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  • allisonteboauthor

    QOTD: What is the strangest thing you’ve ever f QOTD:  What is the strangest thing you’ve ever found written inside an old or used book?
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Most of my books are bought second hand, so I find quite a few writings inside the volumes on my bookshelves. On the endpaper of Doomwyte by Brian Jacques, I found this peculiar row of words.
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Guy sells teeth for cigarettes
Resident evil
6Eureka7
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Clearly, someone was trying to convey something important - I just haven't figured it out. 
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Is the man who sells his teeth the resident evil? Or is the resident evil forcing another man to sell his teeth? Is 6Eureka7 the secret code that lets prospective cigarette peddlers know the man has a few more teeth to spare? Is it the password for the resident evil’s cigarette website? I doubt we shall ever know.
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Perhaps my most disconcerting discovery was when I was paging through an old copy of The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien. A speech by the Urak Hai had been carefully underlined, the way one does when you wish to remember a particularly good sentence.
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Naturally, this worried me. Who, besides other orcs, would find the speeches of the Urak Hai worth highlighting? Has our society been infiltrated by young orcs in human guise? Was this small orc writing a paper about inspirational speakers for some diabolical school for undercover orclings? Has this orc already grown up and taken his place in our world? That might explain the behavior of certain politicians that shall remain nameless: I always suspected they were really orcs in disguise.
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Of course, we could think positively and hope that this orc was caught, the school shut down, and all these creatures sent back to Middle Earth where they belong. In which case, why haven’t I heard of this orc-busting ring before? Are they rather like spies? Where do I sign up? Do I get a sword and uniform?
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Inscriptions inside of books leave me full of questions.
    QOTD: What is one of your favorite stories about a QOTD: What is one of your favorite stories about a male/male friendship? 
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For me, it is The Riddle of the Sands. This beautiful Edwardian-era espionage film features a fantastic buddy story that is infinitely better than the book it is based upon.
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In the year of 1901, a British yachtsman named Davies stumbles onto what seems to be a secret plan to carry out a terrible invasion and summons his Oxford chum Carruthers working for Secret Service to help him out. Set in the eerie desolation of the Frisian Islands, where shifting sands can cause men and their secrets to disappear without a trace. This is an atmospheric thriller with an eerie and subtle storyline that grips me every time.
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There are no high speed chases, explosions, or even shoot-outs. And yet the high-stakes and inexorable acceleration of the foreign plot gives the film a sense of claustrophobia that never fails to excite me. And if you like boats, this film is a visual feast, featuring a scrappy vessel named the Ducibella.
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TROTS is a spy thriller, but it's also a coming of age story. Carruthers starts out as a self-absorbed paper-pusher who transforms into a heroic man-of-action. Davies begins the story as a man content with messing about with boats who then begins navigating his way through evil schemes. I love their interaction so much. For some reason, they remind me very much of the heroes of a Rosemary Sutcliff novel. Perhaps it is because they are peppy, indomitable, intelligent, and willing to stand alone against a sleeping giant.
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Speaking of sleep giants, the original novel was a “story with a purpose" and written from "a patriot's natural sense of duty", which predicted war with Germany and called for British preparedness. This novel raised the public's awareness of the "potential threat" of Imperial Germany. Some say that Winston Churchill credited the book as a major reason why the Admiralty had decided to establish the new naval bases. While some debate this story, the fact remains that Erskine wielded his power as an author to cast light on the enemies of freedom, urging the most ordinary citizens to stand up for what is right.
    “I sometimes think that normal, everyday life is “I sometimes think that normal, everyday life is only a delusion. We walk on a thin crust of earth which we call peace; and every now and again we can hear a rumble below our feet; and sometimes the crust splits and we see that, underneath there is a glowing inferno ready to erupt. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't, but it is always there.”   ― Helen MacInnes, Decision at Delphi
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QOTD: Who is one of your all-time favorite authors, and what is your favorite book by said author?

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MacInnes is one of my favorite authors. Her books are spine-tingling and nerve-wracking from start to finish as we follow her likeable heroes into a tangled web of espionage and dark and deadly deeds. She drew on her extensive research and travel, and her marriage to a British agent to portray Cold War intrigue with a keen understanding of the machinations of Evil and power.
