{Book Review:} Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson

My Review:
A charming debut from Jackson!

Worth the Wait is an emotional story about a young woman, named Ellie, struggling to find herself after her world is turned upside down. Ellie's long-time boyfriend has cheated on her, her mother has cancer, and it's all she can do to keep her head above the water. I admit, I'm tough to please when it comes to the YA genre, but Jackson did a fair job presenting a real issue in our society.

Ellie Lansing is a frustrating character. She made several decisions I felt were completely stupid, however, Jackson made her far too likable to give up hope. Since I'm a former homeschooler, I may never understand private or public schools, nonetheless I appreciated that Jackson portrayed Grace Preparatory Academy (a Christian private school) with less than perfect students. Simply because you attend a Christian school doesn't mean you are one or that you act like one.

As far as the heroes go, in this story I thought Dylan was a real slime ball. Josh, on the other hand, was an excellent example of what young women should look for in a husband: a deep love for Christ. I suppose I could understand Ellie's struggle in her heart on a small level, but no deeper than that.

The core message of the novel is about abstinence, but something I think Ellie failed to understand, at least until the latter part of the book, is that following God's laws simply because you've been taught to is not the right motive. You should follow God's laws because you want to. There's a lot more about this that I could say, based on some recent personal studies of mine, but I'll save that for another time. I truly liked that Jackson brought up this issue in such a realistic manner. She executes it well. All in all, I enjoyed Worth the Wait and I recommend it to teen girls for its great theme.

I received an ebook copy of this book in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Back Cover:
Ellie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn’t get it. She always does the right thing—doesn’t God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.

Interested in reading? Worth the Wait releases Feb. 4th, you can pre-order here at Amazon. 

{Book Review:} Sixteen by Emily Rachelle

My Review:
A marvelous debut from Emily Rachelle!

Last week, Emily stopped by to share with us the theme of Sixteen. Today I'm excited to share with you my thoughts on her novella. Simply put, Sixteen is about a mother telling her daughter a story about her mistakes.

Despite the fact it's short, Emily did a wonderful job making us care about the characters. That being said, many teens can probably relate to Nicole, or Nikki as we come to know her. I can't say that I did. I'm afraid I relate more to Christy in this instance, (haha!) but I can say that I'm proud of how Nikki responded when faced with the consequences of her actions.

I thought the ending was a bit unrealistic, but that's just my opinion. The rest of the story was delightful. I read it in one sitting. My favorite scene has to be near the end between Christy and Nikki. I won't spoil it though, so you'll have to grab a copy for yourself! ;-) If you're looking for a quick read that will leave you feeling good, you ought to give Sixteen a shot. I recommend it to girls fourteen and older. (Nikki sleeps with a guy, though we are not given any details, and as a result there is a pregnancy.)

I received an ebook copy of this novella from the author, thanks, Emily!

Back Cover:
Nicole "Nikki" Johnson has never gotten along with her mother, so when she meets a great new guy, it's no surprise that Matt's age is all her mom sees. Just because he's twenty-four and she's sixteen doesn't mean he's a creeper! Thankfully, Nikki's dad allows Nikki and Matt to be together and see how things work out. Their relationship is fantastic and Nikki is on cloud nine...

Until the Fourth of July picnic, when things go too far. Now a very changed Nikki has to make choices that will affect her every relationship - with Matt, her parents, her best friend, and most importantly, God.

Sixteen by Emily Rachelle {Guest Post!}

Hey, everyone! Today I am happy to share with you all about Sixteen, a fabulous, new, YA book by my friend, Emily Rachelle. For this stop on the tour, she'll be sharing with us the theme of Sixteen.

Here's the back cover copy:

Nicole "Nikki" Johnson has never gotten along with her mother, so when she meets a great new guy, it's no surprise that Matt's age is all her mom sees. Just because he's twenty-four and she's sixteen doesn't mean he's a creeper! Thankfully, Nikki's dad allows Nikki and Matt to be together and see how things work out. Their relationship is fantastic and Nikki is on cloud nine...

Until the Fourth of July picnic, when things go too far. Now a very changed Nikki has to make choices that will affect her every relationship - with Matt, her parents, her best friend, and most importantly, God.

All right, here's Emily!

In a previous post in this tour -- “The Story Behind Sixteen” -- I touched on all the different themes this story has taken on and discarded through the writing and editing process. The one that held on to the end is that of mother-daughter relationships. Fitting, considering the story’s original intent as a Mother’s Day gift.

The story focuses on a girl in 1995 named Nikki Johnson. She loves dance, hates wearing red, and hasn’t gotten along with her mother for years. Mrs. Johnson is too uptight, too overbearing, too perfectionist and my-way-or-the-highway. Nikki just doesn’t understand her, and she’s certain her mom knows nothing about her.

However, this isn’t the only mother-daughter relationship spotlighted in the book. The opening scene doesn’t actually introduce us to Nikki -- the first character we meet is Claire. She’s spunky and wild, as much a rebel on the outside as Nikki is inside, with her short purple hair and shredded jeans. Her mom isn’t quite the issue Nikki’s is, but they’re not always on the best of terms, either.

My mom and I have always gotten along better than any other teen girls and their mothers that I know. So why would I write a story like this -- and focus on such tension-filled relationships?

