Hello.  My name is Sydney Anderson.  I am currently a stay-at-home mommy-librarian who has a love of books and all things bookish.  I work part time online as an adjunct professor for Southern Utah University (SUU) teaching Information Literacy.  I believe there is a book out there for everyone, it is only a matter of finding the right one.  I enjoy connecting with authors and readers online via social media and blogging and hope to one day write a novel of my own. 

In addition to my love of libraries and books, I also enjoy group fitness and running.  I am certified in Barre (via FiTour, Barre Above, & UpBeat Barre), Balletone, Advanced Pilates (viaFiTour), and Pumped Up Strength; I teach a few times a month.  I am also currently working on completing a group fitness certification and Pre- and Postnatal Coaching Certificate via Girls Gone Strong AND I’m training for a 10K.

When I am not working, reading, or blogging, I enjoy spending time outdoors (especially hiking); attending group fitness classes (including:  Barre, Balletone, Pilates, Pumped Up Strength, WERQ, Kickboxing, etc.); working on craft projects; singing; and spending time and going on adventures with my husband and our boys. 

Social media:  Instagram / Blog / Goodreads

Welcome to The Engrafted Word Sydney! 

I am so excited to get to talk with you today, and I know our readers will love getting to know you and your wonderful family.  

3. When did you first realize you wanted to become an author, and who or what would you say is your biggest influence in your writing journey? 

I started writing when I was in grade school. I loved stories and the written word from a young age. I had some circumstances in my personal life come up with my special needs non-verbal Autistic son (he also has developmental delays and motor skill delays) and so I am not actually writing right now. But I’m hoping to get back into it in a couple years when both my kids are in school all day.

My biggest influence and ideas come from reading lots and lots of books in genres and by authors I adore.

7. I’ve only attended a few writing conferences, and it can be difficult to decide what conference to attend next.  Can you recommend any to our readers? 

It for sure can be hard to decide which writing conference to attend. So far, I have attended Storymakers which happens every May in Provo, Utah. It’s a 2-3 day event depending on what classes and intensives you decide to attend. And I also attended a writing conference put on by Richard Paul Evans in the Salt Lake City, Utah area. I mostly decided on these conferences, because I had heard good things about them, and they were close to home. I think it would be super fun to one day attend ACFW which is a lot farther away.

8. Blogging can be a lot of fun but also a lot of work!  Why did you decide to start a blog so many years ago, and what tips could you give to someone who would like to start a blog? 

At the time I started my blog, I had just moved to a new city in a new state and I couldn’t seem to get a job, even after multiple interviews. I didn’t have a job, and I didn’t have kids yet–I was bored being home alone all day while my husband was at work. I have always loved books and reading and discovered I could participate in blog tours and launch teams for various publishers and authors. So that is what became my “job”. I figured I was already reading anyway, so I might as well write a review and post on social media.

9. Experience is everything when it comes to life–whether that is writing a story or just talking to a friend.  Are there any words of wisdom you would like to share?

I have always loved to read and use it as a way to explore other times and places. But ever since my oldest son was diagnosed with Autism, I’ve used reading a lot more as an escape and as self-care to help me cope with his diagnosis and all the therapies we do to help him, as well as a way for self-care to help with my mental health. It’s definitely a good outlet. And it teaches me to be a better writer along the way!

10. I agree with your advice–read as much as you can!  And I know many keep up with their books and reading lists on Goodreads–myself included–but I’m always amazed at how people are able to read so much!  What do you think is the best way to accomplish a high reading goal? 

Honestly, I find the best of way to take a high reading goal is to be flexible in the type of book format you are willing to read. I do lots of audiobooks as I drive my kids to preschool. But I also read print and ebooks. I even go so far as to use my e-reader to do text to speech reading for me even though the voice is robotic. 😆 I also snatch little minutes when I’m waiting in line or waiting at the doctor’s or dentist’s office etc.

Thanks so much for having me, Heather. It’s always a pleasure to talk to you!!

Thanks for joining us, Sydney! Wishing you (and all you readers) a blessed day!

When I was a child, I could write a long letter with little to no effort.  You see, I am from the letter writing era.  I know that concept is foreign to many, since we live in a world of emails and tweets.  However, there was a time when people communicated via post, and I was one of them.

It’s sad when I consider that the world has lost this great pastime.  I imagine the letters that Jane Austen and Charles Dickens penned.  If you have a chance to study them, you will find they are filled with much wit and humor as well as grim salutations.  Letters were how people conveyed what was going on in their daily lives–along with any sadness or happiness that came their way.  What do we do now?  We email or text someone our news, and I am afraid that in many cases our mode of communication has completely broken down.  Will we every get it back?  In many cases, I fear we will not.

More and more I see where people do not stop to take the time to notice the person they are talking to.  Their mind is filled with their to-do list for the day; therefore, there is no time to talk to the old college friend they just saw at the grocery store.  Why as humans are we like this?  When did we forget how to focus, listen, and communicate with each other?

Have you ever talked to someone before and felt they were not really listening to you, or that your conversation was one of inconvenience?  I know I have been in that place many times in my life, and I must confess that I strive to never treat others like that. When did we get so busy that we forgot how to enjoy the company of the person standing in our midst?

So how did the poets and authors of old treat other individuals?  I am sure they had their moments of strife and upset, but I also know from reading their letters that they prided themselves on being able to reach out to a family member or friend they had not seen in awhile.  Many even wrote to strangers, such as C.S. Lewis, who composed many letters to his readers.  Some of my favorite letters of his to read are those he wrote to children.  So many little ones wrote to him in order to ask about Aslan and the world of Narnia. It is so lovely to see that Lewis cared enough to not only write them back, but he also took the time to answer each of their questions regarding this special world he created in his books.  Splendid!

I wish we could go back to days of letter writing–how lovely that would be.  I know that is not possible in modern times, but there are many occasions where I do take a moment to send someone a card.  And I always love getting a hand written note in the mail from someone–it makes my day!  So take a moment this week to pen a letter to a friend or maybe even a short thank you note to your mom or grandma–I know they will cherish this timeless act!

Today is a special day for me, because it commemorates an anniversary that I will forever be grateful and humbled by–the Lord is good.  I wanted to post a poem that I wrote years ago, which talks about all that the Lord has done for me, and happily was a poem that was published in my college’s literary journal.  God bless friends!

“The Gifts”

by Heather Snyder

Love and Kindness are with me wherever I go,
They are a constant reminder of the love that was shown to me.

They are a constant reminder to me to keep going no matter what,
no matter how hard things get, these two things always seem to
give
me the strength to carry on.

They are always there to remind me that I can overcome any
obstacle,
because of being given these two precious gifts.

Whenever I think of them,
a smile comes to my face,
as I remember the day that I was awarded them.
Then with anguish I remember the days I did not have them,
yet everyday longed and hoped for these gifts to come soon.
Wondering what it would be like to have these amazing gifts in my
life,
wondering if I would ever have these gifts in my life.

My life before was filled with pain and suffering,
it was filled with broken dreams and questions of what was to
come,
what was I to become? There were no answers to these puzzling
questions,
just the drive to keep going even though the road ahead held no
promises.

Once these gifts were here it was like a breath of fresh air.
My life was never the same again, it was a thousand times better.
Suddenly the road ahead held many promises with dreams coming
true.
Pain was being erased and replaced with hope for the future.
I now understood what I had been missing for so many years,
and have been in awe of this fact ever since.

I intend to protect these precious gifts, Love and Kindness,
for they were a gift given by God directly to me.
Not to be taken for granted, but to hold dear all the days of my
life.
They were given for me to embrace life,
to embrace Love and Kindness in this life.

I will never forget Love and Kindness,
for they are with me wherever I go.

This month has been a reflective one for me–do you ever have those months?  Times when you stop and listen to the world around you–your own world specifically.  When you consider what you have done in your life up to this point and what the Lord may have brought you through.  That is where my thoughts lie this month.

Throughout my young life, there have been numerous occasions where I have needed help.  Help from those around me, but mostly help from the only person who could faithfully assist me in those moments–Someone who could help me when no one else could.  I’m sure you have already guessed that I am talking about the Lord.  This month marks a momentous occasion for me–a celebration that I thought I would never reach.  And all the glory goes to the Lord and to the love of another family.  Without their selfless decision, I would not be writing this post.

Thanksgiving and gratefulness fills my heart this month because despite what I may think at times–my life has purpose and meaning.  I must carry on because there are others who cannot.  I must live my life with passion because of the gift I was given.  I must live out loud even in a world that sometimes brings you down or questions why you are so vivacious all the time.  In those moments, remember your perkiness may bother them because they are forever in the depths of despair.  Don’t ever feel like you have to match their character.  The world needs you to make it a better place!  There are already too many grumps on the planet.

As you know by now, the Lord always uses music to speak to me and to help me through some of the most challenging events in my life.  And I have attended numerous contemporary Christian concerts throughout the years that always left me feeling inspired and encouraged to keep running the race set before me (Hebrews 12:1).  On a nostalgic note, the song by Third Day entitled “Love Song” popped into my head this past week.  This is such a beautiful song and an incredible reminder of what Christ did for us and gave to us.  As a young girl, I remember a group performing a skit to this song at my church–the audience was in tears along with a young Heather who was bawling her eyes out.  Oh, how imperative it is that we remember all that has been given to us!  Please take a moment to listen to this song today.

Life is a gift.  Everyday is a gift.  Embrace it!  Love it!  Hold on to each and every moment while remembering where you came from and what you have been through.  Live the life that God has called you to live–use the talents you have been given.  Don’t waste moments by worrying about the past and wishing you had done things differently–be different now!

As I stated earlier, this month is super special to me, and as the days go by I recall so many various events that took place long ago.  And I am left in awe and wonder at the greatness of our God.  Relying on Him is the only way I got through any of it.  He is my strength–daily and forever.  When I think back to where I was ten years ago, and what my life could have been–I am so happy to know that the Lord was and is in control.  He knew the steps before I even walked them.  Things do happen in His perfect timing, which are usually the moments that do not make sense to us.  Trust is key in these times.

My life has changed so much in recent years that there is not enough space here for me to elaborate upon it.  Just know that we serve an awesome God, and that He is bigger than anything we may ever face.  I never thought I would get through many of the trials I have endured, but God knew.  And that is all the comfort I will ever need.  God bless each and everyone of you this month!

March is an amazing month for me, because I’m blessed to be able to celebrate another moment again.  I know I have probably mentioned some of my milestones before, which equate to the grace of the Lord.  These pertain to moments in life where it is incredibly apparent that the Lord was the author of such goodness, and I cannot deny it.  Isn’t it wonderful to see how the Lord works?  To know that it is He alone Who could grant such a miracle!  And isn’t it amazing to realize that He is working in your life, because you see and understand that the Lord loves you.  The Creator of the world is saving you!

I know I tend to get a bit excited when I talk about all that the Lord has done, but it just amazes me.  Why does He love me this much?  Why does He even care?  And yet, I am remined daily of His love and kindness.

The song below is from my childhood, but it is one of my favorites.  Every time I hear the words I cry, because this song reminds me yet again about God’s power and love.  And the fact that His grace never changes.  I hope this song touches your heart too.

I’ve said this many times–I love novella collections!  And this book, Her Country Gentleman, is no exception.  Each story is incredibly written to represent the time era that each author portrays.

There are three stories–“Spring at Tribbley Hall,” “Love of My Heart,” and “Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire.”  All three stories can be read individually, but they are all set during the Georgian period.  Personally, I read them in order, but that is only because I basically read the entire book in one sitting–I enjoyed it that much!

I don’t want to give too much away, because that it is easy to do when explaining a novella story, but I will say, if you love this period in English history, I gladly recommend this book.  And if you love historical fiction, you will enjoy reading about the lives of these characters who lived in a world so long ago, which is why historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read.  It is so wonderful to be able to step back in time and enter a place we know little about, but through the pages of a story, we can gather a glimpse so we can better understand yesterday.  Happy reading friends!

About The Book

Not all love is found in London . . .

Spring at Tribbley Hall by Sian Ann Bessey

When Charlotte’s grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister’s wedding preparations in London. Lord William Cheston, on the other hand, is most unhappy when his mother informs him that her old friend and a granddaughter are coming to stay. Not only is it lambing season, but he’s also dealing with the mysterious loss of several sheep. The last thing he needs is a child underfoot. When Charlotte and William first meet, he does not realize that the lovely young lady is the granddaughter in question, and she assumes that the man dressed in work clothes in the barn is a servant. Soon afterward, however, Charlotte stumbles upon a clue to William’s sheep’s disappearance, and when her life is placed in jeopardy, William is forced to choose between saving his unwanted houseguest and catching the thief.

Love of My Heart by Sarah M. Eden

Cordelia Wakefield has never lived anywhere but London and is not overly happy when her family is forced to retrench to a small estate near Teviotbrae, Scotland. An ill-fated game of battledore and shuttlecock brings her face-to-racquet with Sebastian, who runs the home farm at nearby Teviot Castle. What begins as a clash of personalities, expectations, and preferences, soon leads to a friendship neither had expected. As the magic of Teviotbrae weaves its spell, the possibility of something more than friendship begins to blossom. But what future is there for a lowly farmer and a London lady?

Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire by Rebecca Connolly

Martha Smith wants to marry for love, and will not be persuaded otherwise. She is highly sought after in Society for her beauty and status, but refuses to consider any suitor whose only claim is that his prospects meet with her mother’s approval. Her widowed mother has had enough of Martha’s romantic sensibilities, and is sending her to stay with unfortunate cousins in Wiltshire to show her that marrying for love is a risk that is too great. Benjamin Steele, Lord Hillier, is working on his new and dilapidated estate when he first catches sight of the striking Martha Smith. Becoming Lord Hillier has only brought him a house that needs significant repairs, tenant farms that had been abandoned, and only the money he’d already possessed. He wants meaning in his life, and he’s more than willing to work for it. Though worlds apart in all else, on this point they can agree: a life of meaning would change everything.

Available Here  

Amazon

About the Author

I am consistently reminded that life is a series of joys and challenges.  No sooner do I overcome one problem, that another problem is staring me in the face.  It seems I can never catch a break—I am always fighting for something.  Every day presents some sort of struggle, and I must rely upon the Lord to get me through it.  Thankfully, we have a God who will carry life’s worries for us, because life is too hard to carry each and every burden alone.

No matter where you are in life, God knows what hurdles you are dealing with.  There is no place too far—He will be there to hold you and guide you through the storms of life.  I once heard a pastor say that life follows the same pattern.  Times are good, bad, good, bad, good, bad, and then you die.  Well, that is not a pleasant thought to consider; however, there is some truth to it, which is why it is vital we place our trust and faith in Christ.  He will stay with us on this roller coaster we call life, and then in heaven He will be there to welcome us into His arms.

I heard this fun song recently—The God I Know by Love and the Outcome.  I absolutely love the video!  It has this amazing 80’s vibe to it with the Madonna gloves, cassette tape player, retro guitar, choker necklace, leather jackets, and the fuzzy streaming video that is playing—simply brilliant.  But the words to this song are so inspiring as well.  For myself, I can definitely identify with the words to this tune.  I remember the day of “once I was lost, but now I’m found.”  The moment Christ chose me and welcomed me into His family.  My life was never the same.  Suddenly, I had purpose, and I knew God loved me.

Now I will never fathom His love, and I do not understand why He love me, but He does.  And as this song says, this is “what I was waiting for / I came alive when I let go / all I had was a broken heart / then He held me in His arms.”  Christ did all of that for me.  Despite life’s troubles, I can wake up each morning knowing that whatever comes—the Lord is right there beside me, and “I can throw my hands up / worries down,” because “I remember when He showed me how.”  Amazingly, Christ proves His love to me on a daily basis—from the blessings He gives to me to the evidence of His presence.

So no matter what you are facing today, please know there is Someone you can know today, and Someone you can run to for help in any situation—big or small.  Because Christ cares about every part of us and every aspect of our lives.  He can handle everything that comes our way.  For me, this knowledge is the only reason I can deal with life’s difficulties.  I cannot imagine living life without Christ by my side and in my heart.  I am so grateful to know He is my Savior, and I want you to know “the God I know.”

Since a particular holiday is coming up, I decided I wanted to share a bit of classic literature this week.  As an English major in college, my love for the written word grew, but even as a child, I loved reading so many of the amazing stories that were written decades ago.  How old were you when you read Little Women or Secret Garden for the first time?

These amazing classic authors contributed so much to the literary world.  Can you imagine not having the works of Jane Austen or Robert Browning?  I am so grateful that we have these incredible works to read and cherish today.  So when you have a moment, please take the time to discover a beautiful novel from centuries past, and please let me know what book you chose in the comments below.  Happy reading friends!

How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.”

Laura Rollins is a newly discovered author for me, and I can honestly say I cannot wait to read her other stories.  This particular book, Silver Bells and Secrets, was an absolutely wonderful book!  And I am so happy to learn that there will be two more books in this series–with the second book coming out this December, which of course is perfect timing for the Christmas season. 

As I have stated before, I love Christmas stories, but there never seems to be enough time in December to get all the reading done that I would like.  Thankfully, I was able to finish three Christmas books this month, and this Regency story was one of them.  This text focuses on two characters–Lord Ezra Weston and Miss Grace Stewart.  Of course, other characters get in the mix to make these two people’s lives a bit hectic and crazy–although, Lord Ezra seems to accomplish creating havoc all on his own!  Miss Stewart is quite observant regarding the Earl’s mishaps and wonders why he of all people would be so concerned with her.  After all, she is far below his station in society.

Lord Ezra hopes to catch the attention of Miss Stewart but knows that doing so will cause gossip among the others.  How can an Earl find an appropriate moment to talk with Miss Stewart alone, especially when such an action would be frowned upon.  Yet there is a great secret he carries, and with every day that passes, his struggles are starting to overwhelm him to a point that he believes his heart and the heart of Miss Stewart will forever be broken.  Can he mend his erroneous actions?

If you love Christmas stories, I recommend reading this one!  I know I will be reading the next book in the series as well as Rollins’ A Dickens of a Christmas series.  Happy reading friends!

About The Book

Grace plans to marry the host of their Christmas house party.
Ezra has only until it ends to convince her otherwise.

Lord Ezra Weston has done something incredibly stupid. Through a series of events he prefers not to consider too closely, he has begun a written correspondence with Miss Grace Stewart under the guise of being his own sister. She’s witty, considerate, and as much in need of a friend as he is. So, why not continue? That is, until Grace writes and says she’s set her cap at someone. In only a few words, Ezra realizes he hasn’t only made a friend these past many months, he’s fallen in love.

As an earl, Ezra can get himself invited to the Christmas house party hosted by Grace’s would-be husband. But once there, how does he plead his case? Either he loses Grace’s trust and friendship, or he loses his one chance at happiness. But that seems only fitting, seeing as he’s already lost his heart.

Available Here  

Amazon

About the Author

Even though it is January, I am still feeling the Christmas spirit.  In fact, January is my least favorite month of the year, so it is nice to continue reading Christmas stories, listening to Christmas music, and watching Christmas movies.  Does anyone else feel that way? 

I have been reading Heirloom Christmas, which is a compilation of stories by several authors.  I love these types of books, because I usually get introduced to authors I have not read before, which is the case with the first story in this book.  Misty Beller’s story is the first, and it is titled “A Mountain Christmas Romance.”  It was wonderful!  I have not stayed up late reading in quite some time, but I made an exception for this Christmas story.  It is filled with intrigue, sorrow, love, and of course romance!  It was simply the perfect read to dash away the January blues.  I’m so excited to read the other stories in this book.  What are some of your favorite January reads?

About The Book

There’s something magical about a holiday filled with traditions like making cookies, gathering with family around the tree, and reading under a snowy sky. Grab your hot chocolate and snuggly blanket and get ready to curl up for hours of reading about Christmases past with this romance collection from six of your favorite Christian fiction authors.

A Mountain Christmas Romance by Misty M. Beller

Opal Boyd learned long ago that most men can’t be trusted. But when a gruff mountain man on a desperate mission travels through her remote Wyoming mountain town, she can’t deny how Matthias Bjork’s loneliness touches her heart.
When Matthias shares the magical experience of his family’s traditional Viking Yule celebration, Opal can’t help but fall a little bit in love… But when his search for his missing sister puts Opal in danger, Matthias must sacrifice everything to rescue her.

Bundle of Joy by Robin Lee Hatcher

In this sweet contemporary romance, Alicia Harris can’t bear to disappoint her grandfather by telling him she’s two months away from being a single mother—so she tells a white lie. But when Grandpa Roger drops in unexpectedly to spend the holidays with Alicia and her husband, Alicia needs to find a fill-in—fast. Childhood friend Joe Palermo fits the bill and is willing to play along. Still, the longer they spend playing pretend, the closer Alicia and Joe come to discovering what love, faith, and marriage truly mean.

Christmas Bride by Linda Ford

Josh Kinsley thought he’d be eating a Christmas turkey with his family—not trapped and forced to work in a mine. He escapes along with beautiful Katie Webster, who was also captured by the band of outlaws.
As Josh and Katie are forced to survive a cruel winter in the wilderness, they must learn to trust each other. But will their adventures help them admit their growing feelings or will the danger keep them apart?

A Sugar Plum Christmas by Kari Trumbo

Nadia has always been on the fringe of society. As a former prostitute, she knows what people think as they look at her. But is there a way to overcome their disdain? Or is she destined to be lonely forever? When Rock, her boss and owner of the Last Chance Saloon, issues a challenge she can’t refuse, she hopes her efforts will finally make a difference. The first person who accepts her is the one she least expected. Changing her life just might also mean…love.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Dottie Morgan, alone and bitter, would like nothing more than to hide and let the Christmas season pass her by.
After serving as a mechanic in the Army’s motor pool, spinster Violet Hart has returned home to a community that doesn’t quite know what to do with her.
Former soldier Jake Ramsey has been in love with Violet for years—about as long as he’s been keeping a secret that just might break her heart.
And then there’s Gordon Lindholm, the farmer from across the field who harbors his own grief—and love—for the woman he can’t forget.
When the blizzard of the decade traps Dottie in her home, along with Violet, Jake, Gordon and a wandering child in need of rescue, the strangers must band together to survive. And in doing so, they just might discover the magic of Christmas and a miracle that will heal all their hearts.

A Cowboy for Christmas by Lacy Williams

Cowboy Ricky White has been running from his past for so long that he’s lost his way. When he hires on as a ranch hand for Daisy’s father, he believes he’s found his one chance to find redemption. But his secrets are looming and he’ll need a Christmas miracle to win the prickly Daisy’s heart—and maybe find his way home again. 

Available Here  

Goodreads

About the Author