BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 15 August 2018 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK– WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME by PEPPER BASHAM

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 15 August 2018 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK COVER REVEAL– WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME by PEPPER BASHAM

WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK COVER REVEAL – WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME by PEPPER BASHAM

 

Welcome to the official COVER REVEAL blitz for When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! When You Look At Me is the 2nd book in the Pleasant Gap Romance series and releases in October 2018.

 

THE BLURB:

An unexpected mother-to-be

A romance-leery composer

And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures.

When Julia Jenkins’ great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. Following her aunt’s cryptic journal, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?

 

THE AUTHOR:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader’s Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and a finalist in ACFW’s Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. In December 2016, her third historical in the Penned in Time series, The Thorn Healer – released with a 4 1/2 star review from RT and a Top Picks rating. You can get to know Pepper on her website, http://www.pepperdbasham.com, on Facebook, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.

CONNECT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

 

 

 

Ready…..

.

.

.

Set…..

.

.

.

Reveal!!

Yay!! Isn’t it pretty?!? Is It October yet??

Available for Preorder this Friday, 17 August.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

Enter for your chance to win:

• print copy of Just the Way You Are (book #1 in the series)
• a cute ‘Britallachian’ mug – “We go together like tea and biscuits”

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 15, 2018 and last through 11:59pm August 22, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow along with the tour at JustRead for a full list of stops!

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Cover Reveal, When You Look at Me, Pleasant Gap Romance, Just the Way You Are

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BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 14 August 2018 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – A DISTANT MELODY by SARAH SUNDIN

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – A DISTANT MELODY by SARAH SUNDIN

                                                                             

THE BLURB:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval–even marry a man she doesn’t love. Lt. Walter Novak–fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women–takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt’s muddy bomber base in England and Allie’s mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?
A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

 

THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the author of ten novels, including the The Sea Before Us (February 2018) and the Waves of Freedom series (Through Waters Deep, Anchor in the Storm, and When Tides Turn).

A mother of three, Sundin lives in northern California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers’ groups. Her novels When Tides Turn and Through Waters Deep were both named to Booklist’s 101 Best Romance Novels of the Past 10 Years. Through Waters Deep was a 2016 Carol Award Finalist and won the INSPY Award, and her novella in Where Treetops Glisten was a finalist in the 2015 Carol Awards. In 2011 she received the Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Please visit Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com, on Facebook at SarahSundinAuthor, and on Twitter at @sarahsundin.

 

 

MY REVIEW:

How have I never read a book by this author before?!?!?!? It may be my first, but A Distant Melody certainly won’t be my last read by Ms. Sundin!

This story is filled with all the things I love—genuine characters, plausible scenarios, realistic conflict, and authentic settings and details.

I could hear the tunes, I could feel the rumble of the B-17 engines, I cringed at the swarming ‘flak.’ I ached and yearned with Allie and Walt—and wanted to knock both their noggins! And when it all looked hopeless I cried and… I kept turning the pages til it wasn’t. I wanted to step into the story and smother Allie with motherly hugs. I wanted to sit with Walt, and offer encouragement—I cheered him on so many times.

Ms. Sundin knows her era, her story world, and she knows her people, and she wraps it all together in a story so tender, so touching, I was moved to tears and fictional prayers over and again. I look forward to continuing the series!

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS:

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

I purchased this book on Amazon. I offer my review of my own free will, and the opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, A Distant Melody, Sarah Sundin

BLOGWORDS – Sunday 12 August 2018 – FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – SIMPLE PRAYERS

FRONT PORCH FELLOWSHIP – SIMPLE PRAYERS

 

I felt myself drifting. The cord fraying and wearing thin. My connection growing distant and weak.

 

The name of Sunday’s feature, Front Porch Fellowship, came about… “Because sometimes you can’t make it to church. Or, what the world commonly thinks of as church.”

 

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2016/08/07/blogwords-sunday-7-august-2016-front-porch-fellowship-why-this-title/

 

Without a car, and without a way to get to “church,” Father met me where I’m at—at home—and we have church, just the two of us. And to the name of this feature, many times, it takes place, well, on the front porch.

 

And, like so many things in life, I began taking it for granted. After all, I’m having “church” pretty much anytime. But anytime so easily slips into sometimes, which fades to once in a while…

 

And I was feeling empty.

 

I simply told Father I missed Him.

 

And an amazing thing happened. Refreshing washed over me. His presence became tangible to me once again. His strength and joy and purpose has and is rising up in me.

 

He has promised,

 

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

 

He didn’t leave me. He didn’t abandon me. He didn’t go do something else until I needed Him again. He has been right here with me, right by my side all along. I had only to call out to Him.

