Allison Tebo's Blog, page 5
November 16, 2019
Best Reads Of 2019 – 3rd Quarter
*trumpets sound, confetti is strewn, and a herald appears*
It’s . . . *gasp* . . . ALLISON!
Obviously, I’m rather late with post. I keep trying to get these out on time but something always prevents me from keeping to a timely schedule.
But, hey, AT LEAST I HAVE A GOOD EXCUSE!
*BOWS*
Ahem. Actually, I don’t think of my reviews as art at all. But people seem to really enjoy them? So since you guys wanted it, you’re going to get it!
And so, without further ado. *waves magic wand* Onto the book reviews!
Find It On Goodreads
This book perfectly balances a tone of thoughtful sweetness with a plot involving daring and courageous adventure.
It was a relief, for once, to read a book that focuses entirely on mature characters (30s to 50s, approximately), all of whom had unique and lovable personalities.
The overall mood has the same quirky sensitivity of hobbits and Hobbitan, while still maintaining a unique element of world building.
This book does some beautiful fist-shaking at clichés, communes, and clans– boldly painting a picture of the bravery it takes to be unique and to stand out in the popular crowd. If one chooses to think for oneself, there is a sacrifice to be made. If one chooses to go against the crowd, the crowd will most often reject them. But what is lost is nothing compared to the boldness and self-worth these characters gain by making a stand.
Charming and exciting by turns, this book was a delight from start to finish!
Find It On Goodreads
RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU GREW UP WATCHING THE LAND BEFORE TIME.
I know what you’re thinking: “Hey, these are dragons – not dinosaurs.”
*bonks you on the head* Don’t be silly! Where do you think dragon stories come from? Dragons are basically like dinosaurs so – shush! Pay attention!
Even the group dynamic reminds me of The Land Before Time team, with certain dragons bearing a marked resemblance to my beloved Littlefoot, Cera, Spike, and Ducky.
Anything that reminds me of The Land before Time is something that I’m going to be positively disposed to. It also helps that this series is fun in its own right. This series is so intriguing, so fun, so unique – it’s impossible not to enjoy it.
All of the books are well-written but also surprisingly on the grim and violent side, considering they are middle grade. This book was the least intense or violent installment of the series, which I personally preferred.
The author does a good job in switching narrators for each book, but I thought she especially shone in this tale about Glory, previously one of the least likable dragonets in the fivesome, as she dives into the girl’s motivations and feelings with great success.
Beautifully written and with appealing characters and mesmerizing world building, there’s something truly irresistible about this book. Dragons, drama, and danger – what’s not to love?
Find It On Goodreads
don’t let the lurid cover fool you – this is a completely kid-friendly book!
This book is essentially Pirates of the Caribbean for tweens with a dash of Treasure Planet.
Is it over the top? Yes. Is it preposterous? Yes.
But the key phrase here is preposterously FUN. This book allows middle grade readers to unabashedly fulfill their swashbuckling imaginations to the fullest and does not hold back on heroics or adventures. While I was reading it, it was almost like I was a kid again, visualizing myself doing anything an adult could do, only better as I defied physics, gravity, and all other rules in imaginary exploits.
But what keeps this book from being corny is the excellent writing, and the solid characterization. The MC is also one of the most admirable and likable MC’s I’ve read in a long time. He is the proverbial diamond in the rough, the pirate with a heart of gold, and I was rooting for him through the entire book. And neither he nor the author disappointed.
If you need some guilty pleasure reading that involves treasure hunts, kid pirates, missing heirs and sea monsters – this book fits the bills.
Find It On Goodreads
I listened to this book on audio when i was supposed to be resting. As it turns out, I ended up roaring with laughter, rather than resting, but who’s complaining?
If I were inviting books to a dinner party, Wodehouse would be at the top of the list. This light-hearted, amusing, bon vivant possesses an effortless sophistication that would make any gathering a merrier one, for he draws laughter out of his pockets and distributes them as liberally as after dinner mints. Ah, Wodehouse. What’s not to love about you, you ridiculous and charming fellow? You seem like a feather-brained little duckling, and yet you reveal a great understanding of the human condition. You are flighty, and yet entirely predictable. You act without thought and yet somehow, everything works out despite your bumbling. No, I’m not criticizing you, Wodehouse dear, I’m merely expounding on that indefinable air you have, for it is rather hard to summarize that sort of joie de vivre that follows in your wake. Why is it that I find you such a very great chum? Is it your turn of phrase? Perhaps the way you sum up what we’re all really thinking deep down inside? Maybe it’s because you’re such a silly duffer we can’t help laughing at you and cheering you on? None of these? All of the above? Well, never mind, you’re a jolly good pal, so I’ll just have to leave it at that.
Find It On Goodreads
Sweep by Jonathan Auxier is a book that reached out and seized my heart from page one and hasn’t let go. It is one of the most intimate reads I’ve discovered in a long time as the author zooms in on the very essence of the hope, love, and courage that is embodied in sacrifice.
It’s about grief and joy. It’s about losing something and gaining something. It’s about surrendering and about fighting on. It’s about change and sameness. It’s about innocence and also about growing up. It’s beautiful, painful, and infinitely sweet.
Reading this book almost feels like holding a heart in your hands – a father’s heart, beating with the bravery and fear of a protector loving something as delicate, changeable, and easily lost as a child.
This book is so raw , it almost feels like some tender and private scene not meant for me to see. We feel the pride and wonder of a guardian watching a child experience their first sunrise, their first word, their first growth spurt. The novel croons over these moments with a fiery tenderness that warms the readers heart just as it breaks it.
This is a novel that I will never forget because it reaches us that we can be hurting and still create. You can be in despair and still love. You can be in pain and still sacrifice. A greater love is what makes life worth living.
There is a great deal of sadness and poignancy in this book as the characters go through unbearable loss and pain but, at the end of it all, we are only left with hope. For in a simple, good-hearted soot golem named Charlie there is an echo of a father’s love. A deposit of faith and happiness. A promise of salvation. Someone else lives on in Charlie.
Charlie, a soot golem made for one purpose, shows us all that we can be representatives of the Father’s Love and that we can follow His example of true sacrifice.
What do you think of my favorite reads of 2019’s 3rd quarter! These are the few books (of many read) that received a 4 or 5 star rating from me.
I know. It’s not a great many, considering that’s three months worth of reading, but I’M A HARD WOMAN TO PLEASE.
*smiles sweetly*
So, have you read any of these books? If not, are you going to?
Note that (as always) I have done a very cruel thing and added very convenient links so that you can add these books to your already-towering TBR pile!
What were some of your favorite reads of 2019? Let’s talk!
October 31, 2019
Goodbye and A Question
No, you are not imagining things. HERE I AM! Staggering into your inbox!
No, I’m not dead, BUT YOU ALMOST WOULDN’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE, WOULD YOU?
You might have noticed that I haven’t been blogging much lately and it’s time for an explanation . . . and a goodbye.
No, it’s not a GOODBYE goodbye. That was partially a clickbait title.
Sorry, guys. I tease: that’s what I do! Ahem. Now, allow me to sum up the situation.
In a nutshell, I’ve run myself into the ground. I’m fried – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This has probably been the hardest year I’ve had in a while, in regards to chronic pain and all the stuff that goes with that. Because of this, it’s become imperative that I change something, otherwise I’m going to lose it.
I pushed myself too hard in 2019 and now Certain Things have dug in their heels and cannot be ignored anymore.
It’s nothing that can’t be improved or fixed. Things just need to change. SO, that being said, it’s become necessary that I go to some extreme-ish lengths to rest and recuperate.
But don’t panic! (let’s just assume you panicked, all right?). I’m not disappearing ENTIRELY. Don’t be sad, my friend!
On to the details of what is changing for me!
SOCIAL MEDIA AND SUCH
Facebook / Twitter: Bye-bye for now.
While I enjoy seeing what’s happening with my friends, I feel like every time I log on these days I see something that upsets me in some way? I WILL be trying to post one a week on my Facebook author page with writing updates, writing-themed conversations and games, so I’d love to see you there!
