Amber Stokes's Blog, page 45

Two Sweet Cover Treats!

Such an exciting way to begin the day! Not only did I receive my first endorsement for Forget Me Not, but two gorgeous covers have been unveiled for the world to see. Check them out!


The Paris Connection by Cerella Sechrist

I was so thrilled last fall when I discovered that Cerella was publishing two new books for the Harlequin Heartwarming line! I adored Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania (and even re-read it last year), and I was always eager for any news of future books from Cerella. Gentle Persuasion released in December, and The Paris Connection (its sequel) will release this March. Talk about the perfect cover for spring, right?? I love the cheery combination of colors, and the soft scene with lovely flowers, a bike ride, and a warm embrace. And the near-kiss is a promise of a heartwarming connection to come. So sweet!

The especially exciting thing about this is that I have the pleasure and privilege of organizing the blog tour for The Paris Connection this March! So be sure to mark your calendars for March 1-8, and stay tuned for tour sign-up information and more news about all the spring fun in store!

If you'd like to see the author's official cover reveal post, click HERE. She's got a bonus hot chocolate recipe that sounds delish!


Fly Away Home by Rachel Heffington

This debut author and I have chatted a bit about self-publishing by e-mail, and it's been fun getting to know her! She blogs over at The Inkpen Authoress, and she's well on her way to making a splash with her upcoming release. Just look at that cover! It's sort of different having a black background, but I love how it makes the model's features stand out and the lights of the city below shine even brighter. That blue-grey color of the model's eyes and the water is so very lovey, and the auburn hair blends so well with the dark background, like waves of fire gently illuminating the night. There's a really nice contrast at play here, and the way the title is set up along with the model's expression really provoke a sense of longing.

I'm going to be reviewing this book on Valentine's Day (February 14th), so be sure to tune in then to hear my thoughts! You can also check out Rachel's awesome cover-reveal giveaway HERE, as well as add the book on Goodreads.

Have you come across some sweet cover candy lately or other exciting bookish news to share?

Winner and New Ideas!

The Morning Glory cover reveal was such a grand way to start the year - thank you all for your support and enthusiasm! ♥ We all agree that Lena Goldfinch is an awesome cover designer, right??

In case you missed my post with the story behind the cover and links to the blogs participating in the reveal, you can find it HERE. And don't forget that The Heart's Spring series blog is now live! You can check out my first four posts (includes a sneak peek at Forget Me Not) and share your thoughts on what you'd like to see there in the future. I'd love to know what sort of news/extras interests you!

As for the winner of the Morning Glory cover reveal giveaway, it's...

Nancy McLeroy!
Congratulations, Nancy! I've sent you an e-mail, so be on the lookout!

If you weren't a winner this time, but the prizes interested you, be sure to check out Cindy Lindgren's and Jaye L. Knights's Etsy shops. Beautiful treasures abound! And I've ordered some items for the Forget Me Not tour-wide giveaway that I'm excited to share soon... So be sure to mark the first week in February on your calendars! I'm going to be busy in the next few weeks working on guest posts and interviews, finalizing the manuscript for Kindle release, etc. - not to mention starting some upcoming projects for friends/clients, and some other stuff for "The Heart's Spring" series...

Speaking of which, I don't know about you, but I feel like great ideas hit me when I'm working out or in the shower. That happened to me yesterday, where some story elements "clicked" (one thanks to a blogger's thoughts on Bleeding Heart) and a thought for a project inspired by an idea my grandma once shared with me stood out. I started in on another companion short story last night, and I'm really looking forward to working more on all aspects of this series.

This series isn't and won't be perfect. I know I'm still growing, still maturing, still learning more about writing, the industry, and life in general. But honestly, I feel so blessed that connections and opportunities came together so that this series of my heart could be shared in this season of my life. I came across this quote on Pinterest - fitting, don't you think?

