End of Summer Giveaway // A Free Book

Greetings, everyone! :)

Hope y'all are having a fabulous Wednesday. If you are, it's about to get even better. If you're not, I have something that just might brighten your whole week. Today I'm sharing about a special giveaway—one in which everyone is a winner!

Livy Jarmusch, author of the lovely Tales of Tarsurella series, is holding a book sale. During these three days book one of the series, The Coronation, is free on Amazon Kindle!

The Tales of Tarsurella series is set in a fictitious European country, and the stories are clean, whimsical, and God-honoring, eloquently weaving family ties, a dash of romance, and the struggles that come with living as royalty.

The series is comprised of The Coronation, The Rebellion, and the yet-to-be-released third book, The Wedding. And The Coronation is currently free, so this is the perfect time to snag a copy and hop a plane to Tarsurella to check it out for yourself!

Just click the quote graphic below and then enjoy the adventures between the pages! <3

Have you downloaded The Coronation yet? Are you a fellow Tarsurella fan? :D

~Faith

Beautiful Books ~ 2016

Hello everyone! Two posts in two days, what's up with that, huh?! Well, I have a lot of stuff to catch up on with these last couple of days of October... So let's do this thing. XD 

Instead of the usual Beautiful People, this month Cait and Sky are hosting Beautiful Books – in preparation for NaNoWriMo next month. I'm not participating in NaNo *cues all the sad faces* but I'm doing this anyway...because it's awesome-sauce. *winks to two cool peeps who totally get this thing* 

I know I use it all the time, but I'm using War Tears again. :) It's the WIP I'm currently focusing on getting finished, and I need all the inspirational help I can get, soooo... ;) 

1) What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?

The original inspiration for this book came from the movie, Beautiful Dreamer (2006). WWII, pilots, POWs,...this movie (one of my all-time favorites) shares a lot of similarities with my book. :) 

Well, the file says it was created in March of 2015. So, technically I've been working on it for 19 months at the current time, but I haven't been very serious or diligent until this year – especially since spring. :)  (Also, those notes I scribbled in March of '15 are veeeerrrryyyy different from how War Tears is now. ;P) 

2) Describe what your novel is about! 

'Describe your novel' – why is it that I always moan over hearing those words? *sigh* Okay, let's try this. 

David Carnathan feels like he's living the perfect life – working on cars, living in a small town, and married to his sweetheart. That is, until Pearl Harbor is bombed and he soon finds himself at the enlistment office. As bomber planes fly across Europe and letters fly across the Pacific, both he and his wife Bethany's lives are changed in ways neither of them could have ever expected. 

That's the best I can do for now. :P

3) What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!

Hmm...how's this? 

4) Introduce us to each of your characters!

Each? That would take an eternity. How about four of my favorites? 

David Carnathan: David is a pilot in the USAAF. Nice, outgoing, charming, and a great Christian guy, he's...my favorite. ;) 

Bethany Carnathan: Bethany is David's wife. She's quiet and keeps to herself, but when you get to know her you see that she's super sweet and caring. :) 

Joshua Trueheart: Joshua is David's co-pilot and good friend. He's a great guy with a big heart who's known for cracking jokes. ;) 

Lenore Anderson: Lenore is David's six year-old niece, his sister Erin's daughter. She's the cinnamon roll of the story and one of my favorite characters – so fun to write! 

5) How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)

Outlining, research, chocolate, coffee, music (either alive, upbeat and happy or sad and tear-jerking. there is hardly ever an in-between.)...definitely a little howling. Or maybe that would be called whining? You know, like "I don't even know what I'm dooooiiingggg. Someone heeellppp meeeeeee." *sobs in a corner* 

I totally didn't do that. *cough* 

6) What are you most looking forward to about this novel?

FINISHING IT. Haha, no joke though. Step one, finish it. Step two,...set it aside for awhile (like a couple years) and then edit. :P 

7) List 3 things about your novel’s setting.

1. War. (duh. It's right there in the title). 

2. Tears. (refer to above note)

3. Airplanes. Bombers, to be more specific. 

8) What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?

Goal? Um...complete missions, keep his crew alive, and go home. Who stands in his way...Hitler? XD 

9) How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?

He learns that God is the same in the hard times as well as in the good. He's in control and what He wills is ultimately for the best. :) 

10) What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?

Themes, hmm. War, heartache, trusting God, finding happiness in the hard times...to mention a few. :) 

I hope readers feel satisfied when they finish my story and I want them to be encouraged. I also hope they enjoy it – of course!! :) 

Before I bounce off to do some things before bed, I wanted to let y'all know about something. I guest-posted on Amy L.'s blog!! :D Click here to check it out! (Psst! It's WWII related! ^_^) 

Have you did Beautiful Books? Are you doing NaNoWriMo? 

~Faith

A Novel Idea: 07/12/16

Happy Monday everyone! How are y'all? I'm doing splendidly, thank you. :) 

I've saw this link-up bebopping around some other blogs, and I finally decided to jump into it. Since this week's prompt doesn't involve writing (as in actually writing something), this is perfect. :D 

Prompt: This week, make a collage with pictures that describe one of your characters. You can use pictures of your character or pictures that describe him/her (or both!). Have fun with this - don’t overthink it! Hopefully it’ll be a nice break from actually writing and help you learn more about your character at the same time!

First off this was a whole lot of fun. I love making collages, and I love scouring Pinterest for the perfect pictures to represent my characters. Anyway, here goes. I started out with like 30 pictures, so be glad I got it down to these... ;)

David Carnathan, main character of War Tears. 

Bethany Carnathan (David's wife), main character of War Tears

I hope you enjoyed this little peek at my darling characters. :D What do you think of the collages? 

Thanks for reading, friends! 

~Faith

RJF // Deanna K. Klingel, Rod & Staff, Dear America, Pansy & More!!

Hey y'all!! I'm back to bombard you with another round of book recommendations. :D Aren't you thrilled?

~ Non-Fiction

Faith Under Fire by Steve Rabey 

The Second World War generation met many challenges, and turned to their faith to sustain them through overwhelming odds. Here are stories of faith told by the people who lived them. this compelling collection not only honors the lives of these people of faith, but inspires readers to seek God in their own lives.

Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot 

Very few books on dating have stood the test of time like Passion and Purity. Its much-needed message remains strong and hopeful in an age when doing whatever "feels right" is common practice. Using her own life as an example, Elisabeth Elliot guides singles of both genders and of any age on how to put their love lives under the authority of Jesus Christ.

And...the new cover. Just because I like it. ;) 

Ensamples of our Admonition by Mary Miller 

These stories will challenge youth to choose right, whether in response to admonition or in response to the various circumstances of life. You will enjoy the many "ensamples ... for our admonition" and the blessings that right choices bring. You will also be warned by the results of wrong attitudes and wrong choices of some of the characters. Our choices determine eternal destinies.

~ Deanna K. Klingel 

The two books would probably be considered 'boy' books, but I absolutely love them. And my brother has never read them!! :P

Avery's Battlefield 

Avery and his dog, Gunner, have a good life in Kanawha Valley a loving family, a prosperous farm, and a warm community of friends. But when the long unrest between the North and the South ignites into war, Avery's peaceful world is shattered. His father, brother, and uncle leave home, each drawn away by the war. Soon Avery and Gunner must begin a dangerous journey that will take them across the paths of people on both sides of the struggle. 

Avery's Crossroads 

Avery's skills as a doctor and his dog Gunner's friendly personality make the pair a welcome sight to the soldiers in the Civil War hospitals. But mending wounds is not the only challenge Avery faces. Dwindling supplies, insufficient medical facilities, and local troublemakers add to the stress of the war. Avery realizes that the real wounds of the war the wounds of the soul will take years to heal. But he finds hope for the future in his deepening friendship with Claire, a girl from back home who shares his passion for helping the wounded. Together they pray for the long war to end. 

~ Rod & Staff 

The Drunkard's Children by Mrs. M.J.P.S. 

