Andora's Folly // Blog Tour + Book Review

Happy Sunday, readers! Today we're here to celebrate Abigayle Claire's new release, an enchanting novella titled Andora's Folly. I absolutely loved this author's debut book (see my review here), and was anxious to get my hands on this one. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! <3 

~ Synopsis + Links 

A Pandora's Box retelling

Andora is a beautiful young woman with insatiable curiosity. Raised in splendor, she is spoiled by her privileged life. When a love letter is slid under her door, her life takes a drastically unromantic turn. Nothing makes sense—her arranged marriage, the gifts her parents bestow on her wedding day, or her new husband’s temperament.

As Andora begins to unravel the mysteries around her, she ignites a chain of events that have the power to sabotage her entire village forever. Only her new-found wisdom as a desperate peasant's wife can save her from her folly.

Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest

~ Review + Quote 

What a unique twist on the usual fairytale retelling -- a Greek myth retelling!! 

I'll be perfectly honest here and go ahead and admit that I did not know what to expect of a novella claiming to be a retelling of Pandora's Box. I read that particular myth in 9th grade and found it to be amusing and entertaining, if not outright strange. 

But this book, y'all. Like, ohmygoodness. *hugs book* I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish reading it, so that right there should tell you something about how amazing it is. 

Like with the author's debut novel (Martin Hospitality, which released earlier this year), I was swept away my her beautiful usage of words, simple and complex. I was quickly pulled into Andora's story, intrigued by her curious and the recent, unexplained happenings in her life. 

The plot totally caught me off guard, as it was not what I was expecting at all. Looking back, I'm not sure what I was expecting, but...yes. Twas amazing. I LOVED the mystery. :D 

Theus and Andora were both such amazing characters. Complicated, perhaps, but lovable. I was internally screaming at them through much of the book, and desperately wanting them to have a happy ending. <3 

I also reeallyyy loved Varos. I mean, c'mon y'all, he's a potter! I've never read a book that had an actual potter in it, so this made me extremely happy. Potters need more bookish spotlight. <3 

Highly recommended for lovers of sweet romance, intrigue, and medieval-ish settings! 

Favorite quote: 

She stared at the inky darkness, searching for stars, but not one twinkled beyond the wall of clouds that reflected her attitude of the last week. 

**I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.** 

~ About the Author 

Abigayle has been a writer ever since her mother taught her how to hold a pencil. However, she devoted more time to reading words with her green eyes than writing them with her left hand. Inspired by a crazy dream at the age of seventeen, she set off on a journey to self-publish her first novel, Martin Hospitality. Since then, Abigayle has devoted herself to sharing what she has learned through the mediums of freelance editing, and her blog theleft-handedytpist.blogspot.com ... when period drama films are not calling more loudly. None of her successes would be possible without the support of her Savior, large family, and online community.

~ Find her on the Web 

Blog:  http://theleft-handedtypist.blogspot.com/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abitheauthor 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/abitheauthor 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/abitheauthor 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/abitheauthor 

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/abitheauthor/ 

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1a2mB0YvhJkw7Abh5NmLeg 

Google +:  https://plus.google.com/117563393823109743999  

See Y'all Later...

Hey everyone! 

Just a quick note... I'll be out of town this week, camping with my family. I haven't been around the blogging world much for the past couple weeks, but I do have some stuff planned for once I get back. :D 

Hope y'all are having an awesome summer! I'd love to hear what's been going on in your life lately! 

~Faith 

The Old River Road // Birthday Party + Book Sale

Hello all! Today I'm taking part in a birthday party for a book (and author ^-^) that I adore. 

It’s been one year since Ivy Rose’s debut novel was released! To celebrate The Old River Road‘s first birthday, the eBook will be discounted to $.99 on Amazon July 8th - 10th. Also, she isrevealing the title of book two in the Long Lake Legacy series. 

1885

    When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.

    This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Get on Amazon ~ Add on Goodreads

And now for the title revealing! 

*Note: this is a mock cover, and not the final product.*

Add on Goodreads

Check out the other blog stops this weekend:

Abigayle Claire @ The Left-Handed Typist

Faith Potts @ Firefly Story Space

Victoria Lynn @ Ruffles and Grace 

Jesseca Wheaton @ Whimsical Writings

Anika Joy @ This Journey Called Life

About the Author

Ivy Rose is a young novelist with a passion to create beautiful fiction. She’s been accused of wearing out coffee makers and clearing the entire house of its chocolate supply. Armed with a desire to create scenarios readers can easily relate to, she writes in many genres about ordinary individuals faced with extraordinary choices. When not studying for exams, she can be found practicing fiddle, TaeKwonDo, or ATV-ing the Pacific Northwest. 

Blog

Pinterest

Goodreads

Instagram

Mission Trip, Book Release, and Golden Moments // June Recap

Golden moments. I could basically sum up the entire month of June by saying every day was filled to the brim with summer and goldenness. Because it was. 

BUT...I'll go ahead and warn you, loyal readers, that this post is going to be super lame. Because I was away from technology while soaking up this wonderfulness, I didn't keep track of a lot to things... So yeah. *nods* 

// Life. // 

>> As mentioned in the May recap, I was in a pottery workshop for the last week of May/first week of June. It was an educational experience for sure. 

>> I laid on the cement walkway with the dog sleeping on my stomach and talked to my bro and it was an utterly golden moment in history. 

>> I sang In Color in the shower (with an exaggerated accent) and was glad no one could hear me. 

>> I went on a mission trip. And y'all, it was SUCH an amazing experience. There'll be more on that coming soon (like a big, long, rambly post...or two or three), but for now here's some pics. :D 

// Cherishing. // 

Cherishing. Interesting word isn't it? Until I sat down to write this post, I didn't really realize how much I'd focused on cherishing this month. But now, looking back, I did. I cherished my relationship with God, and the joy that can be found in the small things along this journey called life. Cherish the golden moments, y'all. <3 

// Books. // 

Reading was not quite *cough* up-to-the-usual again this month. I'm hoping for lots of reading in July. XP 

Read... 

A Place Called Lonesome by Jesseca Wheaton -- 5 stars -- Review HERE. 

Journey to Love by Amanda Tero -- 3.5 stars 

Letter of Love Amanda Tero -- 4 stars 

The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis -- 5 stars -- Review HERE. 

The Candy Country by Louisa May Alcott -- 3 stars 

Dandelion Dust by Faith Potts (re-read) 

True to You by Becky Wade -- 4 stars -- Review HERE. 

I also read Julia Ryan's poetry book. :D 

Acquired... 

The Farmer's Market Mishap by Wanda Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter 

Poetry by Julia Ryan 

Dandelion Dust by yours truly *squeals over the beautiful cover and shoos you to the next section* 

// Writing. // 

So, um, writing kinda crashed and burnt this month, if ya know what I mean. 

*has to legit hunt through desk to find writing notebook* *glances over the bad notes I kept of this month* 

As best I can figure, I wrote about 2,000 words in the month of June. The Faith that wrote out 'June Goals' awhile back would be mortified at this statement. But the Faith who returned from the mission trip (almost two weeks ago now) doesn't really mind so much. Writing is something God has given to me, but it can't be for His glory when it distracts me from my relationship with Him. 

So what now, you ask? Sure, I'm still writing. But my plans have changed a bit, became somewhat more laidback, and I'm currently just waiting to see what God has in mind for me. :) 

And as far as the month of July goes, I'm technically signed up to do Camp NaNo (and I'm currently failing), but... I'm not too concerned about that right now. There are far more important things in my life, and I don't want to let any of them slip by. 

On the publishing side of writing...um, yeah, something pretty awesome happened. I published a book....and I'm *still* reeling from how amazing it feels. :D 

So, yup. For anyone interesting in seeing/reading my darling Dandelion Dust that y'all have heard me talk so much about...it's now available on Lulu. ^_^ 

// Blogging. // 

A Heart Redeemed ~ Learning to Be Okay When Life's Messed Up 

A Purpose and A Promise ~ Real Love 

The Writer's Song ~ #RebelliousWriting: Why We Need Better Books

Twilight to Dawn ~ True Power

I Like That ~ A Savior Alive // A Belated Easter Poem

// Goals. // 

~ June Goals 

>> Hit 30k or finish A Soldier's Story.            Nope. 

>> Finish final edit of Dandelion Dust.          YUSSS! I'm done with that book forever. 

>> Publish Dandelion Dust.      EEPPS YES IT HAPPENED. 

>> Beta-read another book.               ...sorta? *cough* 

>> Read 10 books.            #failed

>> Go on a mission trip.          Success! 

~ July Goals 

>> Finish beta-reading aforementioned book. 

>> Read 10 books. 

>> Go camping. 

>> Post about mission trip. 

>> Live life to the fullest and savor the golden moments...without worrying so much about 'goals'. 

How was your June, friends? :D 

~Faith 

Dandelion Dust blog tour // Wrap-up + Giveaway Winners

The blog tour came and went in such a whirl of wonderfulness last week/weekend...thanks to all the lovelies who took part in spreading the news of the release!! <3 

Olivia @ Living for the Other Side 

Soleil @ ReviewsbySoleil 

Liv @ Liv K. Fisher 

Mikayla @ Ordinary Girl Extraordinary Father 

Kaitlyn @ Twin Thoughts

Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh 

Angela @ The Peculiar Messenger

Raechel @ Gods Peculiar Treasure Rae 

Lydia @ Lydia Therese 

Rebekah @ Rebekah's Remarks 

Faith @ The Writer's Song 

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His Glory 

Bethany @ A Great God and Good Cocoa 

Micaiah @ Adventures Beyond the Horizon

Thank you all so much! :D Y'all are seriously the best, and reading your posts about *my* book was quite wonderful. :) 

And now, for the real reason you all are reading this... *drum roll* The giveaway winners!!! :D 

Sarah Grace and Seneca will each be receiving a signed print copy of Dandelion Dust. Thank you all so much for entering! I believe there was about 180 entries when the giveaway closed...that's pretty awesome. ;) 

Have a blessed week! 

~Faith 

A Question of Courage // Cover Reveal

I am so, so, SO excited to be able to share this beautiful book cover with y'all today. My dear friend and amazing critique partner, Jesseca Wheaton, is preparing to release the second book in her fabulous Questions of War series later this year, and the cover is being revealed today. 

Like, OHMYGOODNESS y'all, this thing is soooo beautiful. I flail about book covers a lot, but this one is worthy of all the flailing. And I can add, with a smug lil' smirk, that the book itself is beautiful too... *beams because um, yeah, duh I already read it* (Quick note here, Rafe is mine. No matter what anyone says or thinks...Rafe is mine.) 

Read on for all the amazingness!! :D 

About the Book:

A man. A decision. A destiny. 

Rafe Sullivan never imagined the war would come to his doorstep. But when Pearl Harbor is attacked and America's focus suddenly shifts to the pacific, he finds he can't ignore the problem anymore. 

Leaving the life he loves behind, he joins up to do what he does best. Fly. 

Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the horrors of war, and the struggle that is going on in his own heart. As an outstanding navy pilot, he is stationed on one of the few Pacific carriers. But could God be calling him to step out in faith, and go beyond the call of duty? 

Lily Wilson gives her all to help the hurting community around her. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the war is brought home to many American families. And as a nurse, she longs to be able to relive some of the suffering. Yet, her own grief is still fresh in her heart, and though she's made the decision to get on with her life, she can't seem to leave the past behind. When healing at last comes, the guard she placed around her heart slowly begins to crumble. 

But when she receives the news she hoped she would never again hear, can she trust that God’s plan is always right?

Arthur Warrington saw the Navy as an escape from the life he left behind. And it seems good for him. He is able to forge new friendships and distance himself from his past. But when his best friend makes a decision that rocks his world, he is left grappling with the question: what is true courage? 

Three lives. One War. And a search for the Courage to go on.

Add it on Goodreads

About the Author: 

Jesseca is a 19-year old daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano.  And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home. Though, being in the sky is pretty awesome, too. 

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