Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig | Re:View

This beauty is book 2 in the Book of the Wars series and DANG it is awesome! I expected nothing less from Ronie Kendig (one of my favorite authors of all time) and I was so excited to get approved for a digital copy of it! Keep reading to find out my thoughts!

Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

Ah....Ronie Kendig has done it again! Created a beautiful ending to such a fantastic series!

In this third book, we take a bit of a deviation from the last two and follow more of Ram's story. There's also the introduction of a new character who I really liked - Mercy! I won't go into who she is exactly, but I loved her spunk in this third book. Also, the team comes back together in order to find (and get rid of) a final supernatural artifact. Interposed with short episodes from history, we see where a curse has come from and what it has to do with the sword that killed Goliath.

I really enjoyed the mixture of perspectives that we get to see and the little twists and turns that the story takes (of which I will remain silent so as not to spoil it). I did have a bit of confusion when it came to piecing it all together - BUT it all made sense at the end, something Kendig always does an excellent job at.

Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig | Re:View

Riveting and thrilling, Ronie Kendig delivers a truly epic adventure with Crown of Souls.

***

I eagerly awaited this book after finishing Conspiracy of Silence and I was definitely not disappointed!

I really enjoyed this second installment of the Tox Files and getting to know more about Cole “Tox” Russell. I think one of my favorite things was the fact that we got to see a bit more of the depth of his character in this book. He was already a fully-fleshed character in Conspiracy of Silence but even more so in this book you could see sides of him that he’d kept hidden in book one.

I also loved the blossoming and deepening of his relationship with Haven, whom I love. She's such a sweet and steady character and creates a perfect foil to Tox's internal turmoil. I loved that there was still a lot of tension present as well as a greater depth that can only be found in the midst of dire circumstances.

Ronie is so good at creating emotionally charged situations as well as increasing the intensity of any (and all) relationships whether that be romantic or those based on the brotherhood of the team. We see a lot of this in Crown of Souls, but in the context of an overarching plot that barely lets you breathe. It all makes for a wild and thrilling ride.

Speaking of wild and thrilling, the search for the Crown of Souls artifact is so fantastic. It was such a intriguing yet complex idea (very Indiana Jones) which made for a lot of questions asked and guesses made leading to a good bit of misdirection. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book, just waiting for something else to happen – which it always did!

I highly recommend this book to any and all who love suspense, thrillers, military action, tension-filled romance, and excellent writing!

My rating: 5*
Purchase: Crown of Souls

Book Description 
(from Amazon)

Six months after stopping a deadly plague, Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are enjoying a little rest. That peace is short-lived when a sniper shot hits Tox. The enemy is discovered to be one of their own, a rogue Special Forces team operator.

Alec King is perhaps the only person as skilled as Tox, and he's out for justice. Furious with orders that got his men killed, he intends to make those responsible pay. And he insists Tox join him, believing they are the same breed of soldier.

Afraid his old friend is right, Tox battles a growing darkness within himself as he and his team engage in another deadly encounter with antiquity. It appears Alec is cheating--he's using a mysterious artifact, a crown that history has linked to some of the worst slaughters in humanity. Racing to stop Alec before his vengeance is unleashed, Tox must fight the monster without becoming one.

__________________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.  

Titanis: A Quiet Professionals Novella by Ronie Kendig | Re:View

Secrets, romance, tension, and heart-pounding action set against the backdrop of a stunning Austrailian landscape. Titanis is a wild and passionate ride you won't soon forget.

*** 

Ah, reader friends, I cannot explain to you the depth of my LOVE for this novella! It was soooo wonderful! Coming on the heels of the other full-length, Quiet Professional's novels (Raptor 6, Hawk, and Falcon) this is a wonderful follow up and a look at Titanis and his life.

Set against the stunning and varied landscape of Australia, we get to see this brooding hero on the heels of all that happened in book 3 (which I won't spoil for you here). I loved the look into his life, the amazing setting of his impressive yacht, and the struggles he must overcome to reajust to life after the military.

