On My Mind:
Oxford defines a curve ball as, “a pitch thrown with a
strong downward spin, causing the ball to drop suddenly and veer to the side as
it approaches home plate.”
Life’s Curve Balls felt like the best title for today’s
post, not only because it’s softball season (Roll Tide!), but also because it
is what 2022 has felt like so far; life throwing me curve balls. I like to plan
in advance. So, when something unexpected happens, I struggle to adapt. Often, I become stressed, overwhelmed, and
fail to remember that God is in control. He is not shocked by life’s surprises
and can use every situation for His glory. Some unexpected circumstances may
even be blessings in disguise; opportunities to grow closer to God. I pray God
will help me view future difficult situations through His lens and trust Him more.
To calm my frantic spiral, God uses His Word, Christian
music, and other believers to remind me of His truth and quiet my soul. How do
you react to unforeseen changes? Are you able to go with the flow, left
reeling, or somewhere in between?
On My Shelf:
I will share ratings and reviews for my January and February
reads in a future post but want to use this section to highlight what I am
currently reading and my March TBR.
Current Reads-
Although most of my book list consists of historical
fiction, I have been drawn more to romantic comedies recently. Because life has
been so heavy, I prefer lighter reads at the moment. Sometimes I can read
multiple books at one time quickly. But that has not been the case this year. 2022
has been a slow start for me. The two books I am reading now are books I began
in February.
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. This YA book
was suggested to me by my sister who found it at our local library. This story has
been fun and I love the couple’s connection. Content
Warning: There is strong language throughout which really took away from
the storyline to me. The book would be so much better without the garbage language.
282 pages (79%) in. Good Reads
The Bridge by Jill Cox. So far, I have enjoyed this sweet
rom-com. I am only 62 pages (21%) in. Good Reads
Wish Upon A Streaming Star by Krissi Dallas. This story is available exclusively on Kindle Vella; a platform I was new to until I discovered this author (Thank you Jill Cox for sharing!) Krissi has become one of my new favorite authors and Wish Upon A Streaming Star is my favorite story I have read by her so far. (I also recommend checking out her teen, spy thriller Icarus Flight School. The complete story is available now on Kindle Vella.) Amazon
Wish Upon A Streaming Star is a clean YA rom-com that follows the story of Daisy and Caz. These two are adorably perfect together, even if they have not realized this truth themselves yet. The story has been filled with twists and turns, laugh-out-loud moments, and more than a few swoon-worthy scenes. All the characters, including the supporting cast, are a joy to read about. I am currently caught up on all available episodes (29) and, although I do not want the story to be over, I cannot wait to see how it ends!
To Be Read (TBR)-
At the beginning of March, I created the following TBR wish
list for the month. When I made the list, I was hopeful I would complete most
of the titles listed. But because I have not had as much dedicated reading time,
I may not make as much progress as I hoped. (Follow the links to learn more
about each book.)
Review Books-
Before the Fortress Falls by
A. L. Sowards Good Reads
The Wonderland Trials by
Sara Ella Good Reads
Book Club-
A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz Good Reads
Kindle Unlimited-
Windchaser by Krissi Dallas Good Reads
TBR Kindle Shelf-
The
Promised Prince by Kortney Keisel Good Reads
TBR Bookshelf-
Colors
of Truth by Tamera Alexander Good Reads
Library Book-
The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman Good Reads
Series-
Mystery of the Flying Express Hardy Boys Book #20: by Franklin W. Dixon Good Reads
Keeper of the Lost Cities Book
#1 by Shannon Messenger (Rereading the series in preparation for the release of
Book 9 releasing this November.) Good Reads
Hallmark/Love Inspired-Alternate
The
Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle Good Reads
Blessings
by Lois Richer Good Reads
Whew! That is a lot. Reading back over it, I am not sure what
I was thinking when I made the list. Whatever I do not finish this month, I
plan to roll over to April. What books do you hope to read in March?
Writing Updates-
I am currently working on the first draft of a teen/YA story.
The working title is The Messengers and it is the first of a Christian mystery
series. Just like my reading, writing has been slow going. But a little progress
is better than none! My goal is to have the first draft completed by the end of
May 2022 with an independent release date in May of 2023. Current word count is
at 3,832! You can read the synopsis below.
Synopsis:
Fifteen-year-old triplets Trinity, Harmony, and Gabriel Messenger are spending their first summer at Camp Eden. When they are issued the challenge to use their God-given gifts for Him, they must choose whether to surrender to God's plan or their own. In order to survive a dangerous mystery, the siblings must learn to rely on new friends, each other, and God.
Wrap Up:
Although I had hoped to share my first blog post of the year
the first week of March, life had other plans. Whatever the reason, I am glad
to have the opportunity to write what has been on my heart and mind for the
past few weeks; even if it is halfway through the month. I am really excited
for the list of ideas I have for future posts and hope to share more
consistently. Thanks for reading along.
