Tuesday, May 29, 2018

By the Book Tag

Hi, friends! Hope you all had a refreshing weekend. Today I'm doing the By the Book Tag. Thanks to Felicity @ A Grand Adventure, who tagged me! ^_^ I always love doing tags!

So here it is ... answer a few questions and tag friends!


What is on your nightstand right now?


I'm part of the launch team for King's War so I got a free paperback copy and it is gorgeous! So thick and absolutely captivating just to look at. *heart eyes* It's epic fantasy and a lot of information to take in, but I'm loving it so far.


I picked up The Witch of Blackbird Pond from Goodwill and am wondering why I hadn't read it before now! It's been lovely.


The Girl's Guide to Conquering Life is another "review book", this one from Revell Publishers. It sounded unique and I thought I'd give it a try. I'm almost finished it and it has been interesting - with some helpful tidbits such as basic cooking skills, car maintenance, etc. But it also has some unhelpful tips that I don't really care for ... think feminist, girl-power type stuff.


What was the last truly great book you read?

Let's go with Love Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar

And The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin

Don't miss these beauties! <3

If you could meet any writer - dead or alive - who would it be and what would you want to know?

I would love to meet Laura Frantz, amazing Christian novelist of romance and American history, and just chat about life, writing, and history.

What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves?

Hmm ... I don't know? Maybe Fashioned by Faith by Rachel Lee Carter, When the Lilacs Bloom by Susan Kirby, and Lady Washington: A Biographical Novel About America's First First Lady by Dorothy Clarke Wilson. Because ... you haven't heard me talk about them. I don't read many biographies, but I hope to finish Lady Washington someday.




How do you organize your personal library?

By genre. And then within each genre, alphabetically by author's last name. So first I have Christian Living, then Fantasy, Fairy Tale, and Dystopian, then Historical, then Contemporary.

Here's my latest Bookshelf Tour, if you're interested!


 

What book have you always meant to read but haven't gotten around to it yet?

I've been meaning to read To Get to You by Joanne Bischof for years (because I want to read everything and anything by her!), but I just haven't been able to find it at libraries or for a discounted price. I can't exactly afford to buy books brand-new very much!


Anything you feel embarrassed never to have read?

No, not really. I decided some time ago that I will just read what I enjoy reading and not feel pressured to read things that people consider "classics" and "masterpieces" and "essential reads" if they just don't interest me personally.

Disappointing, overrated, just not good: What book did you feel you were suppose to like but didn't?

I really hoped to enjoy The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo, but I guess it just fell flat for me.

Do you remember the last book you put down without finishing?

Probably The Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins. There was some swearing and careless, disrespectful uses of God's name. After a few pages of that, it wasn't worth finishing for me.


What kind of stories are you drawn to? Any you stay clear of?

Beautiful, deep, emotional, redemptive stories. Tales with a fairy tale-ish feel. Stories that display God's love and power and goodness and holiness. Stories I can relate to. Tales with an authentic romance. Stories with rich historical detail.

I can enjoy a lot of different genres ... fantasy, fairy tale, historical, dystopian. I love a good Christian Living. I even can get into contemporary and science-fiction if they have the components mentioned above.

Books I generally steer clear of are really old classics, because they just can't seem to hold my attention. When there are pages and pages describing how the sun glistened off the lake, my attention starts to waver and my focus wander far away from the story in hand.

In the right situation, though, I've enjoyed the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series, Little WomenElsie Dinsmore, and probably others.


I despise fluffy, self-centered romances that are mainly about physical attraction and chemistry. I don't like "Christian" books where faith is mentioned but the characters do whatever they want, "play with fire" often, and generally don't give a single thought to honoring God.

If you could require the president to read on book, what would it be?

Definitely the Bible. I think it was George Washington who said it's impossible to rightly govern a nation with this precious Book.


16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

What do you plan to read next?

Perhaps Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson. I believe I requested it to read and review. It looks beautiful, does it not? I really like the Civil War era.


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So that's that! I hope you all enjoyed. Please engage in the conversation in the comments below! ^_^ Do you agree or relate, or disagree, with any of my answers?

I Tag:

Deborah O'Carroll @ The Road of a Writer

Natasha @ Simple Things

Sam @ The Light Meets the Dark

Victoria @ Victoria's Book Nook

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Blog Tour for Dagger's Sleep and Dissociate + Book Review


Hello, you all! I'm super thrilled to be part of the blog tours for Dagger's Sleep by Tricia Mingerink and Dissociate by Sarah Addison-Fox today! I can testify that Dagger's Sleep is awesome (read my official review below), and I quite enjoyed the first two books of Sarah's fantasy series! So you definitely want to keep reading. *winks*

Also, there's a day-long Facebook Festival today! You'll want to join the fun! Read on for more info.

First off, let's check out this all-new fairy tale retelling series by one of my favorite authors ...


Purchase HERE

Title: Dagger's Sleep

Author: Tricia Mingerink

Series: Beyond the Tales #1

Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling

Audience: Young Adult/Adult

Expected Publication: May 28th, 2018

About the Book:

A prince cursed to sleep.

A princess destined to wake him.

A kingdom determined to stop them.

High Prince Alexander has been cursed to a sleep like unto death, a curse that will end the line of the high kings and send the Seven Kingdoms of Tallahatchia into chaos. With his manservant to carry his luggage and his own superior intelligence to aid him, Alex sets off to find one of the Fae and end his curse one way or another.

A hundred years later, Princess Rosanna learns she is the princess destined by the Highest King to wake the legendary sleeping prince. With the help of the mysterious Daemyn Rand, can she find the courage to finish the quest as Tallahatchia wavers on the edge of war?

One curse connects them. A hundred years separate them. From the rushing rivers of Tallahatchia’s mountains to the hall of the Highest King himself, their quests will demand sacrifices neither of them could imagine.



About the Author:

TRICIA MINGERINK is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.

~ MY REVIEW ~
**4.5 stars**

Dagger's Sleep wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it was simply amazing nevertheless! I was so excited to read something new by Tricia Mingerink, and this book did not disappoint. Mysterious, adventure, and poignant, fans of Tricia Mingerink will not want to miss this one!

So Dagger's Sleep is the first book of a fairy tale retelling series. As you might have guessed, it's a retelling of Sleeping Beauty ... with a fantastic twist! The world building was great, the characters wonderful, and the mystery thrilling. I became immersed in this fantasy world with it's very distinct culture - I can't wait to return to it for some more unique tales. And hopefully see more of these same characters?

We have mountain-loving, river-riding Princess Rosanna, a legendary sleeping prince, and a passel of other totally great characters. I really liked Rosanna and enjoyed her personality. Tricia Mingerink does a lovely job with female characters! I'm interested to see more of Rosanna's bear brother. And also the Snow White and Twelve Dancing Princesses characters briefly mentioned. *speculates in eager anticipation*

The mysterious air shrouding this book is the best! I have my speculations early on, but did not see some of those twists coming. So much fun!

But Dagger's Sleep wasn't just fun, it also had some serious depth. I love the Christian allegory and thought the author did such a good job with that. It was powerful and soul-stirring! There were some weighty thoughts and lessons learned. I really, really appreciated it and can't wait to see how Tricia Mingerink continues this beautiful faith thread in the next books.

The writing style in this book felt a little different from Tricia Mingerink's BLADES OF ACKTAR series. Perhaps more slow-paced. Yet it was rich and exciting, and I greatly look forward to reading the rest of this series! Book Two, I await thee! *winks*

I received a copy of Dagger's Sleep from the author. This review is my honest opinion.


Giveaway:

Tricia Mingerink is giving away a paperback of Dagger’s Sleep. The giveaway is open internationally where such giveaways are permitted and where Createspace or the Book Depository ships. The book may or may not be signed depending on where the winner lives.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Now on to a Christian fantasy series that I just recently discovered! I have read the first two books in this series, and am looking forward to adding Dissociate to my read shelf soon! ^_^


Purchase HERE

Title: Dissociate

Author: Sarah Addison-Fox

Series: Allegiance Series #3

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

About the Book:

Freedom begins with finding the truth.


Amidst the turmoil caused by Smyth’s arrest, Celeste is stuck in limbo, stripped of her citizenship, with no choice but to flee to a peaceful Kyraenean hideaway with the tumultuous Amaya Mason.

When bounty hunters threaten the local orphanage, Celeste and Amaya must work together and fight. Even if it means risking what they cherish the most.

His plans in tatters, his career in jeopardy, Mick Haynes is forced to leave Kyraenea with the enigmatic Torrance Kyle, the agent he still can’t trust.


Torrance is good at lying, and even better at hiding his pain, but is he strong enough to deal with the consequences of betraying his own father?

Can Celeste accept the truth, accept her place in the Haynes family or will lies chain her to the past and destroy her chance at a new life?

Dissociate is available for sale on Amazon here. The first two books in the series Disowned and Dissemble are also available on Amazon.


About the Author:

SARAH ADDISON-FOX is a New Zealand-born home-schooling mother of two who loves action-packed fantasy with strong heroines. She has an astonishing amount of nail polish, has all her creative writing credentials shoved in a drawer somewhere, and has a husband who, after 27 years, can still make her blush. When she’s not working on her Christian YA fantasy series',  she can be found fangirling on Goodreads or sending GIFs on Twitter.

Social media links:

Instagram: sarahaddisonfox/
Facebook: sarahaddisonfoxfantasyauthor/
Website: www.sarahaddisonfox.com
Twitter: @Saddisonfox
Goodreads: Sarah Addison-Fox


Giveaway:

Sarah Addison-Fox is giving away a paperback set of the first three books in the Allegiance Series. The giveaway is open internationally where such giveaways are permitted and where Createspace ships. The books may or may not be signed depending on where the winner lives.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Facebook Festival:

To celebrate the release of Dissociate and Dagger’s Sleep, Sarah Addison-Fox and Tricia Mingerink are hosting a day-long Facebook Festival. There will be plenty of games and giveaways, not to mention Serena Chase, author of the Eyes of E’veria series, will be the guest of honor. It’s a party you won’t want to miss! You’ll be able to stop by any time during the day to join the fun, no matter what time zone you live in!

Blog Tour Schedule:

Tuesday – May 22
Laura Grace – Author Interview
Reading Anyone – Book Review
Jaye L Knight – Book Spotlight
Quirky Faith – Book Reviews and Author Interview

Wednesday – May 23
Allyson Kennedy – Author Interview
Sam H. – Book Review
Addyson Huneke - Book Review and Author Interview
Ivie Brooks - Book Reviews

Thursday – May 24
Shantelle Mary - Book Review and Book Spotlight
Brie Donning - Book Review and Multi-Character Interview
Blooming with Books - Book Review and Author Interview
Julian Daventry - Book Review and Author Interview

Friday – May 25
Faith Thompson - Book Reviews and Author Interview
Hannah Gaudette - Author Interview
CM Williams - Book Review
Chloe Parker - Book Reviews

Saturday – May 26
JM Christian - Book Review and Multi-Character Interview
Abigail McKenna - Book Reviews
Liv Fisher - Author Interview
Book Wolf - Book Reviews and Author Interview
Liz Koetsier – Book Spotlight

Monday – May 28
Jessica Dowell - Book Review and Author Interview
Lila Kims - Book Reviews
Marie Elrich - Book Reviews
Faith Potts - Book Review and Book Spotlight

Facebook Festival begins 5PM EST May 24th through 9PM EST May 25th with special guest Serena Chase

Monday, May 21, 2018

Top Movies I Want to See

Hello, folks! Since I haven't had time to film a video this past week, and lost my dear laptop and all that, I just wrote up and scheduled this random post on Saturday (my free day!)

So ... the MOVIES I'm anticipating seeing! Take a look!

Counting On: Season Eight

Airing: July 31st, 2018


{Kendra Duggar // Joy-Anna Forsyth // Jinger Vuolo}


{Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson // Engaged}


{Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo // Baby Shower}

I know, Counting On is not a movie. But I couldn't help but put this TV series on the list! I am so, so, so excited for Season Eight. *internal squealing* I love watching this family grow and experience life. I'm especially excited to continue watching Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo's journey. ^_^



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Like Arrows

Released: May 1st, 2018


After loving their movies such as "War Room" and "Courageous", I'm really looking forward to the Kendrick Brothers' new film, Like Arrows! It's theme is parenting, and it looks spectacular. I think it will be a much-needed and impacting message.


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Unbroken: Path to Redemption

Releases: October 5th, 2018


I haven't actually watched the first movie, but the trailer for Unbroken: Path to Redemption looks absolutely amazing! I love the era, for one. And the emotional journey shown in here looks powerful. As I recall, it's based on a true story. Can't wait to watch it.


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I Can Only Imagine

Released: March 16th, 2018


Based on the life of the lead singer of the Christian band, Mercy Me, I Can Only Imagine also looks like it's a powerfully-moving story! I definitely love the song, "I Can Only Imagine", and I think I'm going to really appreciate this heart-rending, beautiful story of redemption.


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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Releases: April 20th, 2018


So apparently this is based on a novel, which I know pretty much nothing about. However, it looks like a really lovely film so I want to give it a try! I mean, Lily James plays in it and I really enjoyed her performances in "Cinderella" and "Downton Abbey". Plus, I love period dramas. And a book club + romance? Yes, The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society sounds like it could just be my thing. ^_^


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The Greatest Showman

Released: December 20th, 2017


This one looks like such fun, and is also based on a true story. I've been a little enamored with the idea of circuses and shows like this since reading The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof, so I'm excited to see how The Greatest Showman is!


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God's Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness

Released: March 30th, 2018


I enjoyed the previous two films, so I'm looking forward to seeing God's Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness. It sounds like it has quite a thought-provoking theme - and those are always good!


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Once Upon a Prince

Released: April 7th, 2018


Yes, Hallmark movies can tend to be cheesy, but if Once Upon a Prince the movie is anything like the book by Rachel Hauck that it's based off, it'll be great! Truly, the book was a lovely modern-day retelling of "Cinderella", so I'm really hoping to see this movie.



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So there you have it! Seven movies + a TV series season that I'm eagerly anticipating!

DO YOU WANT TO SEE ANY OF THESE?

WHAT ARE SOME MOVIES YOU'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING THIS YEAR?