Planning a Productive Summer

As the temperatures rise and the activities of the school/college year wind down, we grab our coolest sunglasses and fix our eyes toward summer.

We head into this month of June with a huge list of To-dos, Must-sees and Can’t Misses. The 3 months stretch out before us uncluttered and full of promise.

The problem is that, usually somewhere around the middle of August, we realize that the To-dos didn’t get done, the Must-Sees weren’t viewed and the Can’t Misses were…well, missed.

With that in mind, I’ve created a cute little 90-day Summer Planner.

(The picture and title are clickable. Links may be affiliate links that provide us with a small commission at no extra expense to you.)

It’s called “The Summer of Me” not to enforce a totally selfish mindset, but to remind us that WE only accomplish what WE plan to accomplish. No one else can set our goals for us. They must be something we’ve determined through prayer, Bible study, advice from trusted counselors and the Holy Spirit’s leading.

This little planner has 3 month calendar pages:

14 weekly pages:

Several pages for notes, summer activities and a look toward the Fall, and a Daily planner layout for each page of the Summer.

It has everything you need to plan a great Summer and actually succeed at having one!

When you pick one up, I’d love it if you left a review – pro or con – whether you like it or not. This is my first foray into self-publishing and I’d really like to know what you think!

Thanks so much for reading.

In Him,

Alesha Kay

Not the Same

II Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gracelaced by Ruth Chou Simons

You are a new creation. Not the same old You you were before. His life lives in you. His Spirit speaks to you and for you.

Leave the old yesterday behind you and step into the glorious new Today!

In Him,

Alesha Kay

A Book Review – Will Not See by Chautona Havig

I recently read Will Not See by Chautona Havig, and thought I would use Chautons’s recent blog post How To Write a Helpful Book Review in 10 Easy Steps to give you all a review on the book. Will Not See is the second in a series called Sight Unseen.  I read the first book, None So Blind, a while ago, but this book is a stand alone story.  Both stories deal with a woman who wakes up with amnesia.

WhatI'mReading

1. How did you feel about the setting?

I love Chautona’s town of Rockland. I feel like anyone who ends there is “safe” because I know there are lots of good people in the town to “help” the character. But when Vikki ventured back home to Arizona in Will Not See, I got nervous. I just knew there was something unsavory there. I was happily surprised when not everyone there was a bad guy.

2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?

Vikki isn’t a Christian, but she is struggling hard with that position. And she’s trying to be honest about that, but only to certain people. So, she will act and react unlike a Christian should.

3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?

Brandon was definitely my favorite character. He just throws his whole heart, soul and body into protection mode, and is a true hero, in my opinion.

4. What journey does the main character take?

The big crux is not about Vikki’s amnesia, in my opinion, but rather that she has to decide who she wants to be. That’s a really big decision. Occasionally, she has to take a break from it, but mostly she fights for understanding to make the right choices for herself.

5. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?

I love Chautona’s writing! I consider her one of my very favorite authors. The only issue I ever have with her work is that occasionally, I feel left behind. Her writing is tight. Every word is important. There just isn’t much “fluff” at all. Since I read a LOT, I tend to read the subjects, verbs and skip most of the adjectives and some of the phrases. When I do that with Chautona’s books, I miss stuff. Important stuff. I have to slow down, and occasionally go back and re-read to figure out what is going on. So…I’m thinking that’s more MY problem than the writer’s.

6. Is there humor in the book?

There is humor. Sometimes, I don’t think it’s *that* funny. But people are different, aren’t they? We all find some things funny that others don’t. Some of the author’s humor is tongue-in-cheek rather than laugh-out-loud.

7. Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?

Yessss. The Lord is definitely “wooing” Vikki. But she has a hard time believing and verbalizing how God is working in her heart. But He continues to draw her to Himself and that is a precious truth! I also love Brandon’s self-control. It is a rare virtue in today’s society.

8. For whom would you recommend this book?

I think everyone would like this book.

9. Who will not like this book?

I don’t know. I can’t imagine anyone not getting caught up in the story!

10. Why did you give it the star rating you did?

I’ll be giving it a 5-star rating on Amazon. It’s an excellent read. I can’t wait to read the third one. There is going to be a third one, right, Chautona?!!

Let me know if you read Will Not See. I’d love to know what you think about it!

A Book Review – Works of Darkness by V. B. Tenery

I enjoyed this book so much!

I actually read the prequel in a suspense collection, (Keep Me In Suspense), and liked it so much, I went looking for more books by the same author. I found Works of Darkness, the first book in the Matt Foley/Sara Bradford series and I was not disappointed!

It’s a classic “whodunit” with plenty of suspects, intrigue and danger. I just KNEW that I had guessed the killer, but changed my mind several times before the reveal! I’m impressed when an author can fool me.

The male and female leads were strong Christians who were flawed, but faithful to the truth they believed in. They were also involved in their local church and its ministries, which I absolutely loved!

The book is free right now, so hop over to Amazon to get your copy. I’ve just bought the second and third books in the series and can’t wait to get started.

Happy reading!

Alesha