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This is a spy novel for the thinking man or woman, not someone merely interested in sensationalism. They are a blatant political call-to-arms only thinned disguised as escapist works. MacInnes pulls no punches and stares unflinchingly into the hideous faces of Nazism, Socialism, Communism, Nihilism and Terrorism, shining a light on the monsters and issuing forth a grim and clarion call to her readers to open their eyes and to fight back against "the barbarians” that tear the world apart beneath our very noses.
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Full of suspense, adventure, and truth, I highly recommend these incredible novels.
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#bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaddiction #booksbooksandmorebooks  #booksofinstagram #booklover #bookmoments #readersofinstagram  #readerslife #booklove  #instabook #booknerd  #bibliophile  #readerofinstagram  #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks  #bookstagram #bookishcommunity  #spyfiction #thrillsandchillsbookchallenge #helenmacinnes #espionage #espionagefiction #espionagebooks
    I came for Spock, but I stayed for the spies. . . I came for Spock, but I stayed for the spies.
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I had heard about Mission Impossible for quite a while, but I never bothered looking into it until I watched Star Trek and came to love a certain Vulcan who also had a starring role in this classic espionage series.
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The moment those first thrilling opening strings are played and that mysterious hand strikes the match, you are hooked. The cold glamour and often chilling intellect of this show irrevocably grips you.
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A highly-detailed and flawless dance of intellect and improvisation ensues as computer-like minds are pitted against human psychology. There is very little characterization of the main core—and that is deliberate. The real star of the show is the mission of the week: the impossible mission that is planned to the smallest detail. The plotting is brilliantly complex, (some of them I’m still trying to figure out).
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They’re stylish, they’re smart, they’re classic. If you are looking for the ultimate salute to the spy genre: there are few shows more iconic than Mission Impossible.
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QOTD: Have you watched Mission Impossible? Have you ever started a show simply because you’re a fan of one of the cast members and then found yourself loving the show itself? 
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Note:  Not a real gun or fur coat in this photo. 
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#spyfiction #tvshow #missionimpossible #cosplay #myfavoritetvshow #tvcosplay  #television #televisionshows #moviesofinstagram  #vintagevibe  #vintagetv  #favoritetvshow  #moviesandtv #moviesilove #myfavoritemovies #moviesofinstagram
    “It is stupidity, rather than courage, to refuse “It is stupidity, rather than courage, to refuse to recognize danger when it is close upon you.”
― The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
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Well, guys, this is a serious post, but it still relates to bookstagram. I’m worried about it. I don’t want it to go away. But Big Tech Censorship is becoming a problem that none of us can ignore. It affects our hashtags, our growth, our stats—everything.
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But you know what? Big Tech might own these platforms, but this community belongs to US. WE built these friendships. Across technical glitches, across time zones, across borders, across age and background – we reached out and built this community. These friendships are ours . Books brought us together; we can’t let Big Tech bust us apart.
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It’s not right that we should have to fear that the community we have built could be shattered. They might control the platform, but they don’t have to control us or make us afraid. We can’t rely on Big Tech to keep allowing us to do our thing. We need to have a backup plan. We have worked too hard on this community to just hope for the best. We have to actively safeguard it. 
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Some may think I’m overreacting. Maybe it is doubtful that our entire community would be gone in a snap. But I don’t care if it’s just ONE person.  I know who is locked out or censored I would miss that person. We would feel the difference, and feel the gap their absence left behind.
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Bookstagram isn’t just a place for me to scroll when I’m bored. I care about you. I have found so much good here. It’s not only a happy place for me, in many ways, it’s my ministry. So I’m going to fight for my first Amendment AND play the separation of Church and State card and say:  “Back off, Big Tech! This community, these conversations—it’s ours.”
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Please sign up for my author newsletter (link in bio) so we don't lose contact!  I’m going to be signing up to a ton of blogs and newsletters myself.  The community that can pivot quickly is the community that doesn’t have to be afraid of being caught flat-footed or separated. 
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You can check out my new highlight "Defeat Big Tech" for more rambles. I will be adding more to it today, so stay tuned!
    QOTD: What is a book (or series) that you recommen QOTD: What is a book (or series) that you recommend over and over again?
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For me, it's the Mrs. Pollifax series by Dorothy Gilman!
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I absolutely love this heroine – she is relatable, iconic and a role model all at the same time. What is not to love about a soft and twinkly grandmother who is tired of volunteering at a community garden and decides to volunteer at the CIA instead?
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It is so nice to read about a heroine who feels real, someone who doesn’t fit into the perfectly 25-30 year old heroine. She’s in her 60s, she’s plump, she’s had a full life, her hair is white, she has eccentric taste in close—Mrs. P feels just like someone we know, or someone we could be.
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It’s the characters that really capture you in this series. It is chock-full of the most smashing platonic relationships. Mrs. Pollifax has a knack for loving those around her and an undying interest in humans that is guaranteed to make you smile.
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I am very weary of how our culture separates us according to our age. And, by doing so, we close ourselves off to the wisdom and joy that could be found by being together.
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There is none of that in Mrs.  She has the refreshing perspective that friendship can be found in the most unlikely places and across huge age gaps. Mrs. P’s heart connects with so many darling characters—whether they are Middle Eastern children, a peculiar Cambodian  criminal, a fuddly young Englishman, or a James Bond wannabe. There is simply no end to the human connections!
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And, aside from the characters, the stories themselves are nothing short of a romp. Full of exciting escapades, wild plot twists, and startling action and peril. They are some of the most adventure-filled stories I’ve ever met. The Pollifax series takes the espionage genre and fills it with humor, fun, and a zest for life in a deadly world.  It’s a fun, old-fashioned-spy novel that turns the genre on its head by having an unjaded heroine battling Cold War politics armed with an extravagant hat, resourcefulness, and persistent optimism. 
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If you’ve been looking for an escape, might I suggest Mrs. P? She doesn't disappoint!
    QOTD: What is one of your favorite stories that in QOTD: What is one of your favorite stories that involve SPIES?
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Oh my goodness, I LOVE a good espionage story. The Tebo's are aficionados when it comes to this genre. Use the word "spy" in a sentence and we come running. It's a storyline we just can't resist!
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I can't resist it anymore than I can resist playing a game with you. Let's launch our own mission right here on Instagram! Let’s assemble the cast and share the deadly results. 
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In the comments below, choose the 1st - 3rd person whose name comes up when you start to type the following: 
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Spy: I got @somelittlegood 
Sidekick. I got @elsiesadventuring 
Head of the Bureau: @h.s.j._williams
Femme Fatale: I got @elisabethgfoley 
Assassin: I got @aerelien 
Profiteer 1: I got @perryelisabeth 
Innocent Bystander: I got @ive_seen_a_new_world 
Super Villain: I got @songsofheroes
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Okay, those results were all that I could have hoped for. 😂 I think Mary as the assassin wins the cake. Or would that be a martini that is shaken and not stirred? 
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As usual, I cast myself as the bored and stylish socialite who is complicating the mission. Oh wait. I think I could be a pretty good evil minion too....
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Why don't those I tagged weigh in on this! Do you think the mission will be accomplished, the assassin foiled, and the super villain thwarted? 
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Don’t forget to tag your friends below using the method above- let’s keep the mission going!
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#bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaddiction #booksbooksandmorebooks  #booksofinstagram #booklover #bookmoments #readersofinstagram  #readerslife #booklove  #instabook #booknerd  #bibliophile  #readerofinstagram  #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks  #bookstagram #bookishcommunity  #spyfiction
    I was talking to someone other day at an appointme I was talking to someone other day at an appointment about identity. She was wondering just who and what she is when her occupation is stripped away. I told her that I understood,; there were times when my identity as a creative was stifled and I was left wondering who I am when everything I do is gone.
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“The ultimate identity of everyone on Earth,” I told her at last, “is to have a relationship with Christ. That’s who we really are, what we’re really meant to be.”
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But my flesh struggles against this kind of humility and se!f-denial. And, sadly, The worship of self has been made alarmingly at home in so-called Christian teaching these days. Loving ourselves, discovering ourselves, being true to ourselves, doing what we want when we want it—it’s all taught as gospel.
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But “yourself” and “myself” aren't so important. One day, everything that makes us US will change. This life and our relationships, our job, our interests, will end and change forever. If we are true sons and daughters of Christ, it is only when this life is over that we shall truly become ourselves by becoming fully like someone else.
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Ultimately, who “I” really am doesn’t matter as much as I might have been led to believe. A character in a story might be loved and unique in their own way, but they are ultimately only an extension of the author. As we enter this new year, I am reminding myself that “He must become greater; I must become less.”
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 All of my goals and interests, my history, and every scrap of my personality is in existence solely by His discretion with the purpose of giving Him glory.
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2021 isn’t “my year” or “your year.” You, me, and 2021 itself belong to God—just like everything else. What He plans on doing with you or me or 2021 is completely up to Him.
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It’s so easy for me to let my goals become my identity, but I remind myself that my goals are not my true purpose and my work is not my true identity.
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It was never about me or about you. It was always about Christ.
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Praying that 2021 will be full of God's perfect purpose for all His creation🍾
    WHO’S DOWN FOR A SPY THEMED PHOTO CHALLENGE THIS WHO’S DOWN FOR A SPY THEMED PHOTO CHALLENGE THIS JANUARY?

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I am very excited to be announce that I am hosting new photo challenge! This time, all of the prompts are inspired by one of my favorite genres: espionage!   I am equally excited that I have three amazing co-hosts helping me run this party, including @angelarwattsauthor @little_bookish_woman and @ive_seen_a_new_world 
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To participate in the challenge, simply post pictures inspired by the day’s prompts and use the hashtag #ThrillsandChillsBookChallenge. Also, if you want your photos to be shared, don’t forget to tag one of the hosts for each of your entries. Instagram is still acting squirrely about hashtags and a tag is the only way to ensure that we’ll see your entry.
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It is not necessary that all of your photos be about spy or espionage novels – just somewhat inspired by the daily prompts. (although, MY photos are certainly going to be about espionage novels because I love them, precious) 
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Don’t forget to follow all the hosts!  Now, WHO’S EXCITED????
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#bookstagramchallenge #bookphotographychallenge  #bookphotochallengemay #monthlybookchallenge #monthlyphotochallenge #januarybookchallenge #januaryphotochallenge #spyfiction #espionagefiction #spynovel #espionagenovel #spybooks #cloakanddagger #favoritespys #januarybookstagramchallenge #bookstagram #bookphotographychallenge #januarychallenge #bookish #bookphotochallenge
    My top nine most liked posts for 2020! I am very p My top nine most liked posts for 2020! I am very pleased to see that it is almost exclusively Narnian – as well as a glamor shot for one of my favorite indie books by one of my favorite authors @songsofheroes 😍
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So, judging from these photos, you guys like really rich layouts with grass or stone as a background??? I’m getting ready to switch up my theme in January and, I have to admit, it’s the exact opposite of that. *hides* #INeedFeedback
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I wanted to post something really inspiring to wrap up this year, but I’ve seen so many good posts that already put what I wanted to say into words. Plus, it’s too late and I’m too tired. 😅 So let me just say this. 2020 was a good year because God was with us, and 2021 will be good because He will STILL be with us. 
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I'm looking forward to posting regularly again in 2021 and I've got a lot of fun things planned, including a bookstagram challenge that I shall be posting here tomorrow. 
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Adventure awaits, my friends! I'm glad we're going together.
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#bookstagram #booksofinstagram #aesthetic #2020wrapuo #goodbyehello #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks
    Do you like my book reviews? Do you like getting f Do you like my book reviews? Do you like getting fairy tale retelling recommendations?  Then I have an announcement just for you. ✨
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Back when I was polling my followers on what kind of content they would like to see on my upcoming Patreon page, some of my followers voted for an author book club. I was more than happy to make this wish come true. ✨
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Once a month, my patrons will get access to a special poll that will allow them to choose the Book of the Month. All participants will read the book and then, at the end of the month, we shall come together for a special book club meeting. During this monthly virtual tea party we will discuss the book, share our thoughts, and enjoy bookish talk and snacks! ✨
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Today, me and five of my patrons will be discussing THE ENCHANTED SONATA by @story_monster - I can't wait to dive deeper into this magical retelling!
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Don't forget to click on the link in my bio to be directed to Patreon. Pick a tier and unlock the magic. I can’t wait to invite you into the adventure! ✨
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📷 by @beccanorthreads
    Have you ever read my books, The Tales of Ambia? H Have you ever read my books, The Tales of Ambia? Have you met my character, Princess Penelope of Radorria? Do you love her as much as I do?
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If you do, I have great news for you. I have written a special holiday short story just about her that will be available on Patreon tomorrow.
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Once a month, Patrons get access to an exclusive piece of Ambia flash fiction. These pieces of flash are written like intimate letters addressed directly to you from the cast of Ambia.
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December’s 3,500 word Poppy-themed short story is a rollicking narrative about the princesses first winter holiday in Ambia. I can’t tell you WHAT exactly she’s doing during this particular winter festival but, boy, did I have fun writing it.
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Are you ready to read? Click on the link in my bio to be directed to Patreon. Pick a tier and unlock the magic. I can’t wait to invite you into the adventure.
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📷 by @merieshenanigans
    Have you watched any of my Friday Fairy Tales live Have you watched any of my Friday Fairy Tales live streams? Do you like them? Do you want to see more?
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Great news! Now that our house has an updated router (hallelujah) I’m going to be far more regular in these magical live streams.
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However, half of them are going to only be available to patrons on my new Patreon. (but do not despair, oh my team. I will still be doing a monthly Friday Fairy Tale here on Instagram—predominately author interviews. Other fairy tale subjects are now going to be covered on Patreon.
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This week’s subject will be my REVIEW AND REACTIONS to Belle’s Enchanted Christmas. That’s right, I’ve never seen it before, and my Patrons are going to be the first people to hear my thoughts on it, as well as participate in an exclusive art session as I create some fun Belle illustrations.
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Are you ready to talk about magical Christmases? Do you have opinions on villainous organs? As a Beauty and the Beast super fan, I’m excited to finally watch this.  I look forward to chatting with you on this holiday-themed fairy tale!
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Ready to make (and discuss) some art?  Click on the link in my bio to be directed to Patreon. Pick a tier and unlock the magic. I can’t wait to invite you into the adventure!
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📷 by @beccanorthreads 💛
    WHO WANTS TO LEARN TO BAKE LIKE BURNDEE? . . My s WHO WANTS TO LEARN TO BAKE LIKE BURNDEE?

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My sister and I are collaborating to create a TALES OF AMBIA COOKBOOK. Tor (who is a fine baker in her own right) has begun creating Ambian recipes and they are soooooo yummy.
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It’s going to be a while before that cookbook hits the shelves, but—hooray!—this month is your opportunity to get an exclusive sneak peak of the tastiness to come. Join my Patreon today, and learn how to make Burndee’s Cocoa Powder Cake.
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Oh my goodness, you guys, this is my favorite chocolate cake EVER—I’m not kidding. It’s also the most unusual. It’s quite dense and a little more dry than the standard cake (that sounds bad, but believe me, it’s not) and that unique texture combined with its rich taste almost makes one feel as if you are eating a slice of bakers chocolate. It’s a truly unique experience.
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In tomorow's post, BURNDEE HIMSELF will be teaching you how to create his specialty. And I just need to take this opportunity to deny all culpability in anything he says to you. I’ve rebuked him about the name-calling, but what can I say, THE FAIRY JUST DOESN’T LISTEN TO ME. So . . . sorry about that. Once you pick out the insults, the recipe is great. (Though t is not gluten or dairy free)
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Ready to bake?  Click on the link in my bio to be directed to Patreon. Pick a tier and unlock the magic. I can’t wait to invite you into the adventure!
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This beautiful 📷 by @somelittlegood ❤
    BIGGEST ANNOUNCEMENT OF MY YEAR. I just launched a BIGGEST ANNOUNCEMENT OF MY YEAR. I just launched a Tales of Ambia PATREON. 🎉
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*runs around in circles screaming* Oh my goodness, I am so excited - this has been a dream of mine for a LONG time. If you are a fan of Burndee, the grumpy fairy godfather with a hunger for baking, you will not want to miss out on joining this exclusive community of fairy tale fans!
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There are three different tiers but, no matter what tier you pick, all of them are designed to be a magical experience!  Patrons will get access to an exclusive piece of flash fiction every month – where the beloved characters of Ambia write YOU a newsy letter. There will also be an author book club where you can read the fairy tale of the month and discuss it in a virtual tea party with Yours Truly. Top tier subscribers will receive two additional posts a month, and these will cover such goodies as behind-the-scenes, sneak peeks, and my Friday Fairy Tale live streams. All Patrons will also be included in a special shout-out in the acknowledgements of my future books and gain access to a special Instagram group. 
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Let the magic begin! Check out the link in my profile to join the Tales of Ambia Patreon page today! ✨
    What books make you hungry? . . Easy answer for me What books make you hungry?
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Easy answer for me. Narnia makes me SO hungry. Each book has its signature “food scene” that has my mouth watering.
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In LWW there’s that cozy little beaver dinner, full of boiled potatoes and creamy milk, deep yellow butter and fried fish and a “gloriously stick marmalade roll” followed by a piping cup of tea. I would love to sit at that table, wouldn’t you? And I don’t even like marmalade.
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And then we have the classic tea with Tumnus, where we are served a nice brown egg, sardines on toast, buttered toast, toast with honey, and a sugar-topped cake. Don’t you just love how that rolls off the tongue? A sugar topped cake—it practically dances in the air and melts on the imagination.
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And then we have PC, with that wild and substantial blend of bear meat and crisp apples—and of course luscious grapes like no grapes you have ever tasted.
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In VDT we lunch with magicians, munching on omelets, cold lamb and peas, a strawberry ice, lemon-squash to drink “and a cup of chocolate to follow.” It all sounds so delicious—save for the peas.
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In TSC we have that hardy giant meal after that arduous journey through snow and darkness. cock-a-leekie soup, and hot roast turkey, and a steamed pudding, and roast chestnuts.
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Clutching our stomach, we arrive at HHB, and get a taste of Calormen fare, with “lobsters, salad, and snipe stuffed with almonds and truffles, and a dish made of chicken-livers and rice and raisins and nuts, and cool melons and gooseberry fools and mulberry fools, and every kind of nice thing that can be made with ice.” And then there’s my personal favorite, the dwarvish breakfast, and “the smell of bacon and eggs and mushrooms, all frying in a pan.”
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Groaning' we proceed to TMN and those magical luscious toffee trees. Oh, how I dream of toffee trees!
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TLB, as befitting its stark surroundings, doesn't have many feasts, but even Eustace's squashy sandwiches have a sticky appeal. And we are more than satisfied by the orchard in Aslans's Country, where flavors cannot even be described--even by a master such as Lewis.
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Yes, it's a yummy place, Narnia. Can YOU pick a favorite Narnian meal?
    KIND AUTHORS. . . In a world where authors joke ab KIND AUTHORS.
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In a world where authors joke about killing their characters and torturing them when they can’t think of anything better to do with their story or because they think they need to shock their readers simply to keep them interested—in a world glutted with sheer carelessness directed at readers and characters . . . it’s nice to think of authors like Jack. Lewis was such a THOUGHTFUL author, to both his characters and his readers.
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He was always aware of his audience and took it as a great responsibility that he could be guiding young minds (never lock yourself in a wardrobe!).  Even his characters were treated with gentleness. A creature as seemingly unimportant as the guinea pig so roughly treated by Uncle Andrew in the Magician’s Nephew gets his own happy ending. He is left in the Wood Between the Worlds, a quiet and peaceful spot where he can eat and sun and sleep and never be tormented again by would-be magicians.
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I can’t think of any other author that was as conscientious about his characters and his readers as C.S. Lewis. He wrote with care in every respect. Bad things happen for a reason, not just because he was bored. Any torment or pain in Narnia was there for a reason—it was never gratuitous. The weak and the helpless receive mercy and kindness. The reader was never shocked or grieved beyond all repair. Lewis handled his characters and his readers gently and respectfully—and that was one of the many things that made him a master storyteller.
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He never forgot us: from the children who might shut themselves up in a wardrobe or the guinea pigs trapped in the attic. No character or reader was left behind in Lewis’s work. I’m very grateful for how kindly he treated us. One day, I’ll thank him in person.
    “Tash is only another name for Aslan. All that o “Tash is only another name for Aslan. All that old idea of us being right and them being wrong is silly. We know better now . . . Tash and Aslan are only two different names for you know Who. Tash is Aslan, and Aslan is Tash." --------------> The Last Battle
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“The real trouble . . . is that it is merely Christian . . . What we want . . . is to keep them in the state of mind I call "Christianity And". You know—Christianity and the Crisis, Christianity and the New Psychology, Christianity and the New Order, Christianity and Faith Healing, Christianity and Vegetarianism . . . If they must be Christians let them at least be Christians with a difference. Substitute for the faith itself some Fashion with a Christian colour." ----------------> Mere Christianity
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There is SO MUCH of this preaching around us today - lies that are propagated by professing Christains. We preach "love" to everyone, and hide a poison in the jelly by allowing people to think that all roads lead to Heaven and all gods are the same. We sprinkle false doctrine into our faith with a liberal hand, diluting and warping it, and potentially killing it.
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In times like these, God calls us not only to bear witness, but to strip away all deviations and return to the Truth.
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True Christianity prays to no one but the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit. We invite no spirit into our heart besides the Holy Spirit. We follow no book but the Holy Bible. We look to no King because King Jesus. We follow no man besides the God Man, Jesus. We worship no God besides the Father. We look only to Jesus, and know that He is not just a prophet or a holy man or great teacher: He is the Son of God, the ruler of all, and sole Savior.  The atonement is complete and He is returning.
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No "and" is necessary for true Christianity. No '"and" will fulfill us or redeem us or guide us. We cannot heal without the Great Physician. We cannot receive peace of we do not obey the Prince of Peace. We can do nothing to save ourselves except to repent before a Holy God. 
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I pray that thousands will step into the freedom of mere Christianity. Because at the end, Mere Christianity will be all that survives.
    “Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all t “Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things . . . . Then all I can say is that, the made-up things seem a good deal more important than the real ones. Suppose this black pit of a kingdom of yours is the only world. Well, it strikes me as a pretty poor one . . . I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan . . . I'm going to live like a Narnian even if there isn't any Narnia!"
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Every Christian comes to the Puddleglum crossroads in their life. Trapped in the Underworld, lost in the dark, and smothered with lies. I have been there: a place so dark, nothing felt real any more. And when that point comes, we are faced with a choice. Faced by all the lies of Satan, I have spoken my heart. Sometimes I could shout it, other times I could only whisper, but I have clung to it.
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Even if He WAS false (though Creation confirms it is true on every level) . . . I’d still rather follow Him. I’d still rather be a holy fool than anything else on Earth.
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I have studied cults and religions from around the world—and even if Christianity WAS a false idea, I would follow it above anything else. No other belief is as consistent in its doctrine. No other belief can withstand such systematic scrutiny. No other faith can rival its beauty. No other idea can rival its reason. No other faith promotes such constancy, kindness, and honor. No other belief promotes such intelligence and mental and moral soundness. No other faith requires as much tenacity, courage, or obedience. It’s the path of servant kings and royal slaves. It’s the Eternal family of sons and daughters with an adoring Father. No other relationship can bring such rest, joy, and peace. No matter what question you pose, what answer you seek—there is always someone Who knows all, who has promised that all will be revealed - in time.
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You can’t convince me that the truth of Jesus Christ resurrected is false, but even if you could – I would still follow Him. Because even if it WAS a dream, it's the best dream in the world. 
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Sometimes the lies will feel endless, but lies cannot change the Truth. Aslan's Country remains. Even when standing in the dark, I choose to believe.
    "Oh, Aslan. I thought you’d come roaring in and "Oh, Aslan. I thought you’d come roaring in and frighten all the enemies away—like last time."  
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Ah me, there are so many times I've thought this to the Lord Jesus! I would love to have God come roaring in every single time to sort out my messes as quickly as possible. But things never happen the same way twice, dear one. Sometimes it's hard to see the growth, but I am trusting that He has helped me to grow - and that each year I grow, He will give me the eyes to see more and more how big He truly is. 
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Let's play a little Narnia-themed game today! Are you ready?
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In the comments below, tell me which Narnian character I remind you of, and then I'll tell you who YOU remind me of! (Note: If we haven't talked much before, then my guesses could be hysterically off, so bare with me! 🙈)
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