Miranda A. Uyeh's Blog, page 42

Book Review ~ Thrill of Hope by Bruce Green

About the Book

What are we to do with the Book of Revelation? Some Christians skim the book and glean a superficial understanding of the text; others spiritualize Revelation or label it as unworthy of concentrated study. Many simply ignore John’s final letter entirely.

But by neglecting Revelation, the church is missing out on the blessing that the Lord bestows upon those willing to give the book a patient hearing—the thrill of hope.

In The Thrill of Hope, Bruce Green walks with the Apostle John through the open door of heaven and witnesses the wonderful blending of history and hope. God’s people may be oppressed, but evil won’t prevail. Wrongs will be righted. Those who have the faith and courage to stand strong will be vindicated. However, victory doesn’t happen by chance; it is the promised result of a strong and steadfast hope given by God.

Accessible and easy to understand, The Thrill of Hope provides an enlightening and encouraging analysis of the book of Revelation. In short, digestible chapters, Green unveils the major themes of John’s message, challenging us to live in hope and holiness. Helpful FAQ sections are interspersed throughout the book, and discussion questions following each chapter make it suitable for Bible class, small group, and individual studies. Those who are waist deep in the woes of the world will be lifted from the mire by a renewed confidence in the sovereign Christ—the One who reigns in hope.

 

Genre

Christian/Non-fiction

 

Rating

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ (4 Stars)

 

Review

For the first time there’s an author who’s attempted to take the fear out of studying the book of Revelations—the only book in the Bible that a blessing has been pronounced upon anyone who will not only listen to its message, but accept it.

A book that most readers more or less find confusing, Green has come out with a clear message of the intent of God in giving this book to man—that man would have hope despite a difficult world. He begins his illustration from the Roman times, a time after the ascension of Jesus, when Christians faced the harsh reality of the ugliest of Rome’s brutality. He showed how prophecies that had been spoken against Rome had come to pass, with the Church eventually overcoming and outlasting the Roman Empire. And, so, even now, through the prophecies in Revelations, the Church can be sure of God’s Word spoken as a message of hope to God’s people who endure pain and every kind of abuse that they face in the world today. Green makes it clear that through these prophecies, the Christian has been given the picture of an end that is already settled and sure—one that will never change. This book aims to restore peace, comfort, hope, and joy, and to inspire Christians to persevere despite the growing cruelty towards Christians today. It aims to also show, using the history of the Church, that God isn’t standing idly by as His children suffer. But that in fact, He’s taken into account their suffering since the beginning of time, and has prepared their reward, restoration, and final redemption, and to also punish the evil responsible for their sorrows and torture.

This book is written for the Christian today. It couldn’t have come at a better time.

*Though I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to Book Crash and Start2Finish Books for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

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About the Author

 

Bruce Green grew up in what was then the small town of Madison, Alabama, among cotton fields, red clay, and the aerospace industry. He is married to Janice, and they have three children and two grandchildren. They make their home in Opelika, Alabama, where he works with the Tenth Street Church of Christ.

Filed under: Book Review, Christianity, Non-fiction Tagged: Bruce Green, Christian Non-fiction, Inspirational Non-fiction, Thrill of Hope

Book Review ~ Dumped: Stories of Women Unfriending Women Edited by Nina Gaby

About the Book

There are 161 million women in America today, and our friendships are still as primary and universal as back when Ruth and Naomi, Elizabeth and Susan B., Lucy and Ethel, and Thelma and Louise made history. And that s what makes being dumped by a woman friend so excruciating: you expect romantic relationships to break up eventually but you don t expect it from your friendships. And when it happens, you feel as though there should be an Adele song for you but there isn’t. Dumped: Women Unfriending Women fills that void, exploring the universal experience of being discarded by those from whom you expected more. The essays in Dumped aren’t stories of friendship dying a mutually agreed upon death, or of falling out of touch and reconnecting years later to find you haven t missed a beat. These are stories by established and emerging authors who, like you, may have found themselves erased, without context. These, like your own, are stories that stay with you, maybe for a lifetime.

 

 

 

Genre

Non-fiction/Anthology

Rating

*** (3 Stars)

Review

When I was offered this book, I read the blurb, the foreword, and then the endorsements before proceeding to take on the book itself. So, naturally, I had a certain expectation. It turns out I expected more than it had to offer. That’s not a bad thing, but I was left unsatisfied. I knew it was an anthology, but I also expected there’d be a self-help element to it. That is, after you’ve had a bad experience, how do you cope, and therefore, move forward?

Basically, it’s a collection of true life tales told from each contributor’s point of view—most not understanding the reason for the fallout in their friendships. I’d hoped that inspiring lessons/advice/encouragement would be intentionally drawn out from each story by the contributors after each story was laid out, making it a complete self-help book. Not so. Somewhere in the middle, I got tired and frustrated, and wanted to rush through the book. Some stories were funny and made me chuckle—that helped—but overall, I gained nothing from reading it. For another reader, this book will likely be okay—if you’re seeking the comfort of knowing through true life stories that you’re not alone in experiencing a friendship gone wrong. Like I said, I’m probably dissatisfied because I perceived wrong from the blurb/foreword/endorsements.

Note – Most of the stories were of women who’d lost friends in a bad way. A few, however, were romance stories between women. Since LGBT is not a genre I read in fiction/nonfiction (see my review policy), I skipped them. This, too, contributed to me not fully liking this book. Like I said, I thought that apart from it being an anthology of friendship stories gone wrong, it would be a self-help book as well. It wasn’t.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. A thank you to JKS Communications for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

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About the Editor

 

Nina Gaby is a writer, visual artist and psychiatric nurse practitioner whose essays can be found in collections by Creative Non Fiction, The Best of the Burlington Writer’s Workshop, Seal Press, Wising-Up Press, and several periodicals. Her fiction has been published in Lilith Magazine, the Prose-Poem Project, and in short-story collections by Paper Journey

Press. She works, writes and lives with her family in New England.

 

Filed under: Author Feature, Book Review

Virtual Blog Tour & Book Review! ~ Jane by Michelle Onuorah

It’s a tour stop!

About the Book

Orphaned. Neglected. Damaged and abused

Jane Daugherty has survived what can only be described as the childhood from hell. After years of mental, physical, and sexual abuse, she has become a fiercely independent young woman – closed off from human connection. Unable to believe in people or their capability to be kind, she has vowed to build a new life for herself so that she never has to rely on, or trust, others again. At 24-years-old, she is fulfilling this vow, successfully working as the youngest tenure-track professor at the University of New York.

Brilliant and remarkably accomplished, Jane’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is reunited with the childhood friend she protected in foster care. Alexa Masterson introduces Jane to the family that adopted her, a family that includes her older brother, Aiden Masterson. Instantly drawn to each other, Aiden and Jane embark on a relationship that will either destroy them both or shape them into the man and woman they were always meant to be. Can what started as lust transform into love? And what will bring about the transformation that they ultimately need?

Purchase on Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

Genre

Christian/Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Rating

***** (5 Stars)

Review

This book shocked me in ways that I can’t fully express. Some scenes hit me with such a bang, I had to stop for a bit and catch my breath. This was my reading experience: Gasp. Blink. Read. Repeat… with the end leaving me at Blink.

It has elements of both secular and Christian fiction with both kinds being intricately woven together to supplement the other in a way that makes sense. Can you make sense of that? I hope so. I swiped the last page of this book with a good shudder. What a closing!

This is a story of a hero and heroine who had a lot to learn about handling people from different worlds than theirs, as well as coming face to face with a God that will teach them what grace, healing, and miracles are really all about. This is not the typical fairytale romance out there. No, no, this one trumps typical! And considering the fine finish, it’s not tragic either, although, there were painful moments for the characters which eventually led to a lesson of hope, faith, true love, and truly loving. So beautiful!

Onourah makes no apologies for her writing style, as she shouldn’t, but I must warn that this isn’t a book for everyone. There’s sex and moderate use of profane language. But if you decide to read through to the end with an open heart, you can understand her choice of scenes and her writing style. It’s like this: it’s a messy world out there, and to clean it up, her hands had to get messy. You get the idea? Hope so.

On that note, this is one of the most extraordinary reads I’ve encountered as a reader, blogger, and writer, both in secular and Christian fiction. This book certainly raises the bar in many ways. Onuorah IS my kind of writer, and I tip my hat to her. She managed so many sensitive issues (race, sex, language, abuse etc.) in a very mature way that one can’t help but be impressed, and did so with an admirably adept writer skill. One thing is certain after this read: Onuorah has found a fan in me. FOR LIFE!

*Although I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to the author, Michelle Onuorah, for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Giveaway!

Michelle is giving away three e-copies of Jane to three winners (open INT). You can join via a Rafflecopter giveaway form. Simply follow the link.

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About the Author

Michelle N. Onuorah is the bestselling author of Remember Me, Type N, and Taking Names. She wrote and published her debut book, Double Identity, at the tender age of thirteen and has been writing ever since. A graduate of Biola University, Michelle continues to write and publish under her company, MNO Media, LLC . You can learn more about Michelle at www.mnomedia.com and like her page at www.facebook.com/authormichelleonuorah.

 

Filed under: Book Review, Giveaway, Virtual Blog Tour Tagged: Book Review, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Jane, Michelle Onuorah

How (Or Another Way) To Write/Develop a Unique Story

I don’t know about you, but I’ve discovered that when a story idea pops into my head, the first thing afterwards to take form is the protagonist. Sometimes even, the idea begins with a protagonist. And if you’re like most writers, the initial thought of your protagonist portrays him/her as superman, or least has the heart of superman. By now, of course, you know that in good fiction, that’s completely unacceptable (after all, even superman has a weakness called kryptonite). On that note, I’ll go ahead and say that this is the reason a lot of protagonists/stories are typical, because they follow a typical pattern. You, the writer, may think your story is cute, and your protagonist, absolutely adorable, and so you wonder why the rest of the world can’t see that. “Is there a conspiracy against me,” you might ask. In case you’re actually wondering, no, there isn’t. But there’s a reason for the reviews that accuse your story/protagonist of being flat. Your stories are …

Typical.

How then do you create one that’s not?

One way is to deviate from the typical pattern that your brain follows when chewing on a fresh story idea. The method I’ll suggest in a minute is one I created and call, The Antagonist Route. In other words, you MUST intentionally create your antagonist before anything else.

Why?

As I said before, the normal behavior of a writer’s mind is to create a perfect protagonist, first. It’s later on, and with deliberate effort, that the writer infuses the flaws that will make the character realistically acceptable to a reader. And typically, it’s after this task is done that a writer starts to rack their brain for a suitable antagonist. In other words, the antagonist is typically the product structured in accordance with a protagonist’s weaknesses and strengths in a deliberate manner that will cause the antagonist to lose, and the protagonist to win. Please, do yourself a favor and check out most heroes and villains, and see if what I’m saying isn’t true. The hero is naturally wired to win, and the villain wired to lose.

That being said, what if the opposite were the case? What if a protagonist is structured after the antagonist? This could be a bit tricky, but if you follow this process, you’ll come out with a story so brilliant and unique, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear. But before we begin, that story idea in your head, put it aside for a minute. Don’t touch it. Don’t do anything with it until I say it’s time. Got it?

Here we go …

Antagonist → Original Problem/Disaster → Protagonist → Solution → Story Journey

… And in that order.

Antagonist. Craft your antagonist with the same passion you would your protagonist. Create their feelings, fears, emotional state, strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, quirks and favorite foods to the last dot. Find a way to harmonize their personality with their intended evil, and let it make sweet sense. This is the reason why some antagonists are loved. For example: Loki, of the movie, Thor. Catch my drift?

Don’t joke around with this, as this could mean the difference between the unique story you’re trying to create, and the typical lot that’s out there. For instance, I personally believe that Michael Scofield of the TV Series, Prison Break, was crafted after the antagonist/problem. Either that or the writer is brilliant beyond compare. How else did he manage to make Scofield’s journey so difficult and superb at the same time (will talk more about this when discussing original problem/disaster and solution)?

Another reason I insist that the antagonist be the first is that usually, after a protagonist has been crafted, subsequent characters are created with less passion and zeal. Now I don’t know if this is as a result of exhaustion or something else. My point is, it’s a pattern, and we’re trying to break pattern. If you create your antagonist first, because you love your protagonist (a little bit more than you do your antagonist), you’re bound to still create him/her with equal passion and zeal, as the writer inside of you will NEVER leave your protagonist lacking in any way. Also, when finally structuring your protagonist, you’ll have a better understanding of your protagonist and his/her role, and so will build with better direction.

Original Problem/Disaster. As always, every good story starts with some action that is called the hook. And let me say again, this is NOT the time to think about your protagonist. Keep him or her locked up somewhere before you start this process. At this point, your antagonist is still fresh in your brain. You know him/her like your diary knows you. This is the time to create the original problem/disaster that will begin your story with a bang. Usually, a story pattern is like this: story setup, followed by first problem, second problem, third problem, and then, The End, with the second and third problem being the result of the protagonist trying to make things better only that they become worse. That first problem is the Original Problem/Disaster, and this should be the one that has your antagonist’s DNA all over it. This is the part where you craftily harmonize the human with the evil, so that the evil is very personal to the antagonist. Back to Prison Break: the antagonist at the end of the day was the General. His tool was Scylla, and the original problem was arranging for Lincoln Burrows to suffer the death penalty for a crime he didn’t commit. Every other problem that sprang out afterwards was as a result of Scofield trying to make things right. Catch my drift? Hope so.

Protagonist. Take a deep breath before you begin, because at this point, you know your protagonist has got his work cut out for him. This is the time to pull out that fantastic idea you had in the first place. If you take a step back and look, in reconciling your idea with your antagonist and the original problem, you discover that your idea doesn’t look the same anymore. It’s matured along with your intended protagonist, even though you haven’t worked on them yet. That’s a good thing. Now pound away at your protagonist. Build, build, build until you can build no more. Like I said before, because you already know your antagonist SO WELL and even the problem at hand, you already have a map/GPS to build an absolutely incredible and unique protagonist.

Solution. Let me say why this is the next in your writing process: Because your solution is best built out of the thinking process of your protagonist. Remember Scofield? His ingenious ideas were just that because, well … it was Scofield. Okay, let’s step away from Prison Break for a bit and take a look at another TV series … 24. Remember Jack Bauer? Every solution that ever came out of Jack Bauer’s head was incredibly rogue because that’s who Bauer was. No human being in their straight mind would ever agree with him. Yet, this was the element that made this TV Series so successful. I personally believe 24 is a classic. Dispute that if you want, I don’t care. There was nothing like 24 before it, or after it. 24 changed TV … FOREVER! Just in case you’re wondering, I’ve watched ALL nine seasons. If a tenth one came out, I’ll watch it, too. If you think I’m crazy, sue me.

Bottom line? You’ve passionately created a protagonist equally as you did your antagonist, and you know them both so, so well. Just as the evil is very personal to the antagonist, the solution is a product of the way your protagonist’s brain is wired to think. So the best time to create a solution, is after you’ve successfully crafted your protagonist.

Story Journey. The last stop, but the real work. Because you have your original problem and solution, as well as your protagonist and antagonist, you already know how the story’s going to end. Story Journey, therefore, is the in-between. This is the part where you plot everything that happens between point A and Z. In other words, how your protagonist will arrive at that solution that you created, is the Story Journey itself. Make it work, and make it good.

Now tell me a unique story will not be born after all this. Happy writing!

Do tell, what’s your opinion of the Antagonist Route? Do you believe it will work for you? what other writing ideas do you suggest?

**Antagonist Route and How (Or Another Way) to Write/Develop a Unique Story first appeared on To Be A Person**

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Filed under: Writetips Tagged: Another Way to Write A Unique Story, How to Develop a Unique Story, Writing, Writing Tips

Book Review ~ The Fragrance of Crushed Violets by Cathy Bryant

About the Book

What do we do when a loved one, boss, co-worker, friend, or enemy seem determined to bring us down through an attack? How do we handle it when their assault is personal, public, deep, unjust, unfair, and unfounded? Take it one step further. How do we deal with meaningless acts of destruction and death, say in something similar to the Twin Towers incident or a school shooting, especially when the offender shows no remorse? Do we rack it up to “one more senseless act” and chance to think that God somehow messed up? In short, how do we move past the hurt and anger to a place of forgiveness? Join in as we examine relevant scriptures about forgiveness and come away with a more scripturally-accurate understanding of: what forgiveness is and what it isn’t God’s role in the process of forgiveness what Jesus did at the cross for each of us our mandate to forgive as we’ve been forgiven what gets in the way of forgiving others how to truly forgive”

Genre

Christian/Non-fiction/Devotional/Study Guide

Rating

**** (4 Stars)

Review

This is a book that approaches the topic of forgiveness in a gentle but poignant way. Using Scripture, the first chapters define what forgiveness really is from God’s point of view, even disputing some skewed perceptions of it that exist among Christians. Simply put, this guide tells what forgiveness is, what it isn’t, what God expects from us and why He does, the roles the three persons of the Trinity have to play, as well as create a platform that will allow readers to either meditate individually or discuss as a group. This guide encourages soul searching to a level that isn’t always pleasant because it raises the mirror to see the ugliness on the inside, but does so ultimately with the intent to pass across the message of the true purpose of forgiveness and its subsequent benefits.

This guide is easy to follow, and to my belief, can be used by counselors as part of their material. Some of its teachings may be familiar to the average Christian, but there are those with lessons that take deeper study to uncover—gems. Either way, this guide reminds, and takes the topic of forgiveness to a higher level.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. My thanks to the author, Cathy Brant, for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Also, my apologies to you, Cathy, for taking this long to publish this review. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book!

 

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About the Author

 

Cathy Bryant’s first novel, TEXAS ROADS , a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist and Amazon Kindle best-seller is available free for subscribers: http://bit.ly/1Dgbzoq. She’s added four more books to the popular Miller’s Creek novels, the latest being A BRIDGE UNBROKEN . Cathy also writes Bible studies and devotionals. A Texas gal by birth, Cathy now lives in the lovely Sangre de Cristo mountains with her minister husband of over thirty years. Learn more about Cathy at http://www.CatBryant.com

Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Cathy Bryant, Forgiveness, The Fragrance of Crushed Violets

Author Scoop ~ Chatting Moments With Dani Pettrey!

I was honored to be selected last year as a judge by the Inspy Awards Advisory Board in the Contemporary Romance/Romance Suspense Category. It was a wonderful experience. I discovered some very lovely authors, including Dani Pettrey. So I decided to invite her over to TBAP for an interview. She kindly agreed to join us on New Year’s day. Learn more about Dani in this chat below!

Me: Hello Dani! Welcome to To Be A Person! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Dani: Hi Miranda, Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I’m so happy to be here. 
I’m a wife, Christian, mom, grandma, and author of the Alaskan Courage Series. My family and I live in Maryland where we enjoy hiking, visiting historic places and swimming at the beach.


Me: What’s the story behind your salvation? What led you to make Jesus your personal Lord and Savior?

Dani: After my husband and I married and we knew we were expecting our oldest daughter, I knew I wanted to raise her in a different home environment then I grew up in, so we began attending church. Something told me that was the place to be. We got involved in Bible study and I really dove into God’s Word, though it wasn’t until the birth of our second daughter and a really serious illness that I truly understood my need for Christ and His saving grace. I asked him to be my Lord and Savior. That was nearly twenty years ago and I’m so thankful for Jesus’ mercy and great sacrifice. I’m still in awe of His graciousness and abundant love.


Me: As opposed to secular, why did you decide to go into Christian writing/fiction?

Dani: I started out writing secular (for a very short time), but really felt God tugging at my heart to write for Him. I took a year off writing and really spent time in prayer. I always want to glorify God in all I do, and writing Christian fiction was where He wanted me. My faith is such a huge part of my life, so it seemed only natural for it to be part of my stories and characters’ lives as well.


Me: What has been your experience–the highs and lows–of your journey as an author?

Dani: I wrote for seven years before I was published. Part of it was that I wrote at a leisurely pace. I homeschooled both of my daughters all the way through high school so I simply wrote on the side when I had time between teaching, attending soccer games and lacrosse games, and enjoying a full family life. But, writing for seven years is hard. Getting really close to publication twice only to not end up with a contract was hard. On the high side…getting a contract for the book and the series of my heart was amazing. It was God’s timing and His timing is always perfect. 


Me: What message would you like to give to readers and authors on this New Year’s day?

Dani: As you start your New year, it’s a great time to think back on all the blessings of the previous year. It’s time to thank God for His provision and protection, and of course pray for a wonderful year ahead.

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About Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.

The Alaskan Courage Series

Books #1 to #4 are available. Sabotaged, #5 will be out in 32 days. You can join me and start a count down! You won’t regret it!

Filed under: Author Feature, Author Interview, Book Feature Tagged: Alaskan Courage Series, Dani Pettrey

Author Scoop! ~ Chatting Moments With Joanne Bischof

People, Joanne is one of my favorite authors. I’ve followed her work from her first book, Be Still My Soul. Her writing is one of the best I’ve encountered as a reader. So far, I don’t know anyone who’s regretted reading her book. This beauty doesn’t stop in her work. You can read my review of her most recent work, This Quiet Sky here.

Joanne is also one of the nicest people I’ve ‘met’ (on the Internet). Very sweet and giving! Please, get to know this awesome lady by following our chat below!

 

Me: Hello Joanne! So pleased to have you visit To Be A Person on Christmas day! Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?

Joanne: It’s a pleasure to be here! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas! I’m a mom of three and a wife to my best friend and hubby of ten years. We live in the mountains of Southern California and when I’m not hanging out with him and the kiddos, I’m usually writing!

 

Me: Your blog centers on your home. What is a typical day for you like? Do you still have those special days of the week/month where you go all by yourself to write with music/earphones in your ears?

Joanne: I homeschool our three children, so a typical day starts with them jumping on me long before I’m ready to wake up! Then we dive into breakfast and schoolwork. In the afternoons, I get some writing done and that’s sort of my quiet time. I almost always have headphones in. I write to music and it’s one of my biggest inspirations.

 

Me: Could you please tell us your redemption story? What led you to decide to make Jesus your personal Lord and Savior, and then decide to write and dedicate your career to Him?

Joanne: My redemption story is quiet in the sense that it’s not a very exciting tale—I always remember being a Christian  from a very young age, but what isn’t a boring part of the story, is that like all others who accept him, Christ came to my rescue and it’s because of Him that I have life.

 

Me: What are your hobbies—those things that are most fun for you to do?

Joanne: Aside from writing, my favorite hobbies are listening to music, going on adventures with my family and reading.

 

Me: Your stories center on hope and redemption. What led you to have a heart for these themes? Are they specifically what you hope to portray through all your stories/books, or will your themes be diverse?

Joanne: My husband was saved a few years back. Seeing the huge heart transformation that Christ worked in him made my walk with the Lord stronger and led me to want to write stories that tackle tough subjects and strong heart-journeys.

 

Me: The characters in your books are remarkable and unforgettable—I can’t get the Cadence of Grace characters out of my head! How do you select them? Do the stories pick them or it’s the other way around?

Joanne: Why thank you! That means a lot to me! The stories always pick themselves and often take me by surprise. I find though, that whatever story I’m working on in any given point has a hidden lesson that the Lord knew I needed to learn.

 

Me: Your books have received several nominations/awards; how do these achievements encourage your faith and walk with God? What is/are the lesson(s) you’ve learned on your journey as a writer?

Joanne: That’s a great question. While those instances are always times of rejoicing, I think that it’s not so much the winning or receiving of awards that encourage my faith in God, but the not receiving of them. It’s the downs, uncertainties and unknowns that have us looking to Christ the most, I believe, and trusting in His strength and wisdom with each step of our lives.

 

Me: This Quiet Sky is the latest from you. What next should we expect from you?—A sneak peek please? *winking*

Joanne: I have a whole stack of stories awaiting publication and while I’m not sure what will come next, I do believe that I’ll have at least one or two release next year. And as for a sneak peek…I’ll share that what I’m writing right now is actually another novella and my very first contemporary that I hope to have out for readers sometime next year. I’m really excited about it!

 

Me: What Christmas message do you have for your readers, as well as writers, and the rest of the world today? What do you hope they remember and keep in their hearts always, about Christmas?

Joanne: The very first thing that comes to mind is a blog post I wrote a few years back. It was Christmas time, we had a new baby, and my husband was hospitalized. It was quite an emotional season and I wrote about it as a testimony to the true meaning of Christmas: http://www.joannebischof.com/the-moment-i-forgot-about-christmas/

 

THIS OR THAT (The Fun Questions!)

Christmas or Easter? Both!

Christmas Songs or Christmas movies? Christmas songs!

Snowman or Snowballs? Snowman.

Sweater or Parka? This California girl would say sweater. Hehe!

Christmas shopping or Thanksgiving shopping? Christmas shopping.

Coffee or Tea? Tea, but coffee is a close second.

Mocha or Cider? Ooh, cider!

Snow or Rain? SNOW!!! (did I mention living in California, yet? ;) ) Oh, yeah! :)

Cakes or Bread? Bread…especially sweet bread.

Gift-opening or gift-wrapping? Is this a trick question? ;) LOL!

Carol singing or Carol-listening? Singing all the way.

 

Thank you, Joanne, for stopping by today! A Merry Christmas to you and your family!

 

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About Joanne Bischof

Christy Award-finalist and author of Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart is Torn, Joanne Bischof has a deep passion for Appalachian culture and writing stories that shine light on God’s grace and goodness. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, folk music, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life.

Filed under: Author Feature, Author Interview Tagged: Author Scoop, Interview, Joanne Bischof

Book Review ~ This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof

About the Book

There is nothing extraordinary about Tucker O’Shay’s dreams. Go to college.Become president. Fall in love. And pretend like he has enough time to get it all done.

Sixteen-year-old Sarah Miller doesn’t expect anything out of the ordinary when she begins her first day at the one-room-school house in her new hometown of Rocky Knob. But when she meets seventeen-year-old Tucker O’Shay—the boy with the fatal illness who volunteers to tutor her in algebra—she finds herself swept up in a friendship that changes the way she sees the world and a love that changes her life.

Genre

Christian/Historical Romance

Rating

***** (5 Stars)

Review

This Quiet Sky is a story that’s heartrending, but not without hope. It broke my heart in so many places, and then put it back together again, so that my lips eventually curled into a smile full of peace, hope, and comfort, just as my heart was wrapped with satisfaction and joy.

Bischof created a very believable world, with its characters (almost) as real as the air we breathe. The first person POV was breathtakingly authentic, shaping the speaker’s personality, as well as the entire world through her eyes, in way that was romantically endearing, and at the same time poignantly convincing.

Sarah and Tucker are the sort of characters that will find their way into your heart, secure a comfortable spot, and stay there. Following their story, I couldn’t help but hope that it would turn out a certain way, but in the end, was grateful for what the theme had to offer—it was so much more than a romance story.

I read this book in one sitting, and as tears poured down my face as I neared the end, I couldn’t help but be grateful for each moment of life—the important and the seemingly unimportant, the general and the specifics, even the moments that make me cry. Sarah and Tucker’s story reminded me (in a staggering way) that life is not only very precious, but that every single moment counts. Also, that love without fear is truly the perfect kind. If love will be fulfilling, no matter how short, there can be no holding back—this is the essence of the story.

While a scene towards the end tore my heart in two, the wrap-up made everything okay again; it tucked my heart under a blanket of comfort, making me more hopeful than ever, despite the turn-out of the story. For this, I’m immensely grateful to Joanne Bischof for being brave enough to write this beautiful tale of love and hope that seems larger than life as we know it. This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned this about Bischof, as I’ve followed her books since her wonderful debut, Be Still My Soul, the first book in the Cadence of Grace Series, to which this book—This Quiet Sky—is the prequel. On that note, I say to all prospective readers: put a box of Kleenex right next to you before you begin reading this book, because half way through, you’ll need it. I certainly did.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. A thank you to Joanne Bischof, the author, for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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About the Author

Christy Award-finalist and author of Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart is Torn, Joanne Bischof has a deep passion for Appalachian culture and writing stories that shine light on God’s grace and goodness. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, folk music, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life.

Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Cadence of Grace Series, Joanne Bischof, This Quiet Sky

Cover Reveal & New Release! ~ The Bartered Bride + Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe by Lena Goldfinch

About the Book

What’s a wife to do when her Christmas plans fall apart?

Join Becky and Isaac from The Unexpected Bride in a romantic short story complete with sleigh bells, mistletoe, and sweet holiday surprises.

It’s Christmas Eve, and smoke isn’t just rising from the chimney—it’s pouring from the stove due to yet another batch of burnt biscuits. Becky wants everything to be perfect for her family, but a ruined meal spells disaster for all her high hopes. Will the night end in despair…or with a happy Christmas dream?

Reconnect with your favorite characters from Book 1 of “The Brides” series and learn more about Jem (the hero of Book 2) in Sleigh Bells and Mistletoe. Includes an excerpt from Book 2, The Bartered Bride.

Short Story 1.5 in The Brides Series

Sweet Historical Western Romance / A Mail-Order Bride Short Story

Now available in Kindle format for only $.99!

Genre

Christian Short Story/Historical Romance

Also, coming soon …

 

About the Book (The Bartered Bride: The Brides, #2)

What’s a confirmed widower to do when he finds a bride in need of rescue?

James (“Jem”) Wheeler just wants to get back to the ranch in Colorado and make a fresh start after the loss of his wife. But when his train stops at a town in the middle of nowhere, his 2-year-old daughter runs off—straight to a mute young woman and a puppy. Before he has a chance to reclaim little Mae, he overhears an itinerant preacher preparing to sell off the woman to the highest bidder. It’s an injustice he can’t ignore, no matter the fact that he’d never planned on remarrying.

From a young age, all Annie has wanted is to belong. Abandoned and cast aside by those who should have loved her, and with no voice to protest against the wrongdoings she’s witnessed, her hope is but a faint flicker. When Jem steps into her life, she simply tries to get him to save the puppy—never expecting him to save her too.

Could a bartered bride and a grieving widower ever make a happy home together?

Book Two in The Brides Series

Sweet Historical Western Romance

Giveaway!

Deck the halls and bring on the books! One winner will receive mistletoe earrings from the LuvlyMint Etsy shop, as well as a signed paperback copy of The Unexpected Bride,“The Brides” series book #1. This prize is only available to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Three runners-up (can be international) will receive one e-copy each of Sleigh Bells and Mistletoe. For a chance to win, visit the author’s website.

 

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About the Author

LENA GOLDFINCH writes romance and fantasy for adults and teens. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she’s writing historicals or something light and contemporary. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. Visit Lena at www.LenaGoldfinch.blogspot.com.

Filed under: Author Feature, Book Feature, Giveaway Tagged: Lena Goldfinch, Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe, The Bartered Bride

Book Blast! ~ Unbound Hearts: Able to Love #2 by Michelle Lindo-Rice

It’s a book blast!

About the Book

Would you hire the person responsible for your losing both your legs?

Before he lost both his limbs, Jasper Orion was on his way to being voted Most Valuable Player in the National Football League. A man of faith, his faith in God remains unshaken and he starts his own business. With God’s leading Jasper decides to hire Charmaine Evans, the woman responsible for his demise. But, unexpectedly, Jasper develops feelings for his newest employee. He longs to hold her in his arms. Wheelchair bound, will Jasper’s love for Charmaine motivate him to walk again?

A backslidden Christian, Charmaine Evans’ ambitions left her broke, unemployed and a social pariah. Guilt-ridden, she returned home to Port Charlotte, FL to lick her wounds. To Charmaine’s surprise, Jasper not only offers her forgiveness but also a job when no one else would. Charmaine marvels at Jasper’s faith while grappling with her own. Bound by her past, will Charmaine learn to accept God’s plan for her heart and her life?

Read The First Chapter here!

Get the Book!

Amazon | B&N

Giveaway!

Michelle is offering two $10.00 Amazon Gift Cards as giveaway! Simply sign up for a chance to win through a Rafflecopter giveaway form. The contest ends December 24th and is open internationally.

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About the Author

Michelle Lindo-Rice enjoys crafting women’s fiction with themes centered around the four “F” words: Faith, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness. Her first published work, Sing A New Song, was a Black Expressions featured selection. Originally from Jamaica West Indies, Michelle Lindo-Rice calls herself a lifelong learner.

She has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, and Teachers College, Columbia University. When she moved to Florida, she enrolled in Argosy University where she completed her Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership. A pastor’s kid, Michelle upholds the faith, preaching, teaching and ministering through praise and worship. Feel free to connect with her at michellelindorice.com

You can read her testimony, learn about her books, PLEASE join her mailing list, or read a sample chapter at her website.

Find Michelle: Twitter/Facebook/Website

Filed under: Author Feature, Book Excerpts, Book Feature Tagged: Able to Love #2, Michelle Lindo-Rice, Unbound Hearts