Sarah Holman's Blog, page 30

5 Books for Singles

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Often, February can make singles want to hide under their covers. As the world celebrates romantic love, us singles can feel forgotten. Today, I have five books for you, my single friend.

7 Myths about Singleness by Sam Allberry was given to me by my siblings for my 29th birthday. They knew it had been on my wish list. It is really one of the best books out there on the subject. It is a powerful book for singles to see their purpose. This book is written for both men and women.

Waiting for Isaac by Jessica Greyson is a beautiful and short book that explores the heartache we often feel as single girls. It's like talking with your dear friend  who is pointing you toward Jesus

 I highly  Beyond Waiting by Rebekah Snyder recommend especially younger singles. Written in a style that makes you feel like you're talking with a friend, this book reminds singles of a lot of very important truths.

I really enjoyed the fictional novella Wedding Score by Amanda Tero. This small story is well told and filled with powerful truths for single ladies. It was balm for my heat

Emma and the Reasons by Natasha Metzler is a recent read for me and it deals with both relationships and singleness. I loved how Emma and her two friends navigate the world together, and how God is at the center of all they do.

What are your favorite books (both fiction and non-fiction on singleness?

Saturday Snippet: The First Tale

*post contains affiliate links*Perhaps the children realized what their parents would not understand: that the stories I told were their heritage, their history. The heroes and heroines, knights and villains, royalty and peasants were not just characters of my own invention; they really lived, really breathed. Each and every one of them was a story and had a lesson for every generation.
Who am I? I am a teller of stories. I have lived as a priest, a prince, and a peasant. I have known the heights of joy and the depths of pain. I have known friendship as well as betrayal, hate as well as love. I have served but one God, who has upheld me through my whole life, even in the darkest of moments. I am Zale Kahlon.
My brother understood how important the stories I told were. That is why he has sent me here far from my beloved Taelis, charging me to write them down. This tale is only one of many to come. As my brother instructed, I will write as many of the tales of Taelis as I can in my lifetime.
When I arrived at a new village and started telling the tales to the children, I would always start with this one. I would tell them that from humble beginnings, heroes rise. Though this tale may not be of princes, kingdoms, or even of knights, it is the beginning of all other tales. Out of this tale, all others will rise.

Want to read more? Find it on Amazon

Burdney by Nicole Sager: A Book Review

Find it on: Goodreads | Kindle | Paperback Age Appropriate For: 13 and up for violence, some mildly scary scenesBest for Ages: 12-20Description: When a villain's grand scheme takes flight, who will rise up to clip their wings? Years after an act of betrayal lowers a dark cloud over Burdney, Lady Agatha seeks vengeance and respect, while her sister, Aeryn, chases after freedom and peace. When a young slave named Epic arrives at the Mizgalian castle disguised as a nobleman in need of shelter, the conflicted youth soon finds himself caught in a web of intrigue that reaches further than anyone suspects. In a race against time and doom, Blunt the minstrel must travel to Burdney for the vindication of a condemned friend. When his travels take an unexpected turn - and sometimes even go in circles - the Arcrean bard must learn to trust that God is always in control. Secrets and deception lie in wait around every corner, until a conspiracy is revealed that will wage a battle for hope and justice on the grounds of Burdney.
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I’m so happy to finally be catching up on Sager’s works. Her stories are some of my favorites. This book was even better than Hebbros.
This story has a few things going on, but unlike a few times in Hebbros when I was a little confused, this story was clear and all the characters were so different, I had no trouble keeping them all sperate. Each character was unique and fun.
While I loved the main story, Symone, a side character had me laughing, but also touched my heart. I love how things worked out for her. Each character was interesting and had depth, that’s one of the reasons I love Sager’s books.
The plot of this book kept me on the edge of my seat, which for such a long book is hard. I didn’t want to stop reading for a moment. I wanted to know what was up with those birds and who was plotting against whom.
The setting is a very mild fantasy, devoid of magic, but with a country and history all its own. If you’ve read any of Sager’s other works, you know what I mean. It was fun to see some old favorite characters again, as well as meant new ones.
As always, the faith aspect of the book was powerful. The importance of sharing your faith, the value of life, God’s redemption, as well as other important truths are woven in.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy non-magical fantasy, faith-building stories, and clean reads.

