Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate.

Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. After surviving the worst year of her life, she's struggling to build a new life for herself and her son as a social worker. Perhaps in doing a job that makes a difference, she can find some sense of purpose and solace in her shattered faith.For new Moses Lake game warden Mart McClendon, f
...moreAdventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. After surviving the worst year of her life, she's struggling to build a new life for herself and her son as a social worker. Perhaps in doing a job that makes a difference, she can find some sense of purpose and solace in her shattered faith.

For new Moses Lake game warden Mart McClendon, finding a sense of purpose in life isn't an issue. He took the job to get out of southwest Texas and the constant reminders of a tragedy for which he can't forgive himself.

But when a little girl is seen with the town recluse, Mart and Andrea are drawn together in the search for her identity. The little girl offers them both a new chance at redemption and hope--and may bring them closer than either ever planned. from Goodreads.

Not the best book I've ever read. It was ok. I wasn't drawn into the book, didn't feel any real connection to the characters, and overall, it just didn't stand out from other books I've read. 


Yes, it wasn't my favorite book ever, but it wasn't terrible. I tend to have issues with cookie-cutter Christian fiction, and, comparatively, this book is good.

Goodbye Hollywood Nobody, by Lisa Samson.

Charley’s off to Scotland with her new beau, and Scotty and her dad travel to Maine in search of Scotty’s mom. When they land on her mother’s last known trail, will their questions finally be answered? from Goodreads.

Goodbye Hollywood Nobody is the last book in the Hollywood Nobody series. Scotty has changed so much since the beginning; she's grown up, and made new friends. In this last book, Scotty and her father set off to search for her mother. Charlie's in Scotland, and it seems like all the pieces of the puzzle will fall together.

Let's do this one in a list, since I frequently think in lists and it seems appropriate to wrap up the series this way.

1) Seth. Seth, Seth, Seth. It's just...weird. I'm not sure I liked what happened with him. Maybe I just didn't read it close enough and missed something, but where did Angus go? He seems to have disappeared. In my humble opinion, Seth is too old for Scottie, and their relationship feels too weird to me.

2) Babette. Not to spoil it, but I wasn't pleased with the way this one turned out. Just a little too sad for me.

3) Charlie. Yes yes yes yes. I highly approve of the way her part in the story is wrapped up.

Overall, I really enjoyed this series. It was a fast read, but one that I enjoyed. Scottie's quirky personality was one that I really loved reading about, and, when she wasn't being judgmental, she was a likable character.

Many thanks to NavPress for providing me with this series!

Romancing Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson.

Scotty and Charley find romance in the Highlands when a couple of cute guys in kilts look their way. How will Seth and Jeremy react when they realize the ladies who were interested in them have captured the hearts of a young bagpiper and a Scottish actor? Meanwhile, as Scotty and her dad look for answers to their questions about faith, they also look for Scotty's mom. The search takes them deep into mob territory, where someone will go to any length to keep the past a secret.Will Scotty lose everything that's become important to her? from Goodreads.

As much as I hate to say it, this book was only ok. I feel like Scotty's changed a lot, and I really dislike her relationship with Seth. It's not her place to tell him what to do, and she seemed overly harsh with him.

Her relationship with Angus was a little bit weird as well. It moved way to fast for me. Even though she kept saying that she still had feeling for Seth, her relationship with Angus didn't reflect that. I love that her family is settling down more and becoming a true family.

Fingers crossed that they'll find her mother in the next book!

Note: I received this book free of charge from NavPress Publishers. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.

the Truth About Dating, Love, & Just Being Friends by Chad Eastham.

This book: full of truth about dating and whatnot from a guy who's dated. I really don't have much to say about this book, except it made me laugh, and laugh loudly. It was well researched, well written, and really enjoyable to read.

It was easy and light, not something that required a lot of thought to process. I finished it very quickly, and considered picking it up to start again.

What stood out most is the way it's written. It sounds like a conversation between a youth pastor and a student, between an older brother and a younger sister.

I sat there reading it laughing to myself; Chad Eastham has the funny thing down.

Loved this book!

Not: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.

A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell.

A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell chronicles the stories of three young Italian immigrants: Julietta, who wishes more than anything to be American; Annamaria, who falls in love on the other side of the road; and Luciana, trying to flee her past. The three young women meet in Madame Fortier's dress shop, where they spend their days creating works of art for the wealthy upper class women who patronize Madame Fortier's shop. They look for love in unexpected places, finding it in ways they never imagined.

I know. Cheesy, right? It wasn't as bad as I expected, although the title lived up to the book's Christian-fictionyness.

This book wasn't great. It was ok, and it got me through a long Sunday afternoon. Besides that, it wasn't terribly exciting. I think it was a little predicable how everything ended up all perfect and all. Besides that, the book was enjoyable.

Favorite character: Annamarie, most definitely. I loved how she stepped out.

Note: I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review, only an honest one.

Finding Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson.

In this sequel to Hollywood Nobody, Scotty finds the truth about herself, her grandmother, and her past. New issues of faith and friendship arise as she struggles not only with the normal parts of growing up, but with the realization that her past as she's known it wasn't true.

I loved this sequel to Hollywood Nobody. It seems like Scotty's matured, and it's interesting to see less of the blog and more of her actual story. Her interactions with Seth disappointed me; I kept expecting him to finally get it right.

Over all, I really enjoyed Finding Hollywood Nobody. It was a quick read, but the religion aspect of it felt less much forced than it did in Hollywood Nobody.

Note: I was given this book free of charge in exchange for a review. It didn't have to be positive, just honest.

Movie news: the Hunger Games screen test.

There are more details in the video. What do you think? Personally, I think it's phenomenal. I can't wait for the movie.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

I'm going to assume that you've heard about Suzanne Collins' bestselling series, the Hunger Games. And so, I won't bother to tell you about it.

I read this series in September. I got lucky; the first two books came from the library at the same time, and I received Mockingjay the next week. No waiting for me!

The good:

This world Collins' created is, not wonderful, but very believable. She's an incredible writer and I really loved how she created Panem. As a setting, it's terrifying. The thought of a world like that, where the Capitol sacrifices the Districts' children like that is horrifying.

    Katniss is such a strong protag. Not something that we usually find, but she was perfect. What I loved most about her is how unlikable she is. Really, she's not a very likable person. There are only a few things that stand out about her: her love for her family, her loyalty (ie. willingness to go to the Games for Prim) and her strength.

Gale and Peeta: what a struggle. Throughout the whole series I wavered back and forth between them. I think that straight up as characters, I liked Gale more. He was able to survive (not that Peeta didn't) and he was always there for Katniss. But then there was the boy with the bread. I loved that aspect of it; that she remembered him for what he did so many years ago.

I really sympathized with Gale. Can you imagine watching the girl (or guy) you love playing romance with another boy?

I think that, in the end, Peeta was what Katniss needed. Gale didn't understand what she went through, and she needed someone who had that.

The bad:

Finnick Odair. He was, hands down, my favorite secondary character. He suffered through so much, so much heartache, but he was still strong. His relationship with Annie was beautiful. And then he died. I sobbed through that part. I cried when Annie had their baby and it looked like him.

Prim: yet another death. I hated it.

The whole love-triangle thing. How did Suzanne expect us to choose between Peeta and Gale? I almost didn't read the epilogue because I didn't want to know who Katniss choose.

President Snow, brilliant a character though he was, freaked me out. I don't enjoy reading about creepy old men.

These books hit my list of top ten read in 2010. I haven't covered nearly all I could say about them, but this is what I've got. Read them? What did you think?

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.

Love, Stargirl is the sequel to Stargirl. It picks up a year after Stargirl ends, when Stargirl has moved to Pennsylvania, with new friends, new experiences, and new trials. 


Love, Stargirl is written as the world's longest letter, addressed to Leo. Stargirl feels abandoned by Leo and funnels those feelings into her letter. 


This book is omigoodness amazing. It trumped Stargirl- big time. Here's why:


Dootie: She was cute and clever and loud and lovable.

Perry: he was adorable. And likable. And funny. And the perfect mix of bold and shy. And... I liked him better than Leo. 

Betty: every book needs an agoraphobic. Especially one as lovable as Betty. 

I liked this book TONS more than Stargirl.  I think because Stargirl narrates this one, as apposed to Leo, who I never really got attached to. It's perfect.
 

movie review: I Am Number Four.

 A teenage fugitive with an incredible secret races to stay one step ahead of the mysterious forces seeking to track and destroy him in this sci-fi action thriller from director D.J. Caruso (Disturbia, Eagle Eye). With three dead and one on the run, the race to find the elusive Number Four begins. Outwardly normal teen John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) never gets too comfortable in the same identity, and along with his guardian, Henri (Timothy Olyphant), he is constantly moving from town to town -- the perpetual new kid in a series of strangely familiar schools. Despite the fact that his nomadic lifestyle has made it difficult to form meaningful connections, John experiences the joy of first love with a beautiful young woman (Dianna Agron) and begins to unlock his full potential after arriving with Henri in a small Ohio town. With each passing day, John gains a stronger grasp on his extraordinary new powers, and his bond to the beings that share his fantastic fate grows stronger. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi (from here.)


