Hello! It’s so good to have you back today! I love books (as if you didn’t know that😉) and I love answering questions about books! Recently I saw a post about the 20 Questions Book Tag and I thought it looked fun! I decided to change up the questions a little (and cut down the number or this post would be way too long!) so here we go!

9. What book are you looking forward to reading? I Varina by Ruth Painter Randall. I’ve been looking for this book for years and finally have a copy!

10. What is your favorite book by your favorite author? Three People by Isabella Alden. This is part of the Ester Reid series (though I can’t remember how it links in) and is a beautiful example of how your birth circumstances don’t have to dictate your outcome…and has a great message against drinking!

11. What was a series you were sad to see come to an end? The Moody Series by Sarah Maxwell and The Sisters in Time Series by various authors. I really enjoyed both of these middle grade series and would not be sad to see new editions join the family!

12. What was your favorite non-fiction read? Beloved Bride by Bill Potter (see my review here!) Everyone should read this book, no matter where you are from! It’s so good!

13. Your favorite book on writing? Did God Put a Book in You by Jerry Ross. It’s really good and a great resource to keep on hand, especially for beginning writers! It’s only $10.00, so you should check this page and get you a copy!

14. Favorite Book of the Bible (Old and New Testament)? 1&2 Samuel (They go together 😉) and Luke! I love reading about David and his mighty men (a much better account than Robin Hood, which I might kinda like if it weren’t for the stealing part…). The best part is that it’s completely true! I love how God inspired the writer to not only show David’s victories and failures, but how to regain fellowship with God after sinning. And Luke…ah, I love Dr. Luke! I love his medical view of the gospels and his account the crucifixion and resurrection are by far my favorite. And then we can hope over to Acts for more of his intriguing writing style!

15. What book is taking you a long time to get through? Jefferson Davis American by William J. Cooper Jr. It’s really good, but it’s thick and has small print 😉 Hopefully, I can put a dent in it this year!

So there you have it, my 15 bookish answers to 15 bookish questions!

And here’s one of my favorite verses from one of my favorite books of the Bible.

Have a Blessed Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello and welcome to a bonus post! (Post 6, but who’s counting?...) Today is a collaboration of sorts. Rebekah Morris at Read Another Page is hosting a reading challenge, so I thought I’d join in! But I also agreed to review a book from Stellae Books and today is the due date. So, I thought I’d combine efforts and post both reviews here, plus use my Stellae book towards the challenge! So, here we go…

Liberty comes with a price. Can a fledgling nation bear the cost?

British forces advance upon a struggling colonial army. The time of decision has come. Declare independence, or give up the fight. The weight of a nation rests on Samuel Adams’ shoulders as he joins the delegates of the Second Continental Congress. Can he raise the cause of Liberty above the fear of the King’s wrath in the hearts of his countrymen?

Three riveting short stories follow Samuel Adams as he struggles through the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence and evokes the Dawn of Liberty.

As a lover of history and the American War for Independence, this book caught my attention the first time I saw it. I was thrilled to see it available for review!  And I was not disappointed!

I’ll go ahead and site the only thing I didn’t “like”. To me, the only thing that didn’t ring true was Sam Adams’ personality. I’ve always been told and have read that Sam was an extremely passionate man, to a fault most of the time. While I haven’t done enough personal research to know it that’s fact or legend, Sam came off a little passive compared to my perception of him. That’s definitely not a bad thing, that’s literally the only thing that didn’t ring true for me!

Now, to all the things I liked about this book!

Like basically everything?

All the characters in this story were real historical figures. Sam Adams is the main character, with John Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere as co-stars! This book is divided into 3 stories, each talking about the birth of our Nation, from the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, to a flashback to the Boston Massacre, the Midnight Ride and the Boston Tea Party, all culminating with the vote for Independence.

I loved how the Author left a note in the back explaining a few places where she had to take creative license to fill in the blanks. There are sometimes in writing that require filling in gaps and she did a realistic and skillful job, consistent with the mindset of the men she portrayed.

And the Christian faith of these men were weaved through the story effortlessly and so genuinely, it was so real! Let no one ever claim these brave Christian men were deists!

Another note, the scriptures are King James (!) but there is one misquote.

This book as an easy 5 Stars for me!

Here are a few of my favorite quotes…
***
The greatest difference in our town is the raised spirits of the people. They harbor a hope within their bosoms that one day this tyranny of Britain will come to an end. Someday, if God should continue to bless our cause, we shall be free to keep what we work for. We are no longer defenseless in our own homes. No longer helpless against an oppressive foe. That hope is a tonic that will make a mouse a lion.
***
Reverend Clarke stepped forward. “Then God will be our defense, but I will not cower when I have the resources to prevail. I will stand. I will stand for liberty against an oppressive enemy. I will stand in defense of these men they seek to arrest. I will stand because no man has the right to take what God has given me. Who will stand with me?”
***
Almighty God, we require a miracle.
***

With that, I will say, GO BUY THIS BOOK! Here are the links so you can do just that! It’s also a great resource for Homeschoolers…😊 And to any of my sweet readers not from the States, this is a great way for you to get an overveiw of the mindset and struggles leading to my Homeland’s birth! Get it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Stellae Books. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opnions.*

Ten-year-old Emma and her younger brother, Ethan, have just moved to the tight-knit community of Hill Top, which Emma hopes will be their home for a long time.

Adventure is right around the corner, and with Taffy, Emma’s English Cream Golden Retriever, in the mix, there’s never a dull moment. But trouble brews for Dad’s job, and uncertain times shake their home. Meanwhile, Emma observes Mom and neighbor-girl Brooke’s faith, knowing she doesn’t have it.

Once again, Sarah captivates the hearts and minds of children while powerfully portraying the importance of Jesus in our everyday lives. A mom

The bake contest lures Emma to church, and she’s flooded with memories of a tragic event and the bitterness it left. Emma again resolves that she will never ever forgive Aunt Nicole.

Ups and downs and twists and turns fill the pages of Finding Change until a dreaded visit by her aunt brings Emma face-to-face with the biggest decision of her life.

Order your copy now!

You know those authors that are automatic buys for you? The one that it doesn’t matter what era/setting/topic, you know you’ll love it? Sarah Maxwell is one of those authors for me, only I normally purchase them for my younger siblings to enjoy. But I’m in my twenties and I love them!

Finding Change was so sweet! It has a lovely theme of forgiveness and Salvation, shows a wonderful example of how to write a non-saved character without it getting ugly. Emma is the main character and I adore her so much! I just want to squeeze here!

Now, just to be perfectly honest, at times I thought she seemed a little older than 10, while at others, the age fit perfect. I know all 10-year-olds are different, so that’s not a major issue at all, just fyi.

Sarah did a great job at crafting an imperfect family (and showing that not all homeschoolers come from a Christian family. The mom is a new Christian.), showing the little spats siblings get into without making it seem okay to squabble. And who doesn’t love animals, let’s just be honest?! Dogs, chickens, cats…and Lucy! You’ll have to read the book to find out who she is 😉

Again, this is a 5 star must read!
 
Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello and happy Friday everyone! I have another blog post for you today (Third one this year!) and it’s going to be so much fun! A Book List! 📚 If you are like me, you are a book nut, specifically when it comes to historical fiction. Well, today, I’m stepping into the Non-Fiction world and bringing you some of my favorite books about two famous American Heroes, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson! 😍 In addition to my favorites, I will be sharing some books that are on my TBR! 📖

But why these two for my very first book list?

Well, January happens to be the birth month of these amazing Christian men! General Lee was born on January 19th, 1807. Stonewall was born January 21st, 1824. So, it was only fitting to do this post in their honor. 🎈🎁 *Nods at my logic*
 
Now. Let’s get into the Book List!

You have no idea how many books I own with “Robert E. Lee” as the title! Even though Stonewall is my favorite of the two, I have far more books about General Lee. Here are my favorites…

Recollections and Letters of Robert E. Lee by Robert E. Lee Jr. (More here!)
Oh, people, read this book!!!!!! It is my very favorite book about Robert E. Lee and I reference it for my books. Who better to write about this great man than his son? Rob does an excellent job chronicling his father’s life, from his very first memory of the general, to Robert E. Lee’s last days. The honor he bestows on his father and his attention to detail is amazing! And I must admit, I really fell in love with his writing style. It felt as if I were right there, riding through the war with Robert E. Lee. And the chapter where Rob takes a break from his father’s story to tell about himself, and the capture of his older brother…no words. It was so good!

Robert E. Lee by Noah Andre Trudeau
This is the first biography, and probably the first history book outside of textbooks, that I ever read and it is amazing! Such an up close and personal look at Gen. Lee and a little of his family as well. Not just the Civil War History of him either; this book goes back before that.

Boy of Old Virginia: Robert E. Lee by Hellen A. Monsell
This is a book written for school Children years ago. I dug up this copy at Goodwill and almost didn’t buy it! Then, my dad found it and brought it back to my attention. I took that as my cue that I needed to buy this book and I’m so glad I did! It’s a nice look at Lee’s childhood and what it was like growing up in the Lee household. It doesn’t touch on his war record, which was a unique twist. Highly recommend it. My younger brother loved it!

Robert E. Lee by Lee Roddy
This is a middle-grade book, but again, a lovely overview of the life of Robert E. Lee. Highly recommend it for an easy read, if you aren’t super into biographies. Great for Homeschool curriculum too!

These are not all of my books on Robert E. Lee, but you get the idea 😉 I can actually think of two more right of the top of my head!

Oh, my favorite Hero ever!  I am working on building my Stonewall library, but for now, here are the books I’ve read…

Beloved Bride by Bill Potter (Read my review here!)
This book is amazing! I think every young person should read it, male and female! Married couples, history buffs, people waiting for the right one, just go read it! Fun Fact: I used this book as research for The Rivers of Sorrow! Read Beloved Bride, and you will know which story I pulled for my book!

Stonewall Jackson by Charles Ludwig
This is another middle-grade book and the best biography I’ve read on Stonewall thus far! It’s the only one I’ve read…anywho, this book is so good! Like Robert E. Lee by Lee Roddy, it’s perfect for Homeschool and is an amazing introduction to Stonewall Jackson

Christ in the Camp by J. William Jones
J. William Jones was Robert E. Lee’s personal chaplain. A Baptist preacher, Jones chronicled the revivals through the war that broke out in the Confederate camps. While it mainly focuses on Gen. Lee, Jackson appears more than once in this history! I highly recommend it for High School students, history buffs and Civil War enthusiasts!

Warriors of Honor by New Liberty Videos
This is a documentary that chronicles the Christian faith of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. If you love these generals, your collection is not complete without this DVD! I saw it several years ago at a Night Watch Service (only half though!) and I purchased my copy at Ft. Macon on Confederate Memorial Day. (Yes, that is a real holiday! May 10th, mark your calendar.)

Non-Fiction
 
Life and Campaigns of Lieutenant General Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson by Robert Lewis Dabney
Dabney was a personal friend of Jackson and a member of his personal staff, the perfect person to write the official biography of one of America’s finest heroes. I got this as a prize for giving a suggestion to a new website. Cannot wait to read this!

Rebel Yell by S.C. Gwynne
Civil War enthusiasts will be shocked that I haven’t read this book yet 😉 Published in 2014, this is supposed to be THE book about Stonewall, so I cannot wait to dive in! I received this as a gift from one of my readers who didn’t need their copy anymore! Thank you so much!


Fiction

Stonewall: A Novel by John J. Dwyer
This is a borrowed book from my grandpa and I have been wanting to read this book for so long! I’m not sure how I’ll like it since it’s a novel about a historical figure and I don’t like it when people take too much liberty with historical figures…hopefully, it’s just recreating conversations or something.

Robert E. Lee: A Novel by John J. Dwyer
Like Stonewall, this is another borrowed book form grandpa. Again, not sure how I’ll end up enjoying this one, but I do highly anticipate it!

The Shaara Civil War Trilogy by Jeff and Michael Shaara
This includes Gods and Generals, Killer Angels and The Last Full Measure. I’ve been meaning to read this books for a long time, but it wasn’t until this year that I picked up Gods and Generals. I have no idea what the title has to do with anything, to be honest. But, aside from some words I’ve had to mark out, the book is very interesting and lines up with what I’ve read about these famous figures, or makes me want to research these people more (looking at you, Gen. Hancock!). I really hope I enjoy these. G&G is deeper, so I read it in spurts. Someday, hopefully, it will end up in a wrap-up!

So, that’s all I have for you today! Hope you enjoyed my very first book list! Something to think about: What are your favorite historical (fiction or non-fiction) books? List them and share them with a friend! There are never enough book recommendations!

Until Next Time,
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22
*Emoji art supplied by Emoji One

Happy Friday, everyone! I’m back from the Southwide Independent Baptist Fellowship and let me tell you, it was amazing! God is so good, and the services were so encouraging. Plus, we were able to give out information about FBN and sell some of my books!

Today I am returning to my series on Soldier Life. In case your new, the Soldier Life series (click here for last post) is a series currently dealing with the American War Between the States. The purpose of this series is to help out fellow writers and researchers, helping them avoid the hunt and peck method for information that I experienced 😊 I do occasionally recommend some books on the topics I cover, but I generally try to give basic info on the topic, along with some not so well know information. Today, we’re talking about Chaplains.

What is a Chaplain? A chaplain is a preacher, for the army 😉 Their job was to minister to the soldiers the same way a pastor would. Let’s check out some of those jobs.

Preaching. Obviously as a man of God, it was the job of the Chaplain to preach the word of God to the soldiers. Many units canceled unnecessary duties on Sundays to support the church services. In the Confederate Army starting in 1862, revival broke out in camp. With this came daily services in many places and an increased soulwinning effort. This lasted until the war ended and was the last great revival our Nation has seen.

Counseling. During war, many men take time to look at their lives, seeing things that need to change. The chaplain was often the one they turned to with spiritual questions.

Ministering to the wounded and dying. We all know that scene in a film were the preacher is called in to pray with the dying man, usually using the Lord’s Prayer or Psalm 23 to comfort. That’s not far from the truth. While they may not have only used those portions of scripture, the scene was seen frequently during the war. Also, Chaplains hovered near the surgery tents to pray with the men before losing a limb or undergoing operations.

Singing. There were no song leaders hired in the army😆 While some of the men in camp could serve in this capacity, it often fell to the chaplain to lead the singing in camp services.

The Shoulder to Lean on. While a comrade in arms, a family member or even the doctor often filled this role, the chaplain was more times than not the man to turn to when you were struggling mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

Librarian. Not literally, but if you needed something to read, find your chaplain 😉 They collected donations from citizens to provide reading material for the troops: Books, Bibles, Newspapers, Tracts, whatever you could think of.

A Few Books You Should Check Out:

Christ in the Camp by J. William Jones (Robert E. Lee’s personal Chaplain). This book focuses on the Religion in the army, not on the causes of the war, though it briefly touches on this. No matter who you think was right in the War Between the States, you should read this book!

Chaplains in Gray by Charles Pitt. Another good one! This book is shorter than the first book, but every bit as informative!

Hope this helps you in your pursuit of knowledge 😊
Have a Blessed Day!
Ryana Lynn

*Emoji art supplied by Emoji One

It's about time I do another book review and this is one of my very Favorites! I first read this book when a friend loaned it to me and oh! I've read it...maybe three times so far? I don't often have time to reread a book, so...yeah, this is a good one!

Book Review//Iron Scouts of Confederacy by Lee McGiffin
(A gift from my parents following a trip to the homeschool book fair 2016)

My Review
This is a gem! I absolutely love this book! It’s probably my favorite Civil War book ever! And the best part is that it’s a novelization of a true story! The book follows the war years of young Ben Fane, a boy who is self-conscious about his short stature, but in the Confederate Army, he finds his height isn’t a curse! Along with his brother Gant and good friend Shelby Harris from Texas, Ben does his part to make a difference! We also meet many interesting Southern heroes, among them, Major John Mosby, Gen. Wade Hampton and Major Heroes Von Borcke. Through the many adventures (and misadventures!) of the Iron Scouts, their faith in God is tested and strengthened.

Genre-Historical/Civil War

Historical Accuracy – Five stars here! I’m not an expert on the War Between the States, but I have researched this era quite a bit, and I found nothing amiss in McGiffin’s text.

Content – Amazing! Very descriptive and interesting. The Author is very good at keeping your attention. No romance, but I do think there were a couple of words I marked out in my copy, but I can’t remember so it must not have been anything major 😊 I do recommend a parent reading it before little ones since it is a war book and you are the best judge of what may be upsetting to them.

Favorite Scene – The scene where Ben and Heroes Von Borcke have to hide from the yankees in a widow’s house. Very entertaining 😉

Overall – Like I said, this is one of my all-time favorites. If you are studying the War Between the States, you need this in your library. Great for Homeschoolers too! In fact, I originally heard about it in a Homeschool catalog, and a friend had it in her history and let me borrow it. After reading it, I knew I needed to get my own copy! It is available through Amazon, Rainbow Resources, and Christian Liberty Press.

Something to think about: Do you reread books? What is your favorite book to reread? If you have a blog, write a post about your reread favorite! If you don't have one, tell a friend!

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2 Timothy 2:4
(King James Bible)

Have a Lovely Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22