Musing #101 - "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" by Laura Danner

Guys, I'm so excited! There's a new author amongst us! 
Laura Danner has recently published her very first book, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. It's a novella, and it's really good. I downloaded it on my Kindle this morning and enjoyed it very much. 100% recommend. 
Here is the back cover summary:


"What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace, with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms!"
As the words float by her, Meg is bitter. "What have I to dread? Life without either of my parents!" she fumes inside. "What have I to fear? Going to live with a family we've never met!" 
Follow along as Meg Sonnenfeld is orphaned, come with her as she goes to live with a large family a few hours away, learn why Lissie, one of the girls she goes to live with, is so bitter, and see what happens when cholera strikes—again. Will Meg's sister die? Why has all this happened? Will Meg learn to "Lean On the Everlasting Arms"?

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms is the perfect read for girls both young and old - I'd say 10+. Clean, wholesome, and romance-free, Laura did an amazing job of keeping me wrapped up in the story. I can't wait to share this book with my younger sisters! I invite you, too, to hop on over to Amazon and grab your own copy of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. Spread the word, and don't forget to give Laura @ Flowers In My Basket a follow!  

One Hundred Musings//A Little More About My Blog and Me

Wow, everyone, a year ago at this time, I didn't know writing a post on a blog of my own titled "One Hundred Musings!" would be a reality. But . . . thanks to God's grace, here I am. :-) In two months, I'll be celebrating the anniversary of "Ellen's Musings," publishing my second book (hopefully - I need to finish it first), and flipping through all my old journals to remind myself just how far God has brought me. :-)
Within the past 100 posts, God has been molding me, shaping me, and twisting me. He's shown me how to rely upon Him and wait for the right words. There were times where I itched to post, and He whispered, "Wait." Because of this, one of my favorite musings is God is Good. I was in a slump during the time, really wanting some posting material. I prayed, and He gave me the words that blessed both my readers and me. Other favorite posts would be all the devotionals He's enabled me to write. 
Then there's the people God has allowed me to meet here on the blogosphere, the posts He's used to touch my heart, and, oh, let's not forget the 40-day Internet break I began in early March. That break truly changed me for the better. Aside from getting away from all the online stuff, God also used it as an opportunity for me to . . . oops, I better stop here. Let's just say a very special project is underway which you shall hear about very soon. :-)
And now that I've hit 100 posts, I have a surprise for you all! Have you ever wondered what the face looks like behind "Ellen's Musings"? Well, wonder no longer - with my dad's permission, I get to share a recent picture of the girl behind the scenes. :-) I also added it to the "About the Blogger" page.

Thanks to all of you for sticking by me as I discovered my blog's ins-and-outs and cheering me on as I pursued the writing gift God has blessed me with. You guys are the best!

What is your favorite "musing" from this year?

Musing #99 - The Simple Things Tag

Sweet Emma Starr from Seven Billion Smiles tagged me last week for a fun challenge called "The Simple Things Tag." Here are the instructions:

1. Link back to the person who started the tag and thank them. Many thanks, Camille! 
2. Link back to the person who tagged you and thank them. Thanks bunches, Emma!
3. List 5 simple things that make you happy with pictures.
4. Tag one person.

Okey-dokey, five things that make me happy would have to be . . . 

1. Pretty autumn leaves

This picture was found online

2. Gorgeous book covers :-)

3. Butterflies

4. Marigolds

5. My pen! The glitter moves around when you shake it, and the colors are SO pretty :-)

I tag my amazing friend, Sandrina!
Can't wait to see your answers! 

Musing #98 - "Dewdrops & Butterflies" by Libby May

Hi guys! As probably many of you know, Mrs. Marlow posted about author Libby May's newest novel, Dewdrops & Butterflies, last week on her blog. I was so honored to have been able to receive an e-book copy of Dewdrops & Butterflies from Libby in exchange for honest reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and my blog.

And so now . . . it's review-time!

Back-cover summary for "Dewdrops & Butterflies":

"I smiled and acted like I was supposed to be there. It was amazing how much people assumed by a simple glance. An outfit, an expression, a tone of voice. Anyone could pretend to be anything. Today, I was a rich girl."

