"The Broken Prince" by Kara Linaburg - COVER REVEAL

Hullo, me friends and readers! I have something very exciting for you all today.

*moment of dramatic silence* *clears throat*

Item One: I love to read.

Item Two: I love new books.

Item Three: Kara Lynn is releasing a new book in June and she's doing the cover reveal TODAY!

I am blessed to have Kara for a friend. I am always inspired by the words she share on her blog "Beautifully Broken" (go check it out, ya'll!) and by her example of following her dreams that God has given her to be a writer.

So...what are we waiting for? Let's take a look at that beautiful cover!!

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You can read more about it over here on Kara's blog: >>The Broken Prince<<

Hope you all are having a wonderful spring.😊

Favourite Quotes on Adventure

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” – J.R.R Tolkien

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” – Amelia Earhart

“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” – David Mitchell

“One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure” – Anonymous

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” 

― Eleanor Roosevelt

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – 

I took the one less traveled by.

And that has made all the difference” 

– Robert Frost

"I Write As the Birds Sing" - Gene Stratton-Porter

I write as the birds sing, because I must, and usually from the same source of inspiration.

Gene Stratton-Porter

I've been reading a lot of Gene Statton-Porter books lately. My ultimate favourite is Laddie; it's such a wonderful and happy book.

Have you read any of her books? Which is your favourite?

May Day

"You are as welcome as the flowers in May."

-  Charles MacKlin

I love it when May finally comes. It makes me so happy. Wouldn't it be so lovely if people still kept up the tradition of secretly putting baskets of flowers on the doors of friends and neighbours to surprise them with a bit of springtime cheer?

One of my favourite books is Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott. It gives such a fun picture of what life was life for young folks long ago. One of my favourite parts is when the children in it are getting May baskets ready to give to others~

“I think it would be a good plan to hang some baskets on the doors of other people who don't expect or often have any. I'll do it if you can spare some of these, we have so many. Give me only one, and let the others go to old Mrs. Tucker, and the little Irish girl who has been sick so long, and lame Neddy, and Daddy Munson. It would please and surprise them so. Will we?” asked Ed, in that persuasive voice of his.

All agreed at once, and several people were made very happy by a bit of spring left at their doors by the May elves who haunted the town that night playing all sorts of pranks. Such a twanging of bells and rapping of knockers; such a scampering of feet in the dark; such droll collisions as boys came racing round corners, or girls ran into one another's arms as they crept up and down steps on the sly; such laughing, whistling, flying about of flowers and friendly feeling—it was almost a pity that May-day did not come oftener.

Happy May day, friends! Let's spend this month bringing sunshine and cheer to those around us...even if it's as simple as a flower.

Looking Forward to This Spring...

I know spring's been here for a month now, but it's sure taken a while to feel like it. Now that the trees are leafing out and the birds are singing more, I'm happily feeling that spring has come more earnestly at last. *throws petals all over the place*

Any thing particularly exciting you're looking forward to in the months of spring? I'm excited for....

...working in the garden. I'm so happy to see a the little green babies coming up. This year I'm trying lots of zinnias. Pictures to come if they're a success. 😊 What's your favourite flower?

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... The Stealthmaster's Shadow, by Hope Ann

It’s ten confounded years since the war ended.

Ten years since the Prince won the war and pardoned the rebels.

And left.

The Prince left, but lasting peace never had a chance to begin.

As a Stealthmaster, Verus is determined to complete the task the Prince left, whatever the cost. Traitors, needlessly vague governors, and threatening rumors are all part of a standard mission. Verus will bring peace to what is left of the world, one city and village at a time. According to the governor’s daughter, the war was never about a physical peace in the first place, but what does she or any of the other Followers know? They weren’t there during the war.

They didn’t see the horrors Tauscher spread over the land or the scars that will never fade.

Commandeering the task of a former soldier, Verus presents himself to the governor of Nerva. Eventually he’ll need to undermine the man, but even Stealthmasters need money, and a mission to discover the owner of a misshapen slipper shouldn’t be difficult.

Until the ambassador from Zahavia appears.

Suddenly face to face with nightmares from the past, Verus struggles to help those plunged into danger, from the governor’s newest prisoner to a serving lad to an infuriating woman he’s taken to calling princess. Fleeing will only make the enemy stronger. But staying…

Staying could doom them all.

