Foto Sisters Music

This week's music feature is of some childhood friends of mine: the Foto sisters. We used to play music together at church and went through a lot of learning together. I'm so excited to be watching where the Lord leads their music group.

Here is one of their newer songs from their YouTube channel: 

Vlog: Will There Be a Book Three in Tales of Faith?

Will there be a book three?
Short video for today!

But I'm still back behind in book two... ;) "The Secret Slipper" is still on tour!! Here are the blogs Lia and Raoul have been featured at in the past few days...

Zerina Blossom's Books

"Once upon a time … there was a girl named Cinderella. You all know the story, but I bet you haven’t heard it told quite like this. There is no prince charming, no ball, and definitely no romance. Rather, there is a little, crippled girl kidnapped while her father, the King’s brother, is fighting in a war. Ten years later, her father learns she is still alive but only has her specially-made slipper to track her down with. Cute, right? Father-daughter love is beautiful." Read more...

O'Scarlett Reviews
"The rags-to-riches story of redemption is ever so much stronger and more powerful when it's the father stepping in for his daughter than it is when it's a love interest that the girl meets for the first time in a rushed ball. Amanda tells her stories without shame for her faith, and the story of redemption is told clearly, even as it's shown. The characters are diverse and interest, with many different motives and struggles." Read more...

Kendra also featured it on her blog, Knitted by God's Plan.

Alicia G. Ruggieri's blog

"Amanda Tero’s new novella The Secret Slipper is not forced, trite, or unoriginal. It hinted just enough at the original fairytale to bring a smile to my face when I made connections between this story and its inspiration, yet it had such an independent, confidently-told plot of its own that The Secret Slipper held my interest until the very last page." Read more...

His Princess Warrior

"I loved everything about this book, but I appreciate that Amanda wrote Lia in such a way that I could intimately empathize with her. As someone who already knows Christ, I knew the answers to her questions and doubts and "whys?!" all along. As Christians, we often know the right answers in our heads, but when bad things happen-- and then continue to get worse instead of getting better-- we often let feelings of anger, abandonment, bitterness, and fear well up in our hearts and overtake them. We have sooo many legitimate feelings/questions we want to ask of God and church leaders but "know better" than to ask. Throughout the course of the story, we experience these feelings with Lia (all the legitimate unfairness of her situation) and, in response, we receive one of the most exquisite explanations of salvation I have ever read. But I loved that we were allowed to experience those "forbidden" emotions with Lia-- and given such a beautifully crafted but accurate answer in response." Read more...

Once Upon an Ordinary
"The Raoul, Jolin, Galien team was very dynamic, which made for some fun exchanges and good lessons. Bioti? She made my blood boil. I thought she was horrid when she was first introduced, but she just got worse and worse. I knew exactly what she meant to do when she told Lia to keep driving. Poor girl. *sniffs*" Read more (plus an interview!)...

Penumbra Reviews
"I said it before but I have to say it again the characters were epic. They were just so real and emotional and I’m going to go flail around on the ground for an hour because they were so lovely. I loved Lia’s entire outlook and how real it was." Read more...

Peculiar Miss Darcy

"Although I loved the main characters, my favorite character was Jolin, the closest friend of Raoul (also known as Lord Kiralyn). I’m delighted to be able to interview him here today. I hope you enjoy his answers as much as I did." Read the interview here...

Book spotlight on...

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Another interview on...

My Joyful Journey with Jesus

I am blown away by all of these ladies' sweet words!!! I would love it if you hopped over to their blogs and left them a comment! <3

Scripture Graphics #41

What a glimpse into the heart of God! Yes, He said this of Israel, but He never changes, and verses in the New Testament (such as 2 Peter 3:9) prove His desire for all mankind.

The definition for "whole heart" is "the whole heart, used widely for the feelings, the will, and even intellect; likewise for the center of anything." If I am seeking God with my feelings, will, and intellect, then I will be more likely to let God run my life, and less likely to let my life be run by my feelings, will, and intellect.

This verse has been on my mind lately as I've been seeing a lot of debate about "what a Christian should and shouldn't do." It is our duty to seek God for what is "good" and to follow that.

Do we cling to hope in God, even when days are dark, prayers seem to go unanswered, and life gets tough? Added to that, does our praise grow more and more--or do we stop praising when the road gets rough?

What verse are you memorizing this week?

All Things Bright and Beautiful | Book Review

This book makes me smile--it really does. It is so bright and colorful with a hint of glitter. I don't have any toddlers in my family, but having been around children, it is just the type of book that I know they would like. The cover of this book is padded hardcover; the pages typical board-book style. It has a nice carrying handle which would be perfect for small hands. The size is also good for young children.

The illustrations of this book match the song perfectly. Every season and animal is depicted with bold illustrations that match the words on the page. The font is bold and easy to read. It brings the song to life very well.

