Vanessa Hall's Blog, page 14

Official Release of Remembered

And that day has arrived – barely in time for Christmas! Remembered is now available in ebook form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many more.

GoodreadsBuy here!

Remembered was probably the easiest published work for me to date (probably has something to do with the fact it’s a novella), but it still had plenty of difficult moments. The editing stage was especially interesting, given I was super busy during that time and was extremely tired of rereading these same ol’ scenes over and over again.

But this story is about Christmas, the true meaning behind it, and holding fast to that hope even when times are hard. And hard times can come at Christmas, too, can’t they? We’re expected to all be quite merry during this season, but hard times and hard emotions touch us now, too. Nick and Molly went through the same (though I promise there is happiness in there somewhere), and writing this novella was a good reminder for me to always remember God’s promises – promises that will never fail, no matter how we feel or how the world looks. He never changes, and neither does His Word. Let’s remember God’s promises this Christmas – and forevermore.

Even blissful marriage and the Christmas season don’t change the hard reality of the world …

Three months into their marriage, Nikolai and Molly find themselves rocked by sudden unemployment mere weeks before Christmas. And when unexpected news comes to light, their future becomes even more uncertain. In spite of trials, will Nikolai and Molly remember unchangeable Truth—the Truth of Christmas?

Blog Tour + Review: Shattered Reflections by Madisyn Carlin

Can hope be found for four shattered souls?

Princess Nordica Icerri’s crown will be purchased with blood—her blood. Now the sole heir to the throne, she is determined to be the queen the Snowlands deserve, but that comes with a price: a numbed heart and soul. Only when she meets kidnapped physician Loren Alocer does Nordica allow herself to hope she can become queen without completely losing herself. But not everyone wants what’s best for the Snowlands, and Nordica’s upcoming rule is compromised at every turn. Can the criminal physician—and his faith—thaw Nordica’s heart, or is she destined to be the heartless queen she is being forced to become?

War shattered not only Breac Finson’s heart, but his faith as well. Tired of fighting, Breac only wants to be left alone, but his efforts are for naught when a friend calls in a favor. He soon finds himself in an unexpected alliance with Layree Alocer, a woman determined to find her wrongfully-kidnapped brother at all costs. Can a broken soldier help right a wrong—and find his faith again in the process? Sides must be chosen and loyalties will be tested as a new war approaches. Can broken lives be mended in time to help save the Snowlands, or is evil already too deeply embedded?

GoodreadsPurchaseAuthor Bio

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wow. The author said this book was an epic, and it truly was – both in length and in the scope of the story. Madisyn Carlin is a master of fantasy, and this book was no exception.

Characters: Five POVs is a hard thing to pull off, but when you have amazing characters, it works! Let’s start with the ladies, Layree and Nordica. Layree was so brave and determined, yet she wasn’t extremely outgoing, wasn’t a fiery warrior in the typical sense. She felt more like a normal person with normal struggles who still stood strong under pressure. And then there was Nordica, who was probably one of my favorite characters. She was so broken and had this type of fragility about her, but she fought as hard as she could. Watching her descent into numbness was so heartbreaking! (Also, her name just fit her perfectly.) Then the guys – Breac, Marcus, and Loren. Breac I wasn’t completely sold on at first, but he definitely grew on me. His interactions with his family were a nice comedic break – Tandri is such a little spitfire! And Marcus … wow, that dude. I didn’t feel as much for him at the beginning of the book, but by the end, I was inwardly screaming for him. I need the next book now, please, because I must see what happens to Marcus. And then Loren. Loren, taking one of my most beloved character roles – sacrificial doctor – and making it better than ever. His strength under trial, his tireless care of his patients, and his quiet yet dogged determination was beautiful. I loved the guy. Oh, and how can I forget the side characters? There were so many, but Anthi and Zinnia were my favorites. My girls were epic. Their combination of wit and sass and gentleness and kindness was precious. I was afraid at one point that they were going off-scene for the rest of the book, but my fears were unfounded, thankfully!

Setting/Writing Style/Plot: This setting was so intriguing – I don’t know a lot about fantasy, but the worldbuilding was wonderful. It’s definitely a good book to read with a blanket and tea nearby, because you are going to get cold with all the talk of frozen stuff. The writing style was perfect for this story – so well done and not distracting. And then the plot. Wow. At times, it felt a little bit long to me (probably because I wasn’t sure where the plot was going), and the politics also confused me a little bit (because I am not good at following politics in books), but the way it all connected and wrapped up was wonderful. I will say the violence was a bit heavy – not graphic in the least – but if you are sensitive to violent content, just be aware.