*don't mind my screaming* 'Cause how could I not be excited about the next installment in the Legends of Light series? This is going to be epic! I'm off the walls for this one! Not sure if I can wait until June 1st. 😆 Though of course it is up for pre-order now...

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..."Midnight Sun" by the Gothard Sisters 🎻

From what I've seen/listened to of the Gothard Sister's new album, this one is destined to be my favourite of theirs. It's just... so beautiful. Thankfully I only have to wait until May 4th for this one. I'm already listening to the clips of the songs on repeat. 

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...reading more poems.

I always have loved reading poetry, but this year it's beauty has become deeper and more special to me. I hope to read a whole book of poetry if possible. 🕮

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Well, that's happening for me this spring. How about you? What activities and/or new releases are you looking forward for?

Blessings, 

S. F.

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PS. Wait! Don't go yet! You need some writer humor for the day. You'll only understand this if you've been there. It's so brilliant I had to share. It had me laughing to the point of tears because of how relatable and hilarious it is. 😉

Poetry Leaves #2 - "I Wrote My Name in Dust"

"I Wrote My Name in Dust"

by S. F.

I wrote my name in dust.

Such will happen when you try to hide

From who you are.

When you turn from the world

Because it can't see.

I wrote my name in dust.

That's what happens when you try coming back

To what you were.

When you can't anymore

Try to hide.

I wrote my name in dust.

It happened when I did my best

To peal away the lies.

When I wanted again to be clean

And be a hero.

I wrote my name in dust.

As I feared what would happen,

Letting the filth cover what I was.

When the world would turn on me

And forget.

I wrote my name in dust.

And let what was destined to happen...happen.

For dust will fall

When the time keeps passing

And dying.

And all will turn to dust.

A Time to Change • ONWARD

Notice anything new? 😁
Perhaps a new name and a gorgeous new design? Feast your eyes on it for a while, then come back here, for I have some 'splaining to do. *elevator music....doodeedoodeedoodeedoodee.......*
You back now? Good. Ain't it bee-yoooou-tiful? It was done by my fantabulous sister Les and I simply love it!

image from the Internet

And the name? Well, you see, I liked "On Solid Ground" and all. But I've felt for a while now the I wanted to change and move forward, or onward, dare I say. (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.) I wanted to have a purpose to this blog and a name that fit it. I thought about it for a long time, and finally came to something. That is, I want to encourage others to have joy on the journey. For life is the great adventure and we'll have our ups and downs, so I want to do my part to take joy in every moment and help my fellow sojourners to do the same. Thus the name "Onward". Let's go onward together.

As a note, I'll probably just be here off and on like I have been in the past, but I'll be here all the same. Thanks for taking the time to read!

Signing off,
S. F.

Rejoice! This Time of Year and Always

Hullo, lovely friends! I'm back for a bit with a late Christmas greeting, then I'll be away for a while again as the new design is put up. See you then! 😄



Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside

Painted candy canes on the tree

It's that time of year when the world falls in love

Ev'ry song you hear seems to say "Merry Christmas,

"May your New Year dreams come true."

("The Christmas Waltz", by Sammy Cahn)

Christmas is past. The new year is approaching.  And we have a choice.

Christmas is a most special time of year. Love is shinning, hearts are giving. We go about doing good with smiles on our faces, feeling that glowy, happy feeling inside that comes from looking to bless others instead of ourselves, and knowing all of the pleasant surprises we have prepared for others.

And I realize-- sure, it isn't that way for everyone. There's hurt and pain this time of year, just like any other. Some people choose to not let Christmas in their heart. Many forget that true meaning and worry about themselves-- they won't get what they want, they won't get others what they want, lalala blahblahblah.... there's a million excuses to not feel good around Christmas time if we loose our focus.

If we forget that silent night. If we forget that "God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten  Son, that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life."



It's our choice to focus on why we celebrate. And it's our choice to keep these wonderful feelings in our hear all of the year long. So, rejoice! Christ was born--we have endless chances because of the gifts He has given us. Choose to remember what you have felt during this marvelous season of light, joy, and peace, as we move forward to another exciting year with endless possibilities.

I'll see you then.

⭐ "God bless us, every one!" ⭐

I'll be back...

Hullo, friends, and happy November! Oh, what?! November's already half over??? Oh well... 😄

I come here to inform you that I shall be a way and this blog will be down for a while. Perhaps I shall not be on an especially grand adventure, but I will tell you that when I come back there will be some changes made to this blog. I'm not sure when I'll return, but hopefully by the end of the month. (Don't worry, I won't put on a magic ring and disappear and you'll never hear of me again...😉)

Until then, may the sun shine on your path and beauty surround you always.

