Author: Amanda Tero

Music has always been a part of Amanda Tero’s life–from her mom singing Steve Green specials to her dad honking out the rhythm of “Jingle Bells” in the driveway. She began teaching in 2007 and fell in love with sharing music. Amanda started arranging hymns for herself in her teens, with fast and furious advanced hymn settings. Then, as her students began requesting hymns at their levels, she branched out to hymn arranging for pedagogical reasons. Because of Amanda’s interest in various genres, in her shop, you will find hymn arrangements of various levels embracing classical elements, light jazz style, Southern Gospel flair, and more.

Undaunted Hope | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments

After reading about 1/4 of the book, I decided not to finish it. I am not a big romance fan, and from chapter one, Tessa was engrossed with Alex’s rippling muscles and drowning in his cobalt blue eyes. Just mentioning that doesn’t quite bother me, but when it goes on and on, chapter after chapter, her clearly lusting after this man, it just was too much (one quote that is very mild, “He was a beautiful specimen of manhood. She honestly had no desire to take her eyes off of him, even though she knew she was ogling inappropriately in front of the children.”).


I thought about finishing the book and skimming the parts between her and Alex…but then Alex’s brother Michael came onto the scene. And I just don’t like love triangles. So, while I would have enjoyed the school situation, discover what Mr. Updegraff would say when Tessa started an adult school without his knowledge, I just could not in good conscience finish it.

So, while people who enjoy “swoon worthy” material may enjoy it, those who are trying to monitor the amount of romance they read will probably want to avoid this book.

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review*

Marie and Mary | Journey to Love

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Get to know some characters in “Journey to Love!” Today, meet Marie and Mary.
Marie Dixon
The main character of “Journey to Love,” Marie is recently orphaned and whisked away from the only life that she has ever known. She has created a shell around her heart and refuses to make Creston her new home. Will this shell ever be broken?

Mary Thornton
When Marie first saw Mary, she was strangely drawn to her, and thought of her as a friend…but her dreams for this friend soon come crashing down when there is a barrier Marie does not want to cross.

Come back on Tuesday to meet Mr. and Mrs. Bowles–the couple who took Marie in.

Word Wednesday #93

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. 
Genesis 19:22
Man prevented God from working–not because God is powerless, but because He is merciful.
But still…is my disobedience hindering God from what He wants to do in my life?
~*~*~

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog! Did you post on your blog? I’d love to see — share your link in a comment!

 
 

Coming Soon: "Journey to Love"

Published on by Amanda Tero7 Comments
Yes, if you’ve been following my blog for the last year, you’ve seen me mention “Journey to Love” before (here and here). Well, the exciting time is coming when “Journey to Love” will be available to the public! 
It has indeed been a journey! And, as I like “behind-the-scenes,” I’m going to give you some!
~The original idea came in September 2014. I first thought that Marie would be sent to her mother’s French friend in Louisiana. However, in Spring 2015, the Lord gave me the idea of creating an orphan train novella series. With a little adaptation, Marie’s story fit in perfectly. 
~The original titles for “Journey to Love” were Echoes of Mercy, Quest for Truth, and Journey to Love (as you can see, “Journey to Love” stuck)

~There was one quote in my original idea that just didn’t fit into the new story. I kinda wish I could have put it somewhere, but hey–I can just share it here! 

For a moment, Marie just wanted to throw her arms around Madame – just like she had always wanted to do so to Mama. But she held back. No; she would say nothing. It was an inward battle she had to fight; she could handle it on her own.

~I started writing this version of “Journey to Love” on March 17, 2015. It will be almost exactly a year later that it is released. I sure thought that a novella wouldn’t take a year…but so it has! Continue reading to get a glimpse why.

~”Journey to Love” was written while I was helping my family building our house. Yep, I got many ideas while cutting wood or painting. 😉

~I thought that I had finished “Journey to Love” in July 2015. At that time, I emailed a couple of friends, saying, “I’m thinking that this really ought to be ‘Journey to Truth’ or ‘Journey to Freedom!'” The next day, I visited my sister’s church. Their Sunday school hour was on 1 John. During that lesson, I felt God impress in my heart, “No, Amanda, this novella WILL be ‘Journey to Love.'” I went home and rewrote the ending.

~Again, I had thought that “Journey to Love” was finished by November 2015, but no. After one beta-reader’s feedback and a phone conversation with a friend, I prayed about expanding the story. It went from 15 chapters (and 17,912 words) to 20 chapters (and 25,000+ words). I am so, so, so thankful for the friends who were kind in suggesting some pretty in-depth changes. “Journey to Love” would not be what it is today without their suggestions!

~The cover also went through a pretty drastic change…but, you’re going to have to wait to see the full cover, as I’ve not yet taken pictures of my “Marie.” But, here’s a sneak-peak of what I’m pretty sure won’t be changing:


Stay tuned…because in the next few weeks I’m going to be giving you a lot of glimpses into this novella!

Are any of you working on a big project?
Has God allowed a certain project to take longer than you anticipated? What lessons did you learn from it?