*I received this book from BookLook Blogger for my review*

You can find the book on Amazon or ChristianBook.

Have you heard this old hymn before? I was going to try to find a YouTube video...but there are 1,001 variations and I couldn't find an original that I liked enough to share. ;)

The Starving Christian Writer | over at Wordquill

Ah, don’t you love stereotypes? I don’t know about you, but I have found that, more often than not, when I tell someone new that I’m a writer, their first reaction goes something like, “You must be famous! A best-seller!” Oh if they only knew…

But today I’m not actually thinking about the poverty of aspiring authors, the hopeless clicks on KDP to see if maybe—hopefully—we sold one copy today…or this week. My thoughts are going more toward the emphasis on “Starving Christian.” If you notice, we are called “Christian Author,” not “Author Christian.” Christian comes first—yet how often do we put the emphasis on author and neglect Christian?

Continue reading on Wordquill.com

First Line Friday | 5.26.17

Happy Friday!! I'm trying not to bombard everyone with "The Secret Slipper" but since it released yesterday, why not use that first line? Makes my job of figuring out which of the 350 books on my bookshelves to choose from easier (I'll do that next week). ;)

The first line of "The Secret Slipper" is...

"Another grave. This time, a short one."

("The Secret Slipper" by Amanda Tero)

And I do promise... it's not a morbid story. ;) Today is the last sale-day for Kindle copies of both "The Secret Slipper" and its prequel, "Befriending the Beast."

Commercial over. ;P 

What is the newest book that you've read?
And... do you have a first line handy??

~*~*~

Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

Trisha – Joy of Reading

Jeanette – CJane Read

CJ –Moments Dipped in Ink

Molly – Molly’s Caffeinated Reads

Vlog: Who's Who in "The Secret Slipper" | Blog Tour Day One

Also, in honor of release day, I'm posting every hour on my FB Author Page. 

In other news...the paperback is available TODAY on Amazon! I was holding my breath there for a moment. ;)

And...if you  have time, hop over to these lovely ladies' blogs and see what they have to say about "The Secret Slipper."

Leila has Slipper spotlighted on her blog.

Faith gave a five-star review on her blog where she gives a rundown of my characters' traits: "Rebellious, kind, angry, willing to risk everything, grudge holders, desperate, helpful, cruel, sweet."

Leona not only gave a give-star review, but she also interviewed me on her blog today. What are some of my favorite things about "The Secret Slipper?" I answer them there.

It would mean a lot to me (and them) if you hopped by and left a comment!

It's Here!!! The Secret Slipper Release Day! (Giveaway)

*throws confetti and dark chocolate and M&Ms and balloons*

The day has finally come for "The Secret Slipper" to be released into the world. :) You have all been such faithful supporters and encouragements. I seriously cannot thank you enough!!

Before I get into all the promo stuff, I have to give a shout-out to the lovely bloggers who are joining me with my personal blog tour. 

May 25, 2017

Amanda @ With a Joyful Noise | Release Day, Giveaway

Leila @ Leila Tualla's Bookshelf | Spotlight

Faith @ Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections | Review, Giveaway

Leona @ Great Books for God's Girls | Review, Interview

May 26

Emily @ Zerina Blossom’s Books | Interview

Kendra @ Knitted By God's Plan (Spotlight) and O'Scarlett Reviews (Review) | Spotlight, Review

Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny | Review, Giveaway

May 27

Katie @ His Princess Warrior | Review, Giveaway

Heather @ Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Spotlight, Interview, Giveaway

                                                               

May 29

Kate @ Once Upon an Ordinary | Review, Interview

Sarah @ Penumbra Reviews | Review

Dary @ Peculiar Miss Darcy | Character Interview

Julia @ My Joyful Journey with Jesus | Interview

May 30

Kenzi @ Honey Rock Hills | Review, Giveaway

Anita @ Christian Author: A.M. Heath  | Review

Judith @ JudithWNicholson  | Interview

May 31

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His glory  | Spotlight, Review

Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae  | Spotlight, Review

Esther @ Purposeful Learning | Review, Interview, Giveaway

June 1

Kellyn @ Reveries Reviews  | Review

Victoria @ Victoria Minks Blog  | Spotlight, Review

Kelsey @ Kelsey’s Notebook | Spotlight
Sarah @ The Destiny of One | Spotlight

June 2

Hanne @ RockandMinerals4Him | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Erica @ Roxbury Books Blog | Spotlight

Janell @ Views from the Window Friend  | Review

Crystal @ Crystal’s Adventures for Christ  | Spotlight, Review, Interview

June 3

Alexa @ Verbosity Reviews  | Spotlight

Faith @ Chosen Vessels  | Review

Melissa @ Clothed with Scarlet | Review, Interview, Giveaway

~*~*~*~

Surely by now you've learned a lot about "The Secret Slipper." To read the description (and if you want an eBook for the sale price of $1.99) head over here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071R5859Y

"Befriending the Beast" is also on sale for just $0.99, which you may find here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L2IDEUQ

Sales only last until tomorrow though!

