Tag: First Line Fridays

Christmas Comes Early | First Line Friday

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
Christmas tour 

Christmas time is here! Okay, so not quite yet. It’s still over a month away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start celebrating early, right? So today, we’re celebrating the release of not one, not four, but eight new Christmas books! All written by Rebekah A. Morris. I’ll be spotlighting two of her books today and you can find out more about the others as you follow the tour. Before I do so, though, Rebekah has shared the first lines from ALL eight of her stories!

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads

Add to Goodreads
To read some other great first lines, I’m participating with Hoarding Book’s First Line Fridays! Hop over for other great lines!

About the Books

Klara Ivanski arrives from the Old Country with her Papa, Mama and ten brothers and sisters. “All vill be vell,” Papa assures them, but Mama and several of her brothers and sisters must remain at their aunt and uncle’s because of sickness. With barely enough money for food, Klara is quick to assure her papa that they only need Mama and the other to make Christmas special. But will the family be together for their first Christmas in America?

When Desirae Richey agrees to go home with some college friends for Christmas, she expects a small family gathering. Instead she is taken to the Christmas Lodge in the snowy mountains of Canada to a noisy, fun loving, adventurous group of family and friends who welcome her as one of their own. Everything seems to be going as planned until an unexpected snowfall occurs.

About the Author

Rebekah A. Morris is a homeschool graduate, an enthusiastic freelance author and a passionate writing teacher. Her books include, among others, Home Fires of the Great War, The Unexpected Request, Gift from the Storm, and her bestselling Triple Creek Ranch series. Some of her favorite pastimes, when she isn’t’ writing, include reading and coming up with dramatic and original things to do. The Show-Me state is where she calls home.

Tour Schedule

November 13
Bookish Orchestrations – Introductory Post
Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the author
Kaylee’s Kind of Writes – Book Spotlight
Resting Life– Review and Excerpt
Perry Elisabeth – Excerpt
Rachel Rossano’s Words – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 14
Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the author
Odelia’s Blog– Author Interview and Book spotlight
Bryce’s Creative Writing Corner – Author Interview, Review, and Excerpt
Counting Your Blessings One by One – Review and Excerpt
Perpetual Indie Perspective – Book Spotlight
November 15
Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the author
Whimsical Writings for His Glory – Author, Review, and Excerpt
Maidens for Modesty – Author Interview and Review
The Destiny of One– Book Spotlight
Rebekah Ashleigh – Book Spotlight
Once Upon an Ordinary – Review
Stephany’s BLOG Snippets – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 16
Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the author
Laurel’s Leaves– Author Interview
Stories by Firefly – Review
Claire Banschbach – Author Interview
Kelsey’s Notebook – Review and Excerpt
Jaye L. Knight – Book Spotlight and Excerpt
November 17
Read Another Page – Book Spotlight from the author
Ruffles and Grace– Book Spotlight
With a Joyful Noise – Book Spotlight
Ordinary Girl Extraordinary Father – Review  
Bookish Orchestrations – Closing Post

Vintage Jane Austen Tour | First Line Fridays, Review, Giveaway

Published on by Amanda Tero9 Comments
How many of you are Jane Austen fans? I was raised with aunts who adored Jane Austen, so I’ve watched the movies since I was little–then, as I got older, read some of the books. Well, today, I’m excited to be a part of a Vintage Jane Austen tour! 



I have gotten to read three of these books and they have been great fun. Today, I’m sharing the first lines from three of these books…but keep reading! There’s more to this post than just First Line Friday!

See my review HERE

See my review HERE

See my review HERE

Now that you’ve read some first lines, hop over to Hoarding Books to read more (after, that is, you read the lovely information of this unique series 😉 )!

Have you read any retellings of anything? What is your favorite retelling?

My Review of Suit and Suitability

(Since I had to choose one or else this post would be a mile long!)

