20 Questions Book Tag

Hello, darlings!

It has been a ages since I have done a good old book tag post. I feel like there was a time when these sorts of post or videos were very popular and everyone was doing them.

Now they seem to be less common. But I found this one and thought it might be fun so here we go!

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1. HOW MANY BOOKS ARE TOO MANY FOR A SERIES?

Most of the series I read consist of about 4 books. Series are great fun so the more books in the series the better!
I'd say I don't think there is ever too many if you really love the series! I am slowly reading through the Christy Miller series, and I don't want it to end, and there a lot of books and spin-off books in this series! The only thing is that the longer the series and longer it may take you to collect all of them (and more money!).


2. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CLIFFHANGERS?

I haven't read a book with a cliffhanger before. Shocking I know!


3. HARDCOVER OR PAPERBACK?

Ahh, the great debate amongst the bookish community! Personally, I have come to like both. Paperbacks for comfort whilst reading and hardbacks for aesthetic purposes. Plus many old books are hardback and old books are so beautiful and mysterious to me.


4. FAVOURITE BOOK?

You mean books, right? Plural? Well, then here are a few of mine:

Aww, I really should reread some of these! They are all such lovely books and stories.


5. LEAST FAVOURITE BOOK?

I don't have an answer for this. If I am not enjoying a book I stop reading it. And I would rather not share negative opinions on books on here.


6. LOVE TRIANGLES, YES OR NO?

I don't mind them too much but they are getting old. You always know who the girl is actually going to end up with.

(My personal faves are the Friends to Lovers and the Hate-to-Love tropes!)


7. THE MOST RECENT BOOK YOU COULDN'T FINISH?

This is another question that I don't really have an answer for because I do generally finish most books that I start.


8. A BOOK THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING?

~ Love Defined by Bethany Baird (Beal) & Kristen Clark and I am loving it!


9. LAST BOOK YOU RECOMMENDED TO SOMEONE?

That would have to be Mandy by Julie Andrews. I also recommend that you read my favourite books mentioned above...


10. OLDEST BOOK YOU'VE READ BY PUBLICATION DATE?

Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott first published in 1868! It is such a lovely book that I really think every girl/woman should read.


11. NEWEST BOOK YOU'VE READ BY PUBLICATION DATE?

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews, published in March of 2019! You can read my review here.


12. FAVOURITE AUTHOR?

Again, how can you expect me to have only one? My list includes but is not limited to Melanie Dickerson, Julie Klassen, Robin Jones Gunn and Michael Morpurgo.


13. BUYING BOOKS OR BORROWING BOOKS?

I do like to borrow library books to try them out first, then if I like it I might buy it to add to my shelf. It all depends really.


14. A BOOK YOU DISLIKE THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO LOVE?

The only thing close to an answer I have is the Harry Potter books, though I have not read them and never will. They don't appeal to me but so many other people seem to be crazy about them.


15. BOOKMARKS OR DOG EARS?

My answer is and always will be to use bookmarks. I strongly disapprove of dog ears in books(I prefer dog ears to be on dogs!) and I have a good collection of fun bookmarks that I like to use.


16. A BOOK YOU CAN ALWAYS RE-READ?

Probably any of my favourite books like Sarah, Plain & Tall by Patricia MacLachlan, A Rose for the ANZAC Boys by Jackie French or the Amish Heirloom series by Amy Clipston.


17. CAN YOU READ WHILE LISTENING TO MUSIC?

Yes, if it is instrumental. But I don't usually listen to music while I am reading. I get more reading done when everything around me is quieter. Though, since I live with a big (noisy) family, I have learnt to read with kids making a lot of noise around me!


18. ONE P.O.V OR MULTIPLE?

I personally don't mind either way. I read both and tend to enjoy both reading one point of view or several, though several can be a bit confusing.


19. DO YOU READ A BOOK IN ONE SITTING OR OVER MULTIPLE DAYS?

I applaud the readers that can read in one sitting, I don't know how you do it. For me, it takes about a week for me to get through a book and I am happy with that since it is more than most people manage.


20. WHO DO YOU TAG?

Anyone who thinks this tag looks fun, consider yourself tagged! Or just answer one of the questions in the comments down below!

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keep on blooming,

xoxo

Hannah

4 Bible Verses That You Should Think on Daily

I love the Bible. I love that you can find answers to every question you could ever have in the Bible. It was designed to be our manual for life.

In my room, I love to write out Bible verses and stick them up everywhere so that I can look at them and be reminded of God's truths.

Whilst reading in Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal's second book, Love Defined, last night, I decided to stick some new verses up.
In the book, Love Defined, Kristen and Bethany share these verses and how they impacted their own lives and so I chose some to use for myself.
These verses are great, life-changing, impacting truths that we should be meditating on often.

So here are four (out of many) Bible verses that you too, should be glancing at daily and meditating on.

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Psalm 118:8

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

"No guy can ever give you what only God was intended to give." ~ Love Defined

"Instead of looking to a man for your hope, this verse is saying that it's better to put your hope in Christ. " ~ Love Defined

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

"I wanted to be a woman who fully and completely trusted in Him with my singleness." ~ Love Defined

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

"Instead of becoming Proverbs 7 women, let's choose to be women who reflect the holiness and purity of Christ. Let's use our femininity to promote purity in the men around us." ~ Love Defined

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

"Instead of being on the hunt for Mr Right, we need to be in the Word, becoming Miss Right. Our goal as single women should be centred on becoming more like Christ each day." ~ Love Defined

"This verse is saying that we should pursue Christ first, and when we do, God will give us what we need (not necessarily what we want). " ~ Love Defined

Next to my bedroom mirror

In the bathroom near my mirror

On my bedroom wall

I pray that this inspires you and that these verses will impact your life. I pray that you will have the strength to pursue a God-honoring lifestyle and that you will seek Him in all areas of your life.

Be a woman who goes against the way society tells you to act and do what God tells you to do in His wonderful Word!

keep on blooming.

xoxo
Hannah

Author Q & A with Kara Linaburg!

created by yours truly

Hello, darlings!

Today I am here with a very exciting post, where I am interviewing author Kara Linaburg in honour of the release of her first book The Broken Prince, earlier this month.

In all the fairy tales the maiden falls in love with the prince...but she has to remember that this isn't a fairytale.

I asked Kara some fun questions and here she is answering them. All the info on her book, blog etc will be linked at the end of this post!

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Hannah: Hi Kara, I'm so glad to have you here on my blog! Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions about your brand new book. I'll start off by asking you to tell us a bit about yourself!

Kara: Hey Hannah!!! Thanks so much for having me-- I'm so excited to do this!
So yeah, hi I'm Kara Linaburg, going by Kara Lynn in the internet world. I love deep conversations, good books, and making friends and as cliche, as it sounds, walks on the beach...or mountains or basically nature.
My love language is time and when people spend time with me despite their busy lives, I'll literally be the happiest human ever. I work at Panera part time, live at home with the best seven people in the world, and I'm always up for a good adventure.

Hannah: That's great! So, have you always wanted to be an author?

Kara: Basically. Writing is in my DNA, I don't remember a time I haven't been itching to write. I would spend hours telling stories to my (at the time, only younger sister), and later learned to put pen to paper...and eventually words inside my laptop.
I have blogged for over seven and I just love words and stories. There's something special about connecting over a book and I hope people get the same experience with what I write.

Hannah: Mmm, connecting over a book is special! Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

Kara: WOW. I don't even really remember...I had just entered the Lord of the Rings fandom, and high fantasy, as well as lighter reads, interested me so much in Junior High and early High School.
I could have fire coming out my characters hands, a sorceress could destroy lives, and a medallion could decide the fate of the kingdom. Plus at the time of writing The Broken Prince, I was really struggling to figure out my own emotions.
I was unhealthy mentally and writing was my way to cope, to process, and to basically share with people, "this is how I feel." While I love to talk and would label myself an extrovert, I am socially awkward. I would rather play behind the scenes, and writing this book in a way allowed for that.
I was only about sixteen going on seventeen at the time. I saw fantasy as also an escape out of my own world, like Harry Potter, Narnia, LOTR, Star Wars--all of them inspired me to create my own world but indefinitely a lighter plot.
It's really a wonderful feeling that any good book can give you--the chance to escape into a whole new world of your own design.

Hannah: Are you planning on writing a sequel?