Last night my best friends and I decided somewhat out of nowhere that we were going to see this movie. Two things: 1) Originally we were going to the Justin Bieber movie, and 2) I haven't read the book yet.

Anyways.

I really, really, really liked this movie. There were definitely some jump-out-of-your-seat moments (we were the loudest people in the theater) and overall, I loved it. Sarah was my favorite. I mean really, photographer? Jealous of her camera collection. And her outfits! They were crazy-cute.

I liked the special affects. Those were good. I liked the lizard. (you'll understand if you see it.)

Basically, this movie was amazing.

(sorry this review is so scattered. I'm still reeling over Love, Stargirl. review coming soon!)

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.

Stargirl Carraway is the new student at Mica High School in Arizona. She brings something that is lacking in the school's environment: individuality. She turns heads everywhere with her floor length prairie dresses, her ukulele, and her pet rat, Cinnamon. She astounds the students, and soon, rises to popularity. The students at Mica High realize that there is something beyond conformity.


Before long the students turn on Stargirl, ostracizing her and her boyfriend Leo, who fell in love with her after just one smile.

This book- oh my goodness, beyond words. It is absolutely beautiful. There is something beyond robots who dress the same, talk the same, listen to the same music. Stargirl, who changes the school from the first moment she walks in, brings that to them.

I'm actually still halfway through this book, so I can't tell you much about the ending. I wanted to write this while it was still fresh. Going into this book, I expected Stargirl to be someone beautiful and perfect and different, not the freckled homeschooler that she is. I love how it's narrated by Leo, and how much you connect with him. This book is beautiful. Read it, please.

Edit: I just finished it, and it made me cry, in the very best way. Finishing this book felt like losing a friend. Stargirl was enchanting. "When a Stargirl cries, she does not shed tears, but light." 

Hollywood Nobody, by Lisa Samson.

Scotty Dawn, fifteen, cheese lover, homeschooled, quirky teenager. Scotty travels with her vegan mother, who insists Scotty calls her Charley. They live in an old RV called Y, and Charley is a food stylist for, typically, low-budget films. 


On the way to their most recent movie, Scotty starts a blog, Hollywood Nobody, about the ins and outs of the stars she spends her days with. Charley's secrets gradually begin to trickle out, and Scotty wonders if the things she's always believed in really were true. 

I really, really, really liked this book. Scotty was so easy to relate too, and she made a very likeable narrator. I enjoyed the addition of the blog posts, but, in my opinion, the negative comments seemed somewhat forced and unrealistic. I've been blogging for nearly two years and I have never once gotten a negative comment. Honestly, it's something I'm kinda looking forward too.

So the blog aspect of it: I really enjoyed that. It was fun to read about another teenager with a blog, and how that figured into her life. This book is Christian fiction, and I agree with this review that says the religious aspect seemed forced. I liked the relationship with Seth, although it was a little odd.

All in all, I loved it! (and the cover! not a fan of covers with faces, but this one totally pulled it off.)

Posers, Fakers, and Wannabes.

Brennan Manning and Jim Hancock team together to re-create Manning's book Abba's Child for teens. This book is honest and real. It show cases a picture of how the devil tries to manipulate teens and their emotions. One of the most outstanding parts, in my opinion, was the way Manning and Hancock described the devil: the ultimate Poser. Posers, Fakers, and Wannabes addresses being who you really are in God's sight; in short, Abba's child. It talks about how God's grace sets us free to be real, the person he created.

This book was really interesting. You should read it!

Note: I received this book free of charge from NavPress. I was not required to write a positive review, just an honest one.

(ps. keep your eyes open for new reviews! Matched, Sapphique, the Maze Runner, and Across the Universe all coming up soon!)

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher.

Incarceron: a massive prison housing millions. It feeds them, clothes them, and creates them. Outside Incarceron, they believe that the prison is a paradise. Inside the prison, they don't know if Outside exists. There's no way to escape: because Incarceron is alive.

Finn is a prisoner convinced he came from Outside. Claudia is the Warden's daughter, being forced into a marriage of convenience. They both want to escape. The only way is with the help of the other.

I enjoyed this book. A lot, in fact. There really wasn't any romance, which was unexpected and appreciated. It was a little slow at the beginning, but picked up quickly. I especially liked Finn, connecting to him more than Claudia. Claudia was actually a little cold, it seemed, and I didn't connect to her as quickly. Some of the most poignant parts, in my opinion, were the ones involving Jared. He was my favorite character, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Fisher develops him in the sequel, Sapphique.

This book reminded me of the Hunger Games and C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy put through a blender together. It's fantastic.

Paperdoll Blog Party Day SEVEN! (alternately titled, The End.)

