Vanessa Hall's Blog, page 16
November 7, 2022
Tour + Author Interview: Anna Grace, Author of Across All Borders
Hoping. Planning. Waiting.
Everything in her life is wrapped up in the thought of this new sister, coming from so far away. Will the day ever arrive? And if it does, will it be everything they dreamed? In this short poetic narrative, follow along on a young girl’s journey as she discovers the true meaning of love, family, and sisterhood.
AmazonGoodreadsAuthor InterviewI’m part of the release tour team for Across All Borders by Anna Grace, hosted by Jen’s Author Assistance (https://www.instagram.com/jensauthorassistance/), and I got the honor of talking to Anna Grace herself!
VH: Tell me a little bit about your writing journey. When did you first start writing?
AG: That’s always a bit of a hard question for me to answer! I don’t have a concrete memory of the first story I wrote, or anything like that. I know from what my family tells me and from my own memories that I have always been a bit of a storyteller. I would make up characters to be my imaginary friends and present original puppet shows to my family. I was in fourth or fifth grade when I really started to take writing seriously, but I was still far from even where I am today.
VH: What’s the hardest part about writing for you?
AG: Oh, goodness. There are a lot of areas that present challenges in one form or another. I have a lot of insecurities about my writing overall, so that makes it really hard for me to identify one specific thing off the top of my head.
VH: What authors have deeply influenced your writing?
AG: I would say the authors I have loved to read! Additionally, I am a member of the Young Writer’s Workshop, so the instructors and authors on there have been a huge help. Ava Rose Scott, who wrote For All of Them Lost, was really helpful in answering questions I had at the beginning of my working on Across All Borders.
VH: What’s one of your best pieces of advice for an aspiring author?
AG: Just write. Maybe it’s because I’m rather a panster, but I do find a bit of value in the strange fact that there’s nothing about writing that isn’t all about, well, writing. Also, writing takes time. Be okay with that, and don’t rush yourself, or your writing. Trust me on that one. Be patient. Words are hard, sometimes more than others, but that’s simply how it is, for everyone, especially writers. It’s so amazing to me how people can take 26 random symbols and arrange them in such ways as to not only communicate, but to also transform people. I don’t know about you, but when I think about it that way, being patient with my pen sometimes becomes a little bit easier.
VH: What was the inspiration behind this book?
AG: Three of my siblings are adopted, so I think that says a lot. The story told in Across All Borders is inspired by my memories of my sister’s adoption, but there are elements of all three of my siblings’ adoptions woven in there, as well as some fictional parts as well.
VH: What do you hope readers will take away from your writing?
AG: I really hope this book can give readers a glimpse of just how beautiful a gift adoption is. I think it’s such a wonderful illustration of the gospel, of God adopting us into His family for eternity. I also hope for Across All Borders to show that in many ways, adopted siblings go through some of the same struggles that any siblings do, but that family is still a beautiful concept.
VH: What do your upcoming projects look like?
AG: I have two main projects I’m working on right now. I don’t have wonderful summaries for them, so I’m going to just skim the surface here. But, as always, if you have any questions or want to know more, please reach out to me! The first project’s working title is Not a Drill, and the main event is a school shooting. The main character is chronically ill, and I also try to weave the thread of redemption throughout the story. My second one is called In the Broken Places, and it’s dual POV. There’s a fair amount of contrast in the story: fear vs. peace, life vs. death, passion vs. desire, to name a few.
Giveaway!Scavenger Hunt Giveaway
To enter the Giveaway you must comment on all 5 Scavenger Hunt posts for the chance to win a signed copy of Across All Borders
Winner must be willing to email jensauthorassistance@gmail.com their address as well as what item from the merch shop they would like.
https://www.bonfire.com/store/across-all-borders/
Neither the author nor Jen’s Author Assistance are responsible for lost or damaged prize and will not be required to replace it.
You must be 18+ or have parent/legal guardian’s permission to enter.
Release Tour Giveaway
Enter to win a signed copy of Across All Borders + 1 item of bookish merch.
Winner must be willing to email jensauthorassistance@gmail.com their address as well as what item from the merch shop they would like.
https://www.bonfire.com/store/across-all-borders/
Neither the author nor Jen’s Author Assistance are responsible for lost or damaged prize and will not be required to replace it.
You must be 18+ or have parent/legal guardian’s permission to enter.
Enter!About the Author
Anna Grace is a Christian teen with a passion for Christ and others. She enjoys worship music, reading, and writing. Adoption is very real to her as three of her siblings were adopted. For her, adoption is a meaningful role of the Church, and a beautiful picture of the Gospel.
