Vanessa Hall's Blog, page 6

September 13, 2023

Cover Reveal: Because You Saw Me by Lillian Keith

Would Nari ever be happy if she learned the truth? Agatha swallowed hard. She knew what her friend would say.

As an orphan in Daivron, Agatha has learned to scavenge for anything that might prove useful. When she picks up an innocent-looking button box, she unwittingly incurs the wrath of a shadowy stranger. While being chased through the alleyways of a city that’s turned its back on her, will Agatha use the box’s hidden treasure to escape to a better future? Or will she follow her beloved friend’s advice and do the right thing?

Title: Because You Saw Me

Genre: MG Dystopian

Series: Companion Novella to An Apprentice Escapes

Author: Lillian Keith (https://lilliankeithauthor.wordpress.com)

Illustrator: Amelia Grace

Release Date: October 19th 2023

Ebook Pre-Order Link GoodreadsCover!

View more on Vanessa Hall's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 13, 2023 06:08

September 8, 2023

Heard in Silence Launch!

Release Date: Sept. 8th, 2023

Genre: Anthology/Fantasy/Contemporary/Historical/Poetry

Authors: Saraina Whitney, Alison Stadt, K.R. Mattson, Marisa Phillips, Kylie Beevers, Riley G. Stanch, Jaiden Phillips, Lorelei Angelino, Lillian Keith, Grace A. Johnson, Kaytlin Phillips, Autumn Nicole, and Wilder W.

Some voices can only be heard in silence.

Thirteen young authors invite you to journey deep into a silent world so often overlooked. Within these pages, you’ll find bittersweet contemporary YA, spellbinding fantasy, tender romance, and so much more, each centering on a deaf character.

Curated by author Kaytlin Phillips, this short story collection offers you a peek inside a life without sound, a fresh perspective on a world you may never have experienced. For a moment in time, hush the noise around you and absorb the quiet heartbeat of these diverse stories. Let yourself be swept away in these characters’ struggles, heartaches, and victories.

Heard in Silence features work from Saraina Whitney, Alison Stadt, K.R. Mattson, Marisa Phillips, Kylie Beevers, Riley G. Stanch, Jaiden Phillips, Lorelei Angelino, Lillian Keith, Grace A. Johnson, Kaytlin Phillips, Autumn Nicole, and Wilder W.! This unique, richly imagined short story collection will stretch your mind and hold your heart captive.

Book Links:

Goodreads Book Link: https://www.goodreads.com-heard-in-silence-anthology

Pre-Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/heard+in+silence+anthology

Tour Schedule:Monday, Sept. 4th

Sisters Three – Blog Tour Launch Announcement

Tasha Van Kesteren – Author Interview

Tuesday, Sept. 5th

Writers’ Vision – Author Interviews

Wednesday, Sept. 6th

Grace A. Johnson – IG Spotlight & Author Interview on Blog

Kristina Hall – Review

Katherine Barnard – Review & Spotlight

Thursday, Sept. 7th

Lorelei Angelino – Review and Spotlight

Old Fashioned Book Love – Review and Spotlight

Friday, Sept. 8th

Autumn Nicole – IG Spotlight

Saraina Whitney – Spotlight

The Introspective Introvert – Spotlight

M. C. Kennedy – Review

Riley G. – Spotlight

Lucy Peterson – Spotlight

Sisters Three – End TourVanessa Hall – Spotlight

View more on Vanessa Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 08, 2023 05:42

September 7, 2023

Cover Reveal: When Love Comes by Penny Zeller

Can love be found amidst broken hearts and unexpected loss?

Determined to heal her broken heart, Charlotte Eliason visits her aunts in Prune Creek, Wyoming. What should be a time of peace and calm becomes one of chaos and unwelcome surprises when she discovers her longtime foe, Tobias Hallman, is the new blacksmith. To make matters worse, her two meddlesome aunts are constantly inviting him to supper and encouraging friendship between the two sworn enemies.

