This book was a lovely old-fashioned style story depicting life in the mountains. If I were to guess, I would say they were going for a depression era story. It reminded me of the Waltons! A sweet story of two children living with their Grandparents!

My favorite one in this batch! The watercolor style artwork, the message of using “failures,” as learning opportunities and just the overall beauty of this story make it a 5-star read! Join the Gaines crew as they learn how to nurture a garden and combat the elements to keep it going and never give up!

This book had a quirky art style that I loved! It shares the message of small acts having big consequences (good ones!)  and it’s done in such a beautiful way!

Okay, the artwork on this one, y’all, was so adorable and cozy! It felt perfect for the transition between winter and spring and teaches kids what signs to look for in the changing seasons!

Educational and beautiful, Dixie adored this book! The colors were heavy on the Purple, which is one of her favorites! It includes some amazing science facts that I literally stopped and asked Jacob how I missed this in school! Or was it even taught? I feel like Mushroom rain isn’t common knowledge!

Do you love horse-back librarians, bookmobiles and just libraries in general? You will love this book about little forest critters sharing the love of books with each other! Probably my second favorite of all of these! It’s one that I definitely want to own a copy of!

Even kids can get depressed as winter stretches on. This books subtly deals with the subject in a lovely, endearing way, teaching kids how to look for the hope in every situation, even when on the surface (or rather…under the surface in this case 😊), you can’t see it, if you go looking for it, it might be right under (or above!) your nose!

I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I was not disappointed! The little dog trying something no one ever has is a good lesson for kids! I can see how the woke agenda could warp the message, but its also a message in teamwork and doing your own research!

I love the whimsical artwork of Garth Williams and he gave permission for the illustrator for this book to copy his style so another generation could appreciate his genius! I didn’t like how it was kind of a vegan message, but at the same time, it was a beautiful book and I want to read more of these children’s stories!

This one was read to us during Library story circle and both Dixie and I loved the art style! It followed a fox and few other critters through the forest as they live their best life as nocturnal animals! I loved the concept and again, I would love to own a copy!

I purchased this book from PaperPie books (I am a consultant so if you are interested in purchasing or in hosting a party, let me know!) and gave this to Dixie for the first day of Spring! It’s one of four in a set and this one covers the spring season! Dixie loves the pictures and points at all the animals and honestly, it’s just adorable!

This is another PaperPie book, but this one was found at a Goodwill from my sister! She gave it to Dixie for her birthday and she loved it! We read it outside together and it was the perfect atmosphere for the story! And now I realize that I accidentally lied on my Put a Spring in Your Step Book Tag Reel that I did for my IG. I said I hadn’t read outside yet. Totally forgot about this. Oops. Anyway, the artwork is adorable, and the story is simple enough, any child can enjoy it!

A Book List From Brighter Day Press || April's List

Posts I’ve been enjoying:
A Calling to New Life: Are We Embracing It? || Sophia E., Glorious Daughters
Vacation || Rebekah A. Morris, Read Another Page

Question of the Day: What is one of your favorite Picture Books?
 
Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Well, I am doing a terrible job of getting back into blogging but I won’t apologize, because life happens and my girly needs more attention with her teething! Two pearlies are working their way to the surface, my husband’s work schedule is a mess at the moment and we are camping out at my in-laws half the time, lol!

But today, I am here and I am posting a fun tag with Katja @ Little Blossoms for Jesus, sharing about my current WIPs! I hope you enjoy reading about them!

1| Has your WIP a working title? If so, tell us! If not, have you any idea of what it might be?

Yes! My current WIP is The Battlefield is Silent, book 5 in The Battle for Heritage Series. It’s bittersweet working on the final book in this series…it’s exciting and heartbreaking for me, reaching this milestone.

I’m also doing work on Book 2 in the Natty’s Warrior’s Series, To Save a Marriage. And I’m going to mention here, there is no special publishing schedule for the series. Each book can be read on it’s own, so I’m not panicking trying to get them out rapid fire.

2| Have you a synopsis for your WIP? If so, give it to us! If not, can you give us a blurb on what your WIP is about?

I don’t have a proper one for either of them, but here’s what I’m working with!

The Battlefield is Silent: They don’t know it, but the war will end this year. At least, that’s what the history books try to tell us. But we all know better…the war will never be over. Final clashes of arms, betrayed trusts, nightmares, unjust taxes, murder and mental breakdowns threaten to pull the Mason family down deep into a whirlpool of despair. When the good guys lose, how can the possibly see God’s hand in it all and keep their heads above the water?