Instagram : This is the one platform I will be active on . . . a little. I am going to try to post three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays) and I am alloting myself 15 to 30 minutes to scroll or comment on other people’s photos. I’m not going to be very active in my stories, though. So, three days of the week, I’ll be around on Instagram. Briefly.
You can have a private Instagram account just for stalking (I mean, following) people. There’s a couple of Goodreads friends that I’d really love to see there! Just saying . . .
Goodreads: Sorry, I’m not going to be on Goodreads much. Partially because I need the break and partially because every time I log onto Goodreads I invariably add more books to my TBR, WHICH MUST STOP.
So, if you are messaging me on Goodreads, it may be a while before I respond. I MIGHT be around on a few Saturday’s out of the month to catch up on messages, but no guarantees!
Email: You are welcome to email me but there are no guarantees when or if I’ll respond.
This new social media schedule isn’t necessarily going to be PERMANENT – just until the end of December, at least. At that point, I’ll take another look at my social media schedule.
Also, as a note, I am not going to be doing NaNoWrimo this year – too much pressure! As it turns out, I’ve already written almost 100,000 words this year, which is essentially like doing NaNoWrimo twice, so . . .
To all my friends doing NaNoWrimo . . . HAVE FUN AND BEST OF SUCCESS TO YOU! I’ll be cheering you on from afar!
And as a FINAL note (haha, I’m such a liar . . . ) I will be dropping more information about my upcoming publications and a few EXCITING WRITERLY ANNOUNCEMENTS on my AUTHOR WEBSITE’S BLOG PAGE or IN MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER.
FUTURE BLOGGING SCHEDULE
I figured this would be a good(ish) time to take a partial break since a lot of people are going to be caught up in the holidays and NaNoWriMo. So, for the next few months, I am going to be posting only twice a month instead of four times a month. Four times a month is just no longer possible at this time.
*how I feel trying to keep up my normal blogging schedule*
To be perfectly honest, it has felt good not to have the constant pressure of having to post every week. I love blogging and don’t plan on stopping, but it was creating some pressure for me and it’s been a relief to have some of that pressure alleviated.
ANYWAY, here’s a sneak peak of what’s in store!
NOVEMBER:
The Best Reads of 2019: 3rd Quarter: The consensus is still in favor of me posting these mini reviews, so you’re getting another one!
A Handful of Nutshells: (a recap of everything that happened in October and November).
DECEMBER:
10 Things I Want For Christmas and Probably Won’t Get. This will be the fourth year in a row that I’ve done this zany post. I have to do it!
10 Christmas Movies You’ve Probably Never Heard of. I would be willing to make a small wager that there will be at least one movie on this list that NONE of you have ever heard of before.
JANUARY:
The Best Reads of 2019 – 4th Quarter: Every once in a while, you DO get what you want.
A Handful of Nutshells: A recap of everything that happened in December and January. Are you tracking with me this new Nutshell deal?
FEBRUARY:
A Baker’s Dozen of Heart: My Top Favorite OTP’s. You may be surprised by what you find in this post!
Q & A Vlog: *muffled excited noises*
THAT’S RIGHT. I am going to do a Q & A video! Hopefully something fun like that will make up for my extended leave of partial absence?
So this means . . . ASK ME ALL YOUR QUESTIONS!
I already have a page of hilarious, quirky, insightful, and all-together intriguing questions from several of my chums, but I’d love to add a few more to the pile!
– SOME PARTING THOUGHTS –
For all the newer followers of Allison’s Well – *pauses a moment to beam fondly*
Here is a round-up of some of my favorite blog posts for you lovely people! When you’re missing my posts (or me – I’m not picky), take a moment to browse some of my blogging highlights all located and categorized in one convenient place for your perusing pleasure!
If you’re doing NanoWrimo, you might find this post helpful! (yes, I know it’s for Camp Nano, but it’s good advice for any month-long writing project and, if nothing else, should give you a laugh) It’s called How To Survive Camp Nano!
If you’d like to read some of my FICTION, I do have a piece of flash fiction published right here on my blog that you just possibly might not have read yet! Hope for the Holidays – A Short Story.
Funny Blog Posts –
The Spamalot Edition
Legends of Western Cinema – Tag Answers
Writing Themed Blog Posts –
What Disney Taught Me About Writing
The Get To Know Me Tag – Writer’s Edition
Nostalgic Blog Posts –
The Reverse Bucket List
For The Love Of Tintin
Inspirational Blog Posts –
Reflections on Rooglewood
Psalm 23 Meditation: Praising God In Times Of Pain
Thanks for your patience in sticking through this rambly blog post, guys! The long and short of it is I have to seriously pull back from the world, alleviate unnecessary pressure, and just relax in general.
Even though I am departing from your midst (in a sense) I do hope you’ll stick around! Thank you so much to every single one of you who has followed me all these years and made my days brighter with every comment and message!
Even though I need the break, I’M GOING TO MISS YOU GUYS. But it will make all the times we do chat even sweeter.
But, even if we’re not chatting, remember that you are in my prayers and thoughts! God bless!
And don’t forget to ask a question (or more!) to be answered in the upcoming vlog!
October 5, 2019
A Handful of Nutshells
*gasp* What could this be? A nutshell?
YES, FINALLY.
So some of you might have noticed that I missed August’s Nutshell post.
NO? YOU DIDN’T NOTICE? WHAT KIND OF HARDCORE ALLISON FAN ARE YOU?
Kidding!!!
Ahem, anyway. There’s a good reason why I missed a nutshell.
My health has been pretty crummy for the last few months and not only has it made me fall behind in everything, not much happened in August.
When I considered pushing myself to post an August nutshell anyway, there was so little to share that I felt too demoralized to go through with it.
Sooo, I decided to wait and combine August’s nutshell with September’s nutshell. It was something I could tackle without killing myself and it made meatier post.
But, as it turns out, September ended up being a pretty quiet month that involved lots of rest too – so, this might not be the most exciting nutshell, but hey, YOU GOTTA TAKE WHAT YOU CAN GET.
September 27, 2019
A Tolkien Blog Party – Tag Answers
*gal who sometimes goes by the nickname Kili shoves open door with a cheeky grin*
How goes it, all my merry wanderers? I am here to announce an UNEXPECTED PARTY. Literally. Because, doggone it, Rachel. You did it to me AGAIN.
For the un-enlightened, allow me to explain.
A few months ago, the very awesome Rachel posted a very awesome tag on her very awesome blog. (whew, that was a mouthful). It was all about Westerns and Blog parties and, even though I had just been planning on taking a much needed blogging break, it looked like so much fun I ended up joining in the eleventh hour, feverishly producing a blog post at the last possible moment.
And now Rachel’s done it again. I was just about to take another much-needed blogging break when, lo and behold, Rachel announced a Middle-Earth themed blog party and invited all and sundry to participate.
Guys, do you have any idea what going on inside an extrovert when they are invited to a party?
No matter how tired we are, no matter how busy, no matter the difficulties, we WANT TO JOIN THE PARTY.
WE. CAN’T. RESIST. It’s like dangling so much kibble in front of me.
On top of that, it’s about Lord of the Rings, which meant this would be the perfect opportunity to air my controversial opinions and tease my LOTR-loving friends because I can’t resist teasing any more than I can resist parties. *INNOCENT SMILE*
(author’s note: I love my LOTR-loving friends and think their interest is cool, I really do. But, whenever I see someone taking something really seriously, I start teasing mercilessly. All wisecracks are made in good fun . . . Allison’s gotta wisecrack.
So did I plan this post? Noooo. But I’m a glutton for punishment. And thus, thanks to Rachel, we have an unexpected party!
Okay, now that the long-winded explanations are behind us, let us proceed deep into shadows of Middle Earth – and the even scarier recesses of my own mind.
ARE YOU READY?
Time to rub some Middle Earth fans the wrong way!!
