Real, True Beauty

For my class recently, I was challenged to write a paper on appearances. It caused me to ponder what exactly outward beauty is. The world today judges you on how your outside appearance is and what you verbally say. True beauty isn’t what stands on the outside, but what you feel on the inside. We have all heard the saying, “it’s not what’s on the outside that counts, but what’s on the inside.” Yes, we all know what that means, but why do we not believe it? Why do we not stand by what it stands for?

If we meet someone new and we get a poor first impression, we don’t look at them with as much respect as they deserve. That’s the wrong way to look at things. Everyone deserves the same respect. Think about how much respect you want from the people around you. I had a first impression of someone recently that rubbed me in the wrong way, and I thought of him as pushy. It turns out that I was completely wrong! He is actually a really nice person and extremely funny and enjoyable to be around.

This topic has been on my heart for a lengthy amount of time now and I wish everyone else would take a moment to look at what their words and actions do to affect the people they encounter. You can make an extreme impact on someone’s life if you simply reach out to them. Just because someone looks different than you or doesn’t talk to you first, doesn’t mean that you should avoid them.

I may be rambling, but I want to drive my purpose hard. Beauty means "the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest)." Beauty is often defined as something that is pleasing to the eye, in a sense, but can’t we go even further to say that beauty is beyond what the eye can see? Go deeper than the surface beauty—go to the very heart of the beauty.

Dig deeper. Don’t judge what you can see on the surface. Life isn’t here for us to judge what happens day to day, or to judge who or what we encounter. So instead of jumping to that first conclusion, go deeper into the matter and find what’s really at the heart. Find the beauty that’s there. And then make a difference.

A Question of Courage Blog Tour!

I am beyond-words excited about the release of "A Question of Courage." And guess what? The book comes out today! I was actually one of the editors for this book, and let me just tell you, this is such a beautiful story. I've read it multiple times during the rewriting process, and Jesseca never ceases to amaze me. Her writing technique and style is improving daily.

About the Book:

A man. A decision. A destiny.
Rafe Sullivan never imagined the war would come to his doorstep. But when Pearl Harbor is attacked and America's focus suddenly shifts to the pacific, he finds he can't ignore the problem anymore.
Leaving the life he loves behind, he joins up to do what he does best. Fly.
Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the horrors of war, and the struggle that is going on in his own heart. As an outstanding navy pilot, he is stationed on one of the few Pacific carriers. But could God be calling him to step out in faith, and go beyond the call of duty?
Lily Wilson gives her all to help the hurting community around her. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the war is brought home to many American families. And as a nurse, she longs to be able to relive some of the suffering. Yet, her own grief is still fresh in her heart, and though she's made the decision to get on with her life, she can't seem to leave the past behind. When healing at last comes, the guard she placed around her heart slowly begins to crumble.
But when she receives the news she hoped she would never again hear, can she trust that God’s plan is always right?
Arthur Warrington saw the Navy as an escape from the life he left behind. And it seems good for him. He is able to forge new friendships and distance himself from his past. But when his best friend makes a decision that rocks his world, he is left grappling with the question: what is true courage?
Three lives. One War. And a search for the Courage to go on.

About the Author:

Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule:

Wednesday, 29th

Faith Potts//Stories by Firefly - Review, Book Spotlight

Libby May//Geoturtle - Author Interview

Kaitlyn S.//Maidens for Modesty

Thursday, 30th

Kellyn Roth//Reveries Reviews - Review

Raechel//God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae - Book Spotlight  

Kate//Twin Thoughts - Author Interview

Friday, 1st

Liv K. Fisher//Liv K. Fisher - Book Spotlight, Author Interview

Deborah C.// Reading in June - Book Spotlight  

Mikayla H.//Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father - Review

Chloe W.//Purely by Faith Reviews - Review, Author Interview

Abigail//Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors - Book Spotlight

Saturday, 2nd

Jazzy//Thriving Hope - Review, Book Spotlight

Angela Watts//The Peculiar Messenger - Review

Rebekah Eddy//Rebekah’s Remarks - Review, Author Interview, Book Spotlight

Karissa Norton//No Coffee, No Can Do - Author Interview, Review

Guess what today is...

Autumn.

What a beautiful word.

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year. The change in season from Summer to Autumn is so vibrant. So extreme. It seems to change in just a day, even though in reality it takes several weeks for the leaves to fall, the cold to hit and the very air to just smell like Autumn.

So with that said, I just want to wish everyone a very happy Autumn.

A Question of Courage ~ Cover Reveal

I am beyond ecstatic to share with you Jesseca Wheaton's newest book cover!! I am just so excited right now! Isn't it lovely?! Pun intended.

About the Book:

A man. A decision. A destiny. 

Rafe Sullivan never imagined the war would come to his doorstep. But when Pearl Harbor is attacked and America's focus suddenly shifts to the pacific, he finds he can't ignore the problem anymore. 
Leaving the life he loves behind, he joins up to do what he does best. Fly. 
Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the horrors of war, and the struggle that is going on in his own heart. As an outstanding navy pilot, he is stationed on one of the few Pacific carriers. But could God be calling him to step out in faith, and go beyond the call of duty? 

