Monday, August 25, 2014

Sarah Holman is here to talk about Courage, History, and much more


HA: Sarah, welcome back to Homeschool Authors.
Sarah: I am so excited to be here!

HA: What inspired A Different Kind of Courage?
Sarah: Two things inspired this book. The first was my fascination with Dr, Joseph Warren, second was a discussion my family had. We finished watching a couple movies about people with secret identities, we started talking about the real costs of having a secret identity and lying. From these small seeds, A Different Kind of Courage grew into the story it is today.

HA: What is the most encouraging review you have received so far on this book?
Sarah: Probably this one from Ashley Tetzlaff: "A modern Christian classic!Now one of my top ten most favorite books!

This is one of the best written modern works I've read this year... maybe for a couple years.

A Different Kind of CourageThe setting was compelling and descriptive. I felt like I was really there... walking up and down the streets and on the wharves. The roles played were realistic for that day. The plot was fascinating - I hated to have to put the book down for any length of time. The emotions and characters were realistic and refreshing. There was just the right amount of tension and room for character grow to make you root for the main character..."(Read whole review here)

HA: When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing?
Sarah: There is very little time I am not writing, but on those days you can find me reading, making jewelry, scrapbooking, or watching old TV shows

HA: What do you plan to read this summer?
Sarah: I guess the question should really read what I have read this summer. I used to do a lot of books for review, but this summer I stopped doing that and read a lot of books I have been wanting to. Sarah Sundin has been one of my new favorite discoveries. I have also read some books by homeschoolers like Heartless, Never, Days of Messiah, Resistance just to name a few.

HA: What are some of your favorite books of all time?
Sarah: The Bible has always been and always will be my favorite. However, Christy by Catherine Marshall is a close second. Some others that have meant a lot to me are The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis, and authors Sarah Sundin, Siri Mitchell and Elisabeth Camden books.

HA: Can you give us a sneak peek into your work-in-progress?
Sarah: Sure! I am currently working on Brothers and Betrayal, the second book in the tales of Tealis Series.

Whoosh!
Byron’s arrow hit its mark, dead center of the target. Cheering erupted behind him. He turned and bowed with a flourish of his cap.
“I wish I could shoot half as well,” Flora said with a dramatic sigh.
Eva, her sister, rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows boys are supposed to shoot best. Nanny would faint if she ever found out what we were doing. She says a lady should never raise a weapon, it isn’t right.” Eva tried to look old and wise but her ten years made that impossible. Her siblings only giggled.
“Eva!” Byron laughed “We came out here to get away from Nanny, don’t you go and spoil our good time by bringing up what she thinks.
Eva looked to her twin for support, but Flora, ever the peace maker, purposefully set her gaze on her hands. She was no doubt hoping the argument would blow over soon since the dear girl hated conflict of any kind.
Byron waved Flora to come toward him. “You try, remember, keep your arm straight and keep your fingers out of the arrows way.”
Flora struggled to raise the bow but did, bitting on her lower lip. Byron stifled a laugh as she body trembled with the effort to pull back the string.
Whoosh!
She let her arrow fly and to Bryon’s amazement, it hit the outer edge of the target.
“I did it!” Flora through the bow to the ground and clapped her hands together with joy. “I really did it!”
“I see you three keep up the archery despite what Nanny has told you.”
The three of them spun around.
“Arvin!” Eva was the first to rise and greet their oldest brother.
“Well Eva, I see you have grown since I was last here,” He swung her around in a circle making her squeal. “Has Flora kept up?”
“I am a tiny bit taller than her,” Eva held up two fingers to indicate the height difference between her sister and her.

HA: What should readers expect when they read A Different Kind of Courage?
Sarah: The should expect read about Boston in 1774-75, and the Dawn of the revolution. They should expect adventure, faith, and a dash of romance. They should also expect high moral standards

HA: Do you have any final thoughts?
Sarah: I would like to encourage all the writers out there to keep at it. It takes time to build your skills and your first attempts probably won't be amazing, but you will get better if you stick with it.



