Hello Dear Reader,

I hope the title of this newsletter didn’t fool you into thinking I meant the fall season. Most of my friends and family are already ringing in their fall decoration, whipping out everything pumpkin spice, and throwing on their sweaters. 

I do not share their same sentiment. 

Maybe I’m a biased summer-fanatic, but there are multiple, purely sane, reasons why we shouldn’t be basking in fall just yet. For one, the first official day of fall for 2025 is September 22, so we still have about a month until then. Second, once fall comes, winter is right behind it. Granted, fall and winter are my favorite book reading times (que fireplace, tea, snuggly blanket, snow and rain), but I also like reading outside in the fresh air, sun beating down on me, and a soft breeze blowing. 

There is one good thing about this season, though. A thing I’m actually very excited for and something that I think you will be too. 

It’s official — the sequel to THE ABDITORY will be officially released! 

I know, I know, it’s been a long time coming, but I’m so thrilled that we’ve made it! Because of that, you don’t just get one special treat this newsletter — through all the lengthy perspiration I’ve put you through, you deserve two! Not only will you be the first to know the sequels long awaited title, but you will also get a never-before-seen excerpt!

For your next reading enjoyment, I present to you…

THE ABYSS BETWEEN

KNEE SLAPPER THURSDAY 

VERSE OF THE MONTH

“Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.”

2 Peter 3:11-14 ESV

SERVINA

We’ve been enjoying the last of the summer nights, so much in fact, I’m glad I managed to remember to snap a picture 🙂

AN INSIDE LOOK INTO “THE ABYSS BETWEEN”

As soon as we returned from the race, Evander wasted no time. While I was still catching my breath and brushing dust from my clothes, he was already listing off customs, names, and rules I was expected to follow. The feast tonight, he said, wasn’t just a celebration: it was a test, a stage, and a trap all at once. I was to smile, speak little, and observe everything. Apparently, who I looked at, where I sat, and even what I ate could be interpreted as some kind of message. 

Every move mattered.

Evander wasn’t drilling this into me for his own gain or to boost his family’s standing, I sensed. He was doing it for me. For my protection. Because in a room full of powerful people with sharper smiles than daggers, even the smallest mistake could become dangerous.

Once he was finished, Aura ushered me away to get ready, as she graciously offered me one of her tunics and skill with fashion until my own garments could be completed. Ever since arriving back to their villa, nerves were eating me up inside, except I couldn’t fathom why. I was never nervous to speak to new people or be put in difficult situations. My only explanation was that it might be since I am in a new time I may say something that was inexplicable. Either that or the fact that I was meeting more of Evander’s friends. 

As the sun began to set, my preparations were finally finished. Just in the nick of time, too, because Evander had since sent three servants to check on me, relaying their master’s message to finish quickly. Aura placed a pallus, which was much like a shawl, around my shoulders and had the servant take me to the atrium where Evander was waiting restlessly. Entering the ornate room, my eyes locked with him in what seemed to be an agitated state, his arms crossed. But he straightened as soon as I entered, his face changing somehow. 

“You look,” he faltered as he took in my soft pink toga, the gold trim accenting against my skin. Aura’s slave fashioned my hair into a detailed braid, placing gold pins expertly throughout and then later adding minimal makeup to my face. I had to use all I could within me not to think about what possible harmful materials they were using to achieve this look. 

“Yes?” I asked, concerned it may be too much. 

“Breathtaking,” he finally said, his eyes looking across my new attire. It only took him a moment before he cleared his throat. “We best be going if we plan on making an early exit.” 

He lifted his hand waiting for me to place my own on his before he led me to the litter outside, helping me in. I had seen the people of Rome use these as forms of transportation, but as I entered inside, I noticed there was barely enough room for me let alone the both of us.

“Are you not coming?” I asked, worried. 

“I’ll be on my horse right beside you,” he said, grabbing the reins from a slave. “I didn’t think it would be very ladylike for you to ride a stallion beside me and thought you might be more comfortable in a litter.”

Forehead scrunched, a frown encapsulated my face. I would have appreciated the extra time with Evander.

Swinging his leg over the brown back covered by the saddle, Evander signaled to the slaves and clicked his tongue, beckoning his steed forward. The top of the litter rose first, my feet following as we began down the streets of Rome. Evander led the way, clearing a small path in the crowds for the men carrying me. Earlier, Evander had mentioned that Cassius lived near the Circus Maximus, but we were not taking the same route we had to get to the races. Instead, he led us down what seemed to be a quieter and more upscale part of the city. 

After some time, we finally reached his villa, which seemed to be placed on the outskirts of the city, not particularly near the Circus Maximus, but I paid the minor detail no attention. Stepping down, Evander gave his horse to one of the slaves and helped me out of the litter, guiding me up the abundant steps to the entrance. Soft light escaped from the openings on the side, laughs and conversation resonating outside. Two guards positioned by the door opened it for us, and I followed Evander inside. The entrance alone was magnificent, marble on every wall with torches detailing the beauty of it. It was much grander than Evander’s home, but I knew that wasn’t from lack of funds on Evander’s part. They were much wiser with their money, constantly investing in business opportunities, as Aura had mentioned. Moreover, I noticed a sense of humility in his family, which to me spoke volumes. 

BOOK REVIEW

“GONE WITH THE WIND”

This month’s book is part 2 “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell.

In our last newsletter edition, we covered the 1939 film adaption of “Gone with the Wind.” Now that we should all be caught up and on the same page—pun intended—let’s cover the book, shall we.   

My Overall Opinion:

If I had to describe this book into one word, the word I would choose would be: detail. This book is rich with it. At times, that was wonderful, at other times, it could get a little tedious. But I will admit, especially when it came to Scarlett, I loved the in-depth look that is only inevitable to be lacking in a film adaption. Seeing her rise from a bratty, spoiled teenager to a composed (yet, still conniving) businesswoman, was enthralling. Mitchell did an excellent job of symbolism throughout the book, and while reading it, I couldn’t help but at times wonder if Scarlet was a representation of the South. Her struggle during the war, her slow encapsulation to the North, and so on. Just as in the film, I did constantly want to throw Ashley into a river, because he annoyed me just as much in the written word as he did on the big screen. In short, be a man, for goodness’ sake and make up your mind! All in all, while lengthy, I would recommend that everyone should read this book at least once in their lifetime. If not for the plot and characters, then for a sense of what people pre- and post-Civil War were experiencing, specifically from the perspective of the South.

My Favorite Character:

As with the film, there was one character who couldn’t help but take the cake — our dear old Rhett Butler. While in the book, I wasn’t sure if it was my distaste for Ashley that pushed me towards Rhett, but I found that Rhett could still hold his own ground. Scarlett clearly thought so.

Things I Didn’t Like / Would Change:

One thing that I wouldn’t exactly change, but wasn’t fond of, was that Scarlett had three children, not just one. One child from each of her marriages. While this might be more realistic, the idealized version of a solo Scarlett I had in my head was dashed against the rocks.

Ranking:

4.2/5 — While the story and extensive detail were good, it did harbor one little flaw in my opinion which I have already mentioned. Specifically, the word “extensive.” There were parts of the book that seemed to drag a little bit, but nevertheless, Mitchell pioneered on and wrote a wonderful story.

Other Comments:

Overall, I did feel that the film adaption did a decent job of staying true to Mitchell’s intentions. Obviously, there were differences and contrasts, but all in all it was still well done. Nevertheless, the film will always rank number one in my heart. 

 

COMING NEXT MONTH

As I’ve made it abundantly clear that summer is most definitely my favorite season of all, fall is not without its perks. So, tune in next month as dive into the beauty from this marvelous world that our Creator has made.

See You Next Month!