favorite books | unscripted

Allow me to introduce you to my new favorite book:

This book was recommended by a friend on Instagram and, I have to admit, the cover was so beautiful, I had to check it out on Amazon. Then the subtitle pulled me in further – Surrender your fear. Take the leap. Live on purpose? Me, me, me! I want to read that! That book is for me! Needless to say, as soon as I had a new Audible credit, I downloaded it. Man, am I glad I did!

Make it Happen by Lara Casey

Rating: 5.0 – 5.0

My Thoughts:

Have you ever felt scared about pursuing a more purposeful life? You’re stuck in the routine grind of work or you’re not sure what’s going to happen after graduation. There are dreams tugging at your heart but you know that if you took that leap, you’d be free falling and you’re not sure how you’d handle the great unknown. If you’re like me and you have doubts about your place in this thing called life then this book is for you.

Lara Casey tells her story. The highs and lows. The details she’d rather not remember much less see in print. And it’s not that her story is anymore remarkable than anyone else’s but what drew me in was her honesty and the candid truth that God created each of us with a specific purpose. The journey can get messy and scary sometimes but He still wants the best for us despite our not-so-good choices.

What also drew me in was her invitation to practical application. I like practical books. I don’t just like to know someone’s story, I want the manual that comes with the story and tells me how to make the successes work for me. I want lists and bullet points, writing prompts and inspiring new ideas. This book as it. And that’s why it’s my new favorite.

I can’t recommend this book more highly. It was soooooooooooo…ooo good! If you don’t go to Amazon.com right now and order it, at least go to Lara Casey’s website and check out all her cool resources! You’ll be glad you did :)

Stop chasing the world’s version of perfect and live on purpose for God.

Happy reading y’all!

This book counts towards the following challenges:

Audiobook Challenge
Authors A to Z: C for Casey
New to You Challenge
Nonfiction Reading Challenge
Outdo Yourself
Full House Challenge: Author is new to you
POPSUGAR Challenge: A non-fiction book

One of my absolute favorite YA novels is Eva Ibbotson’s A Countess Below Stairs. A few years ago, I picked up another one of her books hoping that I would enjoy it just as much. A started it several times, not being able to sink into the story. I listed it as an alternate title on my 2014 TBR list and after spotting it on Audible, I decided to give the audiobook a shot.

The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Ibbotson

Rating: 2.5-4.0

Let me first just say that I have a hard time with the title. This book, as well as A Countess Below Stairs, was re-released in 2009 from its original publication in 1982 with the title Magic Flutes. I think the original title fits the story better, but whatever – it is what it is!

Eva Ibbotson tells the story of Austrian heiress Princess Theresa-Maria of Pfaffenstein. With nothing to her name accept a castle that is far past its prime, this princess cheerfully hides her identity and secures a position as an under-wardrobe mistress for an opera company with its own financial struggles.

Completely unselfish and unwavering in her belief that everyone is equal, she throws herself into her work and her passion for music believing that it is the medium that will level the social playing field. Meanwhile, her broken-down old castle is purchased by self-made millionaire Guy Farne who has grand designs of his own. Only Guy’s plans center around re-capturing the heart of a woman from his past. When their paths cross, both Tessa’s and Guy’s respective worlds are flipped around and each is forced to evaluate what love means and what they truly want in life.

This book definitely charming and has its clever moments just as I expect from Ibbotson. However, I wouldn’t put it up their with A Countess Below Stairs though. I don’t know but there wasn’t the same level of dignity in this book. And while Tessa is very sweet and likable, I didn’t warm up to the other characters very much.

I think, perhaps, I’ll give the audio another shot in the future. Distant future….lol.

I’m glad I finally got through this read and I can cross it off my TBR list and add it to my Audio Book Challenge for this year! Two birds, one stone. Yeah, baby!

Hope y’all are having a great week so far!

Happy reading!