Book Review: Prince of Demargen by E. Kaiser Writes

Purchase HERE

Title: Prince of Demargen

Author: E. Kaiser Writes

Series: Thaw #3

Genre: Fairy Tale/Fantasy

Audience: Teen-Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

The whole world knows his guilt, and is absolutely correct about it, but how far can a man go to regain respect so swiftly lost?
Or is an honorable death the best a fallen star can hope for?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

In the third installment of the THAW series, we meet, face to face, Prince Hess of Demargen, and get to explore his story and the reasons behind his shocking behavior in Winter Queen.

The thirteenth son of a king and queen is on a journey of redemption … but it seems to be a hopeless one. A young ice queen finds many new challenges coming her way, one of them being in the person of an old enemy. But perhaps it will help her heal and strengthen? A powerful story of pain and utter despair, and forgiveness and unimaginable grace is unfolded in Prince of Demargen.

It was interesting to read the stories of THAW through a man’s eyes this time. Particularly, through the eyes of a charmer, and a disgruntled one at that (that being said, he could have kept some of his dark thoughts to himself! Tsk, tsk). Hess’s story was intriguing though. The fights. The smooth deceiving. The realizing. The intense, internal battles … This young prince knows how to get where he wants to be, physically, that’s for sure. But mentally … spiritually … he’s got a struggle on his hands.

Like with Winter Queen, it took me awhile to really get into the story; I just read now and then, enjoying it … and then, all at once, I was quite captured without even having really noticed, and I stayed up late into the night reading. *smiles*

As I said, it was quite interesting to journey along with Hess and Tompe, but I happily landed back in Ilise and Girta’s castle farther on in the book. Ilise is on the mend, though she does seem a bit controlling still. Well … she still has a journey ahead of her, I believe. Girta … still a bit immature and hot-headed, I’m sorry to say. But there’s hope yet! Might we hope for a book dedicated to Princess Girthild? *smiles* Halvor … irresistible as always. He blooms even more in Prince of Demargen, and I can’t help but laugh at him time and again. Those of you who were enchanted by Frozen’s Olaf, you will love the THAW series just for the one, endearing, little snowman! ^_^

I just don’t what else to say. There’s lots to say, but I fear I’ll just end up giving away the story! So I’ll leave it at this: if you want lessons and adventures with Stone Kings, ice queens, hilarious snowmen, nerve-wracking sea journeys, Devouring Greed, Frozen Hearts, acts of true love, broken young men and women, and a tinge of romance in the air, then I would suggest the THAW series by E. Kaiser Writes. You see lots of similarities to the movie Frozen {2013}, yes, (which I think is a lot of fun), but all in all, it’s a much deeper and further-explored rendition, with lots of twists and turns, and moving themes.

Really, really liked it! *smiles*

As I mentioned above, Hess did entertain some dark thoughts in the beginning of Prince of Demargen. Caution to younger readers because of that, and because of some perhaps intense scenes. I would put it at the same level of Winter Queen.

Suspense, breathless hope, and troubles still abound. I’m excited (perhaps a bit impatient *winks*) to read Reindeer King when I get the chance after it releases!

I received a copy of Prince of Demargen from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Cover Reveal: Where Trains Collide

 

     Today I get to be part of an exciting cover reveal for Amber's Stokes's upcoming release, Where Trains Collide! :)

     So... take a look!

 

     Isn't it so sweet?! I love the leaf bouquet! :)

 

About the Book 

New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella 

Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.

 

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure suddenly collapses into a nightmare when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

 

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s questions only complicate matters and spark a few of her own.

 

Questions that could change the course of her life.

 

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head-on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life's best destination.

 

Coming April 2015

Add to Goodreads

 



About the Author

 

Amber Stokes works in marketing for a Christian publisher. On the side, she writes 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. The next step in her career has her happily settled in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home. Learn more about her indie-author adventure at www.seasonsofastory.blogspot.com.

 



About the Cover Designer

 

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.

