Thursday, November 30, 2017

A Question of Courage: Blog Tour

Yes, another blog tour. ;)  This time for the second book in Jesseca Wheaton's Questions of War series: A Question of Courage!


About the Book:


A man.  A decision.  A destiny.

Rafe Sullivan never imagined the war would come to his doorstep.  But when Pearl Harbor is attacked and America's focus suddenly shifts to the pacific, he finds he can't ignore the problem anymore.
Leaving the life he loves behind, he joins up to do what he does best.  Fly.
Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the horrors of war, and the struggle that is going on in his own heart.  As an outstanding navy pilot, he is stationed on one of the few Pacific carriers.  But could God be calling him to step out in faith, and go beyond the call of duty?
Lily wilson gives her all to help the hurting community around her.  With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the war is brought home to many American families.  And as a nurse, she longs to be able to relive some of the suffering.  Yet, her own grief is still fresh in her heart, and though she's made the decision to get on with her life, she can't seem to leave the past behind.  When healing at last comes, the guard she placed around her heart slowly begins to crumble.
But when she receives the news she hoped she would never again hear, can she trust that God's plan is always right?
Arthur Warrington saw the Navy as an escape from the life he left behind.  And it seems good for him.  He is able to forge new friendships and distance himself from his past.  But when his best friend makes a decision that rocks his world, he is left grappling with the question: what is true courage?
Three lives.  One War.  And a search for the Courage to go on.

This time, I will be doing an author interview.  But first, a bit about the author herself!


About the Author:



Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God.  Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano.  And writing, of course!  At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown.  She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she's convinced there's no place like home.

The Interview:

First off, a note from Jesseca:

Disclaimer: I know Kate in real life, and we’ve been friends for a couple years. I think that’s kinda evident in the questions and answers. ;) I tried to give each question a serious answer, but I also took the liberty in answering them as I would if she had been sitting across from me, and asked them.

1. Please, dearest, namest thou five things about thy book's setting, if it pleaseth thou? (Now before you think I've completely flown off the handle, I had originally worded this 'name 5 things about the book's setting', but, as Jess put it, '"Name five things about the setting" is a command, not a question.'  So... I reworded it as a joke and she went with it.  Blame her.)

With greatest pleasure, dearest, I shall do so! Five items of consideration? Grumman Wildcat, U.S.S. Enterprise, Guadalcanal, Pearl Harbor, and . . . naturally, World War. The second.

2. What inspired the storyline for A Question of Courage?

To be honest, I don’t really have one thing. A lot of it I decided as I wrote. At the beginning or writing, I sat down and wrote out a quick sketch. I knew I wanted to write about Guadalcanal, because it’s a place not many people know about in relation to WWII. I also knew how I wanted the ending to be, I just had to figure out how to get there. A lot of the storyline just came to be as I wrote. I had an outline, but I didn’t always stick to it. I wanted to really bring out the harsh realities of war, but in doing so, still focus on the hope of the light of Christ, even when things look hopeless.

3. How do you feel your writing has changed/improved since writing A Question of Honor?

Umm . . . I’ve never been asked this questions before. *thinks* Is there anyway to answer this without sounding weird? [Not at all—that's why I asked it. B-) Okay, just kidding, just kidding. XD] One thing I know that has improved is the setting. I’ve been told that I’ve gotten better at making the reader feel in the story. I think more research has played a part in that. It’s so much easier to write when you have a good taste for what the historical setting was like! Other than that . . .umm, IDK. You’d have to ask someone else who has read both books. I think the readers could answer this question better than the author.