Guys, I can't begin to tell you how much fun this week was. I loved hearing what you thought about Paperdoll, and how you can't wait to go read it! I would love it if we could send a copy of Paperdoll out to each and every one of you. Unfortunately, there's only two.

So, without further ado, the winners of the Pink are:

Alex and Sweet Pea!

Congratulations! Girls, email me with your addresses and I'll get those books to you.

Natalie, thank you so much for working with me on this. It's been a lot of fun. Everyone, thanks all who sent me reviews, and thanks for participating.

Love, Katie

Paperdoll Blog Party Day SIX!

Hi all! In the way of introductions, I’m Natalie and I am a space efficient (ie: barely 4’11”) (…on a good day) writer, dog-lover, and chronic daydreamer. I am also a lifelong book-nerd and so I was floored when Katie asked me to stop by inafarwayland and talk about Paperdoll. Seeing my little pink book featured on a blog that reviews so many authors I adore (Sarah Dessen! Lemony Snicket!) is far too sweet. My heart always feels at home around other word-lovers. Thanks so much for asking me to drop by!

Katie asked me to write about how Paperdoll came to exist and what my hopes are for the book. I am going to try my very best to do this succinctly (even though brevity seems to be my arch-nemesis) (Well … brevity and gravity. I trip all the time. Gravity is out to get me.) Here goes:

Paperdoll started as a midnight scramble; as a cold cup of coffee and a desperate prayer.

I was living in Dallas, doing time in graduate school. I got back to my apartment late one night and opened my Bible to give it an, admittedly, half-hearted read through before I fell asleep. My bookmark was tucked into John 4 – the story of the Samaritan Woman who meets Jesus by the well. As I read, the Samaritan Woman’s story began twisting into my heart in an entirely new way. I read it a second time. And a third time.

I started freaking out a little bit.

Because I realized all the questions the Samaritan woman was asking Jesus a few thousand years ago were the same questions I was asking now. She was a little bit disillusioned by life and love. And so was I. She was asking questions about faith and “religion” and what those words even mean; and I was doing the same. Especially during that season, I was trying to make my faith mine and not just something my parents believed, or something my culture pressured me to believe (or pressured me to disbelieve).

That night, I realized that I’d been looking for answers in the wrong places. In John 4, Jesus stops to remind one woman that 1.) He is the only source of peace and comfort and love capable of filling up her heart. Nothing else will work. No other love equals the kind of love He gives. The love thing really got to me. I think most of us have experienced the kind of love that has limits: loved if you’re thin, loved if you win, loved if you’re pretty, loved if you’re smart, loved if you get the scholarship. But the love in John 4 has nothing to do with what you attain, or own, or become. It has nothing to do with how many people love you back. Jesus loves you completely and infinitely - forever-ly - exactly as you are. In John 4, He also reminds the Samaritan woman that 2.) She had a big story to live out.

My heart was spinning.

I wrote against the night. I wrote until the sun came up. I prayed and made notes and drank day-old coffee. (Does coffee ever become un-delicious? I think not.) Eventually, that late night – and the lessons I am still processing – became Paperdoll.

Before I tell you what I hope for the book, let me tell you what I desperately hope the book is not: The book is not a checklist for how to be a perfect Christian girl. The book is not a bright pink guilt trip. The book is not a how-to book. The book chronicles what I learned, and am learning. I am still in process. I am still learning how to find my worth in God’s Word and not what other people say I have to be. I’m still learning that I’m nobody’s paperdoll; that I’m not created to conform.

Paperdoll is about how I'm learning to live a full life. The book is about learning that His grace is enough to pull me through anything – and that grace is bigger than all my regrets.

This is what I hope Paperdoll is:
 
I hope Paperdoll is genuine. I hope the book feels authentic, like you're walking alongside someone and having a conversation.

I hope Paperdoll reminds you that you are loved. Maybe you already know that. I hope you already know that. But in the off chance you need a reminder, I hope The Pink serves that purpose. No matter what you’ve done, or will do, how you fail, or succeed, you are loved by God more than you can ever possibly imagine. There is nothing you can do that will make Him stop loving you.

I hope Paperdoll reminds you that you have a good story to live out. There’s this song I’ve been obsessed with for months now – “Only the Young” by Brandon Flowers. There’s a part in the song where he screams this lyric: “Thunder and lightening/ are crashing down;/ they got me on the run,/ direct me to the sun…”. I love that line so much. I know what that feels like; when the world presses down so hard against me - all at once – so hard that my heart feels like it’s screaming. Don’t let the storm crashing down on you convince you that you don’t have something worth pressing on toward. There are good days coming.

And my ginormously big hope is that you’ll look up John 4 and read it … and then read John 5 and 6 and 7 … and on and on.

Paperdoll is just a book; just dreams and hopes and ink and paper. I won’t be offended if it becomes your favorite pink coaster. Or door prop. Or the lining in the cage of your beloved pet ferret.

But. God’s Word has truly changed my life. I used to think that phrase was just jargon; just somebody’s pious lip service. But this year, I can say with certainty that God’s Word has changed me like nothing else has. It still confuses me. There are parts I’m still trying to understand (or make peace with). But when I read about Jesus, and the message He has, and the way He lived - the way He loves - I know I am loved. And I feel loved and brave. I want to live the full and abundant life he talks about in John 4 and 10. I want to know Him as much as I possibly can (and it still rocks my brain cells that He wants me to know Him). So my big hope is that you pull away from the world for a while and lose yourself in His Word. When you do, you’ll find more than you ever imagined.

If we were all in the same room, I would suggest we eat Oreos and debate the best Sarah Dessen guy (I would vote for Dexter!). Since we can’t, I’ll close by saying two things:

Thing the First:  thank you again for asking me to be part of this week’s blog and for taking the time to write about Paperdoll. You guys are wonderful and you deserve mountains of Oreos.

Thing the Second: I hope your new year is sparkly-bright and full of amazing new books. I hope you live out an amazing story this year.

You can find Natalie here. Natalie, thank you so much for writing Paperdoll. We love you so much and you're amazing! 

Girls, don't forget to enter in the giveaway. We'll close the entries tomorrow afternoon, so you only have a little time left.

Save the Date by Jenny B Jones.

Lucy Wiltshire is the founder of Saving Grace, a shelter for girls who have graduated from the foster care system. When the funding for the shelter is pulled, she’ll do anything to get it back.

Alex Sinclair is a former football star fighting a losing battle for a seat in Congress. He is running from ghosts of his recent past, while his opponent does everything to ruin Alex’s reputation.

They both have something the other needs: Alex, a relationship with a woman the public can adore; Lucy, funding for Saving Grace. Will Lucy agree to pose as Alex’s fiance to secure the funding, even if it means confronting her past? Can Alex face his family and the reality of his situation?

This book- oh my goodness. Jenny B Jones is such a great writer! This book is witty and oh so very funny. I loved the way she developed Lucy and Alex’s relationship...it was very believable. I found myself laughing out loud, then trying to explain it to my sister next to me. There were a few twists thrown in that were totally unexpected. And Julian? Not to give you any spoilers, but he was my favorite character: “Girl, a little extra moisturizer ain’t ever hurt nobody!”

Great job, Jenny!

Note: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers, through BookSneeze. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.

Paperdoll Blog Party Day FIVE!

Natalie Lloyd's book begins in the window of a little shop, in the faces of generic paperdolls with the same flat smile. The story of redemption and hope straight from a well in Samaria begins with an empty, lonely woman confronted by a love she'd never known.

"All these ads, images and paper pages rush together like a whisper in my soul. They tell me something is missing. That if I have this, I’ll feel complete. That if only I were that girl, then my life would be full. Suddenly, all these things meant to enhance my life become my life. If you were sitting across from me drinking coffee, I would tell you what I keep telling myself: I’m so tired of all this noise telling the kind of woman I should become. I’m tired of a standard that always changes. I believe beauty is so much more attainable and real than what we wear, or what we weigh, or how we look. I would tell you that I believe there is a legitimate passion I’m meant to fight for in my lifetime-a reason for my being here at this moment in history. All this fake is driving me crazy. I want real love. I want real beauty. I’m thinking you probably do, too."

Natalie tells the story of Sam, the Samaritan woman who had a life changing encounter with Jesus. At this time in her life, Sam was a paperdoll. She was searching for meaning and love in all the wrong places. When she met Jesus, all of that changed.

Natalie writes about Sam's story and how it's so very relevant in our lives. We go searching for fulfillment in wells all around us, in things that the world tells us will make us happy, and just like Sam, we come up empty.

It's really hard for me to write this, to put into words exactly how much this book has changed the way I look at things. Natalie is so honest and real, and this book reads like a conversation with an older sister. It's genuine, it comes straight from her heart.

For me, this book comes down to love. It comes down to how big God's crazy, mind boggling love is. It comes down to how God wants us to know that love, and wants us to live like we are loved.

You can find me here. Don't forget to enter in the giveaway! Just a few more days!

Paperdoll Blog Party Day FOUR!

