So hard to believe January is over! Two more months to my little Southern Belle will make her appearance! Can’t get here soon enough for me, lol! I never thought I would see the day when simply yawning or sneezing would have me panting for air and totally exhausted. Don’t ask 😊

I didn’t get as much done this month as I anticipated, but you know what? That’s okay! I did what I could and am moving on to the next set of goals! Share your recaps from January in the comments section below!

Haha… well, we finally got snow, so I guess that counts, lol! In all honesty, this month was pretty rough on my health. I’m exhausted most of the time and acid reflux is a near daily occurrence, making me pretty nauseous. Which means I didn’t get much writing or reading done, because pregnancy fog/mental fog left over from my run in with the virus that shall not be named nearly two years ago prevents me from being able to focus much. But audiobooks help!

I did get to visit with my in-laws a lot which was a blessing! I even got to visit with my side of the family for a couple days, so that definitely counts as a highlight! And I got to have a sushi and boba tea date with a friend from church. So, I did have some good days sprinkled in amongst the fatigue XD

Definitely Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have a full review coming soon, but y’all, this book was both hilarious and heartbreaking in all the best ways. I loved the societal satire and the bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout. I found the balls annoying, just saying. Also, I still hate the Enemies to Lovers trope, but this is the best example of it I’ve ever seen! And I was pleased that while this book was all about marriage and such, it really wasn't a romance novel. Love this book!

Five. Quite shy of my goal, but progress none the less! Only two books were on my reading list, but I’m just adding the remaining three I shared to my February list. Three of my books are audiobooks, so hopefully, I can catch back up!

Here’s a round up of this month’s posts, just in case you missed any!

Hello, 2022 || Goodbye, 2021
Reading List: January/February 2022 || Plus 5 Winter Reading Recommendations!
Writing Update || A Note From My Desk
Thoughts on Writing || A Collaboration with Katja L.

In the future I will try to post a friend's posts round up, but I am way behind this month, haha!

Romans 5:1-5— “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Ha. I intended to have TSAL fully edited this month. But as you saw in my intro, there was not much writing going on XD But I did manage to get six chapters edited and only lack about four now! Hopefully they will be finished next month and I can get this book finished before Little Missy makes her appearance, lol! She seems intent on trying to kick her way out of my stomach some days and I’m just grateful she hasn’t sent me into pre-term labor! But I’m thankful for her movements, letting me know all is well! It’s rough, but I know the end results will be worth it *heart emoji* (Missing my emoji add-on from my last computer! Gonna have to find it again!)

*Wince* Let’s see how this went!

Writing||
          Complete edits on To Save A Life-- Nope. Did not happen. But I still got work do on it, so I’m glad of that! *Hears Pollyanna in my head and smiles*
          Batch Posts for February--Also didn’t happen. My devotional got me hung up and my brain forgot to remind me I could just skip it and write the other posts and come back to it later, *eye roll emoji* I feel like the devil has really been fighting me on this devotional so please pray I can complete it for next week!

Reading||
            Read 10 books minimum--Ha! Nope! But it’s okay, because I really enjoyed most of the books I read (one was a two star ☹)! Pride and Prejudice was worth the low read count *halo*
            Complete one of my devotional books from last year 😉--Also didn’t complete this, but I did make great headway on a Joshua study! Hoping to finish it this week and return it to my dad next time I see him, lol!

Life||
            Stay on top of grading for school (A huge struggle!)--For the most part, yes! I have a little bit to catch up on, but I am very pleased with how it’s been going!
            Make our baby registry (Yeah, I’m way behind!)--YES! I DID THIS 😉 I have a list of things to add, but Lord Willing, I will be finishing that up tonight!
            Eat more veggies (gotta keep me, hubby and baby healthy!)--Also did this! I love carrots and sugar snap peas, so being able to eat more of them and more salads has been a huge boost!
            Journal daily (Something I’ve been wanting to get back to!)--Umm… I didn’t even touch my journal… so fail. But I’m not giving up! I want to journal more and I really want to make it a priority!

Writing||
          Complete edits on To Save A Life
          Batch Posts for February and March

Reading||
            Read 10 books minimum
            Complete one of my devotional books from last year 😉

Life||
            Work towards coming home (Nesting time!)
            Get everything set up for Baby Peterson! (I’ve got some organizing to do!)
            Drink More Water! (Why is this so hard??)
            Journal (Gotta do it!)
 
How was your January? What are your goals for February? Share the scoop below!
 
Have a Blessed Day and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

This is long overdue. In fact, I almost feel like it’s gonna be a recap of last January’s writing update. But that’s okay! Life happens. So, today, I’m gonna share about a few of my writing projects and what I have going on in each one!

This is the first book in my series called Natty’s Warriors. I am currently editing this book and hope to have it prepared for publication by the end of the month. That is the goal. We shall see what the Lord has in store!

This book will be a duel timeline story with To Save a Life, though from a different POV. Many who read early versions of TSAL begged for Cammie’s story, which is not resolved in book one. In fact, now, it’s barely touched on. But her story needs to be heard. So this year, I hope to draft this story and prepare it for publication, Lord willing next year.

This is book five in my Battle for Heritage Series (click here for details on previous books). I have been struggling with rewrites on this story and it needs a lot of work. But my goal is to have it ready for publication this fall. Will it happen? I don’t know, but all I can do is give it my best and leave the rest in God’s hands.

I have a handful of side projects to work on in various stages of outlining, drafting and revising, but none of them are top priority at the moment. If that changes during the course of the year as other projects move off my plate, I will update you on the new ones! Until then, stay tuned!
 
What is your current work in progress? What book are you most excited for in 2022? Share them with us below!
 
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

Hello and welcome to my Spring Writing Update! I’m happy to report I have made some progress even if I have been terrible at keeping my updates page up to date *facepalm* sorry! But anywho! Today, I’m here with an update! And I’m actually excited! So let’s hop in!

The Battlefield is Silent ||

Things do always go as we’d like. I’d hoped to be in the final editing stage by now and announcing that it’s ready to go to press next month. But that’s not how things worked out.

As some of you know, I’ve been suffering from acute mental block 😉 I finally broke out y’all! I’m writing again and it feels so good! Yesterday, I got in over 6K in the draft! I’m now in August of 1865, closing in on September! The story is coming to a couple of climaxes and I’m so excited to share this book with y’all!

Here’s a snippet for your patience!
 
“With Malice toward None, with Charity to All…”

“I wish,” Timothy whispered. He elbowed Jordan as the crowd applauded President Lincoln’s inaugural speech. “I’ve half a mind to wave at him and say, ‘Hey! I’m a Confederate!’ and see how far that goes.”

Jordan snorted and shook his head. “I wouldn’t. Everybody knows it’s just politicking.”

“True.”

Jordan listened to the endless chatter of the ceremony as it droned on, and took in the faces surrounding him. Most were enraptured, though to be sure, not everyone was happy with the winner of the 2nd term president and warmonger. Those dissenting frowned in disapproval, but applauded politely and occasionally nodded when something was said that they agreed with.

Except for a gentleman close to the stage. He scowled fiercely at Lincoln, quite obvious that he didn’t agree with a single word the Neanderthal said. His eyes flashed and he gritted his teeth. Now there was a person that hated Lincoln.

Jordan studied his face. He had seen the fellow before, middling height, dark hair, thick mustache and sharp, piercing black eyes that snapped like a blade when aroused. Jordan couldn’t place him though.

He wasn’t sure why or what it was that made the fellow stand out, but he did know one thing; that fellow was not to be trusted. And he certainly bore watching. Perhaps their feelings of contempt for the evil man addressing the crowd were mutual, but there was no reason in flaunting it and drawing attention. No, this fellow was a rash sort. Best to keep a distance.
 
Do you know how hard it is to find a snippet that doesn’t have spoilers??

As far as stats go, I’m at 93.5K and 333 pages O.0 Yep, gonna have to edit 😉
 
Secret Project ||

It’s plotted and I’m working on chapter 2. And that’s all I’m saying *halo*

You’re welcome!
 
As for my other projects, they are still under wraps, but I have hired an editor for one project and am looking into a cover designer. And that wraps things up!
 
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

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