This week, get A Different Kind of Courage of only $1.99! Read it, review it, and enter to win it

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Faith: Why it’s the Thrust to My Writing



Alicia A. Willis

    Faith.

    You see the word everywhere. A Christmas card. A wall décor at Hobby Lobby, proudly proclaiming the love, faith, and hope. Faith is practically tantamount to believe – just another word that symbolizes sappy cheer and warmth.

    Unless you specify what faith you are talking about. What your faith is. And who it is in.

    You see, faith is nothing…unless it is in the Lord Jesus Christ.

    When you have faith in Him and His sacrifice for us on the cross, it makes everything different. Life is different. It’s about loving and serving Him, about telling others the good news of His grace. When you get a hold of how good God is and how wonderful His love is, it really gets you excited. It gives you purpose. It gives you meaning to life.

    That is what I want my writing to portray: Real, hard, honest-to-goodness, day-to-day faith.

    I think it would be impossible for me to go a single day without talking to God. The words to the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour are very true for me. I need to constantly talk to the Lord and to hear Him speak to me. He is my best friend…and He should be every Christian’s best friend.

    So why do so many Christian novels make faith in the Lord Jesus an add-on, a quick supplement to the story? Is it for the sake of making the novel fit under the category of “Christian”? Is it because that is how many Christians really live their lives, as part-time Jesus-followers? I really don’t know.

    All I know is that I can’t be a part-time Christian when my Jesus isn’t a part-time Savior. I can’t push Him aside in my writing (though the masses cry for less and less Jesus in Christian books.) I want Him to be there, to be the heart of my books. He’s my life. And He has to be the life of my writing.

    Granted, that hasn’t always been true. God is teaching and bringing me along as I go. I’m still learning, still finding that balance of creating an exciting Christian story without being preachy. But, you want to know to know what changed me in the first place? It was coming to the understanding that Satan isn’t against good morals. He is against Jesus Christ. That is what changed my heart.

    I’ve resolved to have no more good morals without recognizing the One who gave them to us in the first place. No more faith without specifying Who it is in. Why? Because there is power in the name of Jesus. We need that power in our books, especially ones that are categorized as Christian.

    So, for those who ask me why it is that faith is such a thrust to my titles, it’s because we all need that faith. We need that power. God gave me the stories I have written and He gave me the ability to write in the first place. The least I can do is make sure I don’t betray that by leaving Him out of my work.


    Join me?

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Book Review: From the Dark to the Dawn: A Tale of Ancient Rome

From the Dark to the Dawn: A Tale of Ancient Rome
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for violence
Best for Ages: 15 and up
Buy it here
Sarah Holman's Endorsement: From Darkness to the Dawn encouraged me in my own walk with God and touched my heart deeply. It is not easy to read, but hard to put down. Emotionally difficult, yet inspiring. It is a book the reaches down into the depths of pain and climbs to the heights of joy. It is a book that pulls the reader closer to the heart of God.

Description: Decadent Rome, 61 Anno Domini. The masters of the universe have crushed the Iceni rebellion with an iron hand, slaughtering and enslaving her people.For Philip, his existence as a captive means living to hatred. He despises his rich, young master, resenting his life of servitude and the wrestling feats Marcus forces him to perform. Bitterness engulfs his soul until he only lives for the day when he will crush the might of Rome.Then Christianity enters the picture. Taught by a Jewish breadmaker to know the man called Christus, Philip begins the struggle to forgive and honor his master. But forgiveness is not easy towards one who lives for himself.Marcus Virginius knows nothing but power and pleasure. Destined to a successful career serving Nero in the Praetorian Guard, he wants no part of Christianity. And he is determined to crush Philip’s newfound faith – no matter what it takes.Join Philip and Marcus in their journey of redemption, faith, and forgiveness. Is love enough to conquer hate? And will the light of the gospel ever surmount the darkness of Rome? 

I regret it has taken me so long to write this review. However, I didn’t want to just throw this one together. I wanted to make sure my review was worthy of this incredibly awesome book that I was privileged not only to review, but also endorse.

This is not a typical historical fiction. It does not contain frothy romance, or flawless heroes. This book is not a light afternoon read, nor is it easily discarded. It is hard, gritty, and inspiring tale of faith, true love, and redemption.

This tale starts in Britain as the Roman’s finish subduing the Britons under Queen Boudica. Phillip and his father are taken as prisoners and sold to wealthy a Roman. Philip is very bitter and rebellious toward Marcus and his master. He begins to look for ways to escape or even kill Marcus. That all changes when Phillip encounters the new religion of Christianity. Phillip starts to change and his master notices.

I must admit that there were times in this story when I had to take a break. The Romans were a violent people and took pleasure in many pass times that would disgust even many secular American’s of today. However, unlike another book I read not too long ago, this story did not go into so much detail that I wouldn’t want to read it. However, it wouldn’t be nearly as powerful without the grittiness and the harshness.
Philip was easy to like and easy to feel a connection to. You see all he suffers in the beginning and the threats made against him later on because of his faith and yet he stands strong. He is not perfect, even as his faith grows, he has moments of weakness. He was a very real character.

Marcus was equally real, but (as I am sure the author intended) I really disliked him at first. It took me a long time not to hate him, but as I saw change in him, he grew on me.

I have only to complaints about this book. One, I didn’t realize that there was a glossy of terms in the back. This would have been helpful as there was a lot of terms and Latin, especially in the beginning that I had no clue what they meant. Two, at one point in the book everyone assumes that one of that characters had bad motives for helping a girl. I would have liked at least one character to acknowledged that his faith had changed him and not have assumed the worst.

The romance was good, and wholesome. It didn’t dominate the story, and that was just fine with me. It added much to the story without taking over the story.

Faith is not an element in this story; it is the thrust of this tale. God’s message of redemption, Grace and eternal life is always in the forefront.  Some may find this overbearing, but I found it inspiring. There are few authors that have the courage make their entire story about faith, not just had Christianity as an element to the story. I applaud Miss Willis for her courage and I am sure God will bless her and many others for her efforts.

I highly recommend this for older readers who want to be inspired in their faith and read a good story while doing so.



I received this book from Author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Alicia Willis is here to talk about Romans, Knights, and much more

Alicia A. Willis
HA: Alicia, welcome back to Homeschool Authors.
Alicia: Thank you! It is great to be back.

HA: What inspired From the Dark to the Dawn?
Alicia: From the Dark to the Dawn: A Tale of Ancient Rome was inspired by several things. My fascination for ancient Rome played a big part of it. However, I really wanted to portray Rome a little differently than most authors. "Guts and glory" is the premise for most Roman books; yet, I felt like God wanted me to weave a tale of adventure that would portray redemption and faith even in the midst of one of the most morally wicked eras ever. The dawn of faith and God's goodness is always present, even when men like Nero reign.

HA: What is the most encouraging review you have received so far on this book?
Alicia: Probably Josiah Jost's endorsement. He was super sweet, wasn't he?

"Alicia Willis sketches a stirring tale that delivers a powerful message of friendship, forgiveness, and God's grace. An authentic period piece, it leaves you with a greater awareness that God's ways are higher than our ways and we are on this earth for His purposes. Anyone with a bend for historical-fiction will thoroughly enjoy this book. Definitely a moving, worthwhile, and edifying read!" -Josiah Jost, actor/writer with Jostie Flicks.

HA: When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing?
Alicia: I am a Sunday School teacher, church pianist, choir member, and music teacher. I love volleyball, drinking my French Press coffee, reading, and card making. Lately, I've been so swamped with church activities and writing that I haven't much time for anything else though.

From the Dark to the Dawn: A Tale of Ancient Rome
HA: What do you plan to read this summer?
Alicia: I've already read A Home For My Heart and Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer, Vision, Faith, Adventure by Dean Lang, and several other books by homeschool authors. Next on my list is Playing by Heart, again by Mateer.

HA: What are some of your favorite books of all time?
Alicia: Prisoners of the Sea, Sir Knight of the Splendid Way, Pearl Maiden, Simple Secrets to a Beautiful Home, and Hinds Feet on High Places.

HA: Can you give us a sneak peek into your work-in-progress?
Alicia: My WIP is Rising to the Challenge (The Comrades of Honor Series #3). I hope everyone is ready to continue following the adventures of Sir Kenneth Dale! What secret is his rebellious squire Brion hiding? And will Sir Kenneth always be separated from his lady-love, Clarissa? There is a mystery about - does it involve his sworn enemy Sir Darryl or are there more sinister foes about?

HA: What should readers expect when they read (book you want featured)?
Alicia: According to my endorsers and other readers, you should expect a gritty, adventurous tale about a British slave and a Roman master. From the battlegrounds of the Iceni to the bathhouses of Rome, you will experience peril, faith, redemption, and the realities of persecution in early Christianity. Oh, and you should expect to both laugh and cry. :)

HA: Do you have any final thoughts?
Alicia: Thanks for having me here today!

Get From the Dark to the Dawn for only $1.99, read it, review it, and enter for a chance to win it!

Friday, August 15, 2014

Book Review: Duty by Rachel Rossano

Duty (Rhynan #1)
Buy it Here

Age Appropriate For: 16 and up (for marital themes)

Best for ages: 18 and up

DescriptionTomas Dyrease, the newly made Earl of Irvaine and the village of Wisenvale, owes his good fortune to his king and the recent civil war. When his benefactor demands Tomas marry the cousin of a noble, he obeys. However, no one warned him that she wasn’t a typical noblewoman. Brielle Solarius struggles to keep her village from starvation under the new Lord Wisten, her cousin. The men rode off to war and never returned. The remaining women and children face a dire winter if they do not find a solution soon. When she learns her cousin sold her into marriage to save his life, she isn’t surprised. However, she is taken aback by Lord Irvaine’s unpolished ways. Was this man a noble or a foot soldier? Bound by the words of their vows, they face a rough future. They must forge a marriage while battling betrayal, accusations of treason, and villains from the past. Survival depends on their precarious trust in each other. Failure could mean death.

I was so excited when Rachel asked me to review this book. Although I have followed her blog and Facebook page, I had yet to read one of her books. After reading Duty, I can't wait to read another book by her.

This book kept me turning pages. From the opening line, I was hooked. It was fast paced but not dazzlingly so.  I also instantly connected with Tomas and Brielle and loved getting to know them.

This story, though set in a fictional country, felt well researched. As a history buff whose favorite time period is the Middle Ages, I was very impressed with the historical aspects of this book. I especially liked the attitudes displayed by the women at the beginning of the book. To often, we put our 21st century ideas of love, and marriage into historical fiction. Women didn't expect to marry for love, or even marry someone they knew well. They may have wanted that, but it wasn't the expectation.

The romance was so sweet. I just loved how it unfolded. Because the characters are married for most of the book,  and the romance comes after marriage, this book is for older audiences  However, Rachel was very discreet and so a someone in their middle teens might like it.

I highly recommend this book for those who like romance.

Was this review helpful? Vote it up on Amazon

I received this story from the author in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Writing What You Want to Write

By Rachel Rossano

I am a bit of a non-conformist, a rebel. Yeah, I know I don’t look like it. Happily married mother of three children, homemaker, author, and a pastor’s kid. Okay, the last one does flag me as highly likely to be a rebel according to some people. But honestly, I didn’t have the classic rebellious years in my teens. I married (with my parents blessing) and settled down before twenty.

So, why claim the title non-conformist?

I write what I want to write.

I have been fascinated with history since childhood and the medieval time period for just about as long. Fairy tales always topped my reading pile in my youngest years. I devoured every one of Andrew Lang’s fairy tale books at my local library. Henry VIII and his children fascinated me through my teens. I still have decent collection of reference books about him and that period of English history. But, when it came down to writing a story, I quickly decided that all the research that would be involved in writing straight historical fiction did not appeal.

Conventional wisdom dictates that writers should write to the market. Research what genre they want to write, write within the formulas dictated by the published market, and follow all the rules. I tried. It didn’t work out very well. The stories were downright boring.

Deciding on trying a different route, I settled on creating my own world. Countries, governments, kings, queens, histories, the world grew over the years, each story making it richer. With each new story, I add to the world, cultures, and characters. Sometimes, I create a totally new country just to try out a new story idea.

Romance has become a common theme through all of my books because I am interested in romantic love. Not the flowers and roses type of love, but the connection that begets loyalty, faithfulness, and sacrifice. The point where the two decide to become one entity and the choice to love despite circumstances, difficulties, miscommunications, and loss fascinates me. A Christ-like love is what marriage is supposed to be about.

So, I write fantasy because I like creating my own worlds. My books have a medieval feel because I love writing about an age of nobility, horses, swords, chivalry, castles, and…you get the idea. Almost every one of my stories is also a romance because I am fascinated by what draws and keeps two people together and committed to each other on such a deep level.


You might not think I am much of a rebel. But in the writing world, breaking the boundaries of genre is a bit of a no-no. Every time I have to describe what I write to a new reader, I am reminded why it is hard to break out of the genre framework. Instead of saying “I write non-magical fantasy sweet romance with a medieval feel,” I am tempted to hand them one of my books and say, “Here. Read it. I think you will like it.”

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

What the readers are saying about Duty: First Novel of Rhynan by Rachel Rossano

Duty (Rhynan #1)
This book kept me turning pages. From the opening line, I was hooked. It was fast paced but not dazzlingly so. I also instantly connected with Tomas and Brielle and loved getting to know them.

This story, though set in a fictional country, felt well researched. As a history buff whose favorite time period is the Middle Ages, I was very impressed with the historical aspects of this book. I especially liked the attitudes displayed by the women at the beginning of the book. To often, we put our 21st century ideas of love, and marriage into historical fiction. Women didn't expect to marry for love, or even marry someone they knew well. They may have wanted that, but it wasn't the expectation.

The romance was so sweet. I just loved how it unfolded. Because the characters are married for most of the book, and the romance comes after marriage, this book is for older audiences However, Rachel was very discreet and so someone in their middle teens might like it.

I highly recommend this book for those who like romance.”
– Sarah Holman, author of The Destiny Trilogy and Adventures and Adversaries

“Set in a medieval fantasy world, Duty: A Novel of Rhynan, by Rachel Rossano, tells the tale of Lady Brielle Solarius. With the crowning of a new king, Brielle is essentially sold into an arranged marriage to the new Lord Tomas by her evil cousin Orwin. But because of her duty to her people, the poor widows also forced into marriage to strangers, Brielle determines to willingly marry this man Tomas. Besides, because of her cousin’s work, her village will starve through the winter if she doesn’t have Tomas’s help. Yet, as they leave to acquire food for the winter, Brielle’s little village is attacked!

I really liked this book! When I found it, I thought it would just be a sweet little romance, but conspiracies, battles, and sieges abound as well! There is never a dull moment in the novel, what with the romance and the action. And truly, just as I thought all was well and couldn’t imagine how the author would make the rest of the novel interesting, the worst happens and drives Brielle and Tomas into another adventure!

To me, Duty seemed to be written well. There were a few tiny spots that confused me, but they were few and not extremely pertinent to the tale. Aside from that, I have no complaints.

Things you should know: There was definitely violence in this novel, as much of the plot revolved around soldiers and battles. In one instance, a pregnant woman is threatened with death (with a sword to her throat). However, the descriptions of the battles were not graphic. The author wrote that the characters cursed, yet didn’t include what the curse word was. Women are indeed forced into marriage, but the overall attitude toward it, at least by the leading characters, is that it is unfair and wrong. The leading characters kiss and hold each other, but sex is only implied, not described.”
– Emily (on Goodreads)

“Duty: a novel of Rhynan was hard to put down, and one of my quickest reads all year, despite it being quite lengthy. With a captivating plot, vividly developed characters, and the constant threat of danger, it was quick to grab my attention. Rachel was also able to keep it quick paced and exciting all the way to the end.”
– Kayla (on Goodreads)

"I felt Ms. Rossano did a impressive job with Tomas's character flaws and all. I liked him a lot.”
– Tifferz (on Goodreads)

“Something to remember as you read: This is a historical, but it's not from a real time or even a real place. Ms. Rossano has created her own world, with touches of old England. Some of the phrasing seemed a bit contemporary, but all in all it fits her world. There were a few new words that I had to look up. For example "Kurios." In her lexicon, this is the word for God. And it works, here.

I liked how these two people came together, slowly. I liked how after riding for an entire day, Brielle was sore, and tired, and her knees were weak. Her tummy also growled! I liked that. They were "real." They didn't fall immediately into love. It was something they had to work at.

Tomas is a strong, caring man of few words. There was a scene with his mother where she mentions that he "forgets" to give all the information. This was true!

This was a rousing adventure, with swords and battles...and fade to black loving. It was also inspirational. Brielle prayed for help. I liked that, too.”
– Beyond the Squee (http://www.beyondthesquee.com)

Duty had me hooked from the first line right to the last. I seriously loved the opening lines and it just got better from there. This book has everything: action, adventure, romance, mystery, hope and love.

The story centers around two strong, duty-bound characters who have to learn to trust each other. Brielle and Tomas have great chemistry, were well-matched, and their adventure kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. The author brought the characters to life and made the settings in the story seem vividly real.”
– Shanna Hatfield, author of The Pendleton Petticoats series

“This was my 2nd book By Rachel Rossano and I really enjoyed it. Other reviews have said that love came too quickly for the characters, but I disagree and tend to think that if God were to bring about such a marriage between two people of such admirable qualities, then He could give those people an instant attraction followed shortly by love for one another (knowing that you're gonna hafta spend the rest of your life with them anyway kinda makes it easier in my mind).

The characters and setting were lovely. There were quite a few kisses and references to the marriage bed (just to warn those who prefer not to have any of that in their reading material), but Rachel managed the subject tactfully in my opinion. One thing I was a bit uncertain about was the fact that the characters call their deity by the name Kurios, and I wasn't sure if this was their interpretation of the name of God, or if it was the name of a false god.

I look forward to reading more from this author (especially after reading the bit from her new book, included in the back of "Duty"). Thank you, Rachel, for a splendid read!”
– Nicole from Goodreads




Monday, August 11, 2014

Rachel Rossano is here to talk about Duty, Honor, and much more


HA: Rachel, welcome back to Homeschool Authors.

Rachel: Thank you. I am delighted to be visiting again.

HA: What inspired Duty?

Rachel: Someone else’s opening line inspired Duty. I was hosting a contest to celebrate my blog’s 100th. Entrants submitted possible opening lines, I chose one, and the prize would be a short story beginning with the winning opening line. Well, the estimated length ended up being a bit low.

HA: What is the most encouraging review of the series you have received so far?

Rachel: My mother, who is a tough critic when it comes to books, said it was the best I have written so far. That made my day.

HA: What do you plan to read this summer?

Duty (Rhynan #1)Rachel: I am currently reading The Secrets of Gwenla by Laurie Penner. Next on my list is Five Glass Slippers: A Collection of Cinderella Stories.

HA: What are some of your favorite books of all time?
Rachel: Besides the Bible, I have a very hard time choosing. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Rose in Bloom by Louise May Alcott have both been long time favorites.

HA: Can you give us a sneak peek into your work-in-progress?

Rachel: I just finished writing Honor, the sequel to Duty. It tells part of the story of Simon Cordale the Earl of Dentin. In Duty, he comes across as a harsh character at times. He can be strong willed, opinionated, and hard to understand, which made him a very interesting character to write as a romantic lead. Also, finding a woman who balances him well became quite a challenge. His leading lady manages it beautifully. She doesn’t let him bully her and can be just as stubborn as he is.

