Showing posts with label young adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label young adult. Show all posts

Friday, October 4, 2013

Review: All the Angels Stood by Laura J Marshall


Book Blurb


This is the last week in Staci Schofield's life. Her birthday is on Monday, which is also the day she plans to die. Poetic, seeing as her mother disappeared on the night of her own birthday. But when a popular guy from school, Rush, befriends Staci, will her plans change?

Rush sees demons clinging to Staci and nothing has worked so far to help her. What will make a difference in her life? A friend, an intercessor? How do you help someone move from 'take my life' to 'Lord, preserve me'?



Buy Links


Amazon ~*~ BN

Author Info


Life isn't a fairy tale. It can be heart-wrenching and painful. Difficult times come to us all and many times they shape who we are and how we look at the world. We can find strength through the valleys as we learn to climb the mountains.
I have been truly blessed despite and through the tough times of my life.
I write both nonfiction and fiction. It is my deepest hope that within the pages of my romantic suspense books, that they will whisk you away to far lands such as to a mouse -laden castle in 17th century England or to a colorful bazaar with curry-laden dishes in the afternoon heat of India.
In my Battle Cry Devotional series, I pray the shared experiences of being women and mothers, along with scriptures from the Bible and God's guidance will refresh your souls.
Wherever we find ourselves on our adventures, may you feel closer to the Lord and His abiding love.....and find strength for the journey.

Visit me at www.LauraJMarshall.com
or at my blog www.theoldstonewall.blogspot.com

My Review

(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)



All the Angels Stood by Laura J Marshall is a real and honest account of what teen suicide looks and feels like. This story will make you uncomfortable and fill you with unease, but you need to open your eyes and your heart to this crucial issue.  While this will be a depressing subject for most, it is one that is very close to my heart. While I make no claims to wisdom, I can offer my experience. I can open my heart and let you see what pain and misery I dealt with, and how God swept me into His arms and loved me through it all. 

While I have never went as far as planning such an event for myself, I found myself more times than I would care to admit wallowing in the same cess pool as Staci. My triggers came from being shown and told that I was different from my friends. I was strange and had no place. I wasn’t welcome, and their icy stares and behavior shook me to my core. The reason for my level of disbelief and shock was from the fact that we all attended the same Christian school and the same Christian church. People I thought I knew would smile next to me when my parents or other adults were around, and then they would stab me in the back when no one was looking. My heart was being ripped out, and no one cared. Adults thought I was heartless by the way I accused my “friends” of not being who they claimed to be. They thought I was the mean girl when I was the one who was being mistreated and stripped of my faith in man. 

I withdraw into myself so deeply that I didn’t ever want to come back out. It was just me and God against the world. I had Him, and He was my only refuge. He was the only one that I called friend. I cried out to Him more times than I can remember, and He gave me a peace that helped me get through each day. I walked with Him, and I didn’t need anyone else. When my fake friends would make nice one day and leave the next, I was OK. I leaned on God, and He wiped my tears away. He picked me up, brushed me off, and pulled me along to face another day with Him. He loved me, and He never left me. He was my heart and my reason for living. He still is and always will be.

Looking back, I don’t know how I made it through with just Him and me, but it was supposed to be that way. Without those times, I don’t know if I would hold Him as close to me as I do now. I doubt I would be able to fully surrender myself and those I love to Him each day. My heart would not as soft as it is right now to His prodding. I would not be who I am today if not for those dark days. My path had to follow that twisted course for a short time in order for the light of Him to shine a little brighter to my eyes, for His love to warm me a little more, and for His peace to settle my troubled spirit and reassure my soul a little more. Please be assured that I am not trying to make myself out as a wonderful person for that is not the case. I am just glad that those times have helped me to feel my Savior more sharply, to become more sensitive to His still small voice, and to be as docile in His hands as I hope I am.

Laura J Marshall never ceases to amaze me at her tender and perceptive heart. She is open to her Master’s voice and through her courage and her obedience, God is using her mightily. This story while it is a novella is more effective and poignant then if it was the length of a typical novel. Excessive words won’t get in the way of this beautiful message, and God is free to move in His gentle and powerful way. Marshall’s messages are deeply touching and very relevant as they came straight from the heart of God. This message is for everyone no matter who you are and no matter how old you are. We all need to hear this, and we all need to be pliable and open to God’s direction and prodding. While God can do all things, He usually chooses to do it through us. If He can’t use us, then what good are we?

Friday, September 27, 2013

Review: Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl


Book Blurb


Who Will Dare to Face the Dragonwitch?

Submissive to her father’s will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves–Lord Alistair, future king of the North Country.

But within the walls of Gaheris Castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair to the brink of insanity. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta’s tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the North Country into civil war.

And far away in a hidden kingdom, a fire burns atop the Temple of the Sacred Flame. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice…and for the one person who can wield it.


Buy Links


Amazon ~*~ BN

Author Info


 Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower. Heartless won a 2011 Christy Award.








 

My Review

(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)



Dragonwitch is a mesmerizing journey that beautifully showcases the strength and determination of the human spirit. A couple of the themes that I felt reverberated throughout the pages of this epic story are of the power of love and the importance of self-worth. We should never underestimate the potential and strength of true love just as we should never undervalue the need for self-worth. Both are necessary for living a full and meaningful life, and both determine the choices you make and the type of person you become.

True love really does exist, but we have to take the time to look for it. We have to nurture it in ourselves before we can expect to see it in others. We need to reach out and show the compassion, mercy, and kindness that every soul on this planet needs if we ever expect to see it returned to us. One example of this is seen in the character of Leta.  She falls in love with the man who has showered her with unmatched kindness and compassion. When that man disappears from her life, she refuses to believe that the worst fate has befallen on him, and through this hope, she is able to push through her own difficult time. Once we find love, it will prove to be a source of unlimited power that can then be used to draw strength from when we have none left. 

The other main theme that echoed throughout Dragonwitch is that we cannot deny who we are meant to be. While we may try to convince ourselves that we can never be what others have proclaimed us to be, it does not diminish the fact that we still have a great destiny to fulfill.  Feelings of inadequacies may haunt us, but they don’t change what is meant to be. Instead, let us take hold of that promise and walk with all the confidence and courage that comes along with that knowledge. Prove to those around you and yourself that you are more than what you appear to be. Dragonwitch presents us with a man destiny is so much bigger than he is, and he is unable to allow his heart to accept it. He wrestles with this destiny until his heart is tired and worn out. In the end, he realizes he can’t fight against what was set in place by One who is greater than he. He learns that even though we can’t control what happens in our life and the lives of others, we can choose how to react to them.

I found Dragonwitch to be an exhilarating journey full of surprising twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. While being new to this series and jumping in at this late stage of the game, I wasn’t sure I would be able to understand what all was going on, but overall I had no problem keeping up with and thoroughly enjoying every part of this intriguing tale. Anne Elizabeth Stengl’s writing is like reading beautiful poetry that creeps into the corners and crevices of your heart and illuminates the dark and forgotten parts in order to heal and sooth past hurts. I would recommend this story to fans of fantasy and epic adventures. You will not be disappointed.
 

Friday, September 20, 2013

Review: The Hidden Wings Series by Cameo Renae


Book Blurbs



In the beginning… the start of it all.

Deceit.

Betrayal.

The Fall.

Take a journey back in time, to a place where Emma’s lineage begins, and where answers lie in unraveling secrets of the past. This is a story of forbidden love, an unbreakable bond, and the start of a dark adventure that will fill your heart with many emotions.






Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise.
As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.

Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.

A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.




Emma’s world is falling apart, and Kade, the only one who seems to hold her together, is missing. With death lingering right outside their door, decisions must be made before it’s too late.

The Midway has refused to send help, so they are left to seek out the only other who can stop Lucian.

A perilous quest sends Emma and a few Guardians into the Underworld, where the unimaginable abide, to beseech the Prince of Darkness himself. Lucifer.

Now, they must endure the deadly levels of Hell, which not one …mortal or immortal… has ever survived.

Prepare for love, loss, and the unexpected.




Buy Links


Descent - Amazon ~*~ BN

Hidden Wings - Amazon ~*~ BN

Broken Wings - Amazon ~*~ BN

  

Author Info


Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, CA, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and recently moved with her husband and children to Alaska.
She loved reading from as long as she can remember, and it was C.S. Lewis' - Chronicles of Narnia - which sparked a fire in her soul and made her want to create her own wondrous, magical worlds and awesome characters to go on adventures with.
In My Dreams & Hidden Wings were both recently published through Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing earlier this year. Descent (A Hidden Wings novella) was released May 15, 2013, and Broken Wings (Book 2 in the Hidden Wings Series) was released June 1, 2013.
One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe, and ride away on her magical unicorn... Until then... she'll keep writing!
HAPPY READING!

Follow Cameo on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CameoRenaeFanPage
Blog: http://cameorenae.blogspot.com/
Website: http://cameorenae.com ~ for future updates.
Twitter: @CameoRenae

My Review

(Written and Provided by Amber McCallister)

The Hidden Wings series is a beyond words, unforgettable story that will have you running the gamut of your emotions while falling hopelessly in love with the mystery and intrigue of the world of Cameo Ranea. Renae births a world of pure love, overwhelming passion, and mind-numbing adventure that is then offered to us if we have the courage to explore it. The Hidden Wings series is my first foray into the genre of fantasy that includes a heavy emphasis on Angels, and I was anything but disappointed. I have to admit that I am very glad that I decided to take the plunge and immerse myself into this world, but what made it so special was having Cameo Renae as my guide. 


You will never find a dull moment throughout this series, and even in the midst of horrifying danger, you will find yourself laughing at the antics of some to ease the tension. This is not to down-play the depth of emotion and breath of transformation that takes place in this story, but to emphasize the unwavering surety and growing affection that our band of misfits comes to share for each other. A strong and unbreakable family is created where there were once only lost and forgotten souls. Where pain and heartbreak resided, we come to find that a life-changing hope and a relentless love that has come to take its place.

