Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Making connecting safe for kids

January 21, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

My boy has always loved a watch and he’s been wanting to have more freedom to text and call friends. Gabb Wireless’ watch is the perfect solution. As a mom, I know he’s safe with this device. Plus he’s happy. 

We got the Gabb Watch for him for Christmas knowing the shipping would be delayed. It arrived this week and we’re already fans. He’s happy he can text and call the 10 pre-approved contacts whenever his watch is unlocked. I control who he’s messaging and calling and when he’s able to use these features. Plus I’m able to track his location. Yes, it’s a little more micromanaging on my end from the Gabb Wireless app on my iPhone, but it’s worth it. 

Our oldest started using a Gabb Phone when she turned 14 last year. (Read our review of that here.) We weren’t ready to take that step with our 12-year-old boy, but this is a good step toward him developing good habits with technology, having a little freedom, and being able to keep up with a few friends. 

Another perk I didn’t know about before ordering is the tasks feature. I can add tasks (aka chores) I want Ben to complete and approve them once he’s completed them. He earns virtual coins that allow him to play a pet game on his watch. This motivates him to get the things done that end up helping me. So, again, win-win. 

Unlimited access to the internet is a growing problem among children. Kids are easily exposed to harmful content and unhealthy interactions. We have security measures in place at our house, but we are still particular about what technology our kids get to use and when they have access to it. Gabb Wireless helps us as parents yet allows our kids to be connected in healthy ways. 

Use the code KRISTIN at checkout to save 25% off either the watch or phone or shop through this link. 

*****

These are affiliate links that save you money and earn me money, but we bought both Cate’s phone and Ben’s watch with our own money and truly believe in what Gabb Wireless is doing to protect kids. 

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The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water

January 4, 2022 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Starting “The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water” by Erin Bartels at the end of one year and finishing it on the first of a new year felt poetic. In the novel, the main character Kendra Brennan is trying to move beyond her childhood trauma in order to write her second book. Some of her childhood trauma was the catalyst for her debut novel, which was successful but also prompted a mysterious note from a Very Disappointed Reader.

While inching closer to her upcoming deadline, Kendra learned there were secrets from her past that complicated what she thought to be true and who sent that mysterious note. This first-person novel switched to a second-person voice when Kendra addressed her childhood best friend, who was a main character in the story but never actually appeared in the current day plot. I don’t know that I’d ever read a book with that alternating voice, but it worked well and allowed the reader to understand Kendra’s friendship with the estranged Cami and gave insight to Kendra’s thoughts. 

The summer lake setting worked well for this story of Kendra unraveling the past so she could move forward with her life. The supporting characters had depth that helped move this well-written story along and straight into the depths of many human emotions. Plus I’m always rooting for love — both the friendship kind and the romantic kind. 

This novel is emotional and suspenseful — and I really enjoyed it. I’m always glad to see a new-to-me author has other books and I’m looking forward to reading more from Bartels. 

“The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water” is about how secrets shape us and unravel us, how forgiveness is a process, and how love is possible even among the pain. This is an example of how the best stories, even the fictional ones, are built on truth and love.  

This 352-page paperback is published by Revell (Jan. 4, 2022). 

About the author

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of “All That We Carried,” 2020 Christy finalist “The Words between Us,” and “We Hope for Better Things,” a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, 2020 WFWA Star Award-winner, and 2019 Christy finalist. A publishing professional for nearly twenty years, she lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

*****

I received a free, advanced paperback copy of this book from Revell in exchange for a review. These opinions are my own. 

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Abel in the Stable

November 26, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

My favorite Christmas traditions are the ones that are focused on Jesus. Maybe that sounds simple, but this world is so loud and the main message often gets lost. I love Abel in the Stable because this simple tradition helps young children discover the truth that Jesus is the reason for the season. 

Abel in the Stable was created several years by my friends Shelley Crowell and Abbey Kelly who are the kids and preschool directors at my church. They revamped it this year and I was fortunate enough to offer some editing and brainstorming about the project. 

The Abel in the Stable set includes a guidebook for parents, a storybook for kids, a do-it-yourself stable, and a stuffed donkey. While the devotions and activities incorporate Christmas elements beyond the Bible, such as Christmas music, marshmallows, and canned goods, the point is the earthly birth of our lord and savior. The 25 devotions are brief and activities simple so this would be a meaningful addition to an already busy season. It works well to start on Dec. 1 and finish on Christmas morning. 

Yes, this tradition is geared toward elementary-aged kids helping Abel discover the true meaning of Christmas, but it’s a great way to have the whole family involved. It’s likely to prompt conversations and create memories. 

The Abel in the Stable kits are $20 and can be shipped for an additional $10. Local purchases can be picked up at Hardin Baptist Church. All proceeds go to the church’s outreach ministries. You can order it online at abelinthestable.com. The kit I have doesn’t include the new stuffed Abel, which has been delayed shipping for distribution, but Abbey and Shelley are doing everything they can to make sure families have the new and improved Abel in their hands as soon as they can.

*****

Nobody asked me to review this product. I’m just excited to share it with y’all. I did get a free kit for helping edit the books. These opinions are 100 percent my own and not compensated. 

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About Me

Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our high school girl who never forgets, our middle school boy who has no fear, and our joy-filled first-grade girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

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Hello, #84daysofsummer! ☀️ #TeamTaylor #girl Hello, #84daysofsummer! ☀️ 

#TeamTaylor #girlmom #boymom #momlife #reallife #summerisbest #siblinglove #countryliving #poolpeople #getoutside
First of all, who else has read this book? The plo First of all, who else has read this book? The plot was promising as a thriller and the setting really worked. There were some good twists, and then there were ridiculous twists. I skimmed the end only because I wanted it to make sense. And it didn’t. It was too weird for me. 

But this made me wonder: how do we know if a book is going to be weird, contain elements we don’t like, or go places that don’t make sense? I don’t like to read much about a book before I read the book. Usually, I do a better job of picking books for myself. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #donotrecommend #bookofthemonth @bookofthemonth
I needed this low-key weekend that was pleasant we I needed this low-key weekend that was pleasant weather, a mixture of productivity and rest, and had plenty of wide-open space to enjoy our property and each other. 

#weekending #TeamTaylor #poolpeople #countryliving #favoritethings #choosingJOY #maydays
And that’s a wrap on soccer season! I love watch And that’s a wrap on soccer season! I love watching them both play. 

#soccermom #weekending #springtime #momlife #girlmom #boymom
On Mothers Day, I wanted to sit by the pool with a On Mothers Day, I wanted to sit by the pool with a book, but I didn’t know what I wanted to read. Whenever I have indecision about books, picking up a thriller usually helps because of the story’s pace. 

“The Only Survivors” worked well because there was a lot happening! Lots of creepy, mysterious moments. Only so many people could be guilty of infiltrating a small group who had lots of secrets! 

I loved the timeline of this one. The back story about an accident was told in seven one-hour segments. The present mystery was told in seven days. 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #latergram #bookofthemonth @bookofthemonth #poolpeople #mothersday
Y’all we are very ready for summer. ☀️ And Y’all we are very ready for summer. ☀️ 

And when I say summer, I mean we are ready to shake up the routine, mentally regroup, turn off the alarms, establish some new habits, soak in the sun, and catch up with friends we’ve been crossing paths with too quickly. 

I want to savor the #84daysofsummer and I want to embrace this new season. And it’s almost time. Three more days of school. (Deep breaths.) 

Meanwhile, I’m going to keep collecting the moments — the hard, hurried, happy, and heartfelt. The seasons do change, but this is the life we are living. 

“The moments you collect may not be loud or flashy. They might be quiet or covered or a far-off view you were lucky to catch. But this I know to be true: A moment savored says to your soul, ‘You have lived something beautiful.’ And it keeps you buoyed. It sustains you when you’re running empty. It lifts you up and carries you forward.” — Joanna Gaines in @magnolia summer 2023 journal issue no. 27 

#momlife #reallife #momconfessions #livingfaithfully #summerisbest #teenagedriver #choosingJOY
I’ve read quite a few World War II novels, but t I’ve read quite a few World War II novels, but this one by Soraya M. Lane focused on three nurses, their friendships, and how the war changed their lives. It’s a hard story, but it’s full of love and hope despite the destruction around them. 

And it’s the second historical fiction audiobook I’ve listened to in a row! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #audiobooks #Audible #KindleUnlimited #historicalfiction
I became a mom because three other women sacrifice I became a mom because three other women sacrificed, chose life, and chose me to. Motherhood is sanctifying, unexpected, adventurous, and constant. It’s also among the greatest joys in my life. 

A low-key Mother’s Day that included church and felt like summer was exactly what my soul needed. Don’t worry, my eldest was around too but she had to work on homework and then at her job. 

#mothersday #adoption #momlife #adoptionislove #PeaceInTheProcess #reallife #weekending #poolpeople #summerisbest #favoritethings #choosingJOY #boymom #girlmom #bettertogether
This second novel by @carleyfortune speaks right t This second novel by @carleyfortune speaks right to my summer-loving heart. I loved Will and Fern’s love story, appreciated the depths of some of their experiences, and enjoyed the happy ending. Put this one one your summer reading list! 

#KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #newrelease #KindleOasis #kindlebooks #romancenovels #latergram #summerisbest
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