 

 



Rafflecopter Giveaway

 

Fall in love with gorgeous autumn earrings by Belle on a Budget (perfect to set aside as a gift for yourself or a friend later on!) and treat yourself now to a little something on Amazon.com with a $5 gift card. This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only, and you can enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

 

(Please click link to go to the Rafflecopter form)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/15cee39737/

 

 

     Hope you enjoyed this lovely, little cover reveal! Be sure to pick up a copy of Where Trains Collide when it releases in April! And check out Amber Stokes's other amazing books as well! :)

 

A contemporary, new adult novel

 

 

The Heart's Spring series



 

Read my review HERE.

 

Read my review HERE.

 

Read my review HERE.

 

 

 

And let's not forget Lena Goldfinch! :)

 

A teen fantasy

 

Read my review HERE.

 

The Brides series

 

Read my review HERE.

 

 

Fashion: A Polka-Dot Brown Dress

     This is my first post concerning fashion, :D :) I'm not an expert in the area by any means, but I think pretty much anything goes these days... so whatever! :p 

     Here's my attempt at putting together some modest, feminine, and "cute" outfits! :)

     A Polka-Dot, Brown Dress. My mom handed this dress down to me (I'm not sure where she got it from, maybe handed down from a friend!), and at first I wasn't sure I could use it.

     You know how it goes. It's just too short! Above the knees, no, not going to work with this one. Luckily, there's things to do for that, if your mother, your sisters, or yourself enjoys sewing, :)

     With an old, off-white sheet, the problem was quickly rectified, and I had a lovely dress to add to my closet.

     Mix and Match: It's All about the Details, :D

You love the dress, but are tired of wearing the same thing all the time. So give it a different look.

Look VINTAGE:

     Wear a fun pair of vintage-y heels, a lace sweater, and a pearl necklace of some sort.

Try COUNTRY:

     Wear a jean jacket, country-ish belt, and some boots.

Do a SUMMER LOOK:

     A long-ish cardigan, wide belt, and trendy sandals, :)

So there's my thoughts for now... Some of the photos are less than ideal (due to my awkwardness, not the lovely photographer!), yes, but I was freezing! It's true, I no longer live in the forever-winter state of Minnesota, but whether its forty below, or forty degrees, I'm cold. That's just me. Ok, it wasn't terrible. But by the time I got to the "summer" outfit, I was quite chilled.

What do you think? Do you like to use different accessories to give a dress a variety of looks? Have you ever tried adding length or such to an article of clothing for modesty's sake?

Chocolate Oatmeal Dish

     Another recipe, :) A chocolate oatmeal sort of dish, though someone told me it tasted rather like chocolate cake! Perfect! :D :) I think it's a scrumptious snack, either way.

     Ingredient List: oatmeal, oatmeal flour, cocoa powder, coconut milk, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, baking powder, salt, dark chocolate

     Use any flour you wish, but I just ground some oatmeal into flour, because I didn't have any other gluten-free flours handy at the moment.

      Really yummy. I would eat oatmeal any day if I could fix it like this every time! *grins* (I'm not a fan of oatmeal otherwise!)

 

Chocolate Oatmeal

 

 

Ingredients

 

• 1/3 cup rolled oats 
• 2 T. oatmeal flour
• 1 T. cocoa powder
• 1/4 t. baking powder
• Sprinkle of salt
• 1/3 cup coconut milk
• 1 T. honey
• 1/2 t. vanilla
• 1 t. coconut oil, melted
• 1-2 T. dark chocolate, chopped

Directions

 

Mix first five ingredients together. Add the rest, leaving out only the chocolate chunks, to be stirred in last. Pour into a greased, oven-safe bowl of some type, and bake for 12-17 minutes at 325 degrees.

 

 

     Once again, a savory snack. Yay for chocolate! I seem to crave it all the time, so these recipes help a lot! :) :)

 

     Oh, the original recipe is found on Running with Spoons, a neat blog that I've found multiple, delicious-looking recipes from. I can't wait to try them all out!