"Oh! oh!" sobbed the child with a smothered moan, which was far more pitiful than a loud cry. "Oh, my mother, my mother, will she ever kiss her little girl again?"

"Hush, hush, dear little sister, do not cry so; it almost breaks my heart to hear you," said Marcia, choking down her own sobs with a great effort. 

Very hard indeed are the days following the death of Marcia and Ellen's mother. Daily they pray and ask the Lord to take care of them and to save their poor drinking father, whom they love dearly. The responsibility of finding food for them rests on Marcie, the older of the two girls. 

Marcia entered the store, approached the counter and said in a trembling voice, "Please, Mr Greene, let me have a little flour or meal to make a cake for breakfast."

"I suppose you have the money to pay for it." said the man, looking sharply at her.

"But I have no money." said Marcia, while tears slowly gathered in her large, gray eyes.

"Well, ask your father for some. Tell him I saw him taking a walk last night by moonlight, and I would advise him, for decency's sake, to stop drinking and take care of his children."

Poor little Marcia's heart gave a great bound at these cruel words, and she turned away in an agony of tears.

We know the Lord's eye is upon the righteous, and His ear is open unto their cry. A blessing awaits your family as you share these experiences and others with "The Drunkard's Children." A true story that will be enjoyed by all ages. 

At the Little White Cabin by Marian Schoolland 

Bonnie Baxter and her best friend, Bessie Small, are excited when a moving van backs up to the little old brown house on the corner. Who is moving into such an old rundown place? The summer turns out to be an exciting one, and the children learn lessons on helpfulness, kindness, and forgetting themselves for the good of others.

~ Dear America 

The Fences Between Us by Kirby Larson

With this sweeping tale of life on the World War II homefront, Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson brings her incredible talent to the Dear America series. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, America is finally unable to ignore the wars raging in Europe and Asia any longer. And one girl's entire life is about to change when everything she knows is turned on its head. After the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, where her brother, a navy sailor, is stationed, Piper Davis begins chronicling her compelling journey through one of history's most tragic and unforgettable eras. 

My Secret War by Mary Pope Osborne 

In a diary that brings to life the dramatic happenings on the home front during World War II, Madeline Beck is living in a boardinghouse with her mother while her father is on an aircraft carrier guarding the Pacific Coast. After discovering that a German U-boat has landed near her home--a little-known, true incident on Long Island--she and her classmates form "Kids Fight for Freedom" and participate in the home front war effort. 

~ Isabella Alden/Pansy/whatever-other-name-she-wrote-by 

Ester Reid 

“If something would "only" happen—if I could have one day, just one day, different from the others!”Thus mourned Ester Ried, for it seemed to her that her days consisted of nothing but monotony. Every day she made beds, baked endless pies in a hot kitchen, ironed, and raced against the clock to get tea on the table for the boarders. Every evening she fell into bed, too weary even for prayers, much less any Bible reading. As she nursed her suffering soul, she snapped at her sisters and brother until her very crossness added still more to her suffering and made her crosser still!Then a letter arrived from a well-to-do cousin in New York City—and thing "did" begin to happen. Ester was invited for a visit, and when she accepted, she had no idea that the coming days would change her life in ways she had never imagined. 

*~*~*~ 

I hope you enjoyed this look into some more books I love. :) Have you read any of these? Do you want to now? ;) 

Camp NaNo starts Friday!! *faints at the thought* 

~Faith

Recommend June Fest // Wanda Brunstetter

Hello everyone! How's summer going for ya?

I should warn you, my brain is currently running on words like 'bombardment', 'flak', 'stalag', and 'rations'. So if I start mumbling about Colditz Castle or a B-17 skim and/or bear with me. B-) Please and thank you... 

Have you heard of Recommend June Fest, the lovely bookish link-up started by Deborah at Reading in June? If not, then I'm pleased to introduce it to you. And if so, then I know you are also enjoying all the book-y fun. ;) 

Today I'm finally getting around to participating in the fun link-up. :) I'm going to talk about one of my favorite authors -- Wanda E. Brunstetter -- and her lovely books. :) 

When I chose Mrs. Brunstetter's books for this post, I didn't realize just how many of her books I have. The grand total? 34. And several of those have more than one book tucked away inside. O.O Yeah. Can you spell 'favorite author'? 

