Getting drafted would mean leaving her family, her little friend Jade—life as she knows it. A surprising offer from Brennan Stewart just might be the answer to her prayers, but an even worse trial leaves her with one question… If God truly loves her, why did this tragedy happen?
Kiera by Kate Willisis a YA dystopian releasing in June 2018. Add the book to Goodreads here. (Links and author bio can also be found there :) )
Lovely! I look forward to adding it to my reading list :)
Nominate 11 bloggers to do this tag, and let them know
Give them 11 questions to answer
The questions:
1. What did you eat for your last meal? Homemade Pizza, last evening. :) It was delicious, as always!
2. What’s the best part of your average week? Hmm…I always look forward to Saturdays which is our rest-day of the week. :) I also enjoy Monday’s because of the mail ;)
3. Where is the most amazing place you’ve been? I haven’t been to a ton of places, but The Creation Museum is definitely up there, and up north will forever be one of the most amazing places to me. <3
4. One question you’d ask your favorite author? I’m afraid I’d be too much in awe to think of any reasonable question…besides, “How do you write such amazing books?” <3
5. What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? I don’t actually like summer. I know, gasps all around. I am a hardcore Winter and Fall fan. I like Spring well enough, but Summer is the season I dread. I highly dislike hot weather, and MN gets HOT. State of extremes. ;) But let’s see…I do like some things about Summer. Like golf-cart rides, and fresh air, and the green grass.
6. Last new author you tried out? (Did you like the book?) I actually read a lot of books by new-to-me authors. :D The latest would be Kristin Billerbeck and her book, “The Theory of Happily Ever After” – and yes, I did like the book :) You can read my review for it here.
7. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done? Well, what exactly is the definition of crazy? Because I have a feeling most of my life would seem crazy to other people, but if we’re talking daring, or stupidest thing….let me think. I actually can’t come up with a good enough answer. XD
8. What’s a character trait you admire in others? Genuine kindness and selflessness.
9. What’s your favorite genre (to read)?What draws you to it? Hmm…I waffle between Biblical Fiction and Contemporary Fiction being my favourite. They each draw me in different ways. BF because it adds so much depth to the Bible, and CF because…well, honestly, I love a good (clean!!) romance…!
10. What’s one book that you wish more people knew about? Just one?!!! That’s too hard. I am a hardcore, recommend-everything by Tessa Afshar fan, but also I wish J.A. Marx’s Destiny Series was better known because it is AMAZING.
11. Do you like to cook/bake? No…? Is that an acceptable answer to this? I could lie and say something like “Oh I love it so much!” but…no. I know how to, and I prefer baking over cooking (because, yum. Baking means treats ;)) however, I probably know more cooking-related items…Anyway, it’s not a favourite past time of mine.
Eleven Facts About Me:
1. I’m terrified of frogs. All kinds. But especially leopard frogs. *Shudders*
2. I will eat most any vegetable, even if I don’t like it, but green beans are the exception.
3. I’ve tried to get my nephews to call me the Hebrew name for aunt, which is ‘Doda’, but they only seem to remember to use it when they are being silly. ^.^
4. I make homemade necklaces and sell them at our local farmer’s market. (You can see the items by clicking ‘Raechel’s Peculiar Treasures’ at the top of this blog)
5. I have happily, and successfully, gotten my younger sister hooked on one of my favourite book series from when I was around her age. (The Bonnets and Bugles series – so good!)
6. Snow, Winter, and the cold makes me happy. Very happy.
7. When I was younger I had to avoid any food containing red-food-dye coloring because it would always cause my sensory-issues to become worse and make meltdowns occur.
8. I love looking at bookish pictures, but am not so good at taking them myself.
9. I’ve never been a huge tv-show watcher, but I fell in love with The Middle, and the series finale about made me weep, because what am I going to do now? ;)
10. I don’t like doing puzzles.
11. I still play polly-pockets with my younger sister (and our games get quite hysterical).
There! I did it. But coming up with the 11 facts was hard. As for the 11 people I tag:
You, that person over there, you, that one person, the other person, you, oh yeah – you, and four other people. XD
Here are the questions:
1. What did you eat for your last meal?
2. What’s the best part of your average week?
3. Where is the most amazing place you’ve been?
4. One question you’d ask your favorite author?
5. What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?
6. Last new author you tried out? (Did you like the book?)
7. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done?