Tobias Hallman has always wanted to be a blacksmith, so when an opportunity arises to own his own shop in Prune Creek, he seizes it. However, he doesn’t expect to cross paths with his childhood nemesis, the annoying Charlotte Eliason.

When tragedy strikes, close proximity soon forces two reluctant hearts to become allies in a quest to rescue Tobias’s orphaned niece. Can Charlotte and Tobias put aside their preconceived disdain for each other and find love in the midst of challenging circumstances? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl grieving the untimely loss of her parents?

Preorder Goodreads

View more on Vanessa Hall's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 07, 2023 18:38

August 28, 2023

Happy … Writing Birthday Ft. A Sneak Peek of an Unpublished Work

I don’t remember the exact day that I began writing after the hiatus of my mid-teen years, but I came back to writing sometime during the early fall of 2017. I remember being so excited and so thrilled to just get to work on a story after not writing for years. The joy and energy that new writers possess is something that I absolutely love—and that’s something that most more “seasoned” writers don’t have. (So young writers—enjoy this time, and know that you have such a beautiful gift that shouldn’t ever be despised.)

So in honor of this writing birthday, I decided to get really honest with you guys—well, maybe transparent would be a better word—and share some of my earlier writings.

Oh dear.

Now, I am sorry to admit that this opening scene was edited, but I don’t know if I even knew how to edit. Actually, I’m pretty sure I didn’t. So let’s walk through this scene, and I’ll make some commentary and how I would edit it now. And an important note: this is in no way critiquing anyone else’s writing other than my own – everyone has their own style, and this is my critique of my own writing and how I would fix it now with my current style. A year from now, I might turn around and think of it in a completely different light. Every single author has his own style, and in writing, it’s not “good” or “bad” based on how someone sees it. So please don’t apply this to yourself.

Okay, deep breaths (and yes, you may laugh—we will laugh together, not at each other, as one of my professors has kindly put it.)

Keep in mind, this is a Civil War novel (don’t ask about research, please), so it’s around 1862 – I think technically April 1862, roundabouts Shiloh, Tennessee. You might know what is about to happen.

A gunshot rang through the valley.

Oh dear.

Okay, let’s just stop there. For a first sentence … well, there are some positives. This is right into the action, and as a reader, you’re intrigued to see what’s going to happen next. Is this gunshot going to hit the MC? Is danger nearby?

But I question the choice of “rang.” I mean, “ring” is a more positive verb—think of bells ringing, which is usually a joyful sound. Not always, but sometimes. And maybe this gunshot is very far away, but still … a “ring” isn’t what I think when I hear a gunshot. I’d change this to something more like “A gunshot split the silence of the valley.”

Okay, continuing on. Drum roll, intro my original male MC, the man, the myth, the legend …

Ryan Montgomery felt his horse sidestep beneath him, and he laid a calming hand on the gelding’s neck. “Easy, lad,” he soothed, scanning the horizon for signs of danger. The horse tossed his head, irritated by the bit tightening in his mouth.

Okay, I’ve gotta say, the man has a good name—besides the fact “Ryan” is a name from the 20th century. I think I could’ve swung it if it were his mother’s maiden name, but this is the 1860s. *sigh* Okay, onto the rest of it.

Please, young Vanessa, remove the word “felt.” Just let the horse sidestep beneath him. End of story. I also don’t love taglines (“he soothed”), but it’s okay. And I’d reword the “signs of danger.” Better to say something like “the valley remained still.”

Finally, just delete the thing about the horse tossing his head. Unimportant information. If it has to be included, move it up there where he sidesteps.

Ryan didn’t see any immediate threat, yet he had the eerie feeling that there was indeed danger, lurking somewhere in the shadows where he couldn’t see it. Too many days in the dark alleys of London had taught him such things. But Tennessee was completely different.

*gasp with laughter*

I know most of you don’t know Ryan very well, but the whole part about “dark alleys of London” is just cringey. Like, I know I was trying to create intrigue, but please. There’s just so much I could say, but it would take too long. Just delete that entire comment.