Honestly, I don’t know why. I just know this story came from something bigger than me. The more I learn about my friends’ relationships with my mom, the more shocked I am. Stereotypes of teen-to-mom relationships seem mild in comparison to real-life tales shared in the restroom while adjusting hair or fixing lip gloss. And this is coming from a homeschooled church girl! How crazy must life outside “the sheltered” be?

I don’t want to give away spoilers, but as with any story’s conflict, Sixteen does end with both Nikki and Claire on a different page with their mothers than they started. (Pun totally intended.) My friends’ stories of constant ‘momma drama’ tugged at me, in not a good way. I guess part of me hopes moms will get insight into their daughters’ heads, and fellow daughters will see there is hope for peace, in reading my book.

Born in Panama, Emily Rachelle has traveled throughout the country and the world with her Air Force family. Currently, she lives with her parents and three brothers in middle Georgia. While Emily enjoyed reading as far back as she remembers, writing didn't come to her until she learned the forms of poetry and the basics of story in fourth grade. Since then, she's written scripts for homeschool dramas, poems for birthday presents, and stories for friends and family to enjoy. Sixteen is her debut into the professional world of words. You can find Emily at her blog, Emily Rachelle Writes, http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com.

Wow, that's great, Emily! I've always known my relationship with my mom was different from other girls, and I never understood that. I hope your story influences positive relationships between mothers and daughters!

If you're like me, I bet you're begging to find out where you can purchase your own copy of Sixteen! Sixteen can be found at any of the following places:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sixteen-Emily-Rachelle-ebook/dp/B00HVOD5SW/

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/398239

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20565633-sixteen

LibraryThing: http://www.librarything.com/work/14643326

Want to connect with Emily? You can find her in these places:

Emily Rachelle Writes http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com/

Facebook http://facebook.com/emilyrachellewrites

Twitter http://twitter.com/emilyrachelle15

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/emilyrachelle15

GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8818047-emily-rachelle

One last thing, don't forget to enter the giveaway Emily is hosting on her blog!

Be on the lookout of my review of Sixteen next week!

Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Another heartwarming release from Lessman!

Whenever I open a book written by Lessman, I expect two things. The first is my favorite of the two, a dear, Godly family to connect with on an emotional level. The McClares, and the O'Connors before them, fill this role fabulously. Everyone in these families have wormed their way into our imaginations in a way we will not soon forget. The second is romance. Lessman brings us "passion with a purpose," as her website states, and despite a couple adult-ish comments or thoughts, it's clean.

We met Allison McClare back in Love at Any Cost, and even then I loved her sweet spirit. Now, in Dare to Love Again, set a couple months after the first in the series, Allison is putting back the pieces of another broken heart. I can't say that I related to Allison, as we don't have a lot in common, but that doesn't stop me from becoming fond of her character. One of my favorite scenes in the book was a moment between Allison and her mother, Cait, and in essence, Cait told her to trust God with her heart. I loved that because it is so true.

If you're seeking a book to cuddle under a blanket with, you've found it! As I stated earlier in my review, the McClares are a wonderful family. Lessman has a knack for making you feel right at home with her characters as they struggle with the same things we do (i.e. trusting God, believing God, etc.). I eagerly await the next McClare's story, and I hope Meg is up next! I recommend this book to older teens (16 or older), though the book is written for adult women.

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

Back Cover:
Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman, resorting to a mammoth hat pin for protection on her way to and from the school where she teaches. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast she quickly discovers she is no match for rum-soaked brute strength.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite jiu-jitsu, but it seems he has little choice in the matter. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But when Nick suddenly leaves town, Allison realizes he’s a fraud just like all the rest of the men she’s cared for. Does she dare love again?

{Book Review:} Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

My Review:
An enchanting, contemporary story!

I love books set in small towns, or at least small-ish towns. Chapel Springs is a perfect example of just that. Gossip spreads like a wildfire, and secrets don't last for long. In the first few opening pages, I felt like I had stepped into a movie. Hunter paints us a vibrant portrait of the town, the McKinleys, and Beckett, and she allows us to reach into the minds of both Beckett and Madison, offering readers a personal look into their thoughts and fears. This helped me connect with Madison especially. I'm glad Hunter brought us the story from two perspectives, with just one or the other, the story would lack something.  

The McKinleys are a tight-knit, well blessed family, and it isn't hard to like them. Madison McKinley is the oldest girl in family with an older brother, Ryan, and two younger sisters, Jade and PJ. Madison also had a twin, Michael McKinley, who died before we met the family. I loved getting to know them all, throughout the story, and I look forward to more books about them.

Losing a twin is painful and though it has been several years since the accident, the wound is still tender to Madison. She still has questions, not to mention the horrible nightmare that plagues her every night. A flaw in Madison that I recognized having struggled with myself, was her need to be strong. She couldn't or wouldn't fall apart. Instead of letting it all out, she bottled all her emotions in. It's an unhealthy practice and leaves wounds fresh. I won't go into detail, but there were two scenes related to this that I felt were beautifully written.

