Cate

Britfield series continues with adventure

July 5, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

The following book review is written by my daughter Cate, who has been eagerly awaiting in the second installment in a book series she’s enjoyed. The Britfield books are adventurous tales that include lots of real European landmarks and history geared toward middle school and high school readers.

“Britfield & the Rise of the Lion” was a great sequel to follow the first book in the series. The plot twists are amazing, and constantly keep you guessing on what is going to happen next. While I love, love the plot, I would have liked some more development in the characters. Like any good series, the end of this one made me wish I had the next book. I am very excited about what happens next in this series.

About the book

Now in France six months after the end of “Britfield & the Lost Crown,” Tom and Sarah are trapped on an island fortress, facing an entirely new enemy: a nefarious and clandestine group.

Searching for the truth, Tom and Sarah must navigate the streets of Paris, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, chased by an assassin determined to remove any potential threat to the British throne.

Aided by old friends and new allies, Tom and Sarah’s fast-paced adventure is filled with twists and turns, unexpected betrayals, and life-changing revelations.

An interactive world of mystery and adventure, culture and education, the Britfield series is about friendship, family, loyalty, and courage with accurate geography and history interwoven throughout each exciting story. This seven- book series will be followed by movies.

“Britfield & the Rise of the Lion” is a 474-paperback book is published by Devonfield Publishing (July 4, 2021). Learn more about this book and series at The World of Britfield.

About the author

Originally from Newport Beach, California, C.R. Stewart has 20 years of experience writing fiction, nonfiction, and movie screenplays. His expertise also includes film and media production, global strategy, and international marketing.

He received a Bachelor of Arts in British Literature and European History from Brown University; did post-graduate work at Harvard University; earned an MBA from Boston College; and is pursuing a Master of Science in Advanced Management and a Ph.D. in Strategy.

Now based in San Diego, Stewart is a strong supporter of education and the arts. He enjoys world travel, reading, riding, swimming, sailing, tennis, and is passionate about fostering creativity in students of all ages.

*****

Cate received a free paperback copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. These opinions are hers, and she recommends this series to people in real life regularly. Here’s the review of “Britfield & the Lost Crown” from 2019.

Tale of a teenager with a cell

May 11, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’ve long told Cate, who turned 14 last week, she could get an old-school flip phone when she turned 16. Well, I changed my mind. After much discussion and thought, Greg and I gifted her with a Gabb Wireless phone for her birthday.

When I thought about my concerns about handing my teenage daughter a smartphone, social media is the biggest no-no. I know, ironic, I blog and post on social media. Most days, I love social media. But I’m thankful I didn’t have to navigate middle school, high school, and college with social media.

There were some reasons I wasn’t opposed to thinking about getting a phone for a teenager. I want to teach Cate phone etiquette and give her an opportunity to connect with her friends. I want to be able to contact her if I’m not with her.

All of that’s why Gabb Wireless is the right fit for us right now. Gabb sells one phone that looks like a smartphone, but there are no social media apps or games. Cate can text and call her friends, take pictures, listen to music, set an alarm, and keep a calendar. I like that she can be more connected without being tempted by lots of other options on a more expensive phone.

Cate’s review of the phone: She likes that she can text her friends even if she isn’t connected to the WiFi at home and listen to her favorite songs we loaded on using a mini SD card. She does wish the photo quality was better and would like a notes app.

We have some boundaries in place already. The phone charges in the kitchen, is turned off at night, and isn’t really out when friends are over. Of course, my girl also has been reminded having a phone of any kind is a privilege and not a right.

Meanwhile, I’m constantly re-learning how parenting is full of seasons that require new decisions and adjustments. Having an age requirement to have a phone, even a basic phone, isn’t as important as knowing the child and having witnessed responsibility and good decision making. So, here I am ready to see where motherhood takes me next.

*****

This isn’t a sponsored post and nobody asked me to share my opinions on this product. This is just one mom to others about what is working for us. Of course, if you like the idea of a Gabb Wireless, I can save you $30 when you purchase the phone. Just use 2702936829 as the promo code at check out.

Fourteen

May 6, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Happy birthday, Cate!

You’re the one who made me a mom. I was reflecting on your life this morning when I woke up too early and remembered how perfect it is to have your birthday sandwiched between my birthday and Mother’s Day. Your life has been a gift to mine since you came into this world three days after I turned 28.

We spent my first Mother’s Day in a hotel waiting for clearance to come home from Indiana as part of the interstate adoption process. Of course, I’m forever grateful to your courageous birth mom who chose life for you and chose us to be your parents. Your life is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision.

Now you’re 14.

You love to play basketball, listen to Florida Georgia Line, and read (and re-read) fantasy and dystopian books. I still don’t understand your love of Crocs and distressed jeans, but you don’t understand why I love the 90s songs that I introduce you to. Even so, I loved shopping with you and our best friends last weekend.

You’ve got a great group of friends from school, have become a leader on the basketball court and in the classroom, and enjoy the church move we recently made. You started wearing glasses in March, not long after you were the sole case COVID in our household. It’s been a weird year, but you’ve worn when your mask when necessary and navigated life with such grace. I loved sitting with you at St. Pete Beach for Spring Break and just chit-chatting about life.

Cate, I’m proud of the confidence you’ve developed in who God created you to be. You’re smart, funny, and responsible. I am thankful for the ways you help around the house and set an example for your younger brother and sister. I love sharing this birthday week with you (and Dozer) and, more importantly, all the days our lives. What a joy it is to be your mom.

Happy birthday, Catherine Anna! Your life is truly a gift.

*****

Cate through the years on her birthday: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Baptism. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Of course, you can read more about her birth, adoption story, and early life in my book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” too.