Thirteen-year-old Rose Wells was determined to make it on her own. Running from authority one last time, the forest became her home, the cafe her source of food, and the fear-driven determination keeping her there as long as she could help it. Not everybody was ok with that. Alex and Jenni Johnson do whatever they can to find their foster daughter and bring her home, giving her the genuine love she'd never know. Over the course of a single summer, hearts are broken, scars exposed, friendships blossom, and ultimately a greater truth is learned. A greater God is understood.

I was captivated at once with this novel. It was amazing, and I will go ahead and stamp down the stars.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 

Yes, five stars, and I'm not taking it back, either. Libby had me trapped with her skillful writing style, deft switches of POVs, and, of course, the story. The story. So sad, so heart-wrenching . . . and yet so beautiful. Captivating at the beginning, satisfying at the end (and may I just say the epilogue was the sweetest thing ever??). 

Girls everywhere will be touched by this book. Wholesome and romance free, I was touched by this book. I kept turning the pages, wanting to know more, to make sure the main character, Rose, would be all right, that she would be safe and secure once again with her foster parents . . . and her life would be converted to Christ. 
Honestly, at first I didn't think I'd enjoy Dewdrops & Butterflies that much, and then boy, as the story commenced, did I realize how wrong I was!

Rose's past was touching, perfectly put together. Alex (to whom the POV also switched) had a view so gripping, so real.

I love, love, love this book, and I look forward to reading more by this author!!

What're you waiting for? Click the image found above to be redirected to Amazon to purchase your own copy of Dewdrops & Butterflies! Libby is also offering signed copies and bookmarks over on her blog, Geoturtle. Finally, there are three giveaways going on now! Five winners will be picked Saturday, October 19th. Better head on over and enter before it's too late! GIVEAWAY

Favorite Quotes from the Book:

“You know, hatred is the poison you drink hoping the other person will die. You’re not gonna change her with hatred, but you might have a chance if you forgive her.”

AND

“When a lady is pregnant, it gives her a very legitimate excuse to eat things she would otherwise avoid.”

I frowned. “You ladies get all the fun.”

She slowed down and patted my head, messing up my hair. “Don't worry. Husbands of pregnant ladies get the leftovers.” 

Musing #97 - "Courageous"

This book. This movie. Will someone hand me a tissue for my eyes, please? Thanks.

I hardly ever cry over a movie, but (I'll come right out and admit it) Courageous was a real tear-jerker. Yesterday I watched it for the first time and . . . wow. Just wow. I laughed, I cried. I was so moved. 

Okay, book-review time. I read Courageous before I watched it, and I personally don't recommend this system. Usually people say "read the book first," but this book came after the movie and is based upon the movie. It keeps all the main things, but also adds a few extra details, people, and events. If you want to be sitting on the edge of your seat, gnawing your fingernails and wondering what's going to happen next, movie first. The book, meanwhile, has all the answers to the cliffhangers and doesn't include the graphics that somehow pull the tears from your eyes. Also, the book mentions several hard topics that made me want to snap the Kindle shut and fling it across the room (don't worry - I restrained myself). I suggest you wait to read this book until you're fifteen or older, and be aware that the book changes the personalities of some of the characters and adds things that'll probably make you cringe. It might help to run Courageous through your parents before plugging into this novel.  

My rating for the book? 3 stars.

For the movie? 5 STARS ALL THE WAY!!! 

Have you watched Courageous? What're your thoughts on it? Favorite scene from the movie?