Okay, here's the good news. 1) I'm not going to go into much depth on any of these, and 2) I haven't read all of them. (Meaning I won't talk about the ones I haven't read -- obviously. You've been spared, people!!) 

Alrighty, let's get started. :D 

Stand-Alones. 

~ White Christmas Pie 

Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance. Here you’ll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

~ Twice Loved 

Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter brings you a touching story of a single mother widowed after World War II. Bev Winters’s new job is an answer to prayer and just in time for Christmas—until her boss’s kindness awakens an old longing. Will her pride allow love after loss? Also enjoy a collection of 1940s recipes and handcrafts along with stories and trivia about Christmas 1946.

Series. 

~ A Lancaster County Saga: The Discovery Series 

Follow the journey of Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus in the complete Discovery series from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter. . . . Financial struggles. Arguments. A suspected pregnancy. A last-minute trip to Indiana. A drug addict on the run. A deadly encounter at a Philadelphia bus station. As Meredith and Luke are faced with the greatest challenge of their young lives, will their love and faith be enough to bring them back together again, against all odds?

~ Daughters of Lancaster County 

Follow the riveting story of a kidnapped Amish child through three of Wanda E. Brunstetter’s top selling novels. The Fisher family of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, seems to suffer one tragedy after another, and oldest daughter, Naomi, blames herself. Abby Miller puts her dreams on hold to help the Fisher family, but longs to return to Ohio. Leona Weaver falls in love with an outsider who could hold clues to the distant kidnapping event.

~ Indiana Cousins Trilogy 

A Cousin's Promise 

When a horrific accident cripples Wayne Lambright, he finds it difficult enough to take care of himself, much less Loraine Miller, his future bride. Will he sacrifice his happiness to give her a better life? Having already been jilted once, Loraine is terrified of yet another rejection. But does she love Wyane enough to marry him, for better or worse? When her old boyfriend Jake Beechy returns from exploring the English world, he hopes Loraine will give him another chance. Will she renew their love or wed Wayne as promised? How will God work to give Loraine the desires of her heart?  

A Cousin's Prayer 

Katie Miller is traumatized after her boyfriend is killed in a van in which she was also a passenger. How will she find her way out of the valley of her depression? Freeman Bontrager will make any excuse to be near to Katie, hoping to win her love. But how far will he go to gain her trust. . .and her heart? What will bring this girl out of the shadows of fear, and open her heart to life—and love?

A Cousin's Challenge 

Jolene Yoder returns to Indiana to teach lip reading and sign language to the newly deaf Amish man Lonnie Hershberger. As she begins falling for Lonnie, Jolene wonders if she ll ever see signs of his love for her. Lovelorn Lonnie is fighting his attraction to Jolene, especially since she seems smitten by Jake Beechy. And Ella Miller is worried the roving Jake will end up breaking her cousin Jolene s heart, never realizing that Jake has really set his sights on her Ella! Who will end up with whom as these cousins face challenges in love and life?

*~*~*~ 

I hope y'all enjoyed this little look into some books I love. :) I could've went on and on all day, but that might have gotten boring... ;) 

Have you read any of these? Who's your favorite author? Be sure to hop over to Deborah's blog for more book-ish fun. :D 

Also, check out Allie's lovely blog (which I just discovered!!), The Depth of My Faith, and enter to win a set of Bible Verse tracts!! :D 

Later! 

~ Faith

Flash Fiction Challenge!

Hey everyone! I'm participating in the Flash Fiction Challenge on Rachelle's blog The Ink Loft today! :D Yay!!! This was my first time, and I'm not sure how well I did, but it was fun. :) 

Here's the prompt I was given... 

And here's what I came up with... :) 

 The redlight changed to green and he stomped the accelerator. The sleek, black sports car glided on down the street before making a left turn and continuing down into the impoverished parts of the city. 

 Phillip Barnard relaxed, one arm rested across the steering wheel. His counterfeiting enterprise was prospering, and his empire, including all the wealth and power he desired, was within his reach. All he had to do was grasp it. 

 And today, yet again, he'd ‘gotten away with murder’ as the saying goes. Before he'd wondered if he'd be able to keep his illegal money-making venture a secret. Now, with that Adams guy out of the picture, there was nothing standing between him and what he wanted. 

 Throwing a quick glance around the intersection, he checked to be sure no one was paying him any attention and swerved around the back of a dark, run-down warehouse. 

 He parked his car near the back of the building where no one, with the exception of the few trusted people who may be coming and going, could see it. Nothing good could come from someone spotting him here. Especially now. 

 Reaching over the seat, he grabbed his hat and a stack of false accounts from his real occupation and raced through the drizzling rain to the closest door. Barnard ducked inside and shook the water from his overcoat. Never did like rain. 

 As he was climbing the first of several flights of stairs to his office, a strong blast of dust and warm air hit him from above. He froze and listened. A motor could be heard running in another part of the warehouse. 

 “I told that Cullen not to turn on those blasted fans,” he grumbled out loud. “One strong gust through the wrong room at the wrong time could uncover our entire operation.” He quickly continued on his way, fully intent on giving the culprit of this act, and anyone else nearby, a piece of his mind. 

 Halfway up through the building, a second mysterious circumstance revealed itself to him.  

 Paper, make that lots of papers, were floating through the air around him! He caught one of them and his stomach rolled as he realized what it was. Money. Counterfeit money. His counterfeit money. 

 Barnard looked up at the millions of loose articles drifting past him. They weren't all green though… 

 He snagged several more in his grasp and was able to confirm his suspicions. They weren't all money. Some of them were other papers. Receipts, reports, records, phony checks. More than enough evidence to lock him up for life. 

 “Problems, Barnard?” 

 Barnard whirled around to find the origin of the annoying voice. A man stood at the top of the flight of stairs, arms crossed and jaw set. It was him. 

 Barnard eyed him up and down before speaking. “You look pretty good for a dead man, Adams.” Sarcasm edged his tone. “Apparently Plait is as much a liar and a traitor as you.” 

 Adams shrugged. “We are alike in one aspect. We both wanted out of your little game. Problem was, he was in this mess quite a bit deeper than I ever could've been.” He paused, studied Barnard intently, and then went on. “I thought I could get out easily, and you could've let me. But you were scared, Barnard. Scared that I knew more than I let on. So you came after me. That was a mistake.” 

 “A mistake?” Barnard repeted with a smirk. “Why do you say that, genius?” 

 Adams clomped down the stairs toward him, still talking. “I had nothing on you but a few suspicions, things that didn't quite add up. I didn't fully know all the ins and outs of your undercover empire until today. I wouldn't have went to the cops with what little I knew. But after all you did? You left us no choice, Barnard, but to turn you in.” 

 Barnard wasn't buying into this. “Like you'd tell me the truth about anything.” He pointed back down the stairs. “I'm going to give you two minutes to get out of here before I have my men come and get you. And if it comes to that you're not leaving.” 

 “That's not going to happen. Neither of your options are.” 

 “Oh, really?” 

 “Give it up, Phillip.” Adams eyes sent out a silent plea. “Give it up.” 

 He gave a short laugh. “Or what? You're just one man. What can you do?” 

 “I am,” Adams nodded soberly. “But I'm not the only person here. You're surrounded, Barnard.” 

 As numberous armed, uniformed men appeared all around them, Barnard realized Adams wasn't bluffing this time. But it was too late now. 

 He looked up and met Adams somber, almost sympathetic, gaze. This was what his greed had gotten him. 

What do ya think? ;) 

I have some post that I will be doing soon. A Valentines story to share with y'all, a blog award, and some meet the characters fun. :) 

Until next time! Your sister in Christ, 

~Faith