Are You Excited ... :)

... For Book 8 in TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD by Anne Elisabeth Stengl? I certainly am! This series constantly leaves me looking forward to more! *smiles* Though Book 8 doesn't have a cover yet, a title was revealed some days back.

Are you excited now? *grins* Poison Crown sounds intriguing! Anyway, this series is a favorite of mine. And if you are into fantasy with Christian allegories woven throughout, deep and fascinating complexity, a whimsical touch, and a nice amount of sweet romance, TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD might be wonderful for you too! ^_^

So I would suggest looking into this series ...

~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm also really excited for Cinderella (2015). 

I love fairytales!! The first trailer for this upcoming movie just came out, and it looks like it sticks pretty close to the original story. Yay! I'm hoping that it will be clean and worthwhile! Check out the trailer:

 Cinderella (2015)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Last but not least, I'm excited for Thanksgiving! It's just kind of a fun, blessing-filled time to fellowship with family and friends. I don't know about  you, but I have so much to be thankful for!! Especially when I start reflecting on blessings. So as you're perhaps eating delicious, traditional Thanksgiving food, and laughing and enjoying family, take time to thank God for His care for you! <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~

And then here's just some lovely pictures of things that I'm excited may come someday ... *smiles*

~Start up ballet again~

~Publish my story, Silver Rose (mock cover)~

~Marry my best friend (whenever he appears *smiles* )~

~Wear a pretty wedding dress~

~See if my story, A Beauty Unforgotten, becomes part of this collection~

~Go to an old-fashioned dance~

~Be a mommy <3~

~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, what are you excited for? *smiles*

(Photos found on Pixabay.com)

How a Star Falls Spotlight & Interview with Amber Stokes

Today I get to do a little interview with author Amber Stokes, and spotlight her newest release, How a Star Falls!! I am so excited to read this new-adult, contemporary romance, because... well, the cover looks so pretty and the story sound intriguing; and two, I've really enjoyed Amber's other novels!

So, on to the interview, :)

ME: What's one thing that inspired you to write How a Star Falls?

AMBER: Dancing. I’m not a professional dancer by any stretch of the imagination, but I will claim to be a passionate dancer—be it around the house or at a square dance. :) One of my initial concepts of the story involved stars personified, dancing something like the polka as they sparkled in the sky. 
Well...the story grew and changed a bit from the first glimmers of ideas, but the dancing theme remained, taking center stage in several scenes throughout the novella. I love the freedom and emotion behind the activity. (In fact, readers of my historical romance stories have probably already caught on to my affinity for dancing, given the numerous times I include it in my plots!)

ME: That's so neat! I love dancing too; from square-dancing to ballet. I think I'm even more excited to read How a Star Falls now! :)

One great book you've read this year, and what made it great?

AMBER: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith. (You can read my review HERE.) It’s a really sweet YA contemporary romance, with a great small-town setting, a whimsical boy-meets-girl plot, and some deeper thoughts about life and relationships. 
A bit like How a Star Falls, if I may presume to compare my style to Jennifer’s lovely writing! If readers enjoy my novella, I definitely recommend Jennifer’s stories, as they’re in pretty much the same genre (just featuring high-schoolers instead of new adults). I’ve read her first two books, and I’m looking forward to finishing her third sometime.

ME: Sounds sweet, :) I'll have to add Jennifer's books to my to-read shelf! 

What's something you love about being an author?

AMBER: I love the opportunity to express my heart and to work through my thoughts in story format. To fall a little more in love with graces and places, and to burrow truths deeper within myself and hopefully help others who read the stories to do the same.

ME: Well said! :) I think that would sum up what I feel as a writer too, :) Thanks for sharing, Amber!!

Now let's take a look at Amber's lovely, new novella.

About the Book

Sweet NA Contemporary Romance Novella

How does a star fall?

Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.

Then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.

Purchase on Amazon

Author Bio

Amber Stokes works as a content writer (marketing services) for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home. Learn more about Amber’s books at http://www.seasonsofastory.blogspot.com/. 

Social Media Links

Twitter: @SeasonsHumility

Blog: http://www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.seasonsofastory.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/seasonshumility

Goodreads: Amber Stokes

Google +: +AmberStokes

Endorsements

"Perfect for when you want a whimsical, heartwarming read, How a Star Falls is more than an inspirational romance...it's a wink and a smile." - Joanne Bischof, award winning author of This Quiet Sky

"Amber Stokes has perfectly expressed the challenges of twenty-something life in her sweet contemporary new adult novella, How a Star Falls. Brielle and Derrick's journey reminds us all of the search to find ourselves in the midst of young adulthood. Their story is charming and wistful with emotions we can all relate to experiencing at some point in our lives. It is a tale about letting go in order to find yourself once again while never losing the importance of who you are...and who you can be." - Cerella Sechrist, author of Gentle Persuasion and The Paris Connection

"Though not typically a reader of contemporary fiction, I found How a Star Falls to be a wonderfully told story of both sweet romance and coming to terms with the fact that even though life doesn't always turn out exactly as we dreamed it would, even our undesirable circumstances can lead to a bright future." - Jaye L. Knight, author of Ilyon Chronicles

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Share in the excitement of Amber’s new release with a special starry giveaway! You can enter to win one of three prize packs using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to U.S. residents only.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/15cee39735/

(Please use the link above to get to the rafflecopter form; or visit one of the blogs below)

Tuesday, November 18th

• Interview at A Writer's Heart
• Review at Jaye L. Knight

Wednesday, November 19th

• Review at My Favorite Pastime
• Spotlight at A Northern Belle

Thursday, November 20th

• Interview at Crafty Booksheeps
• Review at The Wonderings of One Person

Friday, November 21st

• Interview at Buzzing about Books
• Review at Labor Not in Vain

Saturday, November 22nd

• Interview at The Curried Nut
• Review at To Be A Person

Sunday, November 23rd

• Review at Flowers of Quiet Happiness
• Review at Rachelle Rea

Monday, November 24th

• Interview & review at The Green Mockingbird
• Review at Carissa's Bookshelf
• Review at Dreaming Under the Same Moon

Tuesday, November 25th

• Interview at Thilly Little Nothings
• Review at i blog 4 books

Wednesday, November 26th

•  Winners announced at Seasons of Humility

During the tour, you'll also find fun behind-the-scenes posts at The Heart's Spring.

Hope all enjoyed this post, :) Add How a Star Falls to your to-read list, and be sure to pick it up soon!! :) :)

Cover Reveal: The King's Scrolls

Hi all! Today I am part of a cover reveal for the second book in one of my favorite series! :) An epic, Christian-allegory, quite unique and captivating. The King's Scrolls (Illyon Chronicles: Book 2)

(It's incredible, isn't it?? I for one, love it. Perhaps not the usual book cover, but totally epic in its own way.)

About the Book
 

     Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm. 

     Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain. 

     When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

About the Author

 

Jaye L. Knight is a homeschool graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. 

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

Giveaway

To celebrate her revealing of the cover, Jaye is giving away one of her handcrafted quill pen necklaces and a $5 Amazon gift card! Enter for a chance to win using the form below! U.S. entries only please.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1f7330c113/
(Clink this link to enter the rafflecopter giveaway)

Excerpt from The King's Scrolls 

     The other younger crete took a swig of his coffee and set his eyes past her. Kyrin peeked over her shoulder at Kaden who, of course, was staring at the dragon. The female creature stared back in mutual interest.
     “Go ahead,” the crete said suddenly. “You can touch her. She loves attention, and she’ll only attack if I tell her to.” A sly glint sparkled in his spring-green eyes.
     Besides Jace, Kyrin had never seen anyone with such bright and colorful eyes as these cretes.
     Kaden looked at him, his brows rising. “You can do that?”
     The crete nodded. “Dragons are highly intelligent. You can teach them almost any command. Storm here is young, but she learns fast.”
     Kyrin smiled at the delight in her brother’s eyes as he stepped closer to the dragon and ran his hand over her bluish-gray neck scales. A grin split his face.
     “She’s so smooth. Kyrin, come and feel it.”
     Kyrin stepped to his side and laid her hand on the dragon. The scales were indeed very smooth, reminding her of the polished marble stair-railings in Auréa Palace, but they weren’t cold. Warmth radiated through them. The dragon, still watching them, let out a little rumble, almost like a giant cat’s purr. 
     “I told you she liked attention,” the crete said, grinning. 
     Kyrin chuckled and glanced at Jace to see if he wanted to touch the dragon, but he made no move to come closer. This certainly had more to do with the crete than the dragon. He was very fond of any type of animal. She faced the crete again.
     “So they can breathe fire?”
     “For short bursts, but that’s usually all it takes to deter any threat.”
     “That’s incredible,” Kaden breathed.
     While he continued admiring Storm, Kyrin observed the dragon’s rider. He appeared to be in his early to mid-twenties—about ten years younger than Captain Darq—though his exact age was impossible to guess. Cretes were said to mature faster than humans, so he could be anywhere from seventeen to twenty-five. He too wore a sleeveless jerkin. Brown tattoos, a little darker than his skin, marked both shoulders. Darq and the other cretes had them as well, but Kyrin hadn’t taken a good look at them until now. This man’s were a complicated pattern of spirals and dots, but the shape of a fox stood out in the center of his right shoulder. Though she tried to be discreet, he must have caught her studying him and suddenly extended his hand to her. “I’m Talas, by the way. Talas Folkan of the Fox Clan.”

~~~~~~~~~

     So there's some about The King's Scrolls. You should totally get a copy and join this amazing adventure... (or rather, start with Resistance (Illyon Chronicles: Book 1) first!) The King's Scrolls is probably coming out sometime early 2015. I had the privilege of being a beta reader for it, and believe me, it's SUPERB. You don't want to miss this series. Be sure to add The King's Scrolls to goodreads!!

 

Movie Review: Belle

 

My Review (5 stars):

 

     Belle (2014) told a lovely, passionate tale set in the backdrop of England, 1700s. It followed the life of a "mulatto" girl named Dido, who was brought by her "white" father to live with his uncle, as he was in the navy and unable to care for her.

     Too high in status to eat with the servants... too lowly to eat at the dining table... Dido's situation is a difficult one.

 

     I was caught up by the drama unfolding, the passion behind emotions and convictions, the whimsical feel of this almost Cinderella-like tale. It was set during the colonial era, which I am fascinated by (though yes, the dresses could have come up a bit higher!). There was much emotion in the film, which you may have figured out that I really appreciate. And, along with Dido, I couldn't help but be intrigued by a certain vicar's son. The passion behind his convictions about slavery was enthralling. Riveting. I guess in comparison to the other men who were silly fools at best, concerned only with money and beautiful women; John Davinier's raw emotion, pain and fury, at slavery was refreshing.

 

     There are a few "PG" cautionary things. Like perhaps one use of a swear word, and some inappropriate talk about Dido from some young men. Also, a scene where a man acts rudely improperly toward a woman, seemingly to show her that he can do anything he wants with "the likes of her". Nothing to exceed the "PG" rating though, I don't believe. However, I suppose I would caution letting younger children watch it, as some rather vile things are implied though not shown.

 

     All in all, it was a lovely tale with poignant themes. I love a beautiful movie that also brings across some important messages! Belle (2014) was that. The truth and depth of some of the conversations and interactions left me startled but enthralled!! Amazing tale! And based on a true story! Though the end left me wishing longingly for more, this truly was an powerful film!

 

 

*For more thoughts on the movie, Belle (2014), I would suggest visiting http://www.pluggedin.com/videos/2014/q3/belle.aspx *