Book Review: Fairies and Fantasy, by Felicia Mires

About the book:
E-book, Amazon link
$3.99

Publication Date: March 8, 2013

How many worlds are there? As a child, Emira Fairling is fascinated by her parents’ stories of elves, fairies, and all things magical. Though she is forbidden from entering the forest alone, she longs to find a fairy ring. When she makes her way through the woods, she discovers a strange boy from another realm. According to Prince Riordan, all is not right in the land of Rin. He gives her his most prized possession, the king’s ring, and asks her to keep it for him.

How is Emira to know she and Riordan just arranged their marriage or that they will be separated for ten years?

Once Emira is grown, the portal beckons. What she finds on the other side is a lot more than she imagined. Riordan’s been entranced by a siren, a sphinx demands an answer to a riddle, and monsters from the pit of Orcus have been unleashed by the dark lord.

The dragons once again take up riders from the elves, Aldrian, in particular, who sets her heart aflutter, but all the lands of Elohan seem destined for war. So much for romance.

Emira would do something about it, but she’s been placed under a curse. Surely, one of her suitors will come to her aid.

To set things right will require a whole new level of faith, love, and a little bit of magic…

Book 1 in the Lands of Elohan series. This Christian fantasy is an adventure of approximately 291 print pages.

My review:
I probably will read this again, and will find Mires' other books for sure...

The story and characters were so much fun. A lovely twist with secrets revealed at the perfect moment, lots of action, humor and angst. Well-done portrayal of the fantasy world.

A young woman grows up feeling like she's out of place, and when she learns that she truly was raised "out of place" the pieces of her life start to fall into place. Except she's accidentally engaged to a boy she only met once when she was a little girl, and her escort to the wedding is a hunk of a hunk of a hunk...what's a princess to do?

We can't get away from typecasting and type-theme, but the way the stories unfold with surprises about the characters is what keeps Fairies and Fantasies from becoming a cliché.

Those who enjoy romantic fantasy with ties to our world will have a hard time putting this book down.

***The author asked for a review, and gave me the link to a date when I could download the book free from Amazon.

Dennis Snyder talks Texas...2017

The Yellow Rose of Texas: The Secession of the Lone Star State

 

 

 

About the Book

Concerning Life Publishing 

ISBN-13: 978-0988922501 

ISBN-10: 0988922509

 

 

See what happens as regular people are stripped of their freedoms.

A novel of extreme relevance. . .
     A political thriller set in the near future. . .2017
         A novel that hits close to home. . .Today
             A "what if" thriller in the struggle for sovereignty.
                  Civil War looms on the horizon. . .

Follow the ensuing struggle for sovereignty through the exploits of a small band of refuges, led by a retired Marine, as they travel from South Carolina to Texas in their attempt to join Colonel James Bowie. Bowie leads the Texas Militia as they prepare for an invasion of their borders.

The Yellow Rose of Texas: The Secession of the Lone Star State, takes a fictional look at the secession of Texas from the United States of America. President Nicholas Watson takes office January 2017, with a 22 trillion national debt and the promise to eliminate any mention of religion from the government including disallowing religious holidays. Taxes have increased, entitlement programs have flourished and gun control has attempted to disarmed the U.S. Citizenship. The military force has been cut by forty-five percent leaving the U.S. vulnerable. In the eyes of the conservatives the new President is finishing the plunge of the United States to the bottom of World dominance.

Texas, on the other hand, is debt free and the economy is booming. They now have complete control of the Mexico/Texas border and have all but eliminated the drug cartel operations in the border towns. Governor Halford Bent, has helped Texas to become self-sufficient and has now decided it is time to break away from the control of a Federal Government destined to failure. The Texas Militia, led by Colonel James Bowie, has secured the border.

Martial Law is instituted by President Watson and he launches an all out effort to stop the secession. The Scaled down United States Marines are called upon to ready themselves for a military take over of Texas. Detention camps are set up to hold Texans and sympathizers caught outside the Texas borders. The fear of another Civil War looms on the horizon as we find father against son and brother against brother in the struggle for Sovereignty.

Civil War looms on the horizon with father against son and brother against brother in the struggle for Sovereignty. President Nicholas Watson takes office January 2017, with a 22 trillion dollar national debt and the promise to eliminate any mention of religion from the government. The U.S.A. continues it's plunge to the bottom of world dominance. The right to secede petitions continue to gain popularity with thousands in every State. Texas takes things to the next level and begins the process of secession from the Union.

Martial Law is instituted by President Watson and he launches an all out effort to stop the secession. The Scaled down United States Marines are called upon to ready themselves for a military take over of Texas. Detention camps are set up to hold Texans and sympathizers caught outside the Texas borders.

Follow the ensuing struggle for sovereignty through the exploits of a small band of refuges, led by a retired Marine, as they travel from South Carolina to Texas. Read as Colonel James Bowie, leads the Texas Militia as they prepare for an invasion of their borders.

 

 

About the Author

 

Dennis Snyder, Author of the Lake Haven Murders series and the Looking at Life Through the Bible Series, has been writing non-fiction for over twenty years. His move into the fiction genre has been well received. He and his wife are the proud parents of two adult children and the grandparents of a beautiful grand daughter.

Dennis is a pastor of a local church in Michigan. 

When Dennis is not preaching he enjoys riding his Harley, golfing and spending time with his wife.

Dennis, introduce us to the story concept. Where did it come from and share one thing that surprised you in your research

             I was enjoying a breakfast meal with six or so men from our church and we were discussing my newly released book “Personal Vengeance” when one of the men made a comment, “Your next book should be about Texas seceding from the Union.” My response was, “What do I know about that?”

            When I returned home I got to thinking about the comment and started to do a little bit of research and the next thing you know I was hooked. Six months later the book was finished. Of course my imagination plays a big part in the story line, it is fiction after all.

            As I did the research o secession I was impressed with the fact that Texas could actually secede and make a real go of it. The have the energy grid, the sea port and the infrastructure to pull it off. I hope they never have to secede but we are seeing more and more people fed up with out current administration and where it is taken our country. Of course, the Scriptures are clear we are to respect and pray for our president and others in authority over us. We had better be doing that first and foremost.

 

What do you love about this book?

            I enjoyed writing the book and I feel its greatest point deals with the freedoms we have as US Citizens and the dangers that lurk in our political administrations to squash those freedoms. So, If some eyes are opened to this fact then I have done my job.

 

What do you hope readers will tell others about this book after they’ve finished reading it?

            I think these two reviewers sum it up:

“If you are concerned about the direction this administration is taking our country I would strongly encourage you to read this book. We found The Yellow Rose of Texas a novel of extreme relevance in today's political charged environment. “

             “Though a work of fiction, the reality of the story is very true to life. It is fast paced and full of action and adventure. I found it easy to follow the storyline as it twist and turned throughout the book. It was very hard to put down and when it ended I was left wanting the next book to see where the story goes.”

 

 

Buy the book

on amazon

on barnes and noble

 

Updated and revised with a new cover design, and a new editor.A Reader Says:
"I was wrapped up in the story line and almost expected to see updates on the news channels regarding the situation in Texas. I especially enjoyed experiencing the realistic lives and struggles of the characters."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CrossReads Book Blast: Keeper of Reign by Emma Right

 

Keeper of Reign By Emma Right

About the Book

Books written in blood. Most are lost, their Keepers with them. A curse that befell a people. A Kingdom with no King. Life couldn’t get more harrowing for the Elfies, a blend of Elves and Fairies. Or for sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze. Or could it? For Jules, the heir of a Keeper, no less, suspects his family hides a forgotten secret. It was bad enough that his people, the Elfies of Reign, triggered a curse which reduced the entire inhabitants to a mere inch centuries ago. All because of one Keeper who failed his purpose. Even the King’s Ancient Books, did not help ward off that anathema. Now, Gehzurolle, the evil lord, and his armies of Scorpents, seem bent on destroying Jules and his family. Why? Gehzurolle’s agents hunt for Jules as he journeys into enemy land to find the truth. Truth that could save him and his family, and possibly even reverse the age-long curse. Provided Jules doesn't get himself killed first.

Keeper of Reign (Reign Fantasy) On Kindle Keeper of Reign in Paperback

*~*

 

Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. She loves the Lord and His Word deeply, and when she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one. Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children.

Follow Emma Right Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $50 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Emma Right!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Book launch and lots of free stuff - no purchase to enter

John 3:16 Marketing Network Christian Book Launches   August 1 through August 16, 2013  (only 99 cents for each book during launch) Drawing for Free Prizes, including a Kindle! See details below.

Celebrate With Us! New Books  by  John 3:16 Marketing Network Authors! http://bit.ly/Christian_Books    Make sure you enter our raffle (link below) (many times) for the drawing on the 17th!  Win a Kindle, a $25 Amazon Gift Card or a $10 Starbucks Card.    Meet our talented, showcased John 3:16 authors and learn more about their books.      The authors for August are:   Lorilyn Roberts Emma Right Again, be sure to enter the drawing - the Rafflecopter. You might win a Kindle ($69 value), a $25 Amazon gift card, or a $10 Starbucks card.  Click here to enter the raffle for a free Kindle: http://bit.ly/Christian_Books       Enjoy also checking out the free books available throughout the month! Readers' Favorite Finalist Award Showcased books for August, 2013 Best-Selling Adoption Memoir John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."

SIGN UP AND SAVE 25% John 3:16 Author Membership 25% off with this coupon  Code: Constant Contact List $10 off regular membership rate of $40 Offer Expires 8-16-2013.  Go to http://lorilynroberts.com/john_3_16_marketing_network.html for membership information

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karla Akins - this Pastor's Wife really does Wear Biker Boots!

About the Author:

I’ve always been a little weird. While most kids were out dating and partying in high school, I was sitting at my mother’s typewriter (you know, those things we used to write with when dinosaurs roamed the earth) writing plays, poems and stories. My senior year in high school my drama teacher rounded up enough students to perform one of my plays—a three-act musical—at a theater convention in New York City.

In grade school I’d read the entire fiction, biography, and history sections of the school library. I read some of the science section but I was mostly interested in how people’s stories played out. I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love books. My parents kept shelves full of them, and I think I’d read a great deal of the classics by the time I was in eighth grade.

Circumstances of my childhood created opportunities for developing a vivid imagination. Even when I found out at the age of nine that my mother was my step-mother, I imagined my birth mother a Russian princess. I was more fascinated with the drama of being an abandoned child than I was with the sad reality of it. I think I still am.

One thing that was consistent in my childhood was that I had a rich resource of supportive adults in my life: school teachers, Sunday school teachers, and parents who loved books and supported my writing. I entered all sorts of writing contests as a kid. One morning I heard my name mentioned and my poem read on the radio when I won a tie for my father with a poem I’d written.

In college (my first time around) I majored in Music Theater and before I could graduate met a handsome minister and married him. I then earned theology degrees and a doctorate in Christian Education. We have been in the ministry together now for more than 32 years and I still minister as the church pianist and Christian Education and Women’s Ministries leader and a host of other things.

I homeschooled or cottage schooled my five children during most of their schooling. All my children but my youngest (adopted twins with autism and developmental delays) are grown.  My youngest now attend an outstanding program at the local high school and vocational school in the afternoon. I am blessed with five gorgeous, perfect granddaughters. After rearing four boys and one girl, the granddaughters are a real delight to this grandma's heart!

I’m currently pursuing another degree in Special Education. I asked the Lord to show me whether or not to attend school or simply write, and He didn’t answer. He left it up to me. So for a season I’m doing both. My goal is to be an online teacher in a college or high school setting if this writing gig doesn’t pan out.

My first loves (as far as things I enjoy doing) have always been music, theater, teaching and special needs people. But my greatest passion for writing has never faded. It’s only grown stronger.

However, my very first love is Christ Jesus. I believe He has forgiven me of my sins (which are many) and has redeemed me from the mistakes of my past. I believe that if I ask Him, “Lord, do you remember when I did that horrible thing?” that He answers, “No. It’s under the blood of my son.” I like what Corrie Ten Boom says, “God throws our sins into the sea and puts a sign there that says, ‘No Fishing.’”

I pray that my writing will help someone in their journey toward knowing God and developing a relationship with Him. I hope it answers hard questions but also creates questions that people want answers for. I want to be salt so that seeking souls will thirst for the Water of His Word. I pray the legacy I leave will be, most of all, that I loved God with all my heart, soul and strength, and that I truly loved my neighbor as myself.

 

About the Book:

Pastor’s wife, Kirstie Donovan, lives life in a fishbowl, so when she hops on the back of a bright pink motorcycle, tongues start to wag at the conservative, century-old First Independent Christian Community Church of Eels Falls.

Kirstie loves roaring down a road less traveled by most women over forty, but she’s not just riding her bike for the fun of it. Kirstie has a ministry. However, certain church members have secrets to hide, and when God uses Kirstie’s ministry to fill the pews with leather-clad, tattooed bikers, those secrets could be exposed…and some will stop at nothing to hide the truth.

Join Kirstie and her motorcycle “gang”—two church matrons and a mouthy, gum-smacking non-church member—as they discover that road-toughened bikers are quite capable of ministering to others, and faith is fortified in the most unexpected ways.

Buy on Amazon 

 

Karla, what do you love about this book?

I think every author loves their first novel.. I cut my novel-teeth on this one and learned so much about the craft from my critique partners. I also love it for the story because it deals with a pastor’s wife, a child with autism, and church relationships. As a pastor’s wife I was able to share through fiction what it’s like living in a fishbowl. I like making people laugh, and that’s another reason I love this book.

What two things have you learned from being a pastor’s wife that you can share with anyone to encourage her?

 

1.      Please God not man or woman. You are accountable first and foremost to Him and if you’re pleasing Him, that’s all that matters. Be yourself, not someone you think everyone wants you to be. You will never please everybody so don’t try.

2.      Let the love of Christ flow through you. Picture people as the lost lambs they are and you’ll be able to love them well. There are some people you can only love through God’s grace and by seeing them as the very people Christ died for.

 

Karla, share one of your funniest moments on the motorcycle.

I stopped to take pictures of some cows. I like to tool around in the country on my motorcycle with my camera. I was fascinated with this one little calf because he had a heart shaped spot on his forehead. I thought it was unique and was snapping away at his face. When I looked up from my camera he was surrounded by the herd and they all stood staring at me with the same mark on their foreheads. It felt like I was in one of those Happy California Cows commercials in the twilight zone.

 

 

Lisa: Okay, I thought Eels Falls was funny - this is a hoot! Thanks, Karla, and my very best wishes with the book.

Raspberry Day cake recipe

A little bird named Kathi Macias says it's national raspberry day...in honor, here's an excellent cake recipe from somewhere on the net.

You need to haul out your biggest mixing bowl because this recipe makes A LOT.
I fill a regular bundt pan and a couple of medium ramikins too.

Pumpkin Raspberry Bundt Cake

3 c. flour, 2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. cinnamon - sift

Combine in the big bowl:
2 c. sugar, 1 and 1/2 c. vegetable oi, add 2 tsp. vanilla.

Blend into this: 1 c. sour cream and 1 c. pumpkin (canned or fresh or frozen)
Beat in 4 eggs

Beat in the flour mixture from above

Fold into this 1 cup raspberries, and if desired, 1 cup of chopped nuts.

Grease and flour your pans
Bake a good hour at 350 

You can frost it if you want, or serve it with whipped topping, but I never do. It is the most moist, delicious cake ever!

Meet Ace Hansen and his little Green Friends!

Meet Ace Hansen, creator of Outrageous Fiction for Kids,

and have fun...

What do you love about your book? It makes Earthlings laugh out loud! Laughing is good for your  health, especially when you snort through your cute little noses.

Ace, introduce us to the main character: Julius Caesar Brown isn't the smartest kid in fifth grade, but he knows what he doesn't want. He doesn't want to pass green gas. And for Jake the Snake to leave him alone. And to get rid of his best friend's nasty little sister, Millie. And to avoid having his brain eaten by the Zombie Lady down the street.

All Julius wants is a happy family. And for Ivy Chen to hold his hand. If only he could solve the green gas mystery, then all his troubles would vanish into clean air.  

 

Share two things you learned during the publication process: Not everyone thinks green farts are funny. Never, never, never give up! 

The world is farting green! Who will stop the green gas crisis!

If you'd like to learn more about Ace (of course you do!) you can find him on:

Ace Hansen's Website

Twitter

Facebook

If you'd like to purchase JULIUS CAESAR BROWN AND THE GREEN GAS MYSTERY it's available as an ebook now and is coming in print Fall 2013:

MuseItUp

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo