Month: September 2017

Understanding Color in Photography | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
Since photography is one of my hobbies, I like to grab up photography books as they come up for review. I have found Bryan Peterson to be a helpful photographer author, so when I saw this book coming up, I grabbed the opportunity!
This was the easiest to read of Bryan Peterson’s books that I’ve read so far–possibly because it is relevant to any photographer (whereas other books, like his flash book, requires a little more advanced knowledge of equipment knowledge). It is easy to read, also, because there are so many images–which, for a photographer and visual learner, is a fantastic thing. I also found this to be helpful for me as a graphics designer. My favorite section was when Peterson and Schellenberg took each color of the color wheel and gave examples of photographing that color–as well as some handy tips on how to get the most vibrant color. Now I’m ready to go out and shoot some colors!
Quick disclaimer: there was one page of nude photography, so conservative photographers, be forewarned.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review.*

Where Dandelions Grow | First Line Friday

Published on by Amanda Tero9 Comments
Today, I’m happy to feature a release by an Indie author. It was a cute story, an easy, short read.


What first line do you have for this week?

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Be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.

Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Iola – Iola Golton
Anna – Cross Romance
Alicia – A Brighter Destiny




My Review

I fell in love with Swallow Ridge–first by its name, and second, by its people. It was a sweet town, which fit right along with the sweet story of cousins being reunited.

I would hand this book over to any child with good conscience, seeing as there is no romance, suggested scenes, or questionable content.

The Christianity in this was slightly confusing. From what it appeared, Destiny was not a Christian, did not accept Christ, yet was able to “take the high road” and make changes apart from Christ (I could have missed something, but this is what my impressions were). When it came to the cousins and “Grams,” they had a solid faith and gave credit to God for their ability to live differently. Also, the church service… it was more of an inspirational, “do better” speech than a sermon (there were great points, just no Scripture and very little mention of God besides “putting God first”). It was definitely a Christian book, just some things weren’t quite clear to me.

This author is showing promise in her writing and I look forward to seeing how she grows in this talent.

*The author gave me a free copy of this book and I happily gave my honest review*

If you want to connect with the author…
Find her blog, Amazon, Goodreads

Interview with Lydia

Me: Did the idea for Where Dandelions Grow come as a punching idea of, “Hey, I’m a story you need to write, and here’s what I’m about” or more of a subtle suggestion?

Lydia: The idea of writing a book about cousins was very much of “punching idea” complete with names that wouldn’t let me go. Kamryn, Lexie, Destiny, and Teal swam around in my mind nonstop until the rest of the story eventually followed.  

Me:  What was your favorite part of writing Where Dandelions Grow?
Lydia: Having a story all about the bonds cousins have thrilled me because I really love my cousins. In addition to that, Where Dandelions Grow was my first young adult book, and I so0on discovered that it’s my favorite genre to write. 

Me: If you could sit across the table from any author and pick their brain about any subject in the world, who would it be, and what is the subject you’d most like to discuss?


Lydia: Ohh! Goodness, this is such a good question! I’d have a hard time picking between Brother Andrew and Patrica St. John. Since Miss Patrica is no longer alive though, I’ll go with Brother Andrew. He wrote the book “God’s Smuggler” (among other books), which talks about his life as a follower of God and a smuggler of Bibles behind the Iron Curtin. Sitting down and asking him for more stories about his life and how he’s seen God work would be utterly amazing. 

Guess what!!

Published on by Amanda Tero11 Comments
Last week was busy…as in not-home-all-week busy. But, at the same time, God allowed me to get some random writing time in. Then yesterday: my first day home in a week and I was seriously dragging. However…I wrote two very exciting words yesterday.
That’s right. Amidst a crazy busy schedule for the past two months, God has allowed me to make small steps of progress and I have reached the end of draft two for Nat’s story! This draft has finished with 74,308 words. I still need to do a final read-through and some tweaking (particularly toward the end) but it’s almost ready to hand out to beta-readers! I’m super excited and grateful to the Lord for this progress!! I honestly had begun to think that it would be December before I’d see these two words, but God is good.
What progress are you celebrating this week?

Scripture Graphics #58

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

No matter who we are, we are always responsible for how we keep God’s Word.


 Two anchors of Christianity that many people debate today: God’s presence and His truth. Where do we stand on the issue? Can we, as the Psalmist, state this with assurance?


Waiting for the Lord—in anything, at any stage—should never be hopeless desperation. Our waiting should be coupled with a calm, assured hope in His Word—for He is faithful that promised.

What one verse encourages you in a waiting time?

Coming Soon: Five Fall Favorites!!

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments

Calling all book lovers! In just a few days, we’ll be exploring a ton of favorite books throughout several different blogs! 🙂 I spent yesterday putting together my posts and finding my favorite books (or… some of my, “I really like these and think others will too” as it’s hard to have actual favorites) and I’m looking forward to a fun week!
So, mark your calendars and get ready to join us for a bunch of fun, freebies, and giveaways!