Theme: This was beautiful. I loved watching the characters work through trials and doubts as Christians, and I loved seeing a certain character come to know the Lord. None of the characters were perfect people, but in spite of so much pain and suffering, they still held to the Lord. I also really enjoyed the way the characters shared their faith – so incredibly important. This book truly was Christian fiction, and I was encouraged by reading it.

Overall: Even if you don’t like fantasy, you should read this book. You won’t regret it. And now I need to go bother the author to give me the next book.

Broken Mirrors

Click here for giveaways and more information on each of the books! (Please note I have yet to read all of these books; therefore, I am not endorsing all of them.)

Review: The Refiner’s Fire

The Refiner’s Fire is a poetry collection about God’s faithfulness in the midst of extreme pain. Written by an up and coming young author with autism, it powerfully communicates the hard emotions of real life, touching on themes of faith, anxiety, bullying and mental illness.

I’ve heard it said that God is the Potter

and that I am the clay,

that the agony I feel all throughout

is merely Him shaping me.

But I don’t see the shaping.

I don’t see how this could be turning me into

the woman He destined eons before the creation of time.

I’ve been told I’m admirable

for not letting my struggles

break me down,

but those who say that are blind to the cracks;

they don’t see that all I’m doing is surviving.

Abba, I don’t like this.

It feels like I’m being set on fire,

like I’m being diminished to ashes.

How can You be refining me

if all You’re doing is breaking me?

– The Refiner’s Fire

Goodreads AmazonBarnes & Noble Review

The Refiner’s Fire by Rue Mortensen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I’m not much of a poet myself, but this collection of poetry was undeniably raw and beautiful. The author’s vulnerability and honesty was moving, and her emotions/fears/desires were certainly something I could relate with even if I haven’t gone through the exact trials she has. Overall, such a sweet reminder that the difficulties and tribulations of this life all work together for the good of those who love the Lord, and those painful times in life are simply the Refiner’s fire – for in the end, this fire is only to purge the dross and leave the gold.

New Release: Love’s New Beginnings by Penny Zeller

Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly.

When Lydie’s and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon’s story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes.

GoodreadsBuy!

Cover Reveal: Shadows Close In by Kristina Hall

Coming early next year!

Danger has stalked Mellie Rivers too many times, and it’s found her once again. But she isn’t strong enough for another nightmare.

Friedrich Wolf believes he’s failed many people, but he won’t fail Mellie. No, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her from harm.

When Friedrich and Mellie face deadly threats, they’ll have to fight to survive.

Because the shadows are closing in.

GoodreadsCover

Review: Darkness Draws Near by Kristina Hall

Darkness Draws Near by Kristina Hall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

What a powerful second installment into this series! I loved the first book, and now I think I’ve found a new favorite in the series. Talk about action and truth and wonderful characters and a suspenseful plot … this is a book you won’t want to miss.

Characters: Let’s just start this by saying I adore Mellie. She is so real-life, and her reactions are the best! Comedic characters aren’t usually main characters, but Mellie brings that lighter side out throughout the entire book. But not in a cheesy, stupid way, either, which is so well-done. And then there’s Friedrich. My poor Friedrich, flawed and doubting though he is, I still love him. I personally enjoy those very flawed, struggling characters, and Friedrich is one of those. He doesn’t have his entire life together -not even close – but he still has the capability to be quite heroic even if he does have struggles. (And he was quite heroic, let me tell you that.) And though his arc in this book wasn’t exactly a positive one, it was relatable and made me think. And the side characters – Audra. I just loved that girl. She wasn’t the cliche, hateful girl who wanted to get an abortion. No, she was like most girls who end up getting abortion, having been manipulated and basically forced toward murdering her child. But I really enjoyed her character (and she sounded like such a teenager/early adult.) And Jess, of course – what a perfect sister for Mellie. Then there was Dr. Benton, the Yorks, and the whole crew … don’t even get me started on Curt. Let’s just say there were many wonderful side characters that added depth to the story.

Setting/Plot/Writing Style: Once again, the setting of eastern KY was so cool. I haven’t read many books set there, but I know from experience how beautiful yet struggling that area is. And then the plot … I really liked the subplots that wove through the story along with the main plot. Quite suspenseful, especially there at the end. And the writing style – perfect for this book. Mellie’s POV is just epic.

Theme: A huge part of this book was about being pro-life and what that looks like practically. I loved how Mellie and Jess cared for Audra and her baby despite the risks and problems associated with helping her. And Friedrich’s side of the story … wow, that was heartbreaking but definitely a cause for thought. So much truth in here and reminders to live for the Lord every day.