8. What’s a character trait you admire in others?
9. What’s your favorite genre (to read)?What draws you to it?
10. What’s one book that you wish more people knew about?
11. Do you like to cook/bake?
Let me know if you do it, because I’d love to read your answers. :)
“The Theory of Happily Ever After” by Kristin Billerbeck
Review copy from publishers// I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
About the Book:
According to Dr. Maggie Maguire, happiness is serious science, as serious as Maggie takes herself. But science can’t always account for life’s anomalies–for instance, why her fiancé dumped her for a silk-scarf acrobat and how the breakup sent Maggie spiraling into an extended ice cream-fueled chick flick binge.
Concerned that she might never pull herself out of this nosedive, Maggie’s friends book her as a speaker on a “New Year, New You” cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. Maggie wonders if she’s qualified to teach others about happiness when she can’t muster up any for herself. But when a handsome stranger on board insists that smart women can’t ever be happy, Maggie sets out to prove him wrong. Along the way she may discover that happiness has far less to do with the head than with the heart.
Filled with memorable characters, snappy dialogue, and touching romance, Kristin Billerbeck’s The Theory of Happily Ever After shows that the search for happiness may be futile–because sometimes happiness is already out there searching for you.
My Thoughts:
I love the simplicity and coloring of the cover! It’s cute, and gives you a glimpse at the story’s theme too.
And the story was a fun one. It was a perfect light read that I needed – and humorous! I laughed out loud a couple of times. :D
Dr. Maggie Maguire is a happiness-doctor, studying and sharing the science of happiness. But to tell you the truth, she is pretty miserable. Disaster seems to surround her at every turn and the reader definitely does feel sorry for her. And yet there were definitely times where I wanted to yell at her and tell her what to do! But there were also reasons behind what she did, which made her actions – good and bad – more understandable. Even if they were sometimes frustrating. ;)
I felt for her in her quest for a Happily Ever After. Most girls do dream of a fairy-tale romance. Also relatable: her watching so many romances and eating gelato. XD
Her friends meant the best for her in their actions. I liked Kathleen and her way of speaking it like it was. I liked Haley at first. *SPOILER* but as the story went on, oh how I wanted to slap her around a bit. I’m sorry, but I did. She was a tantruming child who didn’t get her way, and she was accusing Maggie of being a bad friend when really, she was being the bad friend. Yeah, she bugged me to say the least. ^.^ *END OF SPOILER*
I liked Sam. I liked how he was drawn to Maggie at once, even if he could be rude. He was still quite hero-ish through the whole thing.
Though I know it’s considered normal in the “real world”, to me it was odd how there were many intimate moments yet so much confusion and running apart/away afterwards…and I felt bad for Maggie and her view, I guess you would call it, on kissing. That someone needs to be kissed first to know someone’s true commitment. And again, I know that is kind of normal – supposedly kisses mean nothing, but in my opinion, they are significant and shouldn’t be thrown around willy-nilly.
That is not to say this was not a clean book though – the kisses were not ridiculous or super detailed at all, and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable, which I appreciated.
Another thing I appreciated in this book was how she came to the realization that she couldn’t be everything to everyone. Amen. It’s so easy to slip into the people-pleasing role that we lose sight of what really matters. That being said, there could have been more focus on us needing to please God first and foremost. There were mentions of God sprinkled throughout the book, and Bible verses mentioned, however, I wouldn’t really say it was a deeply Christian book. It was Christian in its essence, but not really in its portrayal. The characters did not bear the fruits of being a Christian, and while no one is perfect (obviously!), there wasn’t even much shown for trying. I guess, to me, the whole idea of happiness being a science we can achieve is a bit…dare I say, silly. Because true happiness – true joy – comes from Jesus Christ. Every other way of happiness is fleeting and not as fulfilling.
For it being a ‘light read’ I do realize I analyzed it a bit – definitely something Maggie and I have in common! ;)
I would like to restate that I did definitely enjoy this book. It was a fun read, and I would even read it again. I just can’t shut my brain off totally when it comes to reviewing. :D
Quotes:
“That’s why, Dr. Maguire, you need to count your blessings. Sometimes, getting your heart broken is the best thing that can happen to you.”