Out of all of the Jane Austen’s I have read and watched, Sense and Sensibility was my least favorite. I could get through the movies, but the book I just couldn’t finish. There was nothing substantial in it. It was all frivolous, worldly matters. At the same time, I really did like the storyline and I could imagine it retold in a way where Eleanor was the strong, godly sister, and Marianne the flighty dreamer, pulled to the lures of the world. This doesn’t happen often, but Suit and Suitability met my expectations—and I had high expectations going in. Wow. Ellen was SUCH a great, godly character—yet real-life and human. Marion. Oh, Marion. I have a sister of her personality so could completely sympathize with Ellen’s fears.

For a retelling, I really liked this. It was a fresh approach to an old story—not merely changing names, faces, places, and time. There were some things that took place in Suit and Suitability which are original. For me, that’s important in a retelling. If I want the original, I’ll read the original. If I want a retelling, I want the familiarity of the original, but I want to be surprised. This suited it completely.

Calvin Bradley had to be my utmost favorite character. He was solid, likeable, and godly—yet again, still human. I love it that the characters were human.

The setting was marvelous. I actually felt like I had stepped back in time with all of the phraseology and descriptions. Very well done.

There was definitely a God-centered theme throughout this book. It wasn’t as strong as some Christian books I’ve read (as in, it didn’t particularly challenge me in my personal walk, but that could just be because I’ve learned many of the lessons that Ellen and Marion learned throughout the story), yet the story would have been very weak without it.

Yes, there was romance. There is Marion’s infatuation with Wilkie, which I think was handled very well—in a way that will cause girls to think about their actions and daydreams. Ellen constantly guarded her heart and gave her romantic life over to God. I really appreciated that. I consider this to be a very clean romance and would allow my younger teen sisters to read it.

In conclusion, this book left me wanting to re-read it. Definitely a 4.75 star rating in my book.

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




What would it be like to see Elizabeth Bennet in 1930’s clothes? What if Emma Woodhouse was the daughter of a car dealership owner? What if Marianne Dashwood was seeking to become a movie star in the golden age of film? The Vintage Jane Austen series explores the world of Jane Austen, set in 1930’s America. Five authors took on Jane Austen’s five most popular novels and retold them set in the depression era, remaining faithful to the original plots. As an extra bonus to the series, there is a collection of short stories that were inspired by Jane Austen. Which of these books do you most want to read?

Giveaway!


As part of this special blogging event, we are giving away a $25 Amazon gift Card.

Enter to win below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Series

Emmeline by Sarah Holman (Emma): The talk of stock market crashes and depression isn’t going to keep Emmeline Wellington down. Born to wealth and privilege, Emmeline wants nothing more than to help her new friend, Catarina, find a husband. Emmeline sets her sights on one of the town’s most eligible bachelors, but nothing seems to go right. Even her friend and neighbor Fredrick Knight seems to question her at every turn.
Suit and Suitability by Kelsey Bryant (Sense and Sensibility): Canton, Ohio, 1935. Ellen and Marion Dashiell’s world crumbles when their father is sent to prison. Forced to relocate to a small town, what is left of their family faces a new reality where survival overshadows dreams. Sensible Ellen, struggling to hold the family together, is parted from the man she’s just learning to love, while headstrong Marion fears she will never be the actress she aspires to be. When a dashing hero enters the scene, things only grow more complicated. But could a third man hold the key to the restoration and happiness of the Dashiell family?
Bellevere House by Sarah Scheele (Mansfield Park): It’s March, 1937 and Faye Powell couldn’t be happier. After moving to live with her uncle, a wealthy banker, she’s fallen into the swing of life with his exuberant children–including Ed. The one she’ll never admit she’s in love with. But she hadn’t reckoned on the swanky Carters getting mixed up in that vow. Ed seems to be falling for charming, sweet Helene Carter. And when Faye’s cousin BeBe trusts her with a secret about Horace Carter, Faye is in over her head. Will she betray the confidence BeBe’s given her? Will she lose Ed to Helene? The days at Bellevere House are crowded with surprises and only time will tell how God plans to unravel Faye and Ed’s hearts.
Perception by Emily Benedict (Persuasion): Upstate New York, 1930. Thirteen years ago, Abbey Evans was persuaded to break off her engagement to a penniless soldier headed to the front lines of the Great War. A daughter of one of America’s wealthiest families could never be allowed to marry so far beneath herself. But Black Tuesday changed everything. With her family’s prominence now little more than a facade, Abbey faces the loss of her childhood home. As if that weren’t enough, the only man she ever loved has returned after making his fortune – and he wants nothing to do with the young woman he courted before the war. With the past forever out of reach, the time has come for Abbey decide her own fate, before it is too late…
Presumption and Partiality by Rebekah Jones (Pride and Prejudice): Coming soon…A retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice… set in 1930s Arizona.
Second Impressions: Jane Austen’s stories have inspired writers for generations…in this collection they inspire fiction across the genres! From the English Regency to the American 1950s, in Houston or a space freighter, fairytale land or a retirement center…Austen’s timeless characters come to life again.
Visit these blogs during this week to find interviews, book reviews, and much more!
November 5
Review of Emmeline – Once Upon the Ordinary
Review of Bellevere House – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes
Series Spotlight – A Real Writer’s Life
Interview with Kelsey Bryant – Resting Life
Series Spotlight – Kelsey’s Notebook

November 6
Interview with Sarah Holman – J. Grace Pennington
Review of Emmeline – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes
Mini-Reviews and interview with Sarah Scheele – Deborah O’Carroll
Interview with Rebekah Jones – Livy Lynn Blog
Review Suit and Suitability – Resting Life

November 7
Interview with Kelsey Bryant – J. Grace Pennington
Review of Perception – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes
Review and Interview of Perception – Purely by Faith Reviews
Review of Second Impressions – The Page Dreamer
Series Spotlight – Finding the True Fairytale

November 8
Interview and Review Suit and Suitability – Once Upon the Ordinary
Review of Suit and Suitability – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes
Review of Perception – A Brighter Destiny
November 9
Series Spotlight – God’s Peculiar Treasure
Review of Second Impressions and Suit and Suitability – Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father
Interview with Rebekah Jones – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes
Series Spotlight – Christian Bookshelf Reviews
November 10
Review of Suit and Suitability – With a Joyful Noise
Series Spotlight – Liv K. Fisher
Review of Second Impressions- Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes
Review of Perception – She Hearts Fiction
Interview with Sarah Holman – Rebekah Ashleigh
November 11
Series Spotlight – Reveries Reviews
Review of Suit and Suitability – Faith Blum
Interview with Sarah Holman – Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes
Interview with Hannah Scheele – Peculiar on Purpose
Review of Bellevere House – Seasons of Humility

Giver of Wonders | First Line Friday

Published on by Amanda Tero12 Comments
Do you have a favorite author? I do, and while I’ll be the first to admit that they sometimes change, Roseanna White has been on my top-ten favorites for about a year now. Recently, I got to read a new-for-me book of hers and loved it! Here’s the first line…

How many of you have read Roseanna White?
What’s a first line from a book you’re reading? (or the book closest to you)

Don’t forget, to join the fun, hop over to Hoarding Books!

