In our hands, we hold a book; edges worn thin by time, pages filled with tales of courage and adventure from times long past. It is passed down through generations, an heirloom holding stories that are now ours to rewrite. A journey awaits each of us beyond the horizon; adventures untold brimming with untapped talents and unbroken threads of potential.
Walk with purpose, let our feet guided by the principles we hold dear. Each step echoes our individual and precious truth, resonating with the rhythm of our authenticity. In every fall, find a way to rise, in every word spoken, in every step taken, in every choice made, live your truth.
Our stories continue to unfurl with each step through life's tapestry in beautiful waves of love and determination, an eternal testament to the strength and beauty held within every human heart.
Live life authentically, give love fearlessly, spread inspiration generously, and pursue dreams relentlessly, for life is a story, a wondrous, messy, exciting masterpiece in motion.
It is time for a new Reading Room post! I have been devouring books of late. Many, many wonderful books. Some have been research, and a lot of them have been rereads because I find them easier while I'm dwelling deeply in a new story.
These two historical Scottish romances are both clean reads and great escapes. They are also written by authors whose books I haven't read before, which is always a nice treat.
Love Practically by Nichole Van
I picked this book up for three reasons: It's historical, set in Scotland, and the cover is lovely. Lucky for me what's inside is just as lovely.
3 Great Things About Love Practically
The rich historical setting of Scotland serves as a beautiful and moody backdrop for the protagonists' individual growth and tender romance.
The protagonists' personalities, inner conflicts, and apparent chemistry.
A satisfying resolution to all elements of the story.
Journey to Bongary Spring by Kasey Stockton
I picked up this book for the same reasons as the the first one.
3 Great Things About Journey to Bongary Spring
A sweet love story set in a captivating historical era with elements of loyalty and sacrifice.
The complexities of family and community.
A satisfying resolution to the love story (This one does end in a cliffhanger, so you'll want to read the next book, but the love story is complete.)
I hope you give these books a try!
Life at Hawk's Peak
with Ethan Gallagher
Days at Hawk's Peak begin before the sun rises over the mountains to bathe the valley in dull gold hues. The clouds like to make an appearance up this way, but we get enough sun peaking through to warm the bones on a cool summer day. Trees dot the landscape and fill the forests scenting the air with pine. The freshness manages to overpower the cattle when they're off grazing in the high pastures. Closer to home, the scent of freshly turned hay is carried through the wind.
The eagles, hawks, bears, and mountain lions will sometimes greet us as we venture into the pastures or the woods to wrangle in a stray cow. It's a glorious sight to behold.
Mabel's usually in the kitchen before the rest of us come back from first ride. Freshly baked bread, apple pies, and brewed coffee is enough to make a man fall down to his knees and propose. She'd likely bang a pot over your head if you tried.
Gabriel is the cool-headed one of the bunch and rides a horse like he was born in a saddle. Never did meet a mustang he couldn't tame. Eliza is the best of us, and that's the truth of it. She can ride, rope, and talk her way in or out of just about anything with us. She's a tough one, too. Truth is, take one of us away and Hawk's Peak just isn't the same.
Life isn't easy on the ranch, but it sure is interesting. Family keeps me on my toes and once in a while I'll sneak out with my brother Gabriel to play a round of cards in the bunkhouse. We don't venture into town much with all the work needing to be done at the ranch. It sure is a pretty place to hang your hat so I don't mind much spending my days riding the range or venturing up into the mountains and looking down on the glorious land my father worked and built up for us. This land is a part of us and good or bad, we're here to stay. There isn't a day goes by when I wouldn't rather be on the ranch.
From all my friends and family at Hawk's Peak, we wish you many wishes for beautiful dreams and adventures!
- MK McClintock
This post was first shared in 2012 on my original author blog, so it reflects life during Gallagher's Pride, book one of the Montana Gallagher series. Seven more books and a lot of Hawk's Peak living has happened since then.
