Novelist and magazine editor, Merrie Destefano writes dark stories with a thread of hope. Her novels include Valiant, Lost Girls, Shade, Fathom, Afterlife, andFeast,and her work has been published by Entangled Teen and HarperCollins. Her next YA Science Fiction novel, Valiant, releases on December 4, 2018.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Merrie Destefano | Author Chat + Giveaway
Friday, November 23, 2018
Email Marketing For Writers
Wishing you a Happy (belated) Thanksgiving! |
Hope this blog finds you well AND I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Alex & Bounce hope so too!
Today, I'm really excited because I have a resource to share with you! Before we get going, please note this is a sponsored post* from Campaign Monitor.
If you've read my blog for any length of time (at least in the past) you'll know that I really enjoy talking about marketing. This is usually geared toward writers and authors, but the beauty of marketing is that it is widely useable for all sorts of business and vital to any type of product or brand you may have or wish to promote.
Today, we're going to take a look at Email Marketing geared toward writers and authors!
Friday, October 19, 2018
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.
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.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Jaime Jo Wright | Author Chat
Professional coffee drinker & ECPA/Publisher's Weekly best-selling author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited romantic suspense stained with the shadows of history. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy Tinkerbell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com
Monday, August 20, 2018
Books Worth Reading
I decided to do a fun little list in place of the "new novel news" Monday because, while these may not be new, they are worth reading. They are in no particular order - in fact, if they are in "any" order it's due to the time that I read them since I went through my Goodreads list. Rather than add a ton more here, I've given you three words for each book/series. You can read more of my thoughts in Goodreads about these books.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Book Review Pet Peeves
I've got to be honest here. I am all about book reviews. Obviously, I write them--you see them here and on my Goodreads all the time--but I also read them pretty consistently.
Confession...
I go straight to 1& 2 star reviews ALL the time. Maybe that's weird...but I find them to be (at times) hilarious, entertaining, and to sometimes contain nuggets of helpful truth. There have been many that I've read that are complete junk and you can tell they were either written by someone who never read the book or someone who's carrying some sort of odd grudge against books of a certain type or something.
But, there are a few things I can say for a fact that really really bother me when it comes to reviews...
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Writing When the Sprinkler Goes Off by Beth K. Vogt | Guest Post
“People think authors sit outside on the lawn all day, relaxing. Writing. What they don’t realize is there are sprinklers going off.”
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Taylor Bennett | Author Chat
Homeschooled since kindergarten, Taylor Bennett is the seventeen-year-old author of Porch Swing Girl, which will be released by Mountain Brook Ink on May 1st. When she’s not reading or writing, Taylor can be found playing her violin or taking walks in the beautiful Oregon countryside. She loves to connect with readers via her author website, as well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (her favorite!), Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Novel News with Sara Ella and Amanda G. Stevens
My oh my, it's been ages since I've done a "New Novel News" post so I thought I'd start with a bit of catch up. These LOVELY novels are out now--so no delay in gettin them (see what I did there?).
Friday, August 10, 2018
Things No One Told Me About Freelancing
I've been a freelancer for over six years, and for about four of them I've been fully self-employed. I do a range of things, but as of right now I freelance in these areas: photography, writing, graphic design, social media coaching. Each area comes with its own unique aspects (and challenges) but there are a few things I wish I would have known before I stepped into them.
Not all of them are negative - thank goodness - but some are. I don't share these to warn you away from freelancing in any of these ares, but I hope this post could be informative and helpful for those looking to freelance.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
6 Tips to being Genuine Online by Becky Wade | Guest Post
Striving to be genuine online? Here are 6 tips from author Becky Wade!
It's challenging to be genuine online, isn't it? When we interact via cyberspace, we're robbed of several aspects of face-to-face communication. We can't read the other person's body language and they can't read ours. We can't hear their tone and they can't hear ours. Often, we're not communicating in real time.
We can respond to the strangeness of online communication by saying nothing because we're too shy to put ourselves out there. We can post about the mundane because we have no idea what else to say. We can beautify our lives so much that the things we present via our feeds don't resemble our reality at all. Or we can make an effort to communicate our genuine selves and begin to establish real connections as a result.
I entered the world of social media in 2011. Since then I've observed (because I follow numerous people) and experienced firsthand (through my own posts) a few things that seem to lead to greater authenticity....
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Stop thinking you aren't good enough
Stop thinking you aren't good enough...
