Reading, Writing & Pondering

  I picked up my copy of The Bright Side of the Other Side by Sara McDaniel intending to peruse it before reviewing it. . . but it quickly drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. I was done in 24 hours. Sara’s story reads like a novel, complete with a difficult storyline, yet full of hope, and complete with a happy ending. There are a lot of people who have faced difficulties and have a story that offers hope, but not everyone can write that story in such a beautiful way. Sara’s written story flows so well. Her heartbreak and challenges are balanced by her hopeful outlook. I think this book could offer hope to other people facing hard things of various kinds. I felt hopeful after reading it and my hard things are different than Sara’s. Sara faced infertility, infidelity in a marriage, and an unwanted divorce. She also dealt with a big health challenge and faced a job lay-off. Unbeknownst to her, restoration was coming in several ways after facing these challenges.  She moved b...

  Do you have a favorite season? I know Fall is a favorite of many people. I enjoy Fall but Spring is my favorite. 📖 Learn to Let Go by Meera Lee Patel is a beautifully illustrated guided journal. This beauty looks perfect for the start of the Fall season—or any time. It is a journal for exploring new beginnings and navigating change. It is perfect for the start of any new season in life. The author pairs inspiring quotes with encouraging prompts to help you face your current struggles and to navigate any difficult transitions. Changes happen throughout life—going back to school, starting a new job, making a new friend, or starting a new relationship—among others. This guided journal gives you prompts and space to process your feelings and gain clarity.  Learn to Let Go is a good size to carry along in your purse or book bag, besides using it at home. Thank you to @tarcher_books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.  #averytarcherinfluencers