Hidden Gems: Nicole Sager

This Monday of Hidden Gems, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Nicole Sager, author of spectacular Christian fantasy novels ... which you seriously do not want to miss!

Scroll down through all the epic-ness below and find, among other things, a giveaway for a paperback copy of one of this author's books! ^_^

Reasons I Think This Author Is One You Need To Discover:

• Books are Fantasy; Non-magical and with Christianity Woven into their Core
• Epic Stories and Fantastic Arrays of Characters
• Clean, Adventurous, Fun, Action; Suitable for a Young Audience as well as Old!
• Poignant, with Themes and Lessons that Echo Deeply

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Introducing ... Nicole Sager

Hello and welcome! I'm a homeschool graduate and an avid reader who enjoys writing Inspirational Fantasy that's magic-free and family-friendly.

In writing each book, I pray that it will bring honor and glory to God, and that He will use it as a tool to bring at least one person to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I hope my books will encourage families to read together. If read by children, I hope the books broaden your vocabulary just a bit and introduce you to a life of endless possibilities in Christ. If read by adults, I hope you're inspired and encouraged to deepen your relationship with our Savior.

Thanks for stopping by!

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~ THE ARCREAN CONQUEST Series ~

He who discovers the heart of Arcrea and joins the hands of the seven regions will be king.

Set during a forgotten age of kings and queens, knights and nobles, wise-men and warlords, The Heart of Arcrea follows the story of Druet the blacksmith, who, hoping to free his father from an unjust imprisonment, sets out on a quest that will solve an ancient riddle and crown a man as Arcrea’s first king. A host of memorable characters join Druet on his mission of justice, but opposition quickly rises to test their level of commitment and their faith in God. Will the dangerous wilds of Arcrea and her seven oppressive lords succeed in bringing an end to Druet’s quest and crush forever the kingdom’s hopes for a just king?

What is this heart of Arcrea and where is it to be found?

You must discover it for yourself.

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Return to the kingdom of Arcrea, where the stage is set for an epic battle between good and evil.

Trenton is a young Mizgalian caught up in the deadly beliefs inspired by a life in his father’s garrison. When a simple mission in Arcrea unearths the shocking truth of a mystery two decades in the making, he is left with a choice that may decide the fate of an entire kingdom. Join old friends and new on a journey of discovery, where battling vicious beasts and conquering a coast of dragons will test the mettle of men and set the pace for an adventure like no other.

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Subject to the designing rule of evil men, one island's future rests in the hands of an Arcrean.

Lady Meredith of Gilbrenor seeks help from the borders of Arcrea in a desperate attempt to rescue her son from the clutches of Lord Brock and to claim his rightful legacy. When Falconer undertakes the seemingly simple mission and travels to the isle with Meredith and her two young daughters, he is unprepared for the painful memories from his own past that wait to confront him on the distant shores. Seth is a simple Arcrean shepherd whose worries are few and far between. When the discovery of a costly heirloom starts him on a quest of justice, it quickly becomes a journey that will test the strength of his faith and unlock the truth of his life's purpose.

A lost parchment, a devastating secret, and an evil lord who seeks their ruin. Will the puzzle of Gilbrenor be solved and her future secured before it is too late?

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~ COMPANIONS OF ARCREA Series ~

In a realm that feasts on wickedness, and a city that thirsts for power, the faithfulness of a few will be tested.

A MIZGALIAN SEEKS JUSTICE … When members of his faith are exiled from the city of Hebbros, Luke vows to resist the forces that tore his family apart. Armed with a divine gift and the aid of friends, he undertakes to right a world of wrongs. Opposed on all sides by evil men determined to silence the Faithful and outlaw their powerful God, Luke’s small band will be tried and tested as they battle for truth, freedom, and the overthrow of rampant evil in their city.

AN ARCREAN SEEKS FULFILLMENT … Three years after Elaina’s world was turned upside-down, the former nobleman’s daughter still tastes the sting of bitterness. When an act of betrayal sends her north into slavery, Elaina finds herself face-to-face with the truth she has long resisted and a choice that will change her forever.

THEY WILL DISCOVER A MATCHLESS GRACE … Brought together in a desperate attempt to pluck a remnant from destruction, Luke, Elaina, and a host of unforgettable characters will discover the greatness of the power of God, and the startling truth that some things are not what they seem.

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When a villain's grand scheme takes flight, who will rise up to clip their wings?

Years after an act of betrayal lowers a dark cloud over Burdney, Lady Agatha seeks vengeance and respect, while her sister, Aeryn, chases after freedom and peace. When a young slave named Epic arrives at the Mizgalian castle disguised as a nobleman in need of shelter, the conflicted youth soon finds himself caught in a web of intrigue that reaches further than anyone suspects.

In a race against time and doom, Blunt the minstrel must travel to Burdney for the vindication of a condemned friend. When his travels take an unexpected turn - and sometimes even go in circles - the Arcrean bard must learn to trust that God is always in control.

Secrets and deception lie in wait around every corner, until a conspiracy is revealed that will wage a battle for hope and justice on the grounds of Burdney.

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~ Christian Living ~

"I didn’t like my sister. Yes, you read that correctly. Allow me a slight clarification: I loved my sister… but I didn’t like her."

So begins this practical and fun guide to discovering and enriching family relationships, especially between siblings. Based on the author's personal story, A Tale of Two Siblings is presented in a personable and easy style, exploring ideas and necessary steps for building a bridge of communication, and offering hope for those seeking to cultivate friendships within their household. Written specifically to encourage older siblings, this is nevertheless a journey to be enjoyed by the whole family.

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Author Interview

What genre(s) do you write?

Nicole: I write Inspirational/Christian Fantasy that is magic-free and family-friendly. The Arcrean Conquest Series and the Companions of Arcrea novels are stories that unfold in a medieval-like world coated with an intriguing dose of make-believe, and they've been enjoyed by readers of all ages.

What impact do you hope your books will have on readers?

Nicole: Faith is a major element of these books, and I hope and pray that my stories will encourage readers in their walk with Christ - that you'll "see" the characters exercising their faith and desire to do the same with your own. I hope readers are inspired by the examples of chivalry, honor, humility, grace, forgiveness, etc ... and that they'll seek God's strength to cultivate such attributes in their day-to-day walk. I pray that God will somehow use each book to bless each reader.

Which one of your books would you call the ‘story of your heart’ (or are they all)?

Nicole: God has used each book to touch/bless me in a different way. I can usually see myself mirrored in one or more character at a time, and so each book holds a lesson learned personally! I think, though, that Burdney holds a particularly special place in my heart right now.

Of all your books, do you have a favorite cover?

Nicole: Hmmm ... maybe Burdney. There are so many things about it that just came together so nicely (and miraculously, because I had the cover image well before I finished the book!). The appearance of ruins, the pensive lady, even the color scheme (anyone remember Lord Burdney's Mezmekeet?) ... I was very pleased with the way it turned out.

What do you do for fun?

Nicole: Aside from writing I also work as a nanny/babysitter with regular hours. That keeps me pretty busy, and is lots of fun! My family lives fairly close to a theme park, so we enjoy heading out there on occasion to spend the day. I also enjoy reading and watching movies (mostly BBC dramas or Hallmark's Signed, Sealed, Delivered), and always with a cup of coffee.

What was your hardest book to write, and why?

Nicole: Burdney again! Each one definitely had its moments (or hours ... ok, months!) of difficulty, but Burdney proved especially hard. There was one scene I wrote and re-wrote several times because it just wasn't right, and then I finally realized I had to rip out a third of the book as it was in order to move forward, and that tricky scene didn't end up making the final cut anyway! Talk about writer's block! And the fact that the story was mirroring certain aspects of my life wasn't making anything easier. God is gracious, though, and I'm so glad I sought His direction.

What writing project are you working on right now?

Nicole: I'm currently writing the 3rd Companions of Arcrea novel, titled Cleftlocke, as well as a nonfiction booklet (more info TBA). You can keep up with my progress and get occasional sneak peeks on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/arcreabooks

What are some of your favorite books (not your own)?

Nicole: So many choices!! I do have three authors off the top of my head who have thoroughly impressed or impacted me with every book of theirs that I've read. MaryAnn Minatra, Lori Benton, and Isabella Alden. Their narrative is rich, their characters are real and relatable, every scene counts, and the stories are unforgettable. For younger readers, I would also recommend Chuck Black.

What does your writing process look like?

Nicole: Scattered and sporadic! ;) I write when I can and when inspiration strikes, but there's never a set routine. I try to keep readers updated with what's going on through several social media outlets, so click on the links below and Like or Follow my pages! I even have a group board on Pinterest where you can share your own ideas about Arcrea, so comment and let me know you'd like to join the fun! I love connecting with readers, and I look forward to hearing from you! And don't forget to shelve my books on Goodreads!

Thank you so much for hosting me, Shantelle, and thank you, visitors, for stopping by!

Happy Reading!!

Thanks for joining me on my blog, Nicole! So happy you could, and I hope this helps more readers discover your amazing books! ^_^

Connect Further With Nicole Sager:

Website ~ Nicole Sager - Something For the Whole Family

Facebook ~ Nicole Sager, Author

Pinterest ~ Nicole Sager

Goodreads ~ Nicole Sager

Additional Blog Stops:

Thurs. ~ Claire Banschbach @ The Overactive Imagination: Book Review for The Heart of Arcrea

Giveaway

Enter the rafflecopter form below to win a paperback copy of one of Nicole Sager's books! Reader's choice! One winner. USA entries only.

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