Silver Rose ABC: Golden Shore

Well, decided I should get back to my Silver Rose ABCs today! *smiles* If you haven't read my previous posts for A, B, C, D, E,  and F; do check them out and get some hints on what my fantasy novel will be like!

Today we are on G. G for Golden Shore. This is a land of my fantasy world. I don't want to give much away, but here's some pictures I've found on Pixabay.com that make me think of Golden Shore.

I tried to find pictures of medieval castles, rushing waterfalls, and craggy cliffs ... but I just couldn't find ones that quite fit!

To pique your interest further, go to my Silver Rose board on Pinterest! There's many more pictures there; and some of a certain lovely family from Golden Shore: Alexander, Nenette, Breanne, Majesta, and Mariette! *smiles*

Now lastly ... some snippets from Silver Rose, yay! *grins*

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

A castle stood on a swell in the land, imposing and grim. Through the gathering gloom, it was barely discernable; the black flags high atop the gleaming towers waving silently in the night—as if warning all on-lookers.

All was silent; a sense of impending doom heavy in the air. Even the night creatures hesitated warily on the edges of the forest, as though evil lurked too close for their comfort.

Then, a blood-curdling scream rent the stillness.

Inside the castle, a book thumped to the stone floor. Three men, in various black garbs, stared at the golden-haired girl before them. An older woman swooned. A passel of maids clutched at each other anxiously.

The young woman, encased in a hideous green gown, ripped the black, lace veil from her blonde curls with another fierce cry. Whirling, she kicked off her jewel-encrusted slippers and fled down the first dark passageway she came upon.

The blackness screamed silently in her wake.

© Copyright Silver Rose by Shantelle Mary Hannu

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

“No need to fear,” he said, cradling her head as a protective instinct swelled within him. “You’re safe. I need to bring you to a place you’ll be found.” For a moment, he stood still, holding the unconscious woman in his arms. A haunting feeling gripped his heart. Who is she? Then he swung astride Renon and, gripping the girl, urged his horse into a gallop.

They rode nearer to the castle. The forest thinned, and they entered a patch of land blooming with little, sweetheart flowers and pink sugarberry trees. A tantalizingly sweet smell filled the air from the blossoms.

He swung off Renon, holding the woman close, and walked over to a gentle swell of a hill. He laid her down carefully, then took a step back, his mind whirling as he stared at her.

She was very still, as if sensing him watching her.

© Copyright Silver Rose by Shantelle Mary Hannu

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

What do you think? ^_^

Cover Reveal: Water Princess, Fire Prince by Kendra E. Ardnek

     Exciting cover reveal today!! This new fantasy novel by Kendra E. Ardnek looks and sounds incredible, and I'm looking forward to reading it someday! :)

      Behold . . .

About the Book

When the Lady Dragon does come,
Hold fast, do not fear, do not run.
Your Water Princess will fight,
Fire Prince will set all to right.
Each shall come from a Fall,
Their union will save you all.

Despite the fact that she's on track for competing in the Olympics, and he's practically raised his younger brothers since they lost their mom in a car accident, Clara Mandras and Andrew Stevenson are pretty much normal teens. They have normal hopes, normal dreams, and they live in a normal world.

All this is torn away from them when they are thrust into another world and declared Water Princess and Fire Prince. With no experience ruling a country, meeting each other for the first time, and being expected to fight the Lady Dragon – an evil sorceress plaguing the world of Rizkaland – Clara and Andrew are underprepared and inexperienced. Unless they learn to work together despite their standing opposition, Rizkaland's hope will be lost.

What is to come will change their lives forever.

Available for kindle preorder 

$2.99 the 19^th and 20^th ONLY (at which point I’ll put it up to its official price of 3.99)

Add it on Goodreads

Part 1’s firstchapter

Part 2’s first chapter

About the Author

Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairy tales and twisting them in new and exciting ways.  She's been practicing her skills on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years, "Finish your story, Kendra", is frequently heard at family gatherings.  Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that also glorify God and his Word. You can read more about her on her blog: 

knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com.

Look What Came in the Mail Today!!

     Yay!!! I've dreamed of the day when I could say that!! ;) Haha. But truly, I was so excited to receive my order of copies of A Dream Not Imagined!! I've shipped out multiple orders; and if you'd like to order through me (to save some shipping), then please email me at: swordmaidenofthelight@gmail.com!

     Now for some pictures . . . to show you how excited I am! ^_^

     Wahoo!! Great excitement!! I'm an author!! ^__^ <3

     And, in case you were wondering, those pictures behind me are my little sister's drawings of me, :D

Note: To my beta readers of Silver Rose; I have four/five (long) chapters left to go through, and then I shall send it out to you guys!!! So excited . . . and nervous . . . to hear what you think! :)

Movie Review: When Calls the Heart: Season 2

Purchase Complete Season HERE

My Review (4.5 stars):

When Calls the Heart (2014—) is like my new favorite TV movie series . . . (Not that I actually follow many TV series) . . . but anyway, I love it! I mean, movies based on author Janette Oke’s lovely, historical tales? Always worth watching! ^__^

After quite adoring the first season (read my reviews of Lost and Found: episodes one & two and A Telling Silence: episodes three & four), I was so looking forward to season two, and recently was able to watch it on itunes.

Let me first say, it was wonderful to be back in Coal Valley with Elizabeth Thatcher and Jack Thornton! The two are closer than ever after their first kiss, and our hopes soar as we wait eagerly for . . . a forever commitment, perhaps? Never mind that actress Rosemary is still squeezing her way into the picture for some reason, Jack and Elizabeth are just meant for each other! But then comes the dreaded telegram . . . Yep. That telegram sure paves the way into a lot of complications.

Other than that, we have Henry Gowen still trying to blame Abigail Stanton’s deceased husband for the mining accident; and the old villain is still as villainous as ever! If not more! Ooh, I just really want to smack him sometimes! What an awful guy. But he somehow worms his way into high positions.

People show up unexpectedly throughout the course of this season . . . sometimes to good results; sometimes creating havoc.

Eek! This season sure creates havoc with your emotions! Prepare to be really angry with at least three characters that can’t help but be utterly infuriating! Why don’t they take their noses out of other people’s business (and love life’s), and go back to where they belong! Just leave!! Leave so-and-so with the man she truly loves!! Stop tearing them apart . . . ! -_-

Romance abounds. Jack, Elizabeth, Rosemary, Abigail, Bill Avery, plus a passel of new characters have the ups and downs of their love stories displayed. Not to mention, Julie Thatcher finds herself a new man . . .

     Whew, that girl! She spells trouble, if ever someone did! O_O Wild, dreamy, and rather naïve, she’s always dreaming up some dangerous, romantic escapade with a darkly handsome guy. I had to roll my eyes a few times, but she does make for an interesting character, *smiles*, and you can kind of feel for her, even if she’s a little misguided at times.

     Rosemary . . . continues to be annoying. Though, I will say she’s not nearly as bad as the first season. And, she does change and shape for the better as season two progresses. She certainly adds some splash and drama!

     I probably like the character of Abigail Stanton even more in these episodes! Really such a sweet, strong, fun, gentle woman. She’s kind of a mother figure to a few different young ladies; yet also has a love life of her own going on.

     Jack and Elizabeth!!! <3 <3 There is just something about this couple that makes your heart burst in their happy moments, and shatter in their tough times! And you can’t help but dearly want the best for them as a couple, even during the hardest of their trials. They’re just sooo adorable together—and quite perfect for each other.

     Jack is so sweet, strong, and gentlemanly! He kind of has this shy side too. And Elizabeth . . . she truly does love him! Even if she doesn't quite realize it!

And though we’ve got lots of drama and up and downs in this season, they’re still just . . . just . . . ! I don’t know. I squeal internally when I watch a love story like theirs unfold. It simply beautiful. (AHH! When will season three come??)

     *Ahem* Sorry about that. Had to fangirl a little. There’s something about those old-fashioned, gentleman and lady, courtship-feel, rugged man on his horse and feminine woman in her sweeping skirts, type of romances that just are the best.

Anyway, we spend some time in Hamilton and some time in Coal Valley. There’s not so much of Elizabeth teaching the children this season, which is a bit disappointing, :( But it’s alright. There’s plenty of other things going on to keep us occupied.

And that season finale!!!! Is anyone else still feeling affected by it to this day?? ;P But seriously, it was epic, and beautiful, and shocking, and great, and swoony, and crazy . . . And ended with a dreadful cliffhanger. And—and how is my poor heart going to hold up under that until season three comes out??? O_O Traumatic stuff, guys. We most definitely need a season three. If they don’t make a season three . . . well, I’m sure I’ll get over it at some point. Haha. But Jack and Elizabeth!!! And Julie! And Abigail! I’m a storyteller. And we can’t leave this fabulous story unfinished!

*Sigh* Going on. Season two did have a different feel than season one. As I mentioned, there was less time spent in the schoolhouse, and more time spent in Hamilton. We got to know Elizabeth’s family better, which was nice . . . in some ways. Others not. We even got to know some of Jack’s family, which was quite wonderful. But it was feeling more, um, 1910 than “prairie days”.

