Interview with YA Author Amanda Tero

I’ve featured a couple of Amanda’s books on my blog before, but this time I’m asking questions of her instead of one of her characters! (I love getting a peek into other writers’ lives.) Amanda Tero writes Christian Historical Fiction for young adult readers — and for adults who remember what it’s like to be young. Her latest release is A Strand of Hope, one of four interconnected novellas featuring packhorse librarians.

So please help me welcome Amanda Tero!

Amanda Tero is a music teacher by day and a literary guide by night, creating stories that whisk readers off to new eras and introduce them to heroic but flawed characters that live out their faith in astonishing ways.

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First, three vitally important questions. 😉

Favorite season? Fall!

Favorite color? Green.

Favorite ice cream? Only one? Uh… chocolate chip cookie dough. 

“Only one?” — That’s my kind of answer. 🙂

Who was your childhood hero? I actually wasn’t much into hero-worship as a kid. I think I just had a solid respect for people who did the hard things and stayed steadfast. Maybe Joseph in the Bible? He went through extreme hardship yet was always one of my favorite Biblical accounts to read, because he just lived so uprightly!

What was your favorite childhood book(s)? The first set I remember reading was the Little House books. Mom had assigned them for me to read a chapter a day as my first “chapter book,” but before long I was begging to just finish the book instead of waiting until the next scheduled read. 😉 I embraced historical fiction because of those books. I loved not just Laura’s story, but learning about life in a different era. A close tie would probably be The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare, for very similar reasons. Plus, it was an action story. 

Ooo, love both of those!

What would you wish to have written on your tombstone? (Feel free to be either funny or serious!) Oh, hmm… I’d like my birth and death date written on there. 😉 But seriously, I hadn’t thought of that. Something about glorifying God… trusting God… yeah, not sure.

Now give us a peek into your writer’s brain!What’s your favorite historical period to read and/or write? The 1800s! I prefer the country/western side than the city side. 

Ah, one of my faves!

What does your story-spinning process involve? (We want to hear about it all, either in general or for a specific story.) Well, it’s semi-different for each one, but I’ll talk through A Strand of Hope. The idea initiated by my sister sharing a Facebook video of packhorse librarians. As soon as the three other authors and I decided to band together to write a series, I had to find my story. I knew I wanted a girl who adored books to the point that she used them as an escape from reality. So then, I had to give her a harsh reality she’d want to escape from. Enter her mom, a single, unwed mother of the early 1900s who blamed Lena for being distanced from her family. The story was stuck there for a while. I just wasn’t sure where to go with it. So I had some brainstorming sessions while driving. I put my phone on to record and just talked through the characters, the plot, the theme. I asked questions, answered them, told myself why that would or wouldn’t work. That really helped me. I also brainstormed a lot with my friend and author of another book in the series Anita (A.M.) Heath.From there, I drafted the rough cut. I’ve just grown to accept that I’m a panster and I’m being one, I have to write the story to discover the story—but then, I’ll have a major rewrite to do. This time, I really didn’t have that major rewrite. By God’s grace, it was a solid story from the start. I think that was just God smiling down on me because I was trying to do this while attending college full-time and teaching music part time.And yeah, the rest is just hours of hard work (whether or not I felt like it 😉 ), putting it all together.

Do you consciously create your characters, or do they seem to come to life on their own? It’s really a mix of both. I do have to work to make my characters less perfect. Anita told me once that I make a great person but a boring character because I’m the type that when I do something wrong, I instantly regret it, pray, seek restitution, etc. But if my characters lived that way, there wouldn’t be as much conflict. So I have to purposefully make them choose the wrong thing and keep driving down that road. It makes their lesson more impactful. 

What was the most difficult part of writing your latest book, A Strand of Hope? Haha… remembering the small details. Faith Blum, A.M. Heath, Alicia G. Ruggieri and I all helped create the town of Willow Hollow, it’s surrounding areas, library routes, and town characters. I was forever messaging one of them with questions on details. In a way, having the team was super helpful because I could just ask and get an answer when I forgot something rather than try to dig and find the answer myself.

What are 1-4 of your all-time favorite fiction books—ones you love to reread? I need to reread more than I do… but ones I have read several times and want to read again are: The Bronze Bow (Elizabeth George Speare), The Last Sin Eater (Francine Rivers). And I have a whole list of books I’ve read once that I want to reread… but my TBR is totally unending.

Love your answers, Amanda! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining us on the blog today!

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I confess I haven’t read Amanda’s latest book yet. But I’m bringing it on vacation next week, and I can’t wait to explore this little-known piece of history. 🙂 Take a peek at it below!

Journey with a horseback librarian into the hidden crevices of Kentucky mountains. Feel her pain as she struggles not only to barely make ends meet, but as she also attempts to connect the pieces of her own life while her mom continues to make selfish decisions.

