Ellie Daniels never saw it coming…Her life was peaceful and fulfilling, working as a successful young author in New York City. While she creates paper people to release the grief of losing her mother so early and not having the support network of friends and family, her father spends his time serving with the NYPD. Ellie and Martin Daniels have each other. They’re surviving. Not thriving, but they’re alive, and that’s all that matters, until the night a vicious attack leaves Ellie reeling. Traumatized and not knowing how to process her grief, Ellie flees New York and returns to the summer cottage of her childhood in Maple Ridge when mysterious people from history begin appearing in her house. From battered war heroes to charming U.S. Marshal Howie Robertson, Ellie begins to understand that not all those from history wish to stay there. 
The past is chasing her, and he has a name.

    A cunningly weaved plot, a stunning setting, lovable and unforgettable characters, and beautiful reminders and lessons, Present History is a timeless story which you will pick up again and again.

History is alive.
Who are those of the future to say the past is silent?
Let history speak for itself, and may those who have ears, listen.
For many hear, but few listen.
Fewer still are those who understand.
Howie Robertson

    When I first read 'Present History' I was amazed by both the quality of the writing, and the story itself. It was an original idea, but so well executed. When I read it again, I was able to appreciate everything so much more, and still be excited by the plot. It is not predictable at all.

    The plot is so well paced, and although it is quite intense, it's doesn't feel too exciting. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, but even so, there is plenty of time for exploring the setting, and developing the characters.

    Speaking of the characters.... Where do I even begin? Asking me to pick a favourite character is like asking me to pick a favourite book {it ain't gonna happen - although this book is definitely a contender}.




There's Ellie Daniels - the author, a thoughtful yet troubled girl, who is so much like a lot of us.

There's Tom Holt - a sweet {like seriously sweet}, kind, and wise guy. His family and him made me smile so much. Just reading about them made me feel like I was at their dinner table, enjoying the warmth and laughter. Also #Tellie all the way.

Howie Robertson- the wise marshal, who is just a tad bit protective.

Justice, Ethan, Jonathan, Hannah... The list goes on, they were all so amazing, and the character growth was seriously inspiring.



    The interactions between characters were also so good. They took time to find out who each person was, and appreciated their struggles and wisdom. Like can I just have them all as friends, pretty please?

    The villain was so so perfect. No, not perfect, but I mean he was completely shiver up your spine loathsome. He is the epitome of evil, but he still was realistic.

     The settings were so amazing. The story is partly set in New York, and partly in British Columbia - my home province - and there's plenty of forests, lakes, cabins and country roads.

   It is so easy to get into this story, and I highly recommend you do. You won't be able to put the book down. When you're done, you will feel so warm and fuzzy, and also a little bit like you've been run over by a train {but in a good way}. Can I have the sequel now please? No, I have to wait? Oh well, I'll go reread this book then.

   Hats off to Ashley for this masterpiece of a book. You have won yourself a loyal fan, and I am so looking forward to your future works.

  To all readers, be sure to add "Present History" to your to read list on Goodreads and mark down the day to publishing. Also - enter the giveway on Goodreads, and you could win a copy!

 Also, be sure check out Ashley's blog,  instagram account @toashleynikole ,  and facebook page.


Happy reading!

  Sincerely,
    Rachel

 


   Hello everyone! School is over, and summer is upon us, and here I am back to blogging. I have taken it upon myself to take the Sunshine Blogger Award tag, as found on a friend's blog - link below. It has been quite a while since I've done a tag, so this will be fun.

http://overthehillsthereisacottage.blogspot.ca/2017/04/its-another-day-of-sun-sunshine-blogger.html

Do you have any family heirlooms?
     There is a couple old tea-sets, but that's pretty much it. 


Opinion on Letterwriting?
   I love letter writing. Although I don't write letters very often, when I was younger I had a pen-pal and it was so fun. It seems as though you can receive as many messages or emails as you want, but nothing is quite so exciting as getting a letter. 
   So, if any of you would like to write letters, let me know. 

 Do you prefer tea, coffee or cocoa?
    Herbal tea. I don't drink coffee, and I know it will probably come as a shock to ya'll (as it does to most people) that I don't like chocolate.


What's your favourite children's story?
    Little House On The Prairie, was a favourite as a child, and any horse book.  

What movie or Period Drama ending really frustrated you? And how would you change it?
 
   Ooh. Christy - the series was a childhood favourite of mine. We all watched it as a family, and I loved all the characters, and the setting, and the plot. The ending was rather abrupt, and even though I haven't seen the sequel movies, I read some spoilers. 
    
     Here's my opinion. Neil McNeil was a nice enough guy. But he had a pretty fiery temper, he was rash, he was rude, and he was married. Ok, I understand that his wife left him, and Christy didn't know. But his wife came back, and they were doing pretty good! 
      David was so nice. He had his flaws, but he was always looking after Christy, and he waited for her for so long.
    
    If I had my choice of ending, I would've had Neil get back together with his wife, and David and Christy get together. End of rant.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

   Good question. We cannot tell the future, so I can't say for sure. But here are several possibilities. 
    I can imagine myself travelling, and maybe teaching in somewhere, and writing in the evenings. But I also feel a call to be teaching and doing mission work somewhere in India, Africa, or anywhere that there is a great need. 

 What makes you nostalgic?

   Lots of things. Reading a book that I read when I was little, or going through old things, or smelling something that reminds me of my childhood. Eating noodle soup, or sitting around the fireplace in the winter, with candles, or when the power is out. Pretty much anything can make me feel nostalgic. 


If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what would it be?
  Maybe something like a deer? Quiet, but attentive, most people might not even notice that I'm there, but I can be playful, and curious too. 

If a loved one was to serenade you, what song would you most like them to sing?
   If a loved one was to serenade me, I would turn bright red, and most likely be embarrassed for the rest of the evening, and make them promise to keep it a secret forever. 

If you could change your name to anything what would your new name be?
   I have actually thought about this a lot. My middle name is Martha, and I have never really liked it at all. So, I've wanted to change it. If I could change my first name it would probably be, Samantha, Emma, Sophie, or Josephine. 
  
  If I changed my middle name I would probably choose Anne, or maybe something that started with a R just for the fun of it, so my initials would be R.R.R.

What's your favourite biscuit to dunk?
   Peanut butter, in milk.

     I tag Rebecca at Amazing Adventures, Jess Dunlap, and whoever else would like to, to answer my questions! Please feel free to answer in the comments, or on your blog, whichever you would rather. 

    My Questions:
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Sunflowers or lilacs?
What is your favourite part of summer?
If you were able to do anything career/future wise, what would you do?
What is something on your bucket list?
If you had to describe yourself in five word, what would they be?
What is something that makes you happy?
How do you feel about talking on the phone?
Sweet, savoury, or sour?


  Have a great day, and enjoy your summer. Hopefully I will be posting a lot more now that school is over.

  Sincerely,
  Rachel R.
   

   A book review - I haven't posted one of these in a while! Well, I'm going to start off the year with a really good book.



    The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser, is a story about a housemaid, who isn't afraid to dream big. Annie Woods decides to take things into her own hands, and make a life for herself in America.
      I found this book a delightful read! The characters were interesting and loveable. Annie was relatable, and realistic, which made her a good heroine. She worked hard to get what she could, but struggled with doubts and worries. Along her journey, she learned to trust God, and let herself begin to enjoy the moment. One of my favourite characters was Danny, who was brave, optimistic, and kind. He added lightness to the story, when things were looking down.
      The villain was also well-written. He was revengeful and mean, but didn't seem too unrealistic. He wasn't the completely crazy-looking, suspicious man that everyone would look at and shudder, a common cliche.
      The plot was adventurous, and kept me on the edge of my seat. It wasn't exactly a mystery, but it definitely had some suspenseful moments.
       I really liked the setting. From America - to Paris, it was all nicely detailed. The historical aspects were pretty accurate, so was the sewing details. I definitely do not know as much about sewing as the author, but I learned a lot from reading. I also liked how the author could write about sewing, without making everything seem to heavy and fact-loaded.
     One of my favourite historic aspect of the story, was about the Reform Dress Movement. I've always been an interested in that movement. In the book it addressed corsets, and I believe that corsets are not good for your health, so it was nice to read about how the movement started.
      Overall I would rate this book 5/5 - ages 12+. I really enjoyed it, and would read it again!

Be sure to check it out! Happy reading.
   Sincerely,
   Rachel R

   
          Christian music has changed a lot through the years. As styles of music changed, from classical to more modern styles, so has the Christian genre. It has spread out, trying to fit in all the different styles of music. Do you like classical? We've got it. Do you like Indie? We've got it. Pop? Of course. Hip-hop? Yep. Rap? Duh... Rock? Yes! Country? Sure. Heavy metal/hardcore rock? Easy.
      I've probably missed a few genres, but you get the picture. It's spread out to include everything, in order for us to reach everyone out there. Maybe if we have heavy metal, someone who is a nonbeliever might find it, and learn the truth, or even just realize that us Christians aren't a bunch of legalistics. I however, have a problem with this.
     
       The world is always changing. Fashions, tastes, styles, they change almost every day. Celebrities who were once the 'idol' of the day, are now forgotten. If we try to keep up with them we are going to get very tired. That's why the Bible says that God is supposed to be our role model. We are to follow in His footsteps. Christianity is supposed to be based on Him. The light we shine into the world is supposed to be the purity righteousness of His character, and that will be what attracts honest souls to Him.

     "When the church and the world can jog comfortably together you may be sure there is something wrong." Catherine Booth

 

     “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:18-19

         I have sorry news for you. The world is not going to like Christianity. It might tolerate the so called 'Christianity' who agrees with everything the world says is ok, but it will never like true Christianity. This is why we aren't to become more like the world to try and get them into the church. 
       
        So to get back to the topic of Christian music. Is it possible that some music is wrong? We know that music with bad words or messages is wrong. But if we simply stick in God, and some basic Christian messages does that make it good? 

"Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." Psalms 150:3-6

           The Bible lists a lot of instruments that can be used to praise the Lord. Trumpets, timbrel, organs, cymbals, stringed instruments. I've known many people who obviously did not see read this verse. Some went as far to say that the piano was evil because it was used in bars for playing music. They said the only instrument which was proper to play in church was the organ.  I know others who don't think that the guitar is appropriate, only the piano is.
            God created music. He loves music. When we get to heaven there will be music! However, I'm pretty sure we will not find God headbanging to hardcore metal. Music should still be harmonic, and pleasing to the ears. It shouldn't give you a head-ache, or make your head spin.
            I want to mention two bands that have become popular among the Christian community today.




            NF is a "Christian hip-hop rapper". His mother died of a drug overdose, which one of his song is about. He had a rough upbringing, and he himself struggles with emotional problems. He talks about a variety of topics in his songs, he talks about God, how he wants to be better than the other rappers, one is even about a girlfriend.
             He himself said this, “I don’t know what a Christian rapper is, I’m just an artist who makes music for everybody.”
            He's also said that he appreciates Drake, Eminem, and Royce Da 5'9. These guys aren't good, their music has bad messages and us Christians should not look up to them, or appreciate them.
            Now, I don't know the guy. I haven't listened to all his music. Maybe he's doing what he thinks it right. Here's what I've observed of him. 
             When I watched his music video for real, I was definitely confused if not turned off. Yes, there were a couple lines about God. He talks about how he is real in his music, and how his life is a mess. Throughout the music video he is throwing around chairs, carrying a chainsaw, and holding a machete, all inside of an airplane. That seems like some rather disturbed stuff. Music is supposed to be praising God, and glorifying Him, and I sorry to say I didn't see any of that in his music. It wasn't soothing, but rather the opposite. 
              One of his songs is called, 'Grindin'. He talks about fame, and how many singers spend more time with women, then following their career or being with their family. This it the lyrics of the chorus/end. 