Overall, I so enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to see the last book in the series. If you’re looking for a romantic suspense with strong morals and lots of action, don’t look any further!

Cover Reveal for Remembered (Grace Sufficient, 3.5)

And at long last, the day has arrived. For some reason, I never feel as if I release cover reveals when I originally intended. But I guess this is when the Lord has always intended the cover to be revealed, so I shall not say that I am late.

So let us continue with le blurb …

Even blissful marriage and the Christmas season don’t change the hard reality of the world …

Three months into their marriage, Nikolai and Molly find themselves rocked by sudden unemployment mere weeks before Christmas. And when unexpected news comes to light, their future becomes even more uncertain. In spite of trials, will Nikolai and Molly remember unchangeable Truth—the Truth of Christmas?

Goodreads

Remembered will be released, Lord willing, around Christmas in ebook form. However, newsletter subscribers will receive a free copy before the novella is officially released. So if you’re not subscribed and you’re interested in Nikolai and Molly’s story, click here!

And now for the reveal …

Seize the Night: An Anthology Honoring the Birth of the Savior: Giveaway!

Release Date: Saturday, December 3rd, 2022

When Oliver is offered help in the search for his son, will he answer the Voice in the night and the forgiveness extended to him?

A lifetime of inferiority; a mistake with tragic consequences—can anything convince Brett that he isn’t too young for Christmas, after all?

A baking mistake pushes a perfectionist out of her comfort zone.

Sometimes forgiveness takes love, patience, and being stranded in a snowstorm.

A young girl struggles to understand Christmas is all about God walking with us through the darkness and making it bright.

Two siblings hurting thousands of miles apart. Will a kindly hero make a way for them to reunite?

A wounded prisoner and a little girl teach us about having a Real Christmas.

During the Christmas of 1945, Lane Mueller just wants to get home but getting from Los Angeles to Amarillo is no easy task when going home is what everyone else wants too.

Featuring various genres sure to please the whole family.

GoodreadsPurchase!Giveaway!

Open: December 1st-25th, 2022, winner announced on the 26th.

Prize: Paperback of Seize the Night, swag, release day goodies only given in the release giveaway. Special contributions to the giveaway from other authors (Some authors who are being featured in Abigail Kay Harris’ 31 for 31 Christmas Book Reviews) and a special edition candle from Between the Pages Gifts: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BetweenThePagesGifts

Entry Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/01e7097d5/?

And an Extra Giveaway!

Prize: A single winner will receive an ebook copy of Seize the Night.

How to enter: Comment on this post and follow the blogger. Once you’ve done that email abigailkayharrisATgmailDOTcom and let Abigail know where you commented with what name, and the email you used to follow the blogger.

Winners will be announced on Abigail’s blog the last day of the giveaway.

18+ unless you have parental/guardian permission. This giveaway is in no way endorsed by anyone except the blogger, and Abigail.

About the Authors

Abbigail is a dreamer who explores past worlds through the pages of imagination. She desires to write and glorify God in all she does and invites readers to join creative adventures through the written word. When she isn’t writing, she can be found reading, enjoying her Earl grey tea, and jamming out to music. She lives with her crazy but amazing family in Alberta, Canada. https://abbigailrb.wordpress.com

Chelsea Burden is a homeschool graduate, a first-generation Anabaptist, and a passionate word-lover who enjoys dabbling in etymology (not entomology!) and routinely adds bona fide words to spellcheck! She loves books, people, and Jesus—and a lot of other things too, including chickadees, hymns, snowflakes, and having a good time with friends. She lives in Canada and spends her days writing and doing whatever else comes to hand in her three-generational home. She appreciates hearing from readers, whether through reviews, on the Sheep Among Wolves blog (www.sawpublishing.com) or by email (chelsea@sawpublishing.com).

Julia is a homeschool student living in the wilds of Wisconsin. She enjoys all things reading and writing. In addition, she loves to crochet, and she tries to find an artistic side to everything. Julia usually has about a hundred projects going simultaneously. If only she could stay focused enough to finish them . . .

Abigail Kay Harris is a daughter of the King with a personal degree in book-nerdiness. A sister to seven, her passionate love of the written word and deeper meanings hidden in normal things leads her to spend her time reading, writing, using sarcasm, and defining obscure words. When she’s not chasing words, she enjoys watching shows, classic romance movies, tea, sunrises, and the outdoors, especially mountains, beaches, and forests.