Saturday Snippet : "I don't like it when we're at odds"

“I was wondering where you had snuck off to,” Emmeline whispered. The nursery had changed little since she and her sister were young. It still housed their small beds and dearly loved toys and books.Fredrick sent her a smile, which she was able to see in the moonlight streaming through the window. He sat on the floor next to Betty’s bed, Ronald asleep in his lap.“You must have been telling them stories,” Emmeline said, sitting down beside him. “Your stories always put people to sleep.”Fredrick’s teeth gleamed in the moonlight as he grinned. “Are you saying my stories are boring?” His voice was hushed.“Yes,” Emmeline said, a muffled giggle escaping. “Remember that long one you told me when I was sick that winter? About the canning factory?”“Well, at least it served one purpose; that was the time you read a whole book, wasn’t it? If my stories bored you to the point of reading …”“Reading that book saved me from listening to your lecture on crop rotation and electric currents. Your stories all did sound like the things that you had learned at college.”Fredrick shifted slightly, moving Ronald to his other arm. The little boy didn’t make a sound. “Most of it was. While I dearly love to read, I don’t have the imagination some others have. Besides, it was probably good for you. You have to admit that you never would have read about those things on your own. I helped educate you on things that were important.”“You did,” Emmeline admitted, reaching out to push the hair from Ronald’s face. “While I might not have been happy at the time, I’m grateful now. You’ve always been good for me, like the brother I never had.”“Now if only we could work out our differences as easily as we keep our relations from killing each other.” Even though he said it in a lighthearted tone, there was an undercurrent of seriousness that she didn’t miss.“I don’t like it when we are at odds with each other,” Emmeline admitted. “Even though I think I was right, I don’t wish to disappoint you, really I don’t.”“I know, Emmeline,” Fredrick said softly, and covered her hand with his own for the briefest moment before pulling it away again.
Get a copy today! Paperback, Kindle book, or Audible book.

Hebbros by Nicole Sager

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Find it On: Goodreads | Amazon
Age Appropriate For: 12 and up for mild violence and mentions of immoral behavior.
Best for Ages: 15 - 25
Description: In a realm that feasts on wickedness, and a city that thirsts for power, the faithfulness of a few will be tested.
A MIZGALIAN SEEKS JUSTICE…
When members of his faith are exiled from the city of Hebbros, Luke vows to resist the forces that tore his family apart. Armed with a divine gift and the aid of friends, he undertakes to right a world of wrongs. Opposed on all sides by evil men determined to silence the Faithful and outlaw their powerful God, Luke’s small band will be tried and tested as they battle for truth, freedom, and the overthrow of rampant evil in their city.
AN ARCREAN SEEKS FULFILLMENT…
Three years after Elaina’s world was turned upside-down, the former nobleman’s daughter still tastes the sting of bitterness. When an act of betrayal sends her north into slavery, Elaina finds herself face-to-face with the truth she has long resisted and a choice that will change her forever.
THEY WILL DISCOVER A MATCHLESS GRACE…
Brought together in a desperate attempt to pluck a remnant from destruction, Luke, Elaina, and a host of unforgettable characters will discover the greatness of the power of God, and the startling truth that some things are not what they seem.
It has taken me far too long to get to this book. I loved the Arcrea series so much, and now I finally have read the next book by one of my favorite authors, Nicole Sager. The first thing that you should know about this book is that it is not as light-hearted as the Arcrea series, but it is just as good. This story deals with standing up for your faith in the face of darkness and persecution.

Luke was a great protagonist. He has many flaws, and sometimes you just want to set him down and explain life to him. However, I think this made him a very relatable character. It is easy to see reflections of yourself in a character who is trying so hard, but has some obvious failings.

There were two things about this book that I ought to mention. It felt like a trilogy put together; there are even three very distinct sections. The second is that some parts felt a bit repetitive and predictable.

