Sarah Holman's Blog, page 12

Merry Christmas!

 

Christmas books you might

With the Christmas season upon us I thought I would share a few Christmas book recommendations with you. 

 The Christmas Card by Amanda Tru

I read this book this year on Kindle Unlimited. It was a sweet story of how doing things for Jesus transforms us. 

The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt by Joan Campbell 

This is one of my favorites! A young woman goes on a journey, paid for by her grandmother. It is lots of fun.

At the Christmas Lodge by Rebekah A. Morris

This sweet story with lots of nostalgic Christmas feels.

Some Christmas Camouflage by Elisabeth Grace Foley 

This is a short story is so sweet and I loved that it was about a married couple.

Comfort and Joy by Lynette Sowell

This one was about an older couple finding love at Christmas. 

Solve by Christmas by Amber Schamel

This one has a havier topic, but very powerful.

Sincerely, Jem by Kate Willis

This is a fun epistolary Christmas novella!

Sylvie of Amber Apartments by J. Grace Pennington

This is a fun story with notes of Anne of Green Gables. 

Project Scrooge by A.M. Heath

This was a fun story with A Christmas Carol feels.

Snow-Globe World by Chelsea Burden

This is an imaginative story about the Christmas world in a snowglobe.

The Swaddling Clothes by Amber Schamel

This imagines a possible story behind the swaddling clothes of Jesus.

The Incense Road  by Tracy L. Higley

This was a well-researched novella series about the story of the wisemen. 

Huge Indie Author Sale buying Guide

 

I'm so excited to be taking part in my favorite book sale of the year! 
I thought I would post a buying guide and share some of the books I think you won't want to miss during this sale. 
Christmas Books: Make sure to get yourself Rebekah Jones's very fun Christmas mysteries 24 Days Before Christmas, Christmas Carol Society,  and Gingerbread Treasures (I read and love all of these)
Rebekkah Morris has all sorts of sweet Christmas stories up. Make sure to grab them all911 Christmas, A Christmas Disaster, A Crazy, Crowded Christmas, At Christmas Lodge, and more
Grab the A Homewood Christmas Anthology (I hear this is one you don't want to miss)
If you want you can get my Christmas stories Distorted Glass (free), For My Good (free), and Molly and Anna (0.99)
Among the others, I would highly recommend you get copies of is Noelle's Gift, Sincerely, Jem, Some Christmas Camouflage: A Short Story, Sylvie Of Amber Apartments, and Finding Christmas Joy
Contemporary Stories:Of mine, you just might want to grab Across the Land I Love (free), Fanny's Hope Chest (0.99), If He Lives (free), Quest For The Beast (free)
If you haven't read Kelsey Bryant, this is your chance to snap up Family Reunion, England Adventure, and The Promise Of Acorns
Don't miss Amanda Tero's books Coffee Cake Days, Letters From A Scatter-Brained Sister, Maggie's Hope Chest, and The Wedding Score.
And of course, you will want Kate Willis's Enjoy the Poodle Skirt and The Treasure Hunt
Anything by J. Grace Pennington is good, including Grand Intentions and October
Also you might enjoy the Faith, Love, and Hope Collection, Journeys of Four, 
Fantasy Adventures:Make sure to get my favorite all time fantasy series Ilyon Chronicals. Get book 0.5, book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, book 5, book 5.5
Get the my Tales of Taelis series book 0.5, book 1, book 1.5, book 2, book 2.5, book 3, book 3.5, book 4, book 4.5, book 5.
Make sure to grab Kate Willis sweet stories The Twin Arrows and The Night ArchersOther books you should grab are Jeweler's Apprentice, Dare, The Road To Bremen, and The Lady Of Lanaria.
Historical Fiction:I love Elizabeth Grace Foley's work grab A Sidekick's Tale, Bridge To Trouble, Corral Nocturne, Left-Hand Kelly, Lost Lake House, Outlaw Fever, The Mountain Of The Wolf, Wanderlust Creek, 
You can also get the whole Librarians of Willow Hollow Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4
Amanda Tero has some awesome books including Quest For Leviathan, Tales Of Faith book 1, book 2, book 3
Vintage Jane Austen series: Emmeline, Presumption And Partiality, Suit And Suitability
Some of mine are: Waltz into the Waves, A Different Kind of Courage, Father, Forgive Them, and Joseph Of Arimathea
Some of the other books you might want to grab are Never, The Dressmaker's Secret, and Grace Triumphant.
MysteriesThe Kate's Case Files series book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, book 5
The Accidental Cases Of Emily Abbott book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, book 5, book 6, book 6.5, book 7, and book 8
The Kitten Case Files book 0, book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, book 5
The Mrs. Meade Mysteries book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, book 5
Wilkester Mysteries book 1, book 2, book 3
Other mysteries The Windles And The Lost Boy and Land Of Hills And Valleys
Science FictionDon't miss the Firmament series book 1, book 2, book 3, book 4, book 5, book 6, and book 7
Non-FictionIf Stars Can Break The Darkness Down, There Was Always Laughter In Our House, and Writing By Faith: Following God's Calling To Be A Christian Author

The best of this year...so far

post contains Amazon Affiliate links
The last day of Five Fall Favorites is always sad. I mean, it's always such a cool event and it's sad when it comes to an end. However, we get to find out soon who is going to win the big giveaway and I think we all came away with a lot of new books on our to-read list. If you want to keep up with me as a writer, make sure you join my newsletter and follow me on Goodreads, Instagram or Facebook.
Today, the last day of the party, I get to share with you five books from this year that I've loved. This was a hard list to make because it has been a really awesome reading year. I had a hard time narrowing it down. But here are the five I picked.

Andrew Murray's book Absolute Surrender has long been one of the top non-fiction books I recommend to others. I finally got to reading another one of his books and one that had been on my to-read list for a while: Humility. This is a tiny book, but it's packed with so much truth that is both convicting and healing. I love how Murray could cover a subject so well with so few words.Goodreads | AmazonMy Review

Confession: I read exactly one book on marriage before I got married. Odd and perhaps a bit reckless. However, every time someone gave me a recommendation, they usually ended up explaining why it was a good book to the point that I was pretty sure the book wasn't something I wanted to read. However, when I read my friend Rachelle's review of Cherish, I thought this book might be different.I can honestly say that I adore this book and highly recommend it for any married couple or even for someone looking toward marriage. This isn't a how-to manual. This book just talks about cherishing the spouse you have. Goodreads | AmazonMy Review
One might wonder why I'm reading books about singleness when I'm married. There are two reasons. First, I still have a passion for singles and I want to keep finding resources for them. Second, I think singleness and singles have a lot they can teach me about dependence on God. That is why this book blew me away. Actually, I find it sad that this was marketed for singles because the powerful message Thornton put in this book is applicable to every Christian woman. Do yourself a favor and go read this book.Goodreads | AmazonMy Review You know when you find an author that speaks to your soul and you just gobble up everything they've written? That's been me with Joanna Davidson Politano this year. I read her first book and then got my hands on each of her books as fast as I could. The Love Note I think is my favorite book because it shows how words on a page affect people differently and how much power they have. Goodreads | AmazonMy Review This book was Politano's first novel and it was the first one I read. Wow! It reminded me of Dickens in parts, with mystery and odd characters and debtors' prison. It reminded me a little of Jane Austen in the manners and the strong female lead that was still so in keeping with the time. Mostly, it made me realize that Politano was an author I would adore and was on my favorites list. Goodreads | AmazonMy Review

Make sure to enter HERE
Get today's free book HERE

Make sure to stop by Kate's blog today and thank her for all she did to put this together!

History in Books: Five Fall Favorites

 

Post contains Amazon Affiliate links

One of my favorite types of fiction is historical. It's so fun to get to dive into history and see what the people around events might have been thinking and feeling. Perhaps this love for historical fiction comes from my early love of biographies and trying to understand how people who lived during events felt, instead of just seeing how history views the event itself.

I'm really looking forward to sharing some of my favorite books from this genre. 

My first book might seem a little odd. It's a biblical fiction series that takes place from before Noah's flood through the fall of the Tower of Babel. Yet, Kacy Barnett-Gramckow did such a good job grounding her Genesis Trilogy in not only what the Bible says, but historical and creation science data. I loved how she built these on the foundation of the early part of scripture being fact, instead of metaphorical. 
Goodreads | AmazonMy Reviews of Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3

There are times you go through as a reader when you wonder why you even bother reading anymore. All the books seem to have the same story and message. And then, a book comes along that reminds you why you read. A Home for My Heart did that for me. It avoided so many of the cliche stories and characters I had read when reading about orphans and those that cared for them at this time. Yet, this story still showed some of the historical challenges.

Note: the author recently changed covers and went to using her given name.

Goodreads | Amazon

Amy Lynn Green is among my favorite authors, and that's with just two books out! (Anyone else have her next book on pre-order?) However, The Lines Between Us captures something unique and wonderful. Not only does it share some very interesting historical facts, but also captures the struggles and attitudes toward those who were conscientious objectors. It didn't wrap everything up with a bow but left some questions unanswered while still being a completely satisfying read.
Goodreads | Amazon (The kindle edition is on sale for 0.99!)
The American Revolution is such a fascinating time in history and so much more complex than we often think of it as. I loved this novel about spies, Quakers who wouldn't fight, and the hard choices so many faced during this time. The romance was sweet and slow. I just so adore this book on so many levels.Goodreads | AmazonMy Review

It's pretty obvious by now that Joanna Davidson Politano is a new favorite author (another whose next book I've pre-ordered). This is among my favorites. It is historical fiction, set in England. I love how Politano gives strong female characters that also seem to fit into their historical context. I get a little weary of the very modern attitudes I find in so many women in historical fiction. This book was beautifully written, and historically rich, and the faith message just left me wanting to hug the book. Too bad I was listening to the audiobook. Goodreads | AmazonMy Review
Make sure to check out all the other bloggers taking part !
Get today's free Kindle book HERE
Make sure to enter the big giveaway HERE

Fall in Love: Five Fall Favorites

 

Ah romance. I always enjoy a well-done romance, but at times it's hard to find romances that I really, really like. However, I have found several I like. Today, I will share five romances that stand out to me.

I discovered Jane Austen at age fifteen and thought they were the best thing. I started with Pride and Prejudice. While that remains my favorite book, the romance in Emma was more endearing to me. In my ideal world, I would have grown up with the man I would eventually marry like Emma did. As it was, I knew my husband for six years before we were in a relationship, so it was almost as good. I love how Mr. Knighly loves Emma through everything. It takes Emma a while to realize she loves him, but when she does...*happy sigh*Goodreads | AmazonGet my Emma retelling for free HERE
I love Sarah Sundin's books, but this is my favorite of hers. The two main characters have a lot to learn, one about friendship and the other about leadership. They write to each other encouraging each other to keep up the good work and giving advice. I love how they fall in love through the letters, without knowing what the other looks like. Goodreads | AmazonRead my review HERE

One of the best things about Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer is that it isn't primarily a romance book. It's about a girl discovering herself at the end of World War I and along the way she finds love. This story is compelling and so satisfying. Now I want to go curl up with a mug of hot cider and reread it!Goodreads | Amazon
I grew up hearing my dad read Grace Livingston Hill books to my mom many evenings. This is just about my favorite romance she wrote. The book follows two siblings as they find love, but I loved the sweetness McRae's love story. It's a nostalgic read that is perfect for fall weather.Goodreads | Amazon This last book is perhaps the oddest for me. This book starts out with the two main characters not liking each other at all, a ploy I usually hate. Yet, in this biblical fiction book, it works out to show how God's grace and mercy can be extended to heal wounds and change lives. I love how the romance turned out in this book, especially how I felt it reflected the heart of God.I don't have a proper review written, but I would say this one has some darker elements that is best for ages 15 or over.Goodreads | Amazon

Check out the other bloggers taking part HERE.
Enter to win the fall-themed goodies HERE
Get today's free book HERE

The Mystery Continues: Five Fall Favorites

This post contains Amazon Affilate links. Thank you for using them and supporting this blog.

I love mysteries, but I'll be honest and say I haven't read an awful lot of them. Most of them seem to be about murder and dark. But I've found a few that I've really enjoyed over the years. Today, I get to share a few of my favorites. 

One of my earliest introductions to mysteries in fiction was the O'Malley series. This is a very intense series, both the mystery aspect and the emotional one. Each book not only has a mystery/suspense element to it, but also presents each of the O'Malley siblings and their personal journey to saving faith in Jesus. Dee Henderson did a great job not only writing brilliant stories, but showed that different people struggle with matters of faith differently.Goodreads | Amazon
I stumbled across the Wilkester Mysteries Series and quickly found a new series to adore. I loved that the main character was a smart, capable, Christian woman who didn't whine about life being different than she had always hoped. While topically, this is perhaps a pretty normal mystery series (who murdered who and why), the characters are unique and really awesome. As a professor of Engish Katrina shared about some of the books and authors she loved, I found new ones to check out as well. Goodreads | AmazonMy Review of Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3
How would I discrible The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott Series? I would say that if we had a fun, clean mystery show that was written for people in their teens, this might be the result. It isn't a hard-hitting mystery/crime novel type. These novellas are just a fun way to relax and enjoy some fun mystery that is clean. If you have ever watched the 80s show, Scracrow and Mrs. King, I would say it as a simlier feeling expect cleaner.Expect fun, laugher, with a big dose of spy stuff. Goodreads | AmazonMy Review of Book 1 |Book 2 | Book 3| Book 4 | Book 5 | Book 6 | Book 7 | Book 8
My Mom has collected quite a few of the cozy mysteries by Guideposts, but Family Patterns by Kristin Eckhardt has been among the best I've read. The story revolves around Sarah Hart restoring a quilt and trying to figure out a family mystery that has been around for many years. It might not sound super exciting, but I was on the edge of my seat for the whole book, just because the writing was so compelling. Goodreads | Amazon

This book was somewhat like a Sherlock Holmes style mystery, but with a lot on the line. Jasper not only need to solve the mystery of who is sabotaging the candy factory, but also give a compelling reason for his boss to contuie living. It isn't always easy to read about someone who is thinking about ending their life, but I loved how Schamel didn't give an easy answer to the question, but one with so much hope.Goodreads | Amazon
My Review I'm not the only one doing Five Fall Favorites!Check out Kate's Blog to see so much more
Make sure to enter the big giveaway HERE
And get today's free ebook HERE

Fantasy Five: Five Fall Favorites

 

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links

Welcome to day two of Five Fall Favorites! Today, we dive into the fantasy realm. Which is perfect, as often they are perfect for chilly evenings, hot drinks, and fires. I've never been very into fantasy, but there are a few special books and series that have buried themselves deep into my heart.

My youngest sister called me last year from a used bookstore and told me she had found a boxed set of The Chronicles of Narnia books like the ones I had grown up with. She wanted to know if I wanted them. Of course, I had to say yes. They may not be the best covers but they have memories. The Horse and His Boy is my favorite among the series. It is such a powerful tale of all things working out for our good, even when we cannot imagine how. The only drawback, in my personal opinion, is that magic is used by the good guys in a couple of the books.Goodreads | Amazon
Rachel Starr Thomson has been among my favorite authors for years, but The Prophet Trilogy is my favorite series of hers. In fact, my husband and I are reading through it together right now. We're reading the second book now. This series is non-magical and feels like it's based on stories you find in the Old Testament. It has a powerful story, realistic characters, and masterful writing,Goodreads | AmazonMy Review of Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3

The Arcrean Conquest series recently got new covers (pictured is the old cover). The stories have been a favorite from the first time I read them. This non-magical fantasy is full of fun, adventure, and friendship. I know that my young self would have adored these books so much. The adult me still enjoys them.Goodreads | AmazonMy review of Book 1| Book 2 | Book 3
Jaye L. Knight is a gifted writer. I knew that from the first book I read by her under her other pen name. This series is full of emotion from page one. Each of the characters is vividly written and has their own journey to take. Knight weaves not only a compelling story but one full of deep faith messages in the face of adversity. Each story in the Ilyon Chronicles is not only powerful but also encouraging. 
Goodreads | AmazonRead my reviews for Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3 | Book 4 | Book 5
If you enjoy allegories, you will enjoy this series. Chuck Black wrote the Kingdom series as an allegorical retelling of the Bible from beginning to end. I really enjoyed these stories. They were an interesting idea and lots of fun. As with all allegories, it isn't perfect, but it is a fun perspective.Goodreads | AmazonMy Review of the series

