Month: June 2019

Historical Note | Blog Tour Stop at Faith Blum’s Blog

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Today I’m with Faith Blum, looking at a little history vs. fantasy with one of everyone’s favorite structures: castles!!

What do you think of when you visualize castles? I’ll be honest, I think of hours playing Age of Empires II with my brothers where the castle was a compact unit that was added around the other buildings. While it is true that some castles are constructed in such fashion, the more I got to digging, the more I realized the expansive options of castle portrayal.
Read more HERE. 

There’s a New Project on the Desk!!!!

Published on by Amanda Tero6 Comments

There’s a new idea brewing…

Or should I say several?

But before I jump into the idea, you have to know a little history behind this really unique program that President Roosevelt issued during the Great Depression.

Now that you know what I’m talking about… I’m SO excited to announce that I’m part of an awesome team of writers bringing this historical idea to fiction.

Eek!!!! Isn’t this amazing?!?!? I have read and enjoyed books by Alicia, A.M. Heath, and Faith. Plus, they’re just amazing, sweet, and wonderful Christian women. To say that I’m excited about this project is an understatement.

But, this is all I’m saying now. 😉

Please, please give my friends a follow so you can keep up with all four novellas as we make progress on them. Just take my word for it: these are really great stories coming up. 🙂

Faith Blum: FaceBook | Website | Blog
A.M. Heath: FaceBook | Website
Alicia Ruggieri: FaceBook | Website | Blog

The Noble Guardian | Book Review and Giveaway

Published on by Amanda Tero11 Comments



Abby is an endearing character who has lived a life unloved and unaccepted. Her journey begins with deep hope and anticipation of being Lord Jonathan’s beloved bride. However, the path to Brakewell Hall is full of twists and turns. As a character, Abby was believable. I’ve known girls who are just like her–hopeful and perhaps slightly disillusioned to the truth.

The Captain, now, is one that I slightly better understand. He is stoic and unrelenting in what he believes is right. Granted, I totally don’t identify with his whole theme of going after highway bandits, but I loved the action and energy those scenes exuded.

The spiritual plot was there. In the beginning, it appeared as if both characters were believers, but then at the halfway point, there were some conversations (pretty much the only solid spiritual conversations in the book) and it seems as if one of the characters gets saved at that point. I was slightly disappointed because, near the end, the entirety of the spiritual plot revolved more around the characters and their romantic desires than anything else.

Speaking of romantic desires… I don’t hide that I’m not a huge romance fan. In some books, I can tolerate more than others, all depending on how it is written. This one had more description than I cared for. There is an almost-rape scene (more than just mentioned in passing–the reader gets a few details of the attack) and a couple of mentions of men’s hands traveling down further than they should, etc.

I really do like Griep’s writing style and her descriptions. As a writer, I can admire the style, even though the content isn’t quite what I fully appreciate.

*I received this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*


Book: The Noble Guardian
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Christian Historical
Release date: June, 2019
A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure
The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.
Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.
Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.
So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.
Click here to purchase your copy.


To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Noble Guardian!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e31b/the-noble-guardian-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Author
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at http://www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

Highwaymen Aren’t All Glamorous
Highwaymen are often romanticized in historical romances, but the truth is these fella’s were generally not compassionate thieves at all. They were cutthroat robbers who sometimes killed. Here’s a brief history so that you’re in the know.
The term “highwayman” simply means a thief who steals—usually at gunpoint—from travelers on the road. Not all, but some of those attacks turned deadly, the robbers not wishing to leave anyone behind who could identify them. Others wore masks for the same purpose.
Long, deserted stretches of roads that were main thoroughfares were the particular favorite haunts of these men. Criminals would choose remote highways that supplied regular traffic going to and from major destinations, such as Hounslow Heath, about fifteen miles outside of London.
To combat these villains, in 1805 the Bow Street Horse Patrol was created. There were about sixty men hired to protect travelers on the principal roads within sixty miles of London. Most of the men had served previously in a cavalry regiment. Their most successful achievement was to rid Hounslow Heath of highwaymen.
And that’s where I got the idea for my hero, Samuel Thatcher, in The Noble Guardian. He’s a rough and tumble man who’s tired of life and the wickedness of man. Mostly he’s just biding his time until he retires—that is until he rescues Miss Abigail Gilbert from the clutches of one of the worst offenders of all…Shankhart Robbins.
Sound like an adventure? It is. Settle back with your own copy and see what it’s like to ride the rugged heath in a carriage, bounding along—until you hear the crack of a pistol.
Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, June 11
Carpe Diem, June 13
Hallie Reads, June 17
Moments, June 18
Bigreadersite, June 19
Remembrancy, June 20

Homestead Friends | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

This is a cute little children’s book. The art style is not my particular favorite—less detailed, more whimsical, bold colors. But just because it’s not my style doesn’t mean it’s not something I can’t recommend. I think children would really like the vivid colors.
It is a good sized book. Not quite coloring book size. It’s a good size to hold and let children point to the pictures and discuss it, but probably a little too big for toddlers to easily handle on their own.
The storyline is simple; a tale about a dog and what he does on the homestead following his dad around. I know I’m not a children’s book writer, but sometimes the text seemed to get a little wordy for younger children.
It isn’t explicitly Christian—I think the closest you get to any reference is the mention of “blessings.” It’s more of a neutral book.
The formatting wasn’t particularly my favorite with a plain white page for the text and a full-colored picture on the right. Again, I realize that this is totally my pickiness and the average reader probably won’t even think about it. It definitely doesn’t affect the quality of the storyline or the art—just the aesthetics.
Overall, it’s a cute little book that I think children will love. Especially if you have a little boy who adores dogs.
*I received this book from Book Crash and happily provided my honest review*
Find out more about Homestead Friends here.

Behind-the-Scenes of "Befriending the Beast" | Blog Tour Stop at Maidens for Modesty

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Today I’m over on Kaitlyn’s blog sharing some behind-the-scenes from “Befriending the Beast.” Do you want to know how my brain works with plotting and idea-spinning? (Also, do you want to know how MUCH I despise and loathe spoilers??? Yeah, that was a bonus ;))

Visit HERE to read the article and see some sneak-peeks about-the-process of writing.

Waiting… | Blog Tour Stop at We’ve Got Pockets

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Yesterday, I hopped over to We’ve Got Pockets to share some thoughts about waiting.

Waiting. Does it ever stop?

Is it just me, or is there irony in that question? Let’s admit it, though: sometimes, we’re just waiting for the waiting period to be over.

But usually it doesn’t just stop there. Have you noticed? We’re waiting for graduation so we can stop doing school then we’re waiting for that perfect job to come along. We wait until God brings along a husband for us gals, then we’re waiting for the engagement, then the wedding. Then we wait for the first baby, and wait until said baby is out of diapers, and wait until baby grows up and goes through all the school years and graduates, and wait for baby to find a spouse and get married… the circle never ends. As soon as one waiting period is over, we’re waiting for the next thing.

Continue reading here…

How it All Began… | Tales of Faith 3-Month Tour

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments

Saturday we {finally} had the cover reveal for “Protecting the Poor.”
Today starts a whole new series of a blog tour!! I’m thrilled and excited to welcome thirteen amazing bloggers that I’ll be hanging out with next month:
A.M. Heath @ A.M. Heath Blog
Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings
Esther @ We’ve Got Pockets
Faith Blum @ Faith Blum
J. Lodi @ Drop in the Ocean
Kaitlyn @ Maidens for Modesty
Kaylee @ Kaylee’s Kind of Writes
Kenzi @ Honey Rock Hills
LeAnne @ Wildflower Acres
Medomfo @ Writings from a God-Girl
Michaela @ Tangled Up in Writing
Sydney @ Singing Librarian Books
We’re going to have about three posts each week, so keep visiting back here (or just go and follow all of them!) and I’ll link to each blog on the day they post. Every post is different–this week, for instance, we have an inspirational post, a book review, and an “about-the-process” lined up. I’m super excited about it and give a hearty thank-you to these lovely bloggers for letting me invade their space.

Let’s start at the very beginning…

This month everyone is featuring “Befriending the Beast.” Because let’s face it, I wouldn’t have had a “Protecting the Poor” without this one.
If you’ve hung around me long enough, you might already know the “story behind the story.” So just skim if you’re that person. But hey… maybe you’re new (hi!!) and love behind-the-scenes just as much as I do!
It’s always interesting to think back to how a series began—or, in this case, just one short story (cue a sheepish grin). My sisters and I were watching a movie and during a commercial break, the random question popped in my mind (because we really weren’t watching anything “Beauty and the Beast” related): “What if the beast was Belle’s father?” I jotted the question down on my phone’s notes app (anyone else do that?). This was end of June/beginning of July 2016.
Well, one of my friend’s birthdays was coming up late July. So, like any sane person, I thought, “Why not write a short story for her for a gift?” And like any sane writer, I knew I could pull it off.
Not.
I did write a short story (about 7,000 words) and it only took me one weekend. But I soon realized that my story idea morphed into something far greater than a mere short story could handle. As I edited, it grew to over twice its original length, landing it in the questionable short story/novella range (so yeah, I just called it a novella). No, I didn’t meet my friend’s birthday. She still received it as a gift—albeit a few months late (it released September 30, 2016).
End of story.
Until…
I wasn’t seriously thinking about making a series out of “Befriending the Beast,” but I mentioned to my friend how I had the fleeting thought of attempting a Cinderella retelling, but the only idea I had was modern. A few days later, she messaged, “Since you made the beast the father, I thought you might like to toss around the idea of making Prince Charming the father too.” Thanks, A.M. Heath. I stayed up half the night spinning an idea for a now-book-two of a series-I-wasn’t-going-to-write.
Once “The Secret Slipper” was in the works, I knew I had to create a trilogy (because three is just better than two), so as soon as characters were created, I began to toss around who could have their own story for a third retelling. Now, my reader friends, we have “Protecting the Poor” hinting at a Robin Hood retelling!

And there you have it… how my novella trilogy spun from one single question.
Have you ever had an idea that began simple and expanded every time you thought about it? If you’re a writer, what is the craziest way one of your stories began?

A New Cover! Protecting the Poor

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

At long last… I get to share the cover of “Protecting the Poor” with you!

Ready???

*insert huge, excited grin*

Ah yes… we get to have my favorite color on the cover: green! Plus, it’s not Robin Hood without green (albeit, they’re “Lincoln Green” not quite this shade).

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.

Add to your Goodreads’ Shelf.
Preorder your eBook from Amazon.

*Happy sigh*
I really do like seeing them all together. It’s really amazing to think that when I first thought up the idea three years ago, “Befriending the Beast” was just going to be a short story stand-alone. 😉 I’m very glad Lia and Dumphey got to join Belle in the series and absolutely cannot wait to share his story with you!!!

And, in a way, I get to start that now!!

Okay, well, maybe not that easily. You see… I want to share a portion of chapter one with you, but you absolutely must and have to read the prologue first!

So visit one of these lovely bloggers to read the prologue (don’t worry, they’ll all have it, so take your pick) THEN come back here and scroll down to read a continuance with chapter one.

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CHAPTER ONE PREVIEW

One week later…

Dumphey removed the last of the rye bread from his pouch. He had but a few minutes before they would begin searching for him at the barracks. He knocked on the door of Widow Anith. As soon as he heard footsteps approaching, he laid the bread in a cloth at the doorstep and hurried away. He watched from the shadows as the door opened and a young lass bent down to examine the bread. ’Twas the same lass who always came to the door, no more than four years of age. And, as always, the lass took the bread then looked around—as if making sure a soldier wouldn’t steal it from her—before rushing back inside and shutting the door.
Another lass would not go hungry tonight. Warmth spread through Dumphey as he set off toward the barracks. Eight paces away, he stopped. Unease prickled the back of his neck. ’Twasn’t the first time he felt like he was being followed within this week. He spun around and a sword swiped toward him. He leapt backward. Pain sliced through his arm. He fell to the ground and clutched his left arm. Sticky blood pulsed under his grip.
They were supposed to train with wooden weapons. Not swords and armor. And definitely not fully-armored soldier against unarmed page. Unless…
The knight lunged for him. Dumphey rolled, thwarting the attack.
This wasn’t training.
He scrambled to his feet before the knight advanced again. He glanced around for something—anything—to use as a defense. Nothing. He stepped back. He was swifter on his feet than the knight encumbered with armor. But only if he could take his flight when the knight wasn’t expecting it. Curse those wretched helmets with visors. He couldn’t read the knight’s intentions with metal shielding his eyes. He didn’t even know who he was up against. Or why.
Surely the soldiers hadn’t been spying on his actions around Abtshire and reported them to the lord. He had been cautious—hadn’t he? Mayhap not cautious enough. Dumphey sent up a silent prayer that God would protect the families he regularly visited.
They continued in a stalemate, circling each other without making a thrust. Dumphey kept his eye on the maille-covered arm that held the sword. The muscles tightened. He ducked and the blade sliced over his head. Before the knight could make his next move, Dumphey turned and ran. His back was exposed, making him vulnerable, but run or stay, he faced death. He darted between cottages, slipping on trash that littered his way.
The nigh-completed walls of the barracks loomed before him. Just beyond it stood the stables. Dumphey risked a glance behind him. He had lost the knight, at least for the moment. He wove through another cluster of cottages until he reached the side of the stables away from the barracks. He surged through the stables’ open doors and slipped into the shadows before Philaon or Noel noticed him. Sweat soaked his tunic. Invisible spiders crawled up his legs after his sudden race. He closed his eyes and focused on silencing his gasping breaths as he pressed his hand to his wounded arm.
Here, with the comforting sounds of horses and the sweet smell of hay, was a safe haven. A place in which he had yearned to dwell this past year. With everything in him, he was grateful that Noel was still here instead of at the barracks. He had spent every day praying that Lord Feroci wouldn’t force his younger brother into training. ’Twas bad enough, him being coerced to train and fight, when all he yearned for was peace in the land. But he wasn’t given a choice. None of the lads were. They must fight for the lord or face the gallows. None of them could afford to pay Lord Feroci’s conscription fee.
“Ah, there you are, my good lad.” Barat’s tone belied his congenial words.
Dumphey jerked up, fist forming. The lord’s magnate. He held almost as much power as Feroci himself. How did he know to look here?

Add to your Goodreads’ Shelf.
Preorder your eBook from Amazon.

Would you like to be a part of “Protecting the Poor’s” release team (and get a free eBook)? Sign up here to spread the word on social media!4