Sarah Holman's Blog, page 55

Adventure Between the Pages: Sufficient Grace

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Description: Four years have passed since tragedy broke Grace’s family apart, tarnished the family name, and sent her into hiding at finishing school. Now with a new last name and a few years between her and the accident; Grace wonders if she will be able to escape the heavy shadow of the past that smothers her with guilt and a desire to escape life. 
Grace carefully guards her heart from others to prevent them from discovering her past. However, when Mitch, a deputy, comes into her life, he seems bent on destroying Grace’s armor. Can Grace really trust someone with the secrets that haunt her, or will they destroy her once again?

While I have loved both Annabeth’s War and The Captive of Raven Castle, I have to admit that this is by far my favorite Greyson book so far.

Moving away from the realm of fantasy, Greyson takes us to the old west. Her story drops us in the middle of the action of girls that have been kidnapped from a stagecoach, and the story just is amazing from there.

My heart immediately felt connected with Grace’s. So many of the emotions that she experienced are ones that I have felt myself. She was so wounded, yet also strong. She was someone you wanted to hug and respected at the same time. Throughout so much of the story, you wonder why Grace is choosing to do some of the things she is doing, yet also not confused, if that makes sense.

Mitch was an amazing character, too. He reminded me of Ransom in Annabeth’s war, yet he was different. Mitch’s unconditional love and how he truly cares for Grace was so sweet. So much of the story focuses on their friendship. Yes, there is a hint of romance, but more on friendship.

You can always count on Greyson for solid faith messages, and this was no exception. This book held the themes of telling the truth, redemption, and allowing others to be there for you. Yet, more than any other story she has written, I feel the message within this book will minister to the heart of those who read it.

I never wanted to but the book down. That is probably the reason I didn’t and read it all in one day. It kept me flipping pages wanting to find out what happened next. When it was finished, I wished that it wasn’t over.

I highly recommend this to those who love western stories, light romance, and a whole lot of action.

And she already has the dress

Well, between my writing and wedding preparations, I haven’t been blogging much. If feels good to sit down and write something. Today, I want to share with you the special story of Rose’s dress. However, except for the picture above with some detail work, you will have to wait until after the wedding to see the full dress.

Rose was in her late teens and she knew just what she wanted for her wedding dress. She had a pattern picked out that was actually for a medieval costume and she wanted to embellish the dress with embroidery. She, however, did not want to spend the days leading up to her wedding frantically trying to finish it. God provided some satin material that someone didn’t want any more and for several months, Rose worked on stitching on her wedding dress.

I clearly remember her trying it on and then carefully packing it away and putting the box in a back corner. It was a happy day that it was done, full of hopes for the future. Neither of us thought that six years would pass before she used it. Thankfully, Rose hasn’t changed in dimensions at all since then (which is sickening for those like me who gain all too easily).

Recently, Rose unpacked the dress to make some final adjustments. When she tried it on, I nearly cried. This is all happening so fast and my heart is so full. Was it really only a year ago that Rose was sobbing about being single? My heart is bursting with happiness for her.

Spotlight on The Secret Slipper

About the BookBeing a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?
Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?
As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn't even know is searching for her?


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Get book #1 “Befriending the Beast”

About the AuthorAmanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again – starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels. If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Connect with AmandaEmail: amandaterobooks@gmail.comWebsite: http://amandatero.com/Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.comGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTeroAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero

Spontlight on Befriending a Beast

About the BookBeing a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?
Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?
As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn't even know is searching for her?


Purchase Here
Get book #1 “Befriending the Beast”

About the AuthorAmanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again – starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels. If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Connect with AmandaEmail: amandaterobooks@gmail.comWebsite: http://amandatero.com/Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.comGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTeroAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero

Adventure Between the Pages: Write Well

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Description: Writing isn't all heart and art. It's structure and syntax, too.
Write Well will help you understand the structure of writing so you can get back to the art.
Hi there, I'm Rachelle Rea Cobb. and I have history with words. I've ever been known as a grammar geek with a knack for storytelling. Friends and family have come to me for years to polish their pages. For five years now, one of my favorite things to do is help others polish their pages until their words shine--and then they can sign their own publishing contracts. I have worked with traditional, self-published, and best-selling authors, as well as students, bloggers, and ESL writers. Entrusting your words to others can be excruciating, but I promise to treat them with the utmost care, never squashing your voice. Instead, my job is to unleash it from typos, fluff, and repetitiveness, etc.
And now I'd like to share my expertise with you.

As some of you are probably painfully aware, grammar is not my thing. It isn’t that I don’t care, but it seems that every time someone tries to explain the rules, I only become more confused. Seriously? How am I supposed to understand where those silly little commas go? The answer is to buy this little book.

This book was so, so, so helpful! I still have a long way to go before I really have a firm grasp on all the principles. However, I finally feel like I have a chance. This book is not huge and intimidating. It is not peppered with crude references that some grammar books have. It is a short guide to grammar from someone who loves it to those of us who need the help.

After reading the section on commas, I felt like I had a better understanding on how to use them than any of the grammar books I read for school. Like I said, I know I still have a long way to go in applying them. However, I plan to start having this book on hand as I edit.

The rest of the book was also helpful. No section is very large; in fact you can read the whole book in about an hour. Yet, those short pages are packed with helpful information.

If you want to learn more about grammar and improve your writing, this book is a must have. It isn’t expensive, so grab yourself a copy.

I highly recommend this book for writers, homeschool students, and anyone wanting to improve their grammar skills.

Adventure Between the Pages: The Sound of Silver

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Description: The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One is fighting for faith, the other for honor…
After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.
Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

I was so excited to finally read the second book in this series. I actually sat down one Sunday and read straight through them. It was a great way to see the story woven together, but it also makes the details of the books blend together. I am sorry for any blending in my brain that has taken place.

Dirk still seeks to clear his name, but he faces a lot of obstacles. I love how he is drawn to Gwyn, yet wants to save her from his reputation. So many heroes don’t hesitate to bring the girl they love into danger with them, so it was nice to see Dirk trying to protect Gwyn.

Speaking of protecting Gwyn, she didn’t make it easy. As in the last book, sometimes she did her own thing, which put her in danger. Sometimes I wanted to shake her for being stupid, but most of the time I just adored how much she cared about the people around her.

This story was so good that I couldn’t wait to start the next book… and so I didn’t. I dove right into it.

I highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction, mild romance, and lots of exciting twists.

Reckless words

All of us have been on the receiving end of reckless words. Someone gets angry and shouts that we don't care. Someone is offended and calls us judgmental. Someone is hurt and they call you a name. Even when spoken out of the emotion of a moment, it still wounds deeply which is probably why the Bible warn's us against reckless words.
I know that often I speak before I think and then I regret what comes out. I have seen a siblings countenance crumble under a criticism or a harsh word. I have seen the wounded look in friends eyes when I said something thoughtless. It is never something I want to see. On the flip side, I have seen a sibling beam at a word of encouragement, a friend be moved by a loving truth, and seen the joy well thought out words can bring.
This verse is a powerful reminder that reckless words will cost us. We should be wise so that our words bring healing.

Adventure Between the Pages: The Furtherst Shore

Age Appropriate For: 16 and up
Best for Ages: 18 and up (romance, mentions of sin, mentions of sinful lifestyles)
Description: Naval officer Ryan Gallagher broke Jenny's heart six years ago when he abruptly disappeared. Now he's returned but refuses to discuss what happened. Furious, Jenny has no notion of the impossible situation Ryan is in. With lives still at risk, he can't tell Jenny the truth about his overseas mission--but he can't bear to lose her again either.

There are two things that I can always count on Elizabeth Camden for – amazing writing and realistic emotions. She doesn’t sugarcoat things and sometimes her characters behave badly. Yet, within the pages of her incredible stories, there is often a story of redemption and the love of Christ that cannot be ignored.

This was a story about two people that used to have a beautiful and innocent love, but sin corrupted it. He hurt her and betrayed her, she won’t forgive him. These two broken people end up in a house together (with a few others, including her father) and are forced to face their own sins.

Sin was not glossed over in this book. Ryan’s betrayal was not only a sin, but it hurt many of those around him. I felt Camden did a good job of showing Ryan having already come to terms with his failing and struggling to see why others cannot do the same. Ryan’s was a guy that will both endear and frustrate female readers.

I loved Jenny. I got made at Jenny for her unforgiveness, yet I saw so much of myself in her. She is trying to be wise and guard herself against hurt and failing to see her own sin. I felt most connected to her and her struggles. I loved her raw and real emotions and her search for peace.

The romance was toned down from the last Camden book a read. Not as much kissing or touching, which was nice. My only real complaint is that Camden seems to like getting her guys shirtless so the girls can admire them. I find most of the time it to be a bit awkward. There are times when it seems a normal thing, but this felt awkward. I still liked the book. Some people might want to also know the book is a bit gritty in places, but never goes into detail.

The historical aspect was brilliant as always. Camden always has a knack for bringing history to life. This involved the war, Japanese, and life on a military base. I felt as if I was there and could see it all.
I highly recommend this book to those who love romance, historical fiction, and realistic situations.

Packing the Room

After crying on Sunday, I was ready to rejoice with my sister. Part of that has been helping her to pack up her stuff as much of it will be going up to Michigan in June. It is amazing how many things we have that are still 'ours'. We knew this day would come and have systematically labeled things as to who's they ares. However, there are so many things we never thought about, hair stuff, crafting supplies, and the like.

It is also a bit odd to think that soon - for the first time in my life - I am going to have my own room. I love sharing this pretty space with my friend and love how it reflects both of us. Now, it will just be me. Which I am a little excited about. I am going to repaint the room, place ALL my books out on the bookshelves, and rearrange a few things.

I will be sharing with you pictures when I start the renovations.

Have you had a sibling move out of the house?

Dreams and Devotion is coming....

Some dreams will be dashed, and their devotion will be tested.
Dara's life is full of farm work and worries, especially now that her older brother is a priest in a far off city. Yet she still has time to dream of the life she hopes will someday be. She dreams of marrying her dear friend and the worries of her family ending. Now, the selfishness of one person threatens her very way of life.
Dresden's initial excitement about living a life devoted to the service of God quickly is dashed on the rocks of reality. The life of a priest is nothing like what he imagined. To make matters worse, he finds out his family back in his home village is on the brink of disaster. Torn between his vows and his love for his family, what will he choose?
Today, I am putting the final touches on this story, and this evening I plan to send it out to my awesome team... which could include YOU!
That is right, I am looking for some fresh blood in my advanced reader team. You can either sign up to help catch typos, read and review the final version, sign up for the blog tour, or a combination of those. Click HERE to find out more. 
Some of you may be thinking about the fact that this is the fourth book in a series. I have great news for you, each book in the Tales of Taelis series can be read on their own. This book might be a great book to introduce you to the world of Taelis.