An Introduction: Hello World!

So… how to start the first blog post on one’s first blog…?

Well I’ve found it’s usually best to start with a “hello”, so…

HELLO WORLD!  It’s lovely to meet you.

I suppose you’re wondering why I’m here, and I’ll tell you.  I love to read, and I’d like to share that love with you through my reviews of some of the books I’ve read.  I read many genres including inspirational romance, historical, fantasy, mystery, the classics, and more, and I’ve found that each of my favorite stories include a delightful balance of Steel, Sparkle, and Scripture.

What does this mean?

Well, all of my favorite books have a combination of these three elements.  The Steel is its structure that make it strong and gives it depth.  A story’s Steel can be found in its consistent voice and tone, the determination or reality of its characters, the configuration and weight of its plot, the power of its language, and the stakes the characters face throughout the story.

A book’s Sparkle is the bit of fire that breathes life into its pages.  If a book’s Steel is its bones, then the Sparkle is its heart and spirit.  This spark can be found in engaging conversation, unique story lines, spunky characters, breath-taking landscapes, vivid language, heart-touching or heart-breaking scenes, sweet or epic love stories, long-awaited reunions, and unexpected plot twists.

The Scriptural element in a story tends to be the part that sticks with me the most because it holds truth for real life.  This message may come in the form of Bible verses or characters’ thoughts, struggles, and conversations, but it does not have to be overtly displayed throughout the pages.  For example, a fantasy novel may not explicitly name God or Christianity, but it can still make these known through its themes or even through allegory.

Therefore, each of my reviews will be based on these three elements, and I will use a 7 star scale.  If you want to know more about my rating system, the three elements, or myself, then go ahead and click on one of the tabs at the top of the page.

So, are you ready?  My first review will be up next Monday, so do come back, and I’ll do my best to give an honest review and keep you entertained at the same time, for “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17, NIV).

Thanks for stopping by!