Contest winners + Memorial day

Hello all! I hope you've had a wonderful weekend thus far! And .. Today's memorial day!!! Which means ... the results for the Writers Unite writing contest! I had so much fun being part of judging this contest. I want to thank everyone who sent in stories; you guys all did a really good job! And I also want to thank Soleil for letting me be a part of this wonderful contest, as well as all my fellow judges. It was amazing be able to work with you guys and I enjoyed it immensely! 

Okay.  I'll not make you wait any longer ... the winners are *drumroll*

1st place: In Honor By Rebekah Eddy

2nd Place: I did it for you By Blessings Counter

3rd. Place: Katie's War by Kaitlyn K.

Congrats!!! I love each and every one of your stories. ;) You should receive an email later today, if you haven't already received one!

So, now that the fun stuff is over ...

Today is Memorial day! A day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Those who were willing to die for our freedom.  

Guys, think about it.

The reason we are able to live in the peace and freedom that we have is because someone else was willing to die for us!

Of course, Jesus also made the ultimate sacrifice when he died for us. In Christ we are free from the bondage of sin! 

Freedom. 

The one word holds so, so much. 

I was scrolling through pinterest the other day when I saw a picture with rows and rows of white crosses against a brilliant green blanket of grass. Come to find out, this was a picture of the Normandy memorial. The crosses that were placed for all those who did not make it through the D-Day landings. 

These pictures got me to thinking, and I wrote a short poem. (I know, I'm not the best at poetry! I wrote one last year as well, and you can read it here.) But I wanted to put into words something of the sacrifice these men gave. So ... here it is. I hope you enjoy, and have a blessed memorial day. 

So many crosses stretched out in front of me.

It seemed that twas all, as far as eye could see.

The sun was shining bright, a brilliant topaz blue,

While all around me, a gentle breeze blew.

It seemed so wrong, I thought,

These men all had fought,

With gray skies overhead,

While on the beaches they tread.

The sight of the crosses marking each grave,

Made my mind wander to an empty grave.

Christ died on a cross, that we might from sin be free,

And live with Him for eternity.

The tears came, as I looked at the names,

That marked each cross above the graves.

Someone loved each one, I know,

And the loss of a life is a terrible blow.

Yet each one of these men, died for me.

They gave their lives, that I might be free.

In return I have an obligation,

To those who gave their lives for this nation.

To treasure freedom, and uphold what’s right,

To stand for justice, for truth and light.

The memory of their sacrifice should never leave our mind,

For our freedom, their lives they signed.

All gave some, but some gave all,

They were willing to die,

For freedom, for Justice, for liberty.

For God and country, that they loved above all.

I pray that we may never forget the price they paid for our freedom. Freedom isn't free; the price is high. Yet some were willing to pay that price. 

I hope you have a blessed Memorial day 2016! 

Defy blog tour--Book Spotlight & Review

Hey all! today I'm posting as a part of the Defy blog tour!!

--Summary--

The war for Acktar has begun.

With his betrayal revealed, former Blade Leith Torren flees into the Sheered Rock Hills, pursued by King Respen’s vengeful Blades.

Left behind at Nalgar Castle, Renna Faythe tries to find her purpose, yet that purpose isn’t what she expected.

Brandi Faythe has been torn from her sister, and that isn’t all right. If Leith can’t rescue Renna, Brandi will take matters into her own hands.

War demands sacrifice. Courage falters. Who will find the strength to defy King Respen?

Acktar rests on one hope:

The Leader is ready.

--My Review--
-5 Stars-

*Warning---slight spoilers ahead*

Ahhh!! This book is amazing!!! The 3rd book in The Blades of Acktar series, Defy, picks up right where Deny (book 2) left off. Which means ... lots of action, right from the first page! (These books are not the kind that you can just pick up and read. You must start with the 1st book!)                          

I think this is my favorite in the series so far. The characters have come so far from the first book. Renna is learning what faith in the Lord truly means, Leith is struggling with the fact that he is still seen as a blade, as well as the the reality that there are two people back at the castle who he may have to choose between, and Brandi .. well, she's still Brandi! 

Finding out who "The Leader" is was just ... ahhh!!!! I was so not prepared for that! And everything that happens with him. The other two books in the series where bad, but I was still able to keep my heart intact. This one literally tore it to pieces. So many things going on. There were times where I didn't think there was anyway it would end well. 

