14 Comments
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Emily E. Bennett's avatar

I loved reading this. As a (former?) people pleaser, I wanted Mia’s night of staying in, dressed in comfy clothes with a pizza, but I always felt the pressure to go with the flow :( I love Mia’s confidence even when she didn’t feel very confident. And I love that someone noticed Mia and came to her unexpectedly. Sweet ending :)

Kimberly Grace's avatar

Thank you, Emily! 💕 I think it’s especially hard for young adults navigating peer pressure versus doing what they know is right for themselves. Mia stays true to herself, but she also feels a little bad for being so different from her classmates. It’s a lot like how Christians feel. We are called to stand out and be light, but we also feel weird doing so. Yet, the more we draw on God’s love and strength, it becomes easier to do what He has called us to do. Growing up is hard but nevertheless, a wonderful journey of expansion and growth.

Emily E. Bennett's avatar

Yes. It’s growing in confidence that standing out for doing something different is not necessarily a bad thing. And that takes time.

Kimberly Grace's avatar

Definitely takes time and is not easy, but with God—we grow! 💜

Emily E. Bennett's avatar

Yes we do!

uniquelyprosperous's avatar

Love this! I am headed to Part 2 right now :)

Kimberly Grace's avatar

Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! ☺️

Cathy's avatar

This is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! To be seen, truly seen, is the beginning of unconditional love. I hope that one day soon you will write a full novel. You always leave me wanting more. That's the sign of a gifted author!💕

Kimberly Grace's avatar

Thank you so much, Cathy! That means more to me than you know 🥹❤️ I actually have written a book and self published it. I’m now working on another (A Cop’s Crossroads with Love) and it is almost finished!! My goal is to hopefully get it traditionally published. 🙏🏻🤞🏼I’ve been sharing it with my paid subscribers, but I have also shared some free excerpts from the beginning chapters as well.

If you’re interested in my self published book, this is the link to the final excerpt I shared on Substack with a link to purchase.

https://open.substack.com/pub/authorkimberlygrace/p/part-4-a-paws-in-life-can-lead-to?r=1mtwdv&utm_medium=ios

Cathy's avatar

Congratulations! I'm so proud of you!!! I'm praying that our Loving Father will open doors to a publisher who will honor your calling and beautiful words. He has good plans for you! "A Paws in Life can Lead to Love" has already drawn me in so I will be making the purchase later today. Keep writing beautifully my friend.💕

Kimberly Grace's avatar

Thank you!!! Oh my goodness, Cathy, your support and sweet words of encouragement mean so much to me, my friend! 🥹 Thank you for your prayers and generous heart. I hope you enjoy reading A Paws in Life can Lead to Love! 💕 It was my first book I wrote a couple years ago, so my writing style has evolved since then, but the story is sweet and will always holds a special place in my heart. Please do let me know what you think of it 🥰

Jillian Kondamudi's avatar

Oh, I really love this one. Your narrative-style writing is so imaginative and inviting. I genuinely get so excited reading your work and seeing what you'll come up with next.

Kimberly Grace's avatar

Thank you!! That seriously means the world to me, Jillian! 🫶🏻❤️💕💜

Jillian Kondamudi's avatar

So well deserved. <3 <3 <3