Sarah Holman's Blog, page 95

Adventure between the Pages: As Fairydust Settles by Jansina

Buy it Here Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for themesBest for Ages: 15 and up
Description: "Would you have married me if you had known?" Mical's question stays with Davey. He doesn't have an answer. Mical was wrong to deceive him, and her apologetic efforts may not be enough to keep them together. Will her spiteful father allow them the chance to find out? This sequel to Shrouded Jewels continues to follow Mical and Davey as they struggle with deception, temptation, and a sometimes bitter reality. Will Davey and Mical find their happily ever after?
I have to be honest about the books I read. Most of them, even if they deal with “hard issues”, are easily within my comfort zone. Jansina’s books are not. She is brave enough to delve into some hard subjects that most books avoid. This book was no different.
You will have to read the previous book, Clouded Jewels, to understand the sequel and this review is a bit of a spoiler if you haven’t read the first book. Just a fair warning, before you continue reading.
Davey and Mical are trying to cope with a lie that brought them together; the lie that Mical believed in God. Yes, it is a messy situation. No, there aren’t any easy solutions. However, I loved this story because the author dealt with this situation in a good light. She didn’t glorify it or make it all better with her magic wand (er, pen). Instead this story felt very real, sometimes sadly so, yet with hope.
My only disappointment in the book was that Davey wasn’t talking to God (or Papa, as he calls him) as much in this book. However, perhaps that added to the story and showed how deep the struggle was. One of the other things I like about Jansina is that her messages come naturally out of the story, they are not contrived.
The story itself kept me on the edge of my seat. Mical’s father plots to end the happiness that she and Davey share. I held my breath and kept turning pages until I reached the end.
If you are looking for a challenging read that is well written, a book that isn’t afraid of messy issues or a story with a deeper message, As Fairydust Settles is a great choice.

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Other posts you might enjoy:          Adventure Between the Pages: A January Bride          Pieces of my Life: Laughter          Finds of the Week 2/14/14

Interview with Author Melanie Dickerson

Melanie, tell us a little bit about yourself.Hi, Sarah! I am a wife and mom of two daughters. I love movies and hot tea and chocolate. I’ve always loved fairy tales and the Medieval time period, and I love romance, so I am writing what I love. I am a graduate of The University of Alabama, I’ve been a teacher and a missionary, and now I’m content to stay at home and make up stories.
What sparked your interest in fairy tales?I’ve always loved fairy tales, as far back as I can remember. In high school I wrote a short story version of Beauty and the Beast. And when my two daughters were very young, we used to watch a lot of Disney princess movies, which I loved as much as they did, or maybe more! I got the idea to write books based on fairy tales one day when we were watching Sleeping Beauty.
When did you start writing and why?I wrote all kinds of things in high school—poetry, short stories, and I even wrote two novels. Then I stopped writing for a long time. I started back when my youngest daughter was one year old because I thought it might be something I could make a career out of where I could stay at home, which greatly appealed to me. But it took a few years before this new career actually began to pay me!
If you could meet one of your characters for real, which would you choose?That is really hard to say! But I would very sincerely and heartily wish to meet all of my heroes and heroines! (I have thought about this!)
How long does it take you to research your books?I did a LOT of research for my first two Medievals, The Healer’s Apprentice and The Merchant’s Daughter. Now I mostly research as I write, as needed. Getting my facts right and being authentic to the time period is very important to me.
Are there any real stories and events that have inspired your books?Yes. That’s all I’m going to say about that. Haha! If you could choose one thing for your readers to take away from your stories, what would that be?That God loves you and He has a good plan for your life.
Thanks for having me on your blog, Sarah! I encourage you and all your blog readers to follow your dreams and never give up. Sometimes the journey is hard and long, but God is with you. Persevere and trust your dreams to Him!
Other posts you might enjoy:          Adventure Between the Pages: The Healer's Apprentice          Adventure Between the Pages: The Captive Maiden          Adventure Between the Pages: The Merchant’s Daughter         

Reading update

What I have read this week \
What I am currently reading:  
Upcoming Reviews   

Other books you might enjoy:          Pieces of my Life: The Box          Becoming a Princess          March of Books 2014

Adventure Between the Pages: A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

Buy it Here Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for romantic themesBest for Ages: 15 and up
Description: Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be. Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, her heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God’s plan for her. Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own — right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.
I have been eager to read another book by Rachel Hauck ever since Once Upon a Prince. I spent part of a Sunday not only reading a book by Hauck, but also reading a sequel to the aforementioned book.This story seemed to be based on a question: Even through every girl wants to be a princess, would she really want the job if she got it? This is a realistic look at what being a princess might mean as well as all the pressure that involves.
I loved Susanna almost as much in this book as I did in the last book. I must admit, it was a little hard, albeit understandable, to see her question if she really wanted to marry Nate. I understood her fears and doubts about giving up some of the things the mean the most to her. Her internal struggle is one that I could see a real person having when they are faced with the realities of being a princess.
Nate was as amazing as he was in the first book. His sweetness, understanding, and godliness are such wonderful characteristics. He is the kind of guy I want to find someday.
The story was a little rushed at the end, but good nonetheless. I don’t think that it would be as good as a stand-alone story. I highly recommend you read Once Upon a Prince first.
I highly recommend this story to those who loved Once Upon a Prince, like princess stories, and who enjoy romance.
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I received this book from Zondervan via BookLook 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.

Other posts you might enjoy:
           Adventure Between the Pages: A February Bride
           Adventure Between the Pages: A January Bride
         Becoming a Princess

Adventure Between the Pages: Summer Leaves

Buy it Here Age Appropriate For: All AgesBest for Ages: 10 and up
Description: Ruark, Lord Heir fourth in line for the throne, and once first in line, came so close. Still, he missed it entirely. His brother reigned, and dreamed, and Ruark himself wandered, burning his restlessness on distant, wild planets. Then the premier of the Assembly found him, with an offer to give him everything he ever wanted, at only a small cost to his soul.
I so enjoyed The Beauty of the Lilies and I was both honored and eager when Shannon asked if I would review her next story in this mild, Sci-Fi series of short stories.
Shannon McDermott has such a way with words. These stories are told in poetic language that is just breathtaking at times. Her descriptions of colors, art, and people are so vivid I felt like I was there. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I was surprised by the ending and liked it. That does not happen often. The creativity and the twists and turns of the plot were brilliant. The story never dragged or felt rushed, which is hard to find in novellas.
The characters were well developed and understandable. Although I was surprised by some of the things that happened and the decisions some of the characters made, it was in keeping with the characters.I highly recommend this novella to those who love mild sci-fi, lyrical language, and a well told story with surprising twists.
Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon.

I received this book from the author 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.
Other posts you might enjoy:           Adventure Between the Pages: Red Rain by Aubrey Hansen           Writing Saturday: How to Write a Book Review           Sometimes, God uses Fiction                   

Interview with Author Rachelle McCalla

Rachelle has become one of my favorite authors to relax with. Her stories of the fictional country of Lydia are so much fun. I am so honored she is here today to talk about her books.
Rachelle, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?I have four young children who keep me very busy. When I'm not writing or making homemade play-doh, I can usually be found doing home-improvement projects, or getting creative with historical reproduction costumes. 
What inspired the country of Lydia? 
The country of Lydia is based on a real historical figure named Lydia, who we know about from the Bible in Acts 16. I've based the Kingdom of Lydia on the church that met at her house--with the idea that the congregation grew and continued on in a direct line from her time to the present day.
Interestingly enough, there really was a nation called Lydia in ancient times, far before the book of Acts was written. It is in a slightly different location than my kingdom, but the capital of both countries is the city of Sardis. 
What is your favorite part of using it as the setting in your stories?I enjoyed the Mediterranean setting very much! It is such a beautiful area of the world, which had unfortunately had a very rocky history. I liked being able to set aside a portion of that place and give it a faithful history, instead.

Out of the characters you have written, do you have a favorite princess?
I think my favorite princess is probably Lillian Bardici, Alec's bride. Their story is also my favorite of the four--although sadly I don't like the cover nearly as well as the other three books.
Are there real places and people you draw inspiration for your Lydia stories? 
A little bit. For example, Anastasia's name, and her story, were inspired in part by the Romanov assassination, a fact which I touch on in the "Dear "Reader" letter at the end of the book. However, I've read some reviews that state the books was based on the Russian princess--and that is most certainly not accurate.
Faith always plays an important part in your stories. Why do you feel that is important?
Faith is important in sustaining the characters through the trials they endure, and also in knitting together their growing love for one another.
If you could chose what your readers take away from your stories, what would it be?
I think the biggest thing I want to impart with my stories is inspiration. We all go through trials--hopefully not the kind of life-or-death situations my characters face--but we all have difficult situations to get through. I hope that my stories encourage people and give them faith and hope.
Do you have any final thoughts? 
Thank you so much for having me!
Find out more about Rachelle and her books by visiting her website, Amazon, and Goodreads page.

Other posts you might also enjoy:
          Purple Moon Blog Tour!
          March of Books 2014          Adventure Between the Pages: Prize of My Heart

Becoming a Princess

For the rest of March, I am going to be focusing on my favorite princesses in literature as part of the March of Books.

During our lifetimes, we will face many challenges. Some of them will be as small as not feeling you have the energy to complete a task. Some of them are as big as coping with a traumatic event. It is in these times that we need to be brave.


In Princess in Peril, Isabelle faces many troubles. She watches as the motorcade carrying her family bombed, she has to trust a man who she isn't sure is trustworthy, and she handles all of this and more with great bravery.
Often times in our lives we will face hardships. We can choose to curl up and wallow in self-pity and wait for the hard times to pass, or we can choose to be brave. Bravery is hard, unlike what the movies show. Sometimes you are laughed at, sometimes you have perfectly good reasons not to be brave.
I have a friend who battles daily with pain levels most of use cannot even imagine. She often can be found doing things for others and she always manages to make me smile when we talk. I have a daring friend that is always doing things outside her comfort zone, and encouraging others to do the same. I know two sisters whose family struggles financially and sometimes, they wonder how they are going to put food on the table, yet, they strive to keep a good attitude and be a good friend to those they know.
We all (including me) have at least one situation in our lives right now that we could be braver about. We keep making excuses on why we can avoid, put-off, or ignore the situation. We say we aren't strong enough. We forget that we can do all things through God's strength.
Today, will you choose to be as brave as a princess?


But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.Philippians 4:13
Other posts you might enjoy:
         Thought of the Day: He is Strength
         Thought of the Day: A Passionate God
         Adventure Between the Pages: You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado

Adventure Between the Pages: A February Bride

Buy it HereAge Appropriate For: 13 and up for romanceBest for Ages: 15 and up Description: Happily ever after guaranteed. Allie left the love of her life at the altar—to save him from a lifetime of heartbreak. When a Valentine’s Day wedding brings them back together, she struggles against her family’s destructive history. Can Allie ever realize that a marriage is so much more than a wedding dress? History repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day—in the same dress passed down for generations and worn by all the women in her family—women with a long history of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus, but fears she’s destined to repeat her family’s mistakes. She can’t bear to hurt Marcus worse. Marcus Hall never stopped loving Allie and can only think of one reason she left him at the altar—him. When the two are thrown together for his sister’s Valentine’s Day wedding, he discovers the truth and realizes their story might be far from over. Can Allie shuck expectation and discover who she is as a bride and in the Bride of Christ? And if she ever walks down the aisle, what dress will she wear?
Yes, this novella seemed to discuss kissing a lot more then I normally like. Yes, I felt the ending was a bit rushed. However, despite these two flaws, this has been one of my favorite novellas of the year. Why? The theme of redemption.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I forget that no matter what mistakes I make, not matter the shortcomings I have, God can redeem and use me. This story was a powerful reminder that God can redeem your past, no matter how broken it is.
I loved Allie. She was so selfless and tired hard (too hard) to protect others. She was very realistic. I think a lot of girls will be able to relate to her.
Marcus was a strong and very likable guy. He was a gentleman and the kind of guy just about any girl would be lucky to have. His great relationship with his mom and sister was so refreshing. His mom ended up being the hero of the story in my mind, but you will have to read the story to understand.
I highly recommend this novella to those who have enjoyed the last two bride books, romance stories, and enjoy stories of redemption.
Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon.

I received this book from Zondervan through BookLook 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.
Other posts you might enjoy:        Adventure Between the Pages: A January Bride        Adventure Between the Pages: A December Bride        Adventure Between the Pages: Into the Whirlwind

March of Books 2014

My favorite blogging events of the year is here: March of Books. This month, I will be having giveaways, extra reviews, and interviews with authors. I am very excited!


What I am reading right now:
 

What I plan to read next week
  

Reviews coming this week:

Everyday Life: Strength for today

There is something about me that most of you don't know about me. 2008 was a huge year for me. Not only was that the year that I started this blog, but it was the year that I healed from a long battle with something that I still don't have a name for.
I struggled with health challenges since I was three. Until I was thirteen, I ran a fever every four to six weeks. Despite hundreds of tests, we were never able to find out what caused the fevers. Even after the cycle of fevers were broken, my health was still not great. Fatigue was my constant companion. I was quick to pick up illnesses, and had unexplained pain in my legs. There were days I would cry because I didn't have the energy to take a long walk.
It was during this difficult time, that I lost myself in story worlds. Whether it was reading a book or writing one of my own, stories became my escape. No matter how tired I was, I could still create stories or read them.
Starting in 2007, still with out a name for the illness I battled, I started to heal. I hadn't changed my diet or started take any pills, my body just slowly started to grow stronger. In 2008, my good days were more than my bad days, and on my birthday, I started this blog.
Because of my history, I am a little scared right now. For the past month, my energy level is way down. Yesterday, I spent the day watching movies because I didn't have the energy to do much else. I fear I am returning to those days  when I have almost no energy. However with that fear comes a reminder of the lesson I learned during that time in my life: God is my strength when I am weak.
What lesson is God teaching you or reminding you of today?

Other posts you might enjoy:          Thought of the Day: He is Strength          Everyday Life          Adventure Between the Pages: When Courage Calls