Friday, August 11, 2017

First Line Friday and Giveaway | Out of the Ashes

Hi all! If you remember, a few weeks back, I already featured the first line from Out of the Ashes. So... today I'll give you the first lines for all three in the series! :)




If you like good, solid fiction--and the Civil War, I highly recommend this whole series! Today, I'm specifically focusing on Out of the Ashes in a review, but before I do so... 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.

Rachel - Bookworm Mama
Andi - Radiant Light
Robin - Robin's Nest
Kathleen - Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Rebecca – It’s Storytime with Van Danniker!
Iola – Iola Golton
Nicole – Christian Fiction Girl

Share a first line -- from one of your favorite series! :)

Now, for Ashes stuff...

About the Book

Sometimes peace is won through battle. 


Haunted by the memories he can't escape, Ralph Williams wants to be left alone to lick his wounds. He doesn't understand why he's forced into the company of the one woman he least desires. Can God bring him healing through such uncomfortable circumstances?



Frank Harper thought he had left the war and its turmoil behind, but the home to which he has returned is anything but peaceful. When racial tensions arise in Maple Grove, Frank finds himself on a battlefield once more. He's desperate for peace, but at what cost?



When George Chandler heads off to wed his beloved bride, things don’t go as expected. Just as George starts to get comfortable with what he believes is God’s new plan for his life, history threatens to repeat itself. Will he fight for the woman he’s come to love, or will he let her go?



The War Between the States has destroyed more than just a nation. In four years, it has damaged bodies and wounded souls until the people think that nothing is left. Will they find the healing they so desperately need from the God that loves them?


My Review

This was one of my most-anticipated 2017 reads. It's a post-Civil War book (my current history fascination), the continuation of two books I greatly enjoyed, and by an author I knew I could trust. Those three all sum up to make a pretty solid read, in my humble opinion. ;)

What I loved most... continuing the stories of all of the characters in the former two Ancient Words books was amazing. I loved these characters, wanted to know what had become of them, and was sufficiently satisfied. Ralph's story was probably my favorite. But I really think that he was just my favorite character overall.

The Christian element was very strong and woven throughout the story very well. I love it when I'm reading a story and suddenly the characters turn the conversation into something Biblical. Loved that! This one definitely gets a five-star on the spiritual content.

Romance... well, I know A.M. Heath. She's a romantic at heart. However, I found that her writing wasn't too overly-focused on the emotional side of romance. There was a lot about real love not just emotional love. There were some scenes that, because a couple was married, things were mentioned that is better for an older audience. But overall, I didn't find that lines were crossed in what is appropriate.

I would say that the main down-side of this story was that it took me a little while to get into it and to remember all of the characters--the latter I will blame on my poor memory. It's been 1 1/2 years since I've read books 1-2, and sometimes I finish a book and can't even remember the MC's name. So, I'll just leave it at... if it's been a while since you've read books 1-2, you may want to refresh your memory a little. Also, don't read this as a stand-alone. It means so much more read as a series.

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

GIVEAWAY!!


Be sure to enter here: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7851a908/?

And... in case you don't win, you can buy the books on Amazon!
Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3

About the Author

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AMHeathfanpage/
Blog: https://amheathblog.wordpress.com/


Blog Stops
July 31: Karen Hadley @ Karen Sue Hadley : Book Review
Aug. 1: Krista Noorman @ by Krista : Book Review
Aug. 2: Becky Dempsey @ Blossoms and Blessings : Book Review
Aug. 4: Alicia Ruggieri @ A Brighter Destiny : Book Review and Interview
Aug. 7: Dana Kamstra @ D.L. Kamstra  : Book Review
Aug. 9: Laura Wilson @ Blue Eye Books : Book Review
Aug. 11: Amanda Tero @ With a Joyful Noise : Book Review
Aug. 14: Deana Dick @ Texas Book-aholic  : Book Review
Aug. 15: Virginia Winfield @  Bigreadersite : Book Review
Aug. 16: Raechel Lenore @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae : Spotlight
Aug. 18: Debbie Curto @ Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations  : Book Review and Interview


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Tuesday, August 8, 2017

I Just Might be Getting a New Writing Program...

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve talked about writing, and for good reason. Summer busyness hit in full swing so I had no time to think blogging beyond the usual posts. But, now I’m back home (quick rundown of summer: 3 camps [one of which was in Colorado so took a 13-day trip], full-week revival service, VBS) and things are slightly getting back into schedule.

Writing, though. I’m still getting back into the swing of things. I had hoped to make 10,000 words in July. I kind of fell short of that a few words. ;) But, I did make progress.


I haven’t exactly set a goal for August yet. We started the month off with VBS (which threw three days off schedule, but I’m not one bit complaining as I had too much fun!) and then in just a few days, I’ll be starting back teaching between 25-30 piano/violin students a week. So to put a heavy writing goal on top of that just doesn’t seem the wisest idea to me.

What I have been doing though…


For you writers, you may recognize this: Scrivener! (and yeah, a screen shot from a while back, cause I don't want to give too many spoilers with future chapter break-downs) One of my author friends just recently started trying it out and she kinda talked me into giving it a shot. When I found out that the trial lasts for 30 active days (meaning, if I get on Scrivener today but then don't use it for ten days, it only counts for 2 of my 30-day trial!). So far, I'm really liking it... I just might be sold on it. Giving it a few more trial days first, just cause that's how I operate. ;) One of the amazing things it's helping with is going from first draft of Journey of Choice to the new draft (which, now that I'm in the actual war and battles part, I'm doing a lot of piecing from the first draft into the second draft). If you notice, there's a split screen, so I can view them at the same time! That has been SO nice already! I'm also an organizer (even though I'm not a plotter), so having ALL of my Choice notes in one place is pretty nice.

That's about all I have to update for writing. I'd love to hear from you!
Now that summer is over, are you working on any projects (writing or otherwise)?
Do you have any goals for August?
If you're a writer, have you used Scrivener?

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Monday, August 7, 2017

Scripture Graphics #51


This is why believers have hope—though we are not spared from the grave (unless Christ returns), we are spared from its power and have eternity with Jesus Christ because of His redemption.


Do we go to God at the beginning of trouble—or only after we’ve tried the help of man and have found it to be lacking?


Being unmovable is never rooted in how strong or spiritual we are, but in how steadfast, faithful, and unmovable our God is. An interesting note: the Psalmist glances at his enemy and his wiles (vs. 3-4), reminds himself that his expectation is from God (vs. 5), then repeat verse two with, “I shall not be moved.” If our focus is on things around us, we will lose our assurance in God’s power. But if we remind ourselves of God’s power even in the midst of trouble, it will reassure us of God’s strength.


When was the last time we stopped to purposefully praise God—for no other reason but to praise Him?
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. (Psalms 71:8)



I often take God’s daily blessing for granted—every day, I wake up; I can move; I have food to eat; I’m saved because of His keeping; I can see, hear, walk… yet this is the mere beginning. Every day, God answers prayers and fills my life with so many other things I do not deserve. I don’t want to take it all for granted.

What peace to know that when we pray, God doesn’t hear us according to our righteousness or our attempts at perfection. He hears us in His mercy and the truth of His salvation.

What theme or lesson has stood out to you recently from God's Word?
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Saturday, August 5, 2017

Books I Read - July 2017

I seriously thought July would be a few-in-number book month. It actually wasn't. Part of that was because I accidentally "over-booked" my reading schedule (pun intended ;) ) -- I stopped being as organized when I requested books, and suddenly, there I was, required to read one book a week. But, a nice, long trip to Colorado as well as other car time and "recovery days" after crazy busy days all worked together and I'm finally caught up.

So... the books I read! There were some great ones! As well as some not-so-great-for-me.

First, my favorites.


Just get this book. It was amazing!! Tozer gave wonderful food for thought, was strong Biblically and historically... yeah. I really liked The Wisdom of God. For more of my thoughts, hop over to Goodreads.


I had just been moaning to a friend about not having found any "can't-put-down" books when Over Maya Dead Body came onto my shelf. I had to put it down, but I never wanted to. I'm not sure if it was Orchard's style or the intrigue of art combined with FBI, but I really liked this one (amazingly, even though it had more romance than I usually prefer). You can read more details here.


And... of course. Roseanna White. :) It didn't make five stars, but I still really, really liked this one so it has to go in my top-three. :D And I did a little fan-girling in my review.

Then there were other great books...

Hmm... maybe this should go in my top-favorites of the month. I've been waiting for years to read book three in the Ancient Words Series and was not disappointed. If you like following families, then this series is for you! Keep your eye out--I'll be reviewing it here on the blog next week!


My first Karen Witemeyer book! I'll be reading more. The romance was a little stronger than I prefer, but the storyline was gripping! Read more of my thoughts here.



I got to read two Sarah Holman books this month! Well... I read the first, and listened to the second. Read my reviews for both Dreams and Devotions and "Admirable."

And the others...
I'll be honest. July also had some disappointing reads. Not all of these were the same level of disappointing. In general, though, each of them had some elements that kind of... "weirded" me out. You can see why in the reviews.


This one wasn't as bad. I termed it "disturbingly interesting." Maybe I'm just not one for suspense... But read my review of it here.


This one... *shudders* This one I wanted off my hands as soon as I finished it. I don't like to give two-star reviews at all, but this one had to have it. You can read why here. Yeah. Maybe I'm just not one for suspense.


