Updates // I am a College Freshman!

Today, Monday, August 22nd, officially marks the first day of my college freshman year. *mind blown* It feels like just yesterday I was wondering when I would ever grow up and go to college . . . and now, that day is here. It's crazy, and while I am feeling some nervousness, mainly I am excited about what's ahead and trusting God to see me through. Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God," has been my go-to verse since the start of 2022, when I was enrolled in two of the most stressful courses of my life as an early college program student with Regent. Surely my first literature class won't be half as stressful, right? xD

I am still in absolute, utter awe that God has brought me to this point. I am officially an English major (whoohoo!), I get to do all my classes from home, and recently I have taken some pretty big steps in my job. Over the summer I trained to help students with their reading and study skills as well as their writing, making me now not just a writing tutor, but an academic coach. The work is awesome, and I love it. <3 <3 <3

Looking ahead, I realize the 4-year journey will be challenging, but also rewarding. And because God has opened the door and made it clear to me that this is what He wants me to do, I plan to give it my all. 

In everything [King Hezekiah] . . . sought his God and worked wholeheartedly, and so he prospered (2 Chronicles 31:21).

Friends, college might not be what God has in mind for you right now, but no matter what it is He has called you to do, just remember: you have a purpose, you're being used in some amazing ways, and you are loved by a God who will do nothing less than love you perfectly. 

As His workmanship made in His image,

We. Were. Made. To. THRIVE.

Not just surviving,

Ellen S.

"Midnight's Budding Morrow" // Book Review

The following is a review for a marriage-of-convenience book, a genre of which I have recently discovered I am fond. Older readers (I would recommend 18+) might find this genre to be enjoyable, as well.  

I have read some especially good marriage-of-convenience books over the past year, but for now, I am going to highlight just one of my favorites, which is Midnight's Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller. I give it 4/5 stars for the brilliant writing style, endearing characters, and of course, engaging plotline. The back-cover summary:

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue? Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he can't be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father's stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn't until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

MY REVIEW:

From the moment I saw this beautiful cover and read the synopsis, I knew it was going on my (immediate) to-read shelf. This book was nothing like what I expected, but I still really enjoyed it. 

First off, I loved, loved, loved how truly Christian this book was! Plus, considering the content, it was still super clean and, with the exception of James' impassioned kiss in the ballroom (before he and Sarah married), it did not make me cringe. There was a twinge of mystery, and of course, deep, riveting moments that held my heart tight and wouldn't let go. If you are fond of romance, strong Christian morals, and characters that can pull you into their world and make you sad, angry, and happy by turns, I would strongly recommend that you consider Midnight's Budding Morrow!

WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS BOOK:

Amazon || Goodreads || The author's website

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you ever read any marriage of convenience books? Did you enjoy them? Does this book sound like something you'd be interested in reading? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen