Vanessa Hall's Blog, page 19
August 22, 2022
Cover Reveal: 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.
GoodreadsPreorderAbout the Author
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!Cover Reveal
August 19, 2022
Tour + Review: Should We Tell Her? by Lillian Keith
“Mommy’s in Africa,” You kept saying, and you smiled for the first time since Mom hadn’t come home.
And suddenly, I didn’t want that smile to disappear. I didn’t want to hear your pleading voice asking over and over when Mom would come home. And I didn’t want to see the disappointment in your eyes anymore.
When summer turns to tragedy, twelve year old Aspen and her younger sister Wren struggle to cope. But how can they when their youngest sister can’t understand what is happening? Will they be able to pull together to help each other or will they fall apart?
AmazonGoodreadsMy ReviewShould We Tell Her? by Lillian Keith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
This is my first book by Lillian Keith, and I’ve found a gem in the middle grade genre! This author has written a book full of lovable, realistic characters, sweet themes, and both heart-wrenching and humorous moments.
Characters: Aspen was a great MC/narrator for this story. She was such a great big sister, and her grief was so realistic. I thought it was so true-to-life how she almost bought into the stories she told her younger sister, Piper. And then there was Wren, who was just a perfect little sister sidekick! I loved how she worked together with Aspen as they cared for Piper. And speaking of Piper … what a sweetheart! Curtis was a great addition to the gang. Each of these kids was written very well – they didn’t seem to old or too young, depending on their ages. The rest of the characters were fun, too, including George (though I felt Aspen’s pain when he got into the habit of destroying things.)
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The island where Aspen and her family lived was a really interesting setting! I enjoyed the trips to the beach and out onto the sea, as well as the scenes at the boardwalk/fair. It definitely added another element to the story. The author’s writing was excellent – I really loved this part of the book. Her style fit the book perfectly, not too flowery nor too dry, and this makes it perfect for a middle grade book! I was also really interested by the first person perspective combined with – I think – second person. Very cool. The plot, while not action-packed, was definitely interesting and kept me turning the pages. And then there was that overarching suspense that just made me so scared!
Theme: While this wasn’t an outright Christian book, the author touched on several lovely themes, especially supporting and caring for those you love. It was beautiful to see all of the characters come together and take care of each other in the end. One minor thing that sort of bothered me (and I’m still undecided on), was the deception the older girls used on Piper. That’s definitely a really tricky situation, and would a small child even understand the truth if it were shared with her? This is a question for pondering! But overall, I really enjoyed the themes of coming together and supporting each other throughout life.
If you’re a fan of middle grade books, be sure to check this story out! It was such a wonderful, original premise, and I’m excited to read more by Lillian Keith in the future!
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.
Lillian Keith (you can just call her Lily for short!) never grew out of her love for children’s literature. She has been telling stories all her life, first to her dolls, and then to her family, and hopefully to more kids in the future. She’s the author of the short story, An Apprentice Escapes, and the middle grade novella, Should We Tell Her?
Aside from writing, you’ll often find her feeding wild rabbits, arguing with spell check on Google Docs, or talking with her imaginary friends *ahem* story characters. Feel free to drop by her site and say ‘hi’. She loves meeting new people, hearing from excited readers, and making new friends (be forewarned, though. She loves puns and may try to sneak one into the conversation when you’re not looking!)
U.S Giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d7ac306c1/?
International Giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d7ac306c2/?
Saturday, August 13th
The Introspective Introvert — Kickoff Post, Spotlight, and Giveaway Announcement!
Kristina Hall — Sneak Peak and Book Review
Sunday, August 14th
Joy C. Woodbury — Spotlight (and possible book review)
Monday, August 15th
The Misty Mayflower — Behind-the-Book Interview
Vanessa Hall — Sneak Peak
Grace A. Johnson — Spotlight and Guest Post
Sisters Three — Author Interview and Sneak Peak
Rooted Scribbles — Behind-the-Book Interview, and Spotlight
Saraina Whitney — Author Interview
Tuesday, August 16th
Amy The Beloved — Art and Music Post
Once Upon an Ordinary — Interview
Wednesday, August 17th
Grace A. Johnson — Author Interview
The Pencil Sisters — Guest Post
Thursday, August 18th
Saraina Whitney — Sneak Peak
The Introspective Introvert — How to Make a Postcard
Friday, August 19th
Allie Anderson — Behind-the-Book Interview
Vanessa Hall — Book Review
Alicia Marentette — Spotlight, Sneak Peak, and Guest Post
Into My Writing Journey — Behind the Book Interview
Saturday, August 20th
Sparkle Girl— Character Interview (Curtis), plus Book Review
Rewrites With A Faerie Pen — Sneak Peak, Character Interview (Curtis), and Book Review
Sunday, August 21st
The Introspective Introvert — End of Giveaway
August 15, 2022
Blog Tour + Sneak Peak: Should We Tell Her? by Lillian Keith
“Mommy’s in Africa,” You kept saying, and you smiled for the first time since Mom hadn’t come home.
And suddenly, I didn’t want that smile to disappear. I didn’t want to hear your pleading voice asking over and over when Mom would come home. And I didn’t want to see the disappointment in your eyes anymore.
When summer turns to tragedy, twelve year old Aspen and her younger sister Wren struggle to cope. But how can they when their youngest sister can’t understand what is happening? Will they be able to pull together to help each other or will they fall apart?
GoodreadsAmazonSneak Peeks!
Giveaway!U.S Giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d7ac306c1/?
International Giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d7ac306c2/?
Lillian Keith (you can just call her Lily for short!) never grew out of her love for children’s literature. She has been telling stories all her life, first to her dolls, and then to her family, and hopefully to more kids in the future. She’s the author of the short story, An Apprentice Escapes, and the middle grade novella, Should We Tell Her?
Aside from writing, you’ll often find her feeding wild rabbits, arguing with spell check on Google Docs, or talking with her imaginary friends *ahem* story characters. Feel free to drop by her site and say ‘hi’. She loves meeting new people, hearing from excited readers, and making new friends (be forewarned, though. She loves puns and may try to sneak one into the conversation when you’re not looking!)
Saturday, August 13th
The Introspective Introvert — Kickoff Post, Spotlight, and Giveaway Announcement!
Kristina Hall — Sneak Peak and Book Review
Sunday, August 14th
Joy C. Woodbury — Spotlight (and possible book review)
Monday, August 15th
The Misty Mayflower — Behind-the-Book Interview
Vanessa Hall — Sneak Peak
Grace A. Johnson — Spotlight and Guest Post
Sisters Three — Author Interview and Sneak Peak
Rooted Scribbles — Behind-the-Book Interview, and Spotlight
Saraina Whitney — Author Interview
Tuesday, August 16th
Amy The Beloved — Art and Music Post
Once Upon an Ordinary — Interview
Wednesday, August 17th
Grace A. Johnson — Author Interview
The Pencil Sisters — Guest Post
Thursday, August 18th
Saraina Whitney — Sneak Peak
The Introspective Introvert — How to Make a Postcard
Friday, August 19th
Allie Anderson — Behind-the-Book Interview
Vanessa Hall — Book Review
Alicia Marentette — Spotlight, Sneak Peak, and Guest Post
Into My Writing Journey — Behind the Book Interview
Saturday, August 20th
Sparkle Girl— Character Interview (Curtis), plus Book Review
Rewrites With A Faerie Pen — Sneak Peak, Character Interview (Curtis), and Book Review
Sunday, August 21st
The Introspective Introvert — End of Giveaway
August 12, 2022
Spotlight + Review: 25 DIY Non-Toxic Household Products by Faith Blum
This book is a little different from most that I usually read and review, but I’m a huge advocate for a more natural lifestyle. This book is a great starter to begin working on removing “normal” cleaners and products and replacing them with natural, non-toxic products. The Lord gave us plenty of safe and natural ingredients on this earth, and it’s amazing to learn all the different uses for those ingredients.
Your home is your sanctuary, When wanting to keep your family safe, you do whatever you can. But have you thought about what household products you use? Maybe you haven’t or, if you have, you aren’t sure where to start to finding budget-friendly, non-toxic products.
This book compiles 25 DIY recipes that I have made and used myself. Many of the recipes use common household items to help make them more budget friendly and easy to make.
The recipes include:
ShampooChest RubToilet CleanerPowdered Laundry SoapDishwasher DetergentDeodorantWindow Cleanerand moreI have spent over 15 years making my own non-toxic products of various kinds and it is a passion of mine to help others discover their own ways to keep their homes safe. I hope this book blesses you as much as it has blessed my family.
Buy Ebook!Buy Paperback!About the Author
Faith Blum is a stay-at-home mom and author of (primarily) Christian Historical fiction from Wisconsin. She loves sewing, beating her husband (usually) at Yahtzee, learning more about history. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her playing outside with her son, reading, or trying her new hobby of sourdough making. You can connect with her on Instagram.
My Review25 DIY Non-Toxic Household Products by Faith Blum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love learning about natural, clean alternatives to all sorts of things, and this book holds a collection of lovely recipes for products that can replace toxic ones in your home. I appreciated the introduction that gave just a short summary of why you should stay away from “normal” cleaners and other household products, and because it was kept pretty short, it didn’t feel like reading some sort of long, scientific article. The author just hit the main points and moved right on into the recipes.