This could have several different meanings, but the one I'm addressing specifically is to The Writer. You probably know (or are) the person I'm talking about. If so, listen up because I'm you too. (Um, yeah, just go with me on this).
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Fawkes by Nadine Brandes | RE:View
A tale of passion, plague, and plotting.
I'm going to do something different in this review and say that, if you like historical fiction mingled with the impossible, beautiful complexity of a magic system that offers power over colors, you absolutely NEED this book.
Now, on to my thoughts.
I read an advanced copy of this book several months ago and then (in total Emilie fashion) forgot *gasps* to write my review! Um, what? Who am I? What am I doing with my life?
Annnyyyywaaayyyyy.....
I'm going to do something different in this review and say that, if you like historical fiction mingled with the impossible, beautiful complexity of a magic system that offers power over colors, you absolutely NEED this book.
Now, on to my thoughts.
I read an advanced copy of this book several months ago and then (in total Emilie fashion) forgot *gasps* to write my review! Um, what? Who am I? What am I doing with my life?
Annnyyyywaaayyyyy.....
Monday, May 28, 2018
Remember the Price of Our Freedom
- John F. Kennedy
Friday, May 25, 2018
An Admission & An Apology & An Update
The Admission
Sometimes life doesn't go like you've planned.Sometimes life feels like you got caught in a rainstorm and forgot your umbrella, drenching you with all of its expectations and not letting you find shelter. (See real-life example of this to the left).
Sometimes life surprises you with awesome things--blessings in disguise--and you have to put other, equally good things aside in order to take hold of those blessings. (keep reading for an example)
Are you sensing a trend here?
What has Emilie been up to?
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Phoenix Fire by S.D. Grimm | Re:View
What would you do if you lived over and over again? As a Phoenix, Ava gets to do just that. Adopted and living with a bit of a chip on her shoulder, Ava is shocked to experience memoirs that tell the story of someone else’s life. Or is it her life?
Cade faces paralyzing headaches when he remembers, though his brother Nick is there to help him.
When circumstances and so much more bring them together, Ava faces a life she never dreamed of and a task that seems impossible. Wyatt is just one such complication, or is he more than that?
I enjoyed the concept of this book in the creativity of using Phoenix’s (something I haven’t personally read about aside from in Harry Potter of course!). I found that keeping the memories as well as the current events straight was a little challenging. There’s a lot going on in this book - something I really appreciated - but it was also rather complex.
One thing I will note is the fact that I didn’t really believe the villain as much as I would have liked to. She was evil but I couldn’t help but feel like I wanted to know more of why she was so terrible. In that respect, she fell flat for me.
Cade faces paralyzing headaches when he remembers, though his brother Nick is there to help him.
When circumstances and so much more bring them together, Ava faces a life she never dreamed of and a task that seems impossible. Wyatt is just one such complication, or is he more than that?
I enjoyed the concept of this book in the creativity of using Phoenix’s (something I haven’t personally read about aside from in Harry Potter of course!). I found that keeping the memories as well as the current events straight was a little challenging. There’s a lot going on in this book - something I really appreciated - but it was also rather complex.
One thing I will note is the fact that I didn’t really believe the villain as much as I would have liked to. She was evil but I couldn’t help but feel like I wanted to know more of why she was so terrible. In that respect, she fell flat for me.
Reclaiming Shilo Snow by Mary Weber | Re:View
Reclaiming Shilo Snow throws Sofi into a thrilling race to save the ones she loves and to rethink what she’s capable of.
In this fast-paced, duology wrap up to Mary Weber’s science fiction series, we follow Sofi Snow on a quest to rescue her brother. Left behind on the planet/space craft Delon, Sofi discovers the fascinating truth behind the Delonese and works to actively oppose them.
On Earth, Sofia’s mother is faced with a hard choice that will not only affect Earths inhabitants but also the lives of her children.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and answered a lot of questions the first book had left me with (of course, since it was the end of the duology). I thought the interspersing of her mother’s point of view was really well done and added a layer to the story that brought a lot of things to light.
I feel like this duology will appeal to those who enjoy fast paced plots with light elements of science fiction. It wasn’t so strong of a theme that it would be a requirement to like hard core sci-fi to enjoy this series. Mary’s heart for the innocent and children is visible in this book in a beautiful, powerful way. I think she has a message to share that we need to listen to.
In this fast-paced, duology wrap up to Mary Weber’s science fiction series, we follow Sofi Snow on a quest to rescue her brother. Left behind on the planet/space craft Delon, Sofi discovers the fascinating truth behind the Delonese and works to actively oppose them.