My favorite thing about Sager’s writing is that I can always count on her for strong writing with faith elements that are both challenging and uplifting. This book was no exception. The gospel message was presented several times and even a few “bad” characters that come to Christ.

The cast of characters was a bit dizzying at times, but my favorite was Bradley. He was so much fun, but so wounded. While he was a minor character, he added some much needed levity to the story.

I highly recommend this book for those who love non-magical fantasy, strong Christian messages, and tales about standing up for your faith.

Saturday Snippet: The Carters

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When Emmeline was younger, the Carters had lived in the same neighborhood with the Wellingtons and Knights. However, after Mr. Carter had died, the two Carter ladies had moved into a smaller home in town. This last year, they had started taking in boarders, further degrading themselves and separating them from their former station in life.Emmeline glanced at her father who drove their shiny car down the snowy lane. She didn’t understand why he was not in the least bit embarrassed about entering a boarding house. What if any of their friends saw and thought they were asking about a room? She shivered, and not just from the cold of the January day. She liked her position in society and hoped that the Carters would not put that position in jeopardy.Her father stopped in front of the house with the white picket fence in need of a coat of paint. “I hope they’re having roast beef,” he said, opening his door.Emmeline smiled to herself and pushed open her door. Father always wanted to have roast beef. It had been his favorite as long as she could remember. If she would let him, he would have it every meal. She stepped out of the car into the street, which was relatively free of snow, but more was falling. She did hope that they could get the car started when they left.Her father held the gate open and allowed her to pass through ahead of him. Emmeline walked straight up to the door and knocked.Mrs. Carter, in an apron that was splattered with some of what was to be their meal, answered. “Mr. Wellington, Emmeline, come in!”Mr. Wellington took a step in and sniffed the air. “Is that…?”“Roasted chicken thighs.”“Smells wonderful,” Mr. Wellington said, shedding his coat and following Mrs. Carter into the dining room.Emmeline lagged behind, her fake smile threatening to disintegrate completely. Chicken thighs? How could someone invite the Wellingtons over and then serve chicken thighs?“Is that you, Miss Wellington?” Geraldine came in, walking as erect as if her spine was welded together like the frame of a car. The girl had been raised in a positively Victorian manner. Her posture was always perfect, her clothes of an era before, her hair always in a tight bun and her language, as always, formal.“Miss Carter,” Emmeline greeted, giving her a slight nod of her head. “It’s good to see you. I saw the new hat you were wearing on Sunday.”Geraldine’s lips curled upward slightly. “Did you like it? It was one I remade myself. Cousin Evelyn made the cherries out of clay and painted them herself. An artist in Europe taught her.”“My, isn’t she talented,” Emmeline said. The hat might have been fashionable a generation before, but she refrained from saying so.

Get a copy today! Paperback, Kindle book, or Audible book.

My Upcoming Jane Austen Story

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So I've been talking a lot this week about Emmeline and The Vintage Jane Austen series. I've also been talking a lot about my love for Jane Austen. So, I thought this would be a great time to talk about my upcoming story, releasing this fall, based on a Jane Austen book.
Some of you read A Very Bookish Christmas. Most of you probably at least heard about it. Well, I'm happy to say it was a success and I and four other authors will be releasing A Very Bookish Thanksgiving this fall!
My story is going to be based on Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. Annalise is the main character and she comes from a pretty messy family. She lives and works at a Christian camp near Lost Maples State Park in Texas which is run by a pretty amazing family. Torn between two worlds, loving someone who is out of her reach, Annalise is struggling to be thankful.
While I can't do a lot of writing right now due to my arm injury, I'm busy plotting and planning. I'm really excited to be working with another Jane Austen story, as well as doing another Bookish holiday collection.
Are you excited about A Very Bookish Thanksgiving?

5 Tips For Writing Retellings

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I've had a lot of fun retelling the fairy tales of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Snow Queen. However, my favorite retelling project was The Vintage Jane Austen series.

