Just letting y'all know, I'm knee deep in edits of my pro-life novel and I just don't have time to post proper posts at this time! I'm sorry, It's just not happening...

Thank you for understanding and be sure to swing by on the 30th for the Title Reveal!

God Bless and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Ah, the South… So many things come to mind when I think of my home *heart-eyes* I have told my husband many times, you can take the girl out of the South but you will never take the South out of the girl! And that includes turning me into a Marylander. Not happening, LOL!

So with that in mind, we are gonna talk about some of the symbols of the south and what they mean to us. Read it with an open mind, cause some of this may surprise some of you. The accepted narrative is rarely correct.

1| The Confederate Flag
Few things make me happier than seeing the Southern Cross flying. It instantly fills me with love and sorrow for my home and my heritage. It’s no secret I’m proud of my southern history. And when I say that, so many people tell me it’s racist. More than you might think. I just laugh because I know it isn’t. A racist is someone who hates a certain race of people enough to want to wipe them out, Ex. Hitler wanting to kill the Jews. And I don’t believe in that and neither did my Confederate ancestors. Unfortunately, bigots have taken this beloved and sacred symbol and tried to twist and mar it into something hateful and disgusting.

But they will not prevail. Because the more the media harps on the evil of that flag, the more people research and find out the truth. That flag always has and always will represent a beautiful piece of southern history: the years that our men fought and died for the rights of all Americans. When they lost the war, America lost many of their freedoms that we haven’t regained to this day. So, next time you see that flag, show some respect and reflect on the men and women who died in an attempt to preserve your God-given rights.
 
2| Cotton
I don’t care what you say, nothing says the South like driving by a nice big cotton field! Cotton symbolizes agriculture, self-sustainment, and the American work ethic. It represents the men and women who worked through the decades to pick, clean, card, spin, and weave clothing and contribute to the fashion world. It represents a simpler time and the American tractor *halo* It’s versatile, useful, and practical… all things that personify the South!
 
3| Fried Chicken
Need I say more? If you want a classic Southern meal, you gotta get yourself some fried chicken! And biscuits. And gravy and mashed potatoes. And Fried okra. You get the idea *halo*
 
4| Rocking Chairs
I love evenings in the South, sitting in a rocking chair, listening to the whippoorwills and cicadas (that for some reason Marylanders hate and I still don’t understand why! They are the most awesome bugs ever!) and the doves calling back and forth. I don’t really like the coyotes, but their solo howls ain’t too bad. A balmy breeze and maybe even a gentle rain… *sigh* Front porches with rocking chairs are the best thing ever…
 
5| Sweet Tea
And what is a post about the south without our classic beverage?? But I don’t mean just any sweet tea. I mean tea that is so sweet you don’t need to do any blood tests after drinking it cause they’ll be convinced you have diabetes! SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEET Tea. * in a toddler's voice* I must have all dey sugarses *halo* Sweet tea is a symbol of southern hospitality, friendship, and family. It’s a summer staple and year-round comfort beverage. You ain’t been down south until you’ve had you a glass of Southern Sweet Tea!
 
And on that note, I probably should go make a batch for my husband!
Have a Blessed Day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello and welcome to my June Writing Update! I have some exciting news for y’all as far as my writing projects are concerned! If you are subscribed to my blog, then you may know some of this stuff all ready! But there’s some new stuff to mention here too, so let’s dive in!

The Battlefield is Silent ||

This project has been on the back burner for the past few weeks. I’ve made some good progress, but there is still much to do. But I felt God urging me to take a step with a different project so… I plan to work more on it this summer!
 

Secret Project ||

This has been on the back burner, but I’m planning on picking it back up in July!
 

Secret Project #2  ||

This is the main project I am working on right now. After much prayer and talking it over with my husband, I have taken the step to hire an editor! I have finished revisions and am currently working on a color-coded edit. After that, it goes to my editor for review and correction *halo* She’s already given me sample chapters and I am so excited to work with her!

Lord willing, this book will release in October! Details to follow!

And the title? That’s coming June 30th, so mark your calendar! (Wanna help spread the word? Email me and I’ll make you a part of the title reveal team!)

 
Are you writing a book? Share your update in the comments! Reading any good books lately? Feel free to share as well! What books are you most looking forward to for 2021??
 
God Bless and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

It’s Summer! Or almost? Oh, who cares about technicalities? I’m so excited to dig out my summer reading recommendations and my TBR! Without further ado, let’s hop into today’s post!

1| Dandelion Dust by Faith Potts

This book screams summer! Four-wheelers, dandelions… and the heartbreaking reminder that life is fleeting. I am rereading this book this summer and will be officially reviewing it here later this season!

2| Freedom by Faith Potts

I’m sorry! It’s summery too and is such a good book! I mean, it’s South Carolina, Marines, Ice Cream… Okay, why do I associate Marines with summer…? *Gasp* do military branches have a season aesthetic??

Rabbit trail.

Anywho! Pick up this story when you get the chance!

3| Love Needs No Words by Faith Potts

Okay, girl, there’s something about you and summer settings isn’t there? *glares at her for taking over my summer recs* Seriously though, this is a short, sweet read that I love. It has a beach and a little café and a non-verbal person that I just want to protect… and it just needs to be read.

(Note, these three books do have romantic storylines. I do not condone premarital hand-holding/hugging, but honestly, these books are so sweet and clean! So much deeper in meaning and message than your average Romance!)

4| Quest for Leviathan by Amanda Tero

A Biblical fiction with a strong forgiveness message! I highly recommend this! Amanda Tero is one of my favorite authors and this short story was no disappointment! Who doesn’t want to sail away after a sea monster at least once in their life??

5| Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

Don’t ask me why, but this book just says summer in the forest to me. Mild censoring is suggested for younger readers because of the violence (persecuted church-type things) and some mild romantic elements.

*Note these are not recommendations. I have not read these books and cannot vouch for their content. Also, I censor my books a lot, so there’s that *halo*
Besides rereading 1-4 above… *Halo*
 
Physical Copies

1| Greater than Angels by Carol Matas

This is set in Autumn, but for some reason, I’m just drawn to it for this season. Makes no sense to me, but it’s been a while since I’ve read a Holocaust story…

2| Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson

I started this book last year and somehow it got left behind. It wasn’t because it’s boring! And I don’t know about you, but I need a good Soldier story, biographical or fiction, to complete my summer!

3| Indivisible by Travis Thrasher

Based on a true story, this book is the novelization of the movie… which I adore! As I said, Soldier stories are for the Summer!

4| A Better Place by Jenna Starr

Had to get me an Indie book in here! I read Jenna’s sequel to this book when she was drafting it, so I’m excited to finally read the back story!

5| Fighting for Life by Lila Rose

I am way too excited to read this book! I’ve been eyeing it for months and now it’s on my shelf! Time for a heavy pro-life read that I know will have me in tears.
 
Ebook copies

1|Promises at Pyramid Rock by Jess Mastorakos

This is a military story set in Hawaii. I have an ARC copy I need to read and review on GR, so I’m excited to see what this story has to offer!

2|Hurray for Newsy Jones by Rebekah A. Morris

A new short story that I can’t wait to devour! Her books are always so good!

3| A Very Bookish Fourth of July by Various Authors

I love Independence Day and I love me so good old patriotic stories. When they happen to be retellings of classics, it’s that much better!

4|Once Upon a Summer by Various Authors

Another compilation of summery retellings!

5| Freedom Formula by Bryce A. Chandler

I think this is a dystopian-type story? It’s patriotic, that’s all I know and the author knows the truth about the War Between the States so I’m gonna give it a shot!
 
What are you reading today?? What are you planning to read this summer?

Have a blessed day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello and welcome back to Life of Heritage Corner! I hope you are having an amazing Monday! I’ve been promising book reviews for a while and today I am bringing you two! I’ve always had a morbid fascination with the murder of Abraham Lincoln (call it what it is, don’t hide behind fancy words) and have read more about it than the battle of Gettysburg and that’s saying a lot, since that is my favorite battle to study, lol!  (Would y’all like a 10TRF post about the Lincoln Murder? Comment below!)

These reviews are of two different books by the same author. The first is the young people’s version of the second, and tbh, I was surprised by how different they were. Without further ado, let’s jump into these reviews!

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer
By James L. Swanson
Middle Grade/YA
(Amazon, 12-18)
2012
3 Stars
|| Amazon ||

NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author James Swanson delivers a riveting account of the chase for Abraham Lincoln's assassin.

Based on rare archival material, obscure trial manuscripts, and interviews with relatives of the conspirators and the manhunters, CHASING LINCOLN'S KILLER is a fast-paced thriller about the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth: a wild twelve-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia.

-From Amazon

James L. Swanson is the award-winning author of the bestseller Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer. His other books include Chasing Lincoln's Killer, an adaptation of Manhunt for young adults, and his follow-up, "The President Has Been Shot!: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy", which was a finalist for the YALSA-ALA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction award. He has held a number of government and think-tank posts in Washington, D.C.

This book was good for the most part! It had excellent information, though some basic facts needed correcting. It assumed too strongly that Dr. Mudd was deserved to be punished when his only crime was knowing B
ooth. Though it did clarify he wasn’t involved in killing Lincoln. It also pushed the Lincoln Worship narrative to an almost cultish point in my opinion for a children’s book. It was very heavy-handed on calling the Confederacy rebels and such. It seemed more like an indoctrination campaign, lol!
I did appreciate how much detail was put into this book! It’s a great comprehensive book for young people that gives them information that will encourage them to share with others! It’s not the generic fact book; it’s got unique little-known facts!

At the conclusion of the book, there was a comment about Lincoln being the hero of the story; this was not true, as he had little “screen time” and most of the things said about him were incorrect. There was no protagonist in this story. Nothing wrong with that! Not all stories have a good guy.
I recommend it for anyone who loves history, true crime, and dramatic anti-heroes!
 
Recommended for 14+ || Content meter: 3.5* || Quality: 6 || Personal Enjoyment: 5 || Overall: 5

*One major swear word that I remember, in a quote. There is also great detail about injuries/blood. Moderate censoring is needed for  younger readers.

Manhunt: The 12-Day Hunt for Lincoln’s Killer
By James L. Swanson
Adult Narrative Non-Fiction
2006
5 Stars
|| Amazon ||

The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history--the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry troops on a wild, 12-day chase from the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia, while the nation, still reeling from the just-ended Civil War, watched in horror and sadness.

Based on rare archival materials, obscure trial transcripts, and Lincoln’s own blood relics Manhunt is a fully documented, fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. A gripping hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters, it is history as it’s never been read before.

James L. Swanson is the author of the New York Times bestseller Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer. He is an attorney who has written about history, the Constitution, popular culture, and other subjects for a variety of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, American Heritage, Smithsonian, and the Los Angeles Times. Mr. Swanson serves on the advisory council of the Ford's Theatre Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign and is a member of the advisory committee of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

This book is my favorite! It’s chock full of information that is incredibly difficult to find! People you had no idea were connected with the death of Lincoln and Booth, the mad dash through Virginia, and the final hours of both men.

There is some mild Lincoln worship and anti-southern propaganda, but not nearly as bad as the children’s version. There are multiple swear words in quotes that need censoring and there are some “Too much information!” moments that should be censored out. Remember, Booth was an actor, and the actors’ reputation of today applies to the past as well. The sections on Boston Corbett also need attention!

I learned so much about how Washington City was laid out, how interconnected the people were in each other's lives and how such a scheme could be pulled off with just a few hours' notice. It’s disturbing! Thank God we have more safeguards in place now, but it’s alarming just the same. I do wish they had emphasized more how the South did not sanction or condone Booth’s actions. So I will say it for the author: we do NOT as a whole believe that this was a proper move. As much as I dislike Lincoln, this was not the proper course of justice. It was his night to die, or he would not have died. But it was not Booth’s call to make; that was God’s.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves history, narrative non-fiction, and true crime. It’s well written and well executed! Grab a copy today!
 
Recommended for 18+ || Content meter: 3 || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 9 || Overall: 9
 
Have you read these books? Do you have a recommendation for a book on this subject? Would you like a post of random facts about the Lincoln Murder? Comment below!

Have a Blessed Day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22