“Would you move your elbow, my lord?”
I startled at the feminine voice almost next to my ear. I looked over my shoulder and up into dark, velvety brown eyes. The corner of Elsa’s mouth twitched. I suddenly realized I was staring. “I am sorry?”
“Your elbow, my lord, is resting on my seat.”
“Pardon,” I quickly rose, pulling the heavy chair out for her.
Her eyebrows rose. I didn’t get a chance to guess why before she turned her face away.
Once she was seated, I returned to my place. The first course arrived. As custom dictated, I offered first cut to her. She accepted it graciously, but made no move to eat.
“Are you not hungry?” I asked as I lifted a bit of meat to my mouth.
She didn’t respond, sipping some of the water in her cup instead. I watched her as I chewed. The growing patch of rose on the curve of her cheek indicated she knew of my scrutiny. Tomas remained absorbed in conversation with Brielle so nothing distracted me from my natural curiosity.
She took a deep breath and straightened her slim shoulders. “Staring is rude, my lord.”
“So is refusing to answer a query.”
“Not refusal, my lord. I was gathering my thoughts.”
“You do not strike me as one who often struggles with finding words.”
She laughed softly, eyes still focused on the food before her. “No, my lord, I have words a plenty, just few suitable for your ears.”
“Truly?” I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my mouth. “I assure you, miss, I am not a lad freshly freed from leading strings. It takes much to turn my ears red.”
“I wouldn’t have guessed.” She stole a glance at my ears, skillfully avoiding my gaze despite my attempts to engage her dark eyes before they hid again in the shadow of her lashes. “Your ears have turned pink at least twice since our meeting. I wager I could easily turn them again.”
She very likely could, I realized suddenly. Still, I wanted her to try. “What would you like to bet?”
That brought up her face. Eyes widened in shock, her countenance lost all color. “Oh, no, my lord. My mother would take me to task if I wagered anything. It wouldn’t be lady-like.”
I almost bought her act until I detected a twitch about her mouth.
I laughed. I couldn’t help it.

HA: What should readers expect when they read Duty?

Rachel: The story focuses on the relationship of the heroine, Brielle, and the Earl of Irvaine who married her by proxy, sight unseen. Plucked from everything she has ever known, she must forge a relationship with her new noble husband who acts more like a common soldier than a nobleman. Romance, adventure, and action, the story doesn’t stop for a moment as the pair struggle to settle into their new duties.

HA: Do you have any final thoughts?

Rachel: I really appreciate this community of homeschool authors. It has been a blessing to meet others who share the love of written words and the common background of being schooled at home.

You can pick up a copy of Duty for $0.99 this week. Read it, Review it, and enter for a chance to Win it!

Friday, August 1, 2014

Book Review: In His Image

In His Image (Firmament, #2)
Buy it Here
Age Appropriate For: 10 and up for mild violence
Best for Ages: 12 and up

Description: It was supposed to be a routine check of a parched planet. That was what Andi expected when she joined the small exploration team, but when their shuttle crash landed, the unthinkable happened—they encountered intelligent life. Now stranded on the strange world, the team accidentally angers the iron-fisted leader of the village, and the compassionate intervention of a young native named Elasson may be all that's keeping them alive. Their shuttle seems beyond repair, the oppressive heat is sapping their strength, and the local ruler is determined to execute them. Can Andi help find a way to escape before it's too late?

After finishing Firmament: Radialloy, I was very eager to read the next book. I had to wait, though. Reason? I knew I was going to meet the author and we would exchange books. So I waited to get my paperback copy. After a tortuous week of waiting, I finally got my hands on the book and was able to read.
Wow! This book was even better than the first. Now that I knew the characters from the first book, I got to see them really develop in this story as they encounter something that challenges their faith: Aliens.

The setting was so believable and well developed. I felt as if I really was on Elasson’s planet and with his people. The culture, and their habits and traditions were all woven into the story very well.

The faith element was not heavy, but it was very powerful in my mind. It centered around the question of what you do when you encounter something that seems to go against your faith. I even wrote a whole blog post on it, because it impacted me so. Pennington did an awesome job!

The ending was so amazing. I won’t give anything away, but it was brilliant. I cannot tell you how amazing it really was. I cannot wait to read more of J. Grace Pennington’s books in the future.

I highly recommend this book to those who like sci-fi, well written stories, and are looking for something out of the ordinary.