Tour ScheduleNovember 6th:
Tour Opening @ https://instagram.com/jensauthorassistance
November 7th:
Scavenger Hunt Stop #1 – Anna @ https://ephredeemthetime.wordpress.com/
Author Interview – Vanessa @ https://vanessahallauthor.wordpress.com/
November 8th:
Scavenger Hunt Stop #2 – Cora @ https://creative-choice.weebly.com/
November 9th:
Scavenger Hunt Stop #3 – Vanessa @ https://vanessahallauthor.wordpress.com/
Author Interview – Micah @ https://micallingblz.com/
November 10th:
Scavenger Hunt Stop #4 – Heaven @ https://thebookcubicle.wordpress.com/
Book Spotlight – Agnès @ https://rainydaywriter.wixsite.com/author
November 11th:
Book Review & Scavenger Hunt Stop #5 – Kristina @ https://kristinahallauthor.wordpress.com/blog/
https://www.instagram.com/kristinahallwriter/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21133401.Kristina_Hall
Book Review – Vanessa @ https://vanessahallauthor.wordpress.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21596469.Vanessa_Hall
November 12th:
Book Review – Lorelei @ https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/139408775-lorelei-angelino
Book Spotlight – Brianna @ https://spreadthesparkblog.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBriannaHarpel
https://www.instagram.com/briannalynncampbell/
Book Spotlight – Emily @ https://www.instagram.com/sewingjoyfulseeds/
November 13th:
Book Review – Cat @ https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/135622104-cat-t
Book Review – Deigan @ https://www.amazon.com/Across-All-Borders-Anna-Grace-ebook/dp/B09VXDVJJD
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/134376028-deigan-marie
Book Spotlight – Abigail @ https://abigailkayharris.wixsite.com/my-site
https://www.instagram.com/authorabigailkayharris/
https://www.facebook.com/authorabigailkayharris
November 14th:
Book Review – Esther @ https://neaththehackberryreadingclub.wordpress.com/
Book Review – Emma @ https://thebookdragonsalcove.blogspot.com/
November 15th:
Book Review – Heaven @ https://thebookcubicle.wordpress.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/131215333-heaven-f
Author Interview – Cora @ https://creative-choice.weebly.com/
November 16th:
Author Interview – Kayla @ https://www.knwbooks.com/blog
November 17th:
Book Review – Kylie @ https://www.amazon.com/shop/kyliehuntthefilmdirectorswife
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11945276-the-film-director-s-wife
https://www.instagram.com/thefilmdirectorswife/
Author Interview – Agnès @ https://rainydaywriter.wixsite.com/author
November 18th:
Book Review – Cora @ https://creative-choice.weebly.com/
Author Interview & Book Review – Isabella @ https://isabellagdaou.wixsite.com/inhumanpassion
November 19th:
Book Review – Katja @ https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/118578359-katja
November 6, 2022
Stockingful of Books Giveaway!
It’s giveaway time!
And yes, you read that right – another giveaway! I am thrilled to announce my book, Unworthy (Grace Sufficient, #2), is part of the Stockingful of Books Giveaway. This giveaway runs 11/6 through 11/12, and the prize consists of ten Christian books. The 1st place winner will receive all ten books (authors’ choice of format) and the 2nd place winner will receive three books (authors’ choice of format) of their choosing. A variety of genres, from fantasy to historical romance to suspense and more, are featured.
November 4, 2022
New Release + Review: The Fall by Allyson Kennedy
When you’ve lost all you’ve desperately sought to keep, why bother hoping for a second chance?
With her pent up faith in love unraveling, former hopeless romantic Emery Brooks is a shell of the girl who once craved a love story that mirrored her grandparents’ fifty-year marriage. Taking all efforts to guard her heart, she isolates herself from everything she’s ever loved, including her music and faith, now battling the same cynicism she worked so hard to protect Sawyer from.
When Emery is asked to post the video for the song she and Sawyer wrote online, her first instinct is to resist. No one understands their story. No one can relate to what they’ve gone through. Grief should not be publicized.
Resistance proves to be futile, as the video plunges Emery into a world of new possibilities. Will Emery succumb to her stubborn tendencies and avoid all risks, or learn to leap again into the comfort of God’s arms, despite uncertainty?
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After the first book in this series, I desperately needed the next. Thankfully, this story gave me at least a little bit of resolution after that heartbreaker of a first book. The continuing story of Emery and her assorted trials made me keep flipping those kindle pages!
Characters: Having read the first book, Emery was a tried and true character, and she’s such a good narrator. However, she’s definitely changed since the first book, and the author did an amazing job showing how much she’s grown – in positive and not so positive ways. Watching her work through life after the trauma of the last book was hard, but the healing she experienced was so necessary. Many of the side characters returned, and they were all fun to see. And I have to mention Jace – he was such a nice guy! I would like to see more character development with him, or maybe just a few more flaws. That will probably be explored more in later books, though, since he wasn’t introduced until close to the midpoint of the book.
Writing Style/Setting/Plot: This author’s writing style fits these books so well. It’s a perfect combination of beautiful writing and no-nonsense, Southern speech. It feels so true to life. The small town the book was based in was sweet, too, and it was good to go back to familiar places from the first book! As for the plot, it focused a lot on Emery’s past with Sawyer and moving on from so much pain. I also really liked the parts about Emery’s music career – I love the direction it’s all going! I personally would’ve like more about her career and just getting her life back on sort a stable environment rather than plunging into a romance after only a year or two post-Sawyer. Also, the way her friends and family sort of forced her into scared me a bit. (Maybe some people wouldn’t mind that, but I’d be running scared!)
Theme: So many beautiful things! God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and love were on display throughout the book. Then there was this beautiful side plot about the fleeting nature of this life and what really matters – that was lovely! The deepness of the themes in this book was amazing. We need more YA books like this. And all the Scripture was a perfect addition.
Overall, this was a great second installment to this series, and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes YA. Or really anyone, because I don’t typically read a lot in this genre, but I really love this series. I’ll be on the lookout for the next book!
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.
Allyson Kennedy is an author from eastern North Carolina whose main goal for writing is to honor God without sugarcoating the realities of the world. In her time as an indie author, she has written contemporary fiction books for middle graders and young adults, and non-fiction for Christian authors. When she’s not writing, Allyson enjoys watching movies with her husband, shooting arrows with her recurve bow, and reading, of course.
Website: https://authoringarrowheads.com/
Instagram: @authorallysonkennedy
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorallys…
Books Available At: https://books2read.com/allysonkennedy
November 2, 2022
Indie Author Giveaway!
In honor of Indie Author Day, I’m proud to be a part of an amazing giveaway of over 30 clean & Christian indie books across all genres! Two lucky winners—one US and one international—will win a slew of signed books, ebooks, and book swag like stickers and bookmarks! Contemporary romance authors like Storm Shultz and Havelah McLat, fantasy authors like M.C. Kennedy and Stefanie Lozinski, and nonfiction authors such as Karen Brough and Aminata Coote are giving away their sweet romances, epic fantasies, devotionals and journals, and more! Make sure to enter for a chance to win between November 1st and November 7th!
The Authors & PrizesHavelah McLat – A Forever Summer ebook
Kristina Hall – Ebook copies of Midnight Will Come and Darkness Draws Near
Valerie Howard – ebook of winner’s choice
Vanessa Hall – ebook copy of Unknown (Grace Sufficient, #1)
B.R. Goodwin – 2 ebooks in YA Christian fiction series, What Remains: What Remains in the Wilderness and What Remains When Flowers Fade
Karen Brough – Ebooks: Be Held By Him – Finding God When Life Knocks You Off Your Feet and Be Held By Him Companion Guidebook- Finding God When Life Knocks You Off Your Feet
Mary Grace van der Kroef – The Branch That I Am ebook and signed paperback (if the international winner is in Canada, possibly three original art stickers from my Redbubble art shop if the international winner is in Canada.)
Annah Conwell – signed paperback and bookmark
Brigitte Cromey – Paperback copy of nonmagical kingdom fantasy novel Star of Hope (ebook copy for international winner) and 2” vinyl sticker featuring the flag design from Star of Hope
Kellyn Roth – a paperback copy of The Dressmaker’s Secret and a related piece of jewelry
H. E. Reynolds – ebook copy of Death Comes to Greenwood
The Silver Hand/Noah Lynch – A signed copy of The Silver Hand (second book) and a signed 8 X 11 Print of a hand-drawn portrait of Wolfram from upcoming novel, Pale Phoenix (Digtal).
Nicole Lam – Ebook or physical book of On The Beat and a matching bookmark
Storm Shultz – signed copy of Meant to Bee and save the bees sticker for US winner and e-copy of Meant to Bee for international winner
Brianna Lynn Campbell – three short story ebooks (Shadows in my Hands, Lost in Control, and A Future of Lost Lullabies)
Drew Taylor – Signed copy of The Designated Friend/character sticker/bookmark (international: ebook version of The Designated Friend)
Julie Arduini – signed copy of Anchored Hearts
E. N. Chaffin – Free ebook of Avarice, Book Two in the Sin Series (Pryde, Book One is already free on Amazon, Google Books, and where ebooks are sold.)
Molly & Brad – If Only Christmas Would Come Paperback, 2 bookmarks and a sticker
Erica Richardson – 1 Paperback copy of Peregrine: a novella and 1 Digital copy of Peregrine: a novella
Lydia MacClaren – Ebook copy of novel, Seven Lives Saved
Britt Richards – Paperback copy of Pushing Through with a bookmark and art print postcard.
