E.V. Sparrow's Blog, page 3

Muldoon’s Fiction and Facts

Meet Mick Muldoon. Main character in Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling: a Novella launched in 2023, and in the 2024 July launch of Muldoon’s Misfortunes.

He’s an Irish widower who emigrates to NYC in 1867 searching with all the hope he can muster for a new life.

As Mick approached the Emigrant Landing Depot of Castle Gardens, he said, “Well, bless me soul. ’Tis well built, aye? Solid. What do you suppose that tower—look there. Are those cannons? They beat the English with them, no doubt.”

#irishfamily #evsparrow #historicalfiction #muldoonsbookseries #fictionalcharacters #irishamericanhistory

Monday Scripture Meditations

Why does God value a gentle and quiet spirit? I’ve wondered, have you?

1 Peter 3:4 (NLT) “You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”

Worry Pearls, 4 of 4

Dear subscribers,

Before my eBook’s blog tour, we were talking about worries. I’ve had trouble battling them in the past, and I’ve journaled during Bible studies to gather a collection of verses. Scripture was the best aid in my recovery.

As I processed a different way to react and think about challenges, I made my thoughts into a note to whatever troubled me. My hope is these notes will help you as well.

Other Than Writing Activities

Dear readers,

Here on my blog, it’s been all about marketing my books for some time. Would you like to know what I do when I’m not writing or doing author tasks?

I bird and critter watch outside my window from my office, the front glass door to my patio, and the many windows of our cozy home. Since my husband and I both work from our house, it’s much too easy to never take a break! But it’s not healthy.

The area behind us and to one side of us is a nicely wooded area with an intermittent creek. They won’t build on it. They are bulldozing thousands of acres in our area to build apartments, condominiums, and sometimes neighborhoods. It makes me very sad.

Where we live cannot be further demolished. Making me very happy! The woodland creatures are losing habitat at a terrible rate, so I named my area, Sparrow Woods. We’ve got feeders, a birdbath, and other water sources. I jokingly call it my Sleeping Beauty yard.

With year-round food, we have birds and squirrels. Now, the chipmunks have returned. It’s been seven months since I took a photo of a woodchuck on my porch heading for the water tray. I’ve yet to spot deer, but I have photos of their tracks in the sandy dirt. There’s a few photos of cougar as well. Yikes! Hope you enjoy this side of my personal life. *Bluebirds are my favorite! #sparrowwoods

It’s Time For Another Multi-author Giveaway

My generous publisher, Celebrate Lit, is hosting We Love Our Readers February giveaway. You could win 45 books or a $500 Amazon gift card!

They also do this separately for their authors—I’ve known two of them. Isn’t that lovely? *You can see my gift, second row, left side. The giveaway link is LIVE Sunday evening and goes through 2/18.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28cdb/2024-we-love-our-readers-multi-author

Enter each day as many times as you’d like to increase your chances. I hope one of you wins!

Day 15-Blog Tour of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling: a Novella, (Reviewed)

Jan 23-Feb 5, 2024, welcome to the blog tour of my eBook hosted by the publisher of my next three books, Celebrate Lit. 

The reviewer posted on her blog:

We live on a farm and enjoy our horses, goats (Alpine milk goats), Jersey dairy cows, Corriedale sheep, chickens, guineas, turkeys, geese, cats, and dogs. On our farm, we’re up with the sun milking.  Our sheep are wool sheep, and they get sheared once a year; they are also meat sheep, so we do enjoy lamb on our menu. We love our free-range chickens and get plenty of eggs to help keep us healthy. Our horses are used for our hobby of reenacting the Civil War. We raise Quarter horses and have an Arabian as well.

For Him and My Family to read the entire review…

Day 16-Blog Tour of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling: a Novella, (Author Interview)

Jan 23-Feb 5, 2024, welcome to the blog tour of my eBook hosted by the publisher of my next three books, Celebrate Lit. Here’s an enjoyable author interview with Mrs. M.

Her Q: What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer? 