 

     Happy baking, all! :)



Book Review: Winter Queen by E. Kaiser Writes

Purchase HERE

Title: Winter Queen

Author: E. Kaiser Writes

Series: Thaw #2

Genre: Fairy Tale

Audience: Teen-Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

A slightly pampered girl allows her avoidance behavior to isolate her from the world ... and it's only when she takes the final step that she realizes the wall she's built in the name of safety is also the one that will hold her prisoner forever ... unless she discovers how to destroy it. 

The only one who can break a neurosis ... is the one who has it. 

Combining elements from the Snow Maiden, Schneekind, Snegurochka tales with those of the Snow Queen; Winter Queen continues a new series: THAW. 

"... an utterly lovely sequel..." U.S. reviewer Shantelle Mary 

Praise for previous works: 

"...[E. Kaiser Writes] created a world that is easy to visualize, and people you'd like to spend time with. When you finish reading this novel you'll be left wanting more." Canadian reviewer Kathryn Svendson 

"...[E. Kaiser Writes] has created a heroine worthy to stand alongside such relatable and spirited female protagonists as Miri from "Princess Academy" and Alanna from "The Song of the Lioness" series." British author Melika Dannese Lux

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Winter Queen was an utterly lovely sequel to Winter’s Child, the first book in E. Kaiser Writes’s THAW series. I suppose I just connected with the characters as they grew or something, because while I enjoyed the first book, the second captured my heart! *smiles*

Ilise is about to become queen of Noran. But she has spent most of her life believing lies about herself, and hiding from others and … herself. She’s hardly ready. Of course, bubbly and slightly irresponsible Princess Girthild, doesn’t understand her sister’s distress, and is quite busy thinking about handsome young men and such.

Both cold queen and reckless princess are unprepared for the adventures that lay out rather ominously before them. An Earl’s devious plans bring Ilise’s secrets to light, and following the harrowing events that quickly ensue, it seems that all might be lost …

But let’s not forget the mysterious woodsman, a pair of lovable reindeer, the winter angel, and a craggy king of old. Help is on the way. But sometimes, one has to realize that they are not fighting the evils of the world … but rather themselves.

By the end of this book, I was sighing in delight. How wonderful. I loved this rendition of Snow Queen, or from my perspective, the movie Frozen! *smiles* Such memorable characters. Such deep allegories. I was fascinated by the points and lessons that E. Kaiser Writers brought across. Great truths. Children and adults alike can benefit from Winter Queen’s thoughtful tale.

Halvor … definitely loved him! And the reindeer were fun. Yes, and Tompe, I liked him too. Kai!! Oh, he’s perfect. (Besides his scary stories, tsk, tsk!) I don’t know why, but he touched my heart. So, so sweet. A dear young man for sure.

Hess!! I knew this was coming, but I wasn’t quite ready for the depth of—! Read Winter Queen, and you’ll understand!

There were some intense moments, making this novel perhaps for a little more of a mature audience than Winter’s Child. Just exercise a bit of caution when it comes to the young ones.

So yes. A pleasing, thought-provoking, yet ultimately adorable fairytale. It was great to journey along with Ilise and Girta and watch their stories unfold. I loved the end!! ^_^ So sweet. You must give the THAW series a try, all fairytale lovers!

I received a copy of Winter Queen from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

     As I mentioned in the previous post, A Dash of Randomness, I will be getting more healthy recipes up on my blog!
     So here I am with another summary and recipe from my healthy baking adventures, :)
     This one is a bit unusual (well... of course), but once you take the first bite, it quickly grows on you. It did with me anyway... I hope to make them again! A sweet, tasty, flourless cookie; and it even has chocolate in it! :D

     The whole of our ingredient list consists of: oatmeal, bananas, coconut milk, applesauce, dark chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon.

     (It'd probably be best to use bananas a little riper than the ones shown! :p)

     If you want a less oatmeal-y texture, I might suggest trying quick oats.

     Instead of chocolate chips, I used dark chocolate bars (85% cocoa), and just broke it into small chunks.

     You can bake them directly like this, or you can use a spoon to press them down a bit, since they don't flatten on their own. Either way, they taste the same! (I tried both ways, haha, *smiles*)

     So give these cookies a try! A delicious, healthy snack for when you're craving a bite of something sweet. I love them.





 

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 2 cups oats
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions

Mix ingredients together until well blended. Spoon onto greased cookie sheet, and press down (they don’t flatten on their own). Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 15-20 minutes.

     So there you have it. Fabulous sugar-free cookies. Again, a warning. If you consume sugar regularly, these aren't going to taste very sweet to you. But they're plenty sweet for those like me, who haven't had sugar in awhile. I would recommend you stop making you usual chocolate chip cookies (which you know aren't good for you), and let your taste buds grow to love these instead! ;D :)

     I found the original recipe written in on a random (unhealthy) cookie pin on pinterest. Not sure what was going on there. But anyway, the original recipe went as follows:

" Healthy cookies - 3 mashed bananas (ripe), 1/3 cup apple sauce, 2 cups oats, 1/4 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup dark chocolate, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon. preheat oven to 350 degrees. bake for 15-20 minutes. NO SUGAR! "

     Thank you for your time and interest, :) To our health! :) :)

A Dash of Randomness

     So the first month of the new year has gone by. Already. Wow. No wonder I’m one book behind schedule on my book-reading challenge on goodreads. Time flies, :p

     Some of you perhaps read my post about Garbanzo Bean Fudge, and noticed my Health Food and Fashion tabs. I do fully intend to get some more yummy, healthy recipes on here! But it just turned out that my family came down with a nasty flu right after my great inspiration for health, and so I haven’t been baking much lately. However, that should all change soon here, :) :D So be on the look-out for healthy cheesecake, sugar-free chocolate chip cookies, Greek-yogurt, flourless pancakes, and things like that!! :)

     As for Fashion, well yeah, I’ve been meaning to get that started too. Probably I’ll just be sharing little, modesty tips and some outfits I’ve put together, for the most part.

     Reading. I’m currently in the middle of Winter Queen by E. Kaiser Writes. And quite enjoying it, I must say. I also have bookmarks in Every Tear by Molly Evangeline (which is also a grand tale so far), and Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun (this one’s a bit confusing at the moment, but still good!). And I have a kindle full of exciting tales just WAITING to be read…!!

     ...To name just a few.

 

     ...And a fair amount of books on my bookshelf also waiting, expectantly. I’m a little overwhelmed, and try not to get caught in their accusing gazes, lol.

 

     Oh! And Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s Beauty and the Beast contest has come to an end! I didn’t make the top five, but I thought I’d share the results…

     I am really excited to read this new collection!! :) Although, by the story descriptions, I fear that some of them might be a bit spooky for my taste, haha, :p We’ll see. Anyway, coming out Summer 2015, so be on the lookout, fairytale-lovers!

 

     Writing. My novel, Silver Rose, is currently being edited by a wonderful blogger friend; and one of my dear friends is also doing a bit of editing work while she reads it. I am so, so grateful for their willingness to take on this project!! :)

     I started writing the sequel, and had a couple days of lovely inspiration, putting me at a word count of 10,642 words. Then I just, stopped. Writer’s block, you know. :/ But I shall start writing again!! Erm, hopefully. (Let’s not mention that I got distracted on a rather deep and personal retelling of Rapunzel, :p) Anyway, I’ll share a few pictures from pinterest that lend me inspiration for Diamond Dark:

 

DESPAIR...

 

...CLASHES WITH HOPE...

 

...AND BLACK BEASTS HAUNT THEM ALL...

 

 

...IS THE LIGHT MORE POWERFUL?

 

 

     And… one movie I’m looking forward to watching this year? Beyond the Mask. I can’t tell you how excited I am for this Christian, independently-made, Revolutionary War drama film… Eek!! Check out the trailer here. It’s going to be epic! :) :)



      Last, but of course not least(!), a verse that was especially poignant to me this fresh year of 2015: Ephesians 4:29-32

^29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. "

     Praying God’s blessings on you all, dear readers! May your readings and writings go well, and may we all grow ever closer to the King!