Author J Roe

Writing quirky characters on redemptive journeys

best ya books

Christmas Shopping for the Usual Bookish Suspects?

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Are you Christmas Shopping for the usual bookish suspects? Maybe you love being a blessing each Christmas and getting unique thoughtful gifts for the book nerds in your life … but you’re all thought out? Well, we believe that if you are here, it’s because you’ve found value in our little boutique business and our unique brand of book love speaks to you. Let us help you with the teachers, pastors, homeschooling families, grandkids, and so many other classic or even off-the-beaten path book nerds on your list!

We believe these suggestions, pairings if you will, for the bibliophile most matching the following descriptions will help your shopping go smoother this year. At least, that’s our hope! Happy shopping, friend!

Usual Suspect: Christmas Crazy Book Lover

Perhaps you’ve noticed a great love for the holidays in many of my books, whatever pen name I’m writing under. Whether you are a rom-com lover enjoying Tess and Garrett’s fun fake-dating Christmas love story in The Facts and Fictions of Love or Rapunzel’s first look at Christmas in Beyond the Tower we think these bookish ornaments, stockings and decorations will help your book lover’s heart melt in this sweet season!

Ornaments your book lover will, well, LOVE:

Christmas Stockings for your book lover

Christmas Candles for your book lover:

Usual Suspect: Book Dragon and Fantasy Lover

Do you have a book dragon on your list? Someone who LOVES to hoard their treasure of books and adores dragons (and possibly tons of other mythical creatures?) After you have gotten these book dragons Rapunzel’s Journey (yes, the sorceresses do love to shape-shift into creatures like DRAGONS, leviathan, and more are featured on the lovely covers) you’ll want to click through some of these lovely fantasy inspired treasures.

Usual Suspect: Loud and Proud Book Nerd

You know you have a true book nerd when they love chatting about how high their TBR stack is and how they have surpassed their Reading Challenge over on Goodreads. It’s probable they read in several genres, so once they’ve opened their actual book presents (please do consider bookish Tess and book nerd Rapunzel as fun reads for them!) these gifts will “pair well” with those paper or hardbacks!

For the Book Nerd Who Loves to Wear Her Love Loudly:

But there are those Book Nerds that might something a little more miscellaneous:

Wishing You and Your Usual Bookish Suspects a Merry Holiday (With Lots of Reading Time)!

Is this a complete list? By no means! Will I be adding to it as I think of things and write you more books? ABSOLUTELY! Until then, I’ll be over here, reading, shopping, and hoping to hear more from you in between my chats and laughing sessions with my crazy characters. Mucho love!

About the Quirky Author

A lover of faith and fantasy inspired fairy tale retellings and utterly obsessed with sweet romantic comedy books, JacQueline (aka Jackie Q.) enjoys telling stories, asking God hard questions, and laughing with her family and friends. She lives in North Alabama with her amazing karate husband and three book-crazy children. She takes every opportunity to drink coffee while wearing dangly earrings and the color purple.

*qualifying purchases will profit the author and her family with affiliate income to continue writing stories to delight more readers at no additional cost to you. 😉

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5 of the GREATEST Heroes {and Why We Love Them}

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Among us silly bookworms, 5 of the GREATEST Heroes {and why we love them} will not be something we can all agree on. It is intensely personal as to what draws someone to a hero. Go ahead and ask the nearest bibliophile, “What makes a hero great?” Depending on who you ask you might get a varied list:

  • a chiseled jawline
  • dry wit
  • unshakeable faith
  • strength of character
  • washboard abs
  • fierce loyalty
  • mysterious past
  • brooding eyes
  • playful smile

. . . I could go on. In fact, I will. But my personal list will be less about physicality and more about what motivates him. There is no way to discuss what makes him great without a few spoilers, but please have grace with me.

I’ve chosen the following 5 GREATEST heroes from my favorite book series. No one hero has it all and no man should have to live up to the reputation of any fictional character. But, I have discovered that the heroes I’m drawn to tell me a lot more about my husband than I realized for a long time. I wonder if the same is true for you and the man in your life (or in your future).

**affiliate links do help provide a small commission to me at no additional charge to you.

Greatest Hero #1: Gilbert Blythe from the Anne of Green Gables series

Of course I started with Gilbert Blythe. How could I not? He is one of the defining heroes that set the bar pretty high in terms of who I am willing sigh over. Fiercely loyal? Definitely, though it hurt him at times. Mischievous nature and playful smile? Both get him into trouble with Anne right from the start, making her a challenge that he pursues and finally wins over. But I love how he does it in stages and though he is besotted by her, he doesn’t lose sight of his own personal goals.

Since they match each other in intelligence, they are constantly pushing each other for the highest honors throughout grade school and throughout college. So, this hero is good for the heroine and brings out the best in her. His sense of humor also tempers our overly dramatic heroine. (My husband, bless him, does that for me) And loyal? He is, as he works his hardest to help provide for his family as a young adult and later for himself, Anne, and their children. Finally, what profession does he choose? He becomes a doctor during a time when they weren’t paid well, and that is very noble and swoon-worthy in my estimation.

Greatest Hero #2: Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series

How can we not all have a little crush on Harry Potter? The abused orphan/chosen one who is destined to save his magical world against all odds? Yes, yes, yes!

Things I love about Harry Potter include:

  • his sense of humor
  • his deep loyalty to his friends
  • even his deep flaws (like his temper)

The very people he surrounds himself with are those who make him stronger and better. He doesn’t play lone wolf too often, and when he does, he learns from his mistakes. By the end of the series, he has become the hero we all hoped he would be back when he was just an orphan locked under the stairs.

Publishing this post during the Christmas season of 2021. There’s been a lot of sadness in our world these past 20 months, I’m thankful for great books with the greatest heroes that make me *happy sigh* LOL 🙂

Greatest Hero #3: Wesley from The Princess Bride

Okay, I have never done this before, but I’m including a character from a book I haven’t read. YET! Instead, I’ve memorized the movie and discussed it at length with a friend who did read the book. Hey, it’s on my TBR and I just COULDN’T leave Wesley off this list!

First, though at the beginning of his journey our hero is just “farm boy,” he shows wisdom in the way that he woos his heroine, Buttercup. He keeps doing things for her and saying “as you wish”–umm, do YOU know a woman who wouldn’t love to have a man say and follow through with that?

Having earned her love, he travels off into the world to earn her hand, showing himself to be self-sacrificial from the very start. He goes on to show he is a man of many talents, what he doesn’t know, he is determined to learn, all in the name of getting back to the woman he loves. You guys, he becomes a PIRATE, and for some reason, that is so swashbuckling and all things awesome.

  • he becomes a master swordsman
  • he uses his brain against brawn
  • he develops an immunity to poison
  • he outwits the fire swamp

I love that he’s a strategist and the perfect foil for the nasty Prince Humperdink. And yes, evidently, heals quickly.

Greatest Hero #4: Wolf from The Lunar Chronicles

Okay, so I’m not really into paranormal-shifter books. I’m not saying I never will be, it’s just not my thing right now. But there is one hero from Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles that I adore, and it is Wolf. Just like his name sounds, he is some sort of human genetically altered into a wolf. Kinda. And his instincts are to be loyal to his pack and fulfill his mission.

But, as the book Scarlet is a sci-fi retelling/retwisting of Little Red Riding Hood, Wolf has a massive redemption arc. And you know I love a great story of redemption. I love the twists and turns that reveal who he is truly loyal to and protective of. And, as so many readers are saying these days, “I. Am. Here. For. It.”

Greatest Hero #5: Paul from Rapunzel’s Journey series

{forgive me, I will include a few spoilers from my series, but nothing you shouldn’t know if you are familiar with the original Rapunzel story from Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales}

When I first discovered Paul, he was listening to Rapunzel sing at night, unable to reach the woman he longs for since she is incarcerated in her doorless tower. Night after night he puzzled out how to get to her. The hunter in him prince loved the challenge. And once he found his way to her, I really fell in love with him. He was:

  • careful with her heart
  • respected her mind
  • shared his faith with her
  • wanted to help free her

Of course, he wasn’t perfect and got a little cocky about his ability to free her. Honestly, this makes him a little lovable to me, because it makes him human. And he paid for it dearly when the witch pushed him from the tower and, it seemed to Rapunzel, died.

But Paul, we find out later, is living under a spell on another island loyally serving a lord. Though bewitched, he is still gentle with her. When he discovers she is engaged, he wants her to decide who to love. He never pushes, but remains steadfast in his love. Later in the series, he grows past some insecurities and becomes an amazing mentor for other struggling young men.

So, yes, he reminds me greatly of my awesome husband. *Happy sigh*

You can purchase my series at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, my bookshop, or get the ebooks free on Amazon in KU (Kindle Unlimited). {For a limited time, all 4 paperbacks are under $40 USD on Amazon. 🙂 Merry Christmas!}

Bonus Hero #6: Rhys from Falling for Your Enemy

First of all, I have developed a major addiction to Sweet/Closed Door Rom-Coms this past year, and I blame Emma St. Clair. So I had to include one on this list. If you need a break from ya fantasy or the classic books you love, I highly recommend you pick up Emma St. Clair’s Love Cliche Series. Every single book includes a swoony hero and when you get to the last book, 5 of the Greatest Heroes {and why we love them} becomes apparent.

For me specifically, though Thayden almost won my heart in this series, I have to give the award to Rhys. And it’s going to make you laugh, but I understood so much more about my relationship with my husband after reading this book. Rhys:

  • is grumpy
  • has a dry wit
  • protects those he loves (oh, his grand gesture is AMAZING!)
  • has a secret wound he eventually confronts
  • is an amazing friend
  • makes Sam (the heroine) better

This book really needs to be read at the end of the series, and if you don’t love Rhys by the end, you may be lacking a soul. Just kidding. Maybe. Seriously, go buy it or listen to the audiobooks!

5 of the Greatest Heroes {and why we love them}

So, to recap, I’m a sucker for any intelligent man who puts others before himself, is fiercely loyal, and loves unconditionally. And evidently, I also like them a little grumpy with a dry wit that makes me laugh till I cry. But that’s me, what about you? You can comment here or hop over to Instagram where I shared this silly reel about heroes I love and tell me all about who else I should have included.

For more Book Recommendations, please visit my Complete List of Book Recommendations page or head over to my Bookshop that supports indie bookstores.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun. 

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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8 Frightening Books to Read this Halloween

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Though I used to not celebrate Halloween, I have found an odd acceptance with the holiday. I have discovered great joy in passing out candy, watching movies with my kids, and allowing myself the treat of a book that gives me chills. Not a fan of Stepen King, I prefer instead gothic horror and the sublime. So, if you are like me and looking for, oh, let’s say 8 frightening books to read this Halloween? Read on and I’ll also point you where to find them.

NOTE: Some links are affiliate, meaning I will receive a small commission with no additional charge to you.

Frightening Books to Read: Frankenstein

I have long wanted to read the story of Frankenstein, so when Smidgen Press hired me to write both the book description and the introduction to their gorgeous republication, I dove in, learning the backstory and preparing to be swept away by what some have called the original science fiction novel in the gothic horror style.

When Mary Shelley, deep in grief, was visiting with friends, Lord Byron made a challenge. Their odd group of gothic romantics living alternative and, for their time, scandalous lives, were dared to write chilling ghost stories.

By this point in history, Mary was acquainted with Luigi Galvini’s experimentation with the use of electricity on dead animals. She also knew of Galvini’s nephew’s reanimation of the body of an executed murderer. The inevitability of science going too far no longer seemed a leap of the imagination. 

The often depressed Mary might be likened to the obsessed Victor Frankenstein, the doctor she created for her story. While Dr. Frankenstein pieced together a new creation from several corpses, she stitched together the fearful news from the scientific front, envisioning a world where the creation makes a monster of its creator. See the full-size or adorable “pocket-size” available from Smidgen Press here.

Frightening Books to Read: Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey remains the only completed novel of Jane Austen’s that I have yet to read. When my sister bought me this lovely set of Jane Austen’s novels for Christmas, I was stunned. I KNEW this would be the year that I finally read Northanger Abbey. What’s more? I knew that October was the perfect month to do it in.

The story follows Catherine Moreland, a girl who has been spoiled by reading too many novels. When she visits love interest Henry Tilney’s family estate, she begins to try and unravel the mysteries she feels certain are there. I am looking forward to things that go bump in the night in this classic. And best of all will be Miss Austen’s satirical wit. Get this stunning clothbound edition with keys stitched on the cover here.

Frightening Books to Read: Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is one of my all-time favorite classic books. Yes, it takes a little while to get into. Once Jane is off to Thornfield Hall, the stage is set for mystery with just enough horror and a bit of supernatural. The sound of madness cackling in laughter? The fear of being burnt alive in your bed? The nightmares that ominously point toward danger? All this and more totally kept me flipping through the pages. If I have time this October, I may pick it up again! Get this beautiful clothbound edition here.

Frightening Books to Read: House of Salt and Sorrows

Anyone who knows me should know that I adore a good fairy tale retelling. After all, as an author, that’s what I do! And a retelling based on both The Twelve Dancing Princesses AND Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven? What could be more eerily perfect for Halloween? My only caution is this. I recommend this book for older adolescents. If not, then read with a trusted adult to navigate some of the darker and more mature themes.

Set in the fantasy world where Poseidon lives, you can almost taste the salt of tears and waves. As Annaleigh recounts the deaths of her mother and subsequent sisters, the grief is heavy. There were once twelve, but the creepy knowledge that someone is stealing these lives permeates the pages. Darkness hovers like a ghost looming just out-of-sight. Is Annaleigh in danger, or has grief driven her mad? Get it here.

Frightening Books to Read: The Hazel Wood (series)

Even darker than The House of Salt and Sorrows is my next frightening suggestion. Melissa Albert’s masterfully crafted Hazel Wood series is perfect for anyone who enjoys the darker, bone-chilling side of fairy tales and can tolerate profanity. Alice and her mother have lived their life together always moving. They are trying to keep one step ahead of something that is chasing them. But when her mother is taken, Alice finds only a note telling her to “STAY AWAY FROM THE HAZEL WOOD”. Only Alice and her new friend can discover the truth.

Be prepared to read the original duology in quick succession. The ending of The Hazel Wood needs the conclusion of The Night Country to bring solid resolution. I do not recommend these books to young readers as they have such a sharp edge and are moored in moral ambiguity that I believe requires some maturity to handle. But that is my personal opinion, and I leave the decision up to each family/reader to make. You can get them here.

Frightening Books to Read: Before the Tower and Beyond the Tower

At last, I would like to invite you to travel with Rapunzel for some chilling adventures. When I first began writing, I had no idea how many dark and twisty paths we would be traveling together. From the betrayal that led to her imprisonment, to meeting Bluebeard, and losing her way in the Dark Wood, Rapunzel’s Journey is set in a fantasy world at odds with magic and filled with secrets. Like all of the above books, the storytelling begins slowly. Be prepared for it to weave its spell over you until you NEED to know what’s behind the door or at the end of the path.

I recommend you grab these frightening books to read for FREE. You can get the prequel, Before the Tower, here or book 1, Beyond the Tower, here. Yep, for now you can discover a portal into Rapunzel’s World and start your journey alongside her. But I’m frightened (<–see what I did there?) that I won’t be able to offer them for free much longer. Jury’s still out, but for now they are both still free and I’ll just update this article if and when I have to change that.

Your Turn

So, like always at the end of one of my articles, I will now turn it over to you. I would love to hear which of these 8 frightening books to read for Halloween you are going to pick up–if any. And if, in fact you like straight-up horror and have a hard time with more classic titles or descriptive young adult fantasy, what books would YOU recommend for this creepy time of the year? Let me know in the comments, on Instagram (where I make silly reels about books), or by contacting me here if you’re a little shy. I LOVE talking books and would consider it an honor to hear from you!

If you need more book recommendations from me, I have a curated list here or you can head over to my bookshop here.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun. 

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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How can Books Connect You to Your Favorite People?

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At my house, we love books. When I say we love books, I mean we are reading constantly. Taking my kids to the library or the bookstore is a timed event. If it isn’t, we lose track of time completely and wonder hours later why we are grumpy and hungry. Might be because we missed a meal while trying to convince ourselves we can realistically read through fifty titles in the next two weeks.

So, yes, we might be a little obsessive about books. And you might be thinking that’s great for your imagination and some alone time . . . But, how can books connect you to your favorite people?

Beware Introverts, Reading can be Social!

Books and reading imply a solitary activity, right? Something you do by yourself, sitting on a couch with your feet tucked beneath you, a nice hot mug of something soothing at your side. It is the respite from being with other people, not having to come up with the right words to say. Right? Well, reading certainly can be that {and all the introverts breathed a sigh of relief}. But, it can also be something different. It can actually be the thing that brings your family or group of friends together. All you need is a little imagination and a good book.

Fandoms, Buddy Reads, Book Clubs, and Literary Societies

What can be more exciting than discovering commonality between two people? When readers connect over a beloved book, author, or make-believe world, it takes very little for that connection to become a fandom. The literary love dominates conversations and “what-if” questions crop up constantly. Pretty soon, you have best friends grabbing books at the same time to have their own buddy reads so they can discuss as they go. Or a larger group might choose a different book each month in order to really dig deep into what they did or didn’t like. Perhaps even better is the idea of a literary society where everyone is reading their own book and then meeting up to give a review and present their case for why everyone should read the book they just fell in love with. Persuasive arguments can get loud and silly at times, just adding to joy of it all.

Book Discussions on the Fly

In my family we have done ALL of the above. And in so doing, we are constantly discussing this or that book issue, problem, dream, whatever. Wouldn’t it be great if it were done in an organized manner with a thoughtful leader who can steer the group seamlessly from point A to point B to point C? Sure, and I bet there are people out there like that. But {spoiler alert} not only am I not like that, but my family is not like that. We are big mess and we hop from one thing to another as our thoughts and discussions collide with whatever events surround us. This means what we read helps us, or distracts us, from understanding the world and the people around us.

For example, our family comes from a more conservative background, but we read and discuss things that may not line up with our beliefs. We want to know other viewpoints so that we can educate ourselves and be considerate friends and neighbors to those who may not think like us or share the same values. This means my husband and I have to do a great deal of research and encourage our kids to as well. It’s uncomfortable at times and there have been occasions where we inadvertently exposed our kids to something we hadn’t anticipated. But because we were discussing things as we went, we walked alongside our kids and evaluated the opinions and decisions along the way.

Bookish Activities to Bring You Together

Another way to use books to connect with your favorite people is to actually engage in the activities that a book recommends. Love The Secret Garden? Why not create your very own garden together? It’s amazing the ways people open up when they are working outside together. Kids love Percy Jackson? Have a Percy Jackson day and play capture the flag and eat some blue food. You might be surprised as you ask your favorite people what they love about the stories that they start talking about Percy’s frustrations, anger, or fun sense of humor. For more fun ideas on how to create a Book Week, visit this blog for inspiration.

Use Books to Connect to Your Favorite People

So, next time you connect with a book, spend a moment and think about how to use that book to connect with one of your favorite people. As a friend, wife, and mother, I’ve discovered that books are more than just a wonderful way to relax alone. If you want to find out more about books that help in this way, head over to my complete list of book recommendations that can link you with some great reads. And if you are looking for a free one to start with, I’d love to send you mine if you click here. You’ll have the option of joining my monthly newsletter where I will continue to connect you with great book recommendations and bookish fun. As always, you can unsubscribe at any time, no hard feelings.

Now it’s your turn, how have you or will you use books to connect to your favorite people?

Books stacked on a desk in front of a book case with a phone propped up displaying the ebook Before the Tower. In a purple shadowbox in front of book case are the words "Journey to Rapunzel's World, Download your free book now!" Colorful bookshelf logo for authorjroe.com tucked into lower lefthand corner.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun. 

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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How to Choose the Right Book for Your Mood

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If you head over to Instagram, you’ll find all kinds of readers, self-professed book lovers, who are constantly sharing their favorite novels. They take beautiful pictures of book flatlays or do funny dances on their reels sharing what they loved and hated. But the question always comes down to what a book lover should reach for next. Just because you loved this particular author or series, are you really in the mood for more of that, or do you need something different? Are you a reader in search of the right formula to determine how to choose the right book for your mood?

What is a moody reader?

First, I need to state that not all of us bookworms are needing a formula. Many readers have a system that works for them. They have go-to authors or genres that they know will satisfy their book-cravings no matter what else is happening in their lives. What happened at work or in their personal lives does not change what they want to read. Horrible traffic or a screaming toddler who won’t go down for a nap? Doesn’t matter. They can just go on blissful autopilot when clicking for the next book.

But, if you are like me, you are HIGHLY impacted by your mood. In fact, your Goodreads might have several books “open” at a time on your “currently reading shelf”. Each day you might even be making progress in a different book. Go ahead, scroll through my Goodreads account. It will seem completely random, but I have discovered that it is anything BUT random.

How the pandemic changed my reading life

My mental health and current environment directly impact how I am feeling and what I’m reading. Right now my environment is still made up of a tightly knit family of Bible-believing bookworms who are still stuck at home due to the global pandemic. Struggling with chronic pain as well as depression and anxiety during the best of times, this past year has been . . . interesting.

Before the pandemic, I was reaching for lots of angsty young adult fantasy and Christian romantic suspense as my comfort reads. I loved the fast-pace and coming-of-age story arcs common in the former and the intrigue with the love story of the latter. But listening to fiction audiobooks? No, thank you. It literally put me to sleep. I preferred paperback to ebooks and hardbacks to paperback. Let me smell my fiction. Raise your hand if you’re a book-sniffer, too!

Now? I am still reading young adult fantasy books, but because of the angst level in many of those books, I have discovered that middle grade fantasy and clean romance/romantic comedies are more comforting right now. Fun action with magical worlds is still necessary, but I also need simple plot lines where two people have the promise of a happily-ever-after at the end of each book. Also, I’m taking greater care with my spiritual life, knowing it impacts my mental health directly. I used to sit and read my Bible almost every day (hey, I’m not perfect. I’d miss some days here and there.) But all of a sudden, I just couldn’t read it with my eyes anymore. I don’t know why, so I tried audio. Now, I’m listening to more of the Bible than I used to read daily and it is making a huge difference. As my speed in reading has increased, I also started gravitating towards ebooks. And once I started listening to the Bible, I tried ya fantasy and that was a win, too. Who knew?

How to judge the mood of a book

How did I know I needed to change my reading habits? I was no longer excited about reading. Simple as that. What had once been enjoyable suddenly felt like work. So I changed it up by noticing what was engaging and in what format I found it engaging. Mental health is a weird beast, but I’ve learned that if I remain flexible, my overall health benefits.

So, as you look to what you might need in your reading life right now, look closely at the covers. What colors and images are pulling you in? You’ll know it when you see it. Now, glance at the book description. What keywords are standing out? Are you finding that you like the sound of a straightforward, problem-solving, how-to book instead of a novel? Check out some self-help based on your interests in self-improvement. Do you desire to escape into a paranormal world where people are not what they seem and you can imagine you have secret gifts waiting to be discovered? Why not try paranormal fantasy? Or maybe, you feel drawn to something with comforting words, something that feels like a warm hug with a cookie (or biscuit for my UK friends) on the side. Cozy (or cosy) mysteries might be exactly what you need.

How to choose the right book for your mood

Do I think this will be forever? I doubt it. I’ve gone through many reading stages in my life and I always come back around to loving anything fantasy-related, so that’s a staple for me. Like I said, I’m still reading young adult fantasy, just enjoying it through my ears right now. I’ve also usually reached for something that had some sort of love-story, but because of my faith I choose to keep the steam-level to a minimum. That’s me, but what are you like?

At the time of writing this, vaccines are coming out and hope is on the horizon. Maybe there is peace ahead of us. But at the same time, racism is raging and the cancel-culture has people taking offense over so many details that many of us can’t keep up. If you’re a mood reader, you’ll be impacted by these things and need to choose your books wisely. Be open to new ways of thinking, but also be true to what you know is right. If you need escapism, choose something fun. If you’re ready for some deep thinking, go for it! Whatever you choose, enjoy your reading life and don’t let it become work.

Free Book(s) for you

If you are ready to try something new, why not sign up for my newsletter list and receive the prequel (free-quel) to Rapunzel’s journey, Before the Tower? You’ll get at least one email from me each month containing book recommendations and silly, bookish fun to engage your imagination and make you smile. Not ready for the commitment of a newsletter? You can wait on the prequel and start at book one for free. Click here to meet Rapunzel in Beyond the Tower as she stumbles through the fairy tale world after the witch casts her out. Book one is available in paperback and on all the online retailers where you can grab your copy now.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photo Credit: Sincerely Media, Sincerely Media, Natasha Tirtabrata, Silviarita, and Tesjavi Ganjoo.

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Our Need for Redemption in Fairy Tale Retellings

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When talking about the need for redemption in fairy tale retellings, I suppose it would make sense to start with “once upon a time in a faraway land,” and proceed with who was good, what was evil. But fairy tale retellings of our time are far more complicated than that. I’ve discussed before why we love to retell fairy tales and what makes them our favorite. Now I’d like to explore further and discuss light versus dark and the need of humanity for stories of redemption.

One of my favorite authors likes to say on his podcast, “I’m about to take things too seriously” and I completely relate. Imagine me raising my hand. I do take books seriously. Like, probably too seriously. These books that I love reading often have a dark edge, like a razor’s blade. That’s not always a bad thing! Stories are the expression of what we believe and feel, they can cut to the truth of the matter and I need that in my life. But what if the cutting isn’t clean, what if they mar or mutilate under the guise of telling an engaging story?

Does Redemption Mean Light and Fluffy?

Don’t get me wrong. I understand dark and twisty, I really do. My life has been dark and twisty at times, and like most people, I need to know I’m not alone. A great story is a reflection of the struggle of humanity since the fall of creation. For now in this fallen world, we cannot comprehend our need for the light until we recognize the darkness. But like the book of Romans says, I yearn for the day when that will no longer be the case.

If you are looking for dark and complicated stories that cause you to question what you believe, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you’re up for it. Sometimes I am, sometimes my mental and spiritual health aren’t. Some of the more mature ya fantasy fairy tale retellings like Melissa Albert’s Hazel Wood series, Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker trilogy, even Erin A. Craig’s The House of Salt and Sorrow might intrigue you. Do I appreciate these books? I do. There is a quality to the storytelling that exceeded my expectations. Albert’s prose is gorgeous. Kemmerer’s pacing is fantastic. Craig’s world building is hypnotic.

Why We Need Redemption in Fairy Tale Retellings

My caution here is that books like these tend to get so dark, that we can miss the point. We probably need to discuss books like these in order to get to what the truth is. It doesn’t have to be a formal book club, but a trusted person or group of people who share your beliefs. What we consume and how we digest it matters. It has the power to transform or harden us.

Are you shaking your head at me, yet? I told you, I take books seriously and yes, I’m one of those people. I believe every tale has a theme, a distinct arrow directing us {hopefully} to the truth. Though it should never be beating you over the head with it, I want my stories, both those I read and write, to enlighten. To literally redeem and bring healing into what was broken.

In recognizing the darkness and depravity of the fallen world, we need stories that make room for light, that focus on what’s right and pure, that allow and encourage the growth in the characters as good fights evil. If something is going to get very dark, then I hope and pray for the light that will eradicate the dark.

Just For You

In case you are wondering what I mean about redemption at play in a story, I have included this theme throughout my Rapunzel retelling. Click through and discover Rapunzel’s story of redemption by starting with Beyond the Tower and I’m sure you’ll want to follow it up with Amidst the Castles to see how light eradicates the darkness. Then, decide for yourself. Should light triumph over darkness in fairy tale retellings, or not?

3 books on blue gradient background. You loved House of Salt and Sorrows, now read Beyond the Tower and Amidst the Castles for $.99

Photo Credit: Nana Kim, Christina Woc, Jayalekshman.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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