Musing #96 - Fall is Here, Y'all

Hello all! What's up with the title of this post? Well, I know that autumn officially started some time ago, but summer still seemed to have a grip on the weather. One day last week was especially hot and humid. But now . . . *breathes in deep* I can finally feel the change. The leaves are continuing to turn beautiful shades of deep-red and yellow, and the wind sends them swirling to the ground to later be picked up and examined by eager little children - like my own siblings. *grin* Many leaves have such beautiful patterns - streaks of green mixed in with blobs of red, orange, and yellow. Quite a few have such a fun crispy texture that make for something crunchy to tromp on as you walk. ;-)
Then there's the air, crisp and light, the beams of the sun trying to pierce through the cold. I've had to shrug into a jacket a couple of times this week before taking my walks, but overall the weather is pleasant, like it's wavering between sticking with summer or plunging into autumn. 
And my family and I have already begun our fall-time activities! Yesterday we once again drove to a local farm and picked up a whole bunch of rosy round apples so Mom can make her luscious fresh apple butter. Then, this morning, it was shoe-shopping time. My sibs enjoyed themselves as they picked out shoes, tried them on, and put them back till they finally settled on just the right pair. (My one-year-old sister was very excited over her pretty-pink tennis shoes!) Lord willing, this time next year we'll have little Ruby Jane along with us so she, too, can get a pair of boots. There's something about being in a shoe-shop with your siblings that just sends a thrill through your heart. ;-)
And now . . . want to hear a funny little story about one such "shoe-shopping" experience that occurred several years ago? It all began when Mom decided to take two of my sisters and me to get boots. I found a pair I liked and slipped one of the boots on. When I went to take it off . . . tragedy ensued. It was stuck! I tugged and tugged, but that stubborn shoe held on tight. My sisters lent a hand, but nothing seemed to loosen the boot from my foot. What on earth . . .? Mom laughed her head off, and even I had to giggle a little - until we realized the boots were truly stuck fast. Then all the laughter fizzled away. 
At last, I turned the boot over . . . and realized that there were two zippers, not just  one, and the one we'd all be yanking on was a fake!! You can imagine my embarrassment as I gripped the real zipper, lowered it, and easily pulled my foot out. (Go ahead and have a good laugh - we have many times. *wink, wink*)

So, enough about me. What about you? Are you excited for fall? Have any plans? What's your favorite thing about autumn? Favorite leaf color? Funniest thing you can remember doing during this season?
I'd love to talk with you in the comment section below! ❤

Blessings,
Ellen

Musing #95 - Let Go of the Doorknob

My mom and I were on our way back from a pleasant drive together. A cup of French vanilla iced coffee sat securely in its holder, reminding us of our stop at Dunkin' Donuts; in the trunk bags of fresh, crispy apples awaited the canning jars. Music slipped from the speakers, mixing with our voices.

Suddenly, we passed a billboard - a billboard whose words spoke in volumes to me. To paraphrase those words (as I don't remember them exactly): "God wants to open more doors in your life, so let go of the doorknob."

Mom smiled. "Let go of the doorknob," she repeated. "It reminds me of that story of the Israelites, how they didn't want to leave Egypt as they believed they were going to die in the wilderness."
Like always, Mom is right. The Israelites didn't trust God enough to loosen their hold on the "doorknob" and cheerfully follow Him wherever He led them. But also . . . Isn't it like me? Feeling comfy in the familiar, knowing where each day is going to find me. Then, suddenly, God is saying, "I've got something so much better in mind for you, but you have to be willing to move past your past, to trust Me and let Me guide you." 

It's hard at times. While God keeps giving me glimpses of all He has behind the doors that He's opening, there're times that I find myself doubting, wondering if it's worth it. Wondering what it would've been like if things had happened differently. Wondering why I can't go back.

Yet, you know what? I'm safe. I'm fine. No matter what happens, He's got me. And His plan is so much better than my own. 

It's time to uncurl my fingers from that doorknob, square my shoulders, and march boldly forward.

Because I am His, and I'm choosing, with His help and strength, to trust Him. Always. Fully.

He loves me, and He loves you. <3

Click this video to listen to "Already There" by Casting Crowns.

This song is amazingly good, and I pray God uses it to bless you as He did me. 

Musing #94 - You're His Princess

Princesses are sensitive. They feel things that average people don't feel. In other words, they're special.