Enter Ellis and her secrects, the very things that Titanis can't abide. She's sweet, passionate about her work, and more than a little intimidated by Titanis--for good reason. He's earned the name "The Beast of Cape York" and she gets a front row seat to his dogged determination.

I absolutely loved the interplay of these two characters. The tension, romantic and otherwise, is expertly written, drawing you in, and the building anticpation of the plot will make you read straight through to the end. I'm already thinking of when I'll read it again!

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves romantic suspense, romance, or just AWESOME writing. You won't regret getting a copy of Titanis!

My rating: 5*
Purchase: Titanis: A Quiet Professionals Novella

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

Explosive and non-stop - Ronie Kendig has done it again with Conspiracy of Silence!

Following on the heels of her FREE novella Warrior’s Seal, we jump straight in to a high-octane adventure following the determined and slightly mysterious Cole “Tox” Russell. Woven together with archeological clues, threads of romance, and rocketing suspense at every corner, you won’t be able to put this book down until the end.

I really enjoyed Tox’s character development in this story. There is still a lot that is mysterious about him, yet we were able to get a window into his past. I also love the team dynamic – no one does it better than Ronie when it comes to hunky team members with a ton of character. I love how separate they all are and yet how well they fit together.

Then, of course, there was the romance. Not as much as in her previous books sadly, but still zinging where it was brought out. I would love to see more in the next book, but I’m a sucker for romance in general! I think the balance was good in this first book though. It felt realistic when there is a big mission to be focusing on, you’re not going to always be thinking of “the girl” but more “the mission”. So I do appreciate the real-ness.

I also loved how fast-paced Conspiracy was. There was never a dull moment and that led to many pages (and chapters) read long after I should have been sleeping.

If you are a fan of suspense, military fiction, or anything Ronie’s written in the past – this book will not disappoint! Think of it like a mix between David Baldacci, James Rollins, and Ronie’s classic rapid-fire fiction. Her writing is clear, succinct, compelling, and just right for the action-packed thrill ride I expect to take for a story of this magnitude.

My rating: 5*
Purchase: Conspiracy of Silence

Book Description
(from Amazon)

Kendig Ratchets Up the Action in Her New Suspense Series!

Four years after a tragic mission decimated his career and his team, Cole "Tox" Russell is persona non grata to the United States. And that's fine--he just wants to be left alone. But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed, Tox is lured back into action.

Partnered with FBI agent Kasey Cortes, Tox has to pull together a team to begin a globe-spanning search for answers--and a cure. As their quest leads them from continent to continent, it slowly becomes clear they're not just fighting a plague--but battling against an ancient secret society whose true goals remain hidden.

With time running out and opposition growing on every side, the key to everything may rest in an antique codex, the Crown of Jerusalem--but will Tox and his team be able to trust each other enough to break this century-spanning conspiracy of silence?

_____________

I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Accelerant by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

A fiery tale of romance, deception, and duty. Ronie Kendig's second fantasy book, Accelerant, is as hot as they come!

***

I seriously loved Accelerant. Don't get me wrong, I loved Embers too, but I felt even more involved in this second book--the stakes were higher, the plot complex, and the subplots the perfect accent to an already thrilling story.

To me, this book was a combination of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Hunger Games, and Ronie Kendig's classic, fast-paced and vibrant writing. From the moment I jumped into Accelerant, I felt the characters come alive on the page. It had been a while since I read Embers, but I remembered where'd I'd left off and was excited to see where this book was going to go. The fantasy world that Ronie creates is completely immersive, drawing you in until you forget that you aren't a character in the story. Wait...I'm not best friends with Thiel? Oops...