If you're interested in ordering paperbacks, you may purchase them through Amazon, OR I'll knock a dollar off if you want me to sign it. ;) Paperback order form here.

And...you all know me... I love giveaways so if you're not quite wanting to get either book yet, you may enter my giveaway.

U.S. Giveaway: Enter to win the set of “Befriending the Beast” and “The Secret Slipper”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/483ac2ab21/?

International Giveaway: Enter to win the eBook set of “Befriending the Beast” and “The Secret Slipper”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/483ac2ab22/?

Now, to get all anti-me for a moment...

What excitement are you celebrating this week?

Greg Howlett Music

The last two weeks, I've featured up-and-coming arrangers. This week, I'm featuring someone who's been in the arranging world for years. Even though I have not gone through Greg Howlett's courses, I do know he's got some good stuff out there. Just doing one small course of his (it was free sometime), I learned some tips that expanded my arranging. His website is here, for those of you interested in learning more. What's more, Greg Howlett has some free arrangements for you to download. 

He has a lot of videos on his YouTube channel (I'll admit, most of which I've not watched because I just haven't found the time to peruse YouTube), but here is just one of them:

Who is an arranger/musician you enjoy listening to?

Dedication | The Secret Slipper

"The Secret Slipper" releases just day after tomorrow!! For some reason, this release seemed longer in coming than other releases...maybe because it has...

Today, I'd like to share my dedication page with you. Have you ever wondered how authors figured out who to dedicate their work to? Well, I don't have the answer. ;) But in writing "The Secret Slipper," I was thinking about one of the main questions I get asked by others: "Does your family support your writing?" Oh my. Yes. They totally support my writing. ALL of my family does--from my parents to siblings to aunts and uncles to grandparents. I feel so very blessed!! As I was pondering that, I started praying about dedicating this book to two very special people in my life:

It was just a week or so after I had decided to dedicate the novella to my grandparents that Grandma was hospitalized. She had gotten up from bed and ended up on the floor. Long story short, she had a bleeding ulcer that eroded into a main artery. By the end of her hospital stay, the doctors had done an embolism and she ended up with a complete transfusion. And she was able to come home. We personally believe that her recovery was nothing short of a miracle. It was very scary to realize Grandma was so near death (my other grandma passed away five years ago). In Grandma's words, "God pushed me out of bed." If she hadn't ended up on the floor and Grandpa found her, she would have bled to death that night.

All of that to say, I realized how very much I took my living grandparents for granted. They're both in their eighties and are in good health (besides Grandma's episode, she was in no pain and has had no health issues). And it just cemented the fact that yes, I wanted to dedicate my newest book to them. They always welcome my projects with smiles and encouragement, and doing this is just a small way to say "thank you."

Do you read book dedications? What was your favorite?

One last reminder--cause I don't want anyone to miss out on a deal: 

Scripture Graphics #40

If my heart is FIXED (set up) to sing and give praise, then unplanned events or people's words should not "ruin my day." If my heart is set on singing and praising God, then no matter what comes my way, I will be able to rejoice. The question, then, is: is my heart fixed?

This verse is situated in the middle of verses of trouble, enemies, and crying out to God. Never is there an excuse to stop seeking God.

"Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." Deuteronomy 4:5-6

We see this truth throughout Scripture: wisdom and understanding is directly linked to how diligently one keeps God's Word. It's not just about knowing God's Word, but about doing it.

What a beautiful thought: that no matter what happens, God Himself holds our soul in life and keeps us from moving. If that alone doesn't make us want to praise Him more!!

What verse has been a good reminder for you this week?

First Line Friday 5.19.17

Happy Friday again!! Yesterday, I worked on the first stages of moving into a new bedroom. For the first time, I was able to pull out all of the books I've acquired the past three years and have them all in one place! Yeah...I counted up to 350 books (oh wait...I did forget about those that I was lending to friends). 

Which are now, mostly, temporarily shelved. My daddy built me a bookcase (these are closet shelves here) and once the glue dries, the books are in their new home! :) 

I pulled together the books I've not yet read... *insert scared emoji*

Approximately 130 books! :/ I could read solid a month and not catch up! This pile just may take me years. Have you read any of these books?

And then I counted up the most books from one author... Janette Oke wins!

Last but not least, I had a little fun with my current book infatuations: Civil War and medieval. 

Okay, okay, so FIRST LINE FRIDAY! Yeah, took me long enough! ;P I'll be honest, perusing through all of those books, I didn't stop long enough to find a first line. So I thought I'd change the rules. *gasp* ;) Today, you can choose the first line. See any of my books that you'd like to know the first line for? Just comment and I'll try my hardest to reply this weekend! I have a graduation I'm pianist at so my time isn't all free. 

And while you're at it...why not share a first line from your bookshelf?

~*~*~

Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

Trisha – Joy of Reading

Jeanette – CJane Read

Beau Roberts music

Another week, another up-and-coming arranger. I'll admit, I may be slightly partial to this one, cause he's one of my students. ;) Just don't hold that against me and enjoy his music anyway. He currently only has three songs on his YouTube channel, but I'm fairly certain that he'll be adding more in the coming year. He has more than three songs on his website for sale. Here's one of his quick arrangements:

Vlog: The Secret Slipper (about, questions answered, all that fun stuff)

Nine days until release day! Today I'm sharing a bit of the behind-the-scenes stuff with my first (I think?) Vlog post. :)

Have more questions about Slipper? Ask!!

 

If for some reason the video doesn't want to play:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7g2txGlbxc&feature=youtu.be

Scripture Graphics #39

How often do complaints slip out of our hearts and mouths, without stopping to consider that God hears us...and that ultimately, we are complaining against the One Who allowed our circumstance?

Contrast this though with Psalm 69:30-31:

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs."

How can we glorify God in our lives? By praising Him -- not just about the good things, but about everything.

"The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day." Deuteronomy 1:30-34

Fear and doubt are synonyms of distrust and unbelief. How much more faithful do we want God to be, so that He can have our full trust? He created all things...yet we struggle to trust in so many small things!

If we struggle giving thanks to God, maybe we just need to be reminded of Who He is and the great power He holds.

What have you learned from God's Word this week?

Grandpa Hugs | Book Review

Another children's book on the radar today! I really think I'm getting addicted to children's books...

Fuzzy bunnies, howling wolves, nimble monkeys, and other animals sprinkle the pages of this adorable little book, exploring the times that grandpa's spend with their grandchildren, such as playing games, reading books, telling jokes, and sharing a comfy, cozy chair. The rhymes are fun with a great flow. This isn't necessarily a Christian book (there is one reference to God), but it is very sweet and traditional. It is just the type of book that I know my daddy would like to read to his future grandchildren.

*I received this book from BookLook Blogger and happily gave my review*

Book Description

Grandmas are for kisses, and grandpas are for great big hugs! Grandpas are fun! They go on adventures, tell silly jokes, say funny things, and love to eat treats. This adorable board book celebrates how wonderful spending time with Grandpa can be!

Little ones and grandpas alike will love Grandpa Hugs, the charming, rhyming storybook about how special a grandpa can be to a child. This companion to the acclaimed Grandma Kisses celebrates grandfathers and all the love and fun they bring to the special grandkids in their lives.

Whether it is a gift from a grandfather to his grandchild, a grandchild to her grandpa, or as a sweet, creative birth announcement for a first-time grandpa, Grandpa Hugs is bound to warm the hearts of everyone who reads it.

Available on Amazon.

First Line Friday 5.12.17

Happy Friday! Today's FLF, I'm featuring the first line from a new favorite: Paige Torn. I absolutely have to get my hands on book two!

First line:

“Living in Texas can be awesome. Or awful.”

Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum

You may see my review here.

And... about the book...

Everyone knows they can count on Paige Alder. But between volunteering at church, putting in overtime at work, and helping her best friend plan an anniversary party, she's lucky to grab a cheese stick for dinner. Paige can't even remember the last time she had a few minutes to relax or dig into God's Word. Then she meets laid-back Tyler, an attractive, Jesus-loving guy. Will he be able to help Paige get her priorities on track?

Your turn! Share a first line!!

~*~*~

Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

Trisha – Joy of Reading

Jeanette – CJane Read

Abigail Johnson music

It's Wednesday. The day I usually have a new WAJN video to share. If you've been keeping tabs, however, it's been a few weeks since that has happened, and I offer my sincerest apologies. I will spill that I'm working on another big music project that has taken my time away from weekly WAJN songs. Lord willing I'll be able to share more information in the summer.

This week, instead of my own song, I'd like to share about a fellow-arranger, Abigail Johnson. She has several songs up on her YouTube channel that you can find. She also sells her arrangements on Sheet Music Plus. Here is one of my favorites of hers:

The Secret Slipper - last day to sign up!

Today is the last day to sign up for The Secret Slipper blog tour! (Also read: last day to get an eBook of "Slipper" for free ;) ) Slipper will be on tour May 25-June 4 and I'd really like to have just four more bloggers! If you've already signed up, please pass the word along to a fellow blogger and reader. SIGN UP HERE!!!

Now, for you...

or for me (?)...what are some questions you have about "The Secret Slipper?" It can be anything from process to characters to writing struggles to timeline...a question for me or the story. I'm thinking about working on something new for this release. ;)