The Five Fall Favorites giveaway includes…
Decorative fall items (pumpkins, gnomes, and blanket scarf)A fall mug (there will be tea!)Annie’s Life in Lists by Kristin MahoneyHedgehog journalKiera by Kate Willis (hardcover)Brothers and Betrayal by Sarah Holman (paperback)Should We Tell Her? by Lillian Keith (paperback)The Road to Bremen by Kelsey Bryant (paperback)Anthology including a story by Abigail Harris (paperback)
Most books are contributions by participating authors. Ships to contiguous US only. Winner will have 48 hours to respond after being contacted.
Enter HERE
Get this book for free HERE


Last, make sure you head over to Kate's blog and check out the other blogs involved in Five Fall Favorites.

Five Books That Make Me Me: Five Fall Favorites

 

Post contains Amazon Affilate Links

This is me and my husband Scott.

Welcome to Five Fall Favorites! For those who might not know me, I plan to use this post to introduce myself as well as the five books that, in our hostess Kate's words, make me me. I love this idea because it lets me show you the book equivalent to a personal playlist. These are the books that have molded and shaped me over the years. Are you ready to dive in?

From my earliest memories, I've been part of a loving Christian family that placed God first in everything. Did we make mistakes? Oh yeah! But I'm so grateful to have godly parents, siblings, and to be married to a man of godly character. I have to say the number one book that makes me me is the Bible. I've tried to read it daily since I was very young and I try to build my life around Jesus and the truth of His word. In fact, you can often find me in the morning digging into scripture, and when my husband gets off work we read a chapter or two. Currently, I'm using my Maranatha NIV Worship Bible. I love the old NIV and the songs in the margins that help me to worship.

Amazon | Goodreads

Here is my family when we were all super little. Aren't we so cute!!

When I was young, I loved to read. But about the time I was ten, I found a series that had an impact on my faith and my outlook on life. It was a series that continues to inspire my writing, especially for young people. It also helped continue my love for history. The Sarah's Journey series became an instant favorite of mine. Sarah doesn't always have the best attitude about things, but she learns and grows. Wanda Luttrell showed through the story how Sarah's bad attitudes hurt her and how God changed her over time. Besides, the series was full of historical adventure.

Goodreads | Amazon

One might think I would have a hard time picking a favorite fiction book, but I don't. Christy by Catherine Marshall is hands down my favorite. I read it first when I was fifteen. Some might think that was a bit young to read such a book. Perhaps for some it would have been. God used it in a profound way at that point in my life. It isn't an easy book to read, but it challenged me to make sure my faith was my own, not borrowed from my parents and to seek to reach out to the messy people I met.
Goodreads | Amazon | My Review

We all battle with our thoughts from time to time. God was so good and brought this gem of a book into my life during a time I was battling some depression and anxiety. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure that I would be able to apply this book. It felt too hard, but I decided to try. It took time, but I found victory and now have the biblical tools to help me take my thoughts captive. This book continues to impact my life and challenge me to keep loving God with all my mind. It's the book I find myself recommending most often to my friends.

Goodreads | Amazon

Me and my two youngest sisters in Colorado

Of all the memories from my teen years, among my favorites are sitting in the middle of the woods, my sisters all sitting around working, while Rose or I read this book aloud together. We also listened to it in audiobook form many times. This book is more than a classic. It is a book about sisters and finding your place in the world. It continues to inspire me.
Goodreads | Amazon
Make sure to enter the giveaway!! You can enter HERE
Maker sure to check out Kate's Blog and all the others taking part in FFF.

Lastly....
Grab it HERE

You're Invited: Five Fall Favorites

 

I really missed being part of Five Fall Favorites last year. However, getting married kinda took up a lot of my time. I'm very excited to be getting back to this very fun event! Make sure to join me!
There is an Instagram challenge this time!!! It's going to be so much fun!
Aren't the graphics this year just splendid?