Lena Davis is the daughter her mom never wanted.

But she survived. Through stories. Because books didn’t judge. Books weren’t angry she was alive. Books never expected her to be anything but who she was.

As she grows up, her beloved library becomes her true home. So when the library is designated part of President Roosevelt’s Packhorse Library Project, Lena is determined to get the job of bringing books to highlanders, believing she’ll finally be free of her mom forever.

But earning the trust of highlanders is harder than she imagined, and her passion for books might not be enough to free her from her chains.

The Packhorse Library Project was part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration to encourage education in the remote parts of the mountains. “A Strand of Hope” is a historical fiction novella based on real events but set in the fictional town of Willow Hollow in the Appalachian mountains.

See why I’m looking forward to it? Check it out on Amazon. And be sure to check out the whole series, too. I have it on good authority that some of them are only 99c this week. 😉

And don’t forget to follow Amanda on your favorite social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, and Bookbub), and visit her website, where you can also find her blog and newsletter.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this peek into a writer’s life, and I do hope you’ll check out Amanda’s books!

–Miss Darcy

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Protecting the Poor | Character Interview

Today I am delighted to present the final book in the Tales of Faith series by Amanda Tero! (Remember when I featured The Secret Slipper?)

Don’t the covers look nice all together? (Okay, maybe everyone doesn’t admire book covers for their own sake like I do.)

ABOUT THE BOOK
Sheriff Feroci is now lord over the province, and Abtshire has become a pit of injustice. Being forced into the lord’s service does not give Dumphey as many opportunities to help the poor as he desires. When attempts on his life drive him into the forest, this freedom opens a world of possibilities for helping others. But how can he do so when he is running for his life? And does God want him to do more than simply feed the poor?

Noel has always hidden behind the shadow of his older brother, Dumphey. When life forces him to stand on his own, will he still follow God in the corrupt world in which he lives? Would God really call him to do something that is beyond his power to do?

As Lord Feroci’s sinister plot comes to light, each lad has a choice to make. A choice that could cost them their lives.

Find on Amazon. Add to Goodreads.

Or, better yet, you can order a signed paperback copy of Protecting the Poor here!

If you’ve read the first two, then you’ll love seeing old friends in Protecting the Poor, but you don’t have to read them in order. You can dive right into the last book. It’s an excellent story for young readers (ten and up, I’d say), but as with all Amanda’s historical books, I wouldn’t classify it as strictly a “children’s book.”

Now, the things I loved about this story… The medieval setting: it’s a fictional country, but the well-researched details ground you beautifully in the time period (and okay, I’m a little stuck on the Middle Ages). The cool details about archery (I mean, what’s not to love about an old-fashioned longbow?). The characters: as mentioned, it was fun to see characters from the previous books, but the new ones were great too, all with their own personalities. The deep themes: forgiveness, vengeance, active obedience to God, and the excellent, oft-asked question, “Do the ends ever justify the means?”

In short, this book made me think, and that’s one of the highest compliments I can give a story.

And now, one of Dumphey’s friends has agreed to join us on the blog today!

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Betin, thank you so much for visiting with us. You earned my respect as I read Protecting the Poor, and I’m delighted you’ve agreed to answer a few questions about the story.

1) When Dumphey first meets you, you have been living in the forest for some time. What caused you to take refuge there?

I used to help at the candlemaker’s shop with my sister, Lydda. After our father passed on (Mother passed when we were babes), Sheriff Feroci was holding me to unjust taxes higher than I could afford. He threatened to drive me to the barracks to make me pay, but I couldn’t do that to Lydda. Being hidden away in the forest was safer than the threats of a soldier’s life.

2) In your estimation, what is Dumphey’s greatest weakness? What is his greatest strength?

Dumphey is a great friend. To some, the way he naturally assumes leadership or voices his opinion could be seen as a weakness. To me, it was a great blessing. His strength is definitely in being bold to do what he believes he ought to.

3) Why did you think Dumphey would make a good leader for your band?

Dumphey made me realize how inactive I had truly been. We were hiding from Lord Feroci, yes, but he made me yearn to push forward and actually do more than just hide and prepare. He knew what steps to take next and was also bold enough to stand up for what was right even when very few of the group agreed. He was a natural choice for the leader of our band.

4) If you could have one wish come true, anything, what would you choose?

My greatest wish is peace on earth. That there would be no Feroci’s to fight against. No Abtshire to flee from. No tyranny.

5) Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of this story?

Glean from the lesson of hope and courage in “Protecting the Poor” and apply it to your own lives. I think, in some small way, everyone has an Abtshire situation they face in their lives.

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About the Author
Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continues to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

You can connect with Amanda through her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, her blog, Goodreads, and Amazon.

