"Yosemite at Last" and "Stranger in the Glade" Book Reviews

Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch

Christian YA reads that are clean, wholesome, and truly "Christian" are steadily becoming harder to find, so I am especially thankful for those few that I have the privilege of adding to my shelf . . . like Susan K. Marlow's Circle C Milestones series, and particularly Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch, the fifth book in the series.

While I have read and enjoyed all of Mrs. Marlow's books to date, Yosemite at Last will probably always be my favorite.
This book was originally self-published as Tales from Memory Creek Ranch, but it was re-published by Kregel Publications on March 15, 2022, with a new title, a fresh cover, and yes, even some brand-new, never-before-seen-in-print stories!
The previous book in the Circle C Milestones series, Courageous Love, left readers hanging regarding Andi and Riley's courtship year, wedding, honeymoon, and married life. Even with the addition of the self-published Tales from Memory Creek Ranch to the series, Andi and Riley's honeymoon adventure alone was not given justice since it was only briefly mentioned in one of Andi's journal entries as being uneventful. With Andi involved, how is it possible that anything can go uneventfully, much less a honeymoon in the wilderness? Hence, the all-new story "Yosemite at Last" (after which the re-published book is titled) is sure to be a favorite for long-time Andi fans and new readers alike as it expands on the couple's disastrous, week-long honeymoon trip . . . complete with the perfect ending scene that makes the whole story worth reading.
Besides getting to see more of Andi and Riley's wedding and reception and trek along with them on their honeymoon, readers will also find out more of what happened during the year Riley and Andi courted (including a hilarious account of how Riley learned to dance), welcome a new member to the Prescott family (!), and meet a specter from Andi's past with whom she and Riley must offer a second chance (a story that continues to tug at my heart every time I read it). This book can be read as a standalone, but to enjoy it to the fullest I would recommend reading the rest of the Milestones series first.

Believe me, Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch is a book you won't want to miss!

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.

Stranger in the Glade: And More Tales from Memory Creek Ranch

Life has not calmed down for the Prescotts since the last installment in the series (Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch). Some of their newest adventures include having old friends (and enemies) reappear, finding a stranger in their hidden glade, Andi learning a few fresh lessons on forgiveness and gratitude, a rabid raccoon sneaking in during the dead of night, and Andi and Riley experiencing the biggest surprise of their lives when they try to enjoy a relaxing visit with Kate and the kids in San Francisco. These adventures test Andi's faith and help her mature as a wife and mother.

Some of my favorite stories were "Winter Ice for Summer" (one of the FOUR new stories since Kregel re-published the book), "Nanny Riley" (this story still makes me smile, even two years since it was first released . . . and especially now with fresh short scenes and details woven in), "A Night to Remember" (also new - and confirms that hands down, Riley is my favorite fictional male character ever), and "San Francisco Suprise" (you'll find out why I like this one when you read it *winks*).

I  would 100% recommend this book to long-time Andi fans who've enjoyed the former five books in the Circle C Milestones series (Thick as Thieves, Heartbreak Trail, The Last Ride, Courageous Love, and Yosemite at Last).

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

Have you read either one of these books? Do you want to? Are there are any clean Christian YA reads you would recommend? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen

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