Tuesday, November 1, 2011

In My Mailbox: When She Woke by Hillary Jordan



When She Woke is, in its simplest terms, a futuristic retelling of The Scarlet Letter. This sophomore novel from Mudbound author Hillary Jordan takes Hawthorne's classic several steps further, turning it into a pointed, blunt warning about the consequences of an America run by the church, not the state. Hannah Payne is sentenced to sixteen years of melachroming for aborting her child. Instead of bearing a scarlet "A" like Hester, Hannah's pigment is dyed a stop sign red, leading her to endure an ostracizing societal punishment as well. Jordan seamlessly interweaves the back story of Hannah's relationship with her unborn child's father; their relationship is sudden, passionate and the short interspersed flashbacks enhance the story and Hannah's spontaneous personality. While she stumbles through rebuilding her life, her sudden decisions in moments of trouble are made with confidence and determination. Jordan purposefully makes the story about Hannah's journey by keeping her secondary characters exactly that -- secondary. Although they may guide and assist Hannah on her path, the decisions, character-building, and strength all come from within. Hannah is ultimately responsible for her future and she takes full responsibility for her past. While some readers may balk at Jordan's political and religious messages, the story of owning our decisions and actions is the focus of this engaging tale of redemption.

Goodreads



If you want to read a futuristic Scarlet Letter, check out this book. When it arrived in my mailbox, I was so excited! Can't wait to start reading.

Treasure Hunting Tuesday: Moonlight Journey Digital Art

ViNtAgE ChRiStMaS AnGeLs and fRieNdS Digital Elements Pack victorian santa holly angel png transparent atc single images extracted




TrAdiTiOnaL ChRiStMaS collage sheet santa vintage angel music grungy old worn word strips atc aceo backgrounds


If you want a digital collection of images to help you create a holiday to remember, check out the digital art from Moonlight Journey. These ladies have all kinds of images, kits and how to's to make your scrap booking, blogging and creative energy sing. I loved their Halloween collection, and now that I am starting to look into Christmas, I can't wait to dig into these! Pop over to their Etsy site and see even more goodies. They also have a website where you can sign up for their newsletter and see a seemingly endless array of amazing art. 
SuGaRpLuM fAiRyS collage sheet faerie fairy faeries wings glitter magnet ornament ornie holiday christmas candy cane poinsettias