To Save a Marriage: Before there was a survivor, there was an abortion. Cammie Carter-Tate has fought for her position as director of her prestigious clinic. Unlike many clinics around her, she has a sanitary building, has a hotline to a hospital should something go wrong and has a 98% success rate. Life is good. But the few failures they’ve had and one negative review threatens to bring it all crashing down around her. What’s worse, her own nephew is a survivor. Her husband wants kids; she refuses. A rainy night reveals her darkest secrets and spirals her married life out of control. Is there anyway to bring it all to a halt and rebuild the life she has so carefully curated…without turning into the one woman she despises with all her heart?

3| Have you a working/mock cover for your WIP? If so, show us! If not, have you an idea in mind?

I don’t have covers for my books, but I definitely have some ideas! I can’t talk about them much, but I will share my base colors. The Battlefield is Silent is Gray and To Save a Marriage is Blue.

4| How did you get the idea for this story?

Nothing super special for books 5, it just follows in line with the rest of the series, lol!

But To Save a Marriage wasn’t supposed to happen. But everyone fell in love with my hurting abortion clinic director and begged for a book just about her story and hopefully a redemption arc. Y’all know I hate those, lol! But for her story, it actually worked. So, Cammie’s story in is progress!

5| How long do you think it will be? Is it longer or shorter than you thought it would be?

I have no idea! TBIS will probably be over 400 pages. There’s so much to wrap up, I honestly might have to turn it into two books.

I figure this one will be about 250 pages or so, close to the first one. Maybe 300, but I’m not sure yet.

6| Who’s your favourite character so far?

Michael and Jeremy. Hands down. But Burdy is being adorable as usual.

Cammie, even though she stands for everything I am against. She just needs to let God’s love take over… And Chris, her husband. I feel. so. bad. for him…

7| What’s your favourite memory related to this WIP?

N/A

8| Any special person(s) who helped create it?

Not TBIS, but TSAM was created with Katja, Kassie, Rebekah, Lissa, Jenna, Hannah and Angie (did I miss anyone? 0.0)

9| What’s your favourite scene so far (if you can tell about it without spoilers!)?

Sorry, no can reveal XP

10| Can you give us a snippet? 

Nope *halo*

11| Is the story still what you thought it would be or has it thrown you a couple curve-balls?

Both books are throwing curve-balls faster than I can dodge them. As you can see, they don’t know this is baseball and are aiming their throws at my head and heart XD

12| Is there a Bible verse, poem, hymn, picture, or quote that helped shape this story?

Not really, for either of them yet. But I know they are coming, because I always get verses and quotes and songs…

Well, this isn’t a hymn, but The Southern Girl’s Reply and Your Mission both influence TBIS.

13| When and where have you done most of the writing so far?

In bed or on the couch XD

14| Where do you get inspiration for this story?

Watching movies about the Wars Between the States, Pinterest and picture books on the war.

Pinterest, Instagram and rereading To Save a Life.

15| Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a plotser (I HATE the term plantser.) I have to have an idea of where the story is going, but if I get too detailed I lose motivation.

16| Do you have a little ritual before you start writing?

Not really, but I’m trying to make one. I do try to get something to drink and something to listen to. Also, a sleeping baby is preferable, lol!

17| Are you thinking of publishing this story?

Absolutely! I think people would riot if I didn’t XD

18| What things have you learned while writing this story?

1865 is depressing and pro-choice people still need to know God’s love.

So, what are you working on today? Are you doing NANOWRIMO? (I’m doing an alternate, The King’s Daughters Writing Camp and The Glory Writers {Disclaimer: neither are KJV only} which I am enjoying very much!) Share about your WIP in the comments below, or write your own post! Be sure and come back here and leave the link to your post in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out Katja’s post!
 
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers…”—Anne Shirley
Ryana Lynn+Dixie Cross
Jude 22

Well, today is the final day of FFF! I hope you had fun! I know I did.

I must say, I wasn’t going to post today, but then I decided I couldn’t not post, so here we are! I have some lovely reads to share, all of which are new to me! Let’s hop to it!

Words fail me to describe just how much I love this book. It has mystery, adventure, found family, breaking from toxic relationships even when it hurts, mammoth bones, a lighthouse, a moody tone, the boathouse, I mean, I could go on, but please please please read this book!
 
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I love Peter Pan. Always have, always will. Shadow redeemed Dust for me, but y’all, this series broke me. I never wanted to grow up and in some ways, it’s hard for me to. It’s hard to adjust my brain with that mental shift. This book was a good reminder that it’s okay to cherish your childhood, but your actions have repercussions and they don’t just effect you.
 
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This book had me rolling! I love old lit and this didn’t disappoint in flair, flavor and wit! I love the social satire and wonder what Jane Austen would think of her country now but I digress (She would be livid, just saying).
 
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This. Book. I adore this book so much. It made me feel…heard? Seen? Understood? Idk, it was good, you are not allowed to hate it just read it and thank me later okay?
 
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I still haven’t finished this series because this book ripped my heart out. I need help y’all, it was rough but so so good… I love stories where Christians stand up and fight for what’s right because I am seeing ways to much passive “Christianity” these days. Yes, Jesus was Gentle, but He also turned over tables and is coming back as our Warrior King! So we shouldn’t be ashamed of doing battle at His behest!
 
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What are your top reads of the year? Share them below and then hop over to Kate’s blog to wrap up the party!

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers…” –Anne Shirley
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Next to last day of this swell party! I’ve had so much fun! I hope you have!

Ahh, yes. My favorite genre! I have 5 excellent recommendations for you today and I can’t wait to share them with you! So without further ado, let’s hit the road!

Wow. This book knocked my socks off. I laughed (not much), I cried (a lot) and thanked God my ancestors moved out of Germany in the 1700s so we fought with the allies against these horrific atrocities… A well written story about bravery, perseverance, and the disgustingness of politics. Never. Again. I stand with Israel.
 
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Now there is some content that is best suited for adults. I’ll just leave it at that. Nothing on screen. But! This is one of my favorite books about Gettysburg and I cant wait to reread the entire series all over again! Selena is an excellent character and I love Jeremy. I just do. He’s a widdle boy what needs taken care of…okay, he’s a grown man but I’ve adopted him as my child so there *halo*
 
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Anyone else love a good Dear America book? I read this book around the same time I watched Davy Crockett for the first time and let me tell you, I cried. It inspired a whole new story in the lives of the Mason family and Silas may or may not have seen some of the aftermath of the Alamo… Anyway! This was a great book and it’s on display on my shelf, ready for a reread. It’s been 10 years!
 
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Oh man, it’s been years since I read this book, but y’all, it’s so good! It covers life in southern Illinois, with split loyalties and just everyday life during the War Between the States. Do I agree with their slavery propaganda? No. No I still adore this book? Absolutely.
 
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This is a newer favorite and I am impatiently waiting for the second installment! Victoria Minks is one of my auto-buy authors and y’all, if you want an old-fashioned read for the modern reader, this is it! I think this is set in the Regency period and it’s so lovely and quaint and gah! I love it so much!
 
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What are your top Historical Fiction reads? Share them below and hop back over to Kate’s blog for more fall fun!

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers…” –Anne Shirley
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hey y’all! Time for Day 3 of FFF! Are you as excited as I am? Mystery’s were my life when I was younger! So you can imagine my excitement over this particular topic! I have some great picks for y’all today, so let’s jump right in!

I love Sherlock Holmes. This book is probably one of my very favorites! Okay, I’ve only read two, but this one blew my mind! I’ve heard The Hound of the Baskerville is better, so I have high expectations, lol!
 
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This series…It’s probably my favorite mystery series ever! I hope to reread it before too long and review each book here on the blog (as soon as I collect the rest of them)! It’s about a sweet grandmother who quilts and solves mysteries in her small Massachusetts town! Feels more southern and they depict southerners wrong, but it’s only one of the books, so I’ll forgive them 😊
 
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Warning: do not read these at night like I did! They are intense, well written and terrifyingly realistic! This is another series I will be rereading soon and reviewing! I love a good political mystery and these are so good! What if you woke up one morning…and all you remembered was a normal life? But you wake up strapped to a chair with people getting ready to murder you? Yeah, intense.
 
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This book was so good! The Inn, the wedding prep, the smugglers…it was a wild and mesmerizing read! Of all the books I’ve read in the Nancy Drew series, this was probably one of my favorites!
 
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I’ve only read two of the Hardy Boy books so far, but I loved this one! Every time I thought I had it figured out there was another twist! Is it the most brilliant writing? No, they are for children, but they are well written for children! And I love it!
 
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What are some of your favorite mysteries? Comment below and let me know! Then hop over to Kate’s blog for more recs, a free book and more chances at the giveaway!

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers…” –Anne Shirley
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22