Also, just delete this entire paragraph. He already said there wasn’t danger visible, but the suspense is still clear.

He thought.

Yep, drama.

It was away from the shame and guilt, away from that cursed profession. London had reminded him of every failure in his life, and he couldn’t live with that breathing down his neck. He didn’t know where he was going, but the Lord had promised to lead him, did He not?

Ugh, what is this “it” referring to? This whole paragraph, except for that last sentence, probably needs to be deleted as well. I can’t just start lecturing about his entire past right up front. This needs to be explained through the story, not just infodump in the first page.

If I did keep some of it, I would put something like, “No, this wasn’t London with its dangerous alleys—it was Tennessee. Far from London’s memories of failures, and even if the way wasn’t clear, the Lord had promised to lead, did He not?”

That needs editing too, but it’s much better and more concise.

Also, even with the bad editing, I appreciate young Vanessa’s sound words of advice about the Lord leading. Kind of like the whole Abraham leaving Ur yet not knowing where he was going. I’m pretty sure Ryan didn’t think like that, but ya know, good effort.

Suddenly, a volley of gunfire sounded. Not close enough to be aimed at him, he was sure. The sound was too faint, too faraway, though he knew exactly what that hearing such was. It was war. The war that was tearing this beautiful country apart, taking the young and old, stealing them from their lives and families. And for what?

*gag*

Well, boy, sorry to break it, but you can be shot and someone be pretty far away. But okay, maybe it is very far away, and he knows enough about gunshots to know the distance from those dark alleys of London and all that drama. Hehe. But I don’t even know what some of those sentences are trying to say. Something poetic about war?

Just say it, author. Just say it.

“More distant gunfire popped—the sound of a war tearing a nation apart at the seams.”

He’d sworn many a time that he’d never become involved in such a conflict. War involved suffering. Pain. Bloodshed. Nothing he wanted to see again, everything that he was running away from.

Why on earth am I telling people he’s sworn these things? So dramatic. Okay, little Vanessa, don’t tell us everything upfront. You can’t trust readers with all this knowledge. They’ll tear you to pieces on the first page. (Just kidding.)

But really, don’t let everyone know everything on the first page. Just enough to entice and keep them going.

“A war he’d run from just as he’d run from London.”

Hehehe, there, we can go back to the boy’s—oh wait, lad’s—ol’ drama.

He eased back on the horse’s reins, wondering if he should stop. Where would he go? Guerrilla warfare was much more common in the Western theater, and he knew that only the God’s grace had he been able to avoid any type of skirmishes while traveling. Straying off the main road would only result in fighting his way through wilderness where he would surely get lost.

“Wondering if he should stop …”

Dear author, wee Vanessa, just say what you’re considering. Don’t tell us he’s wondering. Just say “Should he travel in different direction? Straying off the roadway would lead into wilderness, yet remaining on the thoroughfare held promise of encountering rogue groups of soldiers.”

The gelding danced beneath him, tugging against the bit. Indecision ran through Ryan’s mind as the beast’s anxiety only increased his own. “Lord, show me. I don’t know,” he said under his breath.

Yep, I was still at the obsessed with horses state of my writing. Yay for more horse stuff.

And here’s more of him telling us he’s worried. Delete that entire second sentence, and just have him pray. Without a tag line.

The gunfire continued, and he heard shouts. After a few more moments of rapid gunshots, he heard the dull, gentler rumble of hoof beats.

“He heard shouts.”

Ugh.

“Gunfire continued, mingling with rough shouts—and then came the rumble of hoofbeats.” Also, if the gunfire’s so distant, I don’t think you would hear shouts. *sigh*

“Come, lad,” he murmured, turning the horse’s head toward the forest. Whatever was riding toward him was coming quickly.

What is riding toward him? An antelope herd? A walrus on an elephant? A porcupine army?

*sigh*

And why does he think he has to call everything “lad”?

…

Okay, let’s just say, “He gritted his teeth and tapped his heels against the horse’s sides, guiding him toward the edge of the trees. “Come, lad.”

Once off the main road, Ryan pulled the gelding to a stop as the hoofbeats grew louder. Suddenly, a group of riders crested the hill and came thundering down it. Yankee soldiers, from the looks of it, their uniforms the deep navy of the US.

Okay, this first sentence somehow makes us so distant from Ryan. And here’s more suddenly. And just so many extra words.

Let’s change it to “Ryan eased the gelding to a halt as the shelter of the trees, and only then did the brigade crest the hill, hoofbeats thundering against the tightly-packed earth.

Deep navy uniforms—Yankees.“

The Yankees galloped past in a flurry of blue and dust. After they had passed, he urged his horse back onto the road. Surely whatever confrontation that had occurred was over.

Wait, so that’s all he has to say about that? He just sits there, not thinking anything? Unlikely. Rework the entire thing with some more horse talk, I think. I assume he’s not just sitting there without a thought in his head as they supposedly dangerous soldiers ride past him.

“The gelding shifted underneath him as the brigade passed in a flurry of dust a blue. Perhaps the conflict was over—or the soldiers were heading to the source.”

The gelding trotted up the hill, and reaching the top of the rise, slowed. Ryan’s eyes narrowed, but he saw no danger. Perhaps he would get through Tennessee without any further interference with soldiers. By now he was probably closer to northern Mississippi, but he couldn’t be sure, as many of the signposts were missing, taken by soldiers for firewood.

Again, “he saw no danger”? Okay, you can say better things than that. And hey, look at me, using some sort of historical knowledge! The soldiers used signposts for firewood! But would he know that? Maybe.

“The soldiers disappeared as quickly as they’d arrived, and Ryan nudged the gelding back onto the roadway. The vast farmland bore no indication of its location, and no signposts had stood for miles—likely stolen by passing soldiers for firewood.

Ironic, for once again, he was without direction and lost.”

OOOOH WAIT.

(By the way, this is part of why being an author is so much fun. You have these moments of plot ideas and connections that you never thought about before.)

GOD TELLs ABRAHAM TO GO TO UR … AND NOW RYAN DOESN’T KNOW WHERE HE’S GOING, EITHER, BUT THEN THE REST OF THE PLOT CAN INCLUDE THIS THEME, COMING BACK TO FULLY TRUSTING THE LORD, GOING WHERE HE’S CALLED, ETC.

And now I kinda want to try to rework the whole book to include that.

So there’s just a little taste of my old writing, and while there were so many cringey moments, I hope that was helpful for you. And also, though I do cringe at my old work, I have to look back on it with fondness. I was so excited to write, and there was so much honesty and drama and truth in here, even if it was covered with a layer of interesting writing.

So try not to hate on your old writing too badly – yes, mine has its rough spots, but there is a passion there that is beautiful. As I was saying above, everyone has different styles – my editing above was according to my own tastes. Some writers can do the exact opposite of how I just edited that writing, and they pull it off amazingly. So find the style that best suits you, and run with it. Don’t hate your old work. Don’t hate your current work. There is always work to be done, but there is beauty there when you are writing to honor the Lord and obey Him.

So keep on writing, author!

View more on Vanessa Hall's website »

4 likes · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 28, 2023 05:47

August 22, 2023

Review: Shattered Reaction by Madisyn Carlin

Shattered Reaction by Madisyn Carlin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another stunning epic from Madisyn Carlin! As with all of her books, you will be swept away into another world of intrigue, sacrifice, and action.

Characters: Let’s start off with Arioch, since he is the beginning of the book, anyway. But wow, this man … short-tempered and so full of the need to see justice done to villains, he was a well-developed character. I knew he was going to have to have a pretty dramatic character arc, and that he did as he realized the truth of revenge belonging to God alone. And then there’s Anthi, one of my favorite characters from the last book. I loved this girl! She had such a rough and tough exterior, but it was really all just a shield for her to deal with the difficulties of life. (And she was just hilarious, too – her commentary about various villains, etc. are priceless. I loved her!) Let’s move to Barrett, my poor boy. He definitely had a rough time for about half of the book, but thankfully things starting looking up for him. Because he wasn’t really very conscious for a good part of the opening of the book, I didn’t feel as if I knew him as well as the others … but I definitely want more of him. He was such a sweetheart. Maybe there’s a novella in the works for him? And then there was finally Zinnia, such a gentle soul and the opposite of Anthi. She was just perfect for who she got together with – I won’t say who – and I loved her courage in the face of so much fear. She did what had to be done, even if she weren’t as brazen as others as she went about it. Definitely such a wonderful person to read out. And then there were plenty of wonderful side characters. Novellas need to be had on some of those!

Setting/Plot: Excellent world building – it wasn’t overdone or overcomplicated, but you will be swept away to another world! I really oved that there was no magic throughout any of the plot. Speaking of the plot, wow … I see more books being set up in the near future. The epic struggle against good and evil is just so powerful and a driving force through the books. But I love the complexities the author addresses – just fighting for the right side and avenging wrongs doesn’t make every action right.

Themes: So much truth in here! I loved Anthi and Zinnia’s discovering the importance of acting as the person you were made to be, not who you think is “better”. Such a sweet moment and important truth. And there was more – the importance of knowing that God is with us as Christians throughout all the ups and downs of life, fighting for the right thing, and the danger of revenge. So much goodness in this lovely book!

Overall, an amazing addition to the series. I need the next novel now!

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

View more on Vanessa Hall's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 22, 2023 14:19

August 14, 2023

Two Years Since Unknown!

Wow. It’s wild to even be saying this, but Unknown, my debut novel, is officially two years old. From starting it way back in 2018 as a freshman in college to publishing and editing it in 2021 and now looking back on it in 2023, I’m just so thankful for the opportunity to both write and be published. It’s one of those dreams that God fulfilled in His own way and timing (and not in the way I ever really imagined as a younger writer!)

Unknown might not be my favorite book I’ve ever written, but it’s definitely up there near the top. Gabe and Sofia will always hold a special place in my heart (and I can’t forget I did say Gabe was one of my favorite characters I’ve ever written.) There’s so much in that story that I look back on and either shake my head at in laughter or connect with on an even deeper level today than I did when I was twenty-one.

So much of this book focused on God’s calling upon a person’s life and the cost of obeying the Lord. And no matter what season of life we’re in, obedience can be one of the most wonderful and difficult things we ever experience. Maybe we’ll never be a missionary to Russia amidst some wild drug trading scheme, but even the small steps of obedience like honoring your parents, loving your siblings sacrificially, or answering your kids patiently after they ask the same annoying question again – all of these are obedience.

And when we are obedient, God will provide – even when your temper’s frayed almost to breaking or your bank account is perilously low. It doesn’t matter. God isn’t limited by our human understanding, and whatever He’s called us to, He will provide. God doesn’t command us to obey His calling and just leave us to hang. He leads us, guides us, and cares for us – no matter what happens.

So let’s be obedient to the Lord’s call upon our lives, whatever that is, rather it is seemingly great or small, for all are important in His sight – and trust Him with the rest!

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

View more on Vanessa Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on August 14, 2023 04:00

July 31, 2023

One Year Old Ft. 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?

Goodreads Buy!

For some odd reason, it feels like far longer than a year since I published Untold. Maybe it’s the fact the last year has been rather busy, or maybe because editing sucked most of my memories of last summer away. (Do any of you all have that same problem with editing? It literally is a thief of time and recalling things.)

