It’s the last day of May. I’m sitting here reflecting on everything accomplished in the last month. It’s been busy. That’s normal with six kids. Life is always busy. But, I’ve accomplished a lot as well. I haven’t yet gotten back into crafting so I can reopen my shop. I’ll get there.

I got the blog organized and a clear schedule planned—through August—for reviews and other bookish things that have been swirling in my head. I feel motivated by other bloggers who are just rocking this blog scene and who encourage me to embrace my inner book thoughts.

Most of all, I think that being inspired to start my “Hey, You!” series has broken down some mental boundaries I’d set for myself. My “Hey, you!” voice is strong, quirky, sarcastic and brutally honest. She’s what I always think but have never voiced. Since releasing her into the blogosphere, I’m finding it harder and harder to keep her in her little box. She’s me. She’s just outspoken and casually comfortable.

One part of me fears that my new tone may scare people away, of course. But, she’s me. She’s the me that I’ve always hidden.

Has blogging opened up new outlets for you? Do you find that you’re less scared to unleash your true voice? Like me, have you struggled to allow the real you to be seen? There are a few bloggers that have taken time out of their own busy blogging schedule to give me likes, comments and offered kindness. It’s meant the world to me and has made me courageous. Thank you!

 

New in May

It was a big month for Amish Fiction on the blog! A lot of “spring romance” type things release in the month of May.  Next month has a bit more variety to it!

• • [1 May] Goodreads Monday
  • [2 May] A Plain Widow by Diane Craver ★
  • [4 May] Under the Cover of Light by Carole Engle Avriett ★★★★★
  • [7 May] Weekly Wrap Up: Week 18
  • [8 May] Goodreads Monday
  • [9 May] Written in Love by Kathleen Fuller ★★★★★
  • [9 May] The Beloved Hope Chest|Spotlight
  • [10 May] Hey, Author! Let’s talk about that negative review!
  • [11 May] The Cherished Quilt by Amy Clipston ★★★★
  • [12 May] Get to Know Me
  • [14 May] Weekly Wrap Up: Week 19
  • [15 May] Goodreads Monday
  • [16 May] The Beloved Hope Chest (Amish Heirloom, #4) by Amy Clipston ★★★★★
  • [17 May] Hello Stars (Lena in the Spotlight #1) by ★★★
  • [18 May] Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs by Amy E. Mason ★★★★
  • [21 May] Weekly Wrap Up: Week 20
  • [22 May] Goodreads Monday
  • [23 May] Trusting Grace by Maggie Brendan ★★
  • [25 May] The Lopsided Christmas Cake by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter ★★★★★
  • [27 May] Tag: This is my Genre. Tell me yours!
  • [28 May] Weekly Wrap Up: Week 21
  • [29 May] Goodreads Monday
  • [30 May] The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis ★★½

 

Book of the Month

Under the Cover of Light by Carole Engle Avriett
Published by NavPress on May 2nd, 2017
Genres: Biography & Autobiography, Personal Memoirs, Religion, Christian Life, Inspirational, History, Military, Vietnam War
Pages: 320
Purchase: Amazon|Barnes&Noble|Goodreads

In 1965, Col. Thomas “Jerry” Curtis’s helicopter was shot down over North Vietnam. He was immediately captured and spent 7½ years confined in a filthy 5′ x 7′ cell at the notorious Hanoi prison camp.

Thousands of miles from home and unable to communicate with his wife and children, Jerry endured months of solitary confinement, suffocating heat, freezing cold, grueling physical and psychological torture, constant hunger, and unimaginable mental duress. And yet, time and again, the Light that darkness cannot overcome became his beacon of hope.

Now, for the first time in print, Jerry shares the full story of his 2,703 days in captivity and what he learned about faith, hope, and the indomitable power of the human spirit.

Posted By: Kristin Filed Under: Monthly Wrap, Wrap Up Tagged With: ASEL Reviews, Blog Wrap Up, Reading wrap up