Sarah Holman's Blog, page 33
October 25, 2019
Snippet Saturday: Adventures and Adversities #2
*Post contains Amazon affiliate links*If you read the story before, share your thoughts on the scene. If you haven't read the book...Well, now you can try it out. Remember, all my books are free to read if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
The inside of the castle walls was nothing like what Alditha had envisioned. They entered through an opening in the wall, which the captain said was a half-finished gatehouse. Everywhere she looked in the large open area inside the walls, people were busy. Off to one side were merchants selling their wares; to the other side there were men hammering away on blocks of stone. In the very middle, workers were placing finished blocks on what appeared to be the beginnings of a large house. She eyed the captain, knowing better than to ask.“The beginnings of the keep,” he offered.Alditha wasn’t sure what a keep was, but she didn’t want to bother him with a question. As they began to cross the courtyard, Alditha took a deep breath and instantly regretted it. The bad smells seemed to be trapped by the walls. It was so different from the openness of her village. She looked to the sky, wishing a breeze would come and clear the air of the foul smell. She reached up and rubbed her already wrinkled nose.Captain Harold chuckled. “You’ll get used to the smell soon enough. The first day is always the worst.”“Does it always smell like this?”“In the summer it is worse, but in the winter things freeze over, and you don’t smell it as much,” the captain said as they reached an area that appeared to be the stables. It was a big wooden structure with room for a large number of horses inside. The captain handed the reins of his horse to a stable boy and put his hand on Alditha’s shoulder, guiding her through the people and horses that were moving about, past the stable and toward a door that seemed to lead into the wall of the castle.“Maggie? Maggie? Are you there?” the captain called, banging on the door. He then stepped to the side.“Who’s hollering my name loud enough to be heard clear to the sea?” a strong female voice called back. A moment later, a large woman filled the doorway, wiping her hands on a rag. Her faded indigo dress, as well as her chubby cheeks, were dusted with flour. Her long head-covering fully covered her hair and draped in a semicircle in the front.Maggie regarded Alditha severely. “Who might you be? Did you see the rogue that was hollering for me?”“Is that the way to treat the girl I have brought to help you?” Captain Harold stepped into her view.Maggie’s mouth dropped open. The rag she had been holding fluttered to the ground, and her hand went to her heart. “Harold? I mean Captain, what a surprise! I didn’t expect you for another week.”Captain Harold shrugged. “I made good time. I hope you have something for a hungry soldier to eat. I have been dreaming of your bread for weeks.”The color rose in Maggie’s cheeks. “Then bread you shall have.” Alditha followed the captain and Maggie through the door. The stone room was much longer than it was wide. It was uncomfortably warm from the heat of several ovens. Alditha’s stomach grumbled at the delicious smells that greeted her nose. Two girls were standing in front of a table nearby, kneading bread. One of them, a young girl of about ten or eleven, gave Alditha a shy smile.
Find out what happens next. You can add the book to Goodreads HERE or by it on Amazon HERE
October 24, 2019
Classics with Kelsey and Sarah Episode 5
October 23, 2019
The NaNoWriMo 20 Questions Tag
RulesThank the person that tagged you (Thank you, Esther, over at We've Got Pockets)Link back to the creator of this tag, Sophie @ Sophie’s Corner. (I want to hear about your NaNo novels!!)Feel free to use the NaNoWriMo 20 Questions Tag graphics!Answer the questions.Tag some friends who are also doing NaNo this year.And have fun!!!
Tell me about your NaNoWriMo project this year! Give me a blurb!Princess Fabia has always wanted to go on a grand adventure. For her birthday, her father gives her just that. She is sent to deliver a sword a neighboring kingdom, but then she is shipwrecked and nothing goes as planned.
What’s the genre?Kingdom Adventure/Non-magical Fantasy
Describe your MC in three words.Confident. Feminine. Princess.
Without spoilers, describe your villain in three words.Nature. Bandits. Injury. (Yeah, I don't have a main villain planned at the moment)
What is your goal? (the traditional 50K? 20K? 5K? or……. 100K?)Ummm... 50K or until the story is done. 
Is this your first draft? Second? Third?Well, technically it's a second draft. I started this book a couple of years ago and got about 10,000 words in, but I made some major changes so this is a restart. However, I will be using some from the old draft.
Are you starting a new project (or draft), or continuing an existing one? Yes...and yes... I am staring from chapter 1, but I will be bringing in some of the old draft.
What is your favorite time to write in the day?Mid-morning to mid-afternoon
Where are you going to write?At my table in my writing corner.
Computer or paper?Computer all the way. I can type almost as fast as I can think so
NaNoWriMo is a huge commitment!! How are you going to make time to write?Actually, since I plan not to have any other projects for that month, I feel like it's going to be really fun and a break. Besides! I'm so excited to be writing!
Are you going to participate in local or online NaNoWriMo events? (e.g. kick-off parties in your city, write-ins, virtual writing sprints…)I might do some sprints, but I'm not sure.
Do you write from beginning to end or skip around?Beginning to end. Always.
Planner or pantser? (or plantser?)I'll probably have a little planned out, but my stories never go as planned. I'm pretty much a panster. 
What will be your go-to NaNoWriMo snack?I'm not sure. I don't snack as much as I used to as I'm trying to eat healthier. Probably veggies dipped in ranch dressing. (For my friend that dislikes ranch dressing, I promise to have another option available)
Choice of caffeine? (or no caffeine?)Tea and Dr Pepper. Mainly tea though because (as I said) I'm trying to eat healthier.
Any rewards for milestone achievements? For finishing NaNoWriMo?If I finish the novel, I plan to buy myself a month of Kindle Unlimited for December and read a lot of Christmas books.
Share a tip for other NaNo-ers!Write extra when you can and make sure to take off days when you need to or for holidays. Time off and planning for time off is an important part of completing NaNo
How are you feeling about NaNoWriMo? (Excited?! Nervous!? Terrified?!)Excited! I've missed writing about Taelis.
Share a picture for your NaNoWriMo novel!(Okay, this originally said "Share an aesthetic for your NaNoWriMo novel!" but the ramet misuse of the word aesthetic is driving me crazy. Those who I tag, please feel free to change it back)[image error]I have stuff posted on my wall, ready to go!I tag: DeborahAnd anyone else who would like to do it!
October 22, 2019
Book Review: A Holy Passion by Alicia G. Ruggieri
*Post contains Amazon affiliate links*Find it on: Goodreads | Kindle | Paperback Age Appropriate For: 13 and up for very mild romance and descriptive illnessBest for Ages: 13 and up
I was so tired of romance as portrayed by so many authors. Some tried to be so careful that it felt lifeless and unrealistic, but most made it sound as if you had no control when you were in love. Even Christian books seem to be pushing the idea that boundaries can’t be upheld when a romance is underway. This book is so very different.
This book was nothing like any of those books. This book was honest about a girl finding a guy attractive (for many good reasons) and hoping they can be more than friends without a lot to base that hope on (many girls do this). With that honesty came and understanding that self-control was important and you can’t count on something happening.
This book is about real historical characters that I’ve read a lot about. Although it has been several years since I went through my obsession with the Edwards family, this book felt true to what I remembered of them and of David Brainerd. It seems Ruggieri really did her research.
My favorite part of the story was how what God wanted, what would honor Him most was put in front of every feeling. Brainerd placed it before his depression and anxiety to serve as a missionary. Jerusha puts it before her desire to be loved by Brainerd. Yet, in the story, it is clear that there is something very powerful that is released because of that sacrifice, as there always is in the Christian life.
Ruggieri is a talented writer. I’ve appreciated each of her books that I’ve read. Above her skill or even her impeccable research, is her love for Jesus. Her passion for God spills across each page of her writing.
I highly recommend this book to those who like historical fiction, godly characters, and powerful messages.
October 21, 2019
Order Paperbacks for Christmas! One Week Only!!