I wish I could go on and talk about Beckett, who, by the way, is a fantastic hero, but I will sum up and end my review here. This is the first book by Hunter I have delved into, and I am thoroughly impressed. Her writing style is unique and entices you to read further. I am eagerly looking forward to Dancing with Fireflies, the next in the Chapel Springs series. As far as things to know about this novel, there is kissing and an alcoholic, but it is generally clean. I'd recommend to readers 15 and older.

I won this book in a giveaway, no review required. Thanks, Rissi! ;-)

Back Cover:
Madison’s heart closed the day her twin brother died.

Since losing her twin, Michael, in a drowning incident, Madison has rejected the faith he lived by. Instead, she’s devoted her life to fulfilling Michael’s dream—winning the River Sail Regatta in their small Indiana town, Chapel Springs.

As she trains for the regatta, Beckett O’Reilly is teaching Madison to swim. But he’s keeping a painful secret from her—and as they grow closer, that secret threatens to upend their lives . . . and the lives of both their families.

A Few Thoughts on Worship...

Worship is a matter of the heart. It isn't mindlessly singing songs you know like the back of your hand. It isn't sitting in church going through the motions. You can't worship the Almighty merely by attending church every Sunday.

Worship is about forgetting yourself, forgetting your problems and anxieties and just being. 

Worship is standing or sitting, hands high or lowered, offering our Creator all that we have. He doesn't care how much you have to give. He won't send lightening bolts down from heaven, because you didn't give enough. God isn't like that. He loves you. He appreciates you. And when you choose to give Him your everything, no matter what is happening in life, His heart swells with joy. He is pleased with you.

Sometimes to worship, you have to let go.

Some of the best, most powerful, amazing worship experiences I have had have happened when I'm struggling with something, whether it's fear, loneliness, or when my heart has been bruised. How, you ask? Because when my focus is on Jesus, all my mountains shrink into anthills. When my focus is  wholly and completely on Jesus, I surrender it all.

Worship is cool water to this thirsty soul. 
Worship blesses Him.

Worship encourages this weary heart.

Worship reminds me God is bigger than any of my problems or struggles.

What does worship mean to you?

{Book Review:} Luminary by Krista McGee

My Review:
A thrilling sequel!

Back in the summer, Anomaly, the first in this series, was released. McGee left us wondering what would happen next as we waited for Luminary, and I was not disappointed in the least! She took the story in a direction that I generally anticipated, but she executed it much better than my expectations. I'm really looking forward to seeing how she wraps everything up with Revolutionary (July 2014).

I, like many of my friends, fell in love with Thalli not very far into the first book. Her character really evolved and she grew, not just physically but emotionally and mentally under the mentoring/teaching of John. Due to all this change in the first book, I was really intrigued to see what McGee was going to do with Thalli next. The end result? Thalli remains flawed, but watching her continue to grow into the young woman the Designer wants her to be reads very realistic. She's doing the best she can to trust in the Designer's plan for her, just like we are. I found her character more relatable in Luminary than I did in the first book.

Once again, McGee leaves us waiting. Sadly, the wait is a little longer this time, but I'm confident it will be worth it. :-) Luminary is filled with suspense, faith, and more of our favorite characters.
For those looking for a clean, Christian, dystopian novel, I really recommend they give the Anomaly Trilogy a try. This book is aimed at YA (young adult) readers.

I received this book from the Booksneeze program in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Back Cover:
Thalli thought escaping to the surface would mean freedom. But is she any less of an anomaly aboveground?

After escaping an underground annihilation chamber, Thalli, Berk, Rhen, and John find themselves fleeing across the former United States, aboveground for the first time. As the defectors cross the forgotten landscape, the three youths see things they had only read about on screens: horses, rain, real books—and a colony of unsanctioned survivors living the ancient way in a town called New Hope.
When these survivors reveal the truth of what happened years ago, Thalli is left unsettled and skeptical of everything she’s ever been told. Can she trust anything from the State, including her own feelings for Berk? When she volunteers for a peace mission to New Hope’s violent neighbor, Athens, her confusion mounts when the supposedly ruthless Prince Alex turns out to be kind and charming. Although everyone in New Hope warned her not to, she can’t help but fall for him.

Meanwhile, John’s unwavering faith in the goodness of the Designer begins to make its mark on Thalli’s heart. But can Thalli really come to trust in a generous, protective Designer who rules over all things? Would that not be setting herself up for another betrayal?

The time for her to decide is now . . . because the State is closing in.

No One to Trust by Lynette Eason {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Eason offers readers a unique thriller to keep you reading late into the night!

Oh. My. Goodness! This is the second title from Eason I've read and it blew me away. I wasn't quite in love with the other book of hers I read, When the Heart Stops, but I decided to give her another chance and I'm glad I did! I am totally impressed with No One to Trust as far as suspense/mystery/thriller titles go in the Christian genre. Every time I speculated how the rest of the novel would go, I was sorely mistaken.

The lead characters, a married couple named Kyle and Summer Abernathy, were a delight to read about, despite the obvious conflict and danger in their lives. Summer possesses a strength greater than I think she realizes, and her spunk helped her through all the challenges. She didn't wail and whine and complain like most women would, but rather was strong and handled everything going around her well, given the circumstances. I think it is for this reason that I like her character and personality so much.

Kyle embodies the hero most readers are familiar with, a man with a military background who now works/helps law enforcement, or as in Kyle's case, works as a C.I. Also as you have probably guessed, he naturally has run into some trouble. I appreciated the respect and love he showed his wife especially when they were at odds. I wish I could elaborate on what I mean, but... you'll have to read the book for yourself.

I am really, truly, glad I signed up to review No One to Trust. I simply love to curl up with a good mystery every now and then. As a final note, I really liked the theme of forgiveness and the comparison to a well known story in the Bible. I highly recommend this book to readers ages fifteen/sixteen and older and to fans of Irene Hannon and Dani Pettrey. As far as content goes, the villain is a real creep (he's obsessed with snakes. Disturbing, much?), but we don't see too much of him. There are several fights between good guys and bad and then people are shot and beaten.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Back Cover:
Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover story?

The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe.

{Book Review:} Outcasts by Jill Williamson

(Before I start the post, I want to take a moment to celebrate the fact that Writings of Rosie has hit 100 followers!! Thank you all very, very, much! All the praise, honor, and glory to the One Who made it all possible!)

My Review:
There is no easy way to explain my utter excitement about reading and reviewing Outcasts over the internet.

I was "captivated" by Captives and thus the bar was set high for Outcasts, but to my great delight Ms. Williamson came through! Every time I assumed to know how the book would end I found myself wrong! I truly did not know what was going to happen (I still don't, actually. lol!), and I love that. Ms. Williamson has a great, realistic setting that draws you in and holds you prisoner. I can't imagine all the thought that went into making the Safe Lands reality in her imagination.

Oh, and the characters were wonderful! Though, I admit, I was slightly disappointed that there were fewer references to The Princess Bride, however, this didn't stop me from enjoying Levi and Jemma's banter. I may, and probably am, be in the minority on this one, but I am wary of Ciddah. I suppose I'll have to withhold final judgement until I've read the next book. :-) Shaylinn remains my favorite character of all.

Those who have read the first in this series will certainly love this follow up. The cover for Outcasts is simply beautiful. I love the different colors and how they blend together. This sequel raises the stakes and pushes our beloved characters closer to their destination, whether internal or external. All in all, a great story- one for my keeper shelf!

I highly recommend this series to young adult Christians who enjoy other popular dystopians, my only caution to newer readers is in both Captives and Outcasts there is some minor content thanks to Omar and simply the crude ways the Safe Landers are trying to stay afloat. I recommend to those ages fifteen and older.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks, Jill!

Back Cover:
The remnant from Glenrock is now living as rebels within the Safe Lands, looking for a way to find purpose in their lives. When a young rebel is murdered and his death points to a rebel leader, it's hard to know who to trust.

Levi tries to organize a plan to free the children and fights for respect as elder over those who'd rather go their own way. Omar tries to change his image of a traitor by donning a costume and going out into the night as a vigilante hero. And Mason stumbles onto a shocking secret about the Safe Lands meds, but his investigation just might get them all liberated.

Also, Jill is running/writing a neat story on her blog right now called Oynx Eyes and YOU the reader can help! Check it out!

Another Year Gone... {Top Thirteen Books of 2013!}

Wow! I can hardly believe another year has gone by and that 2013 is almost over! It has been SUCH a great year for the blog and I have all of you, my dear readers, to thank for that.

Ah, 2013. Even when I think things can't get any better they do. That's just how my God works. {Rom. 8:28} Don't take this to mean I don't have growing pains, because I do. And when I do, I have made a habit of leaning on the One Who holds me in His hand. He is my Peace. He is the One I trust. {John 14:27} In this past year, He picked up my broken pieces and called me to forgive. He repaired the broken vessel I had become and called me to trust. He molded me into something new and called me His own. {2 Cor. 5:17} He is my Rock and my Refuge, to whom I owe everything.

2013 has been another busy year filled with memories and friends, new and old, and of course, family. I've been stretched beyond my capabilities in ways I would not have expected in 2012. It's been a year of healing, forgiveness, growth, and happiness, and that's just my personal life! In the past six or so months, God has blessed and continues to bless this blog in ways I couldn't anticipate.

Moving forward, I'm eager to see what this new year brings. I look forward to meeting more people, more bloggers, and talking with more authors. I look forward to expanding my blog posts to include more snippets of my life. I look forward to sharing more of my writing journey in the months to come. But most importantly, I look forward to shining my light. If 2013 was a great year, I cannot begin to imagine what 2014 will bring!
 
So, to close I bring you my top thirteen favorite books released this year (in no particular order). All of these books are marvelous and I love all of them in different ways. Some as a writer, others as a reader, and the rest simply as a human being. ;-D

• My Hope is Found by Joanne Bischof
• Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
• Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson
• Love in a Broken Vessel by Mesu Andrews
• Captives by Jill Williamson
• Anomaly by Krista McGee
• Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna White 
• Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering
• Stranded by Dani Pettrey
• Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren
• The Unlikely Debut of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill
• Return to Me by Lynn Austin
• Dear, Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

I pray that in the coming year you will be blessed. Thank you so much for reading. :-)

{Book Review:} It Had to be You by Janice Thompson

My Review:
A funny conclusion to a great series!

Ah, at long last I made time for the last book in the Weddings by Bella series and it was so worth it! I have a new appreciation for seeing the Rossi/Neeley clan in Thompson's latest series, Weddings by Design. I would hate thinking that It Had to be You was my last chance to spend time with this crazy family. I might have read slower. Thankfully though, it isn't. :-)

In this enjoyable wrap-up we get to read about the moment all of us have been waiting for since Fools Rush In, Bella and DJ's wedding! I have loved every moment watching the two become close friends while they dated/courted. That's how romance should be portrayed.

As far as complaints go mine are minor. Everything after Rosa and Laz's wedding seemed rushed and it didn't flow with the rest of the book for me. Other than a couple winks at the honeymoon, Thompson kept the book very clean. I easily recommend this one to anyone who's read the previous two books or enjoys a clean rom-com. :-)

I purchased this book, no review required.

Back Cover:
Bella couldn't be happier that her long-feuding Aunt Rosa and Uncle Lazarro have finally admitted their love for one another and are getting married. Their forties-style wedding is sure to be a night to remember. But when the Rossi house begins to fill up with family from Italy--and an old mobster from New Jersey--life starts to get complicated. Will Lazarro's friend from the past drive the happy couple apart once more? And will Bella ever have time to think of her own rapidly-approaching wedding amidst the chaos?

Full of laugh-out-loud humor, plenty of Italian passion, and a bit of Texas gumption, "It Had to Be You" is the satisfying conclusion to an entertaining series.

Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl! {Guest Post!}

Hey everyone! I have something special prepared for you all today. A friend of mine recently had her children's book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl, published. Below is a wonderful guest post from Aidyl Ewoh. Enjoy! 

 

 
About Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl:
Traveling with her parents brings Lydia, daughter of explorer and singer Buddy Davis, plenty of adventure and mystery - from hidden clues in bookstores to cave paintings deep underground.

About the Author:
Whether she’s building life-sized models of dinosaurs with her adopted family, trying her hand at cooking at a private retreat, or living in a barn, author Aidyl Ewoh (aka Lydia Howe) seems to have adventures follow her wherever she goes. Check out her book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl and find out more about her at her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Answer to the True or False question from the last stop: False! 


Hey y’all! I’m here today with my character, CJ Carter from my book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl. If you’ve never read a character interview before, this might be a little weird at first, but it’s something that authors often do to help others, and themselves, get to know their characters better. So hang on tight and here we go!

Hey CJ, it’s good to have you here today! I know you’re a brilliant kid and that this interview will be loads of fun. Can you start out by telling us a little bit about yourself?  
Might I start out by expressing my gratitude at your considerate words, Miss Aidyl? I thank you kindly. My name is CJ Carter and I suppose the actual motivation for requesting my presence here is because I’m Lydia Davis’ friend and confidant. Perchance I should tell you about her instead, therefore? 

Um, well, I’ve already done an interview with Lydia. Today we want to hear about you. 

What information are you desiring to obtain? 

Ah, um, that’s a good question. Why not tell us your age, about your family, that kind of thing. 

I am the oldest of three children and am 13 years old. I-

Thirteen years old? I’m sure that’s a bit hard for some of our readers to comprehend. Do you always use such big words? 

A vocabulary, no matter who possesses it, is always in need of refinement and extension. Therefore I strive to speak in terms which are easily understood by the laymen and yet bring out the most in any given subject. 

Hey, everyone! Lydia Davis here. I thought I’d better jump in here and help CJ out. He really is fun, no matter what he sounds like!

Lydia, would you satisfy our spirit of inquiry by expounding on your most erupt and informal assault into our interview? 

Sure, easy enough. Sometimes you use such big words that no one understands them, and I didn’t want people to leave thinking that you’re a stuffy kid that always has his nose in a Algebra book. 

I do habitually and almost unfailingly have ‘my nose in a book’ as you put it. Although I most often chose Biology or Chemistry over Algebra. 

Not always CJ, and you’re making yourself sound boring. Which you aren’t. 

Boring? Do you mean to say that not everyone finds studying about the molecular structure of -

Yes, CJ, I’m afraid that is what Lydia’s trying to say. Sorry about that, and I’d be happy to listen to you after this interview is over. For now though, why don’t we focus on you, not science. Can you tell us about where you live? 

Yes, ma’am. So far I’ve spent the formative years of my life growing up in Maine. Our family will be transferring to Kentucky in the eminent future though, so we can be in close proximity to the Creation Museum.

Yea! It’s going to be so much fun having y’all live so close! 

Thank you for your notable joy. You are a true friend. 

Thanks, CJ. 

Why don’t you tell us about Isaac and Annie? Too bad they weren’t able to join us today. 

All right, Miss Aidyl. Isaac and Annie are my siblings, ages seven and six. Isaac is fond of adventure and has a rather active imagination that visualizes escapades wherever his feet trod. Annie is, well, shall we say more, girly, and although a thrilling adventure might not frighten her too much, the fear of peril and risk keep her in check. 

Sounds like your mother has her hands full. And while we’re on that subject, can you tell us about your parents? 

It would be my delight. My parents are Jim and Melissa Carter. My Father is a speaker for Answers in Genesis and has far more knowledge about the Bible and history of the world than most other mortals to walk the earth. 

Is he as smart as you are, CJ? 

I beg an explanation of you, Miss Aidyl.

Oh right. That’s not really a fair question to ask you. Lydia, can you answer this one for us? 

