"Always" by Jody Hedlund -- Book Review

About the Book 

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

My Thoughts

"Always" is a prequel novella to the Lost Princesses series. It is important to read it first as it sets up the story for the books. It starts out right in the middle of the action and kept up a steady pace of action. It was a fast read, but did not feel like a short book in any way. It was jam packed with things going on. I found the book to be well written and I liked Felicia and Lance. I liked the faith thread and the growth exhibited. I look forward to reading more about the princesses after they have grown.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

"Always" is available in paperback:

• Series: The Lost Princesses
• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: Northern Lights Press (August 13, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1733753400
• ISBN-13: 978-1733753401
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 3321 KB
• Print Length: 136 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Northern Lights Press (August 13, 2019)
• Publication Date: August 13, 2019
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07T3ZGHBM

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"A Glitter of Gold" by Liz Johnson -- Book Review

About the Book 
Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love

My Thoughts

"A Glitter of Gold" is the second book in the Georgia Coast Romance series, but can be read as a standalone since it is has different people. Once I picked this book up and started reading, it pulled me along and I had to force myself to put it down so I could go to bed. I really enjoyed the story and felt it had a nice pace and wonderful setting and who doesn't love pirate stories? I loved the diary entries and I was just as enthralled with them as Anne and Carter. The characters felt like friends. I could feel their frustrations and their joys. I look forward to reading more books by Liz Johnson.

About the Author 


By day Liz Johnson works in marketing. She finds time to write late at night and is a Christy Award finalist and a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love's Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories.Liz makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys theater, exploring local history, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Find out more about Liz at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.

"A Glitter of Gold" is available in paperback:

• Series: Georgia Coast Romance (Book 2)
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 6, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800729412
• ISBN-13: 978-0800729417
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 9753 KB
• Print Length: 364 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800729412
• Publisher: Revell (August 6, 2019)
• Publication Date: August 6, 2019
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07NDMYGTT

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

First Day of School 2019-2020

Because it is impossible to get three kids to two schools and take pictures all in the span of five minutes, I took pictures at the open houses again.

Will at his locker

Emi at her locker

Sarah at her locker (Same as last year)

Andy at his desk

Andy with his teacher, Mrs. Zank

First Day of School:

I didn't take my usual first time on the bus pictures as Will has "Zero Hour PE" and has to be at the school by 6:30 so he can have PE before the actual school day starts (it allows him to have another elective) and I was not home when the girls got on the bus.

Emily - 8th grade
William - 7th grade
Sarah - 10th grade

Andrew - 5th grade

Since we took Andy to school, I took his picture by his locker today

"Jewel's Gold" by Caryl McAdoo -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Jewel’s Gold

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 20, 2019

Can a tangled web snare two hearts and point them true north?

A Papa’s girl from the start, Jewel Jones remembers all the things he told her. Wealthy, but far from being a snob, she finds Boaz Branson both irritating and intriguing. How can she know if the handsome confidence man truly turns from his wicked ways, or if his interest only in her gold? Papa said let God’s peace lead her.

Only by God’s grace can Boaz escape the deceptions he plans to perpetrate on the beautiful heiress. While his head wants to flee the entanglement, his heart bids him stay.

Are Jewel and Boaz building on sinking sand, or have they found the golden nugget they seek?

My Thoughts

I had a hard time reading this book. All the "old dear", "precious gem", "young beauty", and other syrupy labels rubbed the wrong way. I'm sure this is not the case for everyone (and it might only be me). I was also sometimes confused to what was going on with the gambling or with terms related to cons. I was a little leery of Boaz at the beginning because of his obviously not being chaste. It was interesting to get some of the book from Jewel's mother as well. I did like the growth that Boaz exhibited.  I liked Jewel and her desire to finish what her father had started and her tendency to see the good in a situation. I think it would be fun to ride a steamship up to Alaska like Jewel.

About the Author

Award-winning, hybrid author Caryl McAdoo prays her story gives God glory! That is why she writes, why she breathes. Her forty-fourth novel has just launched, joining her best-selling title list! Besides writing, she loves singing the new songs the Lord gives her. (Listen to a few at YouTube.) Ron, her husband of 50+ years shares four children and eighteen grandsugars—life’s best blessings, Caryl says. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

Jewel’s Gold, my July release and book four in the Gold Diggers Collection, begins in San Francisco in 1895 and moves quickly north to Alaska on Troublesome Creek where Jewel’s papa has a gold mine. My husband Ron was on Troublesome Creek in 1993 seeking the Lord. While there, he also did a little prospecting.

To mention gold is to speak of wealth as gold is the most sought-after metal in the world. It’s found on every continent, and I’ve discovered it can be located our bodies as well! Mostly in our blood! Small traces have also been extracted from eucalyptus leaves, a favorite snack of Koala bears!

Jewel Jones is the daughter of Joshua Jones, son of Moses and Lanell introduced in SINS OF THE MOTHERS, book three in the Texas Romance Family Saga. Truth be known, little Joshua was in fact a Wheeler, not a Jones, though Moses reared him as his own son.

His real father was Caleb who married Mary Rachael Buckmeyer and talked her into running off to California. So, this book may also be classified as a ‘Companion Book’ to that highly acclaimed historical romance series.

Ron has always wanted to go back and show me Alaska, and one day we most likely will go north . . . but only in the summer! Who doesn’t love leaving Texas for northern, cooler temperatures in the summer?
This story has a little mystery along with the romance and history. When we drove the Oregon/California Trail last December, we visited the site of Sutter’s Mill where the gold rush of 1849 was born. That last place we went before turning south and east back to Texas was an unexpected stop.

On the American River, the park and museum offered an amazing place to visit, and knowing this book was on the schedule made it all the more interesting! I also believe that place will add to the genuine feel of Jewel’s Gold.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13

Power of Words, August 14 (Spotlight)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15

Emily Yager, August 16

For Him and My Family, August 17

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Simple Harvest Reads, August 20 (Spotlight)

Blossoms and Blessings, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

janicesbookreviews, August 23

Artistic Nobody, August 24 (Spotlight)

A Reader’s Brain, August 25

Inklings and notions , August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter the giveaway.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e71d/jewel-s-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Jewel's Gold" is available in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 18348 KB
• Print Length: 249 pages
• Publication Date: July 20, 2019
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B07R9M1ZF5

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Amanda Tero Post #3

About the Tour

The clock is ticking until the release of “Protecting the Poor!” This is the third and final month of Tales of Faith 3-month tour. We’ve spent a month on “Befriending the Beast,” a month on “The Secret Slipper,” and now, are looking at a month digging into “Protecting the Poor”—the history behind it, behind-the-scenes of writing and editing, the messages threaded through it, and more. Amanda will link to each blog on With a Joyful Noise, so check in every week and see what blogs have a special Tales of Faith feature!

Pre-Order Protecting the Poor on Amazon 

Do you want to get a signed paperback copy of "Protecting the Poor?" Order here!

(stay tuned for my review of Protecting the Poor on the 31st)

How Much of Robin Hood is History?

As a kid, I thought Robin Hood was a historical figure. Well… then I grew up. And got much wiser. And crushed my childhood fantasies. Because I realized it was just a tale. Not quite a fairytale, but definitely a tale.

If you think about it, though, even fictionalized stories have an element of truth (I mean, consider nursery rhymes—they’re more than just “cute little ditties” because of their political inferences). So, I do believe that Robin Hood has historical elements, even though the ballads and tales have skewered the original accuracy. There are many historical characters from which a Robin Hood character could have been generated. King David in the Old Testament. Eustace the Monk. Fulk FitzWarin. The list can go on of historical figures who were outlawed, lived in the forest, fought against the injustice of nobility (or, some stories, just fought against authority).

Robin Hood first appeared in historical recordings as early as mid-1300s. Many refer to “Robin Hood and the Monk” (an originally untitled piece) as one of the first ballads of Robin Hood. It is 92 stanzas long, so I’ll just share the first two (read the full ballad here):

        

In somer, when the shawes be sheyne,
And leves be large and long,
Hit is full mery in feyre foreste
To here the foulys song,

To se the dere draw to the dale,
And leve the hilles hee,
And shadow hem in the leves grene,
Under the grene wode tre.

Throughout the ages, Robin Hood has been known as Robin des Bois, Robehood, Rabunhod, Robyn Hode, Hobbehod, Robert Hod and many other variations of “Robert” and “Hood.” Though historians cannot prove his existence, there is a traditional grave for him in Yorkshire. Some insist that Robin Hood never existed but was, more or less, imagined for bedtime stories for the wee ones.

What do you think? Did a Robin Hood likely exist? If so, do you think he was more culprit or hero?

If your Robin Hood addiction (ahem… fascination) wants to learn more about the tales, ballads, and historical elements, here are some great websites to check out:

https://robinhoodlegend.com/early-ballads/

https://www.history.com/topics/british-history/robin-hood

http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Pr-Sa/Robin-Hood.html

About Amanda

Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Connect with Amanda

Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: http://amandatero.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandateroauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero

"The Secret Slipper" by Amanda Tero --Book Review

About the Book  

Being a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity? Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character? As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn't even know is searching for her?


My Thoughts

"The Secret Slipper" follows "Befriending the Beast" (Raoul going to see his brother the king takes place shortly before the end of the first book). I loved this retelling. At first I was thinking that it was going to be a Rapunzel retelling, but then realized it was a different twist on Cinderella and her step mother and step sisters. This was a very quick read, but it didn't feel short. A lot of story is packed into the book. I found it interesting that the prince of the story was the father and not a love interest. I loved the faith element in the book and that the Gospel message was clearly given. I look forward to reading more from Amanda Tero.

About the Author 

Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again - starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels.

If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

Connect with Amanda
Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: amandatero.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/truthpicsart/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero



"The Secret Slipper" is available in paperback:

• Series: Tales of Faith
• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: ARTStudios (May 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1942931239
• ISBN-13: 978-1942931232
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.4 x 8 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 3205 KB
• Print Length: 166 pages
• Publication Date: May 25, 2017
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B071R5859Y

"Befriending the Beasts" by Amanda Tero -- Book Review

About the Book

Belle has returned unannounced to the castle to restore her relationship with the king, her father. Her hopes are dashed with the devastating message: "The king refuses to see you." Convinced that God has led her home, she is unwilling to return to Lord and Lady Kiralyn. Time is running out for the decision that will change her life. When tragedy strikes, will she and her father be pulled further apart or knit together? Could she stay at the castle even if she will never see her father again?



My Thoughts

This was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the setting in medieval times. The twist of the Beast not being a romantic interest to Belle was unique. I found the story to be well written and that it flowed easily. I really liked the spiritual element of the story and how the Gospel message was clearly given.




About the Author 

Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again - starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels.

If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

Connect with Amanda
Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: amandatero.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/truthpicsart/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero

"Befriending the Beast" is available in paperback:

• Series: Tales of Faith
• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: ARTStudios (May 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1942931239
• ISBN-13: 978-1942931232
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.4 x 8 inches

and Kindle edition:

• File Size: 3439 KB
• Print Length: 108 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publication Date: September 30, 2016
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01L2IDEUQ