Amber Lambda – ebook copy of Halos
T. L. Wynne – A signed copy of Daddy and Me paperback book.
Maegan M. Simpson – A signed paperback of Aderes in Karkhana, and possibly a bookmark and sticker
M. C. Kennedy – A paperback copy of A Wolf’s Rose (YA Fantasy) and hand-drawn scene from AWR
Deidre Sequeira – Paperback of Isla Emerged and swag
Alexandria Miracola – A signed copy of upcoming novel, Penelope Grace and the Winter Carousel.
Jill Beene – Physical copy of Mr. Pickwick’s Guide to Marriageable Young Ladies
E. G. Bella – ebook of The Toymaker’s Doll
S. F. Brooke – An e-copy of Christian fiction/romance novel, The Strength in Rubble!
Effie Joe Stock – Digital copies of book Child of the Dragon Prophecy and possibly Heir of Two Kingdoms
Ashton Dorow – Ebook copies of The Peasant Queen and The Love of a Princess
Stefanie Lozinkski – ebook copies of Magnify and Majesty
Aminata Coote – Draw Closer: a 52 week devotional journal for women
R. M. Scheller – Ebook for Extension Squad Vol. 1 and physical merch bundle (character stickers, standees, bookmarks)
Sarah Rodecker – A signed paperback of my book, Escape from Mathebos, and a set of swag
Hannah Morgan – Our Next Chapter, with assorted little gifts like bookmarks, bookish stickers, tea bags
Lillian Keith – Ebook (PDF version) copy of Should We Tell Her? (for international winner) and a signed, physical copy of An Apprentice Escapes (plus a Lyla MC doll; made from wool, 4 ½ inches tall), for U.S Winner.
Jes Drew – A signed paperback copy of At Summer’s End with stickers/ebook copy of At Summer’s End for international winner
Nicki Chapelway – An ebook of Snow White retelling Winter Cursed
Alyssa Casanova – Free PDF of book for international winners; free signed hardcover once released Bedtime for Spider a picture book for 2-4 year olds.
Alyssa Schwarz – Ebook copy of The Glass Road (the next installment in the Prescott Family Romance series), and a downloadable phone wallpaper.
Abigail Kay Harris – A digital 8×10 print, digital ebook, and digital bookmark file for intl. winner; and print 8×10, bookmark, and sticker for US winner with ebook.
Emily Wright – Ebook (PDF) copies of Trial of Strength, Trial by Fire, and Trial of Courage
Erica Dansereau – Physical copy Come Forth as GoldE. M. Chaffin – Signed copy of Newfangled Madness and stickers
RulesThe giveaway begins Nov. 1st at 12am EST and ends Nov. 7th 12pm EST.
Open to US and international entrants. Entrants under 18 will need parental permission to enter. There will be TWO winners—one inside the US and one outside. The intl. winner will receive digital prizes—no physical prizes will be included UNLESS the intl. winner resides in the same country as one or more of our intl. authors and they are willing to ship prizes.
The US winner must provide their shipping information and, if applicable, the intl. winner may have to as well.
The giveaway is hosted by Grace A. Johnson, but she is not responsible for any shipping issues or issues/concerns with the prizes except for the ones she offers personally. The giveaway is not affiliated with any of the platforms—i.e., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok—on which it may be shared, or with its internet host, Rafflecopter.
The winners will be announced on Grace’s social platforms (her blog, Facebook, and Instagram) and notified by her through their email.
All entrants are required to provide their email address to confirm their entry. Any other information (i.e., social media handles) is contingent upon which entry methods they choose. To enter, entrants may (1) subscribe to all the authors’ email newsletters, (2) share the giveaway on social media or with a friend, OR (3) follow one or more authors on their primary social media platform. Entrants may pick and choose which of these tasks to complete to qualify for entry.
If anyone has any questions, they are free to contact Grace through her website, graceajohnson.com.
The Link!October 31, 2022
Reformation Day (Featuring Quotes!)
Five hundred and six years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenburg, Germany, and the Protestant Reformation was sparked. I’m personally a huge fan of Luther (not that I agree with everything he said – everyone has weird ideas in some areas of life, I’ve found), but even such a great man as Martin Luther was still just that – a man. He was used by the Lord to do great things, but only because of the Lord’s mercies. And isn’t that just beautiful? God can take broken, sinful people like Luther – like us – and use them for His glory and His Will.
So, in honor of Reformation Day, here are a few of my favorite quotes by Luther.
“We therefore make this definition of the Christian: a Christian is not he who hath no sin, but he to whom God imputeth not his sin, through faith in Christ. That is why we so often repeat and beat into your minds, the forgiveness of sins and imputation of righteousness for Christ’s sake. Therefore when the law accuseth him and sin terrifieth him, he looked up to Christ, and when he hath apprehended Him by faith, he hath present with him the conqueror of the law, sin, death, and the devil: and Christ reigned over them, so that they cannot hurt the Christian.”