On Earth, Sofia’s mother is faced with a hard choice that will not only affect Earths inhabitants but also the lives of her children.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and answered a lot of questions the first book had left me with (of course, since it was the end of the duology). I thought the interspersing of her mother’s point of view was really well done and added a layer to the story that brought a lot of things to light.
I feel like this duology will appeal to those who enjoy fast paced plots with light elements of science fiction. It wasn’t so strong of a theme that it would be a requirement to like hard core sci-fi to enjoy this series. Mary’s heart for the innocent and children is visible in this book in a beautiful, powerful way. I think she has a message to share that we need to listen to.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Meghan M. Gorecki | New Novel News
Amongst the Roses
by Meghan M. Gorecki
Published: April 12, 2018
Publisher: Northern Belle Publishing
Purchase: Amongst the Roses
The War Between the States shakes Margaret Bryant out of her comfortable upper-class life when her father enlists in the Army of the Potomac. Despite being safely ensconced above the Mason-Dixon Line in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Margaret finds her strength tested by opposition from familiar faces and Confederate threats. Will she let a young man from a lesser station into her heart even as war rages ever nearer to the home front?
Monday, April 23, 2018
Lynn H. Blackburn {Writer Wednesday} | JustReads Tour Stop
A little bit about Lynn...
Lynn H. Blackburnis the author of Hidden Legacy(Love Inspired, June 2017) and Covert Justice, winner of the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Unraveling by Sara Ella | Re:View
Elyana is now queen but living like a shadow of her former self. Joshua, strong and left in charge, can obviously feel the weight of his responsibilities. The tensions rise between the two when something happens that disrupts the almost-happy ending and sends El to make a drastic choice.
On a race through the reflections, El joins with an unlikely partner to bring and end to the voids rule. But can she do it in time to save the ones she loves?
I really enjoyed this complex book filled with twists, turns, secrets, and surprises! I love Sara’s writing and had such a fun time being shocked by her ever-widening plot. Her creativity is also a highlight in this book as we get to see new reflections and meet different characters that add a lovely dimension to an already fantastical book.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Finding New Inspiration by Kate Breslin | Guest Post
Finding New Inspiration
“Feeding the Muse” is an expression most artists and writers recognize. The word Muse originated in ancient Greek mythology, describing “any of the nine sister goddesses presiding over song and poetry, and the arts and sciences” (Merriam Webster online.) It also means “a source of inspiration.”
Feeding the Muse is essentially about replenishing the well of one’s creativity, by opening the mind to fresh ideas and helping us find new inspiration to do our best work.
As a Christian author of historical fiction, I pray daily to be inspired. I also turn to my research, and with three novels set during wartime, I don’t need to go far to find real and amazing stories from the past that touch my heart and give me fresh insight. In my most recent novel, High As The Heavens, I based my fictional tale on actual events that took place in Belgium during WWI, and the ordinary people who accomplished the extraordinary; men and women who rose above their own fear to save lives and survive impossible odds. Honestly, I never get tired of reading about the strength of the human spirit. It reinforces my belief in the basic goodness of mankind, and it gives me a glimpse into what God intended when He made us in His image. With so much negativity in the media today, I find stories of true heroism incredibly uplifting.
Thursday, April 5, 2018
We Own the Sky by Luke Allnutt | Excerpt
We Own the Sky is a tender, heartrending, but ultimately life-affirming novel that will resonate deeply with anyone who has suffered loss or experienced great love. With stunning eloquence and acumen, Luke Allnutt has penned a soaring debut and a true testament to the power of love, showing how even the most thoroughly broken heart can learn to beat again.
Monday, April 2, 2018
The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel | New Novel News
The Heart Between Us
by Lindsay Harrel
Published: March 13, 2018
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Purchase: The Heart Between Us
Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide and living with her parents in her small Minnesota hometown, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.
When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.
As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.
Friday, March 30, 2018
March Wrap Up
I've decided to do something a little new. In conjunction with my BookTube Channel, I'm going to be doing a monthly warp up of the books that I've read each month. I thought it could be a fun way to share a quick peek at my thoughts to each book. I'll link any reviews that I've posted (either on here or on Goodreads) and you can pick up a copy of the book via the link I provide if it sounds interesting.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Paperless Post | RE:View
Who doesn't like getting a card? I know I do! But, the older I get, the harder it is for me to keep up with sending notes in the capacity I'd like. If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know that I've moved around quite a bit. Each of those moves have left me with amazing friends in different locations all over the U.S. and, while I still make it a priority to get out hand written cards here and there, I've now found a lovely alternative in Paperless Post!
What is Paperless Post?
Paperless Post is a company that offers digital invitations (think wedding & party), birthday cards, personal stationary, save the dates, and so much more! They offer a variety of fun designs and customizations helping you create the perfect card or invitation.
Here's one example of a card and envelope set:
My Experience with Paperless Post
I tried out their service in a couple of different ways. I created an Easter card that I could send to friends and family (since most are scattered all over the U.S.) and scheduled it (yes! you can totally do this) to go out on the Saturday before Easter. How fun is that?
Then, I also sent a "thinking of you" card to a dear friend to let her know that I was thinking of her as well as praying for her. I had fun customizing the background, text, interior, and sending settings. More than that though, I was able to send a meaningful note in a "different way". It wasn't a text (which is still personal, but not nearly as pretty) and it wasn't a passing comment on a social media post or something like that. I really wanted her to know that I'd taken the time to pick out the right card for her and that it held a message that came from the heart.
If I may step of my "community soapbox" for a moment... Letting people know that you are thinking of them and care about them is SO important! It's easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day actives of life that we forget those who are around us. Whether that be our spouse or significant other or even our friends we may only see once a week or less, we should be actively looking for a way to let them know we care.
Maybe card or letter writing isn't your "thing" but it's so easy to use an already created template (you don't even need to customize if you don't want to) to send a quick note.
What I think about Paperless Post
I would definitely recommend Paperless Post! They have some really beautiful card designs (even some from designers like Kate Spade New York, Oscar de la Renta, Jonathan Adler, and Rifle Paper Co.). They also cover pretty much any occasion you may have and allow you the freedom and flexibility to customize each card with fun designs and digital papers.Some things of note:
Cards do cost! They work on a 'coin' system that starts with allowing you to purchase 20 coins for $6 (making the coins $.30 each) with the option of larger quantities of coins which decreases the price per coin. When I looked around it seemed it was standard for a card to cost about 5 coins (or $1.50 a card) with the more intricate or designer cards costing around 8 coins (or $2.40 a card). Considering that most (nice) cards in the store are usually $4 + and then add the $.50 stamp on top of that, you are getting a good deal.
Also, as much as I love the ease of sending a digital card to someone - it's fast, cost effective, and environmentally friendly, it's slightly less personal (totally my own opinion here). Because of this, I would personally recommend and use Paperless Post for things like event invitations and even perhaps Wedding Save the Dates because of the expense of shipping out invitations of that magnitude could become very expensive and time consuming.
Lastly, I didn't do extensive research into other digital card-sending sites, but I did look around a bit. They may be less expensive, but you can tell that in the quality of their cards. I feel like (from an artists standpoint) the cards on Paperless Post are really top quality and the experience is very user friendly. You can send out mass invites or cards with ease and style, which I think makes Paperless Post stand out in it's field.
Use the link below to check out their website:
Visit Paperless Post
_______________
I was asked to experience this product for free but was under no obligation to post a positive review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
10 Myths about Marketing Your Book by DiAnn Mills | Guest Post
Excited to have the lovely DiAnn Mills on the blog today! I've met DiAnn in person a few times at conferences and she's been a frequent guest on my blog. I love when she shares about her books here, but she's got something different for us today. This month we'll be taking a closer look at book marketing and this post is perfect for this. Join in as DiAnn shares about 10 myths we commonly hear about marketing your book.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Echoes by Alice Reeds | Cover Reveal
Let us know what you think of the cover for Echoes by Alice Reeds, which releases August 7, 2018!
This cover reveal is brought to you by Entangled Teen.
.
.
.
.
Are you ready???
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Real Love Moments by Dana Mentink | Guest Post
Real Love? Where are my chocolates and roses?
Ah romance novels! Don’tcha love them? I do actually, and I write them, too, but sometimes they can be a tad on the unrealistic side. Why is that exactly? In my opinion, it’s because we want our romance novels to be realistic enough to be believable, but sometimes real love isn’t all that flashy when you get right down do it.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Susan Mason | Author Chat
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Susan just a little at the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat as well as seeing her at the annual American Christian Fiction Writers's conference. So happy to have her on the blog today!
Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as “romance sprinkled with faith.” She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys. Irish Meadows, her first historical romance, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA.
Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and one rather plump cat. She loves red wine and chocolate, and is not partial to snow even though she’s Canadian. Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.net.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Serenity Hope by Michael Winstell | New Novel News
Serenity Hope
by Michael Winstell
Published: February 6, 2018
Publisher: Independent
Purchase: Serenity Hope (He Calls Me By Name, Book 1)
Serenity Hope MacAlister loves three things: God, her family, and her horses. Riding across the grassy, windswept hills of north Texas, she finds happiness and contentment. But when an old flame comes back to town, memories of heartbreak and sorrow are stirred up again. Serenity finds herself torn between the desires of her heart, the path to her future, and the challenges that her burden her family. Can she find healing for her broken heart, the courage to hope again, and most importantly, the peace and serenity that only God can provide?
Get to know Michael...
Favorite book...
I love classical literature and I've read books from numerous ages and cultures, but I have to say that my favorite is The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. Most people only know of Inferno, the writer's journey through the rings of Hell, and while it is indeed a masterpiece, it is complimented by the other legs of his journey, Purgatorio and Paradiso. I do not subscribe to Dante's Catholic theology and the Bible does not support a place like Purgatory, but I am captivated by Dante's imagery and emotion. His descriptions of Heaven are as glorious as Hell is horrifying. Despite his shaky theology, Dante put into poetic form the terrors of sin and the rapture of God's presence in a way that no one has ever done.
Monday, March 5, 2018
The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin | Re:View
Yet another stunning novel by Sarah Sundin! The Sea Before Us was everything I hoped for and more. Sarah managed to weave a sweet romance between the bitterness of war and the disillusionment of misplaced expectations. With a prologue that will reel you in and many unanswered questions about the Fairfax family, this story of forgiveness, both human and Devine, as well as characters riddled with flaws and brimming with honesty and potential, will hold you captive until the end.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Jennifer Haynie {Writer Wednesday}
After being an avid reader of suspense fiction for most of her life, Jennifer Haynie began writing and publishing suspense novels in 2012. She has now written over five indie suspense novels. In her spare time, she works for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, enjoys working out, and loves traveling. She currently lives outside of Raleigh with her husband and their Basenji dog.
Connect with Jennifer...
Website: www.jenniferhaynie.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6499135.Jennifer_Haynie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenniferhaynieauthor www.facebook.com/jenniferhayniewriter
Twitter: @JenniferHaynie1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-m-haynie-50026169/
Pre-Order: Loose Ends (releases March 6, 2018)
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Redefining Romance by Kariss Lynch | Guest Post
I am so excited to host my friend Kariss today. We're almost out of February - the "month of love" - but she's got some really valid points on what romance and love really is and how we may have lost the reality of it in what we are reading. We'd both love to know your thoughts below!
_________________
Up until a few years ago, I would have described myself as a closest romantic. Then I had this book come out that my publisher called “romance,” and I could no longer hide. The secret was out. I was a huge romantic. Even as my second and third book released, I continued to struggle with this label until I finally realized why I was wrestling. I didn’t want to identify with romance as culture defines it. We’ve messed it up. Instead, I wanted to redeem the definition.
Romance as God paints it in scripture is something that is strong and steady. It pursues, it asserts, it is something beautiful. Basically, romance is near and dear to the heart of God because He is the embodiment of love. But we have desperately messed it up. Over the past few years, I set out to read more outside the Christian genre. I wanted to see what others called romance. I’ve made a few observations, particularly from my reading of Young Adult Contemporary Romance and Young Adult Fantasy (both genres that I LOVE).
Monday, February 26, 2018
Carrie Turansky | New Novel News
by Carrie Turansky
Published: February 20, 2018
Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah (Random House)
Purchase: Across the Blue
Before 1909, flying across the English Channel seemed an impossible feat—but James Drake, a brave young aviator, was willing to try. Defying her parents’ expectations for a good match? Also impossible—but Isabella Grayson was willing to try.
Within the palatial surroundings of her family’s Edwardian estate, Isabella Grayson longs for something more. Despite her father’s success as a newspaper baron and her own journalistic talents, her parents want her to marry an established aristocrat to improve the family’s social standing rather than pursue her dream of writing for one of her father’s newspapers.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Real love drew me to write real romance. When I was a girl, the novels I read had dashing heroes who fell in love with the heroine at first sight, spouting poetic compliments.
Then I fell in love with my husband. I found him mildly annoying at first. It took us both a while to fall in love. He doesn’t give compliments, and the only poem he quotes is a limerick he wrote in junior high about dog poop (don’t ask). And I adore him.