**I suppose there could be slight spoilers to anyone who has not read book 2 (they are in the description as well) BUT I will not spoil Accelerant - I promise!**

I love the unique reality that Haegan is marked as the Fierian (the spoiler for book 1). The tagline says it all: "He'll destroy the world. But first he has to save it." The reality that Haegan - a kind, sweet man - is named as the "destroyer" and yet savior of the Kingdom is so deliciously complex. Feel all the tension! Multiple times I found myself lamenting with him over that fact, and yet wondering what else is going to happen. Is the prophecy correct? What does being the Fierian really mean? How will Haegan deal with that?

Ronie has done such a brilliant job with intertwining stories in Accelerant as well. I absolutely loved the story line involving Aselan, Kaelyria, and the Eilidan people. That juxtaposed with Tili and Thiel and wondering about what is going on with Sir Gwogh has me DYING to know what is going to happen in book 3. Is it out yet? (*wink*)

I cannot recommend this book enough. The story line will pull you in, turning pages late into the night, just to find out what happens. If you're a fan of fantasy (or really just good fiction) I think this will be a breath of fresh air for you. Ronie's style is so unique and her plot lines complex and thrilling. Do yourself a favor and get these amazing books!

My rating: 5*
Purchase: Accelerant (book 2)
Purchase: Embers (book 1)


Book Description
(from Amazon)

He'll destroy the world. But first he has to save it.


The Nine Kingdoms bleed. Leaderless, ravaged, the land awaits deliverance from Poired Dyrth's devastating campaign. But what if one blight can only be cleansed by another?

The promised Fierian is known by many names. Judge. Destroyer. Scourge. And now one other: Haegan, Prince of Seultrie. Once a cripple, now a gifted Accelerant, Haegan can no longer run from the truth. But neither can he be reconciled to it. He knows only one thing for certain: as the only able-bodied heir to the Fire Throne, he must return to the Nine and fight for his people.

But there are insidious forces at work. When reality itself falls into question, Haegan struggles to know where to fight, whom to trust. Caught between duty to his country and duty to the world, Haegan must see clearly enough to choose the right path to save the world.

______________________

I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Accelerant & A Time To Rise: Release Day!!!

I am SO excited! Friends, you have no idea what glroious things await you today! It's RELEASE DAY for two of my favorite authors! Yes...that is TWO awesome books now avaialbe to you all.

Accelerant 
by Ronie Kendig

He'll destroy the world. But first he has to save it.

The Nine Kingdoms bleed. Leaderless, ravaged, the land awaits deliverance from Poired Dyrth's devastating campaign. But what if one blight can only be cleansed by another?

The promised Fierian is known by many names. Judge. Destroyer. Scourge. And now one other: Haegan, Prince of Seultrie. Once a cripple, now a gifted Accelerant, Haegan can no longer run from the truth. But neither can he be reconciled to it. He knows only one thing for certain: as the only able-bodied heir to the Fire Throne, he must return to the Nine and fight for his people.

But there are insidious forces at work. When reality itself falls into question, Haegan struggles to know where to fight, whom to trust. Caught between duty to his country and duty to the world, Haegan must see clearly enough to choose the right path to save the world.

Purchase: Accelerant (book 2)
Purchase: Embers (book 1)

A Time To Rise
by Nadine Brandes

What more can you sacrifice than your life?

Parvin Blackwater is dead.

At least that's what the Council and the world thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.

Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?

Purchase: A Time To Rise (book 3)
Purchase: A Time To Die (book 1) and A Time To Speak (book 2) 

The Warrior's Seal by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

What do you get when you cross James Rollins-like writing with the excitement and history of Indiana Jones? Ronie Kendig's new and thrilling series: The Tox Files! Introductory novella, The Warrior's Seal, is just a taste of what's to come.

The Warrior's Seal is the perfect introduction to Cole "Tox" Russell and his Special Forces team. If you've read anything by Ronie Kendig, you'll know to expect fast-paced action, complex characters, and a plot that will leave you reeling from its complexity. The Warrior's Seal is all of these things and more!

Introducing Tox and his team, this novella sets the scene for great things to come, like book 1 in the series: Conspiracy of Silence (coming out December 6th). The novella is just enough to whet your appetite and provide familiarity with the team. As usual, Ronie does an excellent job depicting the dynamics of a Special Forces team. Her male characters always stand out on the page because of their authenticity and realness. No sissy men here!

I also absolutely loved the historical element that Ronie brought to the novella and how it is all comingled and weighted with importance to the present. It adds a very "Indiana Jones" like quality to the story--something I LOVE--as well as a depth that takes the story beyond the natural realm.

Given that this is just a novella, you expect the story to be slightly abbreviated, but that in no way made it less action-packed or exciting. By the end of the novella I was clinging to my Kindle and swiping pages like a mad woman (and staying up way past my bedtime...).

I highly recommend The Warrior's Seal to a wide range of readers. If you've read anything by Ronie Kendig, you'll love this. If you haven't, it's the perfect introduction to her writing! It will appeal to lovers of suspense, military fiction, thrillers, romantic suspense, and lovers of amazing fiction in general.

By the way...it's FREE on Amazon Kindle! Go get your copy today!...Seriously, go get it now.

Rating: 5*
Purchase: (for free) The Warrior's Seal

Book Description
(from Amazon)

A Special Forces team is thrust into a war with the past to save the president after an artifact unleashes a deadly toxin.

Special Forces operative Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are tasked in a search-and-rescue--the U.S. president has been kidnapped during a goodwill tour. The mission nosedives when an ancient biblical artifact and a deadly toxin wipe out villages. Tox must stop the terrorists and the toxin to save the president.

_____________________

I received a free copy of this book but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Accelerant by Ronie Kendig | Cover Reveal

I am over-the-moon excited for Ronie Kendig's next fantasy release, Accelerant coming October 14,2016!

From Embers:

HE'S COMING FOR THEM. AND THE KINGDOM.

Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?

Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does it comes with a terrible price: Haegan's disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This act unleashes their father-king's wrath.

Haegan must flee the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth.

Book One in the "Abiassa's Fire" series.

Read my review of Embers here.


And now, because you've all been so patient, I'm excited to introduce you to Accelerant...

Ahhh! >Sits and stares at screen for several minutes< Isn't it stunning? Dare I say this cover is HOT! I mean, just wow. I loved the Embers cover so much and this is just as fantastic if not better. I don't know thought...I'm not sure I can make that call and thankfully I don't have to!


But wait, there's more!

Pre-Order NOW because the first 50 people who pre-order and send their receipt/proof of purchase to Ronie will get a fun goodie bag of bookish items. Woohoo!

And I'll let you in on a little secret...these items will come from my Etsy shop and will be specially designed by me! I'm super excited to partner with Ronie to create some fun Accelerant merch.

So make sure you go pre-order NOW and add this beauty to your Goodreads list HERE.

Operation Zulu Redemption by Ronie Kendig |

ATTENTION

You've been selected to receive confidential information regarding the TOP SECRET activities of one: Ronie Kendig. Should you wish to cooperate, read below...

They never should've existed. Now they don't. 

Zulu, the first all-female special ops team, was set up to take a devastating fall. Fearing for their lives, Zulu members vanished with new identities. Isolated and haunted by their past, they are terrified of being discovered. Over the years, the brave women of Zulu have begun to hope they might be safe and the terrible tragedy forgotten. Until two of them are murdered.

It's here! I mean, really really here! The paperback version of Operation Zulu Redemption! That's right, if you didn't get the chance to read it in eBook form as it was released in episodes you can read it now in its entirety in a lovely paperback version. I am so excited to read this again!

Some of you may remember meeting Annie here on the blog or that one time I gushed about my favorite zulu warrior *blushes*. Well, let me just tell you that you will be attached to the Zulu team instantly! Operation Zulu Redemption is Ronie Kendig at her best with action, romance, and intrigue woven seamlessly together to create an adventure you will not forget.