Don’t you just love that turn of phrase “beat into your minds”? It is a translation from German, but I think it’s so fitting. I need truth beat into my mind all the time, because how often I am prone to wander.
“If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.”
A bonus for all my writer friends. 
“Now, if my salvation was so costly and dear a price unto Christ, that He was constrained to die for my sins, then all my works, with all the righteousness of the law, are but vile and nothing worth, in comparison with this inestimable price.”
If we truly grasped the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice, would we ever drift back into legalism? Our righteousness is nothing but filthy rags, the Word says, and how can that ever compare to Christ’s sacrifice?
“For I do not only hear that this Almighty God, the creator and maker of all things, is good and merciful, but also that the same high sovereign Majesty was so careful for me, a damnable sinner, a child or wrath, that He spared not His own dear Son, but delivered Him up to a most shameful death, that He hanging between two thieves, might be made a curse and bear sins for me a cursed sinner, that I might be made blessed, that is to say, the child and heir of God.”
We are made blessed because Christ was cursed for us.
That is just an incredible thought to consider – what wondrous love is this?
So I’ll end with two verses that connect to this quote (instead of my rambling, because the Word is far better.) And that was what the Reformation was all about – the power of the Word of God, which is far greater than any other.
Galatians 3:1:
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree …”
Psalms 2:12
“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.”
October 28, 2022
Tour + Review: Emotional Commotion by Marisa Phillips
A whirlwind of emotions…creating a commotion in your soul.
Emotions are a part of everyday life. Something we feel and think…and live. Often they overpower us pouring out in a commotion of actions or words. This collection is comprised of five short stories based on, Love, Loyalty, Bravery, Joy, and Forgiveness to take you deep into the souls of the characters and let you experience their Emotional Commotion.
GoodreadsAmazonReview
5 stars
Wow, what a creative and moving debut from this author! I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a series of short stories by the same author, but it was such an excellent idea – and even better that they’re all connected by the underlying theme of certain emotions/virtues.
“Love” – This one was so beautiful as it showed what love wasn’t and where true love came from. And I just love “Nothing but the Blood.” The inclusion of that hymn in the story just made it even better than it already was. A story that began with so much sadness but ended with healing from the Lord.
“Loyalty” – Wow, that one was intense. I was exactly ready for that ending – I knew it wasn’t going to go well for the characters, but my poor heart. But what a picture of loyalty in spite of the cost and the pain.
“Bravery” – I loved how this story, focusing on courage, didn’t include the most epic feat in a character’s life. (Not that what he did was easy, though!) But the story included overcoming one’s fear even in a horrible situation, not necessarily being free of all fear and doing crazy stunts. And I appreciated the ending to this one.
“Joy” – This one was just so sweet! The reunion of the family was just such a precious moment, and it was a wonderful addition to this book. It just felt so joyful! (Lame wording on my part, but it’s the truth.)
“Forgiveness” – And this one had a dragon in it! The arc of the main character in this one was really lovely, and I especially appreciated this story after reading how the author personally connected with it. And such important truths about forgiveness even in the face of so much wrongdoing.
Also, I have to mention that the illustrations were amazing – Jaiden Phillips did an excellent job, and the illustrations made the book even more wonderful.
Overall, this was such a wonderful debut with engaging stories and creative concepts, and I’m excited to read more from this author. Prepare yourself to get your feelings crushed a few times, though!
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.
Marisa Philips is a teen author, saved by the grace of God! She was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. She is the sixth child out of seven and has been homeschooled her whole life. She likes to write fast-paced stories that catch the attention of all and that will hopefully inspire them in a wonderful way.
She enjoys hiking, writing, reading a good fast-paced book, baking, daydreaming, teasing her sisters, and playing with her dog, Ruger.
Connect with her!Tour ScheduleMonday, Oct. 24th
Sisters Three – Blog Tour Launch Announcement
Kylie Beevers – Spotlight and Author Interview
Tuesday, Oct. 25thThe Introspective Introvert -Author Interview, Story Quote, and Spotlight
Writers’ Vision – Spotlight
Wednesday, Oct. 26thSaraina Whitney – Interview and Story Quote
Issabelle Perry – Author Interview
Lorelei Angelino – Story Quote, Spotlight, Review
M. C. Kennedy – Spotlight
Vanessa Hall – Spotlight and Story Quote
Thursday, Oct. 27thKristina Hall – Review and Story Quote
Joy C. Woodbury – Review
The Rainy Day Writer – Review
Writers’ Vision – Interview
Friday, Oct 28thSaraina Whitney – Review
Old Fashioned Book Love – Review and Spotlight
Vanessa Hall – Review
Sisters Three – End of Tour Post
October 26, 2022
Quote + Spotlight: Emotional Commotion by Marisa Phillips
A whirlwind of emotions…creating a commotion in your soul.
Emotions are a part of everyday life. Something we feel and think…and live. Often they overpower us pouring out in a commotion of actions or words. This collection is comprised of five short stories based on, Love, Loyalty, Bravery, Joy, and Forgiveness to take you deep into the souls of the characters and let you experience their Emotional Commotion.
GoodreadsAmazonQuote!
About the AuthorMarisa Philips is a teen author, saved by the grace of God! She was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. She is the sixth child out of seven and has been homeschooled her whole life. She likes to write fast-paced stories that catch the attention of all and that will hopefully inspire them in a wonderful way.
She enjoys hiking, writing, reading a good fast-paced book, baking, daydreaming, teasing her sisters, and playing with her dog, Ruger.
Connect with her!October 25, 2022
New Release: Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
Annalise Van Houten knows what it’s like to live in an oppressive situation. Sent to live with her conniving aunt and uncle in Ridge Gap, Tennessee after her parents die, she dreads the plans they have for her future. When she discovers the handsome Reverend Matthias Sorenson assisting runaway slaves, can Annalise convince him to allow her to help?
Reverend Matthias Sorenson has a heart for serving others—and freeing them. An integral part of the Faith Train, he helps free slaves. When a beautiful newcomer to his church wishes to partake in the organization, can he trust her not to endanger their lives?
Lives in jeopardy. A race against time. Will mistrust prove fatal for all involved?
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.
Today, Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor.
When Penny is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.
Penny is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com and her blog at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.
Sign up for Penny’s newsletter through her blog at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com (the subscribe to my newsletter tab) for information about giveaways, free books, happenings, and other fun morsels.
October 24, 2022
Review + Tour: A Homewood Christmas
This collection of six Christmas novellas is presented to you by the Aunties of the King’s Daughters Writing Camp. They’ve been working for almost a year to put together a volume of Christmas stories set against the backdrop of a nostalgic Minnesota town—and scattered across history from the mid-1800s to the 21st century.
The Collection at a GlanceTitle: A Homewood Christmas
Authors: Courtenay Burden, Erika Mathews, Hannah Gridley, Angie Thompson, Rebekah A. Morris, Hannah Foster
Genre: Clean Christmas Fiction
Theme: Hometown Christmases with Strong Christian Messages
Page Count: 482
Launch Date: October 24, 2022
Come home to a small-town Christmas through the ages…
The close-knit community of Homewood, Minnesota might not even be a dot on most maps. But from its earliest settlement to the present day, a warm Christmas welcome and a shining Moravian star have been its hallmarks of the holiday.
Step into the bustle of preparations as a young orphan travels an unexpected path to the Christmas he’s longed for and a boisterous flock of cousins learns the eternal secrets of the Christmas fruit bowl. Follow a wintery road with a widowed mother in the shadow of war and a generous aunt trying her best for her family as they search for a place where they truly belong. Slip into the fire glow next to a lonely stranger with a terrible secret and a hometown girl trying to escape past hurts, and watch Christmas light and love warm even the coldest places.
With so many ways to celebrate the season, one reason undergirds them all—and the Christmas stars of Homewood never tire of telling His story!
Buy!GoodreadsA Homewood Christmas is more than just a collection of Christmas tales. It’s also a holiday treasure hunt that will keep you making surprise connections all the way through. Keep your eyes open for recurring characters, locations, and of course, the special Christmas star that pops up in every story!
Star of Bethlehem (Courtenay Burden): As ten-year-old Earnest tries to help his new aunt fit in to the family during the Christmas of 1843, he learns valuable lessons about fitting in himself as he ponders the fact that Bethlehem had no room for his Savior.
The Christmas Fruit Bowl (Erika Mathews): During Christmas 1900, it seems nothing can redeem the holiday for Auntie Beth’s nine nieces and nephew—except perhaps a treasured heirloom that holds eternal lessons about the true Christmas fruit of the spirit.
Room in the Manger? (Hannah Gridley): During World War II, a widowed mother in the big city takes her young children home for Christmas so they can experience a real family Christmas in Homewood, but will they find room in the busy little town?
Home Forever (Angie Thompson): Just before Christmas of 1955, a big-city visitor offers Magda the perfect present for her family—or is it truly what they want after all?
He is Still Emmanuel (Rebekah A. Morris): Aunt Peggy befriends a troubled young woman during the Christmas season of 1985, but can she show her that, no matter what, Jesus is still Emmanuel?
An Auntie for Christmas (Hannah Foster): All seven-year-old Lora wants for Christmas 2013 is for Auntie Jaz to come home–but can old hurts be mended in time for the holiday?
Meet the AuthorsAll six of the authors who collaborated on A Homewood Christmas are part of the Aunties Team at the King’s Daughters Writing Camp (www.kingsdaughterswritingcamp.com). Here’s a little personal introduction to each of them:
Courtenay Burden is a homeschool graduate, Victorian fanatic, and author of historical fiction. She loves working with yarn, devouring history, playing the occasional game of chess, and discovering new ways to cook the humble potato. She is passionate about good and great literature—writing that embodies both literary and spiritual excellence for the glory of Christ.
Connect with Courtenay: sawpublishing.com
Erika Mathews writes Christian living books, both fiction and non-fiction, that demonstrate the power of God in ordinary people, transforming daily life into His resting life. The author of the kingdom adventure fiction series Truth from Taerna, she’s passionate about encouraging others to intimately know Jesus. She enjoys playing with her children, editing, anything outdoors, being organized, autumn, apple crisp, and sunrises.
Connect with Erika: restinglife.com
Hannah Gridley is a church employee, a music teacher, and a historical fiction author from Arkansas. She loves gardening, online team games, English, and hot tea. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her outdoors in the garden or hiking, reading, or trying to grow something exotic.
Connect with Hannah: goodreads.com/user/show/17442587-hannah or on Truth Social as @BookwormHannahGardens
An avid reader and incurable story-spinner, Angie Thompson also enjoys volunteering in her church’s children’s program and starting (but not always finishing) various kinds of craft projects. She currently lives in central Virginia near most of her incredible family, including two parents, six brothers, one sister, and five siblings-in-law—plus four nieces, six nephews, and several assorted pets!
Connect with Angie: quietwaterspress.com
Rebekah A. Morris is a homeschool graduate, an enthusiastic freelance author, and a passionate writing teacher. Her books include, among others, Home Fires of the Great War, The Unexpected Request, Gift from the Storm, and her bestselling Triple Creek Ranch series. Some of her favorite pastimes, when she isn’t writing, include reading and coming up with dramatic and original things to do. The Show-Me state is where she calls home.
Connect with Rebekah: readanotherpage.com/blog
Hannah Foster was born and raised in North Carolina where she was homeschooled with her eight siblings. She attended college in Minnesota where she got her bachelor’s degree in literature, learned to survive temperatures of below zero, and became Mrs. Foster. Hannah loves writing small-town Christian romance with spunky, sassy women and strong, protective men. And if you started running as soon as you saw she writes romance, then she hopes you’ll come back and give it a chance. She writes for the ones who think they hate romance because romance as designed by God is good, beautiful, and right. So if you love small towns, families that love, gentle romance, delightful characters, and an imperfect church serving a perfect God, then you’ve come to the right place. If you don’t find Hannah reading or writing a book, you might find her watercolor painting, playing tennis with her husband, or making coffee at a small-town cafe.
Connect with Hannah: hannahfosterwrites.wordpress.com
My Review of “Home Forever”What a beautiful Christmas story that truly gave me all the warm fuzzies! As usual, Angie Thompson absolutely blew me away with her writing – definitely a must-read for this Christmas season!
Characters: Magda was just the sweetest aunt, and I loved her interactions with all of her nieces and nephews. (And she was a mechanical-minded person – yay! I don’t know I’ve ever read a story where a girl is a mechanic. Loved it!) Her spot in life was also really touching, especially how sacrificial she was to her sister, brother-in-law, and all the kids. (Also, so many kids, and I loved it! They were all so precious and particular in their own ways.) I was never a big fan of Ilene; she just felt like bad news. But each of the characters were so fleshed-out even in a short story, and I cared for them so much even after just a few pages.
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The setting was so sweet and mid-century. I know the fifties are kind of sugar-coated for us now, but things were simpler in some ways back then. I loved the small-town feeling (and yay that all the stories are set in that town!) The writing style was really fitting for the story – Angie has a very certain writing style, and it always works for her books. And the plot – just excellent! I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen, and while there wasn’t a bunch of action (well, not any, really), I was captivated by the characters and the goings-on of their lives.
Moral/Theme: The importance of family and serving people as the Lord has called you to was a big part of this story. I loved Magda’s selfless heart and how far she went to care for her family. (And her family cared for her right back as well as they could!) Family matters far more than riches or gifts ever will, and that was shown so clearly.
Overall, I loved this story! If you’re looking for a good book to read this Christmas season, look no further – you won’t be disappointed!
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.
October 21, 2022
Blog Tour + Review: After Our Castle by Kellyn Roth
And they lived … well, happily ever after.