My Review
Roseanna has done it again: a captivating story that pulled me in and intrigued me from page one. All of the characters were amazingly developed and original. The relationship between the sisters was so sweet and realistic. I could go on and on about the characters. I really liked them all. Petras, Cyrpus, the twins, the parents… if they were a good character, I loved them. If they were an antagonistic character, I still liked them because they were so very well done!
The storyline, though. I love a story that I can’t predict, and that’s exactly what this one was for me. I mean, I kind of figured out what might happen for Nikolaos’ life and his decisions about money, but how it would all play out, I had absolutely no clue—which is why I loved this story. I have read too many predictable plot-lines, so one that keeps me guessing with five different scenarios of possibilities… yeah. That is the kind of book that grabs my attention.
There was one aspect that I was very cautious about, and that was Nikolaos being the “wonder worker.” Stories with men performing miracles put me a little on edge because I personally believe that we are in the age where miracles are a gift of the past (now, if you read Revelations, you’ll find that miracles will be a very strong sign of the beast, but this is a book review, not a theological discussion). “Giver of Wonders” was written in an era, however, where it was possible for men to have the gift of miracles… I’m just not going to fully endorse it because I wasn’t there and claiming miracles is kind of a big thing with how we portray God. So, because of that, every time Nikolaos came on the scene, I read very cautiously and it probably hindered me from absolutely loving him. I can’t say that it was unbiblical, and according to the author’s notes, there are historical tales of the real Nikolaos performing miracles. I just… yeah… am very uncertain about endorsing the whole thing, given the era in which we now live, and how men and women today scream for miracles, many of which are not done for God’s glory. I do applaud Roseanna, because overall, the miracles and focus of the miracles was for God’s glory, to exalt and glorify Him—they weren’t just given to enhance the story.
Now, about the spiritual content: Oh. My. Word. Wow. The spiritual content in this book! Five stars for it!! The characters’ focus wasn’t just about finding out “who they were” or falling in love. There was so much woven through the whole book where they were honestly trying to seek God, follow Him, and glorify Him—even if it was at the cost of something or someone that they loved. Some Scripture was quoted, but more often than not, it was alluded to very clearly. It was a very edifying read in the spiritual sense. It left me feeling very uplifted, with my thoughts turned more toward God and actually seeking Him. That doesn’t happen often in a fiction book. This covers some tough issues about following God, marrying unbelievers, honoring parents, and keeping our desires surrendered to God. There was a scene toward the end (it’s the climax so I’m not going to give a spoiler) where one character felt like following God was to do something very unsavory. In essence it was noble, but if someone immature were to read this book and felt like it gave a stamp of approval on the action…that is the only fear I’d have.
There was definitely romance in this book. I really liked the era-portrayal of arranged marriages. It was more of a mix of arranged/falling in love, so it probably wasn’t 100% accurate, but it wasn’t completely inaccurate either. As far as the actual romance goes, there was admiration, some kissing, and such. Because the book was more about the girls’ family struggles than their romantic interests, it didn’t feel like the main plot of the book, though it was definitely there. There were quite a few mentions of prostitution and dangers of women alone on the streets, but nothing at all explicit was portrayed. Because of it all, though, I would recommend it for 18+ conservative readers.
In conclusion, this is a book I’m delighted to have on my shelves. I imagine that I will reread it a few times because it was just that good.

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

Colors of Christmas | Giveaway, Tour, FLF, and Blog Hop

Published on by Amanda Tero14 Comments

Happy Friday! I’m once again jumping ahead of myself and doing a Christmas story–or two, as this case is. Be patient and scroll through the entire post… there’s a lot of great stuff packed in here!

But first… first lines from both stories!

Just have to say, that first line of “Christmas in Blue” is SO true!!! I’m a piano/violin teacher and yes, I know when my students haven’t practiced…there are just things you know. 😉
Don’t forget: you can be a part of First Line Fridays and share your link on Hoarding Books.

Now, after you get through this wonderful, long post, stop and comment!
~ Share a first line
~ Have you read anything by Olivia Newport?
~ What is a new-for-you author this month?
~ Anything else you feel like commenting 😉

About the Book

Name of book: Colors of Christmas
Author: Olivia Newport  
Genre: Contemporary Christmas  
Release Date: October 1, 2017  

Christmas in Blue Angela just wants Christmas to be over. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration, and everything goes from bad to worse. Can she rescue Christmas for the town—and herself? 
Christmas in Gold When eighty-year-old Astrid moves into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up Christmas hope one more time.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Review
I thoroughly enjoyed the two novellas in this book. I appreciated that they weren’t romances and that there was a strong, Christian theme in both of them.
“Christmas in Gold” is definitely my favorite of the two. I loved, loved, loved Astrid and her whole story. I really liked reading a story of an elderly woman entering a retirement center—that is not something I’ve read much of. That initially intrigued me to Astrid. But then her back story! I’m not a huge fan of back story, but wow. Her back story was VERY well written and thought out and portrayed. The flashbacks were perfect because of who Astrid was. Not everyone can get away with dumping in back story, but because Astrid was toward the eve of her years and the move jarred her, her living in the past was so very well done. So Astrid gets a five star from me.
I wish I could have liked Carly’s story a little more. Maybe I just had a hard time sympathizing with her, or maybe it was that her story was a little vague. It’s not like I did not like it, I guess I was just trying to understand the magnitude of her problem (maybe it made my brain think that this was leaning toward suspense but it didn’t reach that point, so I was just left confused?).
“Christmas in Blue”…after Gold, I was eager to see what other story was in this book. I didn’t care for it quite as much as Gold. The best way I can describe it is a Hallmark movie minus the romance. Everything that could go wrong went wrong—but then everything that could be solved was magnificently pieced together. It was just a little too perfect to be real life. I connected with Angela instantly, because I am a piano teacher as well and I rarely find books that feature music teachers. But beyond that, I just didn’t quite feel her pain. I wanted to, especially after reading Gold, but it just didn’t appeal to me quite the same. It is, however, an amazing story if you just want a “feel good” story (I usually don’t go for those). It kind of ranked more of a 3.5 rating for me.
Like I said, spiritual content in both of these were solid. Blue was a little more confusing to me—but it could have just been that by the end/climax, I was ready to be finished with the story. It brought out the beauty of healing. Gold portrayed that it is only by God’s strength that we can get through trials. I really did appreciate the emphasis on trials, and how they have potential to turn one to God.
The romance was almost nonexistent. There was absolutely none in Blue, but in Gold, there was a situation that Carly faced with a former boyfriend, and you knew that someone else was falling for her, but it was not a main part of the story at all.
There are some bomb scenes, some scenes with boyfriend restraint orders, but nothing explicit; just to mention it for my younger readers.

*I received this book from CelebrateLit and happily provided my honest review*
Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Guest Post from Olivia Newport

We All Have a Story
I’m younger than most of the people I exercise with. It started when I had a lot of pain in my feet and needed low-impact classes with the option of sitting down and learned I didn’t have to be a senior citizen to take their classes at my gym. Then I discovered how tough most of them are. Years later, though my feet are better, these are still my people.
A couple of years ago, while we waited for the younger and allegedly-but-not-really-tougher crowd to clear out of the group exercise room so we could invade it, a woman I would not have guessed to be 80, because she could out-cardio and out-lift me any day of the week, mentioned she had been widowed since she was 39. And she’d been widowed the first time at 19. And she’d grown up in Germany while Hitler was intent on destroying Europe and life was not easy.
Then the changing of the guard happened and I was left with my mouth gaping. I knew I had to hear this story. The next week after class, we went across the parking lot to Culvers for lunch and I scribbled notes on the backs of a pile of brown napkins while Astrid talked. Later she let me read the account of her life that she had written herself.
Astrid faced so many tragic circumstances, but she would be the first to tell you that God was with her even before she knew how to call on him. Many people with her life story would have found plenty of reason to wallow and stagnate. But not Astrid. Truly she is one of the most hopeful people I know.
Her story was the beginning of Colors of Christmas, which includes two stories. Astrid’s is “Christmas in Gold,” and the other is “Christmas in Blue.” Astrid inspired me to write about hope for a time of year when the Christian message resounds with hope yet so many people struggle to grasp hope for themselves. I pray these stories will help many recover a sense of hope afresh.
Olivia Newport chases joy in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.
To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a grand prize of a Christmas Bundle Bonanza which includes 7 Jumbo rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, 2 sets of stick-on gift tags, 2 packages of Christmas cards and envelopes, 2 collections of Christmas novellas—18 stories in all, and a signed copy of Colors of Christmas!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c319

Blog Stops

Books N Baubles, October 17
Bukwurmzzz, October 17
Bigreadersite, October 19
A Greater Yes, October 22
Mary Hake, October 22
Daysong Reflections, October 22
Baker Kella, October 23
Remembrancy, October 24
Carpe Diem, October 25
autism mom, October 25
Bibliophile Reviews, October 25
A Reader’s Brain, October 26
By The Book, October 26
The Power of Words, October 26
Pause for Tales, October 27
Splashes of Joy, October 27
Karen Sue Hadley, October 28
Vicky Sluiter, October 29
Pursuing Stacie, October 29
Just Jo’Anne, October 30

God Gave us Family | FLF and Blog Hop

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

It’s another Friday with sharing first lines!!

Remember, you can visit Hoarding Books to see all of the lovely first lines being shared today AND if you’re a blogger, you can join in on the fun!
For me, I’m sharing from a children’s book again. It’s perfect timing, because my first nephew was born last Friday!! Talk about love at first sight! ❤ It's a wonderful thing, being an aunt!

Review

Cute illustrations are coupled with a dialogue-themed story to explain how God fits everyone into the family that He chooses. It goes from some families having only one child to other families having several to children raised by grandparents to extended being a part of extended family. The little wolf learns that the cousins he thought were annoying one year were great fun the next year. It’s a pretty thorough little book, explaining all aspects of family and love, and how our earthly family is like being a part of a spiritual family.
Part of the thoroughness was that some mamas and papas couldn’t be a part of raising their family (divorce). I doubt the author intended to make it sound this way, but it could almost come across that God makes some families divided, because of the quote, “God gives us family in lots of different ways…look at Graham the Goose. His mama is raising all of those goslings by herself.” I realize this is me being nit-picky, but considering the children I’d read it to, it would bring up questions about “So is God the one who pulls a family apart?” (which, I’ll admit, would lead to a great discussion about man’s choice)
All in all, though, this book was very cute and had a good message of being content in the family you’re in.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review*

Paige Alder series | First Line Fridays

Published on by Amanda Tero12 Comments
So, a few months back, I shared the first line from Paige Torn. 

Within the last few weeks, I’ve read books two and three, so was going to feature just one of them. But then… why not all three? So here you go: the other two.

I initially didn’t think I’d like reading first person, present tense, but it worked for the series. If you’d like, my full review are up on Goodreads for books one, two, and three.

What’s the latest series that you’ve read in full?
– or – 
Open a book and share the first line!

If you’d like to join us on your blog today, then post a first line and share the link on Hoarding Book’s blog!

Deadly Proof | First Line Friday

Published on by Amanda Tero12 Comments

Happy Friday! We get a suspense read for today!! One that I really, really liked!! You can see all of the why’s later in my review. For now… here’s the first line!

Have you read this one yet?
What is your favorite suspense author (preferably Christian)?

~*~*~
This week, First Line Fridays is changing format! I’m blogging with a group of other wonderful bookish people who blog their first lines today. To see all of their posts for today, head over to
Hoarding Books Blog

My Review

I enjoy a hint of suspense, but when I realized that this book was set at a law firm and the storyline was primarily legal, I wasn’t so sure I would enjoy it. I am happy to say that I was dead wrong (as my rating hints). I thoroughly enjoyed this read! It was very educational without making me feel like I was reading something completely out of my element. I actually enjoyed everything with the court cases and found the information very creatively woven throughout the entire story.

Kate was a character to just fall in love with. She was sincere, honest, and above reproach. She was a Christian who lived what she believed and wasn’t ashamed of her faith and prayer life. Her character made this book sing “Christian”–something that the publishing world is seriously lacking.

I was curious how things would end up with Landon. He had a dark past and it was glorified, but neither was it too open. Ms. Dylan dealt with his past in a very discreet fashion. Also, the theme with, “I’ve lost interest in God, He deserted me” kind of had me wrinkling my nose. It seems to be a common theme in today’s fiction, but I really appreciated how it was handled in this book.

So, just discussing these two characters, I don’t even have to make it a point to discuss the spiritual aspect of this book. Very well done.

The romance, also, wasn’t too overbearing. Because so much of the book was wrapped around the case, there was just hints of romance sprinkled throughout the book. The one “main kiss” mentioned was about half a page, but other than that, it was over-the-top with emotions and feelings.

In conclusion, I finished this book with a “wow.” It was engaging, thrilling, clean, and totally satisfying.

*I received this book from Bethany House 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?

~*~*~
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. 

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?
~*~*~
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*

Roses for Mama | First Line Fridays

Published on by Amanda Tero12 Comments
In doing the #septembercoverlove on Instagram this month, I used Roses for Mama as one of the covers, and in doing so, remembered how very much I loved it the first time I read it. So, I decided to re-read it. It is one of those lovely Christian classics! Have you read it? What do you consider as one of the best Christian classics?

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