Hello everyone! So today, I’m back with more of my ramblings and a much-requested blog post… How I met my Husband! So this rambling will fall under the Life category! Without further ado, let’s hop in!

Life ||

I always prayed that my relationship would move quickly... I didn't exactly mean 12 hours from Hello to Can I Write You...

So it all started a year ago today! On March 10th, 2020, my dad took two of my sisters and me with him to the Capitol Connection in Washington, D.C. One of my sisters wasn’t feeling well (not the virus that shall not be named *halo*), my other sister decided to stay with her at the hotel, so I was the chosen one who went with Dad that day. We walked toward the Capitol Building for our group photo on the steps when a tall, blondish/reddish-haired man with a beard walked up and struck up a conversation with us. I was a little gun shy… he was obviously from up north, though he didn’t come off like a yankee, and his accent wasn’t irritating to me. And for being from Maryland, he sure knew his conservative politics!

He talked with my dad and me and offered to meet up with us at the Supreme Court to get pictures later if his group didn’t go straight to lunch. Which they did. I figured I would never see him again.

And I was surprised that this bothered me. I realized I found him interesting and attractive, and I immediately prayed and asked God to help me NOT think about him. I wasn’t there to meet guys. I was there to be a witness and encouragement! I didn’t need a distraction. So could You please help me not think about him? Thank You!

Only… He didn’t.

Seemed like every time I turned around, I thought about our talk and wished he would just show up. I prayed hard for God to take it away from me. But He just wouldn’t! And who just happened to be there when we were waiting for our bus to pick us up?

During the rest of that day, he just kept popping up! He even went on the midnight tour with us that evening. And I figured he wanted to talk to my dad about our ministry! I didn’t know he was interested in me until he asked my dad if he could contact me to “see where God might lead this”!

Long story short, my parents and I prayed about it, and about a week later, I got my first email! Dad and Mom read it first, then my mom got me off to the side and handed me dad’s phone. I was elated!

Then the virus that shall not be named struck and quarantine happened.

My mom still hadn’t met Jacob, and I hadn’t met his parents. I knew there was no way our relationship could move forward until we had. But God had plans!

In May, I was allowed to receive one chaperoned phone call a week. And in June, God worked it all out for our families to meet! We spent the first day at their house, and the next, we went to Gettysburg for the first time since 2011! We crawled all over Devil’s Den, and Jacob and I got plenty of time to talk and get to know each other better. The next day, Sunday, June 28th, we were given our parents’ blessing to officially begin courting.

He came down in July to visit, and we came up in August, where I got to meet his extended family! Then in September, he came down for Labor Day weekend.

Mom suggested we finally get some pictures since we forgot the last time we saw each other. I put on a little makeup and curled my hair.

He left to freshen up, and I went out with my sisters to pick a good spot in our wooded area. Jacob came out and surprised me with a dozen roses. Then he told me he would only give roses to someone he really liked… someone he loved.

Now in our family, you can’t say I Love You until you are getting engaged.

I busted out crying, then finally told him yes, I would marry him!

The next few months were a blur as we wrestled with the perfect date, location, and attendants. We were married on December 19th, just nine months and 9 days after we met!

Is that how things typically go in our family? Do I recommend people just getting married willy-nilly?

No.

But this wasn’t anyone else’s story. This was our story. This was God’s plan for us. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world! God makes no mistakes!

A few more fun facts, though…

About two weeks before I met Jacob, I prayed and at last gave up the struggle over being single at 23. It was hard. I referred to it as my Jacob wrestling with the Angel moment. I had no idea I would marry a Jacob 😉. One week before I met Jacob, a close family friend encouraged me to pray that I would meet my future spouse this year. Not get in a relationship per se, just meet them. It was a week to the day before God had our paths cross! Then I found out on my wedding day that my sister had explicitly prayed that I would meet my Husband at Capital Connection. God is so good!
 
Liberty ||

I’ve been thinking about the Founding Fathers a lot of late. What a statesman John Adams was; How much I despise Alexander Hamilton (is he even a Founding Father??); Wishing George Washington had stood up to the Muslim Corsairs; How grateful I am that Thomas Jefferson did stand up to them; How inspiring Patrick Henry’s speeches were. And it got me to thinking… what other stories don’t we know about the Founding Fathers just because they aren’t as famous as Benjamin Franklin? I have no idea who Joseph Hewes, William Hooper, and John Penn are, and they signed for North Carolina! Have you ever heard of John Jay? How about William Floyd? May I encourage you, reader, in this day and age who wants to erase even the famous from history, that you take a little time to read about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? To research the ones who ratified the Constitution? To read up on the men who lead our people on the field of battle? Who stirred up the people to see what was happening right in front of them? Who are the Sons of Liberty? Was the Boston Massacre really a Massacre? Where they all honorable men? Well, no. Did they make mistakes? Yep, they were human, just like us. But how will you even know who these people are if you don’t take the time to care? How can we lose our history if, in our ignorance, we never had it?

Pick up a book on the Founding Fathers today.
 
Literature ||

So y’all know I love to read! Today, I want to share about a book I finished last month! A full review is coming, but people! The Color Red by Katja L. was. So. Good. If you ever get the opportunity to read it, you really need to! The style is charming and full of words to expand your vocabulary, and it’s written in such a way that it just sucks you right into the main character’s head! Like I said, a full review is coming, but please, add this book to your Goodreads TBR!
 
Well, I need to wrap this up! I hope you are all having a lovely day in the Lord!

What’s going on in your life? Share about your favorite Founding Father! Read any good books of late? Comment below and fill us in!

God bless you, and God bless America!

Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Welcome back to Life of Heritage Corner! It’s hard to believe the first month of 2021 is over! Time sure does fly when you’re having fun! Today I’m recapping my month and sharing some of the highlights from life in the Peterson house! So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Life ||

I moved into my new house with my husband at the end of last year! So, much of this month was spent getting settled in. And I still have much to do in the office, but progress is happening 😉
 
Books||

My ambition was to read 15 books (mostly short stories), but that didn’t happen. 😉 I did, however, get in a couple books!
 
Modern Warriors by Pete Hegseth (Check out my review here!)
O To Be Like Thee by Kassie Angle (Check out my review here!)
 
Writing ||

I didn’t hit my goal here, but I did manage to get a good chunk of rereading done and got several chapters divided out! I’m starting to get inspired again, which is a relief!
Brainstorming did happen on one of my future WIPs! Some sweet family/friends were more than willing to help me out with some parts that were bugging me, so that was a blessing! Thank you so much!
 
Song ||

Our church has a song of the month, and this month’s was such a blessing! Open My Eyes That I May See… what a lovely prayer in song! I love that our church sings all the verses in the hymn book for the most part, and this song was no exception! What is something you need God to open your eyes to in your life?
 
Food ||

My sister gave me a fantastic recipe for Tacos, and they have proved to be a hit with my husband! And a topping that just up-levels the homemade taco experience even more? Salsa con Queso! It adds just the right kick!
 
Anticipated Read for February ||

This month I hope to read the Colours of Life Series by Katja L.! There are two novels and two short stories so far, so I am excited to get into them!

10 Posts You Should Read ||

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite posts from my archives and from some of my friends!
 
From My Blog

Now More than Ever
Why the South Fought
My Writing Journey
Stories of Valor from the War on Terror
An Interview with Mrs. Armistead
 
From My Friend’s Blogs

Welcome 2021 || Soldier Girl Stories
Plot Twist! || Read Another Page
New Years Book Tag || Little Blossoms for Jesus
8 Books to Read in Winter || Little Blossoms for Jesus
22 Tips to Read More (& How to Avoid Reading Slumps!) || Little Blossoms for Jesus
 
And Last but not least…
 
Verse ||

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

This verse was very special to me this month. There have been so many new things going on in my life, and to be honest, sometimes, if you overthink, it could be a little scary. But God has been so good to me in stilling my fears and giving me so many people to encourage me through the hard times. The good far outweighs the bad!
 
That wraps things up for January! How was your month? Read any good books? What verse has meant a lot to you? Any good blog posts or songs to share?
 
Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

I love looking back over the books I’ve read in a year. It’s almost like a journal of all the places I’ve been! Today, I’m sharing my top 10 favorites of 2020! (Click here to see how I review Books!)

#10 || The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

This one comes with a MAJOR disclaimer. This is not a family-friendly book. I knew it had a pro-life aspect in the story when I borrowed it, but I didn’t know precisely what aspect. It was sad, and I skipped a good portion of one chapter because of the content. I also didn’t agree with two of the marriages depicted in the story because of personal convictions. I thought that since it stated in the blurb that the couple married early in the story, there would be less romantic content. It was true to a certain extent, but it was still a bit more than I prefer. There was also talk of suicide missions, a disturbing serial killer line, and a divorce (it doesn’t happen but doesn’t show how this isn’t biblical). It was also super annoying that people kept using their childhood past and their ethnic group as a crutch for all the hard things in their life. One or two mentions would have been realistic, but this was every chapter. Way overdone.

That being said, I thought the pro-life aspects of the story were excellently depicted. The message of forgiveness and the lesson of the prodigal son’s brother was profound and well-executed. Lessons on humility, charity, and making yourself useful to society were sprinkled throughout. I also loved how they depict true love as both letting go and coming home. It was very well written.

It was a library book, but I think it would be fixable if I had my own copy. It would take a good deal of time, though.

Recommended for 21+ || Content meter: 2.5 || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 6 || Overall: 6
 
#9 || Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

This is not my usual genre, but it was a good starting book for one not used to “Fantasy” (none magical; I do NOT condone anything with magic). Think persecuted church meets the world before dragons became extinct…only with a super confusing race system that just seems more like a mix of different countries/creatures. That part was weird, and I disapprove of it. Just keep it realistic, people.

The persecution was very real, reminding me of the Roman Catholic Spanish Inquisition. I fear I might have buckled. I was much impressed by the faith of the characters. It was a great encouragement to me. There is a time to be silent, a time to speak, a time to run, and a time to stand.

I was irritated that they never referred to God as God. He was called Elom. I disapprove of tricking people into reading a Christian story by disguising God under a different name. Don’t play games, don’t hide your intentions. Just be honest.

I also didn’t approve of some story insinuations (clothing, behavior, rumors, but nothing too detailed that I remember?). Personally, I was uncomfortable with how often those elements came up. I also didn’t like the alone time between a girl and boy in the story. The situation wasn’t above reproach. It’s not the girl’s place to evangelize or befriend a troubled young man; That is a man’s place. There were also mentions of kissing and hugging before marriage, but it wasn’t a heavy part of the story. Kyrin could have been made a bit more feminine, but she wasn’t your typical tomboy feminist heroine, which I appreciated. In fact, it was nice seeing her learn to give up her forced masculinity and find joy in being a lady.

But the faith of Trask, Kyrin, Kaden, and Rayad was so impressive! I think the book is worth the reading, but only if you are older and mature and don’t mind the editing.

Recommended for 18+ || Content meter: 3 || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 9 || Overal: 7
 
#8 || Untitled by Jesseca Wheaton

Again, I need to start with a disclaimer. This is an excellent book. But there is some language in this book that I do NOT condone at all. My copy is set to be censored as soon as I can get to a reread. Also, this book deals with a sin that desperately needs addressing in our country. It is done well and tactfully. But because of these things, I do not recommend it for young readers.

This book hurt to read. It details the realities of PTSD and how it was viewed during WWII. It’s not a happy-feel-good book. It’s meant to make you think; to make you appreciate the life you have; to make you open your eyes to what many of our veterans face every day. Her example is on the more extreme side of the spectrum, but that doesn’t make it any less real. This is not Hollywood. This is a reality for too many people.

But this story is not without hope! The Epilogue to the story was beautiful, showing that not every story has a resolution, but not every bad thing defines the rest of your life. Y’all know how passionate I am about our troops and that PTSD is a topic that I think is grossly misunderstood and misrepresented. I can give this book a big thumbs up in how the subject is presented.

*I received access to an early edition to this book as a beta reader and happily provided my honest review*

Recommended for 18+ || Content Meter: 4 || Quality: 9 || Personal Enjoyment: 10 || Overall: 8
 
#7 || Dare by Tricia Mingerink

I promise, not all the books I read require a disclaimer! 😉 This on is for some violence, and a couple scenes where girls were alone with a boy, but everything was kept appropriate. The salvation scene in here was super confusing, and I wondered if it was actually Calvinism, which is heresy. I have fixed my copy to show the truth about Salvation; Everyone gets a chance to be saved, not a select few. God died for everyone!

But aside from that! WOW! This book was powerful! It covers very similar themes as Resistance and even had a heroine that I could relate to! She was nervous, unsure if she could stand up for what she believed in when faced with death. Gives one hope that maybe we could if put in her shoes. Highly recommended for a grounded reader.

Recommended for 16+ || Content Meter: 4* || Quality: 9 || Personal Enjoyment: 9 || Overall: 9

*I would hand this to a 16-year-old, but it does require a little censoring because of the above disclaimer.
 
#6 || Five-Star Spy by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Y’all know how much I love The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott 😍 I adore these books, and right before I got married, I binge-read the series to my younger siblings. This particular book is my personal favorite! Emily and Brent are hilarious, and I loved all the details in the setting! Who doesn’t want to be an heiress for a day at a lavish hotel?? The 10,000 mystery gets more in-depth, we learn about triage medical care and that Wasabi is super hot! And that Emily is the ultimate expert at handing out insults 😆

There is a reference to alcohol that I removed from my copy.

Recommended for All Ages ||Content Meter: 4.5* || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 10 || Overall: 9

*This is a clean book for all ages but may require minimal censoring for little readers*
*I received an ARC of this book and happily provided my honest review!*
 
#5 ||Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

Finally, I have read this classic! I grew up reading children’s editions, listening to audio dramas, and watching film adaptions, but I’d never read the unabridged version! 2020 was the perfect time to indulge in this epic, and I am so glad I did! Although, I’m still confused about the author’s beliefs on suicide. It sounded like he believes suicide would automatically send you to hell, which is not true if you are born again. I am still researching this, as I know some words have changed meanings since the 1600s.

Recommended for 13+ || Content Meter: 4 || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 10 || Overall: 9
 
#4 || A Touch of Purple Paint by Hailey Rose

(See my full review here!) This book. *cries* It was so beautiful! And I loved that it showcased a YouTubing couple? I’ve never seen that done in a book, and I adored that aspect! And the relationship between the main characters was heartbreakingly beautiful. The message was so needed in this day and age, and overall I can’t say enough good about this book! 💜

Recommended All Ages || Content Meter: 4* || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 10 || Overall: 10

*This book is 100% clean, but there are references to a movie with magic, social media, and deals with intense medical sequences*

#3 || A Strand of Hope by Amanda Tero

(Read my Review Here!) This book, y’all, is a heart-tugging, soul-stirring, thought-provoking novel that every family should read. That being said, it deals with some mature content in a clean and Godly manner, so I would recommend this for older readers. But the message of this story was so profound!  I love books that talk about books and reading and how they can help others, and ah! I just adore this book so much! It’s the best one in the series!

Recommended for 16+ || Content Meter: 4 || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 10 || Overall: 10

#2 || Preacher on the Run by Jayna Baas

(Click here for my review!) Everyone here knows that I am a die-hard southerner and a proud North Carolinian. You also know I am a hard-core Patriot. I’m also a huge fan of anything about the Regulators of the 1700s. They are the ones who actually started the War for Independence, not the Sons of Liberty! So when I found out someone was writing on the subject…and asked me to be in her blog tour…how could I say no?? If you want to exactly why we went to war with England (hint, it wasn’t just about taxation 😉) and want to see it addressed from a Biblical standpoint, please get this book!

Recommended 16+ || Content Meter: 4 || Quality: 9 || Personal Enjoyment: 10 || Overall: 10
 
#1 || Tattered Wings and Stop the Rain by Kassie Angle

(Click here and here for my full reviews!) Yep, I couldn’t pick my favorite of the two! But y’all! These books had me bawling my eyes out! Especially Stop the Rain… I have never connected with a book character on that deep of a level. And I don’t fully understand why I did. What do me and a teenaged soldier with PTSD have in common? Why do I understand him so well? Why he does what he does? I shouldn’t be able to connect with him like I did. But regardless, I’m glad I did. Harley is probably one of my favorite book characters…

If you don’t understand how PTSD works or if you are passionate about the topic—basically, if you are alive and breathing, get this book and read it! You will not regret it! It’s super clean, but because of the honest nature of combat and PTSD, I’d rate this book 14+ for understanding.

Recommended 14+ || Content Meter: 4 || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 10+ 😉|| Overall 10

Tattered Wing broke my heart in a completely different way. It was about wounds we can see—broken dreams. A memory itching at the back of your mind, but you don’t know why. A wounded puppy… and red ballons… it’s heart-wrenching. And being someone who enjoys a good run… yeah, it hit home pretty hard. But the ending, though… it was perfect.

Recommended All Ages || Content Meter: 5 || Quality: 10 || Personal Enjoyment: 10+ || Overall: 10
 
Writing Prompt: What are your Top 10 2020 reads? Have you read any of these?
 
Have a blessed day, and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Emoji provided free by Emoji One

Hello everyone!

So, sometimes, I just want to ramble a little. And if you know me, there are several things I can go on and on about—Pro-Life and the Giver of Life; all things America, Patriotism and Military; and Books. So I thought it would be fun to share some of my rambles here! Sound fun? Okay, let’s do this!

I’ve been thinking about our Military a lot the last few weeks. With all the unrest going on these days, I am so scared of what they will be asked—or ordered—to do. What wars are looming on the horizon? Will I lose anyone I know? Will they reinstate a draft? What is gonna happen?

One of my dreams for 2021 was to finally see Roe v. Wade repealed. It was within our grasp. Now? I’m not so sure. Will 2021 see positive results in our fight against the murder of innocent lives? Will we get to hear their voice? Will we get to see what they were meant to be? Will we get to experience an abortion-free America?

Well, there is no answer to these questions. Because it’s in the future. We can only live our days one day at a time. We can’t see the future. And the fact that we can’t do anything to fix it or change it can drive you batty!

Or can we?

So many times, we forget a simple truth.

God. Knows. Every. Thing.

And if you are born again, He is your Father.

Through the cleansing Blood of Jesus Christ, you have the right to come before God and ask Him ANYTHING!

YOU CAN CHANGE HISTORY WHEN YOU LET GO AND LET GOD!

You have the mightiest weapon in the world. Prayer. Get in your closet, kneel by your bed, stop where you are, and pour out your heart to the One who does have control of the future! Tell Him how scared you are. Ask Him for peace. Go to war on your knees for our service members and our unborn babies. Cry out to God and beg Him to give us another chance. Place whatever it is that you are worried over into His mighty hands.

And let go.

This is hard. I know. I’ve been there. I’m still there sometimes. It’s not easy letting go of what you are the most worried about. Your dreams. Regrets. Things you know you should have done but didn’t.

But you have to. It’s a process, a journey. But if you will take the first step, God will help you. I’ve won some victories. I’m still fighting others. It’s part of growing in Christ. But you can win victories, the big ones and the little ones if you fight on your knees.

Does that mean we will always get the answer we want to our prayers? No. Does it mean God doesn’t care or that He is ignoring you or wants terrible things to happen? Absolutely not. What it does mean is that He knows the whole story. We don’t. We have to accept that He knows what He’s doing. We have to accept that sometimes, people abuse their free will and do terrible things. God is not blind. We have to learn to trust. It’s hard, but not impossible.

Trust God and Pray!

We live in uncertain times these days, but something that hasn’t changed is my love for our Military. Anyone who knows me very well knows that I am a hardcore Army girl. My late grandfather and great-grandfather both served in the Army, so it was bound to happen, right? 😇

I recently came across a book that has filled a need for some Military history and stories of real people fighting real battles. So far, it’s been about soldiers and Marines, but I happen to know a Navy SEAL or two are supposed to make an appearance! These aren’t like Hollywood soldiers. These are men who get hurt. Guys who cry when they get shot. Marines that butcher the Lord’s Prayer cause they are losing so much blood and can’t concentrate. People with flaws. People who do their best, even when things go wrong. Soldiers who struggle and think they may not be able to pull through. But they do. And they make sure that those who didn’t pull through are not forgotten.

Because that’s what Soldiers do. That’s what Marines do. It’s what all our service members do.

Those stories make you proud to be an American. Proud to know these are the guys on our side. And indebted to them for all they sacrifice to keep us safe.
 
Which leads us to…

I’m a woman on a mission! Of late, I’ve taken to reading through my supply of military fiction and non-fiction! If you have a good book to recommend or a warning on one not bothering with, please drop us a line via our contact form!

Currently, I am reading Modern Warriors by Pete Hegseth. It’s a good book but definitely needs some cleaning up! Keep an eye open for my complete review!

And while we’re on the subject of books…

Becoming Miss Knight is no easy task, but surrender is not an option.

Alice Knight’s debut is in less than a year, and everything has to be perfect. Of course, she’d rather be riding her horse or playing with her younger siblings than learning to curtsy. But, with her mother in France for a holiday, the care of the house falls to her—and what better time to learn what it really means to be a lady?

Ivy, her twin sister, has other things on her mind. Namely, the endless conundrum of why she promised to keep an eye on her younger siblings while her parents are gone. She’s the least-qualified person to take care of them, but, bound by her word, she’s determined to try.

Even with all the guidance and advice available, becoming Miss Knight isn’t proving to be easy for either of them. However, any amount of work is worth keeping a promise to their mother.

This short novella, set between Ivy Introspective and At Her Fingertips, is the first Alice and Ivy novella to launch.

Kellyn Roth is a Christian historical women’s fiction & romance author from North-Eastern Oregon who has independently published multiple novels, the most notable being The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy series. You should definitely call her Kell.

Kell lives on family-owned property outside an unmemorable but historical town with her parents, two little brothers, arbitrary cat, precious border collies, a dozen cows, and lots of chickens. She also possesses a classic, vintage aesthetic which does not at all speak to her country girl side, but such is life.

When not writing, Kell likes to blog, teach writing to her various students, have day jobs which allow her to keep her car properly insured, and spend lavish amounts of money on Dairy Queen french fries. She also likes to talk about Keira Knightley and her own books. Just … way too much. You’ve been warned.

Website: https://kellynrothauthor.com/
Pre-order Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RZ2ZDS8?
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56522914-becoming-miss-knight

Let’s Talk! What is something God has been teaching you lately? Did you hear about the last Abortion facility in Missouri terminating services?? What branch of the Military is your favorite? (I appreciate them all, but there’s nothing wrong with having a favorite 😉) What books have you been enjoying lately? Isn’t that cover gorgeous???
 
Have a blessed day, and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello everyone! Today I have a fun little book-related post…my new review system and how it works! So strap on your seat belts, here we go!

So, basically, I’ve never liked the 5-Star system. But since that’s all Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub allow me to use, I’m kinda stuck with it there. But here? I’m gonna start using the good old 10-Star system! This post will cover four things: my Content Meter, my Quality Meter, My Personal Enjoyment Meter, and my 5-Star Converter!

This is where I list my personal opinions of a book’s content. Who I would feel comfortable recommending a book to. Please note, the reader age suggestion is just a guide. Some may feel differently about the proper age, or I may change my rating based on the book’s uniqueness. There are only 5 sections to this meter.
 
5| Completely Clean
100% clean content for all ages

4| Mature Content/Minor Censoring for Young Readers
100% clean content for a reader 16+. A book dealing with topics too hard for a child to handle, but in a clean, moral way (Abortion, the Holocaust, PTSD, Violence, etc.)

3| Mature Content/Mild Censoring for Mature Readers
For readers 18+. It may contain minor swear words/have a storyline that needs to be censored (Romance, Excessive Violence, etc.)

2| Major Censoring
For readers 21+. Contains more serious swear words/storylines that are inappropriate but still have enough good content to be worth the effort of censoring.

1| Filthy
This book contains inappropriate scenes that are the bulk of the story/has excessive language/too detailed in acts of violence,/glorifies evil. I would advise no one read this book.

This meter judges the author’s work according to my personal reading standards.
 
1| Pitiful/Lazy
The book is riddled with typos, with no clear direction or plot in the story. The author basically published their notes.

2| Brainstorming
This book had some potential but needs to be fleshed out and outlined—complete writing overhaul.

3| First Draft
Interesting idea, but no story to grasp. Needs revising and editing.

4| Hard to Follow/Doesn’t Flow
This is a book that has a plot, but only the author can see it. Not enough information is given to keep the readers hooked. Or the writing is too choppy and throws you out of the story.

5| Cluttered
The story has promise, but there’s excess information that clouds the story from being seen.

6| Needs Polishing
The story is good; it just needs some editing.

7| Good
A solid story. Could use minor clean up edits.

8| Great
An amazing story. Minor tune-up and character development.

9| Well Done
No problems and exceeds expectations in setting, characters, and plot.

10|Excellent
This author is a genius and takes things above and beyond!
 
Take Away || 1-5 Not so Great || 6-10 Worth Reading

This is where I give my rating on how much I enjoyed the story. This is my personal opinion and may not line up with the ratings I give on the other meters. I will, of course, provide an explanation on why it received a particular rating if needed 😉
 
1| Shakes Head
I stopped/should have stopped reading it.

2| Sigh
I didn’t enjoy it at all.

3| Eye Roll
Waste of Time.

4| Meh
Not my cup of tea.

5| Shrug
Not good, not bad, not a favorite.

6| Smiles
This book was okay. Not bad!

7| Grins
I like this book. It had a good plot, and I would definitely recommend it!

8| Beams
A Good solid book! I enjoyed it!

9| Heart-Eyes
I couldn’t put it down!

10| Star-Eyes
Top Favorite! I may just reread this every year! 😉

This one is simple.
 
1| 1-2 on my Overall Rating.

2| 3-4 on my Overall Rating.

3| 5-6 on my Overall Rating.

4| 7-8 on my Overall Rating.

5| 9-10 on my Overall Rating.

This is the final score I give the book. Since I don’t know my rates in the other sections, I can’t give you an example, but I will explain the Overall Rating on each book as required!
 
I hope to reread a few of the books I’ve already read and update their reviews here with the new system as I go!
 
Just a quick thought: If you were a book, how would God rate you?
 
Writing Prompt: How do you rate the books you read?
 
Thanks for stopping by today! God Bless and happy reading!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22