Yours truly,
S. F.

A Page From My Quote Book

One of my favourite things to collect is quotes. Words are so beautiful and powerful. Today I was flipping through my little quote book and found this quote. The thought popped into my mind to share it on my blog, so here it is. :)

Never lose an opportunity of seeing 

anything that is beautiful; 

for beauty is God's handwriting

—a wayside sacrament.

Welcome it in every fair face, 

in every fair sky, 

in every fair flower, 

and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.

—Emerson

Behind the Scenes of Burning Rose by Hope Ann

The week we have all been waiting for. (*cough* you've been waiting for this week as much as me, right? *cough*) Yes, as I was saying... Burning Rose is here! You heard me fanbling about this book a little while ago, and today's the official release date! I am SO excited to get my hands on my own copy of Burning Rose!

A war, founded in ancient legends, changes the lives of those it touches forever.

Elissa, a villager from the northern mountains, attempts to save her brother and ends up trapped

in a hidden valley with a strange host and a treacherous enemy.

Evrard, the Wingmaster of the Prince’s army, races against his own weakening powers to

discover the location of his twin and save her from deadly mistbenders.

Haydn, a pardoned rebel from Tauscher’s army, confronts shadows of myth and former

comrades in his struggle to keep his sister safe and find the stolen Stormestone.

BONUS

Before the war, before the legends, before the Separation, there was a man who started it all.

There was a curse, a promise, and a sacrifice. There was the Oathkeeper.

Fairy tales retold as you have never heard them before.

ROSE OF THE OATH: Beauty and the Beast

SONG OF THE SWORD: Rapunzel

SHADOWS OF THE HERSWEALD: Hansel and Gretel

and

ROSE OF THE NIGHT: a Rose of the Oath prequel

Order Burning Rose now!

Read on to see my review of this lovely book... but first, here's a bit o' behind the scenes of Burning Rose by Hope Ann. It's on the music inspiration for Rose of the Oath, and if you wish to see more about it, make sure to visit Hope's web sight here.

I enjoy music. I find it hard to write without listening to soft soundtracks, though loud siblings might have something to do with that. But not only do I enjoy listening to music as I write, I also love finding songs for my characters. Sometimes I can find them, sometimes I can’t. Sometimes they are perfect and sometimes they are only close. The song for Adrian, from Rose of the Oath, is pretty close. It is Love Feels Like by TobyMac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73CNoOoMdxo 

Read Adrian’s full story in my new paperback collection, Burning Rose!

My review of Burning Rose: ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
Did I just put six stars? YES! I could give it more, seeing as it's four five star-worthy stories. 😁
I really, really liked Burning Rose. The four stories in it are written in such a fresh, inspiring, and beautiful way. I found out about them from being personal friends with the author so I read the first for that reason, but after that, I was simply hooked! I've never read any other fairy tale retellings and I'm not really into fairy tales, but I do love fantasy and adventures, and these stories are amazing. Everyone takes you on an on-the-edge-of-your-seat thrilling journey. The ingredients for a book being likable for me is, either tale of simple ordinary life or an exciting adventure, lovable and relatable characters, and an encouraging message that's perfectly seeped into the story line without saying it right out. For me, Burning Rose was perfect.

Adventure- Every story keeps you flipping pages as you follow along with Elissa, Evrard, and Haydn to find answers to questions in their personal lives, and what the sacrifice of the Prince can do for them. Their different stories happen before the war, during the war, and after the war. There's action and swords and all that exciting stuff. 😉 There's a sort of mysterious feel to the beginning of all the stories as various backstory events are hinted at here and there. The endings were all very satisfying with all of the loose threads tied up. All of the plots develope brilliantly.
Characters- I must admit that the people in the stories are usually my favorite part of reading any book. And these characters--wow! I saw so much of myself in them. I found myself so involved with them. I felt their joy, pain, surprise, and triumphs. Everyone has wonderful character arcs that I loved reading.
Theme- Every story has a different fruit of  the spirit theme. I learned a lot from them, but we are never told flatly out the message. Instead, we learn by the experiences of the characters. Elissa learns what love really is. So do we. Evrard learns the true source of joy. So do we. Haydn learns to let peace into his life, and we see how we can, too.

I'm so happy to see these four wonderful stories finally put together in one book that I can hold. Hope has a magical touch with writing; so gripping and moving. I am very much looking forward to reading what she writes next.

Alright. I'm done for now. All of you people who read all of the way to the end, I highly recommend you considering buying this book. It will be well worth it. :) 

Excellent Writing Advice

I came across this awhile ago and think it's a wonderful power boost for when you don't feel like writing. What's your favourite writing advice?

Poetry Leaves #1 - My Place of Solitude

With autumn soon coming, I find myself in a nostalgic state that always comes when the air grows cold and leaves begin changing colours. This year, however, it's different. Instead of just thinking, it's made me write. I want to finish those stories I've started. I want to write more poetry. I want to take myself out of a mindset of dreaming of the things I could discover on pen and paper and acting on those dreams instead.

I thought I might share a few poems on here. I can't guaranty how soon they'll be put up on here, but for now, here's my first poem:

photo from the Internet

My Place of Solitude

I know a place of solitude

It's down the road a stretch.

I can go there when I need to

Have a place to sort my thoughts.

It's a spot down at the river

Where it makes a little bend.

I found my special "Thinking Rock" there

For quiet reigns as king.

As the peaceful river
Goes gliding along
And the glow of the sun is reflected
Like a thousand diamonds in the water

It soothes and rests my soul,
And I can ponder the countless ages past
Or consider all that can be
In the days yet to come.

Time itself is apt to stand still
In my place of solitude.

"Burning Rose" by Hope Ann - Cover Reveal

It's here! It's here! It's FINALLY here!

Item one: I prefer physical copies of books over e-books. Item two: I adore the Legends of Light novella series being written by Hope Ann. Item three: The first the books are coming out in paperback in October. Item four: I have some fangirling to do. Item five: Who wants to see a gorgeous book cover?

A war, founded in ancient legends, changes the lives of those it touches forever.

Elissa, a villager from the northern mountains, attempts to save her brother and ends up trapped in a hidden valley with a strange host and a treacherous enemy.

Evrard, the Wingmaster of the Prince’s army, races against his own weakening powers to discover the location of his twin and save her from deadly mistbenders.

Haydn, a pardoned rebel from Tauscher’s army, confronts shadows of myth and former comrades in his struggle to keep his sister safe and find the stolen Stormestone.

BONUS 

Before the war, before the legends, before the Separation, there was a man who started it all. There was a curse, a promise, and a sacrifice. There was the Oathkeeper.

Fairy tales retold as you have never heard them before.

ROSE OF THE OATH: Beauty and the Beast

SONG OF THE SWORD: Rapunzel

SHADOWS OF THE HERSWEALD: Hansel and Gretel 

and

ROSE OF THE NIGHT: a Rose of the Oath prequel

If you haven't heard my gush about the Legends of Light (see this post, this post, this post, and this post), you can check out each ebook individually here or the Burning Rose page here. The Kindle version is available for preorder, but the paperback won't be up to buy until the launch on October 3rd. In the meantime, you can add Burning Rose to your lists on Goodreads.

And now, can I get drum roll? 🥁 ..........................................................................

Designed by Kate Flournoy

Less than one month until you can finally hold Burning Rose in your own hands! I know what I'm looking forward to most in October. 😁

Skip on over to learn more about Hope Ann and her writings at: https://authorhopeann.com/

Ps. I'm having trouble with the design on this blog, so apologies if things look boring or out of place.

Treasured Friendships

Isn't this a lovely thought? I'm so blessed by the many treasured friendships I've made through blogs. Here's to you!

Roses, Scars, Wolves. . .an Exciting "Beauty and the Beast" Retelling Release

Hullo, dear friends! I come today with some very exciting news. You may know by now how much I love the "Legends of Light" series which is being written by Hope Ann, and she just released another one!!

War clouds the horizon and rebels gather under a mysterious leader. Alone, with her two younger sisters, Elissa watches the mountain road desperately for her brother’s return. Instead, she receives news of his capture by a strange figure covered in scars and cloaked in wolf skins. With rebels drawing nearer, she sets off to find her brother. To save him. There is no one else who can.

Yet she soon finds the rose that granted her warning now holds her captive in safety. Outside the valley, war threatens those she loves most. Though her strange host claims the ancient promises of the Prince’s return and victory over the rebels, Elissa knows the blood-drenched truth. She is on her own. Elissa will do anything to keep her family safe, but more than one kind of wolf stalks the Blackwood and danger lurks closer than she could ever imagine.

For some clarification, this is the new first book in the series. It's replacing the previous "Rose of Prophecy" and it adds more details about the history of the kingdom of Aslaria and sets a good foundation for the rest of the series.

My review: ✩✩✩✩✩
This book was so engaging! If it wasn't an e-book, I'd say I couldn't put it down, but as it is, I'll say that it was very hard to close it out. :) I've learned to be prepared to be surprised when reading something by Hope...you never know where she's going to take you, but the destination is satisfying. "Rose of the Oath" was quite a bit darker and more dramatic than its predecessor "Rose of Prophecy" and the characters much deeper. The plot developed very well and was gripping. As always, the whole cast of characters were amazing and surprising. Beauty in this version was harder for me to relate to than the other one, but seeing the fact that's she's given a harder past, that's understandable. And I loved how the tragic past made her more relatable to the Beast. Throught the story we're shown plainly and beautifully what true love is, and I also found faith to be an important theme in it. Magical, inspiring, pleasing. . .this novella is highly recommended in my opinion!

And listen to this lovely good news. . .it's being offered for free!! So what are you waiting for? Go and download yourself a copy!

Download at: Amazon • Smashwords • iTunes

Add it to your shelf on Goodreads

But don't go away yet! There's also a prequel to this Beauty and the Beast retelling, Rose of the Night - an account of how the ‘Beast’ became the Beast.

Click here to claim your free copy!
Add to your shelf on Goodreads

Can things get any better? Yes! In honor of the official release of Rose of the Oath, Hope's other novellas are $0.99 for this week only!

Buy Song of the Sword: A Rapunzel Novella

Buy Shadows of the Hersweald: A Hansel and Gretel Novella

About Hope Ann

Hope Ann is a speculative fiction writer who lives on a small farm in northern Indiana. She has

self-published three Legends of Light novellas and writes regular articles for Kingdom Pen as the

Writing Team Captain. Reading since the age of five, and introducing herself to writing at age

eight, she never had a question that the author’s life was the life for her. Her goal is to write

thrilling Christian fantasy and futuristic fiction — stories she longed for while growing up. After

graduating from homeschool, Hope now teaches writing to several of her eight younger siblings.

She loves climbing trees, archery, photography, Lord of the Rings, chocolate, and collecting

shiny things she claims are useful for story inspiration.

You can visit Hope’s blog at authorhopeann.com, or follow her on Facebook, Pinterest,

Instagram, or Twitter.

This post is bursting with good news for anyone who loves Christian fantasy and fairytale retellings. If you fit into one of the mentioned categories, go and read them for yourself. Then I'd love to hear your thoughts. (And so would she...help support your fellow authors!)🌹

The Love of Good Books

Photo from the Internet

"I remember hearing Grandpa say that a love for good books was one of the best safeguards a man could have.” 

― Archie, from Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott

A favourite quote from a favourite author.

The Scibbler Award

Once, in a time long gone by that no one but the ancients can remember. . . S. F. got awarded the "Scribbler Award" by the amazing Saphira. And for a reason not even the ancients can remember, she didn't post it. So some adventurous person went and dug it out of the dusty drafts. . .

Presenting

😊 El Premio del Scribbler 😊

Rules~
1. Link to the person who nominated you. See above.
2. Link to your favorite writing blog, so we can check it out, and/or share your favorite writing tip.  See below.
3. Pass the award along to a maximum of 5 people. I seem to always pass tags along to the same people, so I'm not quite sure who to tag this time. If you're a "scribbler", consider yourself tagged!

Favourite writing blog: Hope Ann's "Writing in the Light" has lots of brilliant things for writers. Kara and Naomi's "Writing to Inspire" also has great writing tips. And if it counts, I love "Kingdom Pen".

Favourite writing tip: "Don't be afraid of rewriting. It means you not only have something worth saying, but saying well." We all need to hear this so much, don't we? :)

🕮 A Bookish Tag 🕮

Welcome to the Bookish Tag. It's very booky. ;) Kara over at Saved by Grace tagged me, and here you have it!

Photo from the Internet

RULES:

You must be honest

You must answer all the questions

You must tag at least 4 people

1. Which Book Has Been On Your Shelf The Longest?
Probably Meet Kit from when I was four, or the Nurse Nancy Golden Book I got about the same time.

2. What is your current read, your last read, and the book you'll read next?
Currently I am reading Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott. I am loving it so much, especially the dear characters. I think the last thing I read was a re-read of The Last Battle by C. S. Lewis. And next will be Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter.

3. What book did everyone like but you hated?
No book comes to mind.

4. What book do you keep telling yourself you'll read but you probably won't?
I have so many I keep telling myself I'll read and I hope to read them all. . .one day. . .and who knows if I will or not? Not me!

5. What books are you saving for retirement?
As in, books that are so long I won't read them now, or books that are special so I want to keep them? ??? I'm not sure.

6. Last page: Read it first or wait until the end?
Uh. . .I sometimes do a flip over the pages I haven't read yet, but I never read the last page first!! Though admittedly I once read a book that was a tad boring and had a predictable plotline, so when I was half way through I skipped to the last chapter and read it before giving it back to the library. 😉

7. Acknowledgments: waste of paper and ink, or interesting aside?
I like reading acknowledgements. It's fun to see a bit of what the author did to make their book a finished product.

8. Which book character would you switch places with?
This question stumped me. Really! I usually would have an answer. . .stick me somewhere in Lewis's, Tolkien's, Alcott's or Montgomery's books and I hope I'll survive and be happy. 😀

9. Do you have a book that reminds of you something specific in your life? (Place, time, person)
The Annotated Hobbit we got when my sisters and I were "Hobbit" crazy.

10. Name an interesting book that you acquired in an interesting way.
After I read the first few Anne books, we didn't have the rest. So my pitiful cries for the next one was answered by my wonderful mother ordering the rest along with several other LMM books. ❤

11. Have you ever given a book away for a special reason to a special person?
Methinks I probably have for Christmas or birthdays.

12. Which book has been with you most places?
Well. . .Pollyanna was with me on a long trip, but then so was Emily Climbs by L. M. Montgomery. And whatever book I'm reading goes all around the house with me.

13. Any required reading in High School that wasn't so bad two years later?
Honestly I can't think of any required High School reading. . .

14. Used or brand new?
I like both, though the way brand new books won't stay open on their own is a bit irritating, but it's fun to be the first to start breaking them in.

15. Have you ever read a Dan Brown book?
Nope.

16. Have you ever seen a movie you liked more then the book?
Does saying that I liked what happens concerning the Arkenstone in The Hobbit movie better that what happened in the book count? 😊

17. Have you ever read a book that made you hungry (cook books included)?
Farmer Boy. Only I'm not sure if it made me hungry; more likely towards the opposite effect because of all the food that was talked about. 😉 The Golden Picnic in Anne of Avonlea made me want to have a picnic, so I'll say that.

18. Who is the person whose book advice you'll always take?
My sisters.

19. Is there a book out of your comfort zone (e.g outside your usual reading genre) that you ended up loving?
Well now, can't say I've read any thing out of my comfort zone, but if I did I apparently didn't end up loving it!

And now, I pass the tag to SW, Chloe, Lily, and Hope.

Shadows of the Hersweald Blog Tour

Welcome to the launch of Shadows of the Hersweald, the third novella in the Legends of Light series! This Hansel and Gretel retelling is an amazing novella that I was privileged to read it before it was officially released and I loved it! The author Hope Ann does a wonderful job with this series blending together allegorical, fairy tale, and "fruits of the Spirit" elements. So hang around if you enjoy Christian fantasy and fairy tale retellings to learn more about this Hansel and Gretel novella!

They would have to come that afternoon. Haydn glared at the rutted road twisted away from the gate beneath him, slithering into the shadows of the Harsweald. And what was the flaming idea behind leaving him in charge? Tregaron in the hands of a criminal… that would put them all in the good graces of the province governor, no questions asked.

A battered soldier from a defeated army, Haydn knows there is only one end to the arrival of the Prince’s governor. Except he hasn’t counted on the Prince himself. Or the pardon which his recent foe has declared to acquit all those who fought against him.

A pardon Haydn detests.

A pardon that refuses to punish the rebels now threatening his own village. And his sister.

Guilt-ridden from his own actions during the war, Haydn knows there are others who have no conscience at all. Others who are using the freedom of the pardon to forward their own desperate schemes.


With enemies closing in on all sides, a pardon that refuses punishment, and nightmares of murder and fire haunting his every thought, will Haydn recognize the truth or will his fear condemn everything he loves to destruction?