Growing up, I heard this a lot. In Disney movies and "Max & Ruby" episodes, this is what I was told. And I always desired to be one of those "special princesses" - to be unique, one-of-a-kind. One morning, my older brother came into my room and asked if I'd felt the marble he'd placed beneath my mattress several nights before. Grinning, he displayed the glossy, round ball in his hand, and I insisted that I had felt a little something while lying in bed. Of course, if I had, it was probably only a spring in the mattress or something like that, but still . . . 
Now that I've grown older, I can look back at that time and smile, because, all this while, I was and am a princess - a beautiful princess, priceless in the King's eyes. And, truly, the realization has finally come - I do have feelings that average people don't experience. As a Christian, a daughter of the one true King, I've been blessed with a conscience, with a gift of knowing right from wrong. While I may not feel the marble beneath my mattress, I feel the fountain of joy in my heart from accepting the Lord as my Savior. While I may not hold the made-up feelings in all those TV shows, I hold a greater gift - Jesus' love, and that in me makes me aware of the souls around me in need of Him, as well as take notice of the pricks of guilt that sear me should I wander from His path. 
And you know what? If you've accepted Christ into your life and surrendered yourself to Him, you, too, are a princess. A beautiful princess whose worth is never taken for granted by her King. 
To quote the words of an author friend:
You. Are. Beloved.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." ROMANS 8:38-39 

Musing #93 - The 20 Questions Book Tag

Hello and happy Monday, friends! I'm here because God is alive, and He's putting breath in my lungs and a beat in my heart. I'm so thankful to Him that He's given me great friends like Emma Starr and Sandrina, who join me in fun little challenges and great book tags. :-)
Speaking of which, Emma tagged me on Sunday for another one of those "great book tags" - this one with twenty questions - so I guess I better get started! 

1. How many books are too many in a series? Uhhhhhhh . . .  Let's just say that so long as the series is good, there can never be too many books. Think Andi Carter. I would jump for joy if Mrs. Marlow told me she was releasing another few books for Andi's married life!

2. How do you feel about cliffhangers? Cliffhangers are fun (especially if you're the one creating them) and they're excellent in books (unless, like me, you tell yourself, "One more chapter," and then the cliffhangers are so bad you just keep reading), but one place I never like to find them is on blogs, 'cause then you have to wait for the blogger to do another post before you can relax again.

3. Hardcover or paperback? Ooh, both are amazing, and I don't think I could decide between the two. After all, hardcover doesn't bend, and if you get water on it you can wipe it off easily. Paperback doesn't take too much to get crinkled, wet, or destroyed, but it is easier to read on. So . . . 

4. What's your favorite book? Eeks! Surely there's never a true answer to that question, right? Honestly, I couldn't decide! Besides the Bible, my favorites range from "Tales from Memory Creek Ranch" by Susan K. Marlow to "Freedom" by Faith Potts to "The Torch Keepers" by Hosanna Emily to . . . well, all the others listed in my "Blogger Profile" and elsewhere.

5. Least favorite book? Sorry, but I have a bunch in that category - namely all those that are sitting in my bookshelf (or on my Kindle) unfinished. Seriously - they got that boring. 

6. Fiction or nonfiction? Fiction all the way!

7. The most recent book you couldn't finish? "One Eye Laughing, the Other Weeping" - a Dear America diary. The book was running smoothly . . . and then, of course, some inappropriate content had to be thrown in there, and I didn't reach the end.

8. A book you're currently reading? None at the moment, although I finished a Nancy Drew book this morning just moments before answering this question. (Need to get back to the library . . .)

9. Last book you recommended to someone? "Fawkes" by Nadine Brandes.

10. Oldest book you've read? (publication date) The Bible.

11. Newest book you've read? (publication date) Not sure. I've been reading (and semi-editing) a series of books that has not yet been published, but I guess that doesn't count. And . . . oh, oh, I've got it! "The Torch Keepers" by Hosanna Emily is probably the newest book I've read - it was published and released September 1st, 2019.

12. Favorite author? SUSAN K. MARLOW! (If you hadn't guessed the answer to this question already, you obviously don't know me very well! *wink*) 

13. Buying books or borrowing? Ooh, buying! There's something about holding a brand-new book in your hands and knowing that it's yours to keep.

14. A book you dislike that everyone else seems to love? Hmm . . . probably "Counted Worthy" by Leah E. Good.

15. Bookmarks or dog-ears? Neither, actually. Have you noticed that both methods leave noticeable marks on the pages of your precious books? ;-)

16. A book you can always re-read? Oh, yay! The answer comes readily for this one: "Tales from Memory Creek Ranch."

17. Can you read while listening to music? Yes, yes, YES! I can do just about anything while listening to music. As a matter of fact, I'm listening to my Pandora station even now as I type. :-) 

18. One POV or multiple POVs? That depends upon how well the author switches POVs. Susan K. Marlow, Lois Walfrid Johnson, and Hosanna Emily do very well with their many POVs, but there are others (like Carolyn Keene, author of the Nancy Drew series) who don't handle the different POVs half as well.