The recipes were pretty varied -shampoo to deodorant to hardwood floor cleaner to chest rub. The recipes were laid out well and easy to understand, and I also appreciated that most of the recipes didn’t have a bunch of super expensive, hard to find ingredients. Some natural alternatives require a lot of ingredients that most people don’t readily have or just can’t imagine spending that much money on.
Overall, this was a great collection of recipes for natural alternatives for common household products. I’d recommend this book for anyone who is just getting into using more natural products, as well as those who might be looking for some new recipes to try out!
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.
August 9, 2022
Review: One in a Galaxy by Angie Thompson
One in a Galaxy by Angie Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. I didn’t know what to expect from this novel, but I was absolutely blown away by it! This is YA sci-fi, but it’s a different twist that I had prepared myself for, and I absolutely loved it!
Characters: The entire novel is told in first person from Riley’s perspective. Usually, I’m not a huge fan of one person being the only narrator, but it worked perfectly in this book. Riley was written so well – he thought and acted like a kid. That can be really hard to nail down, but everything he did just seemed so fitting and accurate. He wasn’t super smart or way too mature; he made silly mistakes and did expected kid-like things. So well-written. And he was just such a sweetheart, too! I loved his arc, but it was so sad to watch him learn about his past. Then there was Grey, who was just such a great dad to Riley. I loved their close relationship, and while I didn’t agree with everything Grey did with Riley, it was clear Grey tried to take care of his son as well as he possibly could. And then there was Mina. My sweet Mina! She was so brave and kind and loving, and she was the exact person Grey and Riley needed in their lives. And for the others characters … Luca was such a good friend, and the rest of the church was so kind. Glenna and Thorne were … well, jerks, and since they were supposed to be, they adequately filled their rolls.
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: The setting was really interesting as a sci-fi novel. I have very little exposure to space stories, but I thought the author did an amazing job creating these other planets and different travel methods. But while it was obviously sci-fi, it also wasn’t overly confusing or too technical. And the writing style. Wow. It was just perfect for this story. It wasn’t distracting, and it flowed so well that I just got lost in the story. It wasn’t a chore to read -it was a joy to read! And the plot. At first, I wasn’t really sure where the story was going. The first half is a lot of day-in-the-life (which is super interesting on a different planet) and character development. Then things just speed to the end with all of the bombshells that are exposed about Riley’s past. That last part really just sealed the deal for me.
Theme: This was amazing. There were beautiful messages of sacrifice and love throughout, and Riley’s journey to the Lord was so wonderful. I also loved the pro-life aspect that was presented differently than most other pro-life books I’ve read. (view spoiler)[ Riley’s parents didn’t want him because he would have interrupted their careers, and therefore, they were willing to just send him away so he wouldn’t impede their lives. Yet Grey stepped in and sacrificed so much for Riley to save his life – because Riley, even though he might’ve had a physical flaw, was still worth so much. His life was incredibly precious. And I couldn’t help but think about the ending where Glenna tried to convince Riley to go to the medical facility -she used so many lies and deceit to convince him that was the right way. That coercion is a major tactic that is utilized to convince a woman to get an abortion, and that’s obviously horrendous! (hide spoiler)] So I loved this different way of presenting a pro-life theme, and there were so many touching moments throughout the entire story.
Overall: I loved this book. I’m pretty much convinced Angie Thompson can write in any genre, and I’d love it! An amazing read!
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.
View all my reviews
August 5, 2022
Review: Minor Detail by P.D. Atkerson
Minor Detail by P.D. Atkerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
As always, a P.D. Atkerson book holds plenty of surprises – and wow, this one was full of shockers!
Characters: Neil. Wow, that kid. He was such an easy character to read, and the scrapes he got into were action-packed. I will say this is another instance where I kinda had to suspend disbelief (given he’s around ten years old), but once I got into the story, that didn’t bother me much. And Fieldson … I just love that guy! His and Neil’s relationship was so sweet, yet it still teetered on the edge of disaster. Fieldson’s character is just so amazing, though – he’s calm, resourceful, and just so intriguing. As for the side characters, they added interest to the plot – Blaze was so clueless, and Becky was a bit sketchy.
Setting/Writing Style/Plot: This was definitely a different setting from the other P.D. Atkerson books I’ve read – England! It was interesting to read about the mansion, old church, and of course, Air Force One. As for the writing style, it worked really well for this type of story. To the point, concise, and with that dry humor that’s so fun! As for the plot … wow! It was definitely an interesting twist to see these characters as bodyguards, and there was plenty of action and suspense. And all the shockers that came out throughout the book … well, it just made me love this story even more.
Moral/Theme: There wasn’t a super heavy, single theme in this book (at least to my knowledge), but there were threads of the importance of love and sacrifice. Fieldson and Neil’s relationship was so sweet, and even though they tried to hide it sometimes (Neil, especially), they definitely loved each other. They just need to learn how to show each other that love better! Both characters prayed somewhat (at least Fieldson did for sure). This is just a small bit of Neil’s life, and I need to see the full arc of seeing him fully trusting the Lord!
Overall, this was a great read, and if you’re looking for a suspense book, check this one out. Oh, and did I mention there isn’t any romance? Just plenty of action, intrigue, and great characters that make for a great read.
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.
August 2, 2022
Official Release of Untold
You can only run for so long …
Two years hasn’t erased the sting of betrayal and the shadow of the past, but Nikolai Alexandrov has finally found a way to live. Moscow, Russia, is the last place anyone would look for a rogue ex-CIA officer, and the members of Grace Baptist Church see beyond his past to the man he is now.
Molly Baird never wanted to be a missionary, but due to her father’s wishes, she lands in Moscow to aid her missionary cousin, Gabe Kelly. All is foreign in the massive city, though, rendering her unable to serve. Only the few English speakers in Grace Baptist’s congregation hold a trace of familiarity—including Nikolai, whose kindness she can’t deny.
Yet when a sniper’s bullet strikes far too close, Nikolai and Molly are thrown together in a desperate race against untold threats. When time runs out, will Nikolai and Molly be able to trust God with the past—and with the future?
Well, by God’s grace, the long-awaited day (at least for me!) has arrived. Like every other book, Untold held its fair share of drama and problems throughout the editing process, but now it’s all done! 
Since I have an upcoming blog/social media tour (sign up here if you’re interested), all the exciting posts will come a bit later. However, if you’re interested in receiving an ARC copy, let me know by signing up with this form!
August 1, 2022
Cover Reveal: Unfortunate Events by Kaytlin, Marisa, and Jaiden Phillips
Mazleah has lost its Crowned Prince and the kingdom stands on the edge of ruin. When Kahtan Faber is forced into the King’s army life as he knew it collapses. Thrust onto a team with a brogue-speaking street boy, a secretive lordling, and his hometown bully, Kahtan quickly learns what it means to be alone. As a Blacksmith’s son who has never wielded a blade, he’s nothing more than a failure to those around him.
But when secrets about his teammates are revealed, secrets that could shake Mazleah to its core, Kahtan must decide whether to stand with his team or with his country. Although nothing in Mazleah is ever that simple.
GoodreadsAmazonAbout the AuthorsKaytlin, Marisa, & Jaiden Phillips are a homeschool writing trio of sisters more often known as Sisters Three. They reside in the mountains of Western North Carolina where they spend their time hiking, reading, writing, and spending time with their family.
Kaytlin Phillips is Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction and Fantasy author. She’s 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.
Her favorite hobbies include writing, reading, hiking, theology, history, blogging, ASL, crocheting, doodling, and anything she does with her sisters or family.
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 on Pinterest and Goodreads!
Jaiden Phillips is a teen author residing in the mountains of western North Carolina. She has six older siblings and one set of amazing parents!
More often than not you can find her sketching one of her wild ideas, writing out a scene for a book, or giving her sisters a healthy dose of sarcasm.
She enjoys praising her Lord, reading, drawing, writing, hanging out with her sisters and bestie, hiking if there is a destination, and wearing vibrant rainbow-colored things.
Connect with her on Pinterest and Goodreads!
Connect!Preorder!For anyone who pre-orders Unfortunate Events, the authors are giving away some digital goodies! Which are as follows:
6 Character Cards
Early Access to the Unfortunate Events prologue
5 Phone Wallpaper Designs
4 Desktop Wallpaper Designs
And access to the YouTube Playlist!
All you have to do is pre-order and fill out the form to claim your digital goodies!
Cover Reveal!
July 29, 2022
Guest Post!
I had the honor of writing a guest post over on my friend Alyssa’s blog, Seeking the Timeless Anchor. It’s all about writers, specifically new writers. I hope you’ll check it out! And thanks again to Alyssa for letting me blabber for many words on her lovely blog.
July 27, 2022
Cover Reveal: Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller
Some memories are best forgotten…
The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.
Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk?
Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?
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 a multi-published author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.
When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, 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.
You can connect with her here: https://linktr.ee/pennyzeller
Cover!
