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Saturday, June 29, 2019

Excerpt and Review | Last two Blog Tour Stops of June


With camps, I've fallen behind posting this week, so we get 2-in-1 today before a whole new blog tour series starts on Monday!!

This week, I shared an excerpt from "Befriending the Beast" at A.M. Heath's blog and today was a review at Tangled Up in Writing.

It's hard to believe the first month of blog tour is up! And in just a few short weeks, I get to start talking more in depth about "Protecting the Poor!" But first, July will be a full month dipping back into "The Secret Slipper" and the adventures I shared with Lia and Lord Kiralyn.



Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Cover Reveal: The Haven of Rest by Faith Blum

Faith Blum is releasing a new book! And today we get to see the cover...



About the Book
Ignored by her father…

Adah was neglected by her abba and her brother. She must do something. All her previous plans have failed, but she won’t slip up this time. Since her abba is King David, author of many songs, what better way to gain his attention than pulling off a concert featuring twelve of his daughters?

As she plans, Adah’s discontentment grows. She throws herself into the work but worry edges into her heart anyway. Can Adah learn to rest in Adonai as her father? Will she learn contentment in all things?

Inspired by The 12 Dancing Princesses fairy tale.


About the Author

Faith Blum is a small-town Wisconsin girl. She has independently published over 25 books in over five years. Most of her books are Christian Historical Fiction with an emphasis on Westerns. During an eBook sale, she was #1 in Christian Westerns and Christian Western Anthologies on Amazon. During that sale, she sold over 3,000 copies.

Faith currently resides in Central Wisconsin with her husband and their cat, Smokey. When not writing, you can find her cooking food from scratch due to food allergies, doing dishes, knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, or spending time with her husband. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her on her website: https://faithblum.com.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Top 5 Tips for Christian Authors | Blog Tour Stop at Honey Rock Hills


Have you ever considered your top 5 tips to give other Christian authors? I realized as I wrote this article that my top-5 change. :) But for TODAY, my top 5 are...

1) Get the foundation straight
2) Write when it’s the season to write
3) Be part of a community
4) Always learn

5) Get a good team

Of course, I expound several hundred words on each of these. I'd love to hear from you--what are your top 5 tips? Do you agree/disagree with mine (and the exposition of them)?

Read the article HERE.


Friday, June 21, 2019

Book Review | Blog Tour Stop at Singing Librarian Books


Sydney wrote a very sweet review of "Befriending the Beast" over on her blog yesterday.

"This is not your typical Beauty and the Beast story. It’s not that of a romantic love story, but rather a lost and found again love between a father and daughter. This is a charming story that readers will thoroughly enjoy!"

I hope you read her full review and show her some support.
 Remember: for this month only, you can get the eBook of "Befriending the Beast" on sale!


Thursday, June 20, 2019

Interview | Blog Tour Stop at Writings from a God Girl


Yesterday I had the fun of doing an interview with Medomfo at Writings from a God Girl. She asked questions such as: When did you start writing with the hope of becoming an author? What inspired Befriending the Beast? What kind of books do you enjoy reading? What Christian contemporary books would you recommend to new contemporary writers?

Read my answers here.



Monday, June 17, 2019

My Stages of Research | Blog Tour Stop at Kaylee's Kind of Writes


How should you research while writing? Well, I don't know everyone's methods, but I have figured out what works for me.

Today I'm over at Kaylee's Kind of Writes, sharing about researching for historical fiction. I'd love to hear: how do YOU research?

I’m a lover of history—thus, naturally, a lover of historical fiction. There is nothing quite so spectacular as historical elements woven into a new creation. On the flip side, there is nothing so exasperating as an exciting tale that is flawed with a historical error (surely I’m not the only one who screams at the author when I come across something unbelievably inaccurate—okay, I don’tscream, but I definitely talk to the poor author)...

Read more HERE.

Friday, June 14, 2019

The Number of Love | Book Review


A preface to my review... because it's finally out!!!! I look forward to new books by Roseanna and this one was no exception. This is how bad I wanted it: I pretty much only review books I can get in paperback form (as it seems more worth my time), but this one I caved and got it in eBook. Yeah. I had to read it... and I'm really glad I did!! 


I fell in love with Margot in “A Song Unheard” and was SO happy when I found out she was the MC for this book! Roseanna has done it again—pulling off a riveting novel with a beautiful balance of suspense, faith, and intrigue.

I usually have a hard time writing a well-balance review of Roseanne’s books because I just want to say, “It was so good! Just read it!” I mean, it’s true. There were pieces to the puzzle that I didn’t put together, and I love it when an author can do that to me. I absolutely loved the “villain” and everything connected with him.

I think one thing I liked the best about this one is Margot’s detestation of feelings and romance. Totally a girl after my heart. I loved how she had to journey through the difficulty of an emotional trial yet rejecting the emotions, and having to learn about being a girl with emotions and calling. Yes, totally my girl.



And I just have to take a moment and appreciate the very realistic journey that Drake took along. It’s a pet peeve of mine when a character goes through something challenging and bounces right back. I really did just like Drake all the way around.


I definitely didn’t find the romance as strong in this as in some of Roseanna’s other books (which isn’t an issue with me). There was some sap and a couple of kisses, but romance definitely wasn’t the highlight of everyone’s thoughts.



As for faith content, I found the characters to be very historically accurate. They were Catholic, as was historic their genealogy, so a couple of Catholic rituals were mentioned (namely mass and praying the rosary). The characters were portrayed as those who had genuine faith in God and not in the church; a relationship not mere religion. I don’t agree with the Catholic beliefs of salvation and the Bible, but none of the controversial topics were brought out in this novel. At times, I forgot the characters were supposed to be Catholic, until the rosary or mass were mentioned (and coming from my homestate steeped in Catholicism, it didn’t seem authentic ritualistic religion). Some people would have a problem with this, but honestly, I didn’t find any unBiblical doctrine covered in the book.


My conclusion? Just read it. Be sure to read “A Song Unheard” first (or, just read that entire series—it’s good too), but read this one!

*I received this book from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review*


Purchase your copy on Amazon

Ozark Mountain Motorcars | Book Review




This book is a really neat concept: taking historical trains and their stories and turning them into fictional personalities. It seems like just the book for boys who are fascinated with trains. Though, I would have probably loved it as a child too, so not just limited to boys.

Though this appears to be a children’s book, there are a lot of words on each page—so it would be a bit much for a young reader. This is a neutral book. Nothing too scary mentioned to frighten children. 
And it holds enough terminology (which has a glossary) to make the reader want to know just a little more about real train language.

The illustrations are nice and add a personal flavor to the story. I’ve never read or watched Thomas the Train, but from what I’ve seen, this made me think of Thomas.

It was cool to discover that the author himself is just a teen. He’s got a great start on the writing journey.

The main negative I found was that after one reading, the cover flipped out. That has more to do with the printer than the author, though.

*I received this book from Book Crash Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

Read more about this series at Great Railroad Series.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

What's in a Name? | Blog Tour Stop at Drop in the Ocean


How did I come up with all of the names in my "Tales of Faith" series? Belle, Lia, and... Dumphey?? I'm over at Drop in the Ocean today sharing about all the names in this series.

One of the biggest parts in writing any book is finding the right names. The right names for the characters, for the book itself, and for the series. Sometimes, I have a really easy time finding names. Other times… well, we end up with a main character named Dumphey.

Read the full article HERE.

And here's a video I did when I released "The Secret Slipper"...

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Writing the Perfect Length | Blog Tour Stop at Blossoms and Blessings


Today I'm at Blossoms and Blessings blog talking about what word-count makes up the perfect length for... well, various stories. 

When I began writing “Befriending the Beast,” I planned on it being a short story. Then it ate a few too many words and gained a little too much weight, so I thought of it as a novella. Now that I’m finishing up “Protecting the Poor,” I’m knocking on a novel-length’s door. Oops.
Read the full article HERE.


Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Historical Note | Blog Tour Stop at Faith Blum's Blog


Today I'm with Faith Blum, looking at a little history vs. fantasy with one of everyone's favorite structures: castles!!

What do you think of when you visualize castles? I’ll be honest, I think of hours playing Age of Empires II with my brothers where the castle was a compact unit that was added around the other buildings. While it is true that some castles are constructed in such fashion, the more I got to digging, the more I realized the expansive options of castle portrayal.

Read more HERE


Monday, June 10, 2019

There's a New Project on the Desk!!!!

There's a new idea brewing...

Or should I say several?

But before I jump into the idea, you have to know a little history behind this really unique program that President Roosevelt issued during the Great Depression.



Now that you know what I'm talking about... I'm SO excited to announce that I'm part of an awesome team of writers bringing this historical idea to fiction.


Eek!!!! Isn't this amazing?!?!? I have read and enjoyed books by Alicia, A.M. Heath, and Faith. Plus, they're just amazing, sweet, and wonderful Christian women. To say that I'm excited about this project is an understatement.

But, this is all I'm saying now. ;)

Please, please give my friends a follow so you can keep up with all four novellas as we make progress on them. Just take my word for it: these are really great stories coming up. :)

Faith Blum: FaceBook | Website | Blog
A.M. Heath: FaceBook | Website
Alicia Ruggieri: FaceBook | Website | Blog



Sunday, June 9, 2019

The Noble Guardian | Book Review and Giveaway



Abby is an endearing character who has lived a life unloved and unaccepted. Her journey begins with deep hope and anticipation of being Lord Jonathan's beloved bride. However, the path to Brakewell Hall is full of twists and turns. As a character, Abby was believable. I've known girls who are just like her--hopeful and perhaps slightly disillusioned to the truth.

The Captain, now, is one that I slightly better understand. He is stoic and unrelenting in what he believes is right. Granted, I totally don't identify with his whole theme of going after highway bandits, but I loved the action and energy those scenes exuded.

The spiritual plot was there. In the beginning, it appeared as if both characters were believers, but then at the halfway point, there were some conversations (pretty much the only solid spiritual conversations in the book) and it seems as if one of the characters gets saved at that point. I was slightly disappointed because, near the end, the entirety of the spiritual plot revolved more around the characters and their romantic desires than anything else.

Speaking of romantic desires... I don't hide that I'm not a huge romance fan. In some books, I can tolerate more than others, all depending on how it is written. This one had more description than I cared for. There is an almost-rape scene (more than just mentioned in passing--the reader gets a few details of the attack) and a couple of mentions of men's hands traveling down further than they should, etc.

I really do like Griep's writing style and her descriptions. As a writer, I can admire the style, even though the content isn't quite what I fully appreciate.

*I received this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*



Book: The Noble Guardian
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Christian Historical
Release date: June, 2019
A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure
The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.
Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.
Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.
So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.
Click here to purchase your copy.


To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Noble Guardian!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e31b/the-noble-guardian-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Author
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

Highwaymen Aren’t All Glamorous
Highwaymen are often romanticized in historical romances, but the truth is these fella’s were generally not compassionate thieves at all. They were cutthroat robbers who sometimes killed. Here’s a brief history so that you’re in the know.
The term “highwayman” simply means a thief who steals—usually at gunpoint—from travelers on the road. Not all, but some of those attacks turned deadly, the robbers not wishing to leave anyone behind who could identify them. Others wore masks for the same purpose.
Long, deserted stretches of roads that were main thoroughfares were the particular favorite haunts of these men. Criminals would choose remote highways that supplied regular traffic going to and from major destinations, such as Hounslow Heath, about fifteen miles outside of London.
To combat these villains, in 1805 the Bow Street Horse Patrol was created. There were about sixty men hired to protect travelers on the principal roads within sixty miles of London. Most of the men had served previously in a cavalry regiment. Their most successful achievement was to rid Hounslow Heath of highwaymen.
And that’s where I got the idea for my hero, Samuel Thatcher, in The Noble Guardian. He’s a rough and tumble man who’s tired of life and the wickedness of man. Mostly he’s just biding his time until he retires—that is until he rescues Miss Abigail Gilbert from the clutches of one of the worst offenders of all…Shankhart Robbins.
Sound like an adventure? It is. Settle back with your own copy and see what it’s like to ride the rugged heath in a carriage, bounding along—until you hear the crack of a pistol.
Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, June 10
Genesis 5020, June 11
Carpe Diem, June 13
Wishful Endings, June 14
Stories By Gina, June 14
Hallie Reads, June 17
Moments, June 18
Bigreadersite, June 19
Remembrancy, June 20
Pause for Tales, June 21

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Homestead Friends | Book Review





This is a cute little children’s book. The art style is not my particular favorite—less detailed, more whimsical, bold colors. But just because it’s not my style doesn’t mean it’s not something I can’t recommend. I think children would really like the vivid colors.

It is a good sized book. Not quite coloring book size. It’s a good size to hold and let children point to the pictures and discuss it, but probably a little too big for toddlers to easily handle on their own.

The storyline is simple; a tale about a dog and what he does on the homestead following his dad around. I know I’m not a children’s book writer, but sometimes the text seemed to get a little wordy for younger children.

It isn’t explicitly Christian—I think the closest you get to any reference is the mention of “blessings.” It’s more of a neutral book.

The formatting wasn’t particularly my favorite with a plain white page for the text and a full-colored picture on the right. Again, I realize that this is totally my pickiness and the average reader probably won’t even think about it. It definitely doesn’t affect the quality of the storyline or the art—just the aesthetics.

Overall, it’s a cute little book that I think children will love. Especially if you have a little boy who adores dogs.

*I received this book from Book Crash and happily provided my honest review*

Find out more about Homestead Friends here.

Friday, June 7, 2019

Behind-the-Scenes of "Befriending the Beast" | Blog Tour Stop at Maidens for Modesty


Today I'm over on Kaitlyn's blog sharing some behind-the-scenes from "Befriending the Beast." Do you want to know how my brain works with plotting and idea-spinning? (Also, do you want to know how MUCH I despise and loathe spoilers??? Yeah, that was a bonus ;))

Visit HERE to read the article and see some sneak-peeks about-the-process of writing.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Book Review | Blog Tour Stop at Wildflower Acres


Stop two for the blog tour was Wildflower Acres, where we get to see a new review of "Befriending the Beast!"

LeAnne shares, "I normally enjoy reading a good retelling, but this one surprised me."
And more. ;)
Read the full review HERE.




Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Waiting... | Blog Tour Stop at We've Got Pockets


Yesterday, I hopped over to We've Got Pockets to share some thoughts about waiting.

Waiting. Does it ever stop?

Is it just me, or is there irony in that question? Let’s admit it, though: sometimes, we’re just waiting for the waiting period to be over.

But usually it doesn’t just stop there. Have you noticed? We’re waiting for graduation so we can stop doing school then we’re waiting for that perfect job to come along. We wait until God brings along a husband for us gals, then we’re waiting for the engagement, then the wedding. Then we wait for the first baby, and wait until said baby is out of diapers, and wait until baby grows up and goes through all the school years and graduates, and wait for baby to find a spouse and get married… the circle never ends. As soon as one waiting period is over, we’re waiting for the next thing.

Continue reading here...


Monday, June 3, 2019

How it All Began... | Tales of Faith 3-Month Tour



Saturday we {finally} had the cover reveal for "Protecting the Poor."

Today starts a whole new series of a blog tour!! I'm thrilled and excited to welcome thirteen amazing bloggers that I'll be hanging out with next month:

A.M. Heath @ A.M. Heath Blog
Faith Blum @ Faith Blum

We're going to have about three posts each week, so keep visiting back here (or just go and follow all of them!) and I'll link to each blog on the day they post. Every post is different--this week, for instance, we have an inspirational post, a book review, and an "about-the-process" lined up. I'm super excited about it and give a hearty thank-you to these lovely bloggers for letting me invade their space.



Let's start at the very beginning...


This month everyone is featuring "Befriending the Beast." Because let's face it, I wouldn't have had a "Protecting the Poor" without this one.

If you’ve hung around me long enough, you might already know the “story behind the story.” So just skim if you’re that person. But hey… maybe you’re new (hi!!) and love behind-the-scenes just as much as I do!

It’s always interesting to think back to how a series began—or, in this case, just one short story (cue a sheepish grin). My sisters and I were watching a movie and during a commercial break, the random question popped in my mind (because we really weren’t watching anything “Beauty and the Beast” related): “What if the beast was Belle’s father?” I jotted the question down on my phone’s notes app (anyone else do that?). This was end of June/beginning of July 2016.

Well, one of my friend’s birthdays was coming up late July. So, like any sane person, I thought, “Why not write a short story for her for a gift?” And like any sane writer, I knew I could pull it off.

Not.

I did write a short story (about 7,000 words) and it only took me one weekend. But I soon realized that my story idea morphed into something far greater than a mere short story could handle. As I edited, it grew to over twice its original length, landing it in the questionable short story/novella range (so yeah, I just called it a novella). No, I didn’t meet my friend’s birthday. She still received it as a gift—albeit a few months late (it released September 30, 2016).

End of story.

Until…

I wasn’t seriously thinking about making a series out of “Befriending the Beast,” but I mentioned to my friend how I had the fleeting thought of attempting a Cinderella retelling, but the only idea I had was modern. A few days later, she messaged, “Since you made the beast the father, I thought you might like to toss around the idea of making Prince Charming the father too.” Thanks, A.M. Heath. I stayed up half the night spinning an idea for a now-book-two of a series-I-wasn’t-going-to-write.

Once “The Secret Slipper” was in the works, I knew I had to create a trilogy (because three is just better than two), so as soon as characters were created, I began to toss around who could have their own story for a third retelling. Now, my reader friends, we have “Protecting the Poor” hinting at a Robin Hood retelling!


And there you have it… how my novella trilogy spun from one single question.

Have you ever had an idea that began simple and expanded every time you thought about it? If you’re a writer, what is the craziest way one of your stories began?