And this one... I'm not a poetry lover by default but that wasn't what bothered me. There were a couple of things included that were Biblically-off. I tend to have a problem with those types of things. You can see a little more here.

In conclusion...
This month's reads almost left me feeling strongly opinionated. I don't care for that feeling. But... there were some books I loved, and some I just didn't quite love. 

How about you? What have you read this summer? Any favorites? Any not-so-favorites?









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Friday, August 4, 2017

First Line Friday, Blog Tour and Giveaway | Manuscript for Murder

Today's First Line Friday is from...



"When that dude realized it was the history teacher, 
I was like shocked, y'know? I was like, 'Dude! 
It has to be that science geek's-whatshisname's-dad.'"
(Manuscript for Murder by Chautona Havig)

Hint: This isn't exactly the first line of the actual story but of a "two years ago." ;)

Before I get into the review and fun blog tour stuff, visit the other First Line Friday-ers and see what 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.)

Rachel - Bookworm Mama
Andi - Radiant Light
Robin - Robin's Nest
Kathleen - Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read



GIVEAWAY
In honor of her Manuscript for Murder Celebration Tour, Chautona is giving away a mystery prize package worth over $100. Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/bc16
Would you like to know what’s in it? Find the first clue within the giveaway image below, then hop on over to Chautona’s website to begin the search for more clues and you might find a special giveaway just for clue hunters! Can you find all the clues before Augusta Septemus does?

MY REVIEW

The best phrase I can think to describe this book is "disturbingly interesting." I found the idea of Alexa's writing preceding murders, but at the same time, there was that disturbing/sick element of the motive for the murders (which, I suppose is the purpose of murder mysteries--they aren't supposed to be enticing). 


Spiritual content... I didn't catch a strong hint of a spiritual line throughout the story. And a few references Alexa made of "Lord" seemed used in vain--like she wasn't praying, but uttering it flippantly. That could be me misreading it. There were mentions of God and praying, but like I said, it wasn't a strong thread at all. 



Clean content... this almost makes the "squeaky clean" category. There were a few minced oaths used as well as a reference to a "youthful rebellion" stage of someone getting pregnant out of wedlock. Nothing too detailed, but it's enough to lead your mind there.



Romance content... was not super strong in this book. There was a hint of a romance triangle, the aforementioned reference to pregnancy of wedlock, and some interested, but the romance felt natural and not overriding the entire book.



If you like a hint of mystery balanced with strong character-driven plots, you'll enjoy this book.



3.5 stars.



*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review*
ABOUT THE BOOK

Alexa Hartfield. Author, local celebrity, fashion connoisseur. She chose Fairbury for its close proximity to Rockland, its small town atmosphere, and its low crime rate.


Then someone made her life a literary cliché. A mysterious accident with a light bulb sparked an interesting idea for her latest novel—and for Fairbury’s new serial killer. The first replication infuriated her. The second left an even worse taste in her mouth. The third blasted more than her self-confidence, and the fourth beat her down so far she’s considering giving up writing completely. 



Who is killing Fairbury’s citizens, and furthermore, why and how are they using her novels to do it?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert with her husbnd and five of her nine children. Through her novels, she hopes to encourage Christians in their walk with Jesus.


Blog Stops

July 28: Bigreadersite
August 1: Mommynificent
August 3: Carpe Diem
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Wednesday, August 2, 2017

I Need Thee Every Hour | free music

Monday was the first time I really touched the piano all summer (we're not counting the times I played for camps and church services... I'm mainly speaking of personal one-on-one time with me and piano ;) ). I started to practice, but after five minutes, I just had to arrange (it's been more than two months, okay?). God blessed that arranging time, and there's now a new arrangement in the books (or on the web... or something like that). :)

"I Need Thee Every Hour" has been on my heart a lot this summer. It is such a beautiful, simple reminder that I need every day!

Not only did I upload this to YouTube as usual, I also have it for free (both sheet music and audio file) on my website. Check it out here.

What song has been on your heart lately?

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Monday, July 31, 2017

Scripture Graphics #50


What comfort to know that the One Who leads me is my strong rock and fortress—He never changes, is mighty and strong, and is my protector.


If God’s praise is continually in our mouth, then there is no room for complaints, bickering, murmurings, boastings, gossip, and accusation. “And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long.” (Psalm 35:28)


God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. (Psalms 46:1-3)
When God alone is our refuge and strength, then our trust will remain unshaken when temporal “pillars” around us are removed.



The more we understand God and His ways, the more we will want to praise Him and the richer our praise to Him will be. So if we have no desire to sing or praise God, maybe we should start by searching His Word to know Who He is.

What passage did your preacher preach from yesterday?
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Friday, July 28, 2017

First Line Friday and Giveaway | A Name Unknown

Happy Friday! I'm super excited to share a book that's been on my TBR list as soon as I heard about it!!


Seriously, the whole first page of this book is intriguing. But, I'll stick to the first line. ;)


Before I get into all of the "goodies" with reviews and about the book and all that amazing stuff (which you'll want to read), 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.

Rachel - Bookworm Mama
Andi - Radiant Light
Robin - Robin's Nest
Kathleen - Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Rebecca - https://reviewsbyvandaniker.wordpress.com/
Iola - http://www.iolagoulton.com/category/firstlinefriday/

MY REVIEW
I tried really hard not to fan-girl over this book. I have enjoyed all of Roseanna White's books that I've read so far. This was no exception. I did figure out the main plot and resolution fairly quickly, but the tale was so exciting that it kept me turning pages nonetheless.

I loved Peter's stutter. I found it unusual and it added a lot to his story. I also appreciated how he was portrayed as good, yet he had his annoying faults. And... I loved what he did. Let's just say I could fully identify and grinned at all of scenes in which he was doing this activity.

Rosemary was a great character who was raised in the ghettos of London, stole for a living, yet was not so set in her ways that she was a horrible person.

The Christian theme was woven throughout the story, but it seemed a little weak for me. For example, I know that a person doesn't have to say a specific prayer to be saved, but it was like, "Do you believe?" The character said yes. She was told, "Welcome to the family!" No prayer was said. That just seemed odd.

The romance was hidden until the ending, and then it kind of had a lot with the feelings and emotions. Yet overall, I found it to have less romance than White's other books that I've read.

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

About the Book



Book title: A Name Unknown  
Author: Roseanna M. White  
Release date: July 4, 2017  
Genre: Historical Romance  

She’s Out to Steal His Name. Will He Steal Her Heart Instead? Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets—now they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary’s challenge of a lifetime comes when she’s assigned to determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. How does one steal a family’s history, their very name? As Europe moved closer to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can’t help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the Crown—so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstop pretending to be a well- credentialed historian, Peter believes she’s the right person to help him dig through his family’s past. When danger and suspicion continue to mount, though, and both realize they’re in a race against time to discover the truth—about Peter’s past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.


Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels…to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Guest Post from Roseanna White

It’s always a challenge to make a historical setting authentic—especially when it’s set in a region you’ve only ever read about. As I was writing A Name Unknown, I learned so much about Cornwall—all the more when I had the opportunity to visit the gorgeous Penzance region while the book was still in edits! I quickly learned that I had far too many trees in my story, and hadn’t quite captured the uniqueness of the coastal setting. I dove into rewrites with excitement and gusto, ready to make my fictional Cornwall more like the real one. I studied the Cornish accent, Cornish foods, typical Cornish coloring in hair and eyes. I’ve now gotten rather proficient at making pasties (beef hand pies) from scratch, I’ve special-ordered ingredients to make Cornish ginger cookies called fairings, and I’ve spent quite a lot of time listening to videos of people speaking in a Cornish accent. Delving into this rich region and its history was a blast! And I’m so excited to get to share the culture of Cornwall—and a taste of their unique flavors—with you. In a special Celebrate Lit giveaway, I’ll be offering not only a signed copy of my book, but also some homemade ginger fairings! Here’s the recipe I used . . . after special ordering the Mixed Spice (reminiscent of pumpkin pie spice) and Golden Syrup (a thick syrup with a bit of a toffee flavor) from Amazon. 😉 (I have a gram scale so did use the weight measurements rather than volume—also, English teaspoons and tablespoons are a bit bigger than American, so I heaped them, and I turned out deliciously.) GINGER FAIRINGS RECIPE 100 grams butter, cold and diced 225 grams all-purpose flour ¼ heaping teaspoon salt 2 heaping teaspoons baking powder 2 heaping teaspoons baking soda 1 heaping teaspoon ginger 2 heaping teaspoons mixed spice 100 grams superfine (caster) sugar 4 heaping tablespoons golden syrup Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper. Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a stand mixer. Add the butter and beat until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in sugar. In a small saucepan, warm the golden syrup until it’s clarified a bit; stir into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and put on prepared baking sheets a few inches apart. Bake 8-10 minutes, until golden. Cool a few minutes on the trays and then transfer to a cooling rack.

Giveaway

To celebrate this tour, Roseanna is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of A Name Unknown & 2 dozen cookies from Roseanna!!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bc0e

Blog Stops

July 20: Genesis 5020
July 21: Pause for Tales
July 22: Bigreadersite
July 23: Vicky Sluiter
July 24: Pursuing Stacie
July 25: Live.Love.Read.
July 26: Carpe Diem
July 27: cherylbbookblog
July 27: Splashes of Joy
July 29: Karen Sue Hadley
July 31: Cafinated Reads
July 31: Artistic Nobody
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