Favorite Things Tag!

Wow, I really need to try and catch up on all the tags I've been pushing aside these past few months, starting with the ones I was nominated for almost simultaneously by several different blogger friends. :) So today, I present to you the "Favorite Things tag" which Laura, Alice, Caitlyn, and Ellie all tagged me for. (thanks, girls! <3)

THE RULES:

♥ Thank and link back to the person's blog who tagged you!
♥ Thank and link back to the person's blog who started the tag! thank you, Beth!
♥ Write about eight of your favorite things in your post!

♥ Add at least 2 picture or gifs in your post that are related to your favorite things.
♥ Tag eight people at least! (If you don't know eight blogs to tag just tag as many as you can)
♥ Put the eight rules in your blog post!
♥ Include the picture above for the beginning of your post! 
♥ Have fun!!!

All righty! In no particular order, eight of my favorite things would have to be . . . 

1). Snuggles w/ these two adorable kiddos, Sadie Grace and Ruby Jane. (ages two years and six months.) :)

2). Answering a phone call from Grandma w/ my signature, accented, "Hello, darling!" (why? it's fun, and Grandma automatically knows it's me she's talking to. how did this goofy little tradition ever begin? well, look at the GIF below. you've gotta appreciate I Love Lucy! xD)

3). Listening to my a.m.a.z.i.n.g. Amazon music playlist(s). 

4). Daily journaling! (this stack of notebooks is almost three years old, with new ones being added to the pile every couple of months or so.) 

5). Receiving author copies of The Whispers God Gives from Amazon + signing 'em and shipping 'em out for others to enjoy. :)

6). This story, which is included in Mrs. Marlow's awesome Tales from Memory Creek Ranch collection. :D

7). The sound of a heavy rain drumming against my bedroom windows.

8). Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, a song God used to change my life several years back.

That was a lot of fun!! I don't think I'll tag anyone this time around (as most of you bloggers have either already done this tag or been previously nominated), but I'll leave it open for the taking, just in case. ;) Feel free to participate in the comments below or on your blog! What're eight of your favorite things?

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Behind the Blogger Tag

I'm so excited for this tag sweet Emma Starr @ Seven Billion Smiles nominated me for! I actually have a BUNCH of tags to catch up on (Mystery Blogger awards, another Liebster, etc.), so you should probably expect to see several of these types of posts in the coming weeks. ;)

And now, without any further ado, here's the . . .

Behind the Blogger Tag!!!

THE RULES:

1). Thank the person who nominated you

2). Answer the questions

3). Pingback to the creator: Ellyn of Allonsythornraxx 

4). Nominate 5+ bloggers to do the tag

EMMA'S QUESTIONS:

Why did you start blogging, and why have you kept blogging?

I started this blog because my mom told me to. ;) I'd just finished my service as Mrs. Marlow's temporary ghostwriter and couldn't wait to build a following of my own and share some encouragement with the world. I continue to blog now because of  1). this awesome community I've been placed in, 2). I find it a way to spread God's love with many souls, and 3). I'm able to connect with young authors, Andi fans, and those others who may be interested in reading The Whispers God Gives. 

What is your favorite type of blog post to write? Eeks, hard one. Probably a devotional or a life update. :)

What are your three top favorite blog posts? God Is Good, Exciting News and a Request for Prayer, and Release Day!

What are some of your favorite things to do to relax? Take a walk, listen to music, read a book, hold a baby, eat dumplings, and write. :)

What are three of your favorite things? Snail mail, my Kindle, and curling up on the couch with my family for a late night of watching I Love Lucy, Leave It to Beaver, or The Andy Griffith Show episodes.

What are your proudest blogging moments? I'm gonna change this question a little bit so that instead it asks what are my most fruitful blogging moments. These moments would be when a reader takes the time to comment and tell me she's been blessed by something I've posted, I'm hit with sudden inspiration for a fresh musing, or a new blogging friend wants help, advice, and/or encouragement for her own little corner of the web. :)

What are your hobbies outside of blogging? Writing, editing, reading, cuddling babies, spending time outdoors . . . 

Describe your personality in three words. Ohhh, I always seem to have a problem with questions like these. I think I need someone else's opinion of me. *hurries off to ask Mom* *returns with the following* Outgoing, heartfelt, compassionate. :D

What are your top three pet peeves? Anything (especially a spoon or someone's nails) scraping against something plastic, people disregarding the way I care for my books, and not having a towel in my hair the moment I emerge from the shower. 

What is something your followers don't know about you? I got sick on canned green beans once and haven't touched them since. xD

Whoosh, that was fun!! Now it's my turn to nominate some blogger buddies.

Abby, Caleigh, Caitlyn, Scotia, Sandrina, and Martha, (along with anyone else who'd like to do this award on their blogs or in the comments below), you guys have been tagged! ;)

Have fun! I look forward to seeing your answers. <3

Blessings,

Ellen S.

"Woodbreak - the Prequel" by Rebekah Morris // Series Announcement and Review

Hey guys! The weather where I live has been wonky lately, with 90+ degree heat in the afternoon and violent storms come nightfall. So thankful for a cozy house to live in, an air-conditioner that keeps me cool, and new books to help me stay busy when I'm spending the day indoors.

Which reminds me . . . 

Today, I'm so excited to announce the release of a brand-new series of books by author Rebekah Morris. I've read several different works by this author and have enjoyed them immensely. Rebekah's heart (and the stories she writes!) truly shine for Christ.

So when earlier this month she asked for readers to help promote her new series, Woodbreak, I snatched up the opportunity, and she sent me a free e-copy of the prequel. Time for a review! 

"Woodbreak - the Prequel"

back cover summary:

Who holds the key to Woodbreak's hidden past?
When Ryan and Robin decide to search out the history of their family's ranch, their quest leads them to an old box filled with curious artifacts. Who was the mysterious Anna? What brought her west? And what connection does she have to the strange name carved into the log? A peek into Anna's diary reveals a few answers but even more questions. Is there anyone who can show them the truth of Woodbreak?

review (copied straight from Goodreads):

*a full 5 stars*
This book was very enjoyable. I was easily able to read it all in one sitting, smiling, laughing a little, being pulled into the characters' fun fiction world. Vividly-painted scenes came to life as I eagerly turned each page, held captive by the author's writing style and the joy and mystery that shone through every word she wrote. Best of all, the content is appropriate for just about any age. I have a feeling "Woodbreak - the Prequel" will be landing in my sisters' hands here soon.
Highly, highly recommend, and now I can't wait to dive into the next book of the series, which waits for me now on my lovely Kindle e-book reader. :)
Congrats on your release, Miss Morris, and a HUGE thanks for allowing me to ARC read for you.

*I received a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Hurry up and add the Woodbreak series to your TBR, 'cause for sure you won't want to miss out on Rebekah's fun writing style and clean reading adventures! <3

On another note . . . How's the weather where you live? Do you enjoy thunderstorms? What're some things you're thankful for amidst the heat, the rain, and COVID-19?

Blessings,

Ellen S.

I'm Back!! // Life Update + Photo Dump

Hi lovelies!! I know, I know, I've been slacking off the blogosphere for a while now and haven't published more than three posts this month. Sorry about that. While I'm certainly not experiencing writer's block (actually, my writer's flow has kicked in full-time within these past couple of weeks), I've devoted the majority of my free time to revising WIPs, going for walks w/ my sibs, participating in a "Junk Journal July" challenge w/ my mom and sis . . . oh, and tackling a super fun, super secret editing job I hope to announce sometime next month. Thus, I've had close to no room left on my plate for writing fresh, brand-new blog posts . . . or catching up on the boatload of tags I've been nominated for. With my to-do list growing shorter, that comes soon, hopefully!! For now, how about a quick photo dump from the past week or so? 😊

😊😊😊

Those eyes. 💛💛💛

Editing is like . . . my very most favorite hobby in all the world. 😁

Ohhhhhh. Myyyyyy. I'm absolutely in love with these adorable candy wrappers from my friend Aleigha @ Literary Treasures Co. 😍😍😍 (I bought, like, 20 of these. any ideas what I should do with them? hmm? maybe a giveaway after the weather has cooled off and I won't have to worry about shipping out melted chocolate?)