Kara: I would love to! The people who have read my book so far have asked for that and I'm planning on trying. We shall see...I don't think Milosh and Serena are done yet, but I would love to find me a good brainstormer!
I'm terrified of writing more though because so far people have liked it...I don't want to disappoint and there's always that possibility when writing a sequel.

Hannah: I suppose there is that pressure on an author to continue to impress their readers and measure up to their previous works. How would you describe The Broken Prince in three words?

Kara: Hope in darkness.

Hannah: Now for some fun questions! What is your favourite food?

Kara: PIZZA! I try to go for healthier options but pizza is basically king. I also love tacos and Chinese...I don't eat out a lot so eating Chinese always makes me happy.

Hannah: I agree pizza is the best! Can you tell us what your favourite Bible verse is right now?

Kara: Basically Isaiah 61 is such a chapter of hope, and I love that part where God promises to give us who mourn and despair, who feel the weight of our brokenness, beauty in the ashes.
It's such a testament of hope for me. When I get brave enough, I plan eventually getting a tattoo that represents this verse. Beauty in brokenness has been my life's theme in these last years and I love it so much.

Hannah: Thanks for sharing with me! To close off can you tell me what message are you hoping to get across to your readers?

Kara: That you are never alone. That you are loved. That your past, present, future, does not define you. Your fears and anxieties lie to you. You are not who you say you are--you are defined by the One who created you.
And He says that you are beautiful. There is hope in the darkness. I don't know what kind of hell the people who have read my book can say they've seen or gone through, but we all have our demons. And I want them to know that they are never alone in any of it.

Thanks so much for having me, Hannah. It's been amazing and such a blessing to do this!

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There you have it, folks!



Kara documents life and expresses her love of writing more on her blog, Beautifully Broken.

If you are interested in her book check it out on Goodreads or to purchase your own copy it is now available on Amazon!


Keep on blooming darlings,

xoxo
Hannah

7 Indoor Plants I Want To Own

via Unsplash

Recently my sister and I have been obsessing over gardening and plants, poring over the plant section at the library and perusing the local nurseries.

While the weather was still warm, we spent time outdoors in our gardens, but now as it is colder, I have been thinking about growing my indoor plant collection.

Having a vase of flowers or a living plant in your space really does add life to it. It feels fresher and happier.

There are also health benefits to having certain plants in your space. Many plants clean the air around us, making it better for us to breathe.

These are a few of the plants I hope to add to my current few!

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F i d d l e  L e a f   F i g

Pinterest

I don't know what it is about this one that I love! It is just a really cool looking plant, with its big shiny leaves. I am not sure where I would put this one if I got one but I'm sure I can find somewhere.
Fiddle's make a statement in any room.

S n a k e  P l a n t

Pinterest

My sister doesn't share my opinions about this plant! I think it is very interesting. 

This plant is also known as mother-in-law's tongue which I think is so funny. It thrives in low light and can basically be neglected.
Since I have more space in my bathroom than in my bedroom I would probably put a snake plant in there. But these plants help with better sleep quality so maybe in my bedroom would better!

S t r i n g  o f  H e a r t s

Pinterest

If you are lacking floor space but you still want plants, a trailing plant that you can hang from the ceiling is the answer!

This one just has the cutest name and leaves! The heart-shaped leaves are what it is named after.

It is simply lovely and would look so good hanging up with its tendrils trailing down.

P o t h o s

Pinterest

The pothos plant is another beautiful trailing plant that is perfect to put in a hanging planter.

There are many different varieties, some with stunning variegated leaves and white patches. This plant can thrive in full light to low light conditions and should not be overwatered.

W a t e r m e l o n   P e p e r o m i a

Pinterest

I can't get over how gorgeous this little plant is! I mean look at those stripes, no wonder it's called a watermelon peperomia.

There are many different varieties of peperomia but this is m favourite looking one so far. This plant (along with most of the ones I have included in this list are quite on trend right now too. But that doesn't mean I chose them because of that.)

A f r i c a n  V i o l e t

Pinterest

I adore violets, and this type is no exception! The African violet is a cute compact plant with these beautiful deep purple flowers.

I can just imagine having one of these in a cute little pot perched somewhere in my room.

M i s s i o n a r y  P l a n t

Pinterest

This plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides, is so cute! I love the round plain green leaves with just a tiny dot of white.

It's such a simple plant but I think its lovely. The pilea needs more watering during the Summer months.

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My list will probably grow in the future but for now, these are all I have.

Do you like indoor plants? Which of these is your favourite?

keep on blooming,

xoxo

Hannah

My Favourite Thrift Finds

via Unsplash

Hello darlings!

I have been thrifting for a wee while now and have accumulated a "collection" if you will of thrifted items.

Thrifting can be a hit or miss thing. You may find a treasure or something that is simply had it's days.
It is a great way to save money, as you can find things that would have cost a lot but at the thrift shop, you can find it for a few dollars.

Here I am going to share the things that I have bought from thrift shops!

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Let's start with the category I score in most often. Room decor.
I love decorating my space. I love making it my own and making it a cosy happy place for myself (and others! My Nonna found it a lovely, uplifting place to be when she stayed at our house around New Years and I let her stay in my room).
The most affordable way to decorate is by going thrifting and finding cheap but often good, unique pieces.

First of all, this pressed flower wall art. Even though the flowers are faded and yellowed I still think it a beautiful little piece of wall art. The frame was originally brown wood (Rimu wood, I think) but I decided to freshen it up with some pale blue-grey chalk paint and I love it even more now!

I just love this Audrey Hepburn wall art! Again, I touched it up with some chalk paint, it used to be green! I think this grey around her is much more fitting to her style! I believe the picture is from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's (which I have not seen), that Audrey Hepburn starred in.

This basket rubbish bin serves both practical uses and looks nice! When I got it, it was a bit grimy and dusty. But wasn't anything a quick spray with the hose and a vacuum couldn't fix!
Then to go an extra mile, I got out some colourful wool and stitched those little blocks of colour around it. I think it looks very cute now!

Another practical yet lovely piece! My Mum spotted this mirror and we went back another day--luckily it was still there--and claimed it!
It suits me and my taste very well I a love that I can do my hair, add my jewellery and such in front of the pretty mirror. It was also the perfect place to drape my fairy lights on.

In between room decor and clothing, this bag is one of the most used things that I've scored at the thrift shop.
It feels like decent quality. It is a cross body bag which I love and best of all, it can fit a book inside!


Now for the clothing part of this post!

I am so glad that my Mum told me to get this jacket!
At the time I had been seeing these cargo/utility jackets all around Pinterest and so I was on the lookout for one at the thrift shop. I tried this one on and wasn't sure about the fit, but my Mum said I looked great and so I took it home. Now I love it and it is so easy to throw on pretty much any outfit!

I am a bit sad that I don't get an occasion to wear this dress more often. So far I think I have only worn it once, to a wedding.
I scored this dress, that is in brilliant condition for...wait for it...$1.50!!! Crazy, I know.  I feel really nice and confident in it and I love the floral print.

I apologize for the wrinkles! I promise it looks good on, just not laid out on my bed!

Turtlenecks are a must-have for winter! This one is perfect for the icy cold days because though it is a thinner knit, it is made of merino (I believe) and the neck is quite high.
The camel colour is a nice neutral basic to have in my wardrobe and I look forward to getting lots of wear out of it in these colder months.

This denim skirt has become such a staple in my wardrobe and I wear it at least once a week!
There's not much more to say than that, I love it and it's a good piece to have.


That's all of my top favourite thrift finds. Talking about these things has now made get the thrifting itch!

Keep on blooming,

xoxo
Hannah

May Favourites

via Unplash

Hello darlings!

I am back with you to wrap up the month of May and share of few of my favourite things from this month.

May has been a pretty good month, with glorious Autumn weather. It has been warm, sunny, and the leaves have been softly falling everywhere.

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Books

A Rose for the ANZAC Boys by Jackie French
Those of you who have been around here for a while might remember me talking about this book before. This was my second time reading A Rose for the ANZAC Boys and it certainly won't be the last!
I loved it just as much if not more this time. It is so well written and captures the pain, tragedy, and loss of World War 1.
Movies and books seldom make me cry, but I teared up a tiny bit when reading this book.
I can't recommend it enough and I really must get my own copy to display on my shelf!




Music & Podcasts

A Mother Like You by JJ Heller ~ This is just the sweetest song from a child to her mother!

Is He Worthy? by Shane & Shane ~ I heard this song for the first time around Easter and this month I listened to it repeatedly.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Lauren Daigle ~ Lauren Daigle's take on this older song is just so good. I'll leave it here so you can give it a listen. Her arrangement is soothing and 'jazzy' (listen to it and you'll understand!).

How Can You Truly Please God (Revive Our Hearts podcast episode) ~ This one was just really good and I plan to listen to it a few more times yet!

Sweater Weather Instrumentals Playlist ~ This playlist popped up one day on my Spotify and I'm listening to it now and loving it. It is the perfect acoustic guitar, cosy, Autumn playlist!



Movies

Emma 1996

Google

I really liked this adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma! I have a whole post of my thoughts here!



Our Zoo

Google

Thanks to the blogging world, I had heard about this charming mini-series and then I stumbled upon it in our local library I grabbed it and triumphantly exclaimed to my mum that we must see it because a blogger I knew had raved about it!
It did not disappoint and was a great watch for our whole family. (I will not promise it, but I will hopefully post a full 'review' of this series soon...)



Other bits & pieces

- A Mother Like You music video

Here is the cutest, loveliest and sweetest music vid that accompanies the song A Mother Like You!


- Can We Be Pro-Love and Pro-Life?

I love this girl's Youtube channel and this video is great. She is encouraging everyone to stand up and speak for the unborn and act on their beliefs on being pro-life. In this video, Becca shares some ways that you can help and show your support for the pro-life movement.


That's all for this month folks!

Did you discover anything new and amazing this month?

Keep on blooming,

xoxo
Hannah



Note: All images all my own unless credited to their source.

Of Fire and Lions // Book Review

Hello darlings!

It has been a hot minute since I've written a book review for you and I am glad to be sharing one today.

I had seen this book getting a lot of hype in the bookish community I am part of on Instagram, so when I saw it sitting on a shelf in the library I decided to give it a go.
This was my first time ever reading a biblical fiction novel and also my first from the author Mesu Andrews.

So what did I think? Let me tell you but first here is what the book is about.

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Back Cover Synopsis
"Belili wears her children's disdain like a heavy cloak. The weight of their contempt threatens to crush her spirit, but she has perfected the art of survival.
She learned it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago after the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took its finest young people as captives.
Years later she survived among idol worshippers and in King Nebuchadnezzar's court by donning an identity that shrouded her with guilt and shame.

She's kept secrets from Daniel, her childhood friend and love of her life, but as the Medo-Persian army invades, the thread of Belili's deception unravels and her tightly wound secrets begin to unfurl.

When tensions mount in the land of their exile, Belili will do anything to keep her family safe even though each step leads them closer to the truth.
Will Daniel die in a pit of lions before she can make things right between them?
Or will the God who rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego save her husband and replace her spirit of heaviness with a garment of praise?"

• • • •

We are introduced to our main character, Belili, when she is an elderly woman and throughout the book, she has flashbacks to events in her past that link up to her current circumstances.
At first, though I knew they were there, these flashbacks confused me but as I got deeper into the book everything fell into place and made sense.

Mesu's writing was captivating in the first half and then for some reason in the second half of the book I became less engaged.

The book of Daniel is a story I only know vaguely and it was interesting seeing the author link her story to the true events that I was familiar with from the Bible. Like Daniel and his friends being favoured among all the young men as the most knowledgeable, skilful and wise, the men walking in the blazing fire, and Daniel being thrown in the lion's den.

It made me curious about this rather well-known man from the Bible and about the ancient Bible times and the culture.

A note on the sexual content, there were a couple of parts where a comment made me a little uncomfortable but that was it.

Belili or Abigail is Daniel's wife in this fictional glimpse into what might have been what Daniel's life was life.
She is imprisoned by her secrets and the guilt and shame of her past. Her children especially her eldest daughter Kezia cannot forgive her for abandoning them when they needed her.
Belili experiences various trials in her life as well as marvellous displays of God's power but finds it hard to believe that He hears her prayers despite her tainted past.

Rating

So my overall thoughts are that I did enjoy this book, the plot, the setting and the characters. I don't really see myself rereading it in the future though. But I have to mention that I think they did a great job with the cover design!

As for my thoughts on the genre of biblical fiction, I think its quite interesting and cool to imagine what a persons life might have been like.

Keep on blooming (and reading),

xoxo
Hannah