Sure! Although Uncle Jim is really smart, I don’t think he would be considered a genius like CJ is. He doesn’t use such big words all the time either. 

I daresay, this is a rather interesting interview. Discussing my father’s intellect? Is that average procedure? 

Um, no. I guess you’re right again, CJ. Ok, so why don’t you tell us about your mom? 

My mother is so very kind and gentle. She has taken in hand to teach her children at home, a gift for which I will be forever grateful for. 

Wow, your mom must be a pretty amazing woman to homeschool you! I can’t even imagine! Well, I would love to hear more but our time’s over for today. Thanks for stopping by CJ and Lydia!

It was our pleasure.  

For your chance to get a free book and Wal-Mart gift card, check out THIS post!

To find out the answer to today's True or False question and read about how I got involved with AiG, check out THIS blog tomorrow!

{Book Review:} The Unlikely Debut of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill

My Review:
The exciting, long anticipated, sequel to The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet is out!

Technically, it came out a few months ago, but I didn't get a chance to read it until recently. Anyway, I don't exaggerate when I say I couldn't put my ereader down. Okay, so I did. But only because I was dragged from the house to go somewhere. Once I came home it was me, the ereader, and the recliner for the next couple hours.

I am amazed, yet again, at the strength of Ellie's voice. She's sounds so real. She sticks out. Ellie is a character I'd love to spend a day with. Something else I adore about her, is her stubbornness. She doesn't like giving up. I wish I could elaborate on this, but that would spoil the fun. ;-)

After the first book released, there was some debate about Ellie's suitors. I think many people may find themselves surprised when they read The Unlikely Debut of Ellie Sweet, in a good way, of course. I know I was. I enjoyed this book so much more than I could have imagined, and it certainly is a new favorite. This is probably Mrs. Morrill's best yet!

I'll draw the review to a close now, because I think if I went on I might spoil something. Hehehe... Fans new and old will love, love, love, this new Ellie Sweet story. I recommend to ages fourteen and up.

I purchased an ebook copy of this book, no review required.

Back Cover:
For once, Ellie Sweet has it all together. Her hair now curls instead of fuzzes, she’s tamed the former bad-boy, Chase Cervantes (she has, right?), and her debut novel will hit shelves in less than a year. Even her ex-friends are leaving her alone. Well, except for Palmer Davis, but it can’t be helped that he works at her grandmother’s nursing home.

Life should feel perfect. And yet, it’s not that easy. Ellie’s editor loves her, but the rest of the publishing biz? Not so much. And they’re not shy about sharing their distrust over Ellie’s unlikely debut.

Ellie has always been able to escape reality in the pages of her novel, but with the stress of major edits and rocky relationships, her words dry up. In fiction, everything always comes together, but in real life, it seems to Ellie that hard work isn’t always enough, the people you love can’t always be trusted, and the dream-come-true of publishing her book could be the biggest mistake she’s made yet.

A Thankful Heart

I know what you're thinking. Thanksgiving was last month! I realize that, however, being thankful should not be limited to one month or one day of the year. It should be an every day practice.

This time of year is frustrating for me. The push to buy, buy, buy gets old fast and it seems to double in intensity every year. I can't walk into a store or turn on the TV without being bombarded by it. This year especially I see parents sharing their woes on Facebook, because their kids don't need anything yet they feel an obligation to get something. Why have we let materialism take over a holiday intended to celebrate Jesus's birth? How does Jesus's birth equate to buying gifts for others in the first place?

Being thankful is becoming a lost habit in our culture. This should be a time spent with family, thankful to just be with one another. It's about fellowship, putting down the electronics, eating amazing fattening foods, and playing games. It's a time not about giving or getting, but treasuring the moment and loving those around you.

I'm thankful for living near my cousins and grandparents. I'm thankful for my family in general. I'm thankful for my friends both online and in person. I'm thankful to be breathing, to be healthy. I'm thankful to be free. I'm thankful for my sweet dog, Joy. Most of all, I'm grateful that God sent His Son for me and for you.

It's hard to believe another year has gone by. As we prepare to welcome 2014, I pray that this new year will be filled with joy and blessings for you all.

What are you thankful for? 

{Book Review:} Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish

My Review: 
Stones for Bread is an enchanting, emotional, story about Liesl McNamara.

Written in first person present tense, we get an intimate look at Liesl's introverted personality and the events that led to who she is presently. All this while we watch her change and bloom and overcome her traumatic past. Liesl isn't like the many characters I meet on a weekly basis, she stands out. She loves her routine and likes the amount of control she has over her business. She likes certainty. In this aspect at least, I can relate to her.

This is going to sound strange, but this book reminds me of the movie Chocolat. Not because of the characters or even the setting, but because of the heart and soul of making bread passed down from mother to daughter on Liesl's mother's side. In Chocolat, Vianne and her daughter, Anouk, open a chocolate shop. The recipe Vianne uses has been passed down in her family for ages. Chocolat and Stones for Bread are very different in all other ways, but the familiar legacy is similar. I really liked that.

Throughout the novel, Parrish offers us Liesl's recipes. I loved this! In fact I plan on trying Cecilia's chocolate bread soon. I don't normally say this, but I felt like I learned quite a bit about the art of bread making. Parrish gives us this information without boring us, something that could be a big concern for some people. Will I, personally, put it to use? I'm not sure.