I loved seeing Shad and Leith together, especially once they got to the  Sheered Rock Hills. Shad's loyalty was so awesome, and I just so love their friendship! ^_^

And Martyn!! Oh, what to say about him? He's now officially my favorite character in the series. Seeing how he struggled between loyalty to Leith and loyalty to King Respen was so hard. He was a complex character, to be sure. He was bound by two loyalties, and he had to choose which one to honor. Oh, it was so hard to watch! (Err, read. ;)) 

And FINALLY in this book it seems like Leith and Renna realize they actually have an attraction for one another! Definitely a few very sweet, tender moments between the two! *insert fangirl squealing* I think my favorite line in the book was "We're making Martyn uncomfortable." Ohhhhh, yes!! Please make him uncomfortable. A lot! (No, it was not in a bad way! If you've read it, you know what I mean. ;))

All in all, it was AMAZING! Not that I was expecting any less. Seriously, these books are so good! If you haven't read them, than you need to!! :D 

--About the Author--

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn’t writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.

(I have no idea why the link colors are messed up. Sorry!)

May 26

• Author Interview & Book Review – Soleil Bourdon
• Book Review – Claire Banschbach
• Author Interview & Book Review – Hope Brockway
• Book Spotlight – Gabrielle Nadig

May 27

• Book Review – Rachael Steele
• Book Spotlight – Mandy Fender
• Book Spotlight & Review – Jesseca Wheaton
• Book Spotlight – Micailah Cialella

May 30

• Author Interview & Book Review – Gabriela Paige
• Author Interview & Book Review – Alyssa Van Fossen

May 31 – Release Day!

• Book Release Announcement – Tricia Mingerink

June 1

• Author Interview & Book Review – Jessica Dowell
• Book Review – Hannah M. Rodes
• Author Interview & Book Review – Ivy Rose
• Book Review – Hannah Williams

June 2

• Book Review – Jaye L. Knight
• Book Review – Abby Cashen
• Book Spotlight – Faith Potts
• Facebook Party! 

June 3

• Book Review – Shantelle Hannu
• Book Review – Bethany Reinstedt
• Book Review & Spotlight – Jonathan Trout 

The first two books are on sale during the blog tour! Only $.99 and $1.99 for the e-books on amazon!!

And there will be a fun facebook party where you can chat with the characters from the books!! :D Sound awesome?!?!?

What about you? Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them? Have a great Memorial day weekend! 

Something came ...

Hey everyone! How is your Saturday coming? Mine is awesome so far! :D  I spent the night last night at my grandparents house with two of my sisters. Now we've just finished breakfast, which was glorious eggs and ham (yes, that is a glorious breakfast), and now we're down in the basement watching westerns. Because that's what you're supposed to do on a Saturday. ;)

Alright, moving on. So ... something came in the mail yesterday. Something I've been waiting weeks to finally hold in my hands.

Yes.

I GOT MY BOOK IN THE MAIL. My book.

Okay, so it is only the proof copy, but still!! It's such an amazing feeling to finally hold it in my hands!

It's an 8x5 book, and 190 pages. And ... ahh, it's just so pretty!

Maybe I'm sorta overreacting, but that's okay, right? I'm so excited! :D

*squeals* I love it so much! It's my book!! And I've been waiting for it for what seems like FOREVER!

Ahem. Okay. I'll be quiet now. ;P That's all for this post. Thank you guys so much for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful Saturday! Do you have any plans for the weekend?
Oh, and I know I've been tagged for quite a few different things, so I'll try to have those posts up soon! :)
And ... I'll end this post with a verse. Because ... well, it should be self-explanatory. ;)

Jame 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

//Tomorrow//Pictures//

Hey, everyone! This is just a super fast to post to say that I decided to do my normal, weekly post tomorrow, not today.  Our week has been super busy, and I just haven't had the time to write the post I wanted to write! So it will come tomorrow!
In the meantime, here are some pictures I took last night when I went with my mom out to Hutchinson. WHEAT FIELDS EVERYWHERE!! It was gorgeous!  I have a lot more pictures ... but they're on my dad's phone, and he's at work. ;P So you get these for now!

Kezzy and I! We were both having a ton of fun way out in the middle of nowhere. ;) 

Blog tour: Where the Light may lead--Book review and spotlight

Hey, everyone! I'm here today with a book review and spotlight for the book Where the Light my Lead which includes six novella-length stories!
First we have the book spotlight . . .

 Six authors, six genres, six bite-sized stories of women living out their faith in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. When the heart is willing to follow, where does the light lead?

Sample Old West justice. Watch a romance unfold over light years. Laugh as an introvert finagles her way out of a bridal shower. Agonize with an FBI agent as she negotiates for a child’s life. Imagine a shape-shifting cat who tracks down a kidnapper. And peek behind the scenes as a guardian angel argues with a double-talking auto mechanic. Learn again that the light of faith can lead you anywhere.

That’s How She Rolls by C.L. Wells

Tessa, a self-conscious introvert, attempts to avoid a party and everything goes wrong. When a handsome stranger offers to lend a helping hand, she isn’t sure things will ever be right again.

Leopard’s Find by Kimberly A. Rogers

Ever wonder what your favorite characters were doing before you read about them for the first time? Sparks fly whenever Raina and Baran from The Therian Way are together. But what exactly was she doing before she met him?

Whatever Raina’s up to, it’s never boring.

Upsie-Daisy by Jane Lebak

Did you know guardian angels have a sharp sense of humor? It’s a requirement for the job, otherwise they’d run screaming instead of dealing with us. If you’re new to the Lee and Bucky stories, welcome to the world of sarcastic mechanics and pun-slinging angels. This story takes place about four months before any of the full-length novels, that way you can dive right in.

Circular Horizon by Bokerah Brumley

As a speculative fiction writer, I’m forever intrigued with the ‘what if.’ For instance, what if there was real-world science fiction featuring a God-fearing astronaut? This brain-wandering led to a story, and I briefly explore this idea with Mae McNair and Abel Onizuka in Circular Horizon.

‘Tis So Sweet by Faith Blum

Eleanor Miller has always loved her younger brother, even through all the bad things he has done. But when he almost kills a man, she needs to let him go and trust God to draw him to Himself. Will she find out how sweet it is to trust Jesus in everything, no matter what happens?

The Quinn Case by Julie C. Gilbert

Law enforcement’s a tough career to make it in both physically and emotionally. The Quinn Case takes place several years before the events in Heartfelt Cases Book 1: The Collins Case. Herein, you’ll meet a young FBI Special Agent named Ann Davidson who must find a missing child even as she struggles to put another case behind her.

Immerse yourself in six clean, sweet, Christian novelettes in this awesome multi-author anthology fiction box set….and maybe encounter your next favorite author!


You're invited to our Facebook party!

The Light Leads to Peace (and Prizes)

6:30 - 8:30 PM CST on Saturday, May 14, 2016.

My Review:

~4.5 stars~

I really, really enjoyed this collection of stories!!! All in all they were enjoyable and sweet reads. :) Overall rating is 4.5 stars.

That's how She Rolls

~3.5 stars~

I enjoyed this story! It was sweet and light and I found myself chuckling along with the characters! The reasons for the lower rating is because some if it was a little too descriptive for my taste. Also, the romance put me on edge. They seemed all too enamored with the physical side of things. The issues and point the author was trying to get across was really good and meaningful, and I appreciated how she dealt with the fact the beauty comes from the heart, not how others around us view us. 

Leopard's Fight

~4 stars~

I have never read urban fantasy before. In fact, I had no idea it was even a genre! I really enjoyed reading through it, and discovering a new genre to try! The characters were endearing and frustrating by turns, which made the story intriguing! I'll definitely be looking into reading more by this author!! :) 

Upsie-Daisy

~4 stars~

This story was a cute, humorous story, including a guardian angel. This as a totally new experience for me, and I really enjoyed it! Nearly every single part had me smiling, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series that comes directly after this fun novella!

Circular Horizons

~3.5 Stars~

The only reason for the lower rating is because I couldn't quite understand everything that was going on. But it was set quite a ways into the future, in space, so that could be why! I loved the characters, and the mother/son relationship was sweet and endearing. I so appreciated that the son had a respect for the mom, even if he didn't agree with her view on God. There wasn't the arguing, angry, bitter son that there seems to be in so many stories nowadays. I loved the verses put before each chapter, and the conclusion to the story was just so sweet!!

'Tis so Sweet

~4 Stars~

Ahh, our western! I so enjoyed this story, although it felt a little rushed. Nearly every chapter we were heading into the future anywhere from 3 to 15 years. I tend not to enjoy books that do that anyways, so that kinda out me off. But the story redeemed itself with the plot the the characters! The way the story ended was so not what I expected, but at the same time it was a fulfilling ending, and I loved how the hymn 'Tis so Sweet was woven into the story line!!