Answer: Read all the books in the genres you like and keep writing every story you imagine! I believe authors begin as children. Reading introduces the power of imagination with fiction and teaches clear communication. We practice writing like we do a sport or learning a musical instrument—lots of repetition makes perfection possible. Pray for God to guide you. Join writing groups or critique groups for your age, or with your parent who will accompany you. In one of my writer’s organizations, several teens did that, submitted short stories, and got published! Start small with stories and articles, then write longer works as you learn the craft and improve. Before much time passes, you will see results.

Hi! I am a school librarian and I want to help others by sharing what I do in my school library. My students call me Mrs. M.

Library Lady’s Kid Lit to read the entire interview…

Day 14-Blog Tour of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling: a Novella, (Reviewed)

Jan 23-Feb 5, 2024, welcome to the blog tour of my eBook hosted by the publisher of my next three books, Celebrate Lit. Today, we have a review by Kendra, who has been on Blogger since April 2007, and is a Celebrate Lit Blogger.

Here’s her Five-Star review:

WOW, the author sure packed a lot into this short novella. Mick is an amazing character who has gone through so much with losing his wife and family in Ireland. I LOVE his determination to make a happy life in America. Shawna is a young woman who knows what she wants in life and sets out to achieve this. She also wants to be honest about life and happenings. This book is one about Immigrants, Success, Secrets, Faith and LOVE. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. AMAZING BOOK!

Happily Managing a Household of Boys

Day 12-Blog Tour of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling: a Novella, (Reviewed)

Jan 23-Feb 5, 2024, welcome to the blog tour of my eBook hosted by the publisher of my next three books, Celebrate Lit. 

Patti Pierce is posting a review today. She says on her site: We are a Christian family who homeschooled our children from the time our oldest was 10 until the time our youngest graduated. We have retired from the military and are now exploring our next great adventure. We currently live in eastern North Carolina. I enjoy Bible journaling, reading, crocheting, scrapbooking, and quilting. I am beginning to attempt art journaling. 

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy Her review:

Step into the world of “Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling” by E.V. Sparrow, a captivating historical fiction novel that weaves together the lives of Mick Muldoon, a widower with a painful past, and Shauna McGann, a determined young woman with a hidden secret. In this blog post, we’ll explore the depths of this inspirational tale set against the backdrop of immigration, loss, love, and community bonds..

At the heart of the story is Mick Muldoon, who, after losing his family and farm, embarks on a new chapter in the United States with his siblings. His journey is one of resilience, and he grapples with questions about faith and whether his prayers will ever be answered. Enter seventeen-year-old Shauna McGann, whose determination to marry Mick sets the stage for a tale that is filled with twists and turns.

As Mick and Shauna’s courtship unfolds, so does a dark secret that Shauna is harboring from her parents and the tight-knit community. The revelation of this secret becomes a turning point in the narrative, forcing the community to come together and confront the challenges that lie ahead.

While some parts of the book may be described as slow, the overall experience is enriched by the meticulous character development and the intricate storyline. The characters’ struggles, triumphs, and emotional arcs make the reader deeply invested in their fates.

In the realm of historical fiction, “Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling” by E.V. Sparrow stands out as a poignant and inspiring tale. It combines the elements of loss, love, and community, making it a recommended read for those who appreciate well-crafted characters and a rich historical backdrop. If you’re a fan of this genre, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this beautifully woven tapestry of emotions and history.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Day 13-Blog Tour of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling: a Novella, (Author Interview)

Jan 23-Feb 5, 2024, welcome to the blog tour of my eBook hosted by the publisher of my next three books, Celebrate Lit. Here’s an author interview with Beckie, who has been on Blogger since August 2006.

Beckie’s Q: Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

Answer: My mama was the biggest encourager for me as a child and as an adult. Her rapt attention bolstered my desire for storytelling, but she first planted the love for books in us. I have so many photos of me reading books. Next was my best friend, telling me I was a writer. She put me in her critique group, and what followed was my writing career.

By The Book to read the entire interview…