But regardless of all of that drama, Untold, my little babies Nick and Molly, are one year old today. Looking back, there are definitely things I wonder over—such as how can someone literally fall in love and trust the other person enough to marry them only after a few months? But I truly enjoyed writing this book, and exploring across Russia, the ocean, and into America with Nick and Molly was such a fun experience. I love their gentle romance, Molly’s musical nature, Nick’s steadfastness in the face of suffering, and getting to visit all of my friends from the rest of the series. (Honestly, series are such fun things to write, especially when you get to go back to other characters and talk with them. )

But one of my favorite parts of Untold was the fact I got to ride one of my favorite hymns, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. It was really exciting to watch how many ways the hymn could be woven through the story—with Molly, as she faced her fears only with her eyes on Jesus instead of the storms of life, and with Nick, as he endured reoccurring suffering and fixed his gaze on Jesus instead of his sorrows. Both of these characters were essentially flawed and struggled with a similar problem—lots of fear and anxiety, for understandable reasons—but both found strength and comfort in Jesus.

And today, that’s definitely applicable to me, and if you’re struggling with fear or anxiety or any trial, the same holds fast for you. Jesus is greater than any of our fears, and He has overcome!

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Thro’ death into life everlasting,
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion–
For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you–He promised;ac
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Helen Howarth Lemmel

(All pictures from Pinterest)

View more on Vanessa Hall's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 31, 2023 05:00

July 27, 2023

Review and Tour: Springtime in Surrey

This collection of novellas, set in County Surrey, England, features both historical and contemporary stories by new and old authors!

Springtime in Surrey contains the follow eight novellas:

Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum

An orphaned young woman must fight to survive after WWI breaks out, praying her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did years ago.

The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox

A former ballerina seeks hope amongst her lost dreams, as a sheep farmer tries to bring her joy.

If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines

An exhausted mother balances her duties to both her biological and evacuee children with preparation for an unexpected visit from her soldier husband.

Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson

A destitute woman is pursued by an unexpected suitor and finds blessings from God in the way she least expected.

The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté

A disgraced debutante flees to the country, only to meet a reclusive writer who may change her life forever.

The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch

An insecure university student returns to a tea shop after a mysterious letter summons her there.

Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews

A hard-working sister-of-seven struggles with contentment as her marriage is postponed by her fiancé’s absence.

Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth

A young bride chases her husband into the forest to rescue him from himself, which goes about as well as one would expect.

Purchase Your Copy

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QG75DK

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157492074-springtime-in-surrey

Website Link: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/springtime-in-surrey/

Links to Special Events!

The Springtime in Surrey Scavenger Hunt

The Blog Swap, hosted by Andrea

The Bookish Tag, hosted by Katja

The “Which Character Are You” Quiz, created by Rachel

Events on the Wild Blue Wonder Press Instagram, hosted (mostly) by Kellyn

An Event on Kellyn’s Twitter Account

About the Authors

Faith Blum is a wife, mom, author, and entrepreneur. She’s published over 30 books, most of them in the Christian Historical Fiction genre. She loves stories because they can teach history, but in a fun way. It is also her way to have a creative outlet while taking care of a household and toddler.

She’s been a proud small town resident her whole life and wouldn’t have it any other way. She lives in Central Wisconsin with her husband, son, and cat, Smokey. She’s blessed to write as a part time career. You can find her books on books on most eBook retailers.

When not writing, you can find her cooking from scratch, reading, figuring out social media content, or spending time with her family. She also loves playing piano for church and being part of the Author Conservatory.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Blum/e/B00GSPBHW6
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/faith-blum
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7361997.Faith_Blum
Instagram: http://instagram.com/faithblumauthor
Website: http://faithblum.com

Born and raised in north Texas, Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction or romance, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website, and readers are welcome to follow her blog for the latest updates in her journey.

Website: https://andreareneecox.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/andreacox
Twitter: https://twitter.com/screenwriter87
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/andreareneecoxauthor/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/andreareneecox
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-renee-cox

Bailey Gaines is a Georgia girl who loves history. Through her writing, she hopes to show how God works in all periods of history, bringing healing and helping people know they have value because of their identity as a human created in God’s image. Her stories range from King Richard the Lionheart’s England to 1930s Appalachia to 18th century England to 19th century America.

Bailey is a student of the Author Conservatory, and has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When she’s not writing, she’s helping homeschoolers with their writing or working at an escape room. Her hobbies include playing the piano, sewing, and exploring the world of vintage fashion.

Website: https://baileygaines.com/
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/cf13616f41ce/fountain-pen-letters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileygainesauthor/

Grace A. Johnson is a Christian fiction authoress, book reviewer, and avid reader. She lives in beautiful (but humid) South Georgia, surrounded by farmland and forestry, with her parents and six younger siblings. She has indie-published the first three novels in a Christian historical romance series, the Daughters of the Seven Seas, and a smattering of short stories and novellas, as well as a devotional. She’s also a marketer and editor who loves helping young authors through her editing business S&J Editors and her small publishing company Sky’s the Limit Press. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @graceajohnsonauthor or blogging on her website at www.graceajohnson.com. Join her for a virtual cup of tea and a free preview of her debut novel when you sign up for her e-newsletter!

Website: www.graceajohnson.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/graceajohnsonauthor
Newsletter: www.graceajohnson.com/newsletter
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/graceajohnsonauthor
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/19003396.Grace_A_Johnson
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/profile/grace-a-johnson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/graceajohnsonauthor
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/graceajohnsonauthor

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). Katja writes both contemporary and historical fiction, as well as non-magical historical and contemporary kingdom fiction, and covers themes of worth, love, peace, and Christian growth. She spends her days enjoying little things, growing in faith, learning life, and loving people. You can follow her life journey, find free books, browse her services and more on her website and blog.

Website/Blog: littleblossomsforjesus.wordpress.com
Bookstagram: instagram.com/oldfashionedbooklove
Goodreads: goodreads.com/oldfashionedbooklove
Tumblr: https://tumblr.com/blog/oldfashionedbooklove
Pinterest: pinterest.ca/oldfashionedbooklove
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3WE7D15
Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/katjahlabonte
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/katja-h-labonte

Rachel Leitch discovered the book of writing when she was seven. She’s been turning pages ever since! She lives her own adventure in northern Indiana, with her parents, three sisters, two brothers, and a dog who thinks he’s the hero of her story. She writes young adult historical fiction with a dash of adventure or a spark of magic. When she’s not hidden away writing, she’s trying to fit all her reads on her shelf in a somewhat organized manner, obsessing over character arcs, drinking chai, daydreaming at the piano, or teaching students to be just as bookish as she is. In all her adventures, she learns how to shine brighter for the Father of Lights. For more bookish ramblings (and a free digital short story involving a magical violin) follow her adventure journal at https://racheljleitch.com/!

Website: https://www.racheljleitch.com/
Newsletter: https://www.racheljleitch.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/racheljleitchauthor
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rachel-Leitch/author/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/37037221.Rachel_Leitch
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-leitch

Erika Mathews is an author and editor who writes family-friendly Christian living books, both fiction and non-fiction, that demonstrate the power of God through ordinary people, transforming daily life into His resting life. Her works include Truth from Taerna, a kingdom adventure fiction series with deep spiritual themes, Resting Life, a Christian living nonfiction book about finding rest in Jesus in modern life, and a variety of historical fiction and poetry.
Erika lives in the farm country of Minnesota with her husband and children. She’s a homeschool graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communications, a Master’s in Biblical Ministries, and a passion for sharing Jesus Christ and His truth. When she’s not working with books, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities, piano and violin, organizing, and using the Oxford comma.

Website: https://restinglife.com
Newsletter: https://restinglife.com/signup
Facebook: https://facebook.com/erikamathewsauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/erikamathewsauthor
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/erikamathews
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/erikamathews
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/erikamathewsauthor

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 or her indie-author-helping business, Wild Blue Wonder Press, 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.

Website: https://kellynrothauthor.com/
Newsletter: https://kellynrothauthor.com/newsletter/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/kellynrothauthor/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kellynrothauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellyntheauthor/
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/kellynroth
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kellynrothauthor

My Review

Springtime in Surrey by Kellyn Roth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review for Erika Mathews’s Fear Not Tomorrow

A lovely little novella!

Characters: Margaret lived an ordinary life of tending to her little siblings and ailing mother, and she definitely endured a bit of drudgery that all of us can feel when the mundane chores keep coming round with increasing intensity and screaming children. The author really captured that frantic and overwhelming sense of rush, and that realistic part of Margaret’s life was compared to her time with her soon-to-be groom, Lester. We didn’t get to see a ton about him, but he was definitely a fine gentleman for Margaret.

Setting/Plot/Style: The setting of springtime in England was really beautifully written – a contrast between the winter and coming spring and summer of warmth. Overall, the plot was very slow. Not much happened beyond the normalcy of life, but because the novella wasn’t very long and there were so many beautiful truths within it, it didn’t really drag at all. Just don’t expect some grand plot. And the style, along with the plot, was slow and historical and really matched the story.

Theme: This is where this novella truly shines. So many beautiful gems shone in here as Margaret worked through real struggles and found her hope and joy in Jesus. Praising the Lord during struggles, trusting that you don’t fight the battle – He does, and obeying even when it’s hard were just a few of the wonderful truths in this novella. Really very beautiful and touching!

Overall, a wonderful novella full of truths that is perfect for someone who enjoys historical styles and a good dose of truth!

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 more on Vanessa Hall's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 27, 2023 06:13

July 25, 2023

Cover Reveal: Exiled by Kristina Hall

Genre: Christian non-magical fantasy western
Length: Novella
Series: The Rykfallinn Chronicles
Author: Kristina Hall
Release: August

Exiled from their home, Agnarr and Svana Vev must fight to survive in the lawless Rykfallinn
Wastelands. Yet an old enemy might cost them everything.

Goodreads!About the Author

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a
homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys
reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.

Goodreads
Website
BookBub
Newsletter
Instagram

View more on Vanessa Hall's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 25, 2023 04:00

July 24, 2023

Sneak Peek of Prince of Vengeance by Kaytlin, Marisa, and Jaiden Phillips

Loyalties are shattered, hope dwindles, and vengeance stalks every step like a shadow of death.

As the leaves turn gold, Kahtan has settled into the idea of his life at Larkspur Manor. But storms are brewing on the horizon as the Shadowed One’s dark presence spreads across the shattering land.

With no news of the precious heir, the army of Mazleah has lost all hope. When fire consumes the peaceful life Kahtan has settled into, it’s up to him and his team to get Mazleah’s only heir to the throne.

With traitors among them, danger around every turn, and the Dragon Prince seeking Prince Merickson’s demise for his wicked vengeance, will Kahtan and his team be able to get Merickson to the capitol before the crushing darkness collapses upon them all? Or will the Dragon Prince seize the vengeance his twisted soul so desperately craves?

Buy!Add to TBR!About the Authors:

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.

Linktree (Including all Kayti’s links): https://linktr.ee/kaytlinphillips

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.

Pinterest: Pinterest

Goodreads Author Profile: Marisa Phillips (Author of Unfortunate Events) | 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.

Pinterest: Pinterest

Goodreads Author Profile: Jaiden Phillips (Author of Unfortunate Events) | Goodreads

Blog: https://jaidenphillipsart.wordpress.com/

Tour Schedule:Monday, July 24th

Sisters Three – Blog Tour Launch Announcement

Vanessa Hall – Spotlight and Sneak Peek

Kristina Hall – Review, Spotlight, and Sneak Peek

Abbigail Befus – Spotlight and Sneak Peek

Tasha Van Kesteren – Spotlight and Sneak Peek

Two Friends One Pen – Author Interview, Review, and Sneak Peek

Tuesday, July 25th

Issabelle Perry – Review