The Quinn Case

~5 stars~

Oh, I loved this story!! And when I finished it, I realized I have the first book in the series on kindle!!! So that was rather exciting. :D 

I feel like this story was probably the best of the bunch, Or it could just be that it was the style of writing I enjoyed the most! Set in present day and with FBI agents, I wasn't sure how the author was going ot be able to pull off such a short story and still make it interesting. I shouldn't have worried! It was quite an amazing plot, and the characters were very well developed for the length of the story!

---

About Our Authors

C.L. Wells 

C.L. Wells is a JANE-OF-ALL-TRADES, with a passion for writing and animals. She lives in Kansas with her family, which includes a fat doggie who is not named Toto and a cat who moonlights as an escape artist. Feel free to ask her about the ‘escape artist.’ She plans to write about it someday. She would love hearing from you.

Connect with C.L.

Kimberly A. Rogers

Kimberly A. Rogers writes urban fantasy with a Christian twist. She lives in Virginia where the Blue Ridge Mountains add inspiration to an overactive imagination originally fueled by fantasy classics such as the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Connect with Kimberly

Jane Lebak

Jane Lebak has been publishing since 1994, with several novels in print as well as over seventy-five shorter pieces in magazines, newspapers, and journals. She is one of the bloggers for QueryTracker.net, a resource for writers seeking agents. She lives in The Swamp, reading books and knitting socks with her husband, children, cats, and fishtanks.

Connect with Jane

Bokerah Brumley

Bokerah Brumley is a speculative fiction writer making stuff up on a trampoline in West Texas. She lives on ten acres with five home-educated children, four peacocks, three dogs, two cats, and one husband. In her imaginary spare time, she also serves as the blue-haired Publicity Officer for the Cisco Writers Club.

Connect with Bokerah

Faith Blum

Faith Blum is a historical fiction author who also loves to do pretty much any right-brained activity, especially if it involves crafting. She lives with her family on a small family farm in Wisconsin.

Connect with Faith

Julie C. Gilbert 

Julie C. Gilbert writes in several genres including Christian Mystery, YA Science Fiction, and Mystery/Thriller. Regardless of category, she writes about people who face hardship and right wrongs because they have an innate need to do so. In other news, she is obsessed with Star Wars and has a day job teaching high school Chemistry in New Jersey.

Connect with Julie

Available now for Free!

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The Meaningful Song Lyrics Tag

Hi everyone! I'm back with a tag! (What else? ;))
So, Natasha did this over on her blog, and she tagged anyone who wanted to do it. It looked like a lot of fun, so I decided to do it! I mean, who doesn't love song lyrics?!
Here are the rules...

Find some lyrics you think are really meaningful and type them into a nice background Be sure to name the song and the writer!
Than post it on your blog and tag as many people as you want.

Here are my Meaningful Lyrics ...

Jesus calls us not to just sit idly by and live a leisurely life. He calls us to be on the front lines for the gospel. We are our lives in a way that glorifies Him and points others to the cross. The battle is real, and we can not shirk our duty by ignoring everything around us. The entire world is a mission field (or, as in this song, a battlefield) for the gospel. 

This is one of my vary favorites. Looking at the storm around us, it can appear at times that God has forgotten, or that He doesn't care about the small details of our life. But when we look to the cross, we see that He not only cares, He loves us so much that He died to save us. He loves us that much! If he died for us, surely we can trust Him with our lives. He is there holding us through it all!

I think the lyrics pretty much speak for themselves. This song, this verse, in particular, always brings tears to my eyes. This is the hope of an eternal promise that we have in Jesus! Forever with Him, safe and free from all the toils of this life. Oh, what a glorious day that will be to be together with our Lord!

Then post it on your blog and tag however many 

When we come to the end of ourselves, when there is nothing left that we can do, that's when Jesus says His grace is sufficient. He is our strength, and with Him, anything is possible! He can take our lives and mold them into His image. And with Him, we are made into more than we could ever be on our own! Because with God, all things are possible! 

And ... that's all for this tag! I hope you guys enjoyed reading it, and I'm sorry if I came across as if I was giving a sermon with a few of them. I, uhh, tend to get carried away when I talk about things that mean a lot to me. And these lyrics have each encouraged me during a difficult time in my life, so they mean a lot. 

And for the people I tag...

Faith P. at Stories by Firefly

Rebekah Eddy at Rebekah's Remarks ('Cause I know she loves tags B-))

Abi at The Left-Handed Typist

Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One

and

Rebekah Ashleigh.

 So, tell me, what is your favorite song lyric? Why is it a favorite?

I hope you all are having a wonderful week!!!

yu wan