1. Join Thorin’s Company or the Fellowship?
DWARVES, BABY. DWARVES. DWARVES, DWARVES, DWARVES.
I love their culture, their weapons, their music, their home, their shortness, and, above all, the characters. I loved that crazy rabble SO MUCH. My heart was completely captured by their epic journey and their yearning for their homeland.
I literally felt all of Bilbo’s emotions as he took up their quest as his own and grieved with them over all that they had lost and fought for them so that they might regain what was theirs. AHH – it was beautiful, guys. Dwarves are amazing and stole my heart!
Funny story: The first time I watch the Hobbit trilogy and Thorin asked his band to follow him one last time, I literally sat up in my chair, threw my hand up in the air and yelled: “ME! I’M WITH YOU, THORIN. I’M WITH YOU TO THE END.”
Yeah, I’m a big supporter of dwarves. AND EVERYONE ELSE SHOULD BE, TOO.
I am not a fan of Lord of The Rings (movies or books), but I love The Hobbit trilogy. Those films evoked powerful feelings for me (specifically, intense waves of hiraeth: yearning and nostalgia for a home which may have never been). It’s rare for this analytical viewer to be so emotionally engaged with a film and it was everything I was looking for in a fantasy story.
Anyway, for many reasons that I won’t go into right now, this trilogy means a lot to me.
It’s a pity I’m often alone in those feelings.
So, to reiterate. THORIN’S COMPANY – HANDS DOWN, WITHOUT QUESTION, FOREVER AND ALWAYS. They are my precious boys.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Me? Obsessed? NAH.
2. …ride Shadowfax or an eagle?
Pfft, EAGLES.
I want to FLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.
Shadowfax is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but he can’t beat something with wings, sorry. I’ve wanted to fly on eagles ever since I first saw Rescuers Down Under as a wee little tot. Most of my early drawings involve girls riding long dresses and riding eagles. (fashion + flight = nirvana) It’s definitely a life-long dream.
3. …travel through Moria or Mirkwood?
In my opinion Mirkwood needs to be napalmed before it’s fit to travel through. There are a ton of bothersome spiders and Elves there that need to be fried.
I’ll go with Moria. Even though I’m claustrophobic I have a strange fascination for caves! (See? I am such a dwarf!)
I’m not too thrilled about the orcs and goblins and cave trolls inside them but, you know, they’re not that bad!
As long as you don’t ruin their birthday parties, they’re perfectly harmless.
4. …learn to make elvish rope or mithril chainmail?
Dude, I’m in Middle Earth – it’s dangerous here. I’m gonna need that chain mail.
[image error]
But, by all means, keep making that rope. There’s plenty of bad guys that need hanging in this here country, Pilgrim.
*re-reads question* *feels foolish*
Oh, I was thinking what would I ASK for between the two, not which one would I MAKE.
Hmm. Well, I feel disloyal to my dwarvish brethren, but rope making sounds a little more interesting than making chain-mail. But, honestly, I’d rather just order both from Amazon Prime. Is that an option?
5. …try to outwit Smaug or Saruman?
Sauraman – he doesn’t have claws or breath fire – those are two things I usually try to avoid.
I thought Sauraman was kind of a joke was a villain. All you need to do is wait until he’s standing on a tower (he does it often) and then push him off. Problem-o solved.
*insert sounds of grinding water-wheel and wizard gurgling*
6. …spend an hour with Grima Wormtongue or Denethor?
You do realize when you say “spend an hour” I’m thinking like an hour of intense questioning – right?
Denethor is a straight-forward jerk and doesn’t have anything useful to tell me. I’ll just let Gandalf handle him – the way he did in the best scene in all three LOTR movies.
It’s Grima who’s the sneaky little traitor and he needed to be worked over to reveal his secrets, so I’ll go ahead and spend some “quality time” with Grima Wormtongue. *pounds fist into palm*
7. …attend Faramir’s wedding or Samwise’s wedding?
In all honesty, weddings are not my favorite kind of social gathering.
[image error]
I would much rather attend Thranduil’s Feast of Starlight and disco with the Elves or have a Pizza and Netflix night with the hobbits or go burn something down with the dwarves.
*ahem*
So, yeah, weddings wouldn’t be at the top of my list. But if I’m forced to choose. *thinks*
Other than just the most basic pity, I honestly could care less about Faramir.
*smiles at the hundreds of Faramir fan girls*
BURN!
So, that being said, I guess I’ll hang out at Sam’s wedding, there’s probably better food and more lively music.
8. …have to care for the One Ring or the Arkenstone for a day?
Haha – the Arkenstone. The Ring has a tendency to turn it’s bearers into sickly and crazed addicts, so I think I’ll stay away from it.
If I have the Arkenstone, all I have to do is AVOID a sickly and crazed addict, so I’ll take my chances running away from crazed dwarf kings.
Plus, like Boromir, I would be sorely tempted to use the Ring to wipe out the enemy, so you’d better keep it away from me.
9. …have tea with Bilbo or Frodo?
BILBO BAGGINS, OBVIOUSLY. Bilbo is my boy. He is such a darling hero, how could anyone NOT love him?
If we’re talking young Bilbo, he’s such a brave sweetie, I just want him as a best friend. I can think of no fictional character I’d rather hang-out with over tea and crumpets. Okay, let’s be honest, I’d do ANYTHING with Bilbo. Or just sit in a companionable silence, I don’t care.
If you mean Old Bilbo, I’d have tea with him too! I like crusty older gentlemen. Plus, he would tell wonderful stories. And I could have some great fun in teasing him.
September 21, 2019
Revell Reads Reviews
Okay, folks I have a confession.
And it involves a ramble, so grab something to drink. And maybe a snack.
First, the backstory.
I try really hard to make Allison’s Well a pleasant meadow for all those that come to visit. It’s important to me that I stick to the theme of my blog and that this little corner of the internet would remain a place of laughter and refreshment. Nothing negative, nothing nasty. I get a Teensy Weensy Bit Sarcastic sometimes (particularly in movie reviews) but, you know, other than that, it’s usually pretty positive around here, I think.
ANYWAY. I recently signed up to the Revell Reads Blog Tour program. The long in short of it is that I get free books from this publisher in exchange for honest reviews that I must post on Goodreads, Amazon . . . and my blog.
I signed up to review four books really hoping I’d like them . . .
And, unfortunately . . . I didn’t. The reviews are pretty negative.
I don’t like writing negative reviews anymore. Now when I read a book I don’t end up liking, I simply don’t review it on Goodreads . . .
. . . unless I’m forced required to.
And, double whammy, this also means that there will be a negative blog post on Allison’s Well and I’m not to happy about that either.
And yet, I made a gentleman’s agreement that I would post the reviews on my blog SO I AM TORN BETWEEN MY DUTY TO MY FOLLOWERS AND KEEPING MY WORD TO REVELL. I’M VERY CONFLICTED RIGHT NOW.
So . . . I ended up deciding to close my eyes and just post these.
The only way I felt that I could get this over with as quickly as possible was to combine all of my negative reviews on one blog post, even though you’re technically supposed to do separate posts, I think.
So, to the person from Revell Reads who is looking over this blog post (and is probably wondering what the heck they are doing here amongst this Gif Madness) . . .
*hands you unpleasant package with an apologetic smile*
And to you, dear follower, feel free to skip this post. We shall return to our regular positive programming next Saturday!
ONE MORE RIVER TO CROSS: by Jane Kirkpatrick
(1 star)
FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Did not finish. I’m afraid I couldn’t get past the first few chapters. The writing is really poor. It’s not only bland and stilted, it’s confusing, and I had to pause at the end of every paragraph to decipher the sentences I had just read. A lot of the statements felt utterly random and had no connection to the previous phrases. The characters were so colorless that I was getting them confused within the first chapter, and the historical details were awkwardly inserted with the heavy-handedness of a dull textbook.
THE GIRL BEHIND THE RED ROPE: by Ted and Rachelle Dekker
(1 star)
FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Deep down, I guessed that this book would not be for me. Dystopia and I do not have a very good relationship. Still, I decided to give it a try.