The writing in this tale is so beautiful and exquisite. The story feels like it jumps right off the pages and plays out in your heart. Cameo writes with such passion and intimacy that I felt like these characters were meant for only me to read and enjoy them. I was pleasantly surprised at how chivalry was breathed into every word throughout this journey. The love felt between the various characters was of a true, honest, and heartfelt nature. It was refreshing to see such purity and hope portrayed as this story progressed throughout the years.

The Hidden Wings series is truly an irreplaceable jewel in the world of words and emotions that people like me so resolutely call home. I gladly and exuberantly welcome Cameo to my home, and I hope that she will stay for a very long time. I whole-heartedly recommend this series to all who enjoy the fantasy genre. You will be glad you took part in this journey, and you will be anxious to see what Renea writes next as I am.
 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Armored Hearts Book Launch

Armored Hearts kindle crop
For the release of Armored Hearts my publisher, AltWit Press, is offering the Kindle Edition of Armored Hearts for only 99 Cents!

And they're giving away 2 awesome prizes:

GRAND PRIZE:
$100 Amazon Gift Card!
100-dollar-amazon-gift-card
And another entry will win an awesome swag pack of Fantasy Steampunk items including a Steampunk Charm Cluster Necklace (as worn by a character in the book)!!

The Giveaway ENDS on May 20th

Go here for more details on how to enter:

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop

Love in Bloom 
Giveaway Hop
Featuring Lighthearted/Contemporary Young Adult Romance
& Sweet, Clean Adult Romance
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Portrait of a Book
May 16th to 22nd
In this leg of the hop, you could win:
a $5 Amazon Gift Card
&
an eBook copy of The Earth Painter
Enter to Win:


And Don't forget to visit the rest of the hop:

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Spring Fling Blog Hop Giveaway!

Spring Fling Giveaway Hop
May 1st – 7th
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Eve’s Fan Garden

Thanks for stopping by!
While you're here, 
Enter to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card
&
eBook copy of Armored Hearts


And don't forget to visit the rest of the Hop:

Monday, April 15, 2013

Signed Book Giveaway Hop

Signed Book Giveaway Hop
April 16th to 22nd

Featuring Books Signed by the Author

Co-hosted by Wholly Books


In this hop, you'll get a chance to win a signed copy of

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NIGHT AND DAY


+ Bookmarks and swag



Enter Here:



a Rafflecopter giveaway
And check out the other stops in the Hop:

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Titanic Giveaway Hop

Titanic Giveaway Hop
April 8th to 14th
 Featuring Books with 
Tragic Disasters & Epic Love Stories
Co-hosted by My Devotional Thoughts


Here you could win 
a $5 Amazon Gift Card 
Both The Earth Painter and The Man Painter in EBOOK FORMAT! 
~ The epic love story of Theo and Holly ~

And don't forget to visit the other stops in the Hop!

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Fool For Books Giveaway

Fool for Books Giveaway Hop
 April 1st to 7th 
 No better way to spend April Fools Day! 
 Join me in a giveaway hop!

Here you could win 
a $5 Amazon Gift Card 
Both The Earth Painter and The Man Painter in EBOOK FORMAT!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't Forget to visit the other stops in the hop!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Fairy Tale Giveaway Hop




This hop is in conjunction with the 3rd annual Fairy Tale Fortnight.  

Fairy Tale Giveaway Hop
Hosted by
March 26th to April 2nd

Here at this hop, you could win 
a $5 Amazon Gift Card 
and
an ebook copy of Armored Hearts
And don't forget to visit the other stops in this hop!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Kick Butt Characters Giveaway Hop


2nd Annual Kick Butt Characters HopHosted by Good Choice Reading & I Am A Reader, Not A WriterMarch 23rd - 28th

Welcome to Melissa Turner Lee's blog
on this leg of the hop, you'll get the chance to win
a $5 Amazon Gift Card
and 
an Ebook Copy of 
The Difference Between Night and Day


and don't forget to visit the other blogs in the hop!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway

3rd Annual Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop
Co-hosted by Books Complete Me & Author Cindy Thomas 
March 15th - 22nd

   

 Welcome to Melissa Turner Lee's blog! 
Here we are giving away a $5 Amazon Gift Card 
and an Ebook Copy of her Bestseller - 
The Earth Painter 
 


Don't forget to visit the other Blogs in the Hop -

Monday, March 4, 2013

Goodreads Paperback Giveaway - Last Chance to Enter!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Difference Between Night And Day by Melissa Turner Lee

The Difference Between Night And Day

by Melissa Turner Lee

Giveaway ends March 05, 2013.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway Hop


Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway Hop

February 21st - 27th

Co - hosted by YA Between the Lines

Featuring Young Adult Books with Paranormal elements.

Here at this blog, you can win the Valentine's Day Release,
The Difference Between Night and Day

~ A Christian Paranormal Romance ~

Nathaniel Taylor was a Christian who thought believers were exempted from "dark times." That was until he entered his own long time in the dark. When he meets Lilly, a young woman in danger, it sends him on a journey to discover the difference between night and day and that during dark times, the Light is hidden, not gone.

Here in this Giveaway, the winner can enter the PunchTab below 
to win an Ebook copy + $5 Amazon Gift Card.


And visit the other blogs in the Hop: