I’m so excited to share my review for Marisa Phillips’ anthology Emotional Commotion, releasing TODAY! *applause and confetti* So make sure to grab your copy! After the book blurb, you can find the review! 😉

Emotional Commotion Blurb

My Review!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 stars

Emotional Commotion is an inspiring collection of five short stories that each explore a different emotion, with a variety of genres ranging from contemporary to fantasy! (And it includes some fantastic illustrations by Jaiden Phillips!!!) I’m going to give a mini review for each one, going in chronological order, so let’s jump on in!

LOVE

Love illustrates the beautiful truth of God’s love for His children, for those who aren’t even loved by anyone else, as well as the hope of redemption He offers each person. It was heartwarming and though the beginning was sad, it ended with hope. Grace was a character I easily sympathized with. I do think it could have been even stronger with more of an ending that showed the characters’ arcs, but overall it was well done!

LOYALTY

Okay, I LOVED the whole setting of this short story and the medieval battle vibes. 😍 (Not saying I like battle, of coooourse, but those kinds of stories. 😉 ) Though what happened (*coughs* not giving away any spoilers) was unexpected and so sad, I really liked how the message of loyalty was demonstrated, capturing that epic fantasy tale theme of remaining loyal till the very end. Its flaw might be over-romanticism, as several aspects of it didn’t feel realistic, per se, but the heart of the story clear through clear and I enjoyed it. Yet another heartwarming, inspiring story!

BRAVERY

*sighs* Augh, dear Timothy. This story was more introspective, which I absolutely loved, though also with some suspenseful action. What happened to his poor, poor brother Davie was heartbreaking, but Timothy’s desperation drove him to conquer his fear of standing up to others (which I can relate to because I’m not a confrontational person AT ALL). That message was well done, and the prose was especially vivid in this one. Though re-reading it a second time, I noticed that some parts involving the gang were a little confusing – the setting, I guess, because there was a fire but that kinda seemed out of place in an alley. I just couldn’t picture it, but obviously it’s a very small complaint, lol. But AHHHH, the suspense! So good. I just wanted to bundle Timothy in a hug at the very end. 😊

JOY

Right away, the prose just hits hard! “Joy vibrated inside me like the rhythm of a song.” I LOVE THAT. It just made me so happy to read this story!!! *beams* It’s quick snapshot into a girl’s life – you don’t need to know backstories or the exact details of what was happening, you just ride along the emotional currents with the characters. It’s a wonderful experience. Stories like this are simple yet underappreciated. (Hey, pro tip: listen to “Romantic Flight from ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ ” by Tory Brand as you read it. Seriously. It came on when I was reading and PERFECTLY fit. 😀 )

FORGIVENESS

GUYS. The author saved the most powerful for the very last. It was so full, so well-rounded, and pulsing with a deep overflow of emotions. Heartaching and healing are the words I’d use to describe it. This fantasy short story explores the feelings of anger, the urge for revenge, and the healing forgiveness can bring. It’s my favorite out of the five stories (and in fact, you can read the story interview with the author here!).

You’re right there with the main character, struggling, wondering why he couldn’t just give in to his desire for vengeance. 😭 And I doubt it would have been quite so impactful if Marisa hadn’t humanized the dragon and shown that it felt shame and remorse. Shown that they were, at the core, the same. That helps to make the lesson so relevant for readers of this anthology. This story illustrates the counterintuitive, radical message of forgiveness the Bible teaches, and does so in a beautiful way. ❤️

OVERALL

With lovely descriptive prose, valuable messages expressed within the stories, and characters whose emotions you can easily relate to, I loved Emotional Commotion and highly recommend it for readers of all ages who just want to get lost in worlds that inspire their imagination, evoke their emotions, and speak truth!

Disclosure: I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Find the Book!

About the Author

Follow the Author!

Tour Schedule

Monday, Oct. 24th

Sisters Three – Blog Tour Launch Announcement 

Kylie Beevers – Spotlight and Author Interview

Tuesday, Oct. 25th

The Introspective Introvert -Author Interview, Story Quote, and Spotlight

Writers’ Vision – Spotlight

Wednesday, Oct. 26th

Saraina Whitney – Interview and Story Quote

Issabelle Perry – Author Interview

Lorelei Angelino – Story Quote, Spotlight, Review

M. C. Kennedy – Spotlight

Vanessa Hall – Spotlight and Story Quote

Thursday, Oct. 27th

Kristina Hall – Review and Story Quote

Joy C. Woodbury – Review

The Rainy Day Writer – Review

Writers’ Vision – Interview

Friday, Oct 28th

Saraina Whitney – Review

Old Fashioned Book Love – Review and Spotlight

Vanessa Hall – Review

Sisters Three – End of Tour Post

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Congratulations to Marisa on her wonderful debut novel/anthology!!! What’s a really powerful story you read recently? What’s your favorite anthology? How is your October going? What upcoming release are you most excited for?