Well, I've read the first but not the second. I need my copy. I think you need to send me a free copy so I can answer my own question. *halo*

4. Name three reasons why you love this story.

*coughs* Only three? Haven’t you heard enough about it while I was writing? I mean I think you know everything. Except maybe what actually happens in the book. [What's that supposed to even mean?!]
But anyway.  The characters are definitely one. Rafe . . . oh, goodness, I love that guy. And Art. They’re both so different, yet in many ways, similar. The setting was also fun. I’ve never written anything set onboard an aircraft carrier before. It took quite a bit more research, but it was so fascinating! [Certainly sounds fascinating!]
And the lesson that the characters were learning is another thing that I hold dear. It was something that God was teaching me around the same time I was writing the book. So I love the story for that, especially. [Ahh, yes, that always makes your book more special. ;)]

5. What is the purpose of A Question of Courage?

The purpose? Is that like the dad asking the guy what the purpose of the relationship is? [I don't even know what to say to that.] Um, well, the purpose of a relationship is normally to glorify God, yes? And so I think that answers this question well. *nods* [Mhm.]
But in all seriousness, I hope it inspires others to live lives that are courageous in the face of evil. To stand for what you know is right, even when it may be something just as simple as trusting God. Because sometimes that’s not so simple.
And also, to inspire other believers to follow God’s leading, even when maybe you don’t quite understand it. Sometimes that takes more courage than facing the fire of the enemy on a battlefield.  [Beautifully put, Jesseca. <3]

6. Why should people buy your book?


Because you recommended it to them. *nods* [I did? Is it possible to recommend a book I've never read? *shrugs* Well then. I recommend it, peeps.]

But to be honest, I don’t want them to buy it just to buy it. I don’t publish books to make sales. (Though, those are always nice. ;))

I write and publish books in an effort to encourage other believers in their walk with Christ, using a historical backdrop. So if you’re someone who enjoys historical fiction that keeps Christ at the center, give it a try and see if you enjoy it. I write books to entertain, but even more, to point people to Christ. I pray that my books encourage others and draw them closer to Christ in their walk with Him. And above all, I hope that through the book, God alone is glorified.



Giveaway:




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule:



Wednesday, November 29th

Faith Potts//Stories by Firefly - Review, Book spotlight

Libby May//Geoturtle - Author Interview


Thursday, November 30th

Kellyn Roth//Reveries Reviews - Review

Raechel//God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae - Book Spotlight  

Kate//Twin Thoughts - Author Interview
Friday, December 1st (Release day!!)
Liv K. Fisher//Liv K. Fisher - Book Spotlight, Author Interview
Deborah C.// Reading in June - Book Spotlight  
Chloe W.//Purely by Faith Reviews - Review, Author Interview
Abigail//Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors - Book Spotlight

Saturday, December 2nd
Jazzy//Thriving Hope - Review, Book spotlight
Angela Watts//The Peculiar Messenger - Review
Rebekah Eddy//Rebekah’s Remarks - Review, Author Interview, Book spotlight
Karissa Norton//No Coffee, No Can Do - Author Interview, Review

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Christmas is Coming!

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!!
I'm sorry, this isn't going to be a long, thought-provoking post.  But I hope every one of you has had a wonderful day to eat, play football (or whatever your family traditions may be), and remember all the blessings God's given you—both the good and the bad. ;)



~Kaitlyn

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

A Farmer's Rant {Feat. Birdo}

Some people have misconceptions about farmers.
Ever wondered if the things you've heard about farmers is true or not?
Maybe this post will enlighten you.  I have Birdo here with me to bust some myths that you may or may not have been told.


Note: All pictures from this post were taken by Bird himself. :)

Farmers have it easy

Uhh no

Why's that?  Please elaborate.

We Don't have it easy because it's hard.


How is it hard?

You can work 100 hr weeks busting your butt to prepare the ground and plant the crop and put gobs of money into fertilizer and chemical and pray for rain that's long overdue and finally see the rewards of your work at harvest when you have to put in even longer hours to get it out of the field...that is, if it hasn't got destroyed by wind or hail.


...Okay, you've convinced me. XD
What about working with cattle?  Is that any easier/harder?

Just different....you can raise a cow and breed her and feed her and wait all year for that calf...only to have it die during birth and try again next year.  It doesn't happen all the time, but it's always a possibility. Course if you do get the calf, you gotta hope the market holds together well enough so's you can make a profit when selling it...

Also, easy is relative


Let me define it for you:  "achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties".