 

And He has wrapped His loving arms around me, drawing me close, back to intimacy I so crave. All because of a simple prayer.

 

 

#Blogwords, Front Porch Fellowship, #FPF, Sunday Devotion, Simple Prayers

BLOGWORDS – Friday 10 August 2018 – WREADING WEDNESDAY FRIDAY – FEATURED BOOK– NEVER FALL by ANNE CAROL

WREADING WEDNESDAY FRIDAY – FEATURED BOOK – NEVER FALL by ANNE CAROL

 

Welcome to the blitz & giveaway for the FAITHFULLY YOURS series by Anne Carol, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

                                                                             

Title: Never Fall (Faithfully Yours #2)
Author: Anne Carol
Release Date: November 17, 2015
Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

 

THE BLURB:

“Your fairy tale is about to begin.”

Beth and David’s whirlwind romance has survived a year of long-distance dating—dodging exes, dealing with jealousy, and syncing future goals. Eager to move into the next chapter of their lives together, Beth leaves California after graduation to follow her heart, joining David in his native London.

While Beth keeps busy with her university courses, David focuses on building his music career—recording and touring with his band, Vinyl Fog. They’re young and in love with the world at their feet.

Life seems perfect.

But it doesn’t take long before a series of unforeseen events challenges them like never before. How will Beth and David cope with one battle after another, and ultimately hold each other up while life keeps trying to knock them down?

Falling in love was easy.
Surviving love is the challenge.

There will be four books in the Faithfully Yours series, all four featuring Beth and David, as their love story takes many twists and turns over the two decades the series will span. Come along on their journey and see how they gradually deepen their faith in the One who holds them up in good times and bad.

Author’s Note: this book has been revised from the original 2015 edition and is now told from a Christian worldview.

 

PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon

 

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

 

Series Purchase Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Each day of the blitz spotlights a different book from the series – follow along with the tour to learn about each of the first three books individually!

 

 

THE AUTHOR:

Anne Carol grew up reading, writing, and listening to English rock bands, obsessing over one in particular. Her obsession and endless daydreaming inspired her to write her first romance novel at age twelve. Over twenty years later she decided to re-write the story for publication. Never Let Go, the first book in her Faithfully Yours series, is a story that has been a part of Anne since childhood. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys traveling, wine tasting, dancing, watching teen dramas, and exploring social media websites. Anne lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

 

CONNECT WITH ANNE: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

 

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Anne Carol is giving away:

• ecopies of all 3 books in the Faithfully Yours series;
• $10 Amazon gift card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 9, 2018 and last through 11:59pm August 16, 2018. Open internationally, except where prohibited by law. Winners must be able to accept gift card from US Amazon. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for the full TOUR SCHEDULE!

 

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday on Friday, Featured Book, Never Fall, Anne Carol, Faithfully Yours, Never Change, Never Let Go, JustRead Tours

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 9 August 2018 – CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ – CYLE YOUNG

CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – CYLE YOUNG

“A writer’s life isn’t supposed to be frustrating, it should be filled with wonder, discovery, and passion for putting words and stories on paper. Embracing who you are, or who you want to be, will allow you to find your niche in the writing world and help you enjoy an amazing life as an author or artist.”

 

“A master novelist paints his story with dynamic two-dimensional characters. The characters are woven into the story like puzzle pieces. Each is important to the final picture, but standing alone they bring no significant revelation to the final image… Two-dimensional characters create a believable setting, which allows the main character to spring into life. With careful planning and placement these characters often go unnoticed.”

 

rem:  Hullo Cyle, and welcome to Robin’s nest. Tell us three things about yourself that no one knows.

CYLE:  I like My Little Pony. I abhor onions. And I was a high school all-american wrestler.

rem:  I have a daughter (grown now) and two granddaughters—I’ve had my fair share of My Little Pony! And I cannot stand onions, either! (unless they’re cooked)

 

FUN FAVES

rem:  Cookout—steaks or burgers?

CYLE:  Burgers

rem:  Gotta agree with ya, there! Beer in a bottle or a can?

CYLE:  Neither for both – Sparkling Ice

rem:  Ooohhh, a rebel! Over or under or monster?

CYLE:  Monster

rem:  Rebel two for two. Fishing or hunting?

CYLE:  Neither – Video Games

rem:  Ya lost me on that one…  #notafanofvideogames

Vacation: beach or mountains?

CYLE:  Mountains

rem:  Ohhhh, yeahhhh!!!!! Blue Ridge or Rockies, just something so peaceful and majestic there.

 

rem:  Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

CYLE:  1 Cor. 15:33 – It is a guiding verse for all relationships

 

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

 

rem:  No better guide than that. If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

CYLE:  Author Orson Scott Card

rem:  Hmmm, a new name to me. What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?  How has being an author / agent impacted your relationship with Christ?

CYLE:  Christian Fiction is written to share a message or worldview. It has allowed me to expand my ministry beyond my local church.

rem:  Exactly! Fiction can go where we otherwise might not. When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you? Your fiction pet peeve?

CYLE:  Bad Grammar

rem:  Noooo kidding!! Which is more important: plot or characters?

CYLE:  Characters

rem:  ‘Cause ya gotta care about the peeps, right? What are you reading right now?

CYLE:  The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer

rem:  Also a new one to me; will have to check it out. Tell us a little about your writing journey. How did you get started?

CYLE:  I always wanted to be a writer. After my daughter was stillborn, I began to write my thoughts down to help communicate to family. That journey spurred me back into writing and I went to a writer’s conference soon after.

rem:  So sorry to hear about your daughter, Cyle. I understand the value of writing your thoughts, and have done the same; it was, in fact, what started me on my writing journey.

You wear a lot of hats. Tell us about the courses you offer at Seriously Writer Academy.

CYLE:  I offer courses to help self-published and published authors. Marketing course on Targeted Facebook Ads, Amazon Ads, and Bookbub Ads. I also have classes on writing a children’s picture book proposal, binge writing, and winning at winning contests.

rem:  And oh! how we authors appreciate you sharing your wisdom and expertise! How did A³ come about? What is its purpose and what is your role there?

CYLE:  I wanted to grow my personal platform as fast as I could… so I started a group blog and invited 40 other writers. Two years later it has grown beyond what I could have imagined becoming a Writers Digest Top site for Writers in 2018.

rem:  Sounds like a God thing to me! Congrats! Regale us, if you would, with your Hotel Saga Stories from last summer.

CYLE:  I have had some crazy hotel stays for sure. I went to a pastor’s conference in Lancaster, PA. I arrived around 12pm and they had given all the hotel rooms away. They instead offered me the Bridal Parlor… it’s not an actual hotel room. The toilet was broken. We had to shower 5 floors up in the spa, and the windows had no window coverings. They also rolled in beds for us that came equipped with what I like to call “bed belts”. I strapped myself into my bed and fell asleep to the bright Neon light outside. The room had mirrors everywhere. It would be very nice for a bridal party… but not for sleeping in.

rem:  ROFL  er, I mean #SMH  I remember when you did live feeds when that was happening!! So glad you survived! What do you enjoy most about being a writer / agent?

CYLE:  Getting book contracts for clients.

rem:  Methinks your clients like that also! #winkwink  What are your top 3 recommendations for a new writer? What 3 things would recommend not doing?

CYLE:  Build Platform. Go to conferences and pitch editors. Get an agent.

rem:  Yes, yes, and yes. How do you choose your characters’ names?

CYLE:  I just make them up for Fantasy books. For other stories I pick the name that I think fits the best.

rem:  Ah, the advantage of fantasy worlds and names no one’s ever heard before! How fun is that!! Do you think of the entire story before you start writing?

CYLE:  No, I’m a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants.

rem:  Yay for Pantsers!! Tell us a little about your latest book? What is your current project?

CYLE:  I just signed contract to co-write a Michigan Football Motivational book that releases in 2020.

rem:  Congrats! I do seem to recall that you are a fair Michigan fan…  #winkwink What is YOUR favorite part about the book or why do you love this book? Why should we read it?

CYLE:  It’s about Michigan Football!! Go Blue!

rem:  Of course! Why else? Tell us about why you wrote this book.

CYLE:  I played football for four years at UofM, so I am passionate about my alma mater.

rem:  That’s so great, Cyle. Nothing like the connections we’ve made along the way! Where can we find you online?

CYLE:  www.cyleyoung.com

rem:  Thank you so much for chatting with us at my little nest today!

 

 

http://cyleyoung.com/

http://www.seriouswriteracademy.com/

http://www.almostanauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CyleYoung/

https://twitter.com/cyleyoung

https://www.instagram.com/chiefjoe61/

https://just18summers.com/

 

 

“Dreaming is not a waste of time, it is a necessity to rescue and redeem our limited time. I challenge you to ask God to awaken the dreams he’s sown into your soul and spirit so long ago. Stop listening to the naysayers and the doomsdayers. Blow off the dust, take it in your hands, hold it close to your heart, and nurture that dream until it becomes all that God says it will be.”

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Chat Thursday, Author / Agent Interview, Cyle Young

 

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 8 August 2018 – A DAY IN THE LIFE – SIMONE DUBOIS BISHOP

BLOGWORDS – A DAY IN THE LIFE – SIMONE DUBOIS BISHOP

 

Today I’m blogging over at

http://www.abakersperspective.com/

Pop on over and say hullo!

 

“Maybe you have to know the darkness to truly appreciate the light.” —Madeline L’Engle

 

Bonjour. My name is Simone Bishop. I’ve been invited to tell you all about my day, and I must say I’m a tad baffled. There’s nothing special about me. I’m an ordinary woman, living an ordinary life. Rather like any other woman of my station in 1914.

 

I suppose, though, that recent events have shed light on my, er, shall we say, conflicted life. And as such, have also piqued interest in what my days are like.

 

To begin, Yeto and I have settled in Russellville, not far from Pearl and Rolf. Our Rowan has just had his first birthday, and I must say the bulk of my day is chasing after him. If anyone had thought I’d have a nanny or governess, they were wrong; as it turned out, no one thought such. I’ve been apart from my family for so long, nothing will come between me and them again, especially my children.

 

Cece is five now, and she reads her stories the same as her namesake. She’s quite introspective, that one—just as my dear friend Mercedes.

 

As for my days. Ro awakens the house with the roosters. Not that we have roosters, as we are in the town. He is a monkey, climbing on anything—not so unlike me, I suppose, when I was a child. We’ve had to barricade the stairs at the top, as his crib does not contain him. Most mornings I awaken to him sitting on the floor next to our bed. On his papá’s side, of course. Yeto is a remarkable man, and takes our son to change him and dress him, then takes him downstairs with him while he cooks our breakfast. Leaving me to get dressed, and get Cece dressed. She, too, awakens early, but so different to her brother, she waits in her room with her books or her dollies until I come to get her dressed. She is at least like me regarding her hair; she does not like any fuss with her hair, and I have, in fact, had it recently cut.

 

We enjoy a grand breakfast—my Yeto is a superb chef—before he leaves for his new restaurant, Bishop House Restaurant. On sunny days, I take the children for a stroll to the park. Even at just a year, Ro resists riding in the pram. He has climbed out on more than one occasion, most recently in the middle of the street with an auto fast approaching. I have deferred to fastening a harness about his waist and chest that is attached to a short cord. I feel as though I’m walking one of the dogs, but if it keeps my child safe, c’est la vie. On rainy days we go to the library instead. Wherever we go, Cece pushes her own tiny little pram with her favorite dolly, Dorothy, so named for the little girl in her favorite book, The Emerald City of Oz. Cece tucks her Dorothy under a pink satin blanket. Ro, of course, carries his wooden train engine everywhere we go, proclaiming to everyone who passes by, “Choo! Choo! Choo!” And quite loudly, too.

 

After lunch, I put the children down for their naps, and I must confess I was rather at a loss as to how to occupy my time. I’ve never been the reader like Mercedes or Pearl, and though I learned how to sew, I have neither the talent nor the skill our Scarlett has. Needlepoint and embroidery has never held interest for me. I much prefer being out, bustling about. Not so much climbing to the top of our Versailles, or the barn roof anymore, but visiting and tending laboring mothers. With the tumult of the past two years, though, I’ve hardly tended any births, and none since Rowan was born.

 

I have maintained correspondence with my friends in Saisons. I correspond quite frequently with Tante Vivienne and Papá and Mercedes and Scarlett. Papá, I’m happy to say, is doing famously. He is quite recovered from his madness, and is living in an apartment in the manor house. Violet is blissfully married and off on her wedding trip, and Suzi has not forsaken her passion for women’s suffrage, but has discovered a different passion—her strapping twin sons, Will and Georgie.

 

These past years have piqued a new interest for me, as well—mystery and intrigue. I have surprised myself by delving into some of Mercedes’ detective stories. But the biggest surprise to me of all, is that I have tried my hand at penning my own stories. I’m sure I’m no great judge of literature, but I must say I do rather like the stories I’ve put to paper. I have decided to send one to Mercedes under a nom de plume, Cyrus Woods.

 

Afternoons are spent in a variety of ways. We walk to Bishop’s at least once each week, and drive out to Pearl and Rolf’s farm. Bonnie is such a tiny girl compared to my Rowan, even though she’s a few weeks older. Cece has quite taken Bonnie under her wing, and leads her about like her own living dolly.

 

I’ve hired a piano instructor to give the children lessons. Of course, only Cece is learning just now. I remember afternoon tea quite fondly from my younger childhood years, and am teaching the tradition to Cece, though far less formal. I’ve made grand new friends here in Russellville, and we visit one another several times during the week. They all have small children and it makes for quite the boisterous and entertaining afternoons. We play croquet and tennis, or go riding on bicycles.

 

Yeto may own Bishop’s but he is no slave to it; he is there of a morning, overseeing luncheon preparations, and then through the afternoon doing what he loves best—cooking. And he does create the most divine dishes. Only two or three nights does he remain at work. The rest of the time, he is home to have supper with me and the children. I learned to cook when—well, never mind that. Suffice to say, I can prepare a fair meal. Still, we hired a cook and housekeeper to allow me more devoted time with the children. Hattie met Yeto’s standards, and we’ve not been disappointed with a meal yet.

 

I have also come to enjoy the piano, and have polished what feeble skills I ever did have. After dinner, we sit in the front room and Yeto tells me anecdotes of his day, and I regale him with the children’s antics. He sings to the children at bedtime, and once they are asleep, Yeto and I sit in the swing on the front porch, or we go for a stroll through the park. Hattie lives with us and she is happy to sit with Cece and Ro while we’re out.

 

Not so much an exciting life, but quite grand all in all. Quite grand for me, leastways, as I never imagined such a happy and normal life. I suppose my life now is far more an adventure than anything I ever dreamed as a child. Certainly, it’s more exhilarating even, than climbing to the top of Versailles.

 

 

#Blogwords, Guest Post, A Day in the Life, Simone Dubois Bishop, The Whispering Winds of Spring

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 7 August 2018 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THIEF OF CORINTH by TESSA AFSHAR

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THIEF OF CORINTH by TESSA AFSHAR

THE BLURB:

First-century Corinth is a city teeming with commerce and charm. It’s also filled with danger and corruption—the perfect setting for Ariadne’s greatest adventure.

After years spent living with her mother and oppressive grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father’s home in Corinth, only to discover the perilous secret that destroyed his marriage: though a Greek of high birth, Galenos is the infamous thief who has been robbing the city’s corrupt of their ill-gotten gains.

Desperate to keep him safe, Ariadne risks her good name, her freedom, and the love of the man she adores to become her father’s apprentice. As her unusual athletic ability leads her into dangerous exploits, Ariadne discovers that she secretly revels in playing with fire. But when the wrong person discovers their secret, Ariadne and her father find their future—and very lives—hanging in the balance.

When they befriend a Jewish rabbi named Paul, they realize that his radical message challenges everything they’ve fought to build, yet offers something neither dared hope for.

Be transported back in time by this gripping tale of adventure, bravery, and redemption, and discover why Debbie Macomber says, “No one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar.”

 

THE AUTHOR:

 

Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novel Land of Silence was voted by Library Journal as one of top five Christian fiction titles of 2016 and won the INSPY Award for General Fiction. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious 2014 Christy Award in the Historical Romance category. Her book Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the 2013 ECPA Book Award in the fiction category. In 2011, after publishing her first novel, Pearl in the Sand, Tessa was named New Author of the Year in the FamilyFiction-sponsored Reader’s Choice Awards. Tessa lived in the Middle East for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States. She holds an MDiv from Yale Divinity School, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship. But that has not cured her from being exceptionally fond of chocolate. Contact Tessa at tessaafshar.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar/

 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW:

“They will know we are Christians by our love.”

If the whole of the Gospel could be summed in one message, one word, is it this: Love. And that is the message of this book, this story: God is Love.

Ms. Afshar writes in such a way that this message jumps from the pages. The Apostle Paul talks about love in what was to become I Corinthians 13, bringing it to life in a real way.

In first century Athens, and then Corinth, Ariadne has known hardships that today are unthinkable. And without the Gospel of Christ, she addresses her life the best way she knows how—in her own strength and ability.

And as is true for all time, when we face the world in our own strength and ability, she falls short.

The message Paul brings to Ariadne changes everything.

Which is the eternal message of the Gospel—it changes everything.

 

Ms. Afshar has written a compelling story, bringing the streets of Corinth to life, and the life of a young woman in the first century. Her struggles, her longings. Her failures. Oh! how familiar I am with that sense of worthlessness, of being invisible to others. Of not having the love of those dear to me. I wanted to step into the pages and give Ariadne the love she needs and deserves; I rejoiced when Paul showed up and gave her a deeper love than I ever could.

This story is deep and profound, challenging believers to be as Christ, to love in the face of opposition and ridicule. To rise above the base and selfish ways of the flesh. This story presents the message of love in a real and practical—and seeming impossible—way, and points to the Source as the only way.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS:

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Thief of Corinth, Tessa Afshar