"I'm out here grinding, okay okay okay I'm out here grinding, okay okay okay
I'm out here grinding, okay okay okay
I'm out here grinding, all we do is work, all we do is work
I'm out here grinding, okay okay okay
I'm out here grinding, okay okay okay
I'm out here grinding, okay okay okay
I'm out here grinding, all we do is work, all we do is work."

               Another thing I've noticed about him is his clothing. Even at concerts, he dresses in ripped up jeans, (I'm talking really ripped), shoes that aren't done up, and baggy tee-shirts. I personally think that when we're gathered to worship God we should dress up a little nicer than that. I don't judge you if you have no better clothes to wear. (Maybe this is the case with NF?) It's called respect. How are we a picture of Christ if we're dressed shabbily and sloppily? We've come before Him to praise Him, we should put a little effort into dressing nice for Him.

               I have no problem with people talking about their struggle with addictions, and how God helped them overcome. I don't have a problem with them talking about how people have hard childhoods, hard lives. People need to hear this stuff, not just vaguely talk about their struggle, and compare it to stormy water or a desert in their life.  I've heard some people say that rap makes it much easier to convey these messages, and say a lot more in one song. I'd disagree. For years people have been writing songs, and leading people to Christ through them. They've had no problem putting the message into their song.
                On a side note, those songs usually had a nice melody, and were actually nice to listen to. They didn't have any odd "yeah... oh yeah.. woot... hey..."'s before the song starts. They also didn't have screaming. If anyone finds the melody to NF's songs, please message me and let me know. (Pardon my sarcasm.)  
     
       The second band I want to talk about is Skillet. They are a "Christian" rock/hardcore band.
    I had to force myself to listen to one of their songs, because I didn't want to write this post before I was sure my opinion was correct. Ahem, I didn't make it through the song. The song I listened to was their top song on itunes, entitled Monster.
          I'm just going to give you a glimse of the lyrics of the song.

 
"The beast is ugly I feel the rage
And I just can't hold it
It's scratching on the walls
In the closet, in the halls
It comes awake
And I can't control it
Hiding under the bed
In my body, in my head..."

         How is this uplifting? Throughout the whole song it talks about the beast-monster inside them. The other lyrics that I saw were for "Out Of Hell", which the singer is in hell, and through the entire song asking to be freed. It never says that they're freed. "I Want To Live" talks about their fear, and how they want to live their life. Again it's all very dark.
          Beside the lyrics, the music is pretty much all head-pounding drums, and the 'singing' (if you can call it that) is just screaming. How is this praising God?
   
        The point of this blog post is to tell you to be careful about what you listen to. Just because it's called "Christian Music", and people are endorsing it, does not mean it's right. Take a moment to think about what you're listening to, and ask yourself, "Is this glorifying God?". Would God listen to this music with you, and can you imagine the angels joining in singing? Is it melodic and uplifting? Also, I suggest reading a bit about the artist. Learning about them can often tell you a lot about their music.
        Again, I'm not tearing down any of these people. I don't know them personally. Maybe they think they're doing what's right. I don't know. But I do know that their music is not glorifying God. God tells us to judge righteously and see whether or not it is good.
        I also not saying that you should only like songs sung by a choir in church, with only piano. No, everyone has different tastes in music. I'm personally not big on country music. Does that mean that country music is bad? No! I just don't like it. I'm not saying that these bands are bad 'because I don't like them'. I'm just looking at them through a Biblical perspective.
              God has blessed us with music. I LOVE MUSIC. Just remember, use music to glorify God, and remember it is influencing the way you think.

          Sincerely,
          Rachel R.

        Valentines day is just around the corner, and although I don't celebrate it, I thought it would be the perfect time to write this post. If I'm completely honest with you, I've been waiting for months to post this... So here we go!

Are you stressed out? With schoolwork, deadlines, and so many things do to around this time of year, it can get overwhelming. Also, while the weather gets colder, and the leaves fall from trees people begin to get sad, because they're missing the warm weather. For me, well, the cold never bothered me anyway. *ahem*sorry*not really*.
     Back to the topic! If you're worried, and stressed, and sick of feeling that way, this post is for you.