No.(see above XD)
I would say farming is very challenging...but, that's not exclusive to farming. I don't care if you're a farmer, firefighter, soldier, factory worker, desk driver, or drive the Schwan's delivery truck...everything has its own challenges, farming just has its own very different set of such.

Very good point.  But since today we're talking about farming, what other challenges farmers face (other than the one's we've already talked about)?

Ohh gosh...weather, markets, politics, rules and regulations, insurance, input cost, breakdowns, physical dangers...need I go on?


Nope, I'm good. XD
Here's another stereotype:

Farmers will be rich

Uhh not necessarily.

And...?

And what

What do you mean when you say 'not necessarily'?

There's potential for profit in anything...including farming, but farming is not a "get rich quick" job.  

What keeps farmers from making fast money?  Some people think farmers are rich—they feed the country, for cryin' out loud.

True, but only a small percentage gets back to farmers. For example, 1 bushel(unit of measurement for wheat) will make between 60-73 loaves of bread.  Multiplied by the average price of bread($2.50/loaf), 1 bushel of wheat will make $150- $182 worth of bread.
The farmer gets about $3.10 a bushel, and thats gross income...not counting all the production expenses.

So in other words, out of those 60-73 loaves of bread, the farmer only gets 2 or 3?


Yep

I mean, that's if he wants bread....

I'd rather have a steak.
or bacon
or a hamburger
or donuts

Yeah, that sounds good too. XD

Farmers are stupid

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Yeah sure whatever

Okay, since this is so absurd, how would you like to demonstrate your knowledge?

I can count to 20 if I take off my boots.



Very funny. XD
Umm, I'm going to ask a question about something I'm completely ignorant of.
What should a person look for if he's driving a tractor and all of a sudden something starts rattling?

Duh look for the rattle.

But where?  The engine?  Radiator?  

Do you even know what a radiator is???

I plead the fifth.

Well...hopefully your tractor doesn't rattle...but if it does, I can't explain it...just listen to it, you can usually figure it out. And if you can't, you put it in the shop and start taking it apart till you find it.

Listen to it?  Do you speak Tractor? #kaitlynspoorattemptathumor


Actually yes! Like if it's a hisssssss its probably a tire or blown hose or if its a ticktickticktick its probably a loose shield or bolt or if its a gRrRrRrRrRr its probably a little more serious engine or transmission malfunction or if its a GGGGGRRRRRRRR you probably forgot to push the clutch :D

*tries to catch breath* Stop making me laugh, my gut hurts. XD
Got any tips on farming in general?

Pray for rain

*nods* I'm impressed, that's sound advice.

Its not a sound I bet every one of your bloggers read that, not heard it.

I'm not even going to comment on that.
So, one last stereotype (and one that is actually pretty accurate):

Farmers are strong

They are???? Wow cool I want to meet one!!!!



I'm not even sure how to respond to that.

Yeah me either that was shocking news

So you're saying it's not true?

I am?

I asked you first.

Oh wow you're fast

I know.
So are farmers strong?  Physically?  Emotionally?

Uhh how am I supposed to answer this? I AM A FARMER AND I AM STRONG *eyeroll* yeah whatever. Actually strong is relative....some of the strongest people I know couldn't lift 50 lbs.

Well, I would probably fall under that category (at least the 50 lbs part). XD
Anyway, That's a good point.  Like you so aptly demonstrated, farming requires mind as well as arms (though arms are required for a lot of farm work).
Well, that wraps it up for today.  Thanks for coming, Birdo!  I enjoyed it immensely. ;)

I like m&ms too



*unplugs your keyboard before you can make any more bad jokes*

*grabs your keyboard because I like making bad jokes*

Goodbye, Birdo.
Well people, was that as entertaining to you as it was to me? ;)
Until next time!
~Kaitlyn

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

IT'S FALL {September Recap}

I love October.
The colors change, the weather begins to get cooler, and... yeah.  It also means Thanksgiving is just over a month away!! *bounces*


Happenings:

-Had a lot of fun watching old home videos.

-Kansas State Fair.  Food that I didn't eat (but it smelled AMAZING), weird robot guys, crafts, rides, and a bright sun made for the perfect day for the fair.  (I also got to briefly see a friend that I don't get to see often, so that was fun!)