On that note, I was rather appalled at how revealing some of the gowns got. Season one was definitely more old-fashioned, family-friendly feeling. This season, we have some plunging necklines and tight skirts . . . (goodness, how do you even sit down in that thing??). So that was disappointing to be sure! I dearly miss all the sweet, modest, fun, period costumes of the first season.

     There was also, between all the romances budding and blooming, quite a bit of kissing in this season. Several were like the zoomed up on the faces, drawn-out, “um, that’s probably enough now” kind of kissing scenes. Which, you know, we could do without. But, it’s not the worst thing ever.

     A “scandalous” scene/conversation or two. Feels like there’s a lot of teasing about kissing in the first episode or two (Jack and Elizabeth having just shared their first kiss in the end of season one). There was also a scene where a lady falls and hurts her knee. The guy asks politely, “May I?” before examining it; but to be honest, it all felt rather shocking to me. Haha! *winkles nose*. Most of the “scandalous scenes” weren’t actually inappropriate—but there were one or two that I felt maybe went a little too far or just felt kind of edgy. But my siblings still watched it, and besides yelling “EWW” at the kissing scenes, they didn’t seem to notice anything else. ;)

     For some more complaints about the romantic side of this season . . . there were just a lot of love stories going on. And a lot of drama. Some people complained that the series is starting to feel like a soap opera, and unfortunately, I could kind of agree at points.

But when all’s said and done, Jack and Elizabeth together makes up for everything. And overall, I just really love the When Calls the Heart (2014—) series. We get some really good values and themes; a, for the most part, Christian and family-friendly feel; and just a wondrous tale all in all. There’s a few amazing characters that just draw you into their stories and won’t let go. There’s trials and difficulties to solve and overcome. And beautiful romances that stand the tests of time and opposition. Little town schoolteachers and handsome Mounted Police. Bad guys, suspicious activities, counterfeiters, and a few punches and gunshots. A lovely café run by a strong, kindhearted widow. Silly children, dances, and one mysterious preacher.

It’s just too good to miss! If you’re into Janette Oke’s novels, the Love Comes Softly movie series, and period dramas, you must give When Calls the Heart (2014—) a try. You can also watch the movie When Calls the Heart (2013) if you want. It doesn’t perfectly precede the TV series, and doesn’t have the same actors/actresses, but still gives vital backstory.

Beware of some immodest gowns and a bit much of romance drama in season two of When Calls the Heart (2014—), but otherwise, it’s simply delightful. I love Jack and Elizabeth and so, so can’t wait for season three! ^__^

• Buy Complete Season One on Amazon
• Buy Complete Season Two on Amazon
• Buy Complete Season Three on Amazon

Blog Tour: Not Abandoned by MacKenzie Morganthal

     Today I'm giving a shout-out about author MacKenzie Morganthal's debut release! Not Abandoned sounds like an intriguing, poignant story, and I hope to read it some day. Please check it out! :)

About the Book

Two words . . . human trafficking.

Four different lives . . . are altered forever.

Haley, a police officer in training, is thrust right into the heart of an organized human trafficking ring when a family friend is mysteriously abducted. Once the problem hits even closer to home, Haley will stop at nothing to see justice prevail.

With no way out once trapped inside the trafficking ring, is there any hope for rescue? When trouble arises and Caryn’s life is compromised, will she be able to survive or will help come too late?

Strength is tested and trust is broken in this mystery of seemingly impossible rescue and God’s loving redemption. After hearing those words, human trafficking, these girls will never look at their lives the same way again . . . and neither will you.

About the Author:

MacKenzie Morganthal is an eighteen year old, Christian, Homeschool graduate. She loves writing, music, and most importantly Jesus. She resides in Pennsylvania where she keeps busy as a freelance author, worship leader, and creative arts director. She also loves going to concerts, and all things chocolate. While some people say she can be a little crazy, she always takes that as a compliment. She has been writing stories for eight years, and Not Abandoned is her first self-published novel.

Links/Book Links:

CreateSpace estore: www.createspace.com/5427955

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/069243688X

Website: www.kenziebooks.weebly.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/14073307

Beta Readers Update + Some Book Cover!

     So I now have fourteen beta readers/potential beta readers for Silver Rose. Whew! I'm overwhelmed and excited by the response!! I certainly didn't expect to get that many!! :D

     That brings me onto another thing. While I'd really love for you all to beta-read my book . . . is there like a "proper" number of beta readers one should have??

     For those of you who emailed me: Would any of you rather advance read Silver Rose down the road instead of beta-reading? If you aren't experienced at beta-reading, maybe you'd just want to wait for advanced reader . . .  where you just read and worry about nothing else! -Except writing a review! :)

     And how soon could you finished a 190,000+ word (700-800 pg.) book?

     Well, anyway . . . I wouldn't mind having fourteen people look over my book, as long as no one advises me against it! :)

Now for some new book covers I've come across!! :)

Wanted: Beta Readers for Silver Rose

*Deep breath* Another big step for me!! Now that I officially published my novella, A Dream Not Imagined, in both kindle and paperback edition (the paperback will be up on Amazon.com in about 3-5 days), I feel it's time to search out beta readers for my full-length fantasy novel, Silver Rose!

(Mock cover for Silver Rose!)

I'm doing one last editing read-through before I plan to send it out to beta readers. I should probably be finished in a week or two... so, anyone up for reading a 190,000+ word novel? =D

     Beta reading would include: 

• Reading through the novel 
• Keeping an eye out for spelling/punctuation/grammar mistakes
• Noting any storywise errors (breaks in the flow of the story, flat characters, dragging on, etc.)
• Giving me an overview and your honest thoughts on the story

NOTE: And be gentle with me. If you tell me the story of my heart is a wretched, pathetic tale that doesn't deserve to see the light of day, I might cry. Okay, I will cry. *Ahem* That's the nervous writer in me talking.

In order to qualify for beta-reading, you should love to read (a.k.a., read a lot!) *smiles* And I would prefer that you enjoy fantasy/Christian allegories and don't mind long books!

I already have three people who volunteered to beta-read Silver Rose. I would love to have two or so more! So if you're interested, please email me at swordmaidenofthelight@gmail.com.

Also, if anyone can tell me how to convert Microsoft Word documents into e-reader compatible files, that would be great! :D

So that's that! Let me know soon if you're interested, or if you have any questions! :) :)

Blessings! <3

Book Review: The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

Purchase HERE

Title: The Midwife's Tale

Author: Delia Parr

Series: At Home in Trinity #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3.5 stars**

The Midwife’s Tale by Delia Parr is a story of the town Trinity’s midwife, Widow Cade, and her trials and adventures. She lives with her seventeen-year-old daughter at her brother and his wife’s tavern. She struggles to keep her esteemed position as the town’s baby deliverer with the arrival of a new-fangled, young doctor. She tries not the notice the handsome widower who once asked to court her years ago …

I think my favorite part of this novel, was the last three or four chapters. That being said, it still was a nice tale as a whole too. It just wasn’t exactly my type of book I suppose, but that ending was quite something, so I’ll give it 3.5 stars.

Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres … but I guess I’ve just been liking fantasy better these days. Other reasons The Midwife’s Tale didn’t get the best of ratings: (1) It centers on the life of a middle-aged widow. I couldn’t really connect or relate with her very well. (2) I hate to say this one … but there was basically no romance. Okay, okay, that’s not really the whole point! *winkles nose* The point is that there was no other, like, prominent character it felt like. It was just Martha. I wanted more deep character interaction I guess. An old man named Samuel and little boy named Will has some bigger parts; but still, it felt that we didn’t even see them that much. I felt all the other secondary characters I hardly connected with at all. Hardly remember them. (3) Because of the title, I was expecting this more to be a tale about midwifery. It really wasn’t. Just don’t expect that, and then you won’t be disappointed when there’s only like three … or two … birth scenes. (4) I just … couldn’t get into it much.

On the brighter side, I did get into the story somewhat. I finished it in pretty good time, after all! *smiles* It was interesting, and I did want to see how Martha’s life went. As the tale progressed, I was intrigued by Will’s story as well, and wanted to see what would happen there. There was a little bit of suspense/mystery, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was pretty slow-paced, and it felt like there was no big plot stuff until the very end. But it made for a pleasant read in the end—and I don’t regret reading it.

My very favorite thing about this book, was Martha’s journey of faith. Which really was seen mostly as the end as well. But it was profound, beautiful, and striking home. It was real. Deep. The raw emotion and the struggling and the depth of the faith moments did not feel forced at all. They flowed wonderfully and went straight to touch my heart. Beautiful job with that, Delia Parr!

So. Not my favorite book; but I’m certain lots of others would enjoy it. Perhaps women at the same stage/place in life as Martha Cade. Or someone who enjoys historical fiction with just a dash of light suspense and mystery.