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days? Again, that depends. Short book? Easily done in one sitting. And, unless the book is immensely boring, I never take more than 48 hours to finish reading it. I remember the first time I got "Andi to the Rescue" in my hands and I kept telling myself, "C'mon, you've looked forward to this for so long. Try to read it in smaller sections, saving some for right before bed at night, and some for the morning." Somehow, I managed to do that . . . but I haven't always been so successful. ;-)

20. Who do you tag?

Sandrina @ From the Notebook

Lilly from Lilly's Tidbit

Kaitlyn on Kaitlyn Krispense, Author 

. . . and anyone else who'd like to do this tag, either on their own personal blogs or in the comment section below. All you have to do to participate in the tagging fun is answer all the questions found above! I look forward to reading your answers. :-) 

Blessings,
Ellen

Musing #92 - "Beloved" by Kaitlyn Krispense

I don't care. I don't care.
These seem to be the only words foster teen Cara Richards' heart whispers as she makes her way through life, alone, unwanted - abandoned by her mom, and then her dad. Now Cara's whole being is burdened, unforgiving, and desperate. She tries to hide it, but it's useless.
She truly hurts.
Cara plans to travel the world and do great things. But when her feet first land on a beach in California, the thought, Why not just end it all? consumes her. Water - endless water, stretching out before her. She can't swim; surely she'll drown. 
And then she'll be free.
But her plan does not succeed, as she is found in the ocean and dragged out by a group of boys . . . boys who later become her foster brothers. They reach out to her, but she pushes them away. Too many times she's experienced the sting of rejection; she refuses to be cut by it again. 
Yet, little by little, these brothers force their way through to her heart. Cara is drawn to the kindness of the Carlos family, is subdued by the stories she hears. 
And then comes the real question: Can I, a worthless criminal, a nobody, truly be saved by Jesus' blood?
I enjoyed this novel by Kaitlyn Krispense. She had me captivated. I smiled as she referred to one of the boys as having a "Michael Landon" hairstyle. I cringed as Cara fought against those who loved her. And I was disappointed when the book drew to a close, although the ending was beautiful. 
My favorite scene? When Cara opens up to her brother, Erich, and accepts Christ into her life. However, while I don't think the conversion was abrupt, I do think her change of character immediately afterwards was a little rushed. Yet . . . I enjoyed it. :-)
My favorite brothers? Definitely Titus and Fergus. Those guys are so fun!
And the cover . . . oh, my, the cover. It's gorgeous! (Still can't stop staring at this beauty!)
My overall review for this book:
I give it 3.5 stars. The topics of this book are heavy, and I recommend it for readers ages 15+. The story can be a little depressing (especially if you're a sensitive reader), and things can get a bit weighty. At times, I felt like Kaitlyn went over the top with Cara's pain, her brothers' stories, etc..  But I do like how she adds some humor with the Carlos boys (see quote found below to find out what I mean). :-) 

"Just because you don't tolerate my intolerance doesn't mean I have to tolerate your intolerance of my intolerance." He [Fergus] pauses and frowns. "And that . . . barely made sense. But I think I got my point across."

Musing #91

Yes, I know - there's no title to this post. I just couldn't seem to think of one today. But that doesn't take away from the actual post, does it? I hope not, because I have some exciting news to share with you all. :-)

I recently won a giveaway for two new books: Beloved and Freedom. These. books. are. so. beautiful. And I love the little paper freebies - postcards, bookmarks - that come with them. Still can't stop staring at Beloved (and, believe me, I'd be doing the same to Freedom if I hadn't immediately loaned the book to a friend). The authors of these novels, Faith Potts and Kaitlyn Krispense, truly have hearts for Christ. I've placed a review for Freedom here on the blog, and I'd like to add a review for Beloved soon, so stay tuned! 
For now, you can connect with Faith @ at her blog, Stories by Firefly!. Kaitlyn is also an active blogger - feel free to visit her HERE. 
Thanks so much to both of you amazing authors for these awesome gifts and for making me feel so special!! <3