Well, that's all for now. I hope you guys enjoyed this brief life update. *smile*

Comment below and tell me what you've been up to recently! 

Blessings,

Ellen S.

The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott Series

Hey friends! Just thought I'd hop on today and share some bookworm randomness + a fun series recommendation with y'all. :) 

Thanks to one of my awesome blog readers and Goodreads friend, Abby J., a couple months back I was inspired to read the six+ book collection, The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott. I'd seen this series a number of times before, but one glance at the covers and blurbs made me certain the books would come off as sounding wayyyy too cheesy for my liking.

As it turns out . . . I was so wrong. THESE BOOKS ARE AMAZING! Right next to Mrs. Marlow's Circle C series, these are my favorite. :) (you've gotta check 'em out, guys . . . ASAP!) I had the whole series read within a twenty-four hour period (on top of trying to study for a difficult science test I was taking the following Monday. Now that, I don't recommend. xD). Each novella is clean, wholesome, and totally fit for readers of any age. A full five stars from me! 

After I'd finished them, I handed the Kindle over to my thirteen-year-old brother and he and I have both reread the series many times since. We even started dreaming up "codenames" inspired by Mrs. Kirkpatrick for the family. Mine is Agent Eagle Eye, one of my brothers' is Agent Obvious (don't worry, he's fine with it), baby Ruby's is Agent Ravine . . . and so on. :D

Did you enjoy this post? What have you been reading recently? Do you have a cool codename you'd care to share? Curious about the story behind mine? Comment below! <3

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Happy Independence Day!!

Happy Independence Day, friends!! ❤

July 4th for my family means fireworks, spending the morning at Grandma's, fresh crabs, fun in the sun, a handful of Liberty's Kids episodes, rereads (Hurrah for the Fourth of July!, Andi Had a Little Lamb, and the final chapter of Thick as Thieves, all by Susan K. Marlow) . . . but most importantly, celebrating our freedom as Americans. So thankful to be living in the US! 

Does your family have any plans for this special day? <3

The Simple Things Tag (2020 Edition)

The lovely Emma Starr tagged me for this last October. Now, a number of months later, I was nominated for it again by SawyerMarie from Sundrop Girls. (go check her blog out and give it  a follow, friends! she has some amazing, God-honoring content.) 

Since this is one of my favorite tags (and I was challenged by one of my favorite blogger friends), I figured I'd go ahead and do a 2020 edition of the "Simple Things" tag. :) Enjoy!

RULES:

1). Link back to the person who started the tag and thank them. Thanks, Camille! 

2). Link back to the person who tagged you and thank them. Done! ^^^^

3). Use the graphic below.

4). List 5 simple things that make you happy with pictures.

5). Tag 3 people.

6). Remind everyone to be joyful with the little things!

All righty, here goes! In no particular order, five simple things that make me happy would be . . . 

1). Walks w/ with these two cuties (aka my sisters). 

2). Checking my Spam folder. (and no, I'm not joking. xD) All Blogger, Wordpress, and Goodreads updates go here to be read and refiled in their correct locations. :)

3). The moving glitter in my phone case!! Believe it or not, I've wanted a case like this ALL. MY. LIFE. and finally, in May of this past year, my little dream has come true! Tilting this gorgeous case causes the white and gold heart-shaped confetti pieces to swirl and sparkle in a most spectacular display. (can you guess by now I'm obsessed with all things glitter??) *heart eyes*

(let it be known that yes, while not shown here, I do have a phone to go with the case. ;D)

4). Snail mail!!!! Opening the mailbox and discovering an envelope with YOUR name on it has to be one of the best, most exciting feelings in the world. 

5). Spending time daily with God and writing verses/thoughts in the journal my mom made for me. :D

Wow, that was bunches of fun! :) Now it's your turn. Comment below and tell me what five simple things make you happy (or if you'd prefer to do this tag on your blog, go right ahead!). I look forward to seeing your answers! <3

REMEMBER TO BE JOYFUL WITH THE LITTLE THINGS! (which, in reality, are not all that little.)

Blessings,

Ellen S.