Amber Stokes's Blog, page 28

Announcing a Special Jane Austen Read-Along

Occasionally a special project comes along that sneaks up on you and begs to become a labor of love.

When you're in marketing, it's sadly easy for individual books to get lost in the vast list of upcoming releases. It's just the nature of the ever-hungry, never-satisfied beast that is the world of publishing (pardon the cliché).

But The Prayers of Jane Austen is one delicacy I'd like to take the time to savor with you. To pause and ponder and enjoy for a little while.

So many of us have been inspired by Jane Austen in one way or another. By a heartfelt moral lesson embedded in a character's journey. By the hope of her brilliantly conceived happily-ever-afters. By being a part of the welcoming community of her many fans. (Looking at you, #BookBesties!)

Now we can be inspired in a whole new way (at least for many of us). Jane's prayers are not nearly as widely known as her novels, and we don't have a large collection left to us. But the few samples we do have are rich and sweet and certainly worth mulling over together.

So won't you join us for a thoughtful celebration of the release of this precious gift book?

I'm delivering you a formal invitation...

Dear Friend,

The honor of your presence is requested at the read-along of Persuasion and The Prayers of Jane Austen. 

This event will begin Monday, the 6th of July, and conclude Friday, the 24th of July. Gifts to be awarded and inspiration to be had by all. 

To clarify...
The read-along will last three weeks.We'll discuss Persuasion Monday through Thursday of each week. (If I've done my division right, that means we'll discuss 2 chapters a day for a total of 24 chapters. Do let me know if that's not adding up for you with your copy of the book!)We'll discuss one prayer from The Prayers of Jane Austen on Friday of each week (for a total of three prayers). One hardcover copy of The Prayers of Jane Austen will be given away to a U.S. participant each week of the read-along, with winners notified on Saturdays (the 11th, 18th, and 25th). With thanks to the generosity of the book's editor - huzzah!
So pen this event in your planner or note it on your calendar, and get ready to get further inspired by the beloved Jane Austen.

P.S. Feel free to take the button above and share it on your blog or social media page to announce your participation in the read-along! You can also join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #InspiredByAusten or tag along on Pinterest via the Inspired By Austen board. (Just leave a comment here or there if you'd like to be invited to pin on the board.)

P.P.S. The Prayers of Jane Austen officially releases on July 1st. You can order your copy now on the Harvest House website, Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, Christianbook.com, or another e-retailer. Available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Disclaimer: I am employed by the publisher of The Prayers of Jane Austen, but this read-along is something I'm doing in my free time because I want to. :)

My Review of Silver in the Blood

Here's a description of the book:

"A New York Times bestselling author brings dark secrets to life in a lush new YA perfect for fans of Libba Bray or Cassandra Clare. 

Society girls from New York City circa 1890, Dacia and Lou never desired to know more about their lineage, instead preferring to gossip about the mysterious Romanian family that they barely knew. But upon turning seventeen, the girls must return to their homeland to meet their relatives, find proper husbands, and—most terrifyingly—learn the deep family secrets of The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke. The Florescus, after all, are shape-shifters, and it is time for Dacia and Lou to fulfill the prophecy that demands their acceptance of this fate . . . or fight against this cruel inheritance with all their might.

With a gorgeous Romanian setting, stunning Parisian gowns, and dark brooding young men, readers will be swept up by this epic adventure of two girls in a battle for their lives."

Amazon | Goodreads
My Rating

Spring

My Review

Dracula is one of the few classics I've read so far that I'd deem a "page-turner." I was enthralled and horrified by the happenings, and I loved the way the story unfolded through various accounts, including newspaper clippings, transcripts of recordings, etc. It made the drama that much more real with such "evidence."

One of the things I particularly enjoyed about Silver in the Blood were the allusions to Dracula. From the time-frame to the setting to the way the story is presented (with diary entries, letters, and telegrams mixed in) - and most especially to The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke - this book offers many hat-tips to Bram Stoker's classic novel.

But of course, there are some elements that will endear themselves more to the modern young-adult readers, including the age of the heroines, the mysterious men they encounter, and the mission they cannot ignore. I appreciated the bond between the cousins and the great build-up to the revealing of their family's secrets. I was enchanted by the descriptions of their travel and experiences. And I did enjoy the romance when all was said and done.

However, I just have to ask: "Guys, what on earth were you thinking??? You had a chance to act - and you KNEW what was coming for our heroines - and you stinkin' wasted time for no apparent reason!"

I couldn't write this review without berating the heroes. I'm really not sure why they waited around for a certain part of the story - and it was definitely frustrating! I also would have enjoyed a bit more depth concerning their characters.

As the author noted in a post on her blog, this story is more intense than a couple of her other books I've read. So just be aware that there are references to nudity (although there's no explicit sexual content), threats of assault, and violence (including murder). And I'm not entirely sure what to think about what happened to certain characters and certain attitudes they displayed as the story progressed.

Silver in the Blood contains some favorite YA elements but offers an atmosphere and point of reference based on a classic. I found myself especially fascinated by the beginning, but I still liked the story as a whole for the great back-and-forth scenes between the cousins' points-of-view.

*With thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

Book releases July 7, 2015.

Intensely Seasoned Snack Size Reviews

Those YA books sure can pack a punch! I've read several intense/intriguing books for the young adult crowd, and here are some of my snack size thoughts to chew on...

The Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz
Rating: Spring
Currently: $12.21 on Amazon (Hardcover)

I loved, loved this book's witty and clever references to a plethora of Disney movies and characters! The author did a great job of balancing familiar elements with characters that came into their own in this intriguing dual world of "good vs. evil."

I was a little uncomfortable with the darkness and heaviness of this book, although I suppose that's to come with the territory of such a premise, where Disney villains are banished to an island together and imprisoned there. The glimpses of light and hope, though - such as the friendships forged and the sacrifices made, especially toward the end - were sweet and made the read meaningful, despite my uncertainties.

(Side Dish: I discovered that this book is actually a lead-up to a Disney channel original movie. I wasn't super impressed by the trailer I found after experiencing the scope and characterization of the book. You can check it out HERE, though, if you're interested!)

* * *
Rook by Sharon CameronRating: Spring/SummerCurrently: $12.78 on Amazon (Hardcover)
Wow. This book kept me up until dawn one night and then took up hours of the next day! It's a very engaging story, although also quite violent and troubling. What would happen if we lost all our technology we depend on? What would we do if history repeated itself with something like the French Revolution? Thought-provoking, intense, and romantic, Rook is another excellent story by Sharon Cameron - one that ignites the imagination and sparks meaningful contemplation about the nature of humanity and the choices we make.

* * *

Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge
Rating: Spring/Summer
Currently: $12.78 on Amazon (Hardcover)

Rosamund Hodge has done it again - created a terrifying and utterly enthralling world that tests the limits of her characters' devotion, endurance, and love. Crimson Bound is quite a different story from Cruel Beauty, one that features a heroine driven by guilt and fueled by the desire to make a difference despite her bad decisions. The story is quite disturbing in parts, but it also raises some important questions and thoughts to ponder about what it means to be human, the burning desire to live, and the need for defiant hope and forgiveness. It's a beautiful - sometimes startling and surprising - and meaty read that draws on spiritual and mythological elements and themes. And yes, there's a little bit of romance in there, too. :)

Appetizers: Here are a few quotes to whet your appetite...
"Do you think that doing the right thing will always be pretty?""He grinned at her, and it felt like there was no space or barrier at all between them, like his smile was happening inside her heart.""This is the human way, she thought. On the edge of destruction, at the end of all things, we still dance. And hope."
* * *
Bonus Middle Grade Review!
I'm with Cupid by Anna StaniszewskiRating: SpringCurrently: $7.99 on Amazon (Paperback)
This was a fun and yet serious read. I was intrigued by the premise and how Marcus and Lena came to learn and appreciate new things about love and death due to their switch in roles (matchmaker and soul collector). Marcus was a total sweetie! His tender heart, his love for his grandpa and Lena, his attachment to the old-fashioned dating book - all completely endearing. The story line involving his grandpa really hit home and offered a compassionate look at a difficult and heartbreaking emotional reality.