Full of danger, loyalty, and betrayal, all tinted red from the shuddering glow of the firecarn, this is more than a mere retelling of a favorite fairy tale.



Although the history of Aslaria and the conflict between the Prince and the rebel, Tauscher, flow chronologically through the series, each novella in the Legends of Light series is a stand-alone story. Each novella focuses on one of the nine aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit while twisting fairy tales in a clean, exciting, and inspiring manner.

Buy now on Kindle, iTunes, and Smashwords. Add on Goodreads.

~ My review of Shadows of the Hersweald ~

Where do I begin? Well, first, as I stated before, Hope magnificently ties together allegorical, fairy tale, and "fruits of the Spirit" elements. I haven't read any other fairy tale retellings so I don't have anything to compare it with, but it was so fun to read this brand new tale and see parts of Hansel and Gretel woven in. It gets intense at times with Haydn's memories of the war and some of the rebels still hanging around, and there's lots of mystery at the beginning as you read and try to guess what it all means. And believe you me, when you get the answers at the end you will be amazed and love it!

The fruit of the Spirit that this novella focuses on is peace. It teaches it so beautifully and in a real way that applies to each of us personally. Haydn's struggles are so real--a sinner who can't understand why he would be forgiven through Christ's death and sufferings, and tries to find another way to gain peace.

You know, one of the main problems with the original tale of Hansel and Gretel is the characters--wicked stepmother, flimsy father, child-eating witch. . .all of that is fixed up in this retelling! Hope did a great job of making all of them real and relatable and interesting. The sweet brother and sister relationship between Haydn and Gorawen was delightful to read, and both individually are great characters.
If you do read it, you'll find lots of delicious descriptions like: "A fountain wept distantly, mourning under the reddening evening sky that shed its dying light about him."

And the story line, it's AMAZING! It was very engaging, swift, and something I could have read in one sitting if I hadn't been interrupted. It happens after the war between the rebel Tauscher and the Prince (during which Haydn fought with the rebels) and the Prince has won the victory. I loved the individual journey of Haydn as he deals with life after the war and encounters its aftereffects. There were some magical elements like the "stormstone" that made the story more interesting and deep. Although a few things were a bit hard to understand, when I finished it I was amazed at how well everything was tied in together. 

In conclusion, I very, very heartily recommend it to everyone who loves fairy tales, mystery, Christian fantasy, and being surprised. :)

~ Interview with Hope Ann ~

What was your inspiration to write the "Legends of Light" series?

I had the idea to write a series to write a short story for each aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit several years ago. A little bit later, I wrote my first fairy tale retelling for the Rooglewood Beauty and the Beast contest. When I decided I wanted to start self-publishing, both ideas clicked together—fairy tales and the Fruit of the Spirit. So I took off with it. 

Which of the three books you have already written in the series would you be part of if you could?

Probably Song of the Sword, if I could walk in the Melody Realm. That would be so much fun.

What important lessons have you learned from writing?

Endurance. To keep going, even when writing is hard or I’m tired or I don’t feel like it… I’ve learned that, in the end, I will figure out my problems and it will be worth it. The harder the struggle, the more satisfied I’ll be with my final success.

My blog tour post draws nigh to an end! Two last things and then. . .well, then you'll have to read it for yourself and see what I'm talking about! :)

~ Quotes ~

"The Prince doesn’t stop all harm. It is a testing, even now. But he opened a way for our reunion with the King. He died, Haydn. You said you were there. You know what he did. What more could anyone give?" ~Traveon

Haydn muttered a rough oath, sending the echoes of the past shivering in all directions. 

They were safe. Battered, empty—but clean. Clean as the morning dew glittering in the dawn.

~ About the Author ~

Hope Ann is a Christian authoress who lives on a small farm in northern Indiana. She was homeschooled and now helps teach several of her eight younger siblings.

She has been writing for over five years and has so many story ideas that she doubts she will ever stop. Her favorite genre to write is high fantasy with a touch of the allegorical. A close second is futuristic suspense. Her goal is to not only entertain with her stories but to provide inspirational fiction for young adults.

Predictably, she loves reading fantasy, fairy tales, mythology, and futuristic suspense. Her favorite authors include J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Dickens, Frank Peretti, Mark Twain, and Serena Chase.

Her hobbies include photography, movie making, knitting, tree climbing, writing e-mails to friends, listening to Celtic music, and collecting shiny trinkets for story inspiration.

You can visit Hope’s blog at authorhopeann.com, or follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter.