Disclosure: I received this book from BookLook. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope this is a blessed year for all of you.
My new year started with a broken tooth, a Smallville Season 1 marathon, and a delicious chicken pot pie from my BFF’s mom.  I’m not a big one for resolutions at New Year’s.  There’s nothing wrong with setting goals….it’s just that getting through the day without any major catastrophes is usually all I can get done.  However, this year I would like to focus on one thing.  I’d like to reconnect with old friends and show love to new friends.

After college, I stayed in the area rather than returning “home.”  There are a few dear friends who impacted my life through high school.  I plan to send them a note of encouragement throughout the year.

Likewise, there are wonderful people who live and work near me every day, yet I barely get time to see them.  It’s time to change that. I want to make an intentional effort to care for them this year.  Whether it’s with a sweet tea surprise, or an invitation to dinner, it’s worth the time!

I recently read the book Gilt Hollow by Lori Langdon.  In this book, two friends who lost touch were reconnected. Now, their circumstances were much different from mine. Still, the lesson remains….friends are worth keeping.

My book review:   Gilt Hollow is perfect for those who enjoy the YA genre with an edge of the mysterious.  The romance between the two main characters simmers slowly, but we get the feeling that it’s just a continuation of the past. There’s something special about knowing everything about another person — down to what they’d order at the ice cream store. I especially enjoyed the realism in the author’s prose, although younger readers may miss some of the pop culture references. The story was smooth and fluid, making it seem like only a few minutes passed before I finished the book.   Note to sensitive readers — there are some fear triggers in the story (clowns, talk of murder/violence, death of a parent).

Finally, I want to take opportunities to reach out to new friends.  We joined a church a year ago. Somehow I still only know a few people there!  It’s time that I step out of my comfort zone and start to get to know people.  It’s time to show kindness to my neighbors.  It’s time to connect.

Do you have any goals or resolutions for the new year?