A year into a blissfully happy marriage, Violet Angel admits to a dose of skepticism. She’s not married, granted—but as the closest friend of the bride and groom, she feels she has a perspective no one but the people directly involved could have. There’s no such thing as a happy ending, and it’s only a matter of time before the castle in the sky plummets to earth.
If only Violet were always wrong instead of just mostly wrong. Ivy McAllen doesn’t believe she and her new husband are out of the honeymoon period—if they are, she isn’t going to admit it to herself—but there are certainly areas of adjustment that she hadn’t expected.
Changes at the village of Keefmore and in Ivy’s life lead to complications, and Violet spirals further and further from reality. When a castle in the sky turns out to be more cloud than stronghold, finding a foothold proves more than a little difficult.
GoodreadsAmazonMy ReviewAfter Our Castle by Kellyn Roth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Books set in Scotland tend to have an extra allure, so it was wonderful that this sixth book in The Chronicles of Alice & Ivy would be in Scotland with Ivy and Jordy. And we get to see Ivy and Jordy in their first few years of marriage … with an addition of Violet as a side character!
Characters: Ivy has been one of my favorite characters in this series since I first began reading it, and I still like her a lot. She is just such a sweetheart and angel. It was good to see her grow throughout the book and watch her march on through life even though it was far different from her upbringing. I wished she had played the piano, more, though! But that’s just coming from a music lover. And Jordy … hmm. Since he wasn’t in there very much, I didn’t feel super connected to him. He also went through a lot of growth, and I would’ve love to see more of him. However, there was a super touching scene near the back of the novel that was so sweet between Ivy and Jordy – quite excellent! And then there was Violet. Poor Violet. She has so many problems, and I really just need to see her have some sort of healing. She can definitely be hard to read, though, so beware if you’re sensitive to depression/suicidal thoughts.
Setting/Plot/Writing Style: Of course, the setting in Scotland was a great addition to the book! It didn’t feel extremely Scottish, but that could also be because all of the people had been in Scotland for a fair amount of time and wouldn’t necessarily be thinking about how different it is from England. The writing style was lovely – very fitting for the book and well edited. As for the plot … I found it a bit slow throughout (mostly because I think more in the suspense world of fiction). A lot of the plot focused on Ivy and Jordy’s early marriage, disappointments, and miscommunications (more on that in a bit.) However, if you’re a fan of historical fiction, this pacing probably won’t bother you! Violet’s arc was a bit more difficult to read, though, and it was just very sad. That final twist was also … yeah, interesting. (You’ll know if you read it.)
Moral/Theme: A big facet of this book was the use of birth control and whether certain people should have kids. While this is definitely a very important topic for married couples or people planning to marry soon, I’m not in that stage of life, so it wasn’t super pertinent to me. I also wished Ivy would have just stated outright what she thought and then discussed it in depth with Jordy, but then again, people always fail to communicate in everyday life, and she wasn’t sure what the respectful course was. I did really enjoy the part where Ivy and Jordy talk about Jordy’s fears and reservations about having kids – that was the really sweet scene near the end of the book that I mentioned.
Overall, this is a well-written historical fiction starring familiar characters, and fans of British historical fiction will probably enjoy very much!
Kellyn Roth is a historical romance & women’s fiction author who writes about the empty places where hope has the most room to grow. Her novels include the inspirational Victorian family saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, and the Kees & Colliers series, which follows a broken family in the tumultuous years of the first half of the 20th century.
Kellyn is a student of the Author Conservatory and a writing coach. When not building her author career, she is likely getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, watching period dramas and facetious comedies, or spending time with her husband.
ScheduleWednesday, October 12th
Kickoff by Kellyn Roth @ Lilacs and Reveries
Book Spotlight by Ryana Lynn @ Life of Heritage Corner
Book Spotlight by Kristina Hall
Thursday, October 13th
Author Interview by M.C. Kennedy @ Graceful Reflections
Friday, October 14th
Book Spotlight by Jana T. @ Reviews from the Stacks
Saturday, October 15th (RELEASE DAY!)
Launch Day Celebration by Kellyn Roth @ Lilacs and Reveries
Book Spotlight by Emma @ The Book Dragon’s Alcove
Sunday, October 16th
Review by Hannah Martin @ Precious Book Stacks
Monday, October 17th
Review by Joy C. Woodbury @ Discipleship with Joy
Tuesday, October 18th
Review by Katja L. @ Old-Fashioned Book Love
Wednesday, October 19th
A Post About The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy by Kellyn Roth @ Lilacs and Reveries
Thursday, October 20th
Book Spotlight by Grace A. Johnson @ Of Blades and Thorns
Friday, October 21st
Review by Vanessa Hall
Saturday, October 22nd
Review by Hannah Killian @ The Writerly Worm
Wrapup (which will publish in the evening!) by Kellyn Roth @ Lilacs and Reveries