I received a copy of The Midwife’s Tale from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Of the Coldblooded by Angie Brashear

Purchase HERE

Title: Of the Coldblooded

Author: Angie Brashear

Series: Legends of the Woodlands #2

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Young Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~ 

**4.5 stars**

Of the Coldblooded by Angie Brashear. I was so, so excited to read this book after loving the first book in the series, LEGENDS OF THE WOODLANDS, Of the Persecuted! The characters, especially Laila and Lars, begged me to come back to their story and see what was going to happen next. So when Angie said she was looking for advanced readers, I naturally jumped at the chance! *big smiles*

We dive back into the incredible fantasy world of the Woodlands. Evil lurks around. Things are heating up, and plans are being made. Rescues in order. Laila is no longer the insecure girl she once was, and is determined everybody else see that. But at the same time, she’s longing to be joined in marriage to her one true match, and trying to stave off the unwanted romantic affections of a close friend. Then the unexpected happens. And suddenly … revenge is all she seeks.

So why did I rate this book 4.5 stars? Well, Christian fantasy usually gets that reaction from me, *grins* LOVE fantasy! And the LEGENDS OF THE WOODLANDS series is definitely spectacular fantasy! From the fairies and the masticators, to the dragons, unicorns, and Defenders of the Souls, it’s just fascinating!

There’s lots going on—mysterious to unravel, heartaches to get through, battles to come, evil to destroy. I'm intrigued by the twelve Chosen. Disgusted and horrified by the evil monster of a guy who's causing so much trouble. Wondering why Laila is being "protected". There's shocking, unwanted happenings. Shocking, welcomed surprises. Twists and turns. Sorrow and joy. Ups and downs. Mystical and thrilling! It'll keep you reading! After being in a terrible reading slump, Of the Coldblooded captured my attention and kept me interested. I got it finished pretty quickly—though I did end up staying up until midnight to accomplish that. Oops. Oh well, it was worth it! *excited flail*

I loved Lars, as always. His brown hair, and subtle freckles, and blue eyes, *grins* Laila sure adores him! They had some quite sweet moments together in the beginning of the book.

Zander … always kind of made me mad because I felt he was the “not gonna get picked” guy in the love triangle, and I wanted him to stop pursuing Laila. But, he did grow on me a little. He's still a mysterious guy that I have yet to have all figured out!

Laila … *heaves a breath* … went on quite the crazy journey with her! Take a moment to think, girl, and listen to Zander! O.O

I wish we could have seen more of dear Finney! But oh well, perhaps the third book? *smiles*

Some new characters were introduced who were fun to meet. Such as Britt and the guy she falls for. All interesting, and added to the story!

Be prepared to be shocked and surprised and horrified and stunned. But … you’ll get over it, I’m sure! Hehe. And some of the surprises are good. In any case, this series is too good to stay mad at, and I so, so can’t wait to read Book 3! Ah. What else can I say to let you know what an amazing book Of the Coldblooded was? I don’t really know. I just … loved it. Was fascinated. Intrigued. Oh, and I adore Laila’s unicorn! I want one! *grins* Anyway, if you’re an avid lover of fantasy, I think you should try this series.

Now, to get on to why I cut off the last half of star. Well, the biggest thing, would be the violence/gruesomeness. I know quite a bit of people who, either: I feel are too young for this amount of violence, or they just have let me know that they don’t prefer violence—and so that would totally prevent me from recommending them this series. *sad face* Because yes, Of the Coldblooded definitely has violence. More so than the first book. We have brutal executions, battles, and attacks. Laila and her friends are in a war, so to speak, against evil, so killing happens quite a bit. And yes, there’s the issue of a burning desire for revenge … Yeah. The violence can get very graphic, at least from my experience with reading violence in books. If you can handle/don't choose to read that, then this series isn't for you.

I did feel that there was a bit of a lack of respect for life. Killing was done a little too easily. The revengeful attitude was sorted through—but still, I wished there would have been more emotion and humanity involved when battles were necessary.

There’s magic. But the dark stuff is reserved for the evil guys, who get their power from the Master of Lies. There is a group of beings called Defenders of the Souls who have some sort of magical abilities, but I guess I will have to read more before I fully know what I think about that. Laila and others are also gifted with sort of magical gifts from the Maker. Overall, I felt the magic was okay, from what I can see thus far.

The Faithful being terribly persecuted continues. Dark evil is rising. But righteousness will still prevail! The characters go on different journeys of faith, which are harrowing, heart-wrenching, sometimes sickening, yet ultimately end in something good.

Um … what else can I say without giving major spoilers? I wish to fangirl a little, but that would definitely give things away. Laila! And all the other characters—the good ones! I long to see beautiful things happen for you! And what a cliffhanger ending! *is awaiting the next book*

I received an ARC copy of Of the Coldblooded from the author.