“That’s the thing about resilience. You have to know pain to feel the incredible high of coming back from the darkness.”
Yeah, the GDPR rules. I’m guessing you’ve heard about them. I’ve received well over 2 dozen author newsletters/blog posts stating I needed to update my subscriptions to comply with the GDPR rules.
However, that doesn’t mean I’m sure if I should be doing something for my blog personally…! So I thought I’d better be safe than sorry.
Just wanted to assure everyone that any information you’ve submitted to this blog, whether in the form of subscribing to posts by email, or commenting, contacting me, etc. is safe and I don’t have any ulterior motives there – chances are, I’m not even sure where this information is kept, so. XD
Any information provided really is just used for sending out blog posts (which I believe WP does on its own), and/or contacting you if there’s a giveaway going on and you’re the lucky winner.
So, I’m hoping that about covers it! :D Carry on peoples.
We want to be seen. Seen for who we are, not necessarily for what we may (or may not) do. We yearn for someone to see past our scars, and to see the real us inside.
Have you felt this way too?
A fiction book I read semi-recently was relating to this topic. The main character, Moriyah (you’re probably familiar with her name now since the last two Monday posts have been related to her ;)) had a visible scar as well as invisible scars. She had a hard time believing anyone would ever look past them and see the real her.
And honestly, I’ve felt something similar. With all my quirks, and my issues, I sometimes fear I won’t find someone who can not only deal with said quirks and issues, but also will see past them and see me.
As I spoke about this to God one morning, He brought to mind a quote from the book where Moriyah’s father says to her that he believes that Yahweh will bring her a man who sees past her scar for who she is.
And with that God affirmed the same to me – He will bring me someone, someday, who will see me. Not just my oddities and struggles, but me.
But even greater knowledge is that He sees me.
He knows me even better than I know myself. That means He sees the absolute WORST of me, but…He still sees me, the me He created in His image. This truth touched me even deeper.
During this last Passover a while ago, my family and I gathered at our table and refreshed our minds about this holiday, and as we prepared our hearts to partake in His communion, I sat there with tears in my eyes because…I’m not good enough. I’ve got scars. Lots of them. I’m not nearly as healed as I yearn to be. But right then, as I was about to take the piece of matza bread, Jesus gave me the picture of Him holding out His wrists to me, showing me His scars. For me. He revealed to me that yes, He sees all my scars, and He offers Himself for me anyway. Freely.
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28
Jesus sees me, accepts me, cleanses me, and loves me.
The very same truth is the truth for each and every one of His children. He sees you. He is El Roi.
He doesn’t just see what you try to hide, or what you feel makes you broken, He sees the real you, the beautiful you. Fashioned by Him. And He loves how He sees you.
Regardless if any human person on earth sees you, sees me, we can rest absolutely assured that He sees us, and calls us His beloved.
Seeking peace and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she can rest easily. But the land is ruled by Antiochus IV, descended from one of Alexander the Great’s generals, and when he issues a decree that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws upon pain of death, devout Jews risk everything to follow the law of Moses.
Judah’s father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight–or bear responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband’s decision–what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long?
The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah’s wife, who learns that love requires courage . . . and sacrifice.
My Thoughts:
I was actually hesitant to read this book at first because the other books I’ve read by this author were not favourites. But since this one was about the Maccabees, I was very intrigued and willing to give it a chance. Happily, I didn’t find it to be like the other books I’d read previously, which was good. It was pretty clean, as a whole, though since it is largely a battle-book, there are definitely some graphic scenes, but the graphic-descriptions never lasted too long.
Being someone who celebrates The Feast of Dedication with my family, I was particularly interested in that aspect of this novel, but honestly, that specific account was told in a matter of 2 or so pages without much depth.
A lot of the book seemed mostly factual instead of story-sounding, and I realize facts are good, but it wasn’t what I was expecting. I prefer a Biblical based book to explain things more in a story-telling way – where you relate to it at a deeper level because it is incorporating characters and storylines along with the information. I couldn’t really connect with the main characters because, well, there wasn’t much about them. The first half of the book showed them well enough, and I was able to connect a bit there and the book’s title made sense, but at the middle-mark, when the battles all started to happen, it lost the character-relation and was really more of a battle play-by-play and less about Leah and much more about Judah. Which is fine for many, just not what the title suggests at all, or what I was hoping for.
Things that I thought they would spend time on were glossed over within a paragraph, or mentioned as just a passing thought, which I thought was a little odd.
It was nice to see each battle-victory be given to the glory of Adoni, though.
I appreciate the author’s intent, writing a novel about the Maccabees, because it is fascinating, I just personally could not connect with this book.
Quote:
“And we are to teach our children that no king can ever take the place of HaShem in our hearts. The Hellenes may abolish our Temple service, they may forbid us to circumcise our children or observe the Sabbath, and they may encourage us to eat unclean animals. But they can never unseat HaShem from His throne. He still owns heaven and earth, and He still controls the fate of kings and priests.”
** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Review copy from author Debra E. Marvin – thank you!!
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
About:
Love on Colonial America’s Frontier
Travel into Colonial America where eight women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love?
Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754 – Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?
Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
1757 – (North Carolina)
Joseph Gregory plans to buy a lumber mill, but Mabel Walker becomes a formidable opponent. When she’s forced to make a painful decision, she must choose between survival and love.
Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763 – Fort Michilimackinac (Michigan) during Pontiac’s Rebellion
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier. Henry Bedlow arrived against his will. Their chance meeting changes everything. Will a deadly clash of cultures keep them from finding happiness?
A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764 – (New York)
As thousands of Native warriors converge on Fort Niagara, jaded British Lieutenant Archibald Walsh and idealistic schoolmistress Susannah Kimball learn the greatest risk lies in guarding their hearts.
A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771 – Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River (Tennessee)
The Cowden temper has been Marcus’s lifelong bane. A trait Lorinda Cowden curses. Now, winning the heart of his bride hinges on fighting a war without raising a fist.
Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780 – (Georgia)
Fighting Loyalists and Indians, Jenny White settles for strength over love . . .until Scottish scout Caylan McIntosh leads her family on a harrowing exodus out of Georgia’s Revolutionary “Hornet’s Nest.”
The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1781 – (South Carolina)
Tasked with infiltrating an infamous Tory gang, Jed Wheeler has no wish to endanger the leader’s cousin, Lizzy Cunningham. He risks not only his life. . .but his heart.
Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792 – Fur Post on the Upper Mississippi River (Minnesota)
When Englishman Henry Kingsley meets Abi McCrea, the daughter of a Scottish fur trader and Indian mother, will their worlds keep them apart, or have they finally found somewhere they truly belong?
My Review:
I love how beautiful these Novella Collections are! I own several and have found they make beautiful decorations ;)
But besides being beautiful on the outside, they are lovely on the inside too – particularly this collection! Below are my reviews for the ones I’ve read so far, and I will add the rest to goodreads as I read them! :)
Shenendoah Hearts by Carrie Facet Pagels
The beginning was interesting, and it seems like I’d like the characters, but as I continued to read, I had a hard time connecting to the story. I felt like it jumped around a lot, but that could very well just be me. So while I didn’t connect to this story, I don’t think that means others won’t – it could’ve been the mood I was in, timing, etc. and I may revisit the story in the future. :)
Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
Giving vivid imagery and character-depth, it was easy to fall right into the pages of this short story. We’re at once sympathetic to Laurette and her dislike of being alone after her father’s instruction to keep her safe, and how can you not like Henry’s noble-spirit? He’s a gentlemen for certain. Watching their relationship begin and grow was delightful. I also liked seeing Laurette’s relationship with her Indian friends, and how that influenced her too, in good ways. And yet how she felt she didn’t belong there either – for she worshipped the One True God.
I would’ve liked a bit more scenes for the end – a lengthier ending, but I do understand that it is a novella, and they can’t be full-sized novels no matter what I say. ;)
A Heart So Tender by Debra Marvin:
This was a sweet novella! The hero, Arch Waters kind of gave off a slight “Mr Thornton” (played by Richard Armitage of course) feel – can’t complain there ;) I very much liked heroine Susannah. She really had such a sweet and caring heart and attitude. The romance was a pretty quick one without a lot of in-between moments, but I wanted the two together, so again – I am not complaining. Arch needed a woman like Susannah to soften him up, and she needed someone like Arch to lead, guide, and protect her. A lovely match indeed!
Being a novella, there were parts that could’ve been expounded on but are easily understandable as it is. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you’ll know I love a good, long, indepth story, but this novella was well-written, and I enjoyed it!
Loves Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
Really enjoyed this story! I loved that it was set in Minnesota. :) And in Winter. In reading it, you could almost feel the winter wind knocking at the door. Each character was well constructed and portrayed in this small novella, and relatable. I was impressed with everything that occurred smoothly in a short amount of time. There was definitely a moment or two where there was a little tension, but that’s the good thing about novella’s – you know it’ll be resolved sooner than a normal novel. :D
Today I’d like to introduce you to Moriyah, main character in “A Light on the Hill” by Connilyn Cossette! She’s an amazing heroine. Enjoy! (If you’re new to these posts:The idea behind them is just to spotlight the character a bit, give a little description of their personality, and for fun, a few books I’d recommend to them if I could.)
Moriyah has a scar on her face from a traumatic ordeal years before this book starts off. The scar – a pagan emblem – has not only scarred her skin but also her soul. She struggles to see her true worth, living in shame and fear.
But she is one of the most kind-hearted young women – she has a heart of gold and always desires to minister to those she can.
When a certain event occurs that changes her life-course, she is forced to learn to embrace a whole new life-style, and learn what it means to trust Yahweh fully and learn that her worth is more than her scar – in Yahweh she is complete.
I highly, highly, highly recommend you read Moriyah’s story in “A Light on the Hill”! It’s a beautiful journey.
Books I’d Recommend to Moriyah:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – while this book deals with slightly different issues than Moriyah faces, I think she would enjoy it and take the message to her heart.
Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar – Yes, another Tessa Afshar book here. Because I think they are so poignant, and would be an encouragement to Moriyah.
And I’d love to recommend each of Connilyn Cossette’s other books to Moriyah ;)
Meet Moriyah yourself in “A Light on the Hill”:
Seven years ago, Moriyah was taken captive in Jericho and branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods. Now the Israelites are experiencing peace in their new land, but Moriyah has yet to find her own peace. Because of the shameful mark on her face, she hides behind her veil at all times and the disdain of the townspeople keeps her from socializing. And marriage prospects were out of the question . . . until now.
Her father has found someone to marry her, and she hopes to use her love of cooking to impress the man and his motherless sons. But when things go horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee. Seeking safety at one of the newly-established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face, and the enemies–and unexpected allies–she will encounter on her way.
About the Author:
Connilyn Cossette is the CBA-Bestselling author of the Out from Egypt Series and the Cities of Refuge Series from Bethany House Publishers. There is not much she enjoys more than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus, and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. She lives in North Carolina with her husband of over twenty years and a son and daughter who fill her days with joy, laughter, and inspiration. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com
Check out the Author Interview with Connilyn Cossette, and my book review of “A Light on The Hill” by clicking on the graphics below. :)
Welcome to another Author-Interview Monday! I am beyond pleased to be sharing this author-interview with Connilyn Cossette for May! I adore her books. <3 When she replied to my inquiry about an interview, I was overjoyed to say the least. :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I have!!
Welcome to my “Peculiar” Blog! I’m so happy to have you here :) Would you please introduce yourself and the genre that you write:
Hi Raechel, Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog! My name is Connilyn Cossette (and yes that is my real name, not a nom du plume). I am the author of the Out from Egypt and Cities of Refuge Series with Bethany House Publishers which are Biblical Fiction (although I like to call it “outsider Biblical fiction” because my main characters are fictional, not people from the Bible). I have recently moved from Texas to North Carolina with my hubby of twenty years and my two kids, 11&13, whom I homeschool. So being a writer and a homeschool teacher on top of just doing my day to day stuff, my life is a little crazy, but its a good crazy!
Aren’t they all so gorgeous?! And so excited for the next book!
Of your books, is there a character that you relate best to? And if so, why?
Probably Shira from Shadow of the Storm. My kiddos came to me by adoption as well, so my struggles mirror Shira’s in many ways. I also tend to be a glass-half full person, and sometime my rose-colored glasses end up shattered, but it does help me to look for the best in people. And, like Shira, music is also my worship language.
