Saturday, December 17, 2016

Beyond the Horizon ~ Blog Tour


I am so excited to be part of the blog tour for the release of Beyond the Horizon!! I had the privilege of beta-reading it recently and it's not a book you'll want to miss. =)



About the Book:

Eliana longs to see the world beyond the mountains that tower above Salzburg, Austria, but knows that dream will never see such adventure- and neither will she.
Surrounded by a world of cruelty, she lives for the weekly visits of Aron, a boy she met on one of her rambles through the countryside.

But as the years pass and she begins to grow older, a new and unwelcome world is opened up to her.

On a fateful night at a party she vowed she’d never attend, she comes face to face with a shocking truth.
As the world around her teeters on the brink of war, Eliana struggles to figure out just where her loyalty lies; a decision that will drastically change the course of her life. Will she ever be free to see what lies beyond the horizon?





About the Author:

Jesseca is an 18-year old daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano.  And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

Feel free to visit Jesseca at her blog or on Goodreads. Also, check out her Pinterest page to see some of her inspiration for her writing!

Be sure to check out the links below to see more of the blog tour! :)

~~~
Blog Tour Schedule

Friday, December 16th

--Rebekah Ashleigh @ Rebekah Ashleigh -- Review
--Soleil @ Thoughts from a Daughter of God – Review and Book Spotlight
--Rebekah Eddy @ Rebekah’s Remarks – Book Spotlight, Author Interview 
--Kaitlyn K. @ Twin Thoughts – Review 
--Liv K. Fisher @ Whispers on the Wind – Book Spotlight
--Faith Potts @ Stories by Firefly – Review and Book Spotlight
--Kellyn Roth @ Reveries Reviews – Review

Saturday, December 17th

--Anika @ Anika’s Avenue -- Review, Book Spotlight
--Rebekah Morris @ Rebekah’s Reading Room – Review
--Deborah C. @ Reading in June – Book Spotlight
--Natasha H. @ Looking through my Lens – Book Spotlight


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Book Review ~ Twinepathy, C. B. Cook

Image result for twinepathy book

About the book:

Albany York has a secret.

Albany and her twin sister, Brooklyn, have spent years successfully hiding their telepathic connection. But when a girl falls unconscious at their doorstep, the girls learn that they might not be the only people in the world with extraordinary powers and that a memory thief is on the loose. As the twins try to help the girl find her memories, they discover that the superhero world might be bigger—and more dangerous—than they ever imagined.

~~~

Title: Twinepathy
Author: C. B. Cook
Series: IDIA
Stars: 5 out of 5

This was so not what I was expecting! The plot, the characters, the adventure! It was SO awesome. Outstandingly well written. This was the first time that I have read C.B. Cook’s writing and I was extremely surprised. It was very obvious that there was a lot of thought and outlining put into the writing of Twinepathy.

Each character was very different from all the other ones and they all had a part in the story. It was so much fun to see all the secrets unfold. I thought Albany was going to be a lot like me, but it ended up being Brooklyn who reminded me of myself. The twins are so alike, but then they are totally different. That just added to the adventure. I especially loved all the unique names. Every single one of them fit that character and that just helped bring the story to life, even though the story is so far-fetched.

If you love action, suspense, and adventure—the superhero kind—then you would probably enjoy Twinepathy.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Book Review ~ The Dressmaker's Secret, Kellyn Roth

Image result for the dressmaker's secret book

About the book:

London, England, 1870

It comes to the attention of curious eight-year-old Alice Chattoway that her father is seemingly nonexistent. After realizing that his absence is making her mother unhappy, Alice becomes determined to find him and pull her family together. But Miss Chattoway’s answers to her daughter’s questions are vague at best and Alice begins to wonder if she will ever discover her mother’s secret.
 

~~~

Title: The Dressmaker's Secret
Author: Kellyn Roth
Series: The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy
Stars: 4 out of 5

Okay, this book was so interesting. Not interesting as in weird, but interesting as in it keeps your attention. I loved it! The storyline and the way it was written reminded me of Louisa May Alcott's books. Very vintage!

The only reason I took off one star was because of the amateur writing and the rush ending. The story itself was very well thought out, but I feel like the author probably could have written it better if she had put a little bit more into the actual writing itself. It's not drastically horrible though, just my personal opinion.

*I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*

Monday, October 3, 2016

The Beauty Around Me


Somehow, I kind of forgot about my blog and managed to, umm...not post in the month of September. Sorry about that guys. :( It feels as if I blinked and October is here. Where has this year gone to?? *pity party*

But anyway... Fall is here--even though Kansas doesn't know it yet. Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year. Just saying. :)



I adore all the beautiful changes in colors, the evenings getting dark earlier and playing flashlight tag with family and friends, the cooler weather, pulling out winter clothes and wearing silly striped socks, curling up with a good book, and having a reason to just sit around with the family telling stories.


So as you can tell, I'm in my happy place now. Here in Kansas we haven't quite gotten the beautiful colors or fallen leaves yet, but it's showing signs of it.


Anyway, I just wanted to pop in to make sure you all knew I was still here--and that my favorite season is fall. I will try to be more faithful in the future to post more often. I'm having trouble coming up with things to post about, so if you have any ideas, please let me know. What would you like to read about? Ask me a very involved question and I might come up with a whole post to answer it.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Time goes by...


Has it really been a month since I posted last? Time has gotten away from me so it seems. *looks away with complete innocence*

I'll give you a brief run down on what I've been doing this past month.

~I've been editing another wonderful book by Jesseca. It's so beautifully written and I can hardly wait till it releases to the public.

~I've been working a lot at my new job and I'm still enjoying it! You can check out the website here.

~I've been trying to finish reading The Dressmaker's Secret so I can review it. I am really enjoying it so far.

~I've been on the piano a ton lately and you can check out one of the songs I learned in the last couple months here.

~ Some of my sisters and I went on a week trip to Colorado to visit relatives and do a lot of hiking. Here are a few pictures of the beautiful scenery.

There was a beautiful waterfall along the side of one of the trails we hiked.

A view from one of the hikes.
We hiked along that very narrow trail. It was a beautiful view though!

And a picture of flowers just because!!
There was wildflowers everywhere and it was extremely beautiful!

How has your past month been? Did you do anything exciting? Does your family take vacations together? And if so, where do you normally go?

Friday, July 22, 2016

The Silent Blade Blog Tour!!


Me? Posting twice in one day? I know, right? Well, you're just coming to have to live with it, because...I have another great book to post about. And this one is PUBLISHED!!!!! It just came out today!!! =D





 I am so excited to be a part of The Silent Blade's blog tour!!! And I'll say it again, it released today!!!! It's been a long time in the coming, but it's here! This book is great and everyone needs to check it out. :) (Can you see my excitement yet?)




About the book:
Dromiskin, Ireland. 925 A.D.

Eira has no greater desire than to see her life returned to what it once was—before her older brother Kevin's sudden disappearance four years earlier. But the simple life she hoped for seems unattainable; on the contrary, her life is about to get all the more complicated.
When she suddenly finds herself and Willem, her twin brother, taken captive by someone who claims to be Kevin’s enemy, things go from bad to worse. It soon becomes clear that she and Willem are to become bait in a trap set for Kevin, and Eira knows she must try to warn him. But how, when she herself is a captive?
As mysteries of the past are unveiled, and loyalties are revealed, Eira realizes how precious her friends truly are. And when mortal danger threatens those nearest to her, will she be able to trust God with the lives of her friends and family?
Buy on Amazon

Add to Goodreads


About the Author:

Jesseca is an 18-year old daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano.  And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

Follow Jesseca at her blog and on Goodreads!



My review:


Another superb story by Jesseca Wheaton that will grab your heart and seize your mind. I was thoroughly fascinated by the characters in this medieval tale of honor, love and jealousy. Old acquaintances out to get revenge, a swordsman trying to move on with life and a simple family following their Savior. A truly thrilling adventure for the whole family!






Giveaway!!


Follow this link to the giveaway!! :)




Blog Tour Schedule:



Wednesday, July 20th


Mikayla H.at The Bubblegum Ballerina --Review

Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One --Author Interview

Ivy Rose at  Lakeside Publications --Review, Spotlight

Mallory Beth at Renewed by Grace --Review


Thursday, July 21st


Lydia Dyslin at Through the Wardrobe --Review

Rebekah Eddy at Rebekah’s Remarks --Review, Interview

Abigayle Allison at The Left-Handed Typist --Review, Spotlight


Friday, July 22nd (Publication Day!!)


Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One --Review

Rebekah Ashleigh at Rebekah Ashleigh --Spotlight

Amanda Tero at  With a Joyful Noise --Review, Interview, Spotlight

Deborah O’Carroll at The Road of a Writer –Review, Spotlight

Kaitlyn K. at Prairie Gal Cookin’ --Review, Spotlight

Bethany R. at A Great God and Good Cocoa --Review, Spotlight

Deborah C. at Reading in June --Spotlight, Review

Emily at A Purpose and a Promise --Spotlight, Review



Saturday, July 23rd


Kellyn Roth at Reveries--Review, Interview

Jason McIntire at Elisha Press--Interview

Natasha H. at Looking Through my Lens --Review

Faith P. at Stories by Firefly --Review, Interview


Monday, July 25th


Jesseca Wheaton at Whimsical Writings --Blog Tour wrap-up post


The Rose and the Balloon Cover Reveal


I am so excited to a part of Kirsten's book cover reveal!!! I've been following Kirsten online for a while now and closely watching for the release of her first book. It's now just around the corner!! The expected release date is August 1st!!

But for today, I bring you the cover reveal!!!


The Rose and the Balloon



~~About the book~~

In a kingdom where fauna and flora are held in higher esteem than breakfast, Dmitri is a prince who yearns for change and plans it in a single daring act that will alter his life forever. However, when his demented mother accidentally causes the destruction of a prized garden of roses, Dmitri is horrified when she proposes his hand in marriage to make up for it. Not only will a wife hamper his glorious plans, he doesn't even want one.

Janelle has spent her whole life on her father's rose farm, tending the roses and staying simple. But she really yearns for something greater than the flower beds. But now there's a wrench thrown in the works – the crazy Queen Maeva wants her to marry the prince, and all for ruining her father's beloved roses.

This is Beauty and the Beast with a twist like you've never seen it before.


~~About the author~~


Kirsten Fichter is a twenty-something Christian writer who is trying to find the balance between being one of six kids, a church pianist, a college student, a movie buff, a disaster in the kitchen, and a writing INFP. If you know what the secret is to balancing all of that, she’d be grateful to hear from you. Otherwise, don’t contact her unless you want to send her homemade gingerbread. Or a new piano book. Or an autographed Charles Dickens novel. In the meantime, she’ll be somewhere under a maple tree – trying very hard to finish the seventeen and half other stories she unwisely started all at once. 

Feel free to check out all the links below to follow Kirsten or to find out more information on The Rose and the Balloon.



Isn't it so beautiful? Doesn't that make you want to read it? I don't know about you, but just seeing the cover and reading the synopsis was enough for me to wish the release was sooner. I'm definitely buying it!!


Thursday, July 14, 2016

The Old River Road Blog Tour



Meet Ivy Rose and her debut novel, The Old River Road. This book is the first in a series of a yet-to-be-determined number of books based on the lives of the author’s ancestors. Written in a style similar to that of Janette Oke and Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is a story you won’t want to miss.


1885

When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.
This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Available now in paperback and ebook on Amazon
Add on Goodreads


My review

*5 stars*

Wow! What a great book! Ivy Rose has a wonderful way of transforming the reader to the life of Clara and her family. I loved it so much!

The writing style is amazing. Ivy did a great job of bring out the details and letting the reader see it all unfold. The story is so beautiful and the fact that it is a real life happening makes my heart sing with delight. I can hardly wait for the next book.

The first half of the book was so lovely with Clara and William's romance unfolding and the second half was filled with action. The story of how the family moved out west. I will tell you though, it's not all fun and games. There are meaningful and very sad scenes. It will pull at your heart.

You won't regret reading The Old River Road.


About the Author



Ivy Rose is an 18 year old history lover and literary enthusiast. Aside from writing, she enjoys being outdoors, chocolate, travelling, reading, and ATVing (preferably if there is mud involved). She resides with her family of 9 on the banks of the Long Lake in eastern Washington.

You can connect with Ivy via her blog, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Rafflecoptor Giveaway






~Blog Tour Schedule~


Friday, July 8th (release day!)

Emily  — Review, Spotlight

Jesseca Wheaton — Review, Interview


Saturday, July 9th
Olivia K. Fisher  — Interview, Spotlight

Faith Blum  — Review, Interview, Spotlight

Hannah E.  — Review, Interview


Monday, July 11th

Faith Potts  – Review

Rebecca Morgan  — Review, Interview


Tuesday, July 12th

Abigayle Ellison  — Review, Spotlight

Kenzi Knapp  – Review, Interview

Hosanna Emily  — Review, Interview


Wednesday, July 13th

Blessing Counter  — Interview

Victoria Minks  — Review, Spotlight


Thursday, July 14th

Deborah C.  — Review, Spotlight

Anna S. Brie  — Review

Leona G. — Review, Interview


Friday, July 15th

Hope Ann — Review, Interview

Amanda Tero — Review, Interview

Anika Joy – Review, Interview

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Recommend June Fest Summary



First, thank you all who helped make this month of recommending books so fun!! There were several authors and bloggers involved and it made for a great month. Thank you!!! =D

Sooooo, I'm going to link back to all the post for anyone who missed anything, hopefully making it easier for you.


If you missed the starting post that described the Fest you can read it here.

Books I recommended:

The Sherwood Ring

Annabeth's War

The Makilien Trilogy

Lucy Winchester

The End of the Beginning

Right-Hand Man

The Bronze Bow

The Destiny Trilogy

Midnight Rider

Interrupted: A Life Beyond Words

The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt
Calico Captive

Brooklyn Rose

The Inheritance

Becoming Nikki


Author Interviews:

Jesseca Wheaton

Ivy Rose

Rebekah A Morris

Nicole Sager

Shantelle Mary Hannu

Jennae Noelle

C. B. Cook


Fun Posts:

Surrender Release!! ~ This is not related to the RJF, but it's still a fun post. ;)

The Ultimate Book Post


Guys, that's a grand total of 24 posts!!! This will make my 25th post of the month. Wow!! That's just a lot and I had no idea I would post this much at the beginning of the month.

A big thank you to these bloggers who posted for the Fest on their blogs. I only know of these three bloggers who joined in on the Fest, but if I'm missing anyone, please comment below.

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings
Faith @ Stories by Firefly!

Blessing Counter @ Counting Your Blessings One by One

Go look at their blogs and follow them. They recommended some pretty awesome books! :)


So, what did you think of the Recommend June Fest? Should I do it again next year? Did you think of anything I needed to add or something you disliked? Please comment!














Wednesday, June 29, 2016

RJF ~ Author Interview ~ C. B. Cook


This is the last author interview for the month. *sad sigh* I'm thrilled though that C. B. Cook would agree to join us as she is in the busy progress of publishing her next book, Twinepathy, here in the next couple weeks.

So please, join me in welcoming C. B. Cook.

~
Author
For starters, how long have you been writing?

I've been writing for quite a while now, probably about three or four years working on specific projects. I wrote for a long time before I started my first real story, but before that it was mostly short stories--which I now have a huge collection of. And just in March, I finished my first full-length novel!



Is there a certain book of yours--published or not yet out for the public--that holds a special place in your heart?

Twinepathy is special, for sure, because it was something that I really wanted to write. It's the first full-length novel I've ever written, and it's about superheroes, something that I really like. I've really connected with the characters, who have been soooo much fun to write. I'm so glad I'm writing a sequel with them now.



Are there any authors that when you read their books it makes you want to write like them?

The first one that comes to mind is Ally Carter. Her Heist Society
books are impossible to put down, even on a reread! They're so much fun to read, and everyone in them is so epic. She's definitely an author who has influenced my writing a lot since I read her books.



Where do you write and what does it look like?

I write pretty much anywhere. If I'm writing a story on my computer, I write it solely at my desk, which looks like... well, a mess. :) But I bring notebooks with me everywhere and end up writing everywhere, too.



Where is the place where you get your biggest inspiration for writing? In a field, bedroom, Pinterest, etc.?

For most of my writing, it's my imagination. Most of my plots and plot twists come from making up stories in my head, and I usually end up imagining "What if this happened instead?" Then I make up the stories and, if they turn out good, I write them down.



Tell us a little bit about how you write. No words added all week, then suddenly you add several thousand, constantly writing and can’t stop, etc. How is it for you?

For me, it varies. I usually add a little at a time, although I've become fond of word wars as a way to boost my word count. On my current project, I've been working on adding at least 100 words a day--which isn't much, but it adds up.



Bonus Question: You are about to publish your second book, what is the excitement level at your house?

Heh, it's funny you'd ask. There are so many other summer things going on that it feels mostly normal. I don't think it'll sink in until the book's actually published.

~

Thank you so much, C. B.! You can follow her blog and buy Paralyzed Dreams on Amazon. Also, keep an eye out for Twinepathy!