Boooook mail!! 😍 So, a few weeks ago I totally won the BEST sort of prize: print copies of all three books in the #MarkoftheRaven #theravenwoodsaga trilogy! Thank you @bethanyhousefiction @morganlbusse for my beautiful, action-filled, hope-infused, all-around-fantastic fantasy fiction reads! Local friends...I might be willing to share, if you'd like to read this epic saga where your dreams can be more dangerous than your waking hours!
Growing up, I wondered what it would be like to have a sister. I thought I'd really like to have someone I could share clothes with and secrets, that we could stay up way too late at night, giggling and telling stories. A friend for life.
I didn't get a sister until I married Karl. Then I got four wonderful sisters! All so different and all so social to me. But it was Karl's youngest sister I met first. Juli. Sweet, sixteen-year-old Julianne. She was so shy, so kind. Her gentle heart radiated out of her like a beacon. I was just eighteen at the time, and we liked each other right away. I think she wanted Karl to meet a nice girl...but she accepted me anyway.
After Karl and I got married, and after we moved to western WA, we got to spend more time together, but not enough! Over the years we have lived close and far apart, but Juli always let me be her sister. Not just sister-in-law... Really her sister. Her friendship has been precious. During her pregnancy with Josie, and after, we spent so much time together. Juli even used to watch our dogs if we'd go on trips. We'd babysit Josie. We'd go rollerblading and hiking, to dinner, movies, and Nana & Papa's after church on Sundays.
We missed being there for Bekah's birth, but in AZ we were there for each other during the births of our sons, her Matthew Alex and our Grant. Juli and I would meet to spend time together and let the girls play. We'd talk, take walks, go to the playground at night. We shared secrets and hardships and loved each other.
When Juli and the kids needed to make a move, a big move, she came to us and we are so glad she did. For nine months we lived together in a three bedroom 1 bath house and made it work. Not perfectly, but as family. Having them here with us was a time I will always love and cherish. I cried when they left, but we know it was God's plan for their best, and it was. Juli thrived in Tacoma. She and the kids made precious, lasting friendships, the kind that is like having more sisters because that's just who Juli was. She's a beacon and joy. She loves so easily and forgives the same. She's strong and compassionate. And I miss her so much already. (More in comments)
Yummmm! This brings back memories. When I was in elementary and middle school, we lived in SE Alaska where one wonderful traditional food we got to enjoy was Indian fry (fried) bread...flattened dough that is deep fried to perfection. Some people might be more familiar with elephant ears from the fair, fried bread coated in cinnamon and sugar! It's been a loooong time since we've made deep fried bread at home, but I had two big (as in not small of stature) helpers today, which made it even more enjoyable. Btw, the Amish white bread recipe from Allrecipes is perfect for this! Happy Sunday. We're praying you are staying safe, have what you need, and finding peace in the moment. ❤️
New book alert! 📚 YA fantasy fans have another fun story to enoy, and great news is it's available right now. @eerawls_author is also offering for a short time (March 18-23) Book 1 of Draev Guardians, Strayborn for .99 on Kindle! You really do want to take advantage of that price. If you're curious, I have a review for Strayborn on my blog.
NOW, check out what Dragons & Ravens is all about!
Book Bio:
Curse of fire.
Hercule, the young heir of House Dragonsbane, has everything that wealth can purchase—that is, everything except for the one thing he longs for most: true freedom. And when a powerful goblin casts a curse on him, he may soon fall too far from ever finding it…
Held in darkness.
Zarren dreams of becoming a swords master and a hero who saves lives, but first he must save his twin brother and himself from a cruel household. With nothing but faith, and the slim glimmer of hope to light theirway, can they make their escape?
_________________
Author Bio:
E.E. Rawls is the product of a traveling family, who even lived in Italy for 6 years. She loves exploring the unknown, whether it be in a forest, inside a forgotten castle, or within the pages of a book.
She runs on coffee, cuddly cats and the beauty of nature to keep the story wheels of her mind running, as she writes tales that will both entertain and inspire others, giving them worlds they can explore and become lost within.
https://eerawls.com/
#DragonsAndRavens #DraevGuardians #yafantasy #booksofinstagram #newbook
What are you reading? I couldn't resist taking the special offer @vom_usa shared through social media. I received a free copy of this beautiful book earlier this week and am half way through it. I have cried at the true stories shared within, but I've also been in awe of the strength of these women. And these are only a small handful of the sorts of trials and persecutions that happen worldwide. I encourage everyone to get a copy of Hearts of Fire. As a Christian, you will be broken by the truth presented here, encouraged by the faith of these women, and challenged to live with the same dedication to love, compassion and forgiveness.
Oh, Sydney! You did great! Buns ARE yummy! ❤
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Buns are yummy, I totally agree. )
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School assignment! You’ll do anything to get your fam participating, won’t you? Lol 😉
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This is my best friend’s daughter who is homeschooled. LOL but sure, I might. Haha
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Oops, I get names wrong all the time. lol. Wait, you’re going after your neighbors too? j/k 😉
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Why not?! 🙂
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If I was running for president, all I would need is the determined Mrs. Ritchey on my side going through the country and convincing people to vote for me 🙂 I would win for sure!
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Haha sure, as long as people are reasonable and rational, it could happen. 😉
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Haha ;D
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We laugh because that is asking a lot! 😉
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Is it asking a lot? Could you start my campaign like tomorrow? *even though E. knows Rachael is super busy and up to her neck in school trips and book signings* ;D Hehehehe 😉
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Lol, now is as good a time as any. Hahaha
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Well done!
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Awesome. ❤
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Oh, the innocence of childhood…I remember you so well…
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