I had a little less fondness for Lena's character, but she had her moments. I don't know if I necessarily like the ambiguity of the supernatural and afterlife elements, but I still enjoyed the story and the characters' growth. I'm with Cupid is cute, sweet, sad, and clever. An overall enjoyable middle grade read - with a cliffhanger epilogue!

*With thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Book releases July 7, 2015.

"Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

The Sound of Diamonds Blog Tour

OK, I just want to go on record as saying I called it! ;) In this post from January 11, 2013, I suggested that historical romance fans keep Rachelle Rea's name on file for future reference...and the day has come to whip that file out and head on over to Amazon to pre-order yourself a copy of her debut!

I'm so, so pleased to help Rachelle celebrate the release of The Sound of Diamonds, the first in her Steadfast Love series. The whole trilogy should be published within a year, and trust me - you're going to want to follow these characters through to the very end of their suspenseful, dramatic, and sweeping journey!


About the Book
"Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates.

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle’s castle. She doesn’t dare to trust him…and yet doesn’t dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her—but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope…or be overcome."

Releasing on June 15th!
Purchase on Amazon | Add to Goodreads

Quick Thoughts
While I haven't yet re-read the final version of The Sound of Diamonds, I can tell you that I was impressed when I read and edited an early draft a couple of years ago. This is a story full of insightful metaphors and inviting word pictures, surprising history and suspenseful dangers. And the romance and friendships are also depicted in a rich and deep way.

The Sound of Diamonds is a grand start to a poignant series - an exciting adventure unto itself and a wonderful introduction to a cast of characters you'll befriend, bemoan, and ultimately cheer for throughout the trilogy. I'd say Dirk and Gwyn are the next Edmund Merrick and Charlisse Bristol (of MaryLu Tyndall's "Legacy of the King's Pirates" fame). This couple will break your heart, but they'll also teach you the unexpected music and faith lessons to be found in diamonds, silver, and emeralds.

Be prepared to get swept away by Steadfast Love.

*Disclaimer: I had the pleasure of editing an early version of this book and was provided a final courtesy e-copy. However, these opinions are my own.*


About the Author
Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote The Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college. Connect with Rachelle at http://rachellerea.com.

Birthday and Blogoversary Bash (+ Free Books!)

Three years ago, I had recently graduated from college.

Two years ago, I revealed the cover of my debut novel.

One year ago, I was preparing to move to a new town and start a new job.

What epic life-change does Amber have to announce this year? An engagement?? That would be the logical next step, of course. ;)

But nope, there's not quite so much fanfare around this birthday. No new book releases (yet!). No big move or extremely exciting tidings.

And that's perfectly all right. Because I have all sorts of things to celebrate today...
Family awaiting me at home for my sister's upcoming high-school graduation (woot!) and our Disneyland vacation (squee!).Friends and coworkers to play mini golf and eat pizza with tonight. (Can't wait!)Blogging pals who continue to inspire and encourage and teach me what social media is really all about. (Book chats, am I right?? #BookBesties Hashtag created by the fabulous Rissi)Five-plus years of blogging joys. (Shame on me for missing out on a chance to party back in March...)Four books out in the world, including my very first audiobook, which I adore.A job to challenge and grow me. (And pay the bills - mustn't forget that!)An apartment for living and sleeping and watching movies and reading and having random one-person dance parties/karaoke sessions.A church and college group to pull me into community.A town and state to explore.And a Savior who blesses beyond measure and never gives up on me.
Well, there's just an awful lot to celebrate! Including the fact that I'm now the same age as my darling hero Derrick from How a Star Falls. ;) We're like twinsies!

While I don't have any new releases to offer you at this time for a giveaway, I don't want to bemoan the fact that I'm behind on where I should be and late on publishing a couple of titles that should be out by now. (Although I still apologize for the delay!)

For now, I just want to look back and say "yay" to the journey and the seasons that came before. Yay for Bleeding Heart and Forget Me Not and the short stories and How a Star Falls! Each of them helped me express my heart and explore new horizons in different seasons, and I'm grateful for the chance to have written those stories and shared them with others.

If you haven't yet read all of my already-published books, I'd love to offer you a copy of one today! You can read more about them HERE. Just fill out the form below, and I'll email you the document of your choice soon. (Offer ends when I close the form to entries.)

Loading...
* * *
So tell me, dear friends, what is it you're celebrating today? What happened in seasons past that helped shape the person you are and life you have now?

{Something Old, Something New} June Picks

{Something Old, Something New} Challenge
Well, I've made very little progress on this challenge in quite some time! But I figured with the arrival of summer and a new month, I'd give it another go. :)
While I hope to read more than these two books this month, I want to spotlight these picks...
I am incredibly behind on the poignant Tales of Goldstone Woods fantasy series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, so I plan to (finally!) read through Dragonwitch, which is where I left off. I own the books that follow after that one (Shadow Hand in paperback and the other three in ebook format), and I'd love to catch up again! Plus, I totally owe Anne Elisabeth and Bethany House reviews for Dragonwitch and Shadow Hand, so, um, I should get on that! 
And I have been waiting FOREVER (or at least a very long time) for another book by Heather Dixon, author of a favorite of mine: Entwined. I pre-ordered Illusionarium (squee!) and plan to read it during our family vacation. Can't wait!!
{Something Old}Acquired Summer 2013
Who will dare to face the Dragonwitch?

Submissive to her father’s will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves–Lord Alistair, future king of the North Country.

But within the walls of Gaheris Castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair to the brink of insanity. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta’s tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the North Country into civil war.

And far away in a hidden kingdom, a fire burns atop the Temple of the Sacred Flame. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice…and for the one person who can wield it.

Amazon | Goodreads

{Something New}Acquired Spring 2015
What if the world holds more dangers—and more wonders—than we have ever known? And what if there is more than one world? From Heather Dixon, author of the acclaimed Entwined, comes a brilliantly conceived adventure that sweeps us from the inner workings of our souls to the far reaches of our imaginations.

Jonathan is perfectly ordinary. But then—as every good adventure begins—the king swoops into port, and Jonathan and his father are enlisted to find the cure to a deadly plague. Jonathan discovers that he's a prodigy at working with a new chemical called fantillium, which creates shared hallucinations—or illusions. And just like that, Jonathan is knocked off his path. Through richly developed parallel worlds, vivid action, a healthy dose of humor, and gorgeous writing, Heather Dixon spins a story that calls to mind The Night Circus and Pixar movies, but is wholly its own.

Amazon | Goodreads

* * *

Planning on enjoying any "old" or "new" books this month? You can learn more about this reading challenge at PidginPea's Book Nook!

Five Magic Spindles Contest and Cover Reveal!

How much fun are fairy tales?? I just love a good retelling/re-imagining! And I love the contests hosted by Rooglewood Press that inspire writers to be as creative and surprising as possible with the fairy tales we all know and adore.

Check out the deets on this year's contest...

* * *
Rooglewood Press is delighted to introduce their third fairy tale novella contest—

Five Magic Spindles a collection of “Sleeping Beauty” stories 
Cover illustration by Julia Popova, "Forest Girl"
The challenge is to write a retelling of the beloved fairy tale in any genre or setting you like. Make certain your story is recognizably “Sleeping Beauty,” but have fun with it as well. Make it yours!

Rooglewood Press will be selecting five winners to be published in the Five Magic Spindles collection, which will be packaged up with the phenomenal cover you see here. Maybe your name will be one of the five listed?

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 purchase, and our second collection, Five Enchanted Roses is scheduled to launch on July 27, and is currently available for pre-order. Be certain to get a copy of each and see what previous winners did with their wonderful retellings.

* * *
Inspired yet? :)


On a side note, can I just say how excited I am for Five Enchanted Roses?? I greatly enjoyed Five Glass Slippers and had a ball (pun intended) coordinating the blog tour for that last year. With the little tidbits I've seen (like title pages and blurbs for each of the five winning stories), I imagine Five Enchanted Roses is going to be every bit as wonderful and creative! And who doesn't love a good Beauty & the Beast story?

So, will you be entering the Five Magic Spindles contest, writing friends? Are you a fan of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale?

Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour: A Love Like Ours

Here's a description of the book:

"Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?"

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Combine a childhood friendship, a bubbly heroine with a deep love of art and animals, a solemn hero with a gentle little boy living inside, a stubborn horse with plenty of racing potential, and a delightful cast of secondary characters. What do you get? A whole lotta sweet!

Younger brother Jake Porter stars in this third book of the Porter Family series. He has his work cut out for him when a lovely and lively vision from his past returns to Texas, especially when he harbors hurt from the way their friendship ended and the terrible blows life has given him in the meantime.

Lyndie is a very fun heroine, and I adore the way she's portrayed with her wide variety of interests and her enthusiasm for the people and projects she cares about.

Jake...well, just as he's a very conflicted character, he creates some conflicted feelings in me as the reader. Wade's books often feature troubled heroes, which can be engaging, but can also become bothersome when their love borders on the obsessive/obsessively protective side. I wouldn't say this character trait bothered me as much as it did in My Stubborn Heart. There's a lot going on with Jake's personality and the hardships he's experienced, and that's certainly understandable. But the way the relationship is portrayed in some respects is just something that gives me pause. I will say, though, that faith is a vital part of the story, as well as hope - which I'm glad to note.

The other characters really round out the story. I love Amber's journey of seeking love. (What can I say?) And Ty and Celia's cameos... Gosh, they're just so cute! Meant to Be Mine remains my absolute favorite of the series. But I believe A Love Like Ours comes in second, which is not a bad place to be in such a beloved and well-acclaimed contemporary romance series.

I'm definitely curious about the youngest Porter sibling, Dru. Bring on her story! I'm ready for some more Texas charm.

*With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, to be shared during the Litfuse Publicity blog tour.*

About the Author

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky’s work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award.

To Learn More and Find Links to Buy the Book: click HERE

Blog Tour: Check out the review from other blog tour participants HERE.

Giveaway!

Fall in love with Becky Wade's new book, A Love Like Ours, a story of healing, romance, and cowboys. A glimmer of the hope Jake thought he’d lost returns when Lyndie lands back in Texas, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

To celebrate the release of her new book, Becky is giving away a $100 cash card and a book-inspired prize pack!

 One grand prize winner will receive:
A $100 cash cardA copy of A Love Like OursA copy of the Secretariat DVDA scarfA dog-tag/cross keychainA pair of earringsA Texas-shaped cutting boardA Jake Porter mug  
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 26th. Winner will be announced May 27th on Becky's site .

Spine Poetry Strikes Again

I've posted some spine poetry before, and oh, how I love it! Bringing together some gorgeous and mysterious titles and creating a running theme...so fun!

So when I saw that some fabulous authors were hosting a Spine Poetry Book Blitz , I had to get in on the action. :) Here are 5 poems I came up with for the occasion:


To love and to cherisha beauty so rareacross a star-swept sea,under a Maui moon:a distant melodyhere to stay.

The lesson:Look to the East.My hope is foundall in good time.

A love undone,nipped in the bud.Emerald greenpandemonium,burning skyunder a blackberry moon...The price of victory.

Heiress - mark of distinction.Her mother's hope:love's fortune,the heir,sons of encouragement,love at any cost.

Cruel beauty.Poisonresistance.Recalledyesterday's tomorrow,love's promisesmeant to be mine...Forget me not.
* * *
Do you have any spine poetry to share? There are only a few days left to enter the awesome contest! Prizes include books by Pepper Basham, Kristy Cambron, Carla Laureano, Beth K. Vogt, and Catherine West. And there's an extra giveaway with additional prizes! Click HERE to learn more. 

Discover Your Dream Hero! (A Fun Personality Quiz)

I had a lot of fun creating a personality quiz (via Pollsnack) for my historical romances (Which Heart's Spring Heroine Are You?). So I decided to create another quiz! This time it's for my author friend Lena Goldfinch's YA books, and it features the heroes instead of the heroines.

Now, tell me, how could you not want to know who your dream hero is?? ;)


Here are the possibilities...
Rundan from The Language of Souls Jovanni from Aire Pono from Songstone Nick from Haunting Joy Troy from Take a Picture Let me tell you, ALL of these heroes are dreamy! But which one is the perfect match for you? Take the test to find out!


It's hard to take these tests unbiased when you've created them and know which answer corresponds with which character... But I believe my dream hero is Nick. :) (Although, from a reader standpoint, I do so love Pono and Rundan, too!)
Who's your dream hero?