"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

Seven Days of Hope Blog Tour!

Two sweet friends of mine, Abby Elissa and Sawyer Marie, are hosting a SEVEN DAYS OF HOPE blog tour, and I'm so excited to be a part of it here on Ellen's Musings! They asked me to share a gorgeous graphic (made by the blog tour hosts), personal words of encouragement, a quote/saying that brings me hope, and a favorite song. :) I've enjoyed visiting all the blog tour "stops" thus far, and it's my prayer that y'all are blessed by my teensy post as well. <3

QUOTE:

"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." ~ Jesus (John 16:33)

A LITTLE PERSONAL ENCOURAGEMENT:

As I prayed for wisdom on what to share today, God provided that my mom published an Instagram post about hope and . . . 🦋butterflies🦋. Nothing short of miraculous, considering she didn't have the upcoming blog tour anywhere on her radar as she worked on lettering her own quote and small, hope-filled devo. And in turn, she inspired me to also use these wonderful little creatures to spread encouragement with you.

I've always had a strange obsession with butterflies. Perhaps it's because, as a younger girl, I had my own creative way of daydreaming which resembled that of a butterfly in flight. I loved to dance around the house with my arms spread out at both sides, swirling them like wings. Up, down. Down, up. 'Round and 'round again, till my breath grew short, my limbs ached, and at last, with a satisfied grin, I collapsed.

My dad, catching me running by, would smile and call me his little butterfly. The name stuck longer than this unusual dreamy habit of mine (thank God), entering into my teenaged years and turning into a Gmail address, NaNo username, etc. It's special to me, like a precious little bond between my father and me that I don't ever want to let go of.

And now, so many years later, butterflies serve as a reminder of something even more than a fond childhood memory.

Because they haven't always been full-grown butterflies, but rather caterpillars first crawling, then eating, then being bound by a cocoon until the day of final maturity arrived. 

There's a lot of growing still to be done in your life and mine. Growth that means pushing through the hard and trusting that the darkness won't last forever.

In the moment we feel like we're dangling above rock-bottom is when our cocoons grow solid and our wings develop. We turn from caterpillars on the ground to butterflies with a destiny. To soar in the sky, gorgeous wings flapping, elegant bodies a testimony to our Creator. The pain will flee, beaten by our Savior's light. Our cocoons will unwind, air fill our wings, and we'll swoop forth. Free. Beautiful. Leaving the old and finding the new. Ready to show that the darkness is but for a moment, and the upcoming splendor for an eternity. 

Friends, even during the darkest days, when your cocoon squeezes tight and everything looks bleak and without light, remember: He is our Hope. And He will bring us safely through the valley in which we're travelling. There is no storm so long the sun will not shine; no path so winding the end does not come. 

Rest in Jesus, and place your hope in Him. The Giver of life itself has promised to be here for us. Always. And He has already conquered the world and won our souls so that we might have peace. <3

TRUST HIM.

SONG:

As an unarguable music addict, picking just //one song// to share with you guys promised to be a struggle. Almost Home by MercyMe was my original choice (after much deliberation, of course). And then Amazon Music switched into auto-play one afternoon, and I felt God's nudge to do another song. One I'd never heard before, but soon fell in love with.

"I Have This Hope" by Tenth Avenue North

(for those of you on mobile phones, you can listen by clicking HERE.)

LINKS TO ALL THE OTHER STOPS ON THE TOUR:

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Blog Tour Day #7: RELEASE DAY

Hello, m'friends, and welcome to the seventh (and final) day on the The Whispers God Gives blog tour! *showers you all in confetti and chocolate* 
To say I'm a little excited right now would be a huge understatement. 
My precious book baby is now officially released to the world.
It seems so utterly surreal, and truly, all the praise goes to my Savior. He worked in my life and brought about something I wasn't sure would ever happen. For every devotion, His love sustained me. He covered my hands with His own and led each word I wrote. I am beyond grateful, and so super excited to see all He has in store for this devotional book.

(special thanks to Kaitlyn K. for the pic!)

Last night, soon after eight o'clock, I made my way downstairs with the computer tucked in one arm. My family had gathered in the living room, and they welcomed me with an enthusiastic drum roll (aka beating hands against floors, couches, knees, and whatever else might be handy). Even little Sadie, sitting on Dad's lap, joined in. From the kitchen, two balloons reading "Congratulations!" bobbed back and forth over a vase of pretty yellow and pink flowers (a writing gift from my two very most favorite people in all the world). 
The long-awaited moment had come, and there was no squelching the butterflies in my belly.
I opened the computer, signed into the account, and hurried to my project. There it was, all ready to go. Back cover description, key words, copyright . . . 
My mouse hovered over the final step: the "publish my print book" button. Deep breath.
The siblings pressed in around me. Dad drew out his phone to snap a couple quick pics. Mom beamed so much you'd have thought she was publishing the book instead of me.
And then, with a final prayer, I clicked the button, and it was done. My book had been sent in for review and is predicted to appear live on Amazon within the next 72 hours (so keep an eye out, y'all!). 
Anyone who preordered the Kindle edition of The Whispers God Gives should have received their e-book copies this morning. I'm happy to say it's also now available for Kindle Unlimited readers and open to reviews/ratings on Amazon. Head on over and check it out! 

Thanks so much to each one of you for joining me on this tour. You guys are simply the best, and I've felt so encouraged by every comment you've left on my posts.
Now, go out and continue to shine your lights as living witnesses for Jesus Christ. Listen to God's whispers and follow Him in everything, even when the mission He sets before you seems impossible. You're never too young to make a difference. And with God on your side, you shall do valiantly. (Psalm 108:13)

Blessings,

Ellen S.

To end this post and wrap up the whole blog tour, here're snippets from a few of my amazing ARC readers' reviews . . .

"The Whispers God Gives" should be on every teen girl's bookshelf. It is relatable and a blessing to anyone who might read it. Ellen is a superb writer, and her intriguing stories in each devotional chapter captivates you and helps you understand the message she gives even clearer. You can see the love and guidance our Creator has for us through each passage. I truly felt whispers from God as I read this book, and I will say it again . . . "The Whispers God Gives" is a blessing. ~Izzy West

Each of the lessons in this 30-day devotional holds an everyday illustration—baby sister + soggy pretzels, food allergies, Band-Aids, rolling office chairs. The lessons contain life occurrences and just all-around wisdom that every teenager can relate to—the betrayal of a friend, the impact of words, jealousy of others' stronger faith, personal mission fields. Ms. Senechal's short, sweet, to-the-point devotionals pack a punch for just a few hundred words per day! ~Kaitlyn Krispense

Ellen has a brilliant gift of writing clear, engaging devotions filled with deep truth. Firmly rooted in biblical truth and personal experience. ~Sandrina

In my private Bible study/time dedicated to the Lord, I don't usually read devotionals. I prefer theology books that unpack key Biblical concepts by authors like Spurgeon, Sproul, etc. This is one of the only devotionals that drew me in and kept me interested all the way through. It was also one of the only devotionals that felt real and avoided cheesy messages. Ellen tackles some tough battles that many girls go through like body-image shame, betrayal in a friendship, hurt/bitterness when losing a friend, chronic physical pain, and anxiety attacks. I was impressed with her vulnerability and courage in addressing these topics. However, through all of this, she is weaving themes and messages from her everyday life. What makes this devotional feel relevant is Ellen's honest depiction of the themes she is passionate about. She doesn't reach for topics that she doesn't relate to but beautifully illustrates with the truths she has experienced. ~Emma Starr

ARC Reviews Coming In!!!

I'm so excited!! Two of my ARC readers have already sent in their ratings/reviews. My sweet friend, Sandrina, posted hers on Goodreads, so go on over and check it out! (And if you have a Goodreads account, be sure to give her review a like!) Kaitlyn K. also spread the news on her Instagram feed. 

The release date is drawing soooooo close, y'all!! Who else is excited??? ;D

Release Tour Day #4: The First Giveaway

Welcome to day #4 on the release tour . . . the first giveaway! *throws confetti*

Are you new to the tour? Click HERE to see what the excitement is all about, and HERE for more info on my book. :D

Lord willing, there'll be one giveaway happening each week till the release of The Whispers God Gives. Two weeks = two giveaways, two winners, and two sets of prizes.

I'm super excited about this. Let's get started!

Thanks to my precious mama, the prizes for this first giveaway include a . . . 

*signed paperback copy of The Whispers God Gives

*homemade bookmark

*handmade necklace

and

*two scripture cards

Do these prizes look amazing or what??? ;D 
Now, the big question: how can I enter?
Mom and I had fun choosing the four different ways you can enter the giveaway. Each option is worth one entry:

❤Follow Ellen's Musings (via either email or blogger)

❤Spread the news about this giveaway on any social media site or with a friend
❤Follow my Author Page on Amazon

❤Comment below and share a whisper God has given you at any point in your walk with Him

You have from now until April 14th to submit your entries for a chance to win.

At the end of that time, Lord willing, one blessed winner will be picked to receieve all these awesome goodies, and I'll announce the second giveaway. 

Please note that this giveaway is open to USA residents only.

And . . . that's it! Have fun, and good luck! Be sure to comment and let me know how many entries I should credit you for! <3

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Day Two on the Kregel Tour // "My God Loves Me Bible"

Hello, m'friends! Welcome to the second and final day of the Kregel tour; today I'm reviewing My God Loves Me Bible. Again, please be aware that I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

BACK-COVER SUMMARY:


This colorful book unpacks the wonderful truth that each child is loved by God.

God speaks His love through every single story of the Bible. What a beautiful message for little hearts to hear!

With eighteen Bible stories from creation through the life and resurrection of Jesus, "My God Loves Me Bible" shows children that they are precious beyond measure in God's sight.

Each Bible story is supported by Scripture to bring out the truth it reveals. The stories are told both through words and colorful scenes and visual details young children will love.

With this Bible in their hands, they will say with joy, "God loves me!"


My God Loves Me Bible - written by Cecilie  Fodor and illustrated by Gavin Scott


Ooh, this book. The quality, the value, the text, the pictures, the precious messages portrayed . . . the handle on the side that makes it easy for little hands to carry this book around.  😍 Call me a big kid if you will, but I loved this book! The text is sweet, simple, and sure to leave a lasting impression on the heart of the reader, young or old. The illustrations are well done and always a bonus. I enjoyed rereading all the many little Bible stories included, as well as benefiting from the lessons they taught. I wouldn't have a single problem sharing this book with my sibs, or 100% recommending it to a friend.
The only downside to this book (for me) is, like "My Bedtime Bible Prayers," the pictures of Jesus that are added. However, it's not enough to make me drop a star or even a half star. 5 stars all the way!!

Kregel Blog Tour // "My Bedtime Bible Prayers"

Hello, dear viewers! Happy Tuesday! Today I have a fun post for you all (and for me, too). I'm participating in my first-ever blog tour; today is a review for one of the books on tour, tomorrow for the second. Special thanks to Kregel Publications for sending me free copies of My Bedtime Bible Prayers and My God Loves Me Bible in exchange for honest reviews.
So, first up: My Bedtime Bible Prayers. Let's begin!

BACK COVER SUMMARY:

My Bedtime Bible Prayers is creatively designed to encourage Bible reading and prayer as a natural part of any nighttime routine.

Inside are 44 prayers, each based on a Bible verse and Bible story, along with a takeaway question. The whimsical illustrations featured throughout depict both Bible scenes and contemporary life. With this caring guidance, children ages 6-8 will learn to share their hearts and thoughts with God--while also discovering how much He loves them!


My Bedtime Bible Prayers - written by Karoline Pahus Pedersen and illustrated by Gavin Scott

Although this book is said to be for children ages 6-8, I recommend it as being fully geared for ages 4+. With simple text, sweet Bible verses, and fun questions, My Bedtime Bible Prayers is sure to be a hit for all your young ones. Even I, a teenager, found it to be an enjoyable read. Great for parents (or big siblings) who long to have five minutes' devotion time with their kiddos before kissing them good-night.
A number of the prayers were remarkably well-written and perfectly suitable for your little ones. However, there were some that didn't quite rub me right and I'd be happy to skip over if/when I read aloud these prayers to my sibs. I'm also not the biggest fan of having pictures of Jesus in a children's book, as small kids can easily be led into thinking that these pictures truly bear resemblance to what Jesus looks like. One particular illustration, in an effort to show kids that God can do anything, depicted our Savior as being able to lift an elephant using one hand. Overall, however, omitting the drawings of Jesus, I really liked the illustrations. They were whimsical and perfect for children of all ages. The text of the book was beneficial as well - short, reassuring, and to-the-point - but there was one prayer that caught me off-guard. It ran, "You [God] don't mind if we are silly, noisy, or sit on the dresser," and has a picture to go with it of a girl on top the aforementioned piece of furniture. Since we all know that parents generally prefer that their children not climb on things - especially tall, clunky dressers - I personally don't think this is a good example to throw out, because sitting on the dresser and disobeying your parents is not honoring God. 
My overall rating: 3.5 stars.