I know. It's a bit early to be talking about Christmas. However, in order to get paperbacks to people on time for Christmas, due to my printers always delaying things, I have to start now thinking about ordering paperbacks!For one week only, I'm offering some pretty sweet deals on ordering signed copies for Christmas!
Order your copies HERE
No Man, Your Purpose, and Breath of Knowledge
Recently Finished
Goodreads | AmazonI enjoyed this somewhat, but I wouldn't recommend it. Read my review HERE.
Goodreads | AmazonThis book poured over my soul. I needed it. Read my review HERE.
Goodreads | AmazonThis book was okay. The writing was a bit week, but the faith element was amazing. Read my review HERE.
Goodreads | AmazonIt was so much fun to revisit this book, my favorite of the series as a child. Read my review HERE.
Goodreads | AmazonWow! I love this series so much and this book was amazing. I don't have a full review up yet, but I will have one soon HERE.
Currently Reading
Goodreads | AmazonI'm not loving this as much as the other two books in the series. We shall see if I like it further on.
Goodreads | AmazonMy friend Kelsey lent me this. I've only read the introduction, but I'm excited to dive in.Up Next
Goodreads | AmazonI'm excited to finish this trilogy! I'm excited and nervous at the same time to see what happens. 
Goodreads | AmazonI friend Kesley recommend this to me. Since we own a copy, I want to read it. October 19, 2019
Snippet Saturday: Adventures and Adversities
*Post contains Amazon affiliate links* If you read the story before, share your thoughts on the scene. If you haven't read the book...Well, now you can try it out. Remember, all my books are free to read if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription.“It’s nearly sunset,” Simon, one of William’s fellow stable boys, stated. William ignored the boy and kept forking hay out of the loft so Simon could feed it to the animals. He was in no mood to be reminded of the time of day. If Alditha wasn’t here in the next hour or two, he would die before the stars were fully out. He had trusted Alditha; he had been so sure that she would come back, that she wouldn’t lie. He was sure that she wouldn’t stay with her family when it was time to come back to save his life, no matter how much she wanted to stay. Perhaps he had been wrong.“Wasn’t she supposed to be here yesterday?” Simon seemed not to understand how grave the situation was.“Simon! Just feed the horses and don’t speak again!” William was in no mood to talk, either. Yes, Alditha should have been back yesterday. Why had he been so stupid? His sister would now be without anyone to protect her, and for what? So Alditha could go back and live with her mother for her last few days on earth? It didn’t seem like a fair trade to him.Why, God? Why did You let this happen? Why didn’t You bring her back in time?As he prayed, the words the family priest had often quoted came back to him: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you.“William? William, are you here?” Bane’s voice penetrated his thoughts.“Coming, sir.” William tossed the pitchfork aside, wondering if he would ever pick it up again.“Perhaps they will only put you in the dungeon,” Simon said optimistically.William chose to ignore Simon as he leaped down from the loft to the earthen stable floor.“Come, William, I haven’t got all day.” Bane seemed almost bored, ready to be over with this everyday occurrence and on to more interesting pursuits.William walked out of the stable and turned to face the steward and the two soldiers he had brought with them. He squared his shoulders, preparing himself to die like a man, as his father had done, knowing that God would be with him.Find out what happens next. You can add the book to Goodreads HERE or by it on Amazon HERE
October 17, 2019
Classics with Kelsey and Sarah Episode 4
Preorders and Paperbacks
*Post contains Amazon affiliate links*I'm very pleased to announce that both Christmas books I have coming out this year are now available for preorder!
A Very Bookish Christmas is a very fun collection that will only be around for a limited time. I highly recommend you grab a copy while you can. After the end of 2019, this collection is going to go away.
Four stories.Four book-lovers.
Four feel-good Christmas stories.
This is a limited edition novella collection.
The anthology includes:
Molly and Anna by Sarah Holman (inspired by Pollyanna)
Gingerbread Treasures by Rebekah Jones (inspired by a Sherlock Holmes mystery)
Sylvie of Amber Apartments by J. Grace Pennington (inspired by Anne of Green Gables)
Sincerely, Jem by Kate Willis (inspired by Daddy-Long-Legs)
Finally, the next Kate book is coming out! You can get the Kindle edition for the special preorder price of $2.99
Can they save Christmas for a town?Kate and the team couldn’t be spending the holiday season in a more picturesque town. They are in Franklin, Tennessee to find the person setting off bombs at random. Or could it be that the explosions aren't as random as it appears? Can the team stop the bomber in time for Franklin’s big holiday festival? Kate herself is having a hard time dealing with the fact she can’t go home for Christmas... or can she?
Patrick is finding this case difficult. Promising leads just end up leading into dead ends, and Brian is getting on his nerves. On top of his own problems, Kate asks for his help to get home for Christmas, and it isn’t going to be easy. Can they solve the crime in time for everyone to have a merry Christmas?
I'm also very excited to announce that several of my books have new paperback editions!
Kate can’t stay with the team any longer. She has worked for too long to keep the walls around her heart and around her past to allow the team to tear them down now. She doesn’t think they can handle what is behind them; she’s not sure she can. Heading to Charleston with the team on one last case, she and Brian go undercover as brother and sister to find out if a young musician is profiting from illegal activity.Patrick is going undercover as a summer student at the University of Charleston. He tries to befriend the sister of a suspected drug runner, but nothing is coming easily. The sister won’t trust him, leads keep drying up, and tension in the team is building. When things begin to fall apart, Patrick is convinced that he can fix things, but can he?
When the seventeen-year-old Samantha Hardgrave disappears, Kate is sent to take her place at the college to follow up on leads. What she finds is a girl more complicated than most people thought with plenty of her own secrets. Samantha’s parents painted a picture of an upstanding girl who never hides anything, but that isn’t what Kate hears from Samantha’s roommate. Who is telling the truth?Patrick doesn’t even feel like they should be on the Hardgrave case. It is clear to everyone except her family what happened: she ran off with a visiting professor. Yet, as he learns more about her from her friends and family, he begins to doubt. Would Samantha have done something like that? And how come Kate is getting such a different picture of who Samantha was?
Edna believes herself to be a worthless servant. Sir Andrew knows himself to be the most respected and valuable knight. One event will cause both to discover where their value truly lies.When Princess Gail is on her way to visit friends, some men kidnap the princess to demand a ransom. They don’t realize that they’ve made a mistake and who they have is not the pampered princess, but her faithful servant, Edna. Carried far from home, Edna knows that no matter what she does, she won’t survive. Sir Andrew sets off to rescue the princess, taking no time to assess what has truly happened or to allow his men to help him. What should have been a quick and heroic mission turns into a long journey that is full of dangers, obstacles, and trials. Will he be forced to turn back or will he be able to make it to the tower where the princess is being held?
October 15, 2019
Book Review: Voyage of the Sandpiper by Jessica Glasner
*Post contains Amazon affiliate links*Find it on: Goodreads | Kindle | PaperbackAge Appropriate For: 12 and up for mild romance and war-related topicsBest for Ages: 12-20
I want to start off by saying this book is best for younger readers. I think it would be a great way to introduce young people to the beginnings of World War II and the plight of the Jewish people during that time. Still, I enjoyed this story.
Glasner has a wonderful writing style and well thought out plots and characters. She obviously put a lot of time in to do research and thought out all her characters well. She also did a great job picking unique settings and fun locations for her stories. She is an author to watch.
Edie was my favorite character. She was an eccentric writer with a good heart and a lot of fun quirks. Piper is an endearing character with struggles a lot of girls can relate to. I especially appreciated how the faith element was woven into the story with ease. It was the right balance of being there and not being preachy.
Both romances were done in a very sweet manner. Piper likes a young man and handles it very well. The romances are sweet, devoid of eye-rolling drama or blush-worthy scenes. It’s done well.While the historic aspect was a little simplistic for me, I think it’s perfect for introducing younger readers to concepts of World War II.
I recommend this book for young people, those looking for solid stories on World War two, or those who enjoy sweet books.