A butter sculpture at the fair; yes, this is made completely out of real butter.
-Our road got paved.  PAVED, Y'ALL!!  Do you know how many years it's been since our road was paved??



-Ringo and Renae were born! They're so adorable. <3


-Chowboy just randomly asked if we remembered 'that movie we used to watch when we were kids about a train'.
Well, it wasn't about a train, but we all remembered it.  Scuffy the Tugboat.  Any of y'all seen it?


-Found this on Pinterest and thought of my father right away.  He wholeheartedly approved.



Books:
Well.  I'm quite disgusted with myself.  Look at this measly list!  Look!


Finished:
The Deadliest Monster by J.F. Baldwin: 5 stars
Where Dandelions Grow by Lydia Howe: 3.5 stars
----------------
Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer: 4 stars
----------------
Started:
Know Why you Believe by Paul E. Little

Snippet:
Hey, I actually wrote this month!


“It’s all right, Colin, just act natural,” he murmured to himself.  He clutched the wooden box tightly, willing his hands to stop their trembling.  “Pretend that this is just a normal, everyday mission.”  A shudder passed through his body as he thought of the consequences that might occur if he failed to convince the queen that he held the bloody heart of Princess Brianna, and not of a stray sheep.
He had only been on the opposite side of the queen’s wrath once, but that had been when king Daniel was there and able to intervene.  
But now he wasn’t.  “Lord, give me strength.”
He took a deep breath and knocked on the heavy oak door.  When a soft, mellow, yet commanding voice bid him enter, he turned the knob and prayed that the woman wouldn’t notice the beads of sweat standing out on his forehead.
“As you commanded, Yer Majesty.”  Colin bowed and held the box out in front of him, inwardly trembling in disgust at what she thought it was.

She took the box in her delicate white fingers and pried the lid open with her long fingernails.  She took one look inside and a slow, sly smile spread across her face.  Colin felt sick.  Sick with the deception, but even more sick with the knowledge that this woman, the wife of the very man he loved and pledged allegiance to, wanted to murder her very own stepdaughter.


Pun:
A clown held the door open for me today.  It was a nice jester.

Music:
So I never knew until now that VeggieTales sings country songs.  Like how?! 



And now I realize how boring my life in September was.  Hope it was entertaining to you. XD

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Five Fall Favorites


Well, I wasn't planning to do a post today (my Sept. recap is coming later this week!), but there's been several different blogs doing this thing called Five Fall Favorites hosted by Rebekah over at Read Another Page.  It's basically a week-long blog party dedicated to favorite books.
Anyway, it all looked like a ton of fun, sooooo... why not do a post about my own favorites? ;)
I shall choose to share not my five favorite books, but authors.  And their books.  'Cause that'll make it a lot easier to share lots and lots of books. XD

~Susan K. Marlow~

Goldtown Adventures

Circle C Beginnings
Not my image
Circle C Stepping Stones

Circle C Adventures
Not my image
Circle C Milestones
Not my image
~Lois Walfrid Johnson~

Adventures of the Northwoods
Not my image
Viking Quest
Not my image
The Riverboat Adventures
Not my image
~Chuck Black~

Kingdom Series
Not my image
Knights of Arrethtrae
Not my image
~Tricia Mingerink~

The Blades of Acktar
Not my image

~Nancy Rue~

Christian Heritage: The Salem Years
Christian Heritage: The Williamsburg Years
Christian Heritage: The Charleston Years
Christian Heritage: The Chicago Years
Christian Heritage: The Santa Fe Years

I couldn't find any good pics of these, and sadly, I don't own any of them. XP

Anyway, you all need to go read all these if you haven't already. 'Cause they're all amazing and need to be read.  Right now.  *nods*
~Kaitlyn

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Where Dandelions Grow: Book Review

I was privileged to be on a review team for Lydia Howe's latest book, Where Dandelions Grow!
I'm pretty horrible at reviews, so bear with me. ;P



Synopsis:

Cousins are forever, or at least they're supposed to be.

What happens when your world falls apart and your dreams are mocked by those closest to you?

Destiny's idyllic childhood full of laughter and cousins abruptly ended when her mom uprooted the family to move them across the country with strict instructions to never talk about Swallow Ridge again.  Eleven years later Destiny moves back to her hometown, determined to find her cousins... and answers.

Plagued by generations of bitterness and manipulation, Destiny hides her life-long goal - unwilling to let anyone else trample her fragile dreams.  But life in the cozy town full of dandelions teaches Destiny there's more to life than what she's been taught.

Is it possible Swallow Ridge not only holds the answers Destiny so intensely searches for, but also hope?

My rating: 3.5 stars

The book is well-written, and has some very good points.  In order to be more and more like Christ, we need to 'take the higher road', as Lydia so aptly put it.  With our relationships, with our money... with everything.  She also brought up the point that our definition of success shouldn't be based on worldly things, but spiritual things, things that actually matter.  However, I would've liked to see more about Destiny's road to success—how she came up with her own worldview, instead of just doing what other people told her to do.
Don't get me wrong; I think advice is excellent, and often, needed.  But a person's got to decide for his/herself what they really believe for themselves.  And she eventually did figure it out, but there was sadly little about God's guidance in her journey; she did what Mrs. R. and others suggested.

The characters were good.  Destiny's caffeine overload had me smiling, Teal's wise crack about cooking made me laugh, and just all the characters were generally likable.
My favorite was Uncle Carter, however minor he may have been as a character.  Kinda reminds me of my dad (and that was another thing I was confused about; there was not mention about Destiny's dad that I remember until later in the book).
Mrs. Reed was so motherly, and caring, and... *squishes her*
I could certainly relate to Destiny with her love for writing and books. I could relate with Teal about her love of music.  But that was pretty much it.  I struggled with relating to anything else in the book, which was a small disappointment.
Also, there was one or two characters that I was wondering exactly what their place in the book was.
But, as far as a general overview of every character in the book: thumbs up!

Noveltea is like, my dream place to work.  A bookstore with a cafe, and ALL THE COFFEE.  I'm not a coffee drinker (yet) but I absolutely LOVE the smell, and it just makes a bookstore that much better!
So yeah.  I may or may not be a teensy weensy bit jealous of Destiny on that count. ;P

So, to give you a one-sentence summary of my review?  Where Dandelions Grow was a fun read, and I would certainly recommend it for anyone looking for a book to make them feel good.

And thus sums up my review!
Congratulations on your newly-released book, Lydia!
~Kaitlyn

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

Friday, September 22, 2017

You Know You're a Farmer's Daughter When...


Well, you never know, maybe I'll keep up this post-once-a-week thing.
I've had this idea for a post in the back of my mind for quite awhile now.  And I needed something to post this week.
So congratulations, this is what you get!
A list of things that I, as a farmer's daughter, can testify to as being one-hundred-percent truthful.  This will hopefully turn into a series of posts.  Most things on this list generally happen in the summer.
DISCLAIMER: I know that not all other farming people can relate, and I know that there's some people that don't live on a farm that do relate; this is strictly from my perspective. ;)

You know you're a farmer's daughter when...

...You get juice on your hands from picking mulberries, then run inside screaming that you've got blood on your hands, trying to freak Mom out.


...One of the most familiar/fondest childhood sights/memories is the inside of a tractor cab.


...There is no such thing as summer vacation.

...One of the biggest highlights of the year is wheat harvest.


...The best place in the world to read a book (other than a cushy chair, of course) is the cab of a combine.  Or under a shade tree if that isn't available.


...There's not much you like more than squishing your bare feet in the mud.


...You actually attend that 'little country church' with a gravel parking lot that everyone thinks is only in storybooks and country songs.

...Your food is practically in your backyard.


...Rain is the most welcome sight in the world.


...People visit your house and can't believe how quiet it is.  And you just smile, forever grateful that you live where you live.

And there you have it folks, a glimpse into my small and insignificant life.
Do you think you'd like more posts like this?
~Kaitlyn