I'm excited to offer one lucky U.S. winner the chance to experience the amazingness (yes, that's a word) that is Operation Zulu Redemption! Enter below and a special thanks to my dear friend Steffani who ended up with two copies and offered one to me to give away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

14 Favorite Reads of 2015 + GIVEAWAY

I'm wrapping up the year on Thinking Thoughts and I'm so thankful looking back over this year. I've gotten to read some incredible books. I've met amazing new friends here on the blog. I've gotten to know some amazing authors. I've started a newsletter. I got an agent (eeeik!). And all the way I've gotten to share these experiences with you my dear readers. I am so grateful!

As a kind of wrap-up I've compiled a list of my favorite 14 reads of 2015. These books...well, I can't recommend them highly enough! You can also check out my reviews of them (find them here). And make sure you scroll to the bottom for the GIVEAWAY!

A Praying Life
by Paul E. Miller

Devotional/Prayer
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQSq45

Emissary

by Thomas Locke

Fantasy

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1loF3y5

Plot & Structure
by James Scott Bell

Writing Craft
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NG9buS

Golden Son

by Pierce Brown

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NG9Egx

Playing Saint
by Zachary Bartels

Thriller
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQT9SQ

How to Catch A Prince

by Rachel Hauck

Romance

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQTvJ4

These Broken Stars
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

YA Lit/Dystopian/SciFi
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQTAN7

Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

YA Lit/Fantasy 

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGaOZA

Falcon
by Ronie Kendig

Military Suspense
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGaUQY

Unbroken

by Laura Hillenbrand

Biography/WWII

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGbEFJ

From the Start
by Melissa Tagg

Romance
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUp8B

Seek and Hide

by Amanda G. Stevens

Dystopian/Suspense

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUEQT

A Time To Die
by Nadine Brandes

YA/Dystopian
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUUiY

Embers

by Ronie Kendig

Fantasy

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQVfSC

To end the year with a BANG! I thought I'd offer up one last giveaway. I've got 12 books (that will remain a mystery) to giveaway. They are review books so they have been read once, but I thought I'd share the love and pass them along. The best part is that, should you win, you won't know WHAT you won...well, until you get it at least. I thought it could be fun - hey, they are all great books and, if you've read the book, you can pass it along to someone who will enjoy it!

Leave a comment below with your favorite genre - no guarantees, but as the winners are chosen (via Rafflecopter) I'll try and match up genres with winners.

Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Embers by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

Embers is captivating and brilliant--a fantasy tale that draws you into a world of heat and fire, good and evil. Ronie Kendig delivers a searing tale that will leave you craving more!

 

Siblings, one crippled the other gifted. A enemy who will stop at nothing to wage war. A long forgotten prophecy that will change the course of history. This is the recipe for a fantastic read and Ronie Kendig is the master chef who has brought it all together in Embers.

I really don't know where to start this review because I'm simply blown away by Ronie and this book. Not surprising (I love everything she writes) but this was on a whole different level of awesome. The world building, gifts-creation/explanation, and epic fantasy awesomeness coalesce into a tale that keeps you guessing until the end, desperate to find out what the truth is.

As I read Embers I was enveloped in the story, wholly there, leaping to new heights and anxious to discover what would happen next. Ronie's writing is flawless! Her grasp of the world was evident in her descriptions as well as the rich details that aid in sucking a reader in. She also crafted a really awesome character in the raqine (I want one) and it's the little details like that that simply amaze me.

I also really enjoyed her characters. I felt like the cast for Embers was well chosen and fleshed out. They are vivid as individuals, but they don't distract from the main characters or the plot. The dialogue was also amazing, really conveying the feeling of the world and its people.

As for the ending--I won't give anything away, but trust me, you'll turn the last page already wondering where Book 2 is, because let's be honest, we need it NOW. 

I highly recommend this to everyone! Those who already enjoy fantasy will love it, and those who haven't tried fantasy yet...well, you need to read this! There is action, adventure, romance, intrigue, and enough questions to keep you guessing until the end.

Embers is a wild ride you won't soon forget!

Rating: 5*
Purchase: Embers (book 1)

Book Description
(from Ronie's website)

HE’S COMING FOR THEM. AND THE KINGDOM.

Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?

Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does, it comes with a terrible price: Haegan’s disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This act unleashes their father-king’s wrath.

Haegan must flee the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth.

_______________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Ronie Kendig {Writer Wednesday} + GIVEAWAY

A little bit about Ronie...

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband have a full life with their children, a Maltese Menace, and a retired military working dog in Northern Virginia.

Connect with Ronie...

Website: www.roniekendig.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction
Twitter: @roniekendig
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/RonieK
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/roniek/
Instagram: @kendigronie
Purchase: Embers

Author Interview | Ronie Kendig

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing?
...I think I’ve always been “writing”—making up stories as a little girl with my Barbies, but I remember when we were newly married, my husband decided we should splurge and buy me a word processor, complete with the 3’ floppy (that wasn’t floppy). That’s when I realized my husband took my writing seriously—probably more than I did at the time.

What has kept you writing? 
...Writing has always been my therapy – it’s how I relax, how I work things out in my head. In all honesty, I’m not a very nice person if I don’t get to write, and I never knew until my amazing mother-in-law told me that I might be hypergraphic—and I am (except the part that is associated with epilepsy).

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I truly love something different about each novel, but I think I’ve had the most fun writing my very first speculative novel, which someday I hope to see in print.

If published, what was the hardest thing about publishing? 
...The hardest thing about publishing is finding the courage to believe in yourself. There are so many amazing authors out there, so many beautiful (inside and out) people writing, that sometimes it can be hard to believe that what I’ve vomited onto the page is worth reading.

The easiest?
...For me, the easiest part is the first draft. I love love love writing the first drafts of my novels. 

Your Writing
 
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...Embers was a bit of a fluke. I clearly remember standing in my kitchen peeling potatoes, bingeing on the BBC’s Merlin, and getting so frustrated with the character Morgana. In that scene, she pretended to do something that was in the best interest of Arthur, who (in this series) is like a brother to her. I was so mad, knowing she was being devious and I was so sick of her, that I wondered—What if a sister truly did sacrifice everything to save her brother and the kingdom? And that is where the seed-germ for Embers started.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I think questions like this should be illegal. LOL I mean—what if one character finds out I didn’t choose them? I’ll revert back to what I said about my favorite book—there are things I love about each character. I love Laertes with his cockney-style accent and no-holds-barred tongue. I love Praegur, the stalwart but quiet companion. I love Thiel with her feisty and fiercely loyal disposition, who is always pushing our hero, Haegan, who is finding his land legs—literally and figuratively—in this journey.

Writing

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I’ve always seen my mission as a writer to minister to the wounded, to those who are hurting, and to point them to Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? 
...It’s sounding a bit trite, but I’d say—know the rules, master the rules, but don’t get strangled by them. Use them to springboard your style and voice. And last—be confident. If you don’t “sell” your story, who will?

You

In honor of the fall, what’s your favorite fall treat?
...Anything pumpkin!!

When you were a child, what did you dream of growing up to be? 
...I had three goals growing up: a teacher, a secretary, and a mom. I’ve accomplished all of those!

Will you participate in National Novel Writing Month? If so, what’s your plan to keep your writing on track? 
...Ya know, I just might. I’d love to use that month to hack out a very solid chunk that would go toward finishing the Accelerant, the sequel to Embers. 

I'm so excited to have Ronie on the blog again and I'm happy to offer a copy of her fabulous novel, Embers! I have been blessed to get to know this amazing woman and it is an honor to have her on my blog today! Make sure you check out her links above - her other books (in the military/romantic suspense category) are amazing.

Ronie is an incredible writer and Embers is absolutely fantastic! I haven't had the chance to finish it yet (my life has been absolutely crazy-buzy this last week) but a part of me is dying in side just a little every day it sits unfinished in my kindle! Anyway, enough about me - go buy Embers and you'll see :D

______________________________

::WINNER::

If you missed, I had Deborah Raney on the blog last week talking about her new book Another Way Home. She graciously offered a giveaway and I'm excited to announce that it is....

Pam K

Contact me to get your book!

Carrie Turansky & Ronie Kendig | New Novel News + GIVEAWAY

A Refuge at Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

October 20, 2015
Multnomah Books
Purchase: A Refuge at Highland Hall

A Refuge at Highland Hall is the third and final book in the Edwardian Brides Series. Readers will be swept away to England and France in 1915 as the Ramsey family, their staff, and their friends face the dramatic challenges and losses of World War One; yet they also experience the hope and triumph that comes as they put their trust in God. Penny Ramsey helps the family welcome a group of orphaned children to Highland Hall, but she soon discovers caring for them is more difficult than she’d expected. She writes to Alex Goodwin, a daring British pilot, who chases German Zeppelins across the sky over France and Belgium. She longs for the day they can be together again, but being an RNAS pilot is a dangerous assignment, and the fallout from those experiences pushes Alex beyond Penny’s reach. Can God restore what has been lost and mend the brokenness of war?

Get to know Carrie...

Coffee or tea? 
I am definitely a tea person. I remember going on a church retreat as a college student where I learned to drink tea and I felt so grown up! I love the smell of coffee, but I could never get past the taste. . . so put on the tea kettle and give me some Earl Grey.

Favorite dessert?
I’ve gone gluten-free this year . . . so that knocks out a lot of desserts that I used to enjoy in the past. When I was at the ACFW Conference this fall they served a gluten-free Crème Brulee that was divine. Now I have a new favorite. In fact I just saw a recipe for Pumpkin Crème Brulee, and I hope to make it for Thanksgiving.

Who is your favorite secondary character?
I love Lydia, Kate and Penny’s lady’s maid in The Daughter of Highland Hall and A Refuge at Highland Hall. She has such a great heart and goes out of her way to help others. She really rose to the forefront of the story in Daughter, and I couldn’t wait to give Lydia her own romance in Refuge. I think readers will enjoy following Lydia’s journey.

*Carrie's giveaway is limited to US residents only.

Embers

Ronie Kendig

October 16, 2015

Enclave Publishing 

Purchase: Embers 

He's coming from them. And the kingdom.

Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?

Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does it comes with a terrible price: Haegan's disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This act unleashes their father-king's wrath.

Haegan must flee the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth.

Get to know Ronie...

What are the names of your pets? If you don't have any, what would you name your pets? I have two pets right now—two dogs. A Maltese Menace named Helo and an Air Force-retired military working dog, Vvolt N629.

What are you reading right now?
I’m bouncing between Zachary Bartels The Last Con and Katie Ganshert’s The Awakening.

What's one chore you hate doing?
Cleaning the bathrooms—it was my job all through my teen years and now it’s the one part of the house I can’t stand to clean. Of course, having two teenaged boys might being affecting my aversion, too.

*Just a note readers...there's a rumor going around that Ronie will be back on my blog on Wednesday and I've heard it told that an Embers giveaway will be burning up the blog (hehe, see what I did there?). So, make sure you come back and say hello to Ronie on Wednesday for a chance to win a copy of this hot-off-the-press book.

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::WINNER::

 I welcomed the lovely Cynthia Ruchti to my blog last week with her novella An Endless Christmas (isn't the cover amazing?). She graciously offered a copy and we have a winner:

Jane Carlson

Congratulations Jane! Contact me so we can arrange to get you your copy.

Ronie Kendig {Writer Wednesday}

Okay, dear readers - today's interview is really special to me. We're all book lovers here (at least I'm assuming so?) and I'm sure you can relate to me when I say that I have a bit of an author crush. Come on...you know you have one (or more) too!

I have long since adored Ronie Kendig's writing. I mean, we're talking flat out in awe of the first book I read by her (Talon: Combat Tracking Team) and then everything since. I found myself thinking...where has this author been all of my life?

Fast forward and....yes, that's MEEEE standing next to Ronie (in her house beautiful house too but I digress). Having her on my blog for a {Writer Wednesday} slot is pretty overwhelming to me (in the best way) and I can say that I have been so impressed with her as an author and as a friend. She is seriously the most humble person and I love that I get to share her with you all today! All right, on to the interview and enough of my fangirling ;)

A little bit about Ronie...

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married her own hunky hero, an Army veteran. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her husband live a full life in Northern Virginia with four children and a Maltese Menace named Helo.

How to connect with Ronie...

Website: www.roniekendig.com  
Blog: www.roniekendig.com/blog
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/RonieK  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction  
Twitter: @roniekendig  
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/roniek/
Purchase: Falcon (The Quiet Professionals Book 3)

 
Author Interview | Ronie Kendig

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing?  What has kept you writing?
...I suppose I’ve always been telling stories, starting with my dolls at a very young age, but it wasn’t until my husband bought me a word processor back in 1991 that I really started working at it. I then took a course through the Institute for Children’s Literature, which I found fascinating but frustrating. Out of that, I learned I didn’t want to write for children, but for adults. My love of writing, the therapeutic and thrilling effects of it have kept me writing. On days when I’m down or discouraged and whining and saying I’m going to quit writing, my husband in his very stoic voice, says, “You might not try to get published anymore, but you’ll never stop writing.” And he’s so right. I can’t not write.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Not really. I love different things about each of my stories. I do confess that I adored writing the Operation Zulu series and hope to someday finish what I started with that amazing team of characters.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it? 
...Falcon is the final book in the Quiet Professionals series and has quite an explosive conclusion. Readers will find themselves guessing—as I, the author, did—who Raptor can trust. 

Here is the official blurb for Falcon:

Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands. Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why? 
...One character that I find alluring and intriguing is a secondary character named Sajjan Takkar. He has now shown up in roughly four of my novels, and I never tire of writing him. He’s just a very unique character in that his loyalty cannot be bought and is singularly dedicated to his country and its restoration. Throughout the story, others are questioning if they’ll turn on him, and I just love that.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with? 
...That without forgiveness, we are letting destructive seeds of bitterness rot and tear at the fabric of our relationships and lives. Bitterness rots the soul.

Writing

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I’ve always seen the primary mission as “opening dialogue” about our military heroes, what they deal with, and how it affects not just their lives, but the lives of their families. I want readers to walk away, thinking about the sacrifices our military heroes make every day.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? 
...It’s imperative to know the rules of writing and storycrafting—master those rules; know them backward and forward…but don’t get strangled by the rules.

 

You

 

What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing? 
...Believe it or not, I find taekwondo relaxing—exhausting, but definitely relaxing. Also, I love doing things with my hands—painting my living room, sewing, or crocheting. Anything artsy. It fuels my creativity and gives me a physical outlet.

What is one thing you are looking forward to for the Summer?
...This summer will be strange for our family—we’ve married off a daughter and another is working in DisneyWorld, so my plans are to have fun doing some home interior decorating and rearranging. Pray for me as I begin this adventure as the only female in a house of five guys (hubby, twin sons, and two male dogs).

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Thanks again Ronie for coming by the blog today! And I had to share one image I took from the anniversary session I had with Ronie and Brian on Sunday. 25 Years of marriage as of this Monday - so awesome! And yes - I put in a vote (or maybe 50?) for you continuing Operation Zulu (check out the first installment for FREE). And while we're on the subject of your books - readers, you MUST check out Falcon (I rave about it HERE)! And Ronie, are you sure it's the last book for the Quiet Professionals....I mean...I'm just saying there could be more there ;) Anyway, thanks again and I look forward to what you've got coming up next! (Readers: Check out her FB page for a little hint - she just did a cover reveal yesterday!).

___________________________
::WINNER::

We've got a winner from Carol Moncado's interview last week...

Abby Breuklander

Congrats girl! I'll be in touch :)


In the mean time, if you didn't win check out More Than A Princess HERE.