"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake." ~ Sir Francis Bacon(Via Amy Hood Arts)
I wouldn't necessarily say we aren't living in eternity, because I believe eternal life begins when we start our journey with God through faith in Him. But I like what this quote is really saying - that our time on earth, our time to make a difference here, is limited. So let the moment shine, and make it count before it melts away. (That doesn't mean we won't have seasons of waiting, of course! But there are always other things to do while we wait for one thing to come about, right?)
Self-publishing "The Heart's Spring" series is giving me the chance to try creative things, to discover them and apply them moment by moment. As many of you have heard me say before, every story has a season (hence the name of my publisher, Seasons of a Story), and the same goes for every writing journey. Each one is unique. But I can declare with gratitude to God and the people He has placed in my life that I'm loving this season and the chance to share my passions in this way!
And now I've rambled on long enough... Tell me, what is it you want to (and can) do now, as 2014 begins? What new ideas are you excited to pursue?

My Review of Sun & Moon

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"She has a past. He has a secret.

Katja Stoltz is a risk-taking singer-songwriter, hoping to make it in the indie music scene in Dresden, Germany. Micah Sturm's a brooding uptown banker on a quest.

Driven to the streets, Katja is picked up by Micah - but he doesn't want what she thinks he does.

There’s an undeniable attraction between them, a gravitational pull they both struggle to resist. Katja knows she mustn’t fall in love with this handsome enigma. There’s something dark lurking beneath the surface. He could be dangerous.

And even if her life isn’t on the line, her heart most definitely is."

My Rating

Spring

My Review

A creative approach to NA (New Adult) contemporary romance, Sun and Moon is an interesting read. I enjoy Strauss's writing style, and I appreciate that she offers such a wide variety of stories with the romance I love and minus the explicit content I'd prefer to avoid. (Note that this book does contain a little bit of language, some innuendos, references to drinking, and some heavier kissing scenes, though - definitely for the NA crowd and above.)

This book starts out with such intrigue that I found myself transported to Germany and unwilling to leave through the first quarter of the story. Micah is the kind of guy you'd hope to meet if you were ever in a rough spot or a dangerous place. But that locked door in his apartment... Yeah, I loved the Jane Eyre/Bluebeard vibes! A unique and artsy setting + a handsome and kind stranger + a mystery = a great beginning.

The mystery was solved a little earlier than I expected, and I did miss the promising plot, as it sort of fizzled into a day-to-day romance. Very sweet, certainly, but the main tension revolved around how far they were willing to go physically and will they/won't they stay together. I hoped for a little more excitement, a little more challenge - just...a little more something.

The ending did take a different sort of turn, and what I appreciated the most was Katja's character growth. I would have loved more depth to Micah's character (maybe some of his POV), and I would have appreciated a less superficial look at their beliefs. Even still, the decisions Katja made and the way her attitude started to change were satisfying.

The especially neat thing about this book is the peek at the indie music scene and the songs included to enhance the reading experience. I checked out the Bandcamp page and enjoyed getting to hear "Katja" (songs actually performed by Kim McMechan) and the lyrics sprinkled throughout the story. Strauss has pulled off a really clever idea, and I'm curious to hear more about (and hear more music from) the Minstrel Series!

*With thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Songs from The Minstrel Series

You can listen to and purchase the songs mentioned in the story HERE.

My Review of Outcasts

Here's a description of the book from Goodreads:

"The remnant from Glenrock is now living as rebels within the Safe Lands, looking for a way to find purpose in their lives. When a young rebel is murdered and his death points to a rebel leader, it's hard to know who to trust.

Levi tries to organize a plan to free the children and fights for respect as elder over those who'd rather go their own way. Omar tries to change his image of a traitor by donning a costume and going out into the night as a vigilante hero. And Mason stumbles onto a shocking secret about the Safe Lands meds, but his investigation just might get them all liberated."

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

As exciting as the cover suggests, Outcasts is a highly engaging middle novel for "The Safe Lands" trilogy, with superb characterization. Once again, the story centers on four POVs: three brothers (Levi, Mason, and Omar) and a young girl named Shaylinn - pregnant and lonely, but still striving for purpose and hope despite her life as an outcast from the society that took her and her people captive.

I enjoyed this one even more than Captives (Book 1), with "enjoy" being a relative term, since Outcasts is just as gritty as its predecessor. I'm amazed at Williamson's ability to so vividly depict not only this futuristic world (in wonderful detail), but also the unique personalities and motives of her characters. Each one struggles with uncertainties and weaknesses, and yet each one is drawn so compassionately that, while often cringing at their choices, I couldn't help but root for them. The POV character I probably connected with the least was Levi, but even still, he had his moments that showed his heart and his authentic frustrations. I think I'm currently most interested in Omar and Shaylinn's story - there's a lot of angst and room for redemption and growth there!

The overarching plot is intricate and intriguing, and the storyline for this book built up nicely to an epic conclusion, leaving enough resolution to satisfy and enough of a cliffhanger to make the reader eagerly anticipate the release of Book 3 (Rebels) this summer (2014). This series has a little something of everything - romantic drama, thought-provoking relationship dilemmas, a colorful but chilling setting, an aura of mystery, quirky plot elements, and plenty of danger and adventure.

While the references to drugs, addiction, and physical relations might make this a little too mature for some young readers, all of those things are dealt with tactfully (nothing explicit) and yet honestly. This book certainly leaves plenty of room for discussion (even including discussion questions in the back), and shows the pain of a life and world centered first and foremost on the pursuit of personal pleasure.

For an imaginative dystopian series peopled with relatable characters and filled with disquieting situations for them to face, consider visiting "The Safe Lands."

*With thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing me with a temporary e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Released today, January 7th!

Goals for 2014

I've written these in my planner, but I might as well share them here, too, right? ;)

Personal
Find part-time employment within the first few months of 2014.Request and purchase fewer books. After January (since I didn't really follow this when I was requesting books in December)...No more than 2 review books a monthNo more than 3 Kindle (or otherwise) book purchases a monthReview every book I read (with a few exceptions - and can be snack size or full length).Exercise in some form 4 days a week (will get a fresh start on that this week, hopefully!).Write at least 1 letter a week.
Publishing
Publish the rest of "The Heart's Spring" series (2 more books - Forget Me Not and Morning Glory - and 4 companion short stories).Write the 1st draft of a new novella/novel. (More info to come later this year, Lord willing!)
I don't really know what the new year will bring, so beyond my publishing goals and my plan to find part-time employment to supplement my freelance business and my book sales, I don't really have any big, long-term goals. I'm hoping to take this year one day at a time, and I'm hoping the little goals will help me keep things in perspective and maintain a healthier lifestyle. The main goal, though, is to follow after God and trust in him day by day, moment by moment - because He's the one who will sustain me when and long after these goals are broken or met.

As for the goals above that pertain more to you, please feel free to hold me accountable and encourage me to try to follow them! If you see I've finished a book on Goodreads/Twitter, you can remind me that, for the most part, I agreed to review it, even if it's one I purchased. ;) If you see me going crazy with adding new books, a gentle reprimand might be required, LOL. And I'm hoping that the new blog and all the social media talk will help me stay motivated when it comes to meeting my publishing goals!

Do you have any goals/resolutions for the new year? Do we share any of the same ones?

My Review of Love's Awakening

Here's a description of the book from Revell:

"The path to true love lies somewhere between two feuding families

In the spring of 1822, Ellie Ballantyne leaves finishing school and returns to the family home in Pittsburgh only to find that her parents are away on a long journey and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. Determined to stand her ground and find her place in the world, Ellie fills her time by opening a day school for young ladies.

But when one of her students turns out to be an incorrigible young member of the Turlock family, Ellie knows she must walk a fine line. Slaveholders and whiskey magnates, the Turlocks are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly entangled with the rival clan--particularly the handsome Jack Turlock--she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future. Will she betray her family and side with the enemy?

Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love and loyalty. This is the Ballantyne Legacy."

My Rating

Spring

My Review

Laura Frantz's lovely writing continues in this second installment of "The Ballanytne Legacy" series. The descriptions of the land, the Monongahela River, the fashion, and even the whiskey stills...all are vivid and grand. Frantz pens historicals that are rich and deep!

This particular story wasn't quite as engaging for me as some of Frantz's other books, however. While there's certainly a looming threat of danger due to Jack's family ties and Ellie's family's abolitionist activities, the plot felt dragged out, languid and hesitant, setting up complex characterization but not quite as thrilling of a tale. I think part of that has to do with the setting. Pennsylvania of the 1820s certainly has some interesting aspects, but it's not quite the adventure that Frantz's frontier and wilderness settings have been. That, and the story felt to be more of a character study - focused on Jack's, Ellie's, and Ansel's decisions, attitudes, and desires, rather than on their destinations.

The nature of the story, and perhaps just where I am in my reading and personal life, made this a very slow read for me. But that doesn't mean that it wasn't ultimately an enjoyable one! The title is very apt, especially in light of the end, but also in light of the gentle and gradual "awakening" of the plot and romance. Even still, I appreciated that awakening - the descriptions that slowly stole me away, and the characters that are very well-drawn. The fact that this wasn't a fast read allowed me to really get to know the characters, bit by bit, and I loved them for their growth, their uncertainties, their struggles, and their hope. Ansel, the heroine's brother, was a particular favorite of mine, and it was with a bittersweet feeling that I read the brief glimpse into Book 3, Love's Fortune, at the very end of the book.

For those who don't mind longer but well-written historical fiction that explores the motivations and hearts of the main characters, Love's Awakening is another exquisite read from Frantz, and a worthy addition to "The Ballantyne Legacy."

*With thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

“Available September 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Cover Reveal for Morning Glory!

I'm so excited to share my third cover with you, once again designed by the amazing Lena Goldfinch (Stone Lily Publishing & Design Services)! Not only does this mean we can now see all three covers for "The Heart's Spring" series together (not including the companion short stories to come), but it also means that I can unveil a series blog, which I'm very excited to do! Read on to learn more about the story behind the cover, the new blogs, and a themed giveaway...

A Cover Story
Several months ago, Lena was working on the cover for Forget Me Not, the first book in the series and Bleeding Heart 's prequel. I had already started another secret Pinterest board for Morning Glory's cover, including some Oregon sunrise/sunset pictures, some morning glories, and another top-secret element to be shared later on when the paperback cover is completed. ;) I also found one red-haired model I liked. I think perhaps I had pinned some of those pics while we were brainstorming the cover for Forget Me Not or something... Either way, Lena jumped straight into this project before we had even finalized the cover for Forget Me Not! She pinned a few model pics, once again (like with the model for Forget Me Not) zeroing in on a model that I wasn't sure felt quite right for the part. Here's the pic:


Her headband, necklace, and bouquet look very modern, but Lena assured me that she could take those things out or rework them. I think I continued sharing a couple other pics, because I wasn't completely convinced, LOL. I should have known by then that Lena's eye for cover design is spectacular!
As Lena wrote down some points to convince me that this girl could work, she was caught up in the vision, declaring that she might just have to put together a comp to show me right then and there. And show me, she did! The first comp showed all of the model's head, and I fell in love with the design and the colors, especially. My reaction:

Oooooooh! You're making me want to write this book right now, LOL! 
I went on to tell Lena that I was on cloud 9, and we pretty much gushed about the colors, Crater Lake, research books, and the fact that we were friends. It was awesome. ;)

Lena made one final tweak, cropping the top of the heroine's head, zooming in so that her skirts were fuller and the headband was no longer an issue.

So basically, Lena picked all of the images for this particular cover, creating something I hadn't envisioned, but ultimately adored. She told me that the design came together "lightning quick," that she saw it like "a gift." It's truly a beautiful thing to see the Lord's gifts at work, and I'm blessed beyond measure to be the recipient of this one!

Then in December I received the final version. Lena tried the full head shot again, but we decided to go with the cropped version, which we agree fits well with the other covers and gives it more of a historical flavor (taking away any overly modern pieces). I'm seriously astounded that Lena took the certainly beautiful but modern model above and made her look like this:


What I Love: The model's expression, perhaps serious, but in a confident, waiting-expectantly-for-something-to-happen way. Her hair, which is absolutely gorgeous - lively, rich, and curled like morning glory vines. Her posture, which is humble with her head bowed a bit, but also tall and elegant. The morning glories she's holding, which are also tall and reaching up to the sky (not to mention a glorious, royal shade). The deep, dark purple-y blues of the background (Crater Lake), and the vivid reds and pinks of the morning sky just touching the cliffs on the other side of the lake - all hinting at dark things that are overshadowed by a bright, coming dawn. The hillsides themselves once again highlighting the emotional peaks and depths my characters face. The title font that's flowy like water and curved like the tendrils of the heroine's hair and the vine. And the whole concept, including the way the depths and heights, the dark and light, are all contrasted in a delightful display of color.

The Heart's Spring Series Home
Before I share about the new blogs, here are all three covers together:

I'd be curious to know if you have a favorite, or what stands out to you about the series' covers sitting side by side! I love each of them, of course, but I think Bleeding Heart has my favorite model/expression, Forget Me Not has my favorite dress, and Morning Glory has my favorite background/color scheme. I thought the progression of the covers was really neat, too, if you take them in the order they're published: Sally is sitting (Bleeding Heart), Elizabeth is kneeling (Forget Me Not), and Felicity is standing (Morning Glory). I think each cover portrays each story's theme and tone so well, and I'm so very grateful to Lena for that!
And now for the blog reveal...
Like I did for Bleeding Heart and Forget Me Not, I created a site for Morning Glory. It's a little bare right now because I haven't really started on this project yet, but be sure to check back in the spring for a book blurb, "soundtrack," and more! In the meantime, if you want to be kept completely up-to-date on all of the series news, be sure to follow the brand-new series blog:
The Heart's Spring
I'm so thrilled to have a place now where all the separate book sites link back to, and where you can find news about the series, learn more about the companion short stories, sign up for my author newsletter, and discover insider information about the books, my writing/publishing process, etc. The separate book blogs are more static - even though I update the information from time to time, there aren't any new "posts" and such. But this blog will allow you to follow the series and get new information delivered to your dashboard/feed/inbox. I hope this will be as much fun for you as it is for me!
A Morning Glory Giveaway
To celebrate all the "reveals" today, I'm offering a themed giveaway! One winner, two lovely prizes from two awesome Etsy sites!
Morning Glory Note Cards (4-pack) by Cindy Lindgren
Lavender & Copper Earrings by Jaye L. Knight
Just use the form below to enter! Please note that this giveaway is for U.S. residents only . Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions about how to use the form. The winner will be announced next Friday, January 10th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cover Reveal Participants
I have such an awesome influencer team, and I'm grateful for each blogger who has shown an interest in this series and helped me to promote the books by participating in the cover reveals, Bleeding Heart's blog tour, etc. Love you guys! Here's a list of the bloggers participating in this cover reveal:
Black 'n Gold Girl's Book SpotBluerose's HeartChristian Bookshelf ReviewsCovers and InkCross & CutlassDreaming Under the Same MoonEdgy Inspirational RomanceFictionallyi blog 4 booksInspiring DaringLabor Not In VainLiterary and LaceMolly EvangelineMy Favorite PastimeSherida StewartTales of Goldstone WoodThe Curried NutThe Librarian's BookshelfThe Lore-MistressThe Wonderings of One PersonTo Be A PersonWest of Newbury Street You just might find some info about me and Lena, some bloggers' thoughts on the cover, and such, so I do hope you'll visit these wonderful blogs when you get the chance!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the cover, the new blog, or anything that strikes your fancy in this post! Hope 2014 is going grandly for you so far!

New Every Morning ~ Welcoming 2014

I'm the type of person who adores new beginnings. I love changing the calendar to a new month, turning to a fresh page in my planner, starting up a new blog, creating a list of goals for a new year. (Of course, I'm also the type of person who likes my books to be in neat, perfectly aligned stacks, and who straightens up my bed covers after someone's done sitting on the bed...) So I take the start of a new year rather seriously.

God blessed me tremendously in 2013 with the friendships and support necessary to finish writing my second manuscript, publish my first novel in both e-book and paperback formats, edit my first manuscript, officially start up my freelance editing & publicity business with actual clients, obtain my driver's license, and make my first solo road trip. But while it was a year full of wonderful joys, it was also a year full of very painful things: my grandpa's declining health (including a prolonged stay at the hospital and in rehab), stressful and hurtful family issues, and the loss of my godfather and my grandma.

To be honest, 2014 feels a little scary. We're selling my grandparents' house, which has been my "second home" since childhood. My grandpa might go to a home where he can get 24/7 professional care and assistance. I agreed to look for part-time work outside of the house to supplement my income for my business and writing, and also to see the world outside of my bedroom (an exciting but frightening prospect!). I have some happy publishing goals which I would love to meet, but otherwise, I'm just not sure what the year ahead will bring. I'm worried that a lot will change, and that the changes will continue to be hard for all of us. But I'm also worried that a lot won't change, because I realize that changes do need to be made, in my own life and for my family.

So here I am, at the threshold of a new year. While I've prepared some things - made a list of publishing goals, put up the new calendar, bought a 2014 planner, etc. - I feel like there are a lot more things I could have done to get myself ready to face the coming days. Yet the unknown remains. The difficult issues still have to be dealt with; they don't go away when the old year passes.

I can't look at the whole year ahead. It's too much pressure. While I appreciate the magnitude of the "newness," I need the mercy of new beginnings in a smaller size...


And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord: remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:17-23
God's mercies, His compassions, are new every morning. Every morning. 
I'll always love a new month, a new year. And I need a big-picture perspective - but a year isn't it. I need a perspective as big as eternity: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalm 23:6). But in that, I also need a perspective as small as a day, a moment, knowing that God is with me through every step. 
My favorite devotional book (Safe in the Shepherd's Arms: Hope and Encouragement from Psalm 23 by Max Lucado) puts it this way:
God isn't behind me, yelling, "Go!" He is ahead of me, bidding "Come!" He is in front, clearing the path, cutting the brush, showing the way. Just before the curve, he says, "Turn here." Prior to the rise, he motions, "Step up here." Standing next to the rocks, he warns, "Watch your step here." 
He leads us. He tells us what we need to know when we need to know it. ....
The discovery of David is indeed the message of Scripture - the Lord is with us. And since the Lord is near, everything is different. Everything!....
You may feel alone in the wilderness, but you are not. He is with you.
You and I are not alone in the wilderness of the year, in the crazy hills and valleys and curves of our day-to-day lives. His mercies are new every morning. I don't need to wait until the start of a new month or a new year to claim the refreshing of His mercies and grace. I don't need to feel like I've blown the whole week or the whole year if the transition was shaky or I wasn't fully prepared. Because the truth is, as many plans as I make and as many goals as I set, I just don't know what's coming. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps (Proverbs 16:9). We have to plan ahead, yes, but we have to trust that God's will prevails, and that His will is good and holy in light of eternity. And sometimes - perhaps much of the time - we have to take one day at a time, one step at a time, and trust that God is at work.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.... Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16b-17
The "weight" of our hope for eternity isn't heavy. Jesus offers us a light burden (Matthew 11:30). So in the year ahead, I'll try not to take the change of the calendar too seriously. Instead, I'll continue on this all-important but grace-filled journey of trusting God's eternal perspective, and believing that He is still with me in each little step, offering new mercies every morning for the sake of His glory.
(Pictures taken at Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Summer 2013.)

Favorite Reads of 2013

Yay for books! I read about 70-ish of them this year (and I had the privilege of editing some more). While I'm still reading a lot of Christian fiction, I'm continuing to enjoy more and more secular YA books, along with a tiny bit of non-fiction and other reads. Thanks to my Kindle, I've been delighted to discover some books I might never have heard of or tried if not for the sale prices and browsing on Amazon. In fact, my favorite read of the year was one such discovery. Here's my list of favorite reads from 2013:

#8 Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren
No "sagging middle" for this series! I adored the intrigue surrounding this Grand Tour, along with the romance. The one thing I especially appreciated about this second book was the journey. I loved the places the characters visit and how each different spot challenges them. This leg of their trip seemed more exotic and exciting than the first or last, at least for me. You can read my full review HERE.
 #7 Mistaken by Karen Barnett
I wish I had this one in paperback - just look at that cover! And the story inside is similarly colorful and mysterious, a gem of a historical romantic suspense that takes place during an interesting era (Prohibition) and in a region of the world that I love (the Pacific Northwest). You can read my full review HERE.
#6 The Ryn by Serena Chase
An epic debut! I loved the characters and the author's creativity in telling their story. It doesn't get much better than a well-written and unique fairy-tale retelling! You can read my full review HERE.
#5 A Spark Unseen by Sharon Cameron
Cameron's debut, The Dark Unwinding, made my favorites list last year, and its sequel was quite satisfying! Definitely enthralling and wonderfully engaging - clever historical fiction for the YA crowd, creatively told. You can read my full review HERE.
#4 Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter
A refreshing contemporary romance for any time of the year! The descriptions and emotions are highly engaging, and the take-away message tied in with the title is wonderful. (I love a complex story with a simple, easy-to-remember but profound take-away.) You can read my full review HERE.
#3 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
I greatly enjoyed Cinder, the tale of a Cinderella cyborg, but I enjoyed Scarlet's story even more. This series is addictive, and this particular story had me racing through the author's thrilling and terrifying fantasy world. You can read my snack size review HERE. (Note that there is some more intense violence in this second installment of "The Lunar Chronicles" series.)
#2 Songstone by Lena Goldfinch
I fell in love with Lena's work when reading The Language of Souls last winter, and many of you know that my love for that story led to me becoming a beta reader for Lena, which eventually led to a business partnership that has been one of the biggest blessings of 2013 for me. I had the pleasure of beta-reading and editing this story, and I adored it both times through. The location. The atmosphere. The struggle for identity and a future. And of course, Pono (the hero). The deeper points are so poignantly told, and the story is so heartfelt and beautifully imagined. This is my favorite of Lena's books so far, although I have loved each one!
#1 Recalled by Cambria Hebert
And here it is - the surprise of the year for me. I found Recalled for $.99 on Amazon during one of my all-too-frequent Kindle shopping sprees. The cover looked interesting, and the premise had potential, so I thought it couldn't hurt to give it a chance for that price. It certainly didn't hurt! Instead, the story proved to be a jewel in the rough, an indie book that, while having some rough edges (a few grammatical errors and swear words), glowed brightly - so much so that I promptly re-read it for the Contentment Reading Challenge only a few months later. Recalled is the story of a boy who loses everything, but has the chance to gain even more than he had - but only if he "escorts" a certain girl to her death. It's a story about difficult decisions, constant close calls, and rare revelations. It's a story to keep you up at night and leave you moved by its portrayal of love. It's perhaps not a story for everyone, but I, for one, am so happy to have come across it! You can read more of my thoughts after re-reading the book HERE.
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I found these reads to be enjoyable and thought-provoking, and I hope you'll find them to be the same for you if you pick them up sometime (or if you've already done so). You can find more of my thoughts on books on Goodreads and Shelfari - I'd love to connect with you there! And of course I hope to continue to share book reviews and other bookish posts here.
Please feel free to share you favorite reads of 2013! Happy New Year's Eve!

Last Minute Read-a-thon Wrap-Up

Hosted by Vonnie's Reading Corner & A Night's Dream of Books
So... *twiddles thumbs* Remember how I was supposed to fit in a lot of last-minute reading before the year's end? Yeah, I failed miserably, unfortunately!

I'm getting closer to finishing Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz, and I do hope to have that read before the ball drops and signals the start of 2014. Other than reading some more of that book, my weekend was filled with family matters, visits with friends, shopping, a small editing project, food, etc. It's not that I didn't have free time; it's just that I filled it with things other than reading. And when I went to read more at night, I'd get through a bit and then think, "I'll just shut my eyes for a moment." You can imagine the end result of that. While I'm a self-proclaimed night owl, I confess sleep claimed me...

Let's just hope that 2014 proves to be more productive in the reading department, or that I'll at least have a little more self-control when it comes to acquiring and requesting books, LOL!

However, I'm still glad to have learned of this read-a-thon - to meet some new bloggers and participate in the rainbow book-spine challenge, which was fun! Stay tuned for my last post of the year, featuring my favorite reads of 2013...