Lily Wilson gives her all to help the hurting community around her. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the war is brought home to many American families. And as a nurse, she longs to be able to relive some of the suffering. Yet, her own grief is still fresh in her heart, and though she's made the decision to get on with her life, she can't seem to leave the past behind. When healing at last comes, the guard she placed around her heart slowly begins to crumble. 
But when she receives the news she hoped she would never again hear, can she trust that God’s plan is always right?

Arthur Warrington saw the Navy as an escape from the life he left behind. And it seems good for him. He is able to forge new friendships and distance himself from his past. But when his best friend makes a decision that rocks his world, he is left grappling with the question: what is true courage? 

Three lives. One War. And a search for the Courage to go on.

Add it on Goodreads

About the Author:

Jesseca is a 19-year old daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano.  And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home. Though, being in the sky is pretty awesome, too.

Website~Blog~Amazon~Goodreads~GooglePlus~Pinterest~Instagram

RJF ~ Martin Hospitality

Well, guys, I'm back. We've been suffering with the internet off at our house for the last couple days and have no idea of when it'll be back up. I have a few precious moments right now with some, so I'm taking advantage of it. And because of this whole mess, this'll be the last post of the Fest. I hope you have all enjoyed it as much as I have. And who knows, maybe I'll do it again next year.

Martin Hospitality

About the book:

Gemma Ebworthy is eighteen, pregnant, and alone. Now that she's been evicted, she finds herself sleeping in a barn, never dreaming that tomorrow could bring kindness of a life-changing magnitude.

The Martins aren't a typical family—even for rural Kansas. With more kids than can be counted on one hand and a full-time farm, Gemma must make a lot of adjustments to fit in. But despite their many differences, Gemma finds herself drawn to this family and their radical Christian faith.

When Gemma's past collides with her yet again, she must begin revealing her colorful history. With every detail Gemma concedes, she fears she will lose the Martins' trust and the stable environment she desires for herself and her unborn child. Just how far can the Martins' love and God's forgiveness go?

*****

I wanted to write a review for this book, but there's just no way to describe what I feel for this book. I loved it so much! All I can say is, read it people!! Now! Go get your hands on it. *smiles innocently*

RJF ~ Sarah's Ground

Sarah's Ground

About the book:

Sarah Tracy has spent her entire life under constant supervision, always under the thumb of one older sibling or another. Now, at eighteen, it's time she was married, so she is being sent to dinner parties, plays, teas, soirees, talks, and chaperoned walks -- always accompanied, always watched.Sarah's tired of being shipped around, tired of being reminded that it's time to find a suitable husband. Then Sarah sees an advertisement looking for a young woman to oversee Mount Vernon, the old family home of George Washington. Lying to her family and her potential employer, Sarah becomes mistress of this decaying symbol of American freedom.

And then comes the American Civil War. As battles rage around her, Sarah is determined to create a haven of peace at Mount Vernon. Sarah single-handedly manages to keep Mount Vernon out of the war. But while she is able to influence generals, soldiers, and the president, she learns she doesn't hold such sway over her own heart -- as she also discovers true love.

Based on a true story, this is the amazing tale of one girl's path to womanhood.

RJF ~ A Night Divided

Today's recommendation is a really fun read set in the time of World War 2. I found it quite thrilling!

A Night Divided 

About the book:

From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a stunning thriller about a girl who must escape to freedom after the Berlin Wall divides her family between east and west.

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family divided overnight. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.

But one day, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and concludes that her father wants Gerta and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?

RJF ~ Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café

About the book:

What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would He answer?

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Cafe, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Cafe, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the cafe has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask God a question of her own. Heaven answers in a most unexpected way.

RJF ~ A Portrait of Emily Price

A Portrait of Emily Price

About the book:

Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. But when Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family is another matter . . .


Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.


But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.


Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.


Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?

RJF ~ Cinderella's Dress

Cinderella's Dress

About the book:

Being a teenager during World War II is tough. Finding out you're the next keeper of the real Cinderella's dress is even tougher.

Kate simply wants to create window displays at the department store where she's working, trying to help out with the war effort. But when long-lost relatives from Poland arrive with a steamer trunk they claim holds the Cinderella's dress, life gets complicated.

Now, with a father missing in action, her new sweetheart shipped off to boot camp, and her great aunt losing her wits, Kate has to unravel the mystery before it's too late.

After all, the descendants of the wicked stepsisters will stop at nothing to get what they think they deserve. 

*~*~*~*

Cinderella's Shoes

About the book:

The war may be over, but Kate Allen’s life is still in upheaval. Not only has she discovered that Cinderella was real, but now she's been made Keeper of the Wardrobe, her sole responsibility to protect Cinderella’s magical dresses from the greed of the evil stepsisters’ modern descendants.

But Cinderella’s dresses are just the beginning. It turns out that the priceless glass slippers might actually exist, too, and they could hold the power to reunite lost loved ones like her father—missing in action since World War II ended. As Kate and her boyfriend, Johnny, embark on an adventure from New York to Italy and Poland in search of the mysterious slippers, they will be tested in ways they never imagined.

Because when you harness Cinderella's magic, danger and evil are sure to follow...