The Christmas Blessing | First Line Friday

Published on by Amanda Tero10 Comments
Merry Christmas in September! Seriously, for me, it’s not too early to be pulling out the Christmas stuff. 😉 I haven’t read many Christmas books, so this was a new thing for me. Overall… well, just read my review to see my full thoughts!
What’s your favorite Christmas book?
Do you have a first line for today?
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Be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Iola – Iola Golton
Anna – Cross Romance
Alicia – A Brighter Destiny
My Review
If you want a feel-good, happily-ever-after story with a Christmas flavor, this fits the bill perfectly. Amelia’s story is a gutter-to-glory story of a girl whose life is shrouded by clouds of darkness.

The one element in this story that I would have preferred to be dealt with a little better was the fact that Amelia and James had a baby out of wedlock. It’s mentioned that it was a mistake, but “they were going to get married anyway” and I just don’t agree with that thought. According to the Bible, there are no exceptions to “the bed undefiled is honorable.” So the fact that this story was about a single mom whose baby was born out of wedlock kind of put a damper on my enjoyment of it. Though I will say, though that was the element of the story, it was not at all detailed and spelled out. Just mentioned; I can appreciate that.

There were mentions of God’s will, praying to God, following God, and Him having the perfect plan. It did still feel like the spiritual aspect was a little weak. I realize there is only so much one can put into a novella, but for me it was lacking.

The romance was very little in this book. It is more mentioned that things happened than detailing of emotions. So in essence, this wasn’t really a romance book.

I greatly liked the doctor. He was just full of kindness and goodness and the perfect father figure. Amelia was a sweet girl too. She just didn’t make all of the best choices.

Like I said, if you want just a sweet, short read, this is a good book for that. But I kind of can’t overlook how the aspect of a baby from wedlock was kind of brushed over.

*I received this book from Revell and happily provided my honest review*

Oh, How I Love Jesus | Violin, Piano Duet

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
I have enjoyed teaching violin the last couple of years. Before we moved, I had about four violin students. But at the time being, I have thirteen violin students (one video student in Nigeria!). One of my favorite things to do is to arrange hymns for them to play in church. I love that most of my students strongly desire to share their music for God’s glory. 
Here is one that I recently arranged for a student to play (recorded by myself).
Sheet music available at WAJN

If a Picture’s Worth 1,000 Words…

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
Well, then, I shall fill this post of pictures. 😉 Because last week was not one of the word-heavy type. Now, before I complain too loudly, the Lord blessed me with an excellent start of the week. Last Monday, I loaded myself up and trekked out under the magnolia tree to do some writing.

In the nice, cool, quietness of Monday, I was able to add about 2,000 words to Nat.

I had to pull out my 18th Missouri book to get some details straight before I progressed in the story. Thanks to all who prayed last week. The ending is looking a little clearer. What do you think… cliff-hanger or sorts?? Not like a huge one, but… just a wee one? Do you like cliff-hangers for the end of a book?

Oh, oh, oh!!! Guess what I got in???

Yeah, no… it’s not going to be for me. 😉 Doesn’t quite fit. But! I’m working on getting things moving for a cover picture!! I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about this aspect of my book!
And one last thing: I’m really considering changing the series titles. You see, I have “Orphan Journeys” as the title under which I published “Journey to Love.” I have that convenient “Orphan Journeys novellas” and had considered that Nat’s story would be the first of the novel series. However, as it’s looking now, it looks like Nat (or people associated with him) will have a trilogy. And then I’ll have a completely different, disconnected series of individual novellas. Yeah. Just a little confusing. So… I’m considering changing the series title. Which, in turn, will mean that I’m changing the title from Journey of Choice to… well, that will have to wait. After all, I just have ideas. Nothing concrete yet. I’d really appreciate your honest thoughts on the series title change. Do you think it would be a world less confusing to have two different series entirely, even though they’re both about orphans?

Scripture Graphics #57

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

This is a daily commitment I need to make. Today…do I choose to delight in His Word, or does something temporal steal my delight? Today…do I choose to remember His Word, or do I do my devotions to get it checked off my list and then forget everything I’ve read?

We all face those days when our soul is heavy—but do we solve it with a temporal “band-aid” or ignore it and try to live through it? There is amazing help in God’s Word, yet so often that is the last place we go to for help and strength.

Is this true for me? Do I value God’s Word as much as money? We say, “If we only had $$$” but do we ever say, “If I only apply God’s Word more?” We put effort into saving up for things, but does our effort to hide God’s Word in our heart at all compare?


If we don’t keep God’s testimonies, it’s the same as saying, “Your words really don’t mean much to me.”

What is your favorite verse in Psalm 119?