I don’t want to live a life fill of clanging cymbals and gongs and broken glass. Instead, I want to live a life that sings. True love frees up. Love lets us worship the way we want. Love gives us permission to dance to our own music and sing songs we make up out of thin air. Love doesn't care if our jeans are from Target or Saks. Love isn't into labels. Love looks past a fake smile and into an aching heart. Love forgives. Paperdoll pg 188

At first glance, I wasn't so sure about this book. It's pink. Ew. I'm not a pink-lover girl. Then there were the paper dolls. I have bad memories of being a little girl and no matter how many times I tried I could never get the paper dolls to all be attached and look like a girl. I always go really frustrated after trying and quit attempting to make them. 

I decided to pick up this book after I started following Natalie's blog and my friend Katie (who is the person who put this all together) told me that I should read it. When I got it, I read to chapter three then put it in my bookshelf. It was changing my perspective, and I didn't like it. 

I had heard the story of the women at the well more than a dozen times. With going to a Christian school, you get tired of the same old stories. You forget the power that they have when told well. Natalie did this. The story captivated me. I walked past the book everyday until eventually I picked it back up and finished it. It revolutionized the way I thought about the story of the women at the well. I loved it. She put it into a modern perspective for girls that made the story come alive. 

I wish I could copy the whole book down, or at least all of my favorite quotes from it on here. But it would be too long. I think you should read this book, then read it again. It will change you, your perspective, and the way you look at love. 

So be that girl. Be that girl who can love outrageously, because she is loved unconditionally. Paperdoll pg188


You can find Ali here. Thank you so much for doing this with me!

Paperdoll Blog Party Day THREE!

“Our worth isn’t wrapped in what other people say about us, either. Our worth is woven into the fabric of God’s Word, into the ultimate truth that sets us free to be the unique, beautiful, godly women we were created to be. Pageant queens, trombone players, theater girls, bookworms, geeks, and glamour girls can all take heart. It doesn’t matter where we rank in life’s silly social hierarchy. We’ve never been unnoticed by God, and He has a message for us to carry as well.” –Natalie Lloyd, “Paperdoll”

I’ve been trying to put into words all of the things that one little book taught me and made me feel and inspired in me. That book is “Paperdoll,” by Natalie Lloyd. It’s about a phenomenon that happens to all of us girls. We know the truth and most days we can live by it. But other days it’s not as simple. We become obsessed with what the world thinks of us and expects of us. We put on our fake face and pretend to be something we’re not. Natalie compares this to paperdolls, those fragile toys that can become anything we want them to, look like anything we want them to (as long as it’s completely flawless).

In her book, Natalie focuses on the story of the woman by the well that Jesus stopped by to talk to. To be honest, this Bible story was never really my favorite. I never really gathered anything from reading it. Natalie, however, brings this familiar story into a whole new light by digging deeper into it and including a lot of interesting historical information about it. She breaks it down so that it becomes clearly relevant to us as young women. You’ll find that you have a lot more in common with the woman by the well than you thought! “Paperdoll” is the perfect balance of Biblical information and personal experiences from Natalie’s life. Her style of writing is so unique. It is obvious that she puts her heart into each word, painting pictures and reaching out to her readers in every beautiful sentence. She reminds us that we no longer have to live our lives in fear and insecurity and pain: “We can walk in the confidence, grace, and beauty of a woman who is infinitely loved by the God of the universe.”
“Paperdoll” covers such a variety of topics that touch our lives- love, beauty, dark and difficult times, worship, romance, materialism, and more. God has spoken to me so much through this book, but there are a few parts in particular.

I love the chapter called “Waiting for Gilbert.” It seems that one of the major places that the woman by the well had gone searching for love and acceptance was in relationships, particularly with men. You probably remember that she had had five husbands, and she wasn’t even married to the man that she was living with at the time. This chapter (titled after the handsome, clever, and kind Gilbert Blythe) talks about how we girls often look to guys for the kind of love and fulfillment that only God can give. This issue is such a huge part of my life right now. No, I don’t go chasing after guys. But probably the deepest desire in my heart is to fall in love with Mr. Right, get married, and have a family. I am guilty of spending way too much of my time dwelling on this, daydreaming and getting emotionally attached when I come across a guy who has the potential to be Mr. Right, and mistakenly believing that the right guy will complete me. I feel convicted when I see other girls who are wonderfully in love with God and seem to feel no pain at still being single. Natalie writes: “The first myth is that we should never, ever long for true love if we’re living in the fullness of Christ.” What a relief to know that I can be in love with Christ but still long for marriage and my future husband’s love!  And then there’s the part that Natalie calls “Monkey’s Paw Theology.” I was shocked when I read her words about that, because they were identical to what I had thought so many times: “I try to hide my loneliness from Him, thinking that if He sees my real desire, He will dangle love in front of me and then take it away…They believe if they tell Him their deepest dreams and desires, He’ll make them wait even longer to find someone.” I know that God is love. I know that He is not cruel and teasing. But sometimes I’ve sat, unable to find the words to pray, because I’ve been afraid that if I completely turn over my love life to him, it’s like admitting that I don’t really want to fall in love. The realization that someone else has been through this, too, is such a comfort to me.

There is a section about being a chronic church girl, which I have definitely been during my life. Even though it is a huge blessing to be raised in a Christian home and involved in church from our earliest days, we have to be extra careful not to become complacent and take our relationship with God for granted. Natalie also writes about how most of us girls are constantly waiting for a certain point in our lives. I was waiting to get my driver’s license. I was waiting to graduate high school and to start college. Now I’m waiting to finish college, for my sewing business to pick up, to meet my future husband. Natalie says, ““Most of us are like that, don’t you think? We’re waiting to fall in love. We’re waiting for the moment we set foot on foreign soil for the first time, or the day we see our book on a shelf, or the day we hold a baby in our arms. It’s easy to wrap up life flat on a page like that-a long list of Cinderella moments somewhere out in the future, but never close enough to touch.” I don’t want to keep living in the future, do you? I’m ready to realize that my life is happening now, and if I’m always waiting for someday, I will miss everything.

So, if I haven’t made it obvious, Natalie Lloyd’s book has really had an impact on my life and on my relationship with my Savior.  There is even a great resources section at the back, with questions, Scriptures, song suggestions, websites, and more. It’s a book that I highly recommend for any women, but especially teen girls and young women. You’ll find yourself reading it over and over.

“Paperdoll” makes me want to be the best I can be. It makes me want to pick up my Bible again and get lost in a good worship song. It makes me want to walk with my head up and start living my life the way God intended for me to instead of standing on the sidelines, bogged down with insecurity, waiting for “someday.” Finally, here is a last bit of encouragement from Natalie’s book:

“Look people in the eye when you talk to them. Move into your life with courage, not fear. Start living like a girl who is loved. Don’t waste any more time.”

You can find Kristin here. Thanks so much!

Across the Universe.

So there's this book that I just read yesterday. I originally saw it on Natalie Lloyd's blog, and I thought, hmm, that looks good. So I bought it. It's a love story on a spaceship. How amazing is that? It happens to come out today, which is awesome because 1) I bought this book, like, two weeks ago, and that's a long time to wait; 2) It looks so fantastic; and 3) There's tons of fun stuff about the book that you should check out (and then maybe go get your own copy!)

Fun thing 1) Penguin Books published it. And I love Penguin Books. (unrelated information: "I have just met you, and I love you." name that movie.) Here's all the different places you can find them: Twitter, Facebook (linked above), and the Penguin Teen website.

Fun thing 2) The author, Beth Revis, is super cool and fun. You can find her here: Twitter, blog, and website.

Fun thing 3) The book! You can find the book on Facebook, the website, and Amazon, where I bought my copy.

Fun thing 4) The ship. On the website, you can explore the ship Godspeed. Most of the story actually takes place on this ship. It is so incredible. I loved looking at the hatch, where they can see the stars. (keep your eyes open for that in the book!)

Fun thing 5) At this website there's  a 111 page excerpt from the book...it will be up for twelve hours, so make sure to check it out before it's taken down!

Fun thing 6) The videos. 

How cool is the book trailer? And the ship? And the author? One of my absolute favorite things is hearing authors talk about their books and what the books mean to them.

Paperdoll Blog Party Day TWO!

Most of you have probably read "In Step" in an article of Brio, or Natalie Lloyd's blog. Therefore you know about her extreme talent of being able to write about faith, beauty, imagination, and dorky ways all at once. She tells stories with nonfiction in a way that no one can.

In her book Paperdoll, she helps unravel a story that's familiar, yet viewed as plain. The story of the woman at the well. We tend to just view this Bible story as one of Jesus' many accomplishments. And nothing more. It gets put on the back burner when it comes to other miracles performed by God's son while on this earth. The Samaritan women was just that, a woman. We don't even know her name. She doesn't seem as special as Mary, Ruth, or Esther. But that's the irony of it all.

We, as a world, see them more important because of what???...their fame, their faith...the fact they seemed to have everything together...the fact that even in their darkest hour, they were stronger, more faithful, more powerful than we think we could be? Those are the women that tend to be remembered from the Bible because those are the women we want to be. We don't what to be the woman at the well that's lost everything, destroyed her own life, and has become an outcast to her people. We want to be like the girls that got it all, we want to be paperdolls.

The pretty one, the lucky one, the rich one, the smart one, the really brave one, the one with the cute boyfriend. We all know people that fit into those categories, their names are probably already swimming in your head. Your enemies, your friends. They seem different and suddenly you want to be them. So you trade in that one of kind hand painted china doll for one more easy to change, easy to blend in doll.

One made of paper.

God doesn't want His daughters to be paper. He wants us to have a heart, a soul, a mind, a spirit, He wants us to be ourselves. Even if that means pimples, baby-sized hands, bad eyesight, braces, ugly feet. Even if that means a C in science, a tutor in math, a fear of tests. Even if that means the inability to draw anything with detail, being a dancer whose never done a triple pirouette, the girl that can't sing, not always being nice and sometimes regretting what you say, wanting something more than anything but constantly wondering if you're talented enough to get. Those of you that don't know me should know that I just described myself. But I'm okay with that, because I'm okay with who I am. I know that even though I'm ALL those things and a million more, I'm witty, and funny, and a good friend, I'm honest, and brave, and beautiful and I have the biggest imagination.

But most important I'm a child of God. I'm worth something, He loves me. He loves Mary, Ruth, Esther, and the Samaritan woman and you all the same way. He loves look-a-like, act-a-like paper dolls. But he made hand-painted, unique, china dolls, which one do you what to be???

You can find Little Fairy here. Go give her some love, mkay?

Paperdoll Blog Party Day ONE!

This is the first day of the week-long Paperdoll Blog Party. I'm super excited about this. I can't wait for you to read the great reviews that I have lined up.

For day one, we have something special planned. Today, we're giving away two copies of Paperdoll.

Mandatory entry: comment on this post. Tell me why you want to read the book. Or tell me about your week. Or tell me what your favorite dessert is. I don't really care, I just wanna see your comments. (USA only.)

That being said, I would love it if you could spread the word about our Seven Days of Paperdoll Wonderfulness. Let your readers know about the giveaway. The more the better! I'm sorry to tell you, it won't get you any more entries. Only one per person.

It would be totally awesome if you could stop by and give Natalie some love. Come back tomorrow for Day Two of the Paperdoll Blog Party. We'll have reviews all throughout the week, and on the seventh day, two someones will go home with a copy of Paperdoll!

The Blue Enchantress by M.L. Tyndall.

The Blue Enchantress is a story of a young woman finding redemption when she never thought it possible. Hope is destitute. She is captured with no way out when a saviour comes from an unlikely place. This is a love story about a girl trying to forget her past, trying to make things right, and always failing. Captain Nathaniel Mason is trying to build his business and make a name for himself. He needs nothing less than a spoiled girl to look after. When he has to give up his prize ship to save Hope, he didn’t realize how much it would take.

This book is a yes. It was fun to read, light, and fast paced. Nathaniel and Hope’s relationship grew slowly, and it had enough setbacks to be believable. I don’t know how historically accurate it was, but it fit well with the story. I think you would enjoy it if you’re a fan of historical fiction, or if you’re just looking for a light read.

Note: I received this book free of charge from NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.

Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright

Author Bryant Wright describes the roots of the conflict in the Middle East. He goes back to the Old Testament. Visiting Abraham’s decisions with his offspring, he describes the Biblical roots of the conflict.

This book was interesting. It was well researched and well thought out. Wright is insightful as to what the root of the conflict is and why there is such an issue over land. It was interesting to see how the term Arab developed, and the Biblical geography. The history in it was interesting as well, and especially to see how he tied it into what is happening there today.

Personally, this isn’t my kind of book. I’d usually read anything like this, and I picked it up because it was about the Middle East, and I kinda like that place. :) Usually I read fiction, so it was a bit slow to be reading this type of book. It was good for what it is, just not something I’d pick up again. But again, just my personal reading tastes. 

If you’re interested in history, Biblical or not, or the issues in the Middle East, you may enjoy this.

Note: I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze. I was not required to write a favorable review, only an honest one.

the Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Macy watched her father die the day after Christmas, and there was nothing she could do. Since then, her life has been put back together: she has a perfect boyfriend, Jason, a new job working the research desk at the library, her older sister Caroline married a wealthy man, and her parents' business, now run by her mother, has begun to expand. On the inside, though, nothing is right. She feels stifled by Jason's perfection, her stagnant life, and her busy mother.

Then she meets Wish Catering. They cater a party of her mother's and she finds herself with a job and friends like she's never known. Slowly, she begins to step out.

Out of the four or five Dessen books I've read, this is my favorite. It doesn't move too fast, and Macy, the main character, really grows on you. The artwork...my favorite part of the story. The game of Truth...my other favorite. If you've read any Dessen, or just want a sweet love story, you should try this one out.