Katja H. Labonté is a Christian, an extreme bibliophile who devours over 365 books in a year, and an exuberant writer with a talent for starting short stories that explode into book series. She is a bilingual French-Canadian and has about a dozen topics she’s excessively passionate about (hint: that’s why she writes). She spends her days enjoying little things, growing in faith, learning life, and loving people. Her short story is part of a longer one which you can download free on her blog: littleblossomsforjesus.wordpress.com

A reader of as many genres as she pens, M.L. Milligan is on a quest to bring about stories that both excite and inspire. Her Lord and Savior is her strongest weapon, her favorite treat either a cup of coffee or a bowl of popcorn with a movie—Okay, and getting a new book. This desert-loving gal makes her home in the Sagebrush state, surrounding herself with endless amounts of books and an increasing number of rescues. You can connect with her at https://mlmilligan.wixsite.com/blog. 

Kaytlin Phillips is the author of two books and a homeschool grad who spends her days praising her Savior, reading, writing, blogging, and annoying her sisters with random thoughts. She is the fifth child out of seven and resides in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where she’s always dreaming about her next adventure. You can connect with her at www.sisters-three.com.

Originally from North Carolina, Ryana Lynn currently resides in Maryland with her husband, Jacob, and daughter, Dixie Cross. She is the author of The Battle for Heritage Series, Coffee Shop Christmas and the upcoming Natty’s Warriors Series (To Save a Life coming December 2022). She loves studying the War Between the States and has a passion for blending the truth of what really happened with the Truth of God’s Word. Connect With Ryana Lynn! Website: www.lifeofheritage.com Instagram: @lifeofheritage

Tour Schedule

Seize the Night: Blog Tour Schedule

1st of December: 

Rebekah’s Reading Room | Spotlight and Review

Read Review Rejoice | Spotlight

2nd of December: 

Allyson Jamison | Author Spotlight and Candle Giveaway 

Redeem the Times | Author Interview/Guest Post and eBook Giveaway

Saw Publishing | Spotlight

3rd of December (Release Day!): 

Little Blossoms for Jesus | Review

Lauren’s Easel | Guest Post

The Book Cubicle | Review 

4th of December: 

Rue Lilith | Review

5th of December:

Vanessa Hall, Author | Spotlight and eBook Giveaway

Lillian Keith, Author | Spotlight and eBook Giveaway

Madi’s Musings | Author Interview, eBook Giveaway and Spotlight

Discipleship with Joy | Review

M.L. Milligan, Author | Spotlight

Writing Update + Remembered (Grace Sufficient, #3.5) News!

Well, once again, it’s been about two years since I’ve given a writing update. (Just kidding … but aside from my newsletter updates, I’ve been sorely neglecting the blog in that area.) Overall, writing has taken a bit of a backseat to school—this is my last “normal” semester before I go off to student teach. So I’ve been busy practicing my tail off in preparation for my senior recital and concerts as well as keeping up with homework and life.

Suffice to say, writing progress has been greatly hindered. I didn’t work on my WIP for over a month, which was pretty horrifying. Someday, I shall finish that book (the sixth in the Grace Sufficient series.) I’m rethinking some plot points, given the mental status of the poor characters – the children literally cannot take much more. This book will need lots of editing before it ever sees the light of day.

And in the editing department … I’ve been able to get some work done on book #4, Unforgiven. I’ve finally gotten to the point where I absolutely adore Vlad (the dude isn’t always the most lovable—if you’ve read the first three books, you know why.) So I’m hoping to be able to finish the first round of edits over Christmas break—Lord willing. We’ll see what happens. Once again, some plot points need to be reworked, and both the themes and the romance need some work, too. In general, it all needs work.

And finally … the most important update of this post is about Remembered, a Christmas novella featuring Nikolai and Molly from Untold. I’m in the final stages of editing, and copies should be ready to send out to my lovely newsletter subscribers as a gift in December! So if you’re not already subscribed, I would highly suggest doing so if you’d like a free copy of Nick and Molly’s story (because free stuff is amazing, right?) After it’s sent out in the newsletter, the novella will be, Lord willing, available in ebook form for $.99.

And that’s all I’ve got today! How has your writing been? Are you all exhausted from the craziness of writing in November?

December Eve Blog Party Cont. and Featuring a Playlist!

And today is the first day of December – happy December! It’s officially Christmas-y feeling, isn’t it? And as a part of the December Eve Blog Party hosted by my amazing friend, Lily at Lillian Keith, we’re talking about all of our favorite Christmas songs. But music isn’t just about titles. Music is actually what we hear … so I gift you with a Christmas playlist! These are some of my favorite carols and Christmas-y sounding tunes. Some of them are the ones I mentioned in yesterday’s post, and some are new. Let me know if you find any new favorites – or any old favorites!