Do you have a special process for how you choose your character’s names?
I use Hebraic versions of the Bible as a starting point and I have a couple of websites with Hebrew names I reference frequently. I also base names on Hebrew word meanings and shhhh, sometimes I make them up ;)
I have heard that many authors have their own interesting writing quirk – do you have one? If so, would you mind sharing?
I sometimes like to write with my eyes closed. It allows me to be fully inside the scene to experience and build the sensory details. My son saw me doing it the other day and freaked out how accurately I can type with my eyes closed! Although at times it makes for some interesting spelling or words that I cannot decipher at all later.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It energizes me unless I come to a wall and can’t find my way past it. But thinking about stories, talking about stories with my writing pals, crafting stories, and polishing stories through editing are all pretty much my favorite things in the world.
How important to you is the faith-element in your writing? Is it central to the theme or more of a sideline plot?
Faith is absolutely central to what I do. My heart is to draw people to the Word by sparking interest in the cultural and historical context through story form. I am not out to re-write the Bible, but only to spur imagination about what it might have been like for people whose lives connected in some way with all those Bible characters (who were real people!) that we know so well.
What does your family think of your writing?
My kids are very inspired by what I do. They both are book-a-holics and love to write. My son especially has taken to writing his own stories, sometimes for hours at a time. My hubby of course is very proud of me, but being a non-reader (GASP!) he’s still a little mystified by the idea that I want to spend hour upon hour making up stories about imaginary people. They’ve all learned to be very tolerant of my tendency to stare at walls or out windows randomly, or to talk to myself, or to wave my arms around or make strange faces as I silently act out scenes. Hopefully that will stave off any plans to take me to the funny farm later in life ;)
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
To read more in different genres, to write what you would want to read instead of trying to copy anyone else’s style. To be okay with the weirdness of your brain and the fact that a lot of “normals” may just not get your particular brand of quirkiness. To not waste time or energy on second-guessing yourself but instead be brave and bold about who you are and the passions that God hard-wired into you.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I am about halfway done with the third book in the Cities of Refuge Series (and yes, that means I am SUPER behind) but otherwise I only have one half-finished novella sitting on my laptop that hopefully someday I will get around to working on, since it ties in with my Out from Egypt Series.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Nicole Deese and Tammy L. Gray are my bestie writing gals, we Google Chat every week now that I have moved across the country. They constantly challenge and inspire me to be a better writer. I don’t think I would have near the drive, the writing speed, or staying power to do what I do without them. We have developed a deep trust between us that allows us to be completely honest when something just doesn’t work and a willingness to take criticism without offense because we know that we all want each other’s work to be the best it can be.
And lastly, would you recommend a book that my readers might like if they’ve read your latest, “A Light on the Hill”?
I can’t think of a specific book off the top of my head, but I always recommend any Biblical Fiction by Roseanna White, Mesu Andrews, Francine Rivers, Stephanie Landsem, or Tessa Afshar. These ladies write God-honoring stories that point readers back to the Word.
Thank you so very much, Mrs. Cossette!
Connilyn Cossette is the CBA-Bestselling author of the Out from Egypt Series and the Cities of Refuge Series from Bethany House Publishers. There is not much she enjoys more than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible, discovering new gems of grace that point to Jesus, and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. She lives in North Carolina with her husband of over twenty years and a son and daughter who fill her days with joy, laughter, and inspiration. Connect with her at www.ConnilynCossette.com
That was delightful! I can’t express just how much I love reading author’s answers to these questions, and getting to know them more. It feels like such a special experience and honor!
Writing with her eyes closed – love that, because I do that too. ^.^ It works well!
Also, her advice to her younger writers self – beautiful. I think the answers to those questions are the ones I soak up the most <3
Check back next Monday for the Character Introduction post featuring one of Mrs.Cossette’s characters! <3
– I read a couple more stories in this collection.
![[ http://pinterest.com/toddrsmith/boards/ ] - veiled - eyes - [ #S0FT ]](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/33/63/7a/33637a9f7fa04f6e69caad3305d405c0.jpg)
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Gods Peculiar Treasure Rae 