I recommend this book to readers sixteen and older for self-harming and a suicide (I'd say more on this, but... spoilers!). Parrish weaves Christianity into this story in a fabulous, unexpected way; especially because Liesl was never a big church goer at the beginning of the story.

I received this book from Booksneeze in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

Back Cover:
A solitary artisan. A legacy of bread-baking. And one secret that could collapse her entire identity.

Liesl McNamara’s life can be described in one word: bread. From her earliest memory, her mother and grandmother passed down the mystery of baking and the importance of this deceptively simple food. And now, as the owner of Wild Rise bake house, Liesl spends every day up to her elbows in dough, nourishing and perfecting her craft.

But the simple life she has cultivated is becoming quite complicated. Her head baker brings his troubled grandson into the bakeshop as an apprentice. Her waitress submits Liesl’s recipes to a popular cable cooking show. And the man who delivers her flour—a single father with strange culinary habits—seems determined to win Liesl’s affection.

When Wild Rise is featured on television, her quiet existence appears a thing of the past. And then a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister forces Liesl to confront long-hidden secrets in her family’s past. With her precious heritage crumbling around her, the baker must make a choice: allow herself to be buried in detachment and remorse, or take a leap of faith into a new life.

Filled with both spiritual and literal nourishment, Stones for Bread provides a feast for the senses from award-winning author Christa Parrish.

{Book Review:} Living Separate Lives by Paulette Harper

My Review:
A heartfelt novella that displays the sad realities of the world we live in, but through the perspectives of four Christian women at different stages in their faith.

I still can't get over how short novellas are and in the case of Living Separate Lives, Harper left the story on a cliff making me wish it was longer! Though I did not have much of a chance to really know Candace, Tiffany, Jordan, and Kaylan in the short time I spent with them, I did get a feel for each of their personalities, struggles, and so forth. Harper does an excellent job of bringing a realistic feel to her characters and their circumstances. As for Harper's writing, at times it felt like we head jumped and the sentences didn't always flow.

I can't say much more without giving away a few central points, but I will caution my younger readers. Living Separate Lives deals with adult issues such as infidelity and mention of attempted suicide. I hope there will be a follow up to this novella, because I would read it.

I received an ebook copy of this novella in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done.

Back Cover:
Four Friends, One Secret and The Weekend That Changed Their Destiny 

Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes. What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County? Which one will leave the same or worse?
For Candace Walker life has left her battered and bruised. Kaylan Smith has struggled with prejudice from her in-laws. Bitterness is trying to raise its ugly head, after fifteen years of marriage, Jordan Tate’s husband calls it quits. And for Tiffany Thomas dealing with rejection has never been one of her greatest qualities. 

Will a secret destroy their relationship and bring the sisterhood to a complete halt? Will they be able to forgive and allow God to mend that which might be torn?

Dear, Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:
A charming, delightful, debut from Reay!

I blazed through this novel in between Thanksgiving festivities. Even when I had to, I found it hard to put it down! I found Sam funny, lovable, and realistic. The three hundred some pages I spent with her were wonderful; my only complaint being that I wish the story went on longer. Nonetheless, Sam's story is one that will stick with me for a while.

Sam Moore has had a rough go of life. Watching her grow and change throughout the book is incredible. I'll probably reread it in the near future for sure, but back to Sam. Her voice comes through so strongly and while she can really appear dense at times, behind the many novels, there is an intelligent woman. All in all, Ms. Reay has written a heroine who is a new and definite favorite.

With multiple references to Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and other classic works it's hard not to love this novel. Combine that with Sam's amusing character and Reay's fascinating writing style and you get a wonderful, wonderful, read. This book is going on my keeper shelf. I highly recommend this book to fans of Austen. As a quick, minor note, Sam is not a Christian for most of the book. She does not engage in any questionable activity that we're told of; however her boyfriend presses her to sleep with him and she refuses.

I received this book from Litfuse in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

Back Cover:
Dear Mr. Knightley is a contemporary epistolary novel with a delightful dash of Jane Austen.

Samantha Moore survived years of darkness in the foster care system by hiding behind her favorite characters in literature, even adopting their very words. Her fictional friends give her an identity, albeit a borrowed one. But most importantly, they protect her from revealing her true self and encountering more pain.

After college, Samantha receives an extraordinary opportunity. The anonymous “Mr. Knightley” offers her a full scholarship to earn her graduate degree at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. The sole condition is that Sam write to Mr. Knightley regularly to keep him apprised of her progress.

As Sam’s true identity begins to reveal itself through her letters, her heart begins to soften to those around her—a damaged teenager and fellow inhabitant of Grace House, her classmates at Medill, and, most powerfully, successful novelist Alex Powell. But just as Sam finally begins to trust, she learns that Alex has secrets of his own—secrets that, for better or for worse, make it impossible for Sam to hide behind either her characters or her letters.  

Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
• Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace) 

Two ways to win! Enter today by clicking one of the icons below or participating in the Pinterest contest (see banner below)—or BOTH! 

But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Dear Mr. Knightley" Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine's next book.

So grab your copy of  Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!

Cover Reveal!! {Until That Distant Day by Jill Stengl}

Hey everyone! I apologize for the random schedule and posts this month. I'm participating in NaNoWriMo this year, thus I've been a little busy. :-) To make up for it, I have a fantastic surprise for you all! Another cover reveal! But first, here's a little bit about Mrs. Stengl.

Jill Stengl is the author of numerous romance novels including Inspirational Reader's Choice Award- and Carol Award-winning Faithful Traitor, and the bestselling novella, Fresh Highland Heir. She lives with her husband in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, where she enjoys her three cats, teaching a high school English Lit. class, playing keyboard for her church family, and sipping coffee on the deck as she brainstorms for her next novel.






Are you ready to see the cover? Awesome! Here it is!

 

Isn't it gorgeous? I love the blues and the purple. Whoever put this cover together really outdid themselves. Here's the back cover copy:

Paris, France
1792

Colette DeMer and her brother Pascoe are two sides of the same coin, dependent upon one another in the tumultuous world of the new Republic. Together they labor with other leaders of the sans-culottes to ensure freedom for all the downtrodden men and women of France.

But then the popular uprisings turn bloody and the rhetoric proves false. Suddenly, Colette finds herself at odds with Pascoe and struggling to unite her fractured family against the lure of violence. Charged with protecting an innocent young woman and desperately afraid of losing one of her beloved brothers, Colette doesn’t know where to turn or whom to trust as the bloodshed creeps ever closer to home.

Until that distant day when peace returns to France, can she find the strength to defend her loved ones . . . even from one another?

Coming April 25, 2014

From Rooglewood Press

Anne Elisabeth Stengl has made a page for her mom's book, check it out here!

 

Well I'm definitely intrigued. Aren't you? Don't hurry off yet, Jill is offering an enormous bundle prize of ten print novels and novellas, including her award-winning Faithful Traitor, several novella collections, and her three-book Longtree series. These will all be autographed! (US and Canada only, please.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Book Review:} Torn Blood by David J. Bain

My Review:
A thrilling debut from Bain, but not a favorite.

Bain expertly writes a suspenseful story, set primarily in Israel, reminding me of Joel Rosenburg's books. His writing voice clearly comes through and his characters are well formed. That all being said, I honestly had a really hard time getting into the book. There are so many characters to keep up with and many plot threads to follow that I put the book down multiple times.

I congratulate Bain for eventually drawing all the threads together and telling a great story, however, I was confused or bored through all of its five-hundred plus pages. Sadly, I cannot in good conscious recommend this book. There is an almost rape scene in disgusting detail, pages and pages of violence, and language pops up more than ten times.

I received this book from Sidedoor Communications in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thank you.


Back Cover:
Three weeks before officially reporting for duty at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Addison Deverell arrives in Israel determined to find an answer to a question buried for nearly four thousand years.

Bound to an escort by the embassy, he is unable to begin his search as time is running out. Mere days before he must report for duty, Addison is freed from his forced escort, Hafiz IbnMansur, as a female escort, Elizabeth Daniels, takes his place.

Addison issues an ultimatum to Elizabeth that he must go into Palestinian territory for answers he can’t find in Israel. But, as Addison races to uncover a long buried truth that promises to establish a career, he faces peril from those he seeks to understand and finds himself a pawn in an international plot to drive Israel’s Jews into the sea.

Nearly seven thousand miles away in Oregon, Dr. Janelle Henning confronts a past that threatens to destroy the only family she’s ever known. A search for understanding thrusts her into a foreign world long buried to confront a birthright hidden by the passage of time. With no place—or no one—to turn to, Janelle tries to put the pieces of her life back together.

An ill-boding call shreds the little of Janelle’s world that is left, compelling her to leave her home and fly to Israel in search of Addison. But terrorists stand in Janelle’s way of reaching him, the one person that might unlock hidden identities in a relationship that has spanned a lifetime. But will Addison live, or will death, the master of all, once again keep its secret buried?

It's a Slow Fade... {Seasons of Change}

I've been thinking this week a lot about life. For some it may seem that life goes by too quickly. For others it crawls along at a snails pace. For me, you ask? I'm hitting that age where I'm suddenly sentimental and wondering where my childhood went.

Nothing is so hard as watching people in your life move forward, while it seems you're stuck in quicksand. You may not want to be stuck, but you're still sinking. You cry out for help but your friends can't hear you and just when you begin to think you're going under, a hand reaches out. You grasp it, thankful and relieved someone came back for you. You're pulled out and you discover your Savior's identity. It's Jesus. When all others leave you, whether they intend to or not, He's there to pick you up. When all the world fades away, He's the only One left.

"I will never leave you nor forsake you." -Deut. 31:6

The hardest lesson I've learned in the past year or so, is that you cannot rely on people for help, for happiness, or for love. The only being you can lean on, without fail, is Christ. Though it seems sometimes that everything I know is changing, I know Someone who will never change, and that knowledge comforts me.

 On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

So as I go through this season, I'll cling to Him, the unchanging, everlasting, Son of Man who loves me enough to have laid down His life so that I may live. There's no safer or better place to be, in my opinion. And, you know, no matter how horrible or unbearable things may get, it is a small period of time compared to eternity with Christ.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I will say, rejoice!" -Phil. 4:4