1. Make sure you legally can. I know, this is boring advice, but I've seen some retellings pop up based on copyrighted material. Also, make sure that when retelling a tale, you don't use material from another retelling that might be copyrighted. The last thing you need is to land in the middle of a legal battle. 
2. Decide how close you're going to follow the story. You might want to do a classic rendition and stick close to the story we all know and love, or turn it on its head. Decide ahead of time what you want to do. This will really help, I promise. 
3. Make sure you have a unique element. You want your story to stand out. Think ahead and plan out something. It's so much fun. I loved this part in every one of my retellings.
4. Get input from others. Ask some people you know will like the story for their input. They can help you smooth out all those rough places or just squeal with delight with you.
5. Remember, not everyone is going to love it. Some people will think your reimagined version is amazing. Others will hate it because it isn't close enough, or it's too far from the original (sometimes both). It's a hard, sad truth. Prepare yourself for that.

What story would you like to retell? 

I'm giving away a special bundle of my retellings! Enter to win!
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A Love to Come Home To: A Book Review

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Find it on: Goodreads | Kindle | Paperback 

I was a little worried going into this book. After all, some of my friends who loved the other two books didn't like some of the things in this one. I enjoyed it a lot. Don’t get me wrong, parts of it had me banging my head against a wall, wondering why some people (*ahem* Grace) did what they did. That isn’t to say I was confused about their motivations but, just frustrated. Yet, I totally understood why people were doing what they were doing.

Does that sound confusing to you? Well, Ruggieri writes complex stories with complex characters. You have to read her stories to truly understand them. When you have read the story, you feel as if you have met real people. They make mistakes, the sin, yet they also find the grace of God.

This story kept me reading, flipping the digital pages, and I was very happy with the ending. I was really worried until the end. A couple of times, I thought about giving up because I was worried about where the author was going. In the end, she wrapped everything up in a satisfying way, but also in a way that made it clear that the characters had growing and changing to do in the years to come.

The romance? It was sweet, clean, devoid of many elements that have made me give up on so many modern Christian fiction romance books. Are the character perfect? Without temptation? Not at all! They do choose to do what is right.

I highly recommend this book to those who have enjoyed the first two in the series, like realistic characters, and stories deeply rooted in God’s amazing grace.

What Makes us Love Jane Austen?

I love books, both old and new. As a writer and as a reader, I'm always fascinated by what makes a book last. Jane Austen is an author that continues to be read, rewritten, and loved even these many years after her books are published. While I'm sure there are many books and articles that utilize a lot of research, here are just a few of my thoughts on the subject.

Whether it is Emma's well-meaning mistakes, Lizzie's quick judgments, or Fanny's seeming inability to speak up for herself and others, Jane Austen wrote characters with believable faults that many of us can identify with. It's always nice to have characters that are inspiring, but not so perfect we feel we could never emulate them.

Personally, I think Jane Austen's greatest skill (and the reason we still get so much from her books) was her insight into human emotions. All of her characters are complicated. Having recently reread Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility, I was once again struck with her complicated characters. They have emotional highs and lows. The longer I live, the more I realize how each character has depth and you can find people around you that are a lot like them.

While her writing was solid, I do think her setting made her books stand the test of time. The manners and beauty of the Regency era are captivating. Sometimes, I just read a passage that is steeped in the customs of the time and I sigh happily, soaking up the gentility. Other times, I laugh or poke fun at it. However, the time in which she wrote really adds to the charm of her stories.

While flawed, I think all her main characters were good people who you feel you can always root for. While I love a good redemption story, I sometimes get tired of books where the characters seem to be more flawed then good. Just as they have flaws we can relate to, I feel they also have goodness that we can aspire to.

Lastly, the struggles each of her characters face are normal but compelling. Anne chose to follow advice that could cost her marital happiness for her life, Lizzie struggles to navigate her life in a proper way despite how some of her family members act, Fanny wants to do what is right but struggles to communicate her deepest feelings, and Emma wants everyone to be happy but thinks she knows best how to do it.  While normal struggles, Austen presents them in a compelling way.

Why do you find Jane Austen compelling?