I should have known better.
The moment I opened the book, before I had even finished the first sentence, I was overwhelmed with this novel’s predominant feeling of darkness. I couldn’t get beyond chapter two before I had to quit.
While this book does shine the light on “Christian” cults and points out a lot of dangers that many professing Christians fall into (the purity culture, trying to predict the Second Coming, salvation by works, etc) it, like most gritty Christian novels, spends way too much time dwelling on the dark than on the light—a common trap for many authors.
It might be helpful to some readers, I suppose, although I even have my doubts about that. The “allegorical” elements of the book seem far too vague and open to random interpretation—a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of some readers who stand on a shaky foundation and struggle in separating extra-biblical fiction from Scriptural truth.
This looked like dark and disturbing read and, more alarmingly, a potentially confusing one and I honestly didn’t want to waste any more time on it.
CHRISTMAS IN WINTER HILL: by Melody Carlson
(two stars)
FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
I ended up skim-reading this one. I was expecting something fluffy and happy to deliver me a mild shot of holiday sappiness but, sadly, I didn’t get even that.
The dialogue and style is toneless and soulless and the characters so boring and homogenized, that this book failed to produce any feelings whatsoever.
The story is also, unfortunately, pervaded with the subtle theme that is found in some Christian Christmas stories: that any pray uttered during the holiday season is almost granted a kind of magic. A prayer said at Christmas time can’t fail. By combining the faith and trust of Christianity and the pixie dust of Christmas, all our dreams will come true.
I realize that most authors are trying to preserve the holly jolly feels of Christmas ultra happy endings, but this still smacks of a “prosperity gospel” attitude that not only rubs me the wrong way – it is extra-Biblical.
THE GRYPHON HEIST: by James R. Hannibal
(3 stars)
FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Well, that was interesting. Allow me to recap.
THE CHARACTERS:
Sadly, I felt the characterization was lacking. Talia and her co workers all felt like well-worn repeats of standardized (and not very good) stereotypes. Eddie was really the only one that was mildly cute, but there were a few developments with him at the end that I didn’t like. The main character, Talia, your typical tough-talking, yet secretly anxiety ridden professional woman and the only thing that made her different was her extreme naivete—which, unfortunately, was hard to except. Didn’t she watch TV or read novels? Even I know the real moral code (or lack thereof) of the CIA—Talia’s foolish belief that she’s going to carry out her career in the agency like a lady Boy Scout feels unbelievably foolish.
Overall, I liked Talia’s back story and character arc (unfortunately, I saw some spoilers for the big reveal a the end, so it kind of ruined the surprise for me) and I thought her personal theme was a unique one, given the usually more plot-oriented genre, however –
THE THEMES:
Most of the Christian elements themselves felt stilted and rushed as characters leap into faith and accepting God with very little foreshadowing. Most of the stories Christian elements were tied to the main plot-lines so you couldn’t remove them entirely (which ALMOST would have been my first preference, since it felt out of place)—but I wish they had been portrayed with a little more authenticity.
THE DIALOGUE:
There are a few scenes and lines that are generally amusing but, for the most part, most of the dialogue is very unnatural and stilted as it makes self-conscious attempts to be witty or deep by turn.
MISCELLANY:
I did appreciate that the author shied away from any romance with Talia, but I was aggravated that he slated her geeky best friend as “non-boyfriend material” – when I honestly felt that this could have been a cute relationship if he had dared to break the friend-zoned trope.
I felt like there were too many token characters in this book. The international cast felt like a weak salute to Star Trek and each nationality represented feels like a bad parody.
THE PLOT (and the tech):
I gave this novel an extra star for plot originality. Having to perform a heist in the mesosphere was truly an intriguing concept and made for a decently exciting finale.
The author really pushed the envelope of his niche and genre and, in exchange, we got an interesting and unique blend of adventure novel, heist story, spy thriller, and Christian fiction. The author’s true strengths are definitely coming up with unique concepts and writing technical jargon (ala Tom Clancy). In my opinion, this book would have been far better if it had been ghostwritten and some of the plethora of stereotypes had been removed.
SUMMARY:
While there was nothing stellar about the writing or the characters, this was still a mildly entertaining read with some interesting twists. (It was even educational at times: I learned what an ekranoplan is!).
I’ll probably check out the sequel to see how the author can possibly top a heist sequence that takes place in our mesosphere.
Annnnnnd, we’re done. *wipes forehead*
Okay guys – do you forgive me for this blog post? *crawls away* Have you read these books?
Here’s a happy gif.
Let’s talk, citizens!
September 14, 2019
Books of My Childhood
What ho, chappies! How’s the jolly old world treating you?
One of my followers, Marilyn, said on a recent survey that they would like to see a post about: “Books read throughout your youth.”
“Huh!” I thought.
I also thought that was a fun idea for a post, and thus . . . we have the post! *bows impressively*
Now, obviously, this list isn’t conclusive.
I didn’t include EVERY book that impacted my childhood, for fear of blowing up my blog, but below are some highlights! Time to get lost in the bookshelves!
THE PICTURE BOOK ERA.
THE LOST SHEEP BY MARK INKPEN
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Perhaps one of the definitive Allison books.
My mom would read this book out loud to me, and every time we got to the page where the shepherd wants to celebrate the return of the lost sheep, I would imitate the happy woollies in the illustration and throw my singularly short arms up in the air and cry: “Let’s have a party!”
Pretty much my favorite words, still, to this day.
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BEDTIME FOR FRANCES BY RUSSELL HOBAN
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Why did I love this one so much? Perhaps because of the adorable illustrations by the marvelous Garth Williams or perhaps because I also never liked going to bed, just like Frances.
My copy of this book is actually quite worn because I looked at it so often. Especially the page where Frances and her family is eating cake. I suppose my cake infatuation was showing itself early, because I think that cake looks utterly irresistible and perfectly moist – what do you think?
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THE GRANDPA SERIES BY JAMES STEVENSON
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My family still quotes from these books. Yump and Nump are a regular part of our vocabulary. And years later, as an artist myself, I think my style is similar to Mr. Stevenson’s and I use his artwork as inspiration to approach my illustrations with the same freedom and quirkiness.
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THE BUILDING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER SERIES BY MICHAEL P. WAITE
Oh man, talk about childhood flashbacks. If I had a nickel for every time I read one of these books, I would have a lot of nickels. I loved the fun names, the vivid illustrations and the spiritual insights. Even as a child, I was drawn to any story that was trying to relate spiritual themes. Not much has changed!
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THE BOOK OF JONAH BY PETER SPIER
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My dad would read this aloud to me and my twin. Jonah was always an event. We would squash up on their side of him as he turned the pages. He also made sure that we had all the places memorized, Joppa, Ninevah – he would pause, tap his finger underneath the name, and we would all say the place out loud. I can’t recall now why my dad liked this particular book, but I know it will always be very special to me because I can hear his voice reading it out loud to me.
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THE TREASURE TREE & THE TWO TRAILS BY JOHN TRENT
These wonderfully illustrated books were about understanding individuals better, and encouraging siblings to work as a team. My wonderful mom (who loved to delight us) surprised us greatly when, upon reaching the final chapter where the heroes are feasting on chocolate hearts, she came back from the next room with handfuls of chocolate hearts which she tossed around the room like confetti!
NOW TELL ME – WHO ELSE GREW UP READING ABOUT BUNGEE BEARS? Your childhood was not complete without them.
THE CHAPTER BOOK ERA
THE MANDIE SERIES BY LOIS GLADYS LEPPARD
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The Mandie series was actually my first official fandom.
I wrote a letter to the authoress and in return receive a form letting me know I was no part of the official fan club and I got several other Mandie themed items, such as bookmarks. Even though I am OVER the Mandie series, I could kick myself a million times for not saving all the kitsch!