So when I started writing, I was determined to portray real love in my stories. I wanted to portray love that would have women appreciate the men in their lives more deeply—not resent them. (tweet this)
Here are the three components of real love I like to portray in my novels:
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Bethany Turner {Writer Wednesday}
A little bit about Bethany...
Bethany Turner is the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. A former VP/operations manager of a commercial bank and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned 35), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn't matter what anyone else has to say. Because of that, she's chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight.
Connect with Bethany...
Website: www.seebethanywrite.com
Blog: www.seebethanywrite.com/blog
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/seebethanywrite
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seebethanywrite
Twitter: www.twitter.com/seebethanywrite
Bethany Turner is the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. A former VP/operations manager of a commercial bank and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned 35), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn't matter what anyone else has to say. Because of that, she's chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight.
Connect with Bethany...
Website: www.seebethanywrite.com
Blog: www.seebethanywrite.com/blog
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/seebethanywrite
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seebethanywrite
Twitter: www.twitter.com/seebethanywrite
Purchase: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Billy Coffey | New Novel News
Steal Away Home
by Billy Coffeey
Published: January 2, 2018
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Purchase: Steal Away Home
Owen Cross grew up with two loves: one a game, the other a girl. One of his loves ruined him. Now he’s counting on the other to save him.
Owen Cross’s father is a hard man, proud in his brokenness, who wants nothing more than for Owen to succeed where he failed. With his innate talents and his father’s firm hand guiding him, Owen goes to college with dreams of the major leagues—and an emptiness full of a girl named Micky Dullahan.
Owen loved Micky from the first time they met on the hill between their two worlds: his middle-class home and her troubled Shantytown. Years later he leaves her for the dugouts and the autographs, but their days together follow him. When he finally returns home, he discovers that even peace comes at a cost. And that the hardest things to say are to the ones we love the most.
From bestselling author Billy Coffey comes a haunting story of small-town love, blinding ambition, and the risk of giving it all for one last chance.
“In one evening, a single baseball game, Coffey invites us into a lifetime. With lyrical prose and aching description we join Owen Cross on a journey of love, loss, faith, the unexpected—and America’s favorite pastime.” —Katherine Reay, author of Dear Mr. Knightley and The Austen Escape
by Billy Coffeey
Published: January 2, 2018
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Purchase: Steal Away Home
Owen Cross grew up with two loves: one a game, the other a girl. One of his loves ruined him. Now he’s counting on the other to save him.
Owen Cross’s father is a hard man, proud in his brokenness, who wants nothing more than for Owen to succeed where he failed. With his innate talents and his father’s firm hand guiding him, Owen goes to college with dreams of the major leagues—and an emptiness full of a girl named Micky Dullahan.
Owen loved Micky from the first time they met on the hill between their two worlds: his middle-class home and her troubled Shantytown. Years later he leaves her for the dugouts and the autographs, but their days together follow him. When he finally returns home, he discovers that even peace comes at a cost. And that the hardest things to say are to the ones we love the most.
From bestselling author Billy Coffey comes a haunting story of small-town love, blinding ambition, and the risk of giving it all for one last chance.
“In one evening, a single baseball game, Coffey invites us into a lifetime. With lyrical prose and aching description we join Owen Cross on a journey of love, loss, faith, the unexpected—and America’s favorite pastime.” —Katherine Reay, author of Dear Mr. Knightley and The Austen Escape
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Picturing Heaven by Randy Alcorn | Re:View
Talk about stunning! This amazing adult coloring book is not only perfect for fans of coloring but also for use as a quick devotional.
Randy Alcorn, popular author of the book Heaven, has created forty short devotionals all revolving around heaven for this beautiful book. Ranging in topic from the New Jerusalem to the pleasure God takes in giving us good gifts, he expounds on a scripture for each devotional in a concise but meaningful manner.
Then, to add to the experience, each devotional comes with a coloring page accompanying it. The illustrations by Lizzie Preston are stunning and I absolutely love the gold accents each page has.
Randy Alcorn, popular author of the book Heaven, has created forty short devotionals all revolving around heaven for this beautiful book. Ranging in topic from the New Jerusalem to the pleasure God takes in giving us good gifts, he expounds on a scripture for each devotional in a concise but meaningful manner.
Then, to add to the experience, each devotional comes with a coloring page accompanying it. The illustrations by Lizzie Preston are stunning and I absolutely love the gold accents each page has.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)