GIVEAWAY
It wouldn’t be a release party without a giveaway! One U.S. Winner will receive the complete paperback Tales of Faith series, and one International Winner will receive the complete eBook series.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

And if you haven’t checked out the first two books in the series, you really should.

 

Find on Amazon.

Find on Amazon.

Hope you enjoyed this peek at Amanda’s newest book!

-Miss Darcy

Shout-out to all the wonderful bloggers who are participating in the release of Protecting the Poor!

Monday – August 26, 2019

With a Joyful Noise – Protecting the Poor Release Post

Life of Heritage Corner – Interview, Review, Giveaway

Great Books for God’s Girls – Interview, Review

Peculiar Miss Darcy – Character Interview

Honey Rock Hills – Review

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post

Tuesday – August 27, 2019

We’ve Got Pockets – Review

Maidens for Modesty – Giveaway, Guest Post

A Brighter Destiny – Spotlight

Wednesday – August 28, 2019

Soldier Girl Stories – Interview

Purposeful Learning – Spotlight, Guest Post

Thursday – August 29, 2019

Rachel Rossano’s Words – Spotlight, Guest Post

In the Bookcase – Review, Giveaway

Friday – August 30, 2019

Losing the Busyness – Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Resting Life – Guest Post

Saturday – August 31, 2019

Blossoms and Blessings – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post

God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae – Review

Reading on the Edge – Spotlight

Verbosity Reviews – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

Monday – September 2, 2019

With a Joyful Noise – Giveaway Winner Announced

A sneak peek at Amanda’s new release…

The Jesus Car | Character Interview

Y’all, I’ve been looking forward to featuring this book on my blog for a very long time. I read some of the early drafts because the author, Pam Green, is my critique partner. But honestly, it was hard to “critique” because the story itself was so inspiring to me.

Curious what it might look like to live sold-out to Jesus in the twenty-first century? Well, The Jesus Car offers some pretty cool possibilities.

So, please let me present:

Holly Bush, a young P. E. teacher most at home on the volleyball court, lets friends rope her into participating in her church’s Adopt-a-Grandparent program. She wants to grow in her relationship with God. True, but does that mean facing her fear of infirmity, too?

By the time she’s finished the rigorous training, she’s too invested to quit.

Her grandparent match is a feisty gentleman who claims he left a career in real estate to live life on faith and a shoestring. The “Old Fool” of The Fisherman’s Place has an unsettling knack for working Jesus into every conversation.

When Holly’s eccentric new grandfather gives her an unusual gift with strings attached, it will likely change her life and the lives of her friends, colleagues, and students.

But is she up to the challenge?

Pam Green made her writing début in fifth grade when drafted to write the class play, Ghosts! Ghosts! Ghosts! At twelve, she fell in love with the French language. After a satisfying teaching career, she still peeks in the windows of empty schools while traveling and lingers in school supply aisles in August. Her stories show that God is always working in the lives of His children and seeking new members of His family.

Not everyone is going to be called to drive a Jesus car. Every Christian’s witnessing style will be different because the Holy Spirit guides us into different methods based on the abilities God created in us.

But every Christian is called to be a walking Gospel, a light shining in a dark place, an unashamed witness for the Truth.

I’m still figuring out how that’s supposed to look in my life. The Jesus Car encouraged me.

So, yes, I recommend you pick up a copy of this book and enjoy the ride with Holly and a wonderful cast of true-to-life characters!

And speaking of characters, let me introduce you to Jeff, one of Holly’s friends from The Jesus Car.

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Jeff, thank you so much for visiting with us! I enjoyed meeting you in The Jesus Car, and I’m delighted you’ve agreed to answer a few questions about the story.

Jeff: It’s nice to meet you, Darcy. Holly follows your blog, and she’s looking forward to reading your next book.

What, she reads the blog? I’m waving to you Holly!

1) You and Holly seem to be a couple when the story begins. How long have you known her and how did you meet?

Jeff: Let’s see. I met her in the singles group at COP– Church on the Parkway. It was shortly after she moved into the area to take a job at Sully High School. Our mutual friend Faith took Holly under her wing, so to speak, and introduced her around. Holly started going out to lunch with the lunch bunch after church on Sunday. We discussed the day’s sermon—and other things, of course. We were both tired of the dating scene, we just hung out in the group and got to know each other as we got to know the Lord.

I guess our first “date” was when I took her to Luigi’s. Love that place. Even then I didn’t dare call it a date because I didn’t want to scare her off. Actually, we knew each other pretty well by then, so maybe she wanted to be an official couple as much as I did. I should ask her one of these days.

I haven’t answered your question, have I? Let’s just say I feel like I’ve known her forever. She’s like a sister—she is a sister—as much as a girlfriend.

2) In your estimation, what is Holly’s greatest weakness? What is her greatest strength?

Jeff: Huh? You really want me to talk about her greatest weakness? Remember, she reads your blog!

I guess it’s safe to share what she mentions all the time to her friends. She tends to forget how strong she is in Christ—that what she thinks is a weakness, like being shy and insecure outside the athletic arena, is where he is going to make her strong. She’s way more aware of that now than BC. That’s Before the Car.

Strengths? She’s got so many. She’s very loyal and committed. She may have been nervous about the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, but once she made up her mind to do it, she was all in. I think the Holy Spirit cued her granddad into that, and that’s why he did what he did.

Before the Car. Love that!

3) When you first heard that Holly had inherited a Jesus Car, what was your initial reaction? Did you think it’s an out-dated way to evangelize?

Jeff: I knew her granddad, so the Jesus Car didn’t surprise me. Just like the other experiences she’d had with him, I knew driving it would stretch her, so I was all for it. An outdated way to evangelize? Funny. Never really thought about it. I know Holly felt she should just go about her business and listen to the Holy Spirit—follow His prompts—and that’d be enough. I don’t think she ever felt any pressure to evangelize. Know what I mean?

I think I do. 🙂

4) How did you feel when you finally drove the Jesus Car yourself?

Jeff: I was beginning to be seriously in awe of Holly at that point. Sometimes it was hard to stay focused on the Lord when I was with her. Between awe and love, you know? I knew that if I drove the car, I’d have to get back to basics and depend on Him myself. With His help, I did it. And I got my head screwed on a little tighter.

5) If you could have one thing in the world, anything, what would you choose?

Jeff: A thing? Like a possession? Give me a break. I can’t win with that question. Seriously, though, I care more about people than things. Kind of a misfit in our generation, maybe.

Maybe so. But I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing.

6) Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of this story?

Jeff: Hmm. I don’t have a scoop, if that’s what you mean. Holly and I are trying to follow the Lord’s leading day by day. He’s the one who knows what the future holds for both of us.

Thanks once again for joining us, Jeff, and for answering all my nosy questions!

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I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I do. Go check it out on Amazon!

And if you visit Pam’s website, you can subscribe to her mailing list and keep up with her latest book news, or subscribe to her blog for some real-life encouragement in walking with Jesus.

-Miss Darcy

Born for You | Character Interview

Y’all, I am so thrilled to feature my sister’s novella today! It’s available in the same novella collection as mine, The Heart of Christmas.

I’m not sure that I don’t like hers better than mine.

So please let me present Born for You by Leah Fornier.

Ryder has never set foot in a church. But when his best friend, Kenna, begs him to direct a church Christmas play, he can’t refuse. As he and Kenna work through a series of mishaps, Ryder finds himself drawn to the One born for him. And also to Kenna.

(Isn’t the cover lovely?) I laughed so much in this story. But there were also scenes that broke my heart. It’s a very sweet romance. So I might be biased, but I think my sister’s a pretty good writer. 🙂

And I have an interview today with a secondary character from the story—Audra, Kenna’s younger sister.

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Audra, thank you so much for visiting with us! I loved meeting you in Born for You, so I’m delighted you’ve agreed to answer a few questions for us today.

1) You and your older sister Kenna seem to have a close relationship, but I know all sisters have some friction (I have two sisters myself). Have you always been close? What would be your main source of friction these days?

Audra: Kenna and I have always been close. We kind of had to be since it was only the two of us growing up. But she’s my big sister. Despite her best intentions she’s still bossy. She’s still trying to manage my life. And my lack of ambition frustrates her to no end. I really like to just float through life, and to super-active, super-responsible Kenna, that is unthinkable. She means well, but occasionally we still lock horns over it.

2) In your estimation, what is Kenna’s greatest weakness? What is her greatest strength?

Audra: In some ways Kenna’s greatest weakness is also her greatest strength. She’s a fixer. She wants to fix everything – me, Ryder, the medical field, the world. You name it, she’s thought long and hard about what’s wrong with it and how to fix it. So it can be very stressful for her when things spiral out of her control. She’s learned a lot about trusting in God’s strength and not her own in the past several years. On the flip side, when things fall apart she can usually pull them back together. She’s always ready to help someone and volunteer her time for something no one else wants to do. She is the most helpful person I have ever known, and I know I can rely on her to always be there for me.

3) When Kenna first convinced Ryder to help her with the play, what did you think about the plan?

Audra: Actually, I was the one who suggested she get Ryder to do it for her, so naturally I thought it was a great idea. I reminded her how great he was in drama (although she didn’t really need reminding) and that his minor in college had been directing. I may or may not have had other, more personal, reasons for encouraging her to ask him.

4) If you could have one thing in the world, anything, what would you choose?

Audra: I want a man who loves me as much as Ryder loves Kenna.

5) Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of this story?

Audra: Yes. I just want to say that if you have a sibling (or siblings) as close to you as I am to Kenna, cherish them. They are one of God’s greatest gifts. I don’t know what I would do without Kenna, and I’m going to miss her now that she is married. But Ryder’s a great guy, so I’m okay with sharing. In fact, I’ve always thought those two were perfect for each other, and I did my best to help them get together. And I’ve gained a wonderful brother from the whole thing. All in all it worked out great, and I know Kenna and Ryder will have a beautiful life together.

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About the Author

Leah Fornier has loved storytelling since childhood when she would recite her long, complicated, embellished dreams for her sisters. She began writing in high school with short stories that constantly tried to outgrow their word limit. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, you might find her baking, sewing, playing the piano, or researching historical fashions. She lives in middle Tennessee with her parents and two noisy sisters.

The Heart of Christmas is available at Amazon.

If you like Christmas stories and don’t mind romance, I think you’ll enjoy this one. Why, our dad even read it and liked it. 🙂

And talking of Christmas stories, have you noticed that the Christmas season is upon us? I am so thrilled to be able to listen to Christmas music without certain parties complaining. I’m also enjoying some special Christmas ice cream flavors. 🙂 I hope your Christmas season is off to a very merry start!

-Miss Darcy

Quest for Leviathan | Blog Tour

The first thing that drew me to this story was Leviathan. A story about the sea monster of Job 41 and a young man trying to destroy this menace? Oh, yes!

About the Book

Leviathan took the life of his father.

Anath has spent three years preparing for the voyage that will end the threat of Leviathan. Yet as the Valor launches into the depths of the Mediterranean, an inward quest also begins, taking Anath to depths he is not willing to face.

May I start by saying I loved this story? It’s a short story, and I generally prefer longer works, but the adventure and the spiritual thread were handled beautifully. The historical detail was fascinating, the characters well-drawn. And, of course, we meet the awesome Leviathan. It would be great for kids to read, but I don’t think you could really box this story into applying to only one age group.

Oh, I almost forgot about the illustrations. A nice addition. I guess it’s no surprise that my favorite is the one with Leviathan. 😉

And now I’d like to introduce one of the secondary characters, Kanah, Anath’s best friend.

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Kanah, thank you so much for visiting with us. We barely get to meet you in “Quest for Leviathan,” so I’m delighted you’ve agreed to answer a few extra questions for us today.

1) When the story begins, you and Anath seem to have a strong friendship. How long have you known Anath, and how did you become friends?

Kanah: Our friendship reached to before he lost his father to the sea. Our boyhood was lived together. So much so that I do not recall how we became friends. We have always been friends. For life.

2) In your estimation, what is Anath’s greatest weakness? What is his greatest strength?

Kanah: Anath’s greatest weakness would be his all-consuming vengeance toward Leviathan. At the same time, it proved to be a great strength, enabling him to become a great captain at an age younger than any of our sea captains before him.

3) There is some mention of Anath’s quest against Leviathan being impossible without your aid. Why did you invest in this venture? Did you entertain any hope of success?

Kanah: This was of high importance to my friend. It was an adventure, yes, but more importantly, it was the life-blood of Anath. I feared that if there was no one there to keep him in check, he would fight Leviathan until his death. And I knew that God had much more in store for him than that.

4) If you could have one thing in the world, anything, what would you choose?

Kanah: I already have my love in my beautiful wife, Rahel. Above that, I yearn for a godly heritage—a legacy of children who serve my great King, Almighty God.

5) Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of this story?

Kanah: Learn from Anath’s journey. Each of us faces a different dragon that we must gain victory over—and Anath found the true way to acquire that victory.

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About the Author

Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

You can connect with Amanda on her Web site, at her blog, and on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Giveaway!

Amanda is giving away TWO print copies of “Quest for Leviathan” to one winner — one for you, and one for your friend!

Visit the Rafflecopter form to enter the giveaway.

You can purchase “Quest for Leviathan” on Amazon in e-book or print. You can also add it to your Goodreads shelf.

If you’d like to see the other places “Quest for Leviathan” has toured, click on the links below my signature. (All links open in new tabs.)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this! Seriously, pick up a copy of this story. At ninety-nine cents, I think you’ll enjoy it.

-Miss Darcy

June 8 – With a Joyful Noise (Release Day Post)
Resting Life (Spotlight, Review)
The World of the Writer (Review)
Authoring Arrowheads (Review)
Purely by Faith Review (Review, Interview)

June 9 – Victoria’s Book Nook (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)
Bekah’s Books (Spotlight, Review, Interview)

June 11 – Clothed with Scarlet (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)
Reveries Reviews (Review)

June 12 – Chosen Vessels (Spotlight, Review)
My Purple Pen (Review)
Read Another Page (Review)

June 13 – Once Upon an Ordinary (Review)
Maidens for Modesty (Review)

June 14 – Honey Rock Hills (Review)
Life of Heritage Corner (Spotlight, Review, Interview, Giveaway)
Kaylee’s Kind of Writes (Review, Interview)

June 15 – The Red-Hooded Writer (Review)
Blossoms and Blessings (Spotlight, Review, Interview, Giveaway)
Lit Aflame (Review, Interview)

June 16 – The Left-Handed Typist (Review)
Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Review, Interview, Giveaway)

June 18 – Great Books for God’s Girls (Review, Interview)
Peculiar Miss Darcy (Character Interview)

June 19 – Creating Romance (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)

June 20 – Keturah’s Korner (Review, Interview)
Rock and Minerals 4 Him (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)

June 21 – A Baker’s Perspective (Review, Giveaway, Character Spotlight)
Christian Author: A.M. Heath (Review, Interview)

June 22 – Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections (Review)
Views from the Window Friend (Review)
Hunting for Truth (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)

June 23 – Reading on the Edge (Spotlight)
Summer Snowflakes (Review, Giveaway)

June 25 – With a Joyful Noise (Giveaway Winner Announced)

The Secret Slipper | Blog Tour

I’m excited to be doing something new today. I’m participating in a blog tour for the release of a new book by Christian author Amanda Tero.

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to beta-read The Secret Slipper, helping it on the journey to publication. I loved it! It’s exactly the sort of “princess” book I want to read with my children if the Lord should so bless me one day. But don’t get the idea this is only a children’s story. Teens and even adults will discover worthwhile gems in this novella. I know I did.

I loved the medieval setting, although it’s not a strict historical. I loved getting to know the characters. I loved the eternal Truth woven so beautifully into the story. It’s rare I find a book I can unreservedly recommend.

So, without further ado, I present:

About the Book
Being a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?

Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?

As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn’t even know is searching for her?

Let me insert the purchase links real quick. Both books in the Tales of Faith series are available on Amazon: Befriending the Beast (Book 1) and The Secret Slipper (Book 2). Or if you’d like to order a signed paperback copy of The Secret Slipper (U.S. residents only), you can complete this form.

Although I loved the main characters, my favorite character was Jolin, the closest friend of Raoul (also known as Lord Kiralyn). I’m delighted to be able to interview him here today. I hope you enjoy his answers as much as I did.

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Jolin, thank you so much for visiting with us. You earned my respect as I read The Secret Slipper, and I’m delighted you’ve agreed to answer a few questions about the story.

My pleasure! Methinks my author had a little too much enjoyment shaping my character.

1) You’ve served Lord Kiralyn a long time when the story begins. What is your position, and what are the duties entailed?

I began as just a companion of Lord Kiralyn. Throughout the years, this has changed until he is one of my closest friends and companions. It feels as if my duty is to just be there for Raoul, to serve him however is needed—whether it is counseling his decisions or joining him in escapades which may not be the wisest for a lord to go upon.

2) In your estimation, what is Lord Kiralyn’s greatest weakness? What is his greatest strength?

His greatest weakness would be his rashness. When he gets something in his mind, he goes for it. At the same time, it can be his greatest strength. I am more of the overly cautious fellow. Another strength of his is his genuine care for others.

3) When you first heard that Ellia could be alive, did you entertain hope of finding her? Or did you think it impossible?

I couldn’t entertain hopes that Nes’s report was true. I tried reasoning it out, though, and I couldn’t deny the evidence piling up. Yet, for Raoul’s sake, I held back. If she was alive, what were the likelihoods of finding someone who had been missing for a decade?

4) If you could have one thing in the world, anything, what would you choose?

I would choose for wise people to be in control.

5) Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of this story?

It’s a journey, and a long and wild one at that, but it’s a great journey and I’d not exchange anything for being beside Raoul as he made his choices and grew through it all.

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About the Author

Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again – starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels. If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

You can connect with Amanda through her website, her blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Amanda is hosting a giveaway for both The Secret Slipper and the first book in the series, Befriending the Beast (which I also loved). Click on the links to be taken to the Rafflecopter forms.

U.S. Giveaway: Enter to win the set of “Befriending the Beast” and “The Secret Slipper”

International Giveaway: Enter to win the eBook set of “Befriending the Beast” and “The Secret Slipper”

If you’d like to see the other places The Secret Slipper has toured, you can click on the links below my signature. (All the links open in new tabs.)

I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed this!

-Miss Darcy

May 25, 2017
With a Joyful Noise | Release Day, Giveaway
Leila Tualla’s Bookshelf | Spotlight
Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections | Review, Giveaway
Great Books for God’s Girls | Review, Author Interview

May 26
Zerina Blossom’s Books | Interview
Knitted By God’s Plan | Spotlight and O’Scarlett Reviews | Review
A Brighter Destiny | Review, Giveaway

May 27
This Journey Called Life | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway
His Princess Warrior | Review, Giveaway
The Destiny of One | Spotlight
Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Spotlight, Interview, Giveaway

May 29
Once Upon an Ordinary | Review, Interview
Penumbra Reviews | Review
Peculiar Miss Darcy | Character Interview
My Joyful Journey with Jesus | Interview

May 30
Honey Rock Hills | Review, Giveaway
Christian Author: A.M. Heath  | Review
JudithWNicholson  | Interview

May 31
Whimsical Writings for His glory  | Spotlight, Review
God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae  | Spotlight, Review
Purposeful Learning | Review, Interview, Giveaway

June 1
Reveries Reviews  | Review
Victoria Minks Blog  | Spotlight, Video Review
Kelsey’s Notebook | Spotlight

June 2
RockandMinerals4Him | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway
Roxbury Books Blog | Spotlight
Views from the Window Friend  | Review
Crystal’s Adventures for Christ  | Spotlight, Review, Interview

June 3
Verbosity Reviews  | Spotlight
Chosen Vessels  | Review
Clothed with Scarlet | Review, Interview, Giveaway

Wisdom, a Poem

(I have a guest post today. A poem by my sister, Leah Fornier. Read it slowly. You might even want to read it twice. It’s that deep. And I love the wordplay.)

Wisdom

By Leah Fornier

We worship wisdom and the wise.
Where are the wise?
We search for understanding.
Where is understanding?
What is worldly wisdom and understanding?
They are foolishness.
Fools are we to follow
The worldly wisdom of the wise.
Who is wise?
Is it not God who has made
Our wisdom foolish?
The world in its wisdom
Forgot the wisdom of the most high God:
The God who made wisdom,
And gave wisdom.
The God who sent the message of salvation
Through the foolishness of His wisdom.
Can we then say, ‘That is foolish,’
Or, ‘That is wise’?
Do we know the wisdom
Of the God of wisdom?
What can we understand,
We, who scorned the Savior, as foolishness?
But who can say,
We who know not wisdom,
What is foolishness?
Christ is the foolishness of God,
Which is yet much wiser
Than the wisdom of man.
Christ is the wisdom of God,
For those who seek wisdom –
Foolishness in the light of worldly wisdom,
But wisdom in the light of God’s foolishness.
The foolishness of all who believe
Is the wisdom of God,
Made manifest to us through Jesus Christ,
The foolishness of God,
And the salvation of man.
This is wisdom.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

-1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)

-Miss Darcy

The Faith of a Gentile (Guest Author)

My sister Leah wrote this story, based on Luke 7:1-10, for a history project. I don’t know whether history projects are usually so powerful, but I wanted to share this with you. (Leah said I could.) I hope it blesses you like it did me.

The Faith of a Gentile
Leah Fornier

I sat on a stool by the bed of Agapetus. We had been companions since boyhood; he had served as my body slave for many years; he had been my friend; and now he was dying. The physician said there was nothing more he could do, no hope left.

I had done many great things in my life, but the thing I longed to do now was not in my power. I could not save Agapetus. I had begged him, ordered him, not to die, but all to no avail. So I sat beside him now, trying to keep his companionship for as long as possible, but knowing that death would soon take him from me. I realized I had not before appreciated Agapetus fully.

As I sat there contemplating these things, my wife entered. I was not aware of her presence until she laid a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and was momentarily jolted out of my misery when I saw her face, full of breathless excitement and urgency.

“What is it?” I asked, somewhat alarmed.

“Oh, Justinius,” she gasped, “such wonderful news! Jesus is in Capernaum!”

I stared at her blankly. “Jesus?”

“Yes, the carpenter from Nazareth. Surely you’ve heard of him, I know you have, and they say he can perform miracles, heal the sick, and raise the dead.”

“Don’t be foolish, Pomponia,” I began. “You know–”

But she interrupted me with an impatient little gesture. “It’s not foolishness, Justinius; it’s true, and you know it.”

I sighed. “I just don’t understand all these stories.”

“And what you don’t understand, you scorn,” she continued for me, “but that’s no way to go about it.”

“You’re right, I suppose.” I looked up at her. “What do you suggest, my dear?”

“Let us send some of the Jewish elders, Mattathias and Simeon perhaps, to Jesus and plead with him to come and heal Agapetus.”

“But, Pomponia,” I protested, “how can we ask the carpenter to do this for us, supposing he even could? He is a Jew.”

“He is Jesus,” she answered, “and he refuses no man who truly believes. You must only believe that he can heal Agapetus, and he will.”

I was silent, thinking it over. Pomponia waited, and finally I turned and looked straight into her eyes. “Do you believe he can?”

She looked back at me steadily. “Yes, I do.” The conviction in her voice assured me that she spoke the truth.

“Then send for Simeon and Mattathias and see if they will do this thing for us.”

She smiled at me, a truly glorious smile. “Of course they will do it, Justinius. Have you not built them a synagogue?” She kissed me quickly and left the room.

I still sat by Agapetus, but suddenly I felt happier than I had in days. For once again there was hope.   I remembered Pomponia’s words, ‘you must only believe,’ and I did believe. Why, I was not sure. Just a few moments before I had not believed, but Pomponia’s faith would rub off on anyone. She believed Jesus could and would heal Agapetus, and what my wife believed so firmly, I believed too.

……….

An hour later the city elders had come and gone, and all there was left to do was wait while they accomplished their mission. Pomponia sat with me in Agapetus’ room since I refused to leave him. Neither of us spoke much. We were absorbed in our own thoughts. Mine were centered on Jesus and my sudden strange belief in him.

While I sat there an odd feeling came over me. I felt as if Jesus were walking toward me, looking at me, and I knew I couldn’t bear to have him look at me. I was unworthy of his gaze. I turned to my wife in great distress.

“Pomponia, Jesus cannot come here!”

Her eyes widened wonderingly.

“We are not worthy to have him in our house. We are Gentiles,” I said.

She nodded in comprehension. “You are right. I didn’t think of that.”

“We must send someone to stop him,” I exclaimed, jumping to my feet.

“But how do you know he is coming yet?” Pomponia asked, her confusion evident. I was spared an explanation when a servant entered followed closely by my good friend, and fellow centurion, Gaius Marullias.

“Gaius,” I said, “what brings you here?” I had not expected him, and he had not waited to be announced by the servant. That was his way, never waiting to be announced.

“I was passing through the area and thought I’d give you a surprise visit, but it seems you would have been surprised anyway, without my coming.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“On my way here, I passed some kind of procession that appeared to be headed this way. It should be very nearly here by now.”

“I told you he was coming,” I said to Pomponia. “We must hurry and stop him.”

“Stop who?” Gaius asked. “Are you expecting someone?”

“Gaius,” I said, ignoring his questions, “would you do something for me?”

“Of course, Justin,” he answered, “you know I would. What is it?”

“I need you to go back to that procession, find the man named Jesus, and give him a message for me. Can you do that?”

“Certainly. What’s the message?”

I thought for a moment, getting the words in order. “This is what I say to him,” I told Gaius. “Listen carefully.

“Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.”

I turned to look out the window, but continued dictating my message.

“For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

I stopped and glanced at Gaius. His face showed intense concentration.

“This is what you must say to Jesus,” I said.

He nodded. “I will do it and come back.” With that he turned and walked out, and in the silence that followed, I could hear his footsteps retreating up the hallway. I sank down on the stool and drew Pomponia to me.

“Do you think I did right?”

“Yes,” she answered, “you did right.”

And again we waited.

……….

I do not know how much time passed, but suddenly the atmosphere in the room changed. It was as if someone or something else had entered, bringing peace with it. I looked at Agapetus feeling somehow that the change was associated with him, and as I watched, he opened his eyes and saw me, really saw me, without the haze of fever from past days. There was a radiance on his face like nothing I had ever seen. I stared in awe.

Then Agapetus reached a hand toward me and whispered, “Master.”

Behind me, Pomponia gasped. I clasped Agapetus’ extended hand. “You are well?” I said, half-afraid to believe he was healed.

“Master,” he answered, “I have seen God. I am well.”

I dropped to my knees beside the bed and wept for joy as I never remembered weeping before. But under the joy, there was a feeling of utter humbleness. I had felt, witnessed, the presence of Jesus.

There was the sound of running feet in the corridor, and the next moment Gaius burst into the room, flushed and panting.

“Well?” he said.

“Agapetus is healed,” I told him.

He grinned at me. “I knew he was, as soon as Jesus spoke.”

“What did He say?” I questioned eagerly.

“Not much.” Gaius frowned slightly. “I’ve never seen anyone like Him. I gave Him your message, and He listened intently. When I finished, He turned to those with Him and said, ‘I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel,’ and I knew your servant would be healed.”

I bowed my head, overwhelmed with the enormousness of Jesus’ statement. If I had not felt humbled before, I certainly would have then.

“Thank you for going, Gaius. I am eternally indebted to you.”

He shook his head. “No, I am the one indebted. If it hadn’t been for you, I would not have seen Jesus.”

I stood up and grasped Gaius by the shoulders.

“My friend, you have seen Him, I have felt Him, and Agapetus has been healed by Him. This man Jesus has the presence of a god in Him, the one true God, the God of the Jews, and a God worth following.”

Then all four of us, Gaius, Pomponia, Agapetus, healed of all sickness, and myself, knelt and thanked God for the blessing of faith He had given us that day.

I believed in Jesus, and the God He served, and my life has not been the same since I witnessed the power of the living God.

Do you believe in Jesus? He alone can make you well.

-Miss Darcy