THE BOXCAR CHILDREN SERIES BY GERTRUDE CHANDLER WARNER
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I had finally reached that point where I was really starting to get this whole reading thing, but I couldn’t handle anything too complicated and I wanted a lot of the same thing. I think one of the other things that fascinated me about the Boxcar Children were the wonderfully colorful covers. They looked so pretty all lined up on my shelf.
THE HENRY AND MUDGE SERIES BY CYNTHIA RYLANT
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I inhaled Henry and Mudge. Again, I was captivated by the illustrations and I was (and still am) dog crazy so, doubtless, the big, slobbery and thoroughly-furry hero was a big draw.
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Still with me, friend?
THE MIDDLE GRADE ERA
THE DERWOOD INC. SERIES BY JERI MASSI
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This series (in particular book 1) really influenced my own writing style, with it’s fun and quirky characterization and wacky scenarios, I think you will find its echoes in my own stories. This story never fails to capture my attention and make me laugh to this day!
THE AMERICAN GIRL SERIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS
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Me and probably every other girl in the United States, right? This series was merely one of dozens upon dozens of historical fiction books I read growing up, sparking my love for history. My favorite in the series were probably Josefina and Kirsten – though the Molly series was cute too.
One highlight about the American Girl series I shall always remember is that reading one of the Kirsten books is the first time when I could read cursive by myself. One of the illustrations featured a letter from Kirsten Larsen’s relatives and I was so proud of myself for deciphering the spidery handwriting!
THIS ISLAND ISN’T BIG ENOUGH FOR THE FOUR OF US! BY GERY GREER AND BOB RUDDICK
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I still cannot even mention this title or look at this book without cracking up. These are truly some of the funniest authors I’ve ever read and while I love almost anything by these authors, this one was a definite favorite. The battle of the sexes, bad camping experiences and a competitive race to victory simply never grow old.
THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE SERIES BY LAURA INGALLS WILDERS
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I have wonderful and vivid memories of my twin and me smashed up against Mom as she read this series aloud to us. And after that first time, I have read this series again and again. From that little girl pretending to be a pioneering Ingalls girl as she played in her basement to an adult, it never grows old.
THE THREE INVESTIGATORS SERIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS
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My mom read nearly the entire series aloud to us. I shall never forget that first stormy day when she read aloud The Secret of Terror Castle and sparked a life long love for the Three Investigators. It seems like the Three Investigators marathon went on for years. We were always on the look out for another book in our library system or in an antique store and would pounce on every volume eagerly. I am still SUCH A FAN OF THIS SERIES AND WILL ALWAYS LOVE IT.
The American Adventure series: By VARIOUS AUTHORS.
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My mom read a lot of these aloud to my twin and me and this series was one of those things that just deepened my love of history. There were about 50 books in the series, so it took a while to go through all of them, prolonging the adventure and the fun. I especially enjoyed that this series often focused on less well-known aspects of our history, such as Queen Anne’s War, The Great Awakening, and minutiae about the Western Expansion.
GETTING OLDER
THE REDWALL SERIES BY BRIAN JACQUES
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This epic series captured me when I was about twelve or thirteen and once you’re a Redwall fan, there’s no going back. Unlike many children’s authors who dumb down their vocabulary, Jacque’s rich descriptions forced me to read each book with a dictionary beside me.
Plus, we have cool animals, swords, battles, quests and life-threatening adventure – all kinds of good stuff. I like me some good action.
REB AND THE REDCOATS AND ENEMY BROTHERS BY CONSTANCE SAVERY
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My mom read these books aloud to my siblings and me, but that is not all that makes them special. Constance Savery is one of my top 5 favorite authors, and these books will always be some of my favorites of all time. These stories are full of heart and Truth. They never fail to make me laugh, to move me to my core, or to deeply inspire me as few other books have.
BEAUTY BY ROBIN MCKINLEY
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A beautifully written tale with two thoughtful main characters – this was a story I read obsessively for years and year. I can tell you most assuredly that this was one of the books that not only taught me how to write, but really got me focused on writing fairy tales. For a time, pretty much all I wrote were retellings of THIS retelling (caught me some slack, I was about twelve) – one Beauty and the Beast retelling after another.
I set fairy tales aside for years, but I finally returned to my roots with The Tales of Ambia.
September 7, 2019
BEST READS OF 2019 – 2ND QUARTER
*tries to make a grand entrance and sort of muffs it*
*picks self up floor and flips cape over shoulder like a champ*
How goes it, my loyal and most cool Stormtroopers?
Life has been crazy for Dear Old Darth, lately – what with building the 3rd Death Star and everything (YOU DIDN’T THINK WE’D STOP MAKING THOSE, NOW DID YOU?). Because of the pressures of the job, I’ve been having trouble keeping up my personal log (aka – blog).
So, obviously, this blog post is ridiculously late and I should be posting the 3rd quarter wrap up, not the second but, eh, what can I say? This year has gotten away from me. *awkward laugh*
But, you know what? Since the blogging police haven’t caught me yet, I ain’t even gonna apologize for it.
So, with that Non-Explanation out of the way . . . *coughs* . . . Onto the book reviews!
A powerful allegory about how light cannot commune with darkness. Heaven might not be as crowded as we might have previously supposed, and what we truly desire may not be as clear to us as we thought.
I find the idea of trying to review Lewis’s non-fiction utterly boggling (it is difficult enough to do justice to his fiction) and so, I shall simply have to exhort you to read it for yourself and offer up a few quotes to give you just a glimpse of the beauty and power within its pages.
“There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.”
“And yet all loneliness, angers, hatreds, envies, and itchings that (Hell) contains, if rolled into one single experience and put into the scale against the least moment of the joy that is felt by the least in Heaven, would have no weight that could be registered at all. Bad cannot succeed even in being bad as truly as good is good.”
“Everyone who wishes it does. Never fear. There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened.”
“Unearthly” is the only world that properly describes Out of the Silent Planet. This is exactly the sort of science fiction I like – a “quiet” sort of adventure, a magnificent world, but ultimately, all of it mere trappings to discuss deeper ideas. Lewis uses the fantastical setting of space to pose fundamental questions—less than questions, but rather suggestions. He truly sticks to his speculative genre and does exactly that – he speculates. The beginning of the novel is fascinatingly creepy and this Gothic feeling lingers as Ransom is rocketed (literally) into adventure and lands on an alien world. The suspense grows as Ransom is filled with both terror and entrancement. But then the fear gives away when he finally makes “first contact” with the peoples of this unknown world – and we are plunged into something that is not a nightmare – but more like a dream, for there is a slow dreamy quality to this novel that never lets up. The tone shifts gears into something fantastical and mythological in feel. Most authors, while portraying something bizarre, cannot do so without making it grotesque – but not C.S. Lewis. He makes the truly weird irresistible – unsettling without ever being revolting. Lewis does what few other writers can do – He makes PEACE exciting. In a world where writers are enamored with sensationalism and rely on violence and chaos to create conflict and excitement, Lewis does what feels like the impossible. Ransom is an explorer in a new world, the hero of a science fiction novel, in conflict with evil men, and yet it is all as peaceful as a reverie.
Read my FULL REVIEW ON GOODREADS.
Reading Daddy Long Legs was a tad like drinking a glass of lemonade – it’s sweet, zesty, a little tart. Utterly devoid of nutrition and yet, somehow, quite refreshing and satisfying.
I don’t know why, but I really like novels written in a letter format (a string of letters with a first person POV). It produces a conversational style that is both frivolous and deep, confiding and witty. It’s as if everything is being viewed through a magnifying glass, the people and things and thoughts in our lives feel more intimate, more tender, more worth looking at. Daddy Long Legs is a straightforward, school girl story vaguely reminiscent of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s own narrative style. Although, confession, I think I like Jean Webster a little better – her heroine seems a little less like a Mary Sue. It’s an old-fashioned romance but, more importantly and most interesting of all, it’s a coming of age story that held my interest until the final page.
This book’s style reminded me just a bit of one of my favorite authors, Sid Fleischman. It has the same hometown boy feel full of zesty adventures, hilariously backwoodsy dialogue, and peculiar but heartfelt characters that are sure to win your heart!
One of blurbs on the back cover of this book dub novel a mix between C.S. Lewis and Mark Twain – and they’re not wrong. It has the conversational folksiness of Mark Twain, combined with the simple and light-hearted world building style of C.S. Lewis.
I will say, I WAS pretty disappointed by the ending. Things wrapped up way too quickly and in the wrong direction (in my opinion). I was willing to have an open mind about the ending, since there was an advertisement in the back for a sequel in which I expected things to be tied up more satisfactory but, upon doing a little research, THERE IS NOT A SEQUEL TO BE FOUND.
WHAT IS THIS MADNESS????
I love pretty much anything set in Asia – I don’t know why, but I’ve always been fascinated by that region and their cultures. I have read several novels set in Korea or China, but not many set in Japan, making this novel a treat and a relatively new experience. The authoress of this wonderful book was born in China and did missionary work in Japan, and her background is clearly felt in the writing. The book’s accuracy and atmosphere feels palpable.
Storytelling in all its forms is, obviously, of great interest to me, so the focus on Bunraku (Japanese puppet theater) was fascinating. I’m a fan of puppetry, but I only knew the most vague details about this particular type of puppet theater and I was eager to know more. This novel’s portrayal of theater life has plenty of drama on and off the stage! The political upheaval of this time period paired with a young boy’s coming of age story kept me wrapped up in the story. The cherry on top was a Robin Hood / Zorro vibe and a few twists at the end that genuinely surprised me as the book drew to a satisfactory close.
Note: Be warned: If you have any affinity at all for Asian food – this book will make you HUNGRY.
Of all the books I’ve read, P.G. Wodehouse is one that truly makes me think of my own style of writing (at least, in regards to my Tales of Ambia series). He’s witty, bubbly, irreverent, and has an odd mixture of taking everything serious and nothing seriously all at the same time. The zany slapstick has a veneer of sophisticated wit that gives it a certain panache and the stories are often a comedy of errors that expounds (with great enjoyment) on the simple absurdity of the ordinary human. CLEARLY, HOW COULD ALLISON NOT LOVE THIS?
Quirky absurdity is on glorious display in this series of stories that had me laughing till I cried. To paraphrase another review, it’s almost like a English sitcom, full of British-isms, butlers, and balderdash.
Note: I listened to these novels on audio book, which I highly recommend, as the English narrator’s laborious tones simply add to the amusement.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Mary Stewart’s novels are adventure stories about women, for women, and by a woman – written in a way that is always grounded in the reality. You won’t find these heroines reverting too the cartoony kung-fu moves of Captain Marvel – but you will find them thinking, reacting, and acting with guts and intelligence. Of all the Stewart heroine’s, Christy is perhaps the most openly brazen and bold of them all. Privileged and wealthy since her youth, Christy is accustomed to having her own way. She reacts with the exact same superiority towards the villains, rather flummoxing them as she challenges them with her casual certainty that she will invariably get what she wants.
Mary Stewart is one of my top five favorite authors and if you read even a single paragraph of her work – you’ll see why. She weaves words together effortlessly, spinning sentences out in one long, shining strand of pictorial and rhythmic perfection. What else can I say? She’s staggeringly good, Jeeves – the absolute most. From chapter one, I was immediately immersed in the dust, the heat, and the mystery of the exotic Damascus. Add to that Stewart’s talent for creating a spine-tingling plot (she is the QUEEN of suspense) I was riveted until the last page. There were some twists at the end that LITERALLY made my jaw drop as I gasped aloud.
There is a crazy freedom to this plot that reminds me of the sweet weirdness of a Pixar film. It has everything from rats flying miniature biplanes to Scottish Brownies riding dragons, making this a madcap adventure. But it is also the sensitive coming-of-age story of a boy trying to find a family.
Normally, I don’t like Cornelia Funke’s style of writing – it feels clumpy and awkward – but this book was so much smoother and had a more definite style, leading me to believe that this translator was infinitely superior to Funke’s previous translators.
This book took “quest” and fulfilled that word to its full capacity. It was one long, side-splitting adventure that kept spiraling into wilder and wilder territory. It’s heartfelt, magical, and utterly hilarious.
One thing I MUST insist upon. I beg you, on my hands and knees, if you want to properly experience this story, LISTEN TO THE AUDIO BOOK. Brendan Fraser’s narration is PERFECTION. He even does the SOUND EFFECTS (his munching is particularly amusing) and it was like a wholehearted one-man radio show. There is a cozy, unstudied intimacy to his style – you’ll feel like your on a sofa in PJ’s in front of a crackling fire listening to your uncle read you a story. At least, that’s how I felt.
I read the first book in this series years ago and fell head-over-heels in love with it. My infatuation was so intense, that I felt downright repelled by any of the other books in the series. I have issues with sequels, and I was positive that no follow up novel could ever compare or measure up to the first novel. The first book was so marvelous, I just wanted it to keep going. I felt as broken-hearted and suspicious as the Swallows to discover that we wouldn’t be camping on Wildcat Island this summer. Like them, I was wounded and lost. How could this new adventure compare to the old one?
But that was the genius – this isn’t more of the same – this is something new. There is a slightly wilder, tangier feeling to this book than its predecessor. This time around, our young heroes are more likely to reenact ancient explorers or an adventurous band of thieves than pirates and sailors. And yet the spirit is still the same. It still has the same sturdy, British attitude and stiff upper lip spirit that make it as attractive as a warm fire.
Sometimes, a book that reminds me of my childhood ignites a wistfulness inside of me and makes me sad for the special time that can never be mine again.
But then there are some books that don’t just remind me of my childhood – I AM a child again when I am reading it. Time falls away and I am in that happy place once more, and when I close the book, there is no sadness or wistfulness, only pleasure and complete satisfaction because, for a little while, I got to go back.
I really don’t know what exactly it is about this series that I love so much. It’s not brilliant or mindboggling – but there is something completely and unabashedly FUN about it. There’s a simple, straightforward HEART to this series that is simply irresistible. Something about it moves me to pleasure, joy, and near-tears . . . especially the endings. At the end of Mists of Paracosmia, I was very nearly crushed and spent the last chapter in the most horrid fear, but the author did not disappoint me, and left me with the same bitter-sweet surprise and contentment at the end of Mists of Paracosmia as she did with Escape to Vindor.
Vindor and its surrounding regions reminds me just a bit of J. M. Barrie’s Neverland in the fact that children’s imaginations directly affect the development of this mirror world – resulting in the most delightful hodge-podge of world building. The world was expanded even more in this sequel and added samurai and a host of other interesting peoples to the centaurs, goblins and mermaids of the previous book.
Mists of Paracosmia also offers an added fun twist to portal travel by shoving fantasy creatures onto college campuses. I was especially excited (and tickled) by the fact that Bat the Goblin (my favorite character from book one) is transported to Megan’s campus, resulting in one hilarious scenario after another as he struggles to blend in with the normal world.
Our heroine from the former novel, Megan, is now attending college and her younger brother is the one doing most of the world building. At first, this gave me a start, but as the pages kept turning, I began to appreciate the theme that Golus was building. This time, it’s really Arden who must take the otherworldly journey to discover his courage and self-worth. And, in a theme that struck closer to home for me, Megan is learning to embrace the wonder of what’s right in front of her and the magic of an ordinary life.
We’ve probably all wondered this or asked the question at least once in our lives. Why does pain exist? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why would a loving God allow us to experience pain in any capacity?
By the end of this book, any who read it ought to be not only enlightenment but, more importantly, humbled.
If, by some chance, this book doesn’t answer the question sufficiently for you, it should encourage you to surrender our questions, release our puffed up assumptions, and hand over our questions and confusion to a Mighty God.
As always, it is difficult if not impossible for me to accurately relate the beneficial genius of Lewis’s non-fiction work. You’ll have to read it for yourself as I leave you yet again with a few tantalizing quotes.
“We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
“Love may, indeed, love the beloved when her beauty is lost: but not because it is lost. Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal. Love is more sensitive than hatred itself to every blemish in the beloved… Of all powers he forgives most, but he condones least: he is pleased with little, but demands all.”
“A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.”
And there you have it, compadres! My favorite reads of 2019’s 2nd quarter!
Have you read any of these books, my fellow book lovers? If not, are you going to?
As always, I’ve added very convenient links for you to add these titles to your already overwhelming TBR pile!
Notice the pattern as the criminal repeats the same crime over and over. *EVIL SMILE*
Yeah, you’re welcome.
Now, pardon me, I have to go finish all of my reviews for the THIRD quarter of 2019. *SCREAMS LIKE A DYING DONKEY*
August 29, 2019
Author Interview with Hosanna Emily
WHAT’S THIS? ANOTHER EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT ON ALLISON’S WELL? Just accept it, this is THE PLACE for exciting news.
You got that right. *smirks* Anyway, let it be known that yet another one of my amazing blogger friends is releasing a book! *SQUEAKS* Congratulations, Hosanna!
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Hosanna Emily at the Glory Writers Retreat last year. She is such a wise and lovely young woman and, obviously, I was very excited to be a part of our book release! I can’t wait for you to get to know her in this awesome AUTHOR INTERVIEW that we put together!
First, a bit about book and the book and the author . . .
Synopsis:
The King’s blue flame quivers as a new fire arises, and Kadira must hold fast to the torch. It’s destiny; she’s a torch keeper.
A fiery revolution sweeps across the kingdom of Érkeos, and each person must choose a side. Kadira, a girl set apart to serve the King, finds her city engulfed in emerald flames. Her blue eyes mark her as the enemy, and she flees from death. It stalks her anyway. When she meets Rekém, the Liberation warrior sent to kill her, she rebels against the King’s ways. Two armies collide; indecision isn’t an option. As hearts and lives hang in the balance, Kadira and Rekém could bring destruction or liberation to the entire kingdom.
Release Date:
September 1, 2019
Add it on Goodreads
You can also connect with this gorgeous authoress (lookit that beautiful face!) via the links below!
Blog / Instagram
And now . . .
THE INTERVIEW!
Welcome, Hosanna! Just to start things rolling, can you tell us a little about yourself?
“Hello Alli, it’s such a joy to be here! I’m Hosanna—an ordinary girl following an extraordinary God. My passion is to create descriptive writing that draws readers closer to Him, from poetry, short stories, novels, blog posts, and more. But in my non-author life, you would probably find me helping my little siblings with school, roaming through the woods, fellowshipping with dear friends, or working at a local music store.”
I can testify that fellowshipping with this girl is an absolute joy.
August 19, 2019
The Divided Nation Blog Tour – An Author Interview With Angela Watts
Allison’s got news, folks! *barges through door bearing said news*
My good pal, Angela Watts, is releasing a new novel!! *cue celebratory roar*
And she graciously consented to an INTERVIEW – *insert squeal* right here on Allison’s Well! But first, a little about about Angela’s book, The Divided Nation!
Synopsis:
WHEN THE NATION DIVIDES, THE INFIDELS MUST RISE.
The United States has fallen. Three years after the 2024 presidential election and the declaration of martial law, the nation is at war against itself. Gangs battle, civilians struggle for survival, and officials of the United Nations thrive. West Johnston, heir to the most powerful gang lord in the country, refuses to continue the family legacy. But, in order to defeat his father, he must become him: bloodthirsty and willing to do whatever it takes for control.
West gains control by helping fellow gangsters, Nate and Simon, when they form an alliance with one of the last remaining townships in America. After years of surviving and winter fast approaching, Springtown is in desperate need of supplies from the two teenagers. When the town leader’s daughter, Rene’, is kidnapped by an unknown rival, Nate and Simon risk their reputations to save her and the town they now love. But without help from West, their rescue mission will fail.
Told in multiple bold, abrasive narratives, THE DIVIDED NATION steps into a future where brotherhood bonds must be stronger than iron to survive a broken world, and faith without courage is dust in the wind.
Find it on Goodreads. Buy in on Amazon
Okay, did somebody say GANG LORDS? As in the MOB?? *grabby hands*
I, um, actually really like stories about the Mafia or mob characters. *looks innocent*
Let’s talk a little more about the author before this gets any more weird. Yeah, that’s probably be good.
AUTHOR BIO
Angela R. Watts is a Christian fiction author who strives to glorify the Lord in all she does. She’s a homeschooled highschooler living at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee, though with Gypsy and Norwegian in her blood, she tends to travel. She’s been writing stories since she was little, but also enjoys chores, painting, and watching sunsets.
Website / Amazon / Instagram / Facebook / Goodreads
AND HOLD ONTO YOUR GINGER-ALE FILLED CHAMPAGNE GLASSES AND NOISE BLOWERS . . . we also have . . . a GIVEAWAY!!!
GIVEAWAY FINE PRINT
US shipping only. If an international winner is drawn, they will receive an ebook only.
1st place: hardback copy of The Divided Nation. A custom mug with a quote from the book, bookmark, and an exclusive snippet from The Infidel Books.
2nd place: paperback copy of The Divided Nation, bookmark.
3rd place: ebook copy of The Divided Nation.
You can enter the giveaway RIGHT HERE!
And now, without further ado, THE INTERVIEW!
Welcome, Angela! Thank you so much for being available for this interview! What was your favorite part about writing The Divided Nation?
Angela: The freedom to write a dystopian future that I see as most plausible. The book of Revelation inspires me, but The Divided Nation is in no way an exact replica of my perspective of the Biblical end days. Instead, I wrote a book showing a peek at how I think the end days will be like . . . and it was both terrifying and inspiring. I’m one of those people who like the idea of end days. I like the truth that Jesus wins, no matter what darkness does. However, most dystopian does not have a Biblical approach. There is little hope, little good vs. evil, and it is simply unrealistic! So it was very freeing to write a dystopian that is realistically Christ-centered!
Very cool! How much research, if any, did you have to do for The Divided Nation?
Angela: Dystopian does, in fact, take research! Maybe not as much as a World War II novel, but I digress… As I said, I started with the Bible and some other “end days” nonfiction knowledge I had under my belt. I didn’t want to focus too much on making it agenda-filled, so all of this was really at the back of my mind. I had school courses on different types of government. I also researched other details, like first aid things, different types of poisons/chemicals, gun info, and . . . other stuff.
*is very curious about this other stuff* How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
Angela: This question is kind of humorous. Seek, my debut novel, took over two years to finish for publishing. My novella took less than three months to publish. The Divided Nation took about 7 months. So . . . I can honestly say this answer differs for every book, haha!
Three months?? Wow, tell me your secrets! And while you’re at it, tell me what did you edit out of this book?
Angela: A LOT. The first draft (which I printed out, so I can laugh at it years from now) had different endings – big details that I ended up changing. I also had some subplots I removed. Originally, a certain character didn’t exist at all in the first draft and I added him in later so he could be killed.
That’s unfortunate for that character but, hey, it happens! What does literary success look like to you, Angela?
Angela: If a book inspires someone, changes their life, makes them think about it for days, or leads them a bit closer to God, I consider it a success. The battle authors face with numbers, page reads, and bestseller lists is a real one and, don’t get me wrong, watching my books hit #1 bestseller or the top 100 would be very nice but, in the end, it doesn’t matter. Money and glory are nothing compared to truly touching someone’s heart with a story and our stories will not bring joy if we don’t enjoy the writing process in itself.
A wonderful reminder and so true! Speaking of that writing process, what would you say is one your interesting writing quirks?
Angela: I listen to music all the time? Haha! I also write with two fingers. But those two quirks are actually things I see other people admit to. I don’t think I have weird quirks, though. Besides the fact that my family says I will relate random things/situations from daily life to my characters, blurting out: “THAT IS SO *insert character name* at those random times…
Haha! Hey, everyone knows that characters are real to their creators. Sudden appearances are to be expected? Now that we’ve discussed quirks, let’s get technical. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Angela: I enjoy the challenge of writing “alone.” You know, the brainstorming, plotting, outlining, writing, etc, that I get to do with me and God and occasional brainstorming sessions with family. But the hardest part of the artistic process is sharing the story with others – with critics, and, sometimes, with people who do not understand the story. I’m not one to condemn anyone for reading a story and not “getting” it. I firmly believe that everyone has the right to experience a story in their own personal way. I never want to pretend that once my story is published, it is mine any longer.
It is a struggle to be brave and share my stories, but it is worth it. It is worth it to me because someone tells me the story helped them because they, too, were abused. It is worth it to me because someone related so strongly to my character that they were inspired. It is worth it to me because someone tells me a character made them laugh.
I think writers stage fright is even worse with a second or third release and it can be very paralyzing, but it’s definitely worth fighting past the jitters. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Angela: It didn’t, really. I mean, I learn from every draft and every publication process, but most of it stays the same. I brainstorm/plot, write the first draft, write a second/third draft, get betas, self edit, hire an editor, and then ready for publishing. This hasn’t changed a whole lot since my first publication besides learning things from experience and having a stronger sense of marketing, but the writing process remains a roller coaster.
“Roller coaster” is definitely the right word for it! What inspires you to write or recharges your creative spark?
Angela: A lot of things inspire me to write! A cup of coffee, someone saying they loved my book, early mornings, late nights and sad songs, seeing a printed copy of my own book, a creepy building… I find inspiration everywhere. My creative spark can be recharged from any of these things, or sometimes, a break for my brain and lots of praise in my heart for God before I get back to the grindstone.
That’s fantastic! So what are your top tips for fighting your way through writer’s block?
Angela: Get over it. “Yeah, yeah,” you say, “what a stupid idea. I’m struggling!” Well, get over it. I’m not saying you must write. I’m saying figure out why you can’t. Are you burned out? Ill? Exhausted? Then take care of yourself. Are you lazy? Without inspiration? Is the story not listening to you? This is where discipline can be key! Being lazy or uninspired is different than being too tired to write and needing to allow yourself rest. I have a post about fighting writer’s block on my blog, The Peculiar Messenger, if anyone wants to find it there.
Don’t forget to check out Angela’s blog post before you leave, guys! We’ve nearly wrapped this up. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer, Angela?
Angela: I can write a whole novel for this question, haha! I’ll try to keep it short. Angela’s Messengers (my street team). The Chatter Box gang. Allison Tebo, Kellyn Roth, Michaela Bush, Faith Potts, SG Willoughby, Faith Thompson, Brian McBride, Jane Maree and SO, SO many more. I’ve let some relationships that helped me grow as a writer go, and some relationships are just budding… ALL of them matter. ALL of them have helped me become a better writer, whether by offering wisdom, insight, brainstorming with me, giving publishing tips, or just being supportive and encouraging. I am blessed with many author friends!
Awww, I am so flattered to be included in that list, Angela! Knowing you and being your friend has been nothing but a delight. Final question, my dear. What are your future writing plans?
Angela: Covenant, Whispers of Heaven #2, will release 2020 (hopefully spring!). The Infidel Books, #2, will also prayerfully come out 2020! Besides these two big novels, I intend to publish a short story or two… We shall see! The two sequels mentioned are my main goals and I pray God’s will over both!
WOW – I am boggled by your goals but, if anybody can do it, Angela Watts can! God bless you, Angela and may the Lord bless you and guide you in your future! Thank you so much for stopping over at Allison’s Well for this fun interview!
Do you follow Angela’s blog? Is The Divided Nation on your TBR pile? Speak to me!
And remember –
Sorry, guys – when someone says gang lords, I just have to use these gifs.
August 15, 2019
July In A Nutshell
*too tired to make a grand entrance under my own power – so uses dynamite to add some flair to my appearance*
Hello, hello, hello, chums. Obviously, this Nutshell is about a week overdue.
It was imperative to my blogging schedule that I publish my Summer Aesthetic post first, while we still had a full month of official summer. Because of that, everything got a little squirreled up.
So that week’s delay I’m SURE has you champing at the bit for my nutshell, riiiiighhht?
WHAT? WHAT’S THAT? DID I SEE AN EXPRESSION OF INDIFFERENCE ON YOUR FACE? Are you implying that you WEREN’T waiting on pins and needles for this post???
(this is how I entertain myself, folks – please tolerate me)
HAPPY DAY, FOR YOU – THE WAIT IS OVER – THE NUTSHELL IS HERE.
Unfortunately, the Nutshell isn’t too impressive, since I got sick AGAIN just a week or so after I recovered from the Plague I contracted in June.
WHAT IS THIS, SOME KIND OF JOKE???
Do to this unforeseen setback, I didn’t get quite as much done as I would have liked.
Fortunately, there were quite a few things I could still accomplish even when I lost my voice for a few days! Let me tell you, ALLISON LOSING THE ABILITY TO SPEAK IS A DARK AND UGLY THING, YOU GUYS.
But enough of this. You’ve been quite patient with me and now we shall tootle forward into the July’s wrap up. Punch it!
– WATCHED –
Rosemary and Thyme (TV show)
It’s an old-fashioned buddy story, but featuring two women, making it unique and fun. Even better, they are mature women instead of wannabe teenyboppers, making this show doubly refreshing. Laura and Rosemary feel like two people you could actually know in real life (I rather want them for my aunts!). More to the point, they could be the mystery-solving aunts you’ve always wanted. They look like real people and real women instead of Hollywood Dolls.
Laura and Rosemary are a combination of co-workers and sisters and have a unique relationship that is truly fun to watch in this well-scripted and well-acted TV show. Add to that intriguing plots filmed in marvelous locations and a usually stellar supporting cast, and we found a TV show that we’ve had on repeat for some time.
Cadfael (TV show)
I’ve watched a LOT of whodunnits in my life, and a lot of them were even historical, but I’ve never watched a detective show set in the Middle Ages before, and it was definitely an intriguing combination. The highlight of the show was definitely the energy and camaraderie between Derek Jacobi (Cadfael) and Sean Pertwee (Sheriff Hugh), both of whom were very fine actors. But, sadly, Hugh was recast in the next few seasons. *ANGRY SOB* WHO WAS THE JOKER THAT DECIDED TO RECAST HUGH AND SWEEP THAT BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE AND DUDE CHEMISTRY UNDER THE RUG?
Nevertheless, the show retains intriguing plots, interesting settings, and (for the most part) engaging characters and our family had fun binge-watching our way through the first few seasons. Unfortunately, the series started getting dark and gory after a few seasons –
– and so we kicked the habit. (GET IT??? HUH?? HUH???)
Roman Holiday
This was a cute film and I can see why it was a classics but, in all honestly, I don’t have much more to say after that. It is as straightforward as it can be. A nice film, and I’m glad I watched it, but it’s not going to be one I’m going to have on repeat. Audrey Hepburn, as always, sparkles. It’s interesting to see her earliest role after watching films from throughout her career and seeing so clearly how her confidence blossomed with each film and her demeanor began to alter. Gregory Peck is one of my favorite actors and is always marvelous and believable. A charming little love story but, to me, rather forgettable.
The Last Jedi
That’s right, it was for the first time. I had seen clips of the movies, but I had been so mad ever since the film released that I never wanted to watch it. After enough time passed, I was curious enough to try it.
I knew it wasn’t a real Star Wars movie and should be excommunicated from the Star Wars canon, but perhaps I could enjoy just as a standalone space opera movie. Maybe it was a well-made film!
I sat down with it with a fairly open mind.
Several hours later, I wrote a long review smashing this movie apart.
Buuut – I figured nobody would really wants to read it – so I went back and reduced my review to a few gifs. Enjoy.
Still, it’s just a film – let’s not end our relationship over it. I’m still friends with people who love this movie – so you’ll just have to return the favor and keep being friends with me even though I hated it. Fair’s fair.
