Sarah Holman's Blog, page 93

Adventure Between the Pages: Full Steam Ahead

Buy it Here Age Appropriate For: 16 and up for romance Best for Ages: 18 and up
Description: When love simmers between a reclusive scientist and a wealthy debutante, will they abandon ship or is it full steam ahead? Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston, Texas, to find her father deathly ill. Though she loves him, Nicole's father has always focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run Renard Shipping. Vowing to find a suitable husband to give her father the heir he desires before it's too late, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure as her dowry: the highly coveted Lafitte Dagger. But her father's rivals come after the dagger, forcing a change in Nicole's plans. After a boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana nearly took his life, Darius Thornton has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. Even if it means letting a female secretary into his secluded world. Nicole is determined not to let her odd employer scare her off with his explosive experiments, yet when respect and mutual attraction grow between them, a new fear arises. How can she acquire an heir for her father when her heart belongs to another? And when her father's rivals discover her hiding place, will she have to choose between that love and her family's legacy?
I keep expecting Witemeyer to come out with a book that I think is just okay, not amazing. Yet every time, she manages to wow me with yet another awesome story. Full Steam Ahead impressed me on so many levels: the history, the setting, the characters, and, the thing that defines every Witemeyer book and sets her above so many authors, the strong faith element.
Full Steam Ahead was a bit more… well steamy than some of Witemeyer’s other books. There were several kissing scenes in this book and, often, a book with as much kissing as this one would have gotten a star knocked off for my personal tastes, but this one maintained five stars.
I liked Nicole form the first moment I started reading about her. She is so smart and sassy, yet I was surprised that she also maintained her femininity, proving Witemeyer’s skill and ability to break the molds. Nicole was an endearing character, and I hope that Witemeyer writes a prequel about her someday.Darius was such a heart-breaking character. His pain felt so real and his quest so understandable. He was a perfect match for Nicole. Most authors miss the mark when it comes to obsessed/broken characters. However, Darius was very life-like and lovable.
About half-way through the book, I thought that this was going to be the first Karen Witemeyer book without a strong faith element, and I was disappointed. However, just a short chapter or so later, the message hit and it hit hard. I was near tears! How she wove the threads into the story without me realizing it, I don’t know, but it was awesome.
I highly recommend this book to older girls who love historical romance, strong faith, and endearing characters.Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Interview, Giveaway, and Review with Perry Kirkpatrick

Today, I would like you to meet Perry Kirkpatrick, fellow Homeschool Author. She is here to talk about her newest book. See my review in the video below.


Perry, thank you for stopping by. Tell my readers a little bit about yourself.
Thanks for hosting the last stop on my blog tour, Sarah! I'm a 22-year-old homeschool graduate, wife to my best friend Tyler, mother of two little boys, self-published author of four books, and freelance book designer.
What inspired The Case of the Tabloid Tattler?A bored mind. Literally. My brain was feeling all restless so I started randomly writing the beginning of a story. One idea followed another, and pretty soon I actually did have a story on my hands!
Do you know when Mia will solve her next case?Mia is currently working on her next case; it's something to do with a missing dog, oddly enough. I'll be sharing updates on her progress on my blog.

My review

Was this review helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon (it really does help me).
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Other posts you might enjoy:          Adventure Between the Pages:The Silver Shawl by Elisabeth Foley          Adventure Between the Pages: Maelyn by Anita Valle          Adventure Between the Pages: Summer Leaves

Everyday Life: Of books and such

Writing Saturday: Video update

In which I give an update on A Different Kind of Courage

Five Roses

 Today I am posting the cover and details of Rooglewood Press' new Fairy Tale collection.

Rooglewood Press is delighted to introduce their second fairy tale novella contest—Five Enchanted Rosesa collection of “Beauty and the Beast” storiesThe challenge is to write a retelling of the beloved fairy tale in any genre or setting you like. Make certain your story is recognizably “Beauty and the Beast,” but have fun with it as well. Make it yours!Rooglewood Press will be selecting five winners to be published in the Five Enchanted Roses collection, which will be packaged up with the gorgeous cover you see displayed here. Perhaps your name will be one of the five displayed on this cover?All the contest rules and information (how to enter, story details, deadline etc.) may be found on the Rooglewood Press website. Just click HERE and you will go right to the page. Rooglewood Press’s first collection, Five Glass Slippers, is available for pre-order now and will be released on June 14. Do grab yourself a copy and see what these talented writers have done with the timeless “Cinderella” tale!

In which Sarah tells you random things and tires to make up for not blogging

Yes, life is crazy. Most of the time I have spent blogging or working on my computer has been monopolized by Homeschool Authors. I have been putting together a big summer reading program/giveaway. Yes, it is pretty amazing.

I am also so excited to see three Homeschool Authored books I have endorsed using my endorsements.


Click on the book to see the trailer.
Right now I am editing my book and working with my cover designer trying to get the good model for the front. Which brings me to my last, random thing.
Calling all photographers. Would you like to see your image on the cover of my next book? I am currently looking for a high quality image of a man in his early/mid twenties in Colonial (non-military) looking garb. I am more than happy give credit and compensation for the photo. Contact me at thedestinyofone@juno.com and feel free to share this opportunity with your friends. Need some inspiration? Check this out. http://www.history.org/history/clothing/men/mglossary.cfm

Yes, I am willing to pay if you can get me a photo that looks better than anything we have been able to find.

Faith to Start Your Week: Choosing not to Doubt

I talked a few weeks ago about how God sometimes has used fiction in my life to reach me. Well, he did it again and I thought I would share how God used a book recently in my life.
I have been on a bit of a sci-fi kick. I haven't read or watched much since I completed the Destiny Series. I was pleased to discover a wonderful science-fiction series by J. Grace Pennintgton, Firmament. I devoured both books that were out in about a week, but the second book really gripped me it's message really struck home.
In Firmament: In His Image, the characters are confronted with an alien life form and it challenges their faith. The main character's response? She decides that even though this is a challenge for her faith, she is not going to doubt God. It isn't easy, but any time she starts to doubt, she reminds herself of what she knows about God.
It was a good reminder for me. Sometimes I tend to over question, and over analyze. Sometimes all I need to do is trust in what I already know. What is God teaching you right now?
Other posts you might enjoy:          Sometimes, God uses Fiction          Thought of the Day: A Passionate God          Faith to Start you Week: Versions of the Bible

Interview with Meghan M. Gorecki

Sarah: Today, I am happy to introduce a wonderful young woman I had the privilege of working with when I was the administrator of Meditations of His Love. Welcome to my corner of the world, Meghan.

Meghan: Thank you so much for having me here, Sarah. So blessed by your friendship. *smile*

Sarah: In one paragraph, who is Meghan Goreki?

Meghan: I am a twenty-something writer who struggles to identify herself as such but most importantly I am a daughter of the Most High Lord, saved by grace. I happily live at home with my parents, three younger siblings and two cats. When I'm not writing historical fiction, I blog, crochet, play piano and can likely be found running back and forth to church for one reason or another. I also work part time as a medical receptionist.

Sarah: What inspired God's Will?

Meghan: I began this book in late spring, 2007. It started with a random dream of seeing this girl/young woman being caught in the woods during a thunderstorm before a dead tree limb fell, pinning her legs to the ground and paralyzing her. With that and my typewriter, off I wrote. Over the seven years since--two rewrites and countless edits--events and struggles in my own life inspired much in God's Will, quite unintentionally.

Sarah: What is your favorite quote from the book?

Meghan: I don't have just one. But this ranks up in my top ten favorite quotes:
"Kathy bit back a sigh as that tiny flicker of hope waned. Her family would never be the way it once was--whole, happy and prosperous. But what did she place her hope in?"

Sarah: What did you learn in the process of getting this book ready for publication?

Meghan: Oh, so much. Everything from residual heart-struggles I had in letting this book go, and letting God. Edits are humbling even when they come from one of the dearest friends. Above all I learned--this book is finally finished, but it's writer is still very much a work in progress.

Sarah: Do you have more books in the works?

Meghan: I do. *smile* I have a six book Civil War standalone series, The Keystone Legacy Series that I am incredibly excited about. The first two books are set in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and follow the same two families. Those are the ones I'm currently working on: Amongst the Roses and A Rose Long Awaited.

Sarah: Any final thoughts?

Meghan: I have got to say how blessed I am by wonderful friends like you, Sarah, also in this writer-journey, to walk alongside. The response to God's Will has truly been beyond my wildest imagination, and I am just so grateful to God for everything. Thank you for having me here, Sarah!

Adventure Between the Pages: Silenced by Dani Pettrey

Buy it HereAge Appropriate For: 15 and up for violence, mild romance, and talk of immoral behaviorBest for Ages: 15 and up
Description: A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route leads her face to face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something sinister? When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the case will take him. Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine.
No, you haven’t missed any reviews on this series, I am starting with book four. I know, not really where you are supposed to begin, but when this came up for review, I couldn’t resist.
This was my first book by Dani Pettrey, and it will not be the last. No, she is not the best mystery writer ever, but she is very good at weaving a compelling story and good mystery without a huge amount of gore or embarrassment. She also is very good at making situations realistic without making you blush. There was some discussion of spouses being unfaithful, but she ever went into detail.
Kayden was just awesome. I really loved her from the first moment, even though she wasn’t a girly-girl. She had a lot of character and loved her family. Kayden’s and Jake’s relationship was fun to see develop. I really like their interaction. It was sweet, romantic, and wholesome all at the same time.
I think this is the first book that I have read set in Alaska. My conclusion? Alaska sounds breathtaking but far too cold. Wearing shorts when it is 60 out? Let me state right now I am so glad I was born in Texas. However, it does should like Alaska has some lovely natural wonders that would be amazing to see.I cannot wait to read more in this series. Pettrey is a talented author that does her research. I highly recommend this book to those who love mystery, mild romance, and good morals on the part of the main characters.  
Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Everyday Life: My unintended blogging vacation

Hi, let me introduce myself. I am Sarah Holman, you know, the girl that was posting here a month ago? Yes, it is me and I am back.

I have truly missed blogging here, and have set down on many occasions to do so. However, daily life has been busy, full, and challenging. I haven't spent much time online or writing for that matter.

Some of the good things that have been going on:

After disappearing for two days, our dog came home.I have a new part time job taking care of an elderly lady.My latest book A Different Kind of Courage is a huge hit with my editing team.I am getting to format a kindle edition of a friends book.Some of the challenges: *takes deep breath*My dad is struggling with a yet unnamed brain issue. It keeps getting worse, but we have no answers.My energy level is still low, but I am learning to turns God for the strength to do what I need to, and let go of the rest.I am busy trying to prioritize the projects I have taken on and letting go of some. It has been a real challenge to know what I should cut out, and what I should keep.I am hoping to post updates at least once a week because I know that ya'll are praying for me (thank you, I need it). 
Sometimes I get discouraged right now, but the title of my blog is a good reminder for me: God has a slowly unfolding destiny for me. Each twist and turn in my life is part of his plan. I man not understand or even like it at times, but I don't have to fear it.

Other posts you might enjoy:
          Everyday Life: The Ups and Downs and Blogger
          Thought of the Day: He is Strength
          Adventure Between the Pages: You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado