THOSE WITH EARS: eARC & Launch Team Members Wanted!

Thursday, December 30, 2021

 Hey everyone! I'm dropping in super quick to let everyone know that I still have space available for launch and eARC team members if you want to read Those With Ears, which is being released under my new pen name Makenzie Gray. The teams have been open for a little while now, but I've updated dates and whatnot to reflect which dates I need filled the most, and I'm ALWAYS game for more reviewers!  I just sent out the first batch of eARC copies and will continue doing so as necessary for anyone who would like to sign up. HOWEVER, the signups for both reviewers and the tour will be closing very soon, January 15th, so as to give everyone time to read or prep posts Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. 

Check out the link HERE.

And ICYMI, here's some info on the book itself!


What will Takvi do when the End begins?
In the blink of an eye, Takvi's guardians disappear into thin air, along with thousands more. When the government swiftly moves to cover up the Disappearing, she and her siblings grapple with the truth behind what happened. They've been government loyalists their whole lives, but a split in opinions threatens to upend their lives permanently.

And Takvi is trapped in a vacuum where no solution leaves her or her family unscathed, which is the one thing she can't bear.

The illegal book their guardians left them has answers that agree with her siblings, but Takvi struggles to accept it. When the newly-formed government tightens its grip in eerie prophetic fashion, will she stand up or will she fold? Will any of it matter in the end of the world?

A compelling apocalyptic story on redemption, sibling bonds, and seeking truth in a corrupt world, Those With Ears is the first novel in the Midnight Hour series.

Save it on GOODREADS | Preorder on AMAZON

What I've Been Up To + 2022 Plans

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Hey everyone! I know it's been awhile since I've given any updates on my own writing, so...here's a big info-dump about some projects I'm hoping will be coming your way soon! 

1. Where Giants Fall anthology arriving March 2022.
I've been having a blast co-hosting this with Angela R. Watts, and will also have my own story in the collection as well. I'm excited to share more soon! 

2. "Away From You" short story arriving July 2022. 
This one is a Christmassy short that I was admittedly hoping to have finished and sent as a newsletter gift for this Christmas, but that just isn't going to happen this year. Instead, I'm determined to publish it as a precursor to the next project (below), in July 2022, as a whole "Christmas in July" thing. We'll see. 
 

3. Back To Me novel arriving October 2022.
This is a contemporary Christian novel that has been rattling around in my head since the beginning of this year, but it's a tough one. I'm hoping to have it released in late fall 2022, namely around October. Stay tuned for more details, but for now, here's a moodboard for it as well as "Away From You" -- 

AND don't forget that I'm also writing under a pen name, Makenzie Gray, so make sure to check out those projects too!


1. The Depths We'll Go To anthology just arrived December 7th. I have a short story titled "Salt and Light" in the anthology!
You can click HERE to order your own copies. There are a lot of fantastic authors featured in this anthology, and I'm still so excited that I was accepted! 

2.  Those With Ears is set to arrive February 1, 2022, and is available for preorder on Amazon.
The preorder link is HERE and you can also add it on Goodreads! If you want to read it before anyone else, I also have eARC copies available HERE!

3. Let Them Hear, the sequel to Those With Ears, is set to arrive in 2022. 

Blurb and cover reveal forthcoming for this one!



SO - which projects are you looking forward to? Any questions? Let me know in the comments below! 

COVER REVEAL: THE BLOOD REPUBLIC by Angela R. Watts!

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Hey everyone!  Today I'm super pumped to share the cover reveal for The Infidel Books #4, The Blood Republic by Angela R. Watts!!  Check out the blurb below and then scroll for that cover...you won't want to miss it. 


 BLURB

“THIS NATION WILL BE REBUILT FROM BLOOD.”

The Second Civil War ends and West Johnston is heir to the new nation—but the war in the shadows continues as they rebuild America. With team members missing, West must help save his family. But the team discovers a biological weapon, and if they fail to maintain power, it will fall into the enemy’s hands.

Meanwhile, the crew finds intelligence that will change the course of the nation, and must team up with unlikely friends to escape government labs. If Gideon, Spencer, and Rene’ can survive, then new hopes await—but not everyone will make it out alive.

Releasing January 11th, 2022



What do you think of that cover?! Sound off in the comments below and make sure to follow Angela R. Watts across her social media for updates as we approach January 11th! 

REVIEW: IRON WALLS ANTHOLOGY (A BURNING EMBERS DYSTOPIAN ANTHOLOGY)!

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

 Hey everyone! I had the great opportunity to review Iron Walls, a dystopian anthology which was recently published. Among several others, Joshua Reid is an author in this anthology, so I was excited to read his story as well as the rest -- and boy, they don't disappoint. Check out the blurb below to whet your palate and then read my review! 

BLURB
History shows us the horrors of totalitarianism, but what would a future world under a totalitarian regime look like? These eight tales of dystopia take readers behind the iron walls to answer that question.

Illuminare by Atlas Rose
“Their utopia is his dystopia, but can he find the key to the regime’s cage?”

The Scapekite by Steven E. Scribner
“One old man with a kite and an imagination challenges the company that had bought the world.”

Unbound by Joshua Reid
“He’d been freed, but had he truly escaped?”

Games Reapers Play by Michaela Baker
“A man ripped away from his family years ago must protect a wrongly-accused girl in an arena of death.”

In Pursuit of Independence by Astrid V.J.
“An economist must pull the Haldrian Empire back from the brink of war; it might be the best or worst day of her life.”

The Ones Who Endured by Joanna White
“Is there more to strength than physical power?”

Defiant Flame by Amanda Wrights
“The resistance’s commander must protect a young child from a government that wishes to weaponize her.”

Becoming Captain Torriegh by James Quinlan Meservy
“Nesvik lives in a world where men can only dream of freedom, but he will do anything to make it his reality.”

If you like stories of dystopia with a variety of sub-genres and flavors, then you'll love this collection of eight dystopian tales. Buy Iron Walls now to find out what awaits behind the iron walls.

All proceeds are being donated to Voice of the Martyrs.

AMAZON | GOODREADS





MY REVIEW

Okay, so first, I'm obsessed with the cover, guys. It's gorgeous. Secondly, when a dystopian anthology makes you physically put the book down, not because it's boring, but because it feels so realistic and you have to take it in small doses and steep the story in your brain, you know they've done something right.  And this anthology hits the ball out of the park on that one. This collection has a real 1984 vibe to some of the stories, plus some great original dystopian twists from these phenomenal authors.  It also has a variety of themes and topics that will really grab your attention, which was enjoyable for me. All of the stories flow well together, so it's a great read overall. If you enjoy reading stories that will stretch your brain, make you ask questions about government and societal rules, and if you like books that have a hard-hitting impact on you, this is definitely a great collection to pick up! 


AND make sure you *do* pick up a copy -- all proceeds are donated to VOM, which is super fantastic! 


Do you enjoy reading dystopians? Do you plan on picking up a copy of Iron Walls soon, or have you already? Sound off in the comments!! 


REVIEW: TABOR by Angela R. Watts!

Sunday, November 14, 2021

 Hey everyone! Today I'm sharing a review of Tabor by Angela R. Watts, book 2 of the Remnant Trilogy! This book is releasing tomorrow - Nov 16 - so make sure to snag a preorder copy and then stop by her Instagram to fill out a form for preorder goodies! You're welcome ;) 
Here's a little bit about the book --

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Five ragtag friends must close the Rifts between the Realms before an ancient war snuffs out all innocent life for good.

King Finnigan’s kingdom is crumbling—traitors plot in his midst, a witch has fled execution, and enemies attack allied lands. When Rifts form between Golgotha and Mazzabah, the ragtag remnants must close them before the ancient warlock, Shafiq, takes control of the realms.

With darkness engulfing both realms, the group parts ways to seek answers about the histories and what can be done against Shafiq. But what they find changes everything. If they can’t fight the darkness, Mazzabah will be lost, and so will every innocent life left behind. But to survive the ancient war, they need help. And with more help comes more traitors.
AMAZON | GOODREADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela R. Watts is bestselling author of The Infidel Books and Golgotha. She lives at Step by Step Sanctuary, Tennessee, where she raises horses, dogs, cats, and snails. She’s been writing stories since she was little, and when she’s not writing, she’s probably drawing or working with her amazing editorial clients.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE



MY REVIEW

Well. I was anxious to see what happened next after the first book in the series, Golgotha, and now I'm sitting here waiting with bated breath to figure out what's gonna happen in the next book.  Tabor definitely doesn't disappoint, with high action and heart-stopping scenarios. Not to mention, it takes a deeper dive into the spiritual warfare that is introduced in the first book. It takes a very deep dive, in fact, and that theme of overcoming your demons is even stronger in this one than the last. Harsher circumstances, new characters to get attached to (at your own peril...) and solid themes revolving around fighting for what's right even when it's hard as well as overcoming darkness -- this book has it all and you definitely don't want to miss it. If you're a fan of dark/gritty fantasy, and if you've read the first book already, you'll definitely want to pick this one up. ASAP. 

NEW EP - LONDON EYES by Livy Lynn!

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

 Hey everyone! 
Today I'm mixing it up a bit to share about a new EP that just released today! 

"London Eyes" by Livy Lynn is a sweet, airy song perfect for indie fans, and you can buy a copy of it or stream it across Amazon, Apple, Spotify...you name it! Click HERE to give it a listen!  If you're like me and love to have playlists for your books, this would be perfect for London settings, lighthearted romances, or scenes in which you need a whimsical mood. 

From what I understand, "London Eyes" is just the beginning for this talented gal, so make sure to give her a follow on Instagram HERE to stay up to date on news! (Plus, she has some great books as well, so it's a win-win. Snag some books and then listen to some of her music!) AND if you buy a copy of her song, as always, make sure to leave a review. 




REVIEW: LIGHTS OUT by Natalie Walters!

Friday, November 5, 2021

 Hey everyone! Today I've got a review for Lights Out, Natalie Walters' latest suspense novel. I was like *this* close to not requesting an ARC for this one because I've been so busy lately, but I'm SO glad I did get a copy. This one will take the crown for the best suspense I've read this year. Before I get into the review, though, check out some info about the book and Walters. 





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CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | CHRISTIAN BOOK 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.

MY REVIEW

W o w. That's all I can say.  This is a new and refreshing story idea, and I'm all-in. Walters very artfully weaves together high-stakes suspense with relatable characters and thought-provoking themes on the lengths we'll go for our jobs...or the people we love.  Lights Out has a memorable cast of characters, and I really can't wait to read more about characters like Kekoa and the rest of the SNAP team.  (Trust me, you'll love Kekoa.)  Brynn's easy to relate to and you really end up rooting for her -- and you'll probably love Jack, too. Their relational dynamic is just perfectly done, and it was fun to read as well. Not to mention, Walters weaves great Christian themes into the story with a good amount of care and thoughtfulness, which is refreshing to see. And as a side-note, the pop culture references are absolutely perfect. My goodness. 

Basically, if you've read any of Walters' other books, you'll absolutely adore this book. If you're a fan of Christian suspense, you need to pick this one up. Now if you don't mind, I'll be waiting impatiently in the corner for book 2 of the SNAP series...


Have you read any of Natalie Walters' books before? Do you plan on picking up Lights Out? Let me know in the comments!

COVER REVEAL SIGNUPS: THOSE WITH EARS (by me myself and my pen name)

Sunday, October 31, 2021

 Hey everyone!

Today I'm sharing the cover reveal signups for Those With Ears, the first book in my Midnight Hour series by Makenzie Gray, my pen name. (Oh, and if you didn't know I have a pen name...surprise! *jazz hands*) 

I really, truly appreciate every person who signs up for this kind of thing, and this one's no different.  The cover reveal is December 3rd, but signing up for the cover reveal also means that you'll get to see it before anyone else does!  I'm REALLY excited about this cover (and the one for Let Them Hear, but I've gotta sit on that one awhile...) so I'm equally pumped to open up reveal signups. 

Need a snippet of the blurb? You can read the full one on the signup form HERE, but I'll also give you a taste...

A compelling apocalyptic story on redemption, sibling bonds, and seeking truth in a corrupt world, Those With Ears is the first novel in the Midnight Hour series.


Any questions? Let me know!

Signing up? THANK YOU!

Already signed up because you're a newsletter subscriber? You ROCK!







Signed Paperbacks Now Available for Christmas!

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

 Hey everyone!  
I now have signed paperback orders up and ready to go in case anyone's looking for 'em! Check out the form HERE and order soon...USPS's shipping times are very slow. Hence the early sales! 

Have questions? Let me know!



COVER REVEAL: TABOR by Angela R. Watts!

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

 Hey everyone!  Today I have an epic cover reveal for Angela R. Watts' Tabor, which is part of the Remnant Trilogy (sequel to Golgotha) -- which will be coming out November 16th 2021!! 
Before we get to the cover, let's check out some info about the book AND preorder goodies...

BLURB

Five ragtag friends must close the Rifts between the Realms before an ancient war snuffs out all innocent life for good.

King Finnigan’s kingdom is crumbling—traitors plot in his midst, a witch has fled execution, and enemies attack allied lands. When Rifts form between Golgotha and Mazzabah, the ragtag remnants must close them before the ancient warlock, Shafiq, takes control of the realms.

With darkness engulfing both realms, the group parts ways to seek answers about the histories and what can be done against Shafiq. But what they find changes everything. If they can’t fight the darkness, Mazzabah will be lost, and so will every innocent life left behind. But to survive the ancient war, they need help. And with more help comes more traitors.

PREORDERS: 
Preorders begin TODAY (October 20th) and all preorder receipts must be sent in via the form (link in Angela's Instagram bio) before 11.15! The first thirty preorders will receive a print map, print character cards (Gunnar, Moray, Finnigan, Ama, and Sadon), a bookmark, a customized note, as well as an EXCLUSIVE monster art print! TWO readers who preorder and submit their receipts will be entered to win signed paperbacks of Golgotha and Tabor AND a scented candle inspired by one of the characters as well as the swag previously mentioned.
Click HERE to preorder, and don't forget to visit Angela's Instagram to get your preorder goodies! 



And now for the cover....




Isn't. That. Fantastic? 




Have you read Golgotha? And how excited are you for Tabor?? Sound off in the comments!

LAUNCH DAY!

Friday, October 15, 2021

 Hey everyone! IT'S LAUNCH DAY!     

You can now buy Kindle & paperback copies of Faith, Hope, and Love Collection: Vol 1 from Amazon, you can leave reviews (if you'd be so kind!!), and not to mention, you can always shelf it on Goodreads if you're planning on reading it later! You can check out the links for all of that below, along with the blurb!  If you've preordered/plan to order a copy soon, thank you so very much! This repackage has been a bit of a struggle for sure, because I get a lot more motivation out of working on new things rather than what's already been done, but I felt it necessary and I absolutely am not sorry for finishing it! That cover, if I do say so myself, is wonderful. 




BLURB
What could God do with absolute brokenness? With shredded pasts, hopeless futures, and hearts beyond human help? In the midst of war-torn minds, broken self-worth, the harrowing reality of human trafficking, and doubts, three couples find healing, hope, and love. Not to mention the interesting ways that life intertwines the stories of family and strangers alike. In the Faith, Hope, and Love Vol. 1 Collection, follow the lives of Lucy and Spencer, Levi and Eleanor, and Morgan and Martin as they explore themes of healing, selflessness, sacrifice, and what we are called to do above all else.

A contemporary Christian volume containing the complete first three books of the Faith, Hope, and Love collection: Welcome Home, My Compass Home, and Guide Me Home.

AMAZON | GOODREADS


COVER REVEAL: NEFARIOUS CREATURES by Camille Caliman!

 Hey everyone! Today I'm absolutely stoked to help reveal the cover for Camille Caliman's upcoming HARDBACK EDITION of Nefarious Creatures! I've been excited for this release for awhile now, so I was excited to say the least when I got to see the cover. Before I share that, though, here's some more info on the book itself: 

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Cassiopeia is quite literally an evil wish. The sole purpose of her fiery existence is to make a boy named Adair Hawthorne fall in love with her before killing him. At first, she doesn't mind playing femme fetale, but her determination turns to something else as she gets to know the top student that she's relentlessly hunting. Unfortunately for her, Headmother doesn't allow disobedience and things don't come without a price. 

Releasing soon -- November 2, 2021!

To stay tuned on updates regarding the release date and where you can snag your own copy, make sure to follow Camille Caliman at the following...

Now...for the cover!

There it is! (I'm drooling over the typography, guys.) 

Are you excited for the release?! Have you read her other books yet? Sound off in the comments below!


BLOG TOUR: FHL Vol 1!

Sunday, October 10, 2021

 Hey everyone!  It's officially release week for my Faith, Hope, and Love Collection: Vol 1!  There will be some great posts and reviews coming this week by fellow bloggers, so make sure to keep an eye for them!  A HUGE thank you to everyone involved with this release; you guys are fantastic! This release has definitely been a bit different from the usual, mostly because I had a gut feeling early this year that I'd be really busy by this time (and yep, that was a God-thing), so I appreciate everyone's willingness to try a little bit of a flexible release tour. Not to mention reviewers who signed up to devour a literal 600-page chonk and did so with impressive speed. Thanks, guys! 

In case you haven't seen the blurb yet, here it is!  



BLURB: 

What could God do with absolute brokenness? With shredded pasts, hopeless futures, and hearts beyond human help? In the midst of war-torn minds, broken self-worth, the harrowing reality of human trafficking, and doubts, three couples find healing, hope, and love. Not to mention the interesting ways that life intertwines the stories of family and strangers alike. In the Faith, Hope, and Love Vol. 1 Collection, follow the lives of Lucy and Spencer, Levi and Eleanor, and Morgan and Martin as they explore themes of healing, selflessness, sacrifice, and what we are called to do above all else.

A second edition contemporary Christian volume containing the complete first three books of the Faith, Hope, and Love collection: Welcome Home, My Compass Home, and Guide Me Home.
Paperbacks will be arriving to Amazon this week, so if you'd prefer a physical copy, make sure to keep your eyes peeled! 

Have any questions for me? Let me know in the comments below!


And a special thanks to two dear author friends of mine who wrote testimonials for the book! 





If you're curious about a Volume Two...stay tuned.


COVER REVEAL: JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME by Taylor Bennett!

Friday, October 8, 2021

 Hey everyone! Today I have a cover reveal for Taylor Bennett's upcoming 90-day devotional for girls, titled Journey of a Lifetime!  

Before we check out the beaut of a cover, here's the blurb: 


Many Christian teen girls struggle with identity and discerning God’s purpose for their life. This guided devotional journal will help them grow in their relationship with the Lord and set out on an adventure of faith, love, and bravery. Written in a whimsical and friendly tone, this unique devotional encourages readers to draw out their own personalized roadmap for the path God has put them on―both literally, by completing bucket list–⁠⁠inspired activities, and figuratively through daily prayers. Girls who are fond of inspirational quotes, enjoy coffee dates with friends, and have a touch of wanderlust will be especially enticed to pick up this devotional. Includes quizzes, recipes, and journaling prompts.

Preorder now: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

And now...for the cover! 


Are you excited? Anyone enjoy reading devotionals?

COVER REVEAL: WHERE GIANTS FALL ANTHOLOGY!

 Hey everyone! 
FINALLY. 
I'm so excited to be sharing the cover reveal for the anthology Angela R. Watts and I have been working on, Where Giants Fall. Submissions just closed last week, and we've been busy going through the awesome stories that were sent in! It's been such a great time. Likewise, we've been sitting on this cover since summer, so I'm excited to finally blab about it! 

So blab I will...

(In a second.)  First, here's our current synopsis: 
 
The theme of this fantasy anthology is light in the darkness. This anthology offers bold, heartfelt stories that will leave the reader deep in thought and breathless from fast-paced action! If you enjoy stories about underdog heroes, or scary foes, this anthology will keep you reading past your bedtime! Releasing early 2022!

While you mark your calendars, we'll be busy sending out acceptances and rejections soon, so keep your eyes peeled if you also sent in a story! 

NOW - for the cover!



Here it is, the gorgeous, gorgeous thing!


Can't you just see it sitting on your shelf?! Stay tuned for early 2022! ;) 

JUSTREAD TOURS REVIEW: LETTERS FROM THE DRAGON'S SON by Tammy Lash!

Friday, October 1, 2021

 



Hey everyone! Today I have a review of Letters from the Dragon's Son by Tammy Lash!  This is the sequel to White Wolf and the Ash Princess, the review for which I also have a review HERE. Here's some more info on the book before we get started on the review itself!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tammy lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near the shores of Lake Superior with her husband and three teen/adult children. Currently, they are working together on their "new" home just outside the Hiawatha National Forest she writes about in her stories. Tammy enjoys hiking, kayaking, beach wandering, "hunting" for birch bark, and spotting migizis. She is the author of White Wolf and the Ash Princess, Letters from the Dragon's Son, and the short story Eagle Eyes from the Descendants of White Wolf series.

BLURB

2021 Selah Awards Finalist!

Letters from the Dragon's Son is a delicious, fictional blend that is sure to please any reader. Historical, romance, adventure, faith-based, with a fairy-tale feel!




A father…
A son…
and the dragon they became.

One head: Malevolent, attired in barbs and spines, took pleasure in decimating the forested village.

Avery, formerly White Boar, wanders the forests seeking forgiveness from the people he sold into slavery, but is repentance payment enough?

Righteous, with two horns on each side, tried to calm the evil one’s violent ambition.

More servant than son, Jonathan Gudwyne, had been powerless to stop his father from taking the Men of the Forest into captivity. As a man, White Wolf reverses the damage he and his father caused by returning the Natives home. Jonathan gains honor and worship, but what does he do with the remains of his past? Justice has yet to be served to the dragon. Should Jonathan be the one who administers the sentence to his wandering father? To himself?

The two heads formed Brinsop, whose iron talons wrought chaos….

Can a man change? Can a broken family be made whole again? If one head is destroyed can the other survive?

AMAZON | GOODREADS



REVIEW
While this one started out a bit slower than Book One did, I still found myself fairly quickly sucked into the story.  Lash again artfully weaves indigenous beliefs and lifestyles into the complex relationships between the "white man" and the tribes affected by their immigration, especially those around Izzy and Jonathan. The attention to detail involving her inclusion of PTSD is, again, commendable and very easy to relate to.  It's a great story full of heart, impactful ideas (often just delivered in a simple sentence or two...favorite style), and the characters are heartbreakingly relatable. I absolutely love these characters, and while I'm kind of disappointed that this is the end of the series, I very much enjoyed reading this book. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll definitely want to pick up this one as well.

REVIEW: MERCY UNDESERVED by Kristina Hall!

Monday, September 27, 2021



 Hey everyone! I had the opportunity to read and review Mercy Undeserved by Kristina Hall, and I just got done reading it, so I figured now would be the best time to share! I've also read and reviewed the first book in her Moretti Trilogy, Promises Unbroken, so make sure to check out that post HERE!  Before we get into the review, here's some info on Mercy Undeserved!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin. Visit her website at kristinahallauthor.wordpress.com.

BLURB

How much more will she lose?

 

Lillian Rossi had it all—a devoted husband, a new baby, and all the riches she'd dreamed of. But one January day changed everything. Now, the consequences of her late husband's sins extend to her and her son, and Matteo, though only a baby, is the rightful heir to the Rossi empire, making him a target.


Alberto Moretti promised to protect Lillian and her son, but he well knows the cruelty and desperation of the Rossi family. He served them all too long—until God set him free.


As Lillian and Alberto are thrown together in a race to save her and Matteo's lives, their own sins and Stefano Rossi's plans threaten to destroy them. Will they fall prey to the danger so close behind, or will they find mercy they've done nothing to deserve?


AMAZON | GOODREADS

REVIEW

I'm usually a bit leery about the second book in any series, because there's a certain level of expectation there, especially for readers. But if anything, Hall's craft improved in this book! She weaves some good moral questions and themes into the storyline rather realistically (such as death row, doing what's right in the sight of God, so on). The characters are pretty relatable as well, and it was great to see the story that began in Book 1 come full-circle as well later on in the story. While there was one particularly large plot point that seemed to be unrealistically approached/rushed within the story (the idea offered and then resolved within one chapter and a page or so), which did bother me because it disrupted the flow and the characters didn't seem to react like I'd expected they would, the overall story seemed to smooth out those wrinkles, and the pacing picked up nicely from there on out. This is one that I didn't *intend* to finish quite so soon, but I ended up sitting down around chapter 10 and didn't look up again until I hit the end. If you're a fan of Hall's work, you'll want to pick this one up!


Have you read any of Kristina Hall's books? Anyone interested to see what happens next in the Moretti Trilogy? 

ANTHOLOGY COVER REVEAL SIGNUPS: WHERE GIANTS FALL!

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

 


Hey everyone! Today I'm [ridiculously so] excited to share with you that the cover reveal signups are now open for Where Giants Fall, the anthology that Angela R. Watts and I are working on!  If you'd like to help us reveal the anthology cover, we'd appreciate it so much.  The reveal is October 8th! If you can help at all, feel free to check out this form and fill it out HERE.

Interested in submitting something to the Where Giants Fall anthology? Great! Submissions close September 30th at 11:59PM, so make sure to get it sent in soon! Check out the guidelines HERE.

NEW TO VELLA: THOSE WITH EARS, part of the Midnight Hour Series

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Arriving to Vella TODAY is Those With Ears, a serialized dystopian portion of the Midnight Hour series under my pen name, Makenzie Gray.  The first three episodes will be free for your perusal; episodes two and three will be available on Tuesday the 19th and next Friday the 22nd, respectively.  I'll be sharing new episodes twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, with the final two episodes both available the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (consider it your one-hour season finale when stuff really hits the fan).  
Click HERE to follow the story!

What's the blurb, you might ask? Well, the Vella blurb is as follows: 

What will Takvi do when the End begins? 

In the blink of an eye, Takvi's aunt and uncle disappear into thin air, along with thousands more. The government covers it up, and she wonders about the truth. What is hidden beneath the lies? Can she make sense of the new world she's thrust into? The illegal book her aunt and uncle left the family has answers, but she must be brave enough to follow its Word. And when the newly-formed One Order tightens its grip, will any of it matter anyway?



If you enjoy stories featuring complex sibling bonds, disasters, and hope despite it all, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for updates. Plus, here are two quotes from an upcoming chapter: 





Those With Ears is the prequel/first novel to Let Them Hear, an end-times inspired novel that will, God willing, be arriving in mid 2022. If you're interested in reading Those With Ears in physical format, good news there too: I will be releasing it in paperback and Kindle formats hopefully around January of 2022.  Interested in signing up for the cover release? I'll be having it the first week of December, so stay tuned for updates. If you don't already, make sure you're following me on Instagram and Facebook (my Makenzie Gray accounts, not my Tangled Up In Writing accounts)!

JUSTREAD TOURS REVIEW: WHITE WOLF AND THE ASH PRINCESS by Tammy Lash!

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Hey everyone!  Today I'm excited to share with you my review of White Wolf and the Ash Princess by Tammy Lash! I had the opportunity to review this book through JustRead Tours, and it has to be one of my favorites of 2021. Check out the info below! 


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Grace Award Finalist!

The princess was the guardian of the light of the black wolf and the grey. White boar greatly desired her light, though the boars had possession of their own. When the princess refused to give up the light, both were given to the fire to do with them as it wished.

Memory loss prohibits Izzy from remembering her life before age seven when she suffered a terrible trauma that left her with physical scars. Crippling panic keeps Izzy from wandering beyond the stables but Tubs, the Gudwyne’s young stable boy, encourages Izzy to go beyond the property’s rock wall into a world that promises possible answers but also great danger.

Gifted with claws of copper and teeth of iron, the black wolf and the grey call him “White Wolf”; for he is the greatest of them with the power of flame and ash.

While running to escape his past, Jonathan Gudwyne rescued Izzy and took her in, but who did she belong to before he became her guardian?

With the touch of the wolf’s great paw, the girl rose out of the ashes a woman—a mighty warrior armed with a copper axe.

A mysterious cellar filled with secrets sets Izzy on a path to the New World where the Wendigo wanders and Water Panther swims. In the wilds of seventeenth-century America, Izzy and Jonathan discover the legends of the New World aren’t the fairytales of their library home in England.


GOODREADS | AMAZON 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tammy lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near the shores of Lake Superior with her husband and three teen/adult children. Currently, they are working together on their "new" home just outside the Hiawatha National Forest she writes about in her stories. Tammy enjoys hiking, kayaking, beach wandering, "hunting" for birch bark, and spotting migizis. She is the author of White Wolf and the Ash Princess, Letters from the Dragon's Son, and the short story Eagle Eyes from the Descendants of White Wolf series.



MY REVIEW
Lash's novel White Wolf and the Ash Princess really blew my expectations out of the water.  It has to be one of my favorite books of the whole year and I know it will hold a special place in my heart. She blends very hard topics and circumstances of healing, forgiveness, mental health, and how we deal with invisible scars after horrific events, in such a spectacular way. Not pushy, not overstated, not understated -- dealt with beautifully and realistically.  Plus, the novel felt very well-researched and I truly enjoyed learning more about the Native American tribes, customs, and phrases.  The characters and scenery just jump out of the pages and I seriously felt so attached to the characters by the time I finished reading the book. There were a few nifty plot twists in the mix, too, and such a beautiful message of healing and growth.  In the author's note, she mentions that she hopes readers will assess their own wounds, the scars that need to be cleansed in order to heal properly -- and I can say that this book did that for me. It's one I'll be mulling over for awhile. 

Have you read any of Lash's books? Do you plan on adding White Wolf and the Ash Princess to your TBR?

REVELL READS: HOSTILE INTENT by Lynette Eason!

Hey everyone!  You've probably guessed already that if I have the opportunity to read and review a new Lynette Eason book, chances are that I'll jump on it with both feet. So...here we are again! This one is the grand finale for the DANGER NEVER SLEEPS series, Hostile Intent.  Let's get to it! 

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Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother's illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there's no way she's going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.

Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can't discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason concludes her latest suspense-filled series with a bang as secrets are revealed and the guilty are brought to justice.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the Publisher's Weekly, CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Carol Award, the Selah, the Daphne, the IRCC award and more. Lynette is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville, SC.


MY REVIEW
This one was pretty good! I have to say that I feel like a lot more could have been done with the plot that was initially set up, but it was fairly easy to see what was going to happen next in the book -- it was really clever, but not necessarily the explosive/blindsiding plot twist that I'm used to seeing from Eason's books. That being said, the storyline was still excellent, and the characters were very easy to get attached to and relate with. Ava and Caden have a wonderful chemistry that I haven't seen in awhile in romances, so that was refreshing -- and definitely fun to read! Overall, if you enjoyed the series, you'll definitely want to pick this book up. If you're new to the series, you'll be able to read this one as a standalone, but the story does have references to prior cases covered in the first three books.  (And on that note, I loved how Eason tied up all the loose ends regarding the characters' relationships and budding family lives in this book!) 


AUTHOR INTERVIEW: JOAN EMBOLA, AUTHOR OF THE ONE WHO KNOWS ME!

Friday, September 10, 2021

 Hey everyone!

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Joan Embola, author of the brand-new book The One Who Knows Me! It just released yesterday, and I couldn't be more excited about it. Before I get into the interview, here's some info about the book. 



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IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY?

Bullies and family disasters have left eighteen-year-old Teeyana Sparks filled with anxiety and doubt. She feels pressured to believe in God, but as she embarks on her college journey in the hope of one day working at Google as a graphic designer, the only thing she believes in is controlling her own life. Things change when she meets Jayden Williams—the guy with a charming smile and kind heart.

Struggling with grief and recovering from a season of depression, nineteen-year-old Jayden is determined to help Teeyana believe in God’s goodness again. But when yet another tragedy strikes close to home, Teeyana’s response exposes Jayden’s unhealed wounds and tips him into a mental health relapse.

With the looming possibility of not getting her dream life, Teeyana is caught between holding on to her illusion of control and surrendering to a God she’s rejected. And as Jayden strives to break out of his despondency, he has to face that letting God in may involve him letting go of his friendship with Teeyana. Teeyana and Jayden must wrestle with uncomfortable truths, and the pride in their hearts, in order to face their biggest giant—God’s sovereignty over both triumph and tragedy.

The One Who Knows Me, book one in the Sovereign Love series, is a heart-warming standalone novel about hope and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who knows all things.

AMAZON | GOODREADS


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Joan Embola is a UK-based Cameroonian-Nigerian Christian author who is passionate about spreading God's love one word at a time. She is a Bible teacher, a blogger, a YouTuber, a podcaster, a dancer, and a poetess. Her book Outpourings Of A Beloved Heart; a 30 day poetry devotional about God's love, is available for purchase. Her debut contemporary Christian Fiction novel will be releasing on September 10th 2021. 
WEBSITE | PODCAST | BLOG | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

  1. What are some of your favorite themes in The One Who Knows Me?

    As I pondered on this question I realised that when I first started writing this book, the themes I thought I'd cover were slightly different to those that ended up featuring in the book. That just goes to show that we can make our plans (even while planning writing projects) but ultimately God reveals His own plans and how He wants to use that to bless others. Here are some of my favourite themes from the book.

    God's sovereignty: This was a theme I came to discover more as I wrote the book. I didn't understand it at first but with every draft I completed, God led me to understand that this book was meant to encourage others to see His goodness in both triumph and tragedy. It wasn't an easy theme to portray. I had to make sure the principles were Biblical and so writing about God's sovereign love encouraged me to read my Bible more, which in turn helped me draw closer to God. Till today, the concept of God's sovereignty comforts me,. It keeps me going through life's challenges and I hope that all who read this book will be encouraged too.

    Family and friendships: I knew I wanted to write a story which portrayed strong family bonds and friendships. The family aspect of this book was inspired by my own close knit family. We have been through so many challenging times over the past few years but God has been so good to us. I wanted to portray something similar in this book and show a family sticking together and overcoming trials together as they trust God. Teeyana and Amara's friendship was inspired by my friendship with my best friend--Adele. We have been friends since 2008 and we haven't seen each other in person for ten years, yet we continue to encourage each other through life's ups and downs. It was so fun to write Teeyana and Amara's friendship and I hope it inspires others to be intentional about keeping friends who will draw them closer to God.

    Mentorship and community: I'm a firm believer in the fact that we can't run our Christian journey alone. We need community and we need to constantly learn how to be disciples of Christ. Since both main characters in this novel are in college, I wanted to portray the idea of the importance of having mentors and having people who you can be accountable to. Choosing the right relationships will require a lot of discernment, but it is worth it and it is very encouraging.

    Faith and mental health: This theme is one I never thought I'd end up writing about. In fact it wasn't until the fourth draft that I realised this was actually a strong theme in the book. Writing about hope in depression and anxiety was so therapeutic for me because the idea for this book came after I'd been through a very challenging time in my life. God constantly used this story to remind me that He is with me through trials and that no matter how heartbroken I feel, God's love is still able to heal my ailing heart. It is my prayer that this same message of hope meets and encourages everyone who reads this book.

    Love: My mission as an author is to share God's love one word at a time, so I knew that this book had to talk about God's love for us and also our love for others. I enjoyed writing about the character's faith journeys to experiencing God's love for them, and also falling in love with each other in the process. I love romance and I think that's something that will always feature in every book I write.

  2. Which character was your favorite to write, and which one was the most challenging? I had a lot of fun writing Jayden and Amara. Amara's character was already set in my mind from the first draft. I knew the kind of personality she was going to have and the impact she was going to have on Teeyana's journey. Jayden came as a surprise to me because he was initially only supposed to be the love interest, and it wasn't until after the fourth draft that I discovered there was more to his story than I thought. I love Jayden because I feel we have so much in common and I relate a lot to some of his struggles in this book. That being said, it was also challenging to write Jayden's story because he went through a lot of dark moments which were very emotional for me to write about. I had to lean on God throughout the whole process and constantly look at the light at the end of the tunnel and focus on the hope in the darkness.

  3. If readers could gain one thing from reading your book, what do you hope it will be? That God's love for us is so much bigger than any trial we face, and even when things are bad, God is still working for our good.

  4. Can you explain (unless it’s spoiler-y!) which scene was your favorite to write? My favourite scenes would have to be all the scenes in chapters 27 and 28. It would be a spoiler to say exactly what happened in these chapters but I can say these scenes were my favourite to write because of the raw emotion expressed by the main characters. Till this day, I get goose bumps every time I read those chapters.

5. You reference a particular Bible verse throughout The One Who Knows Me -- a favorite verse of one of the characters’. What significance did this verse have to you while writing this book?
            This verse is Job 23:10 and it is my favourite Bible verse. I mentioned earlier that the inspiration for this story came after I'd been through a dark time in my life. This Bible verse brought me a lot of comfort and it still helps me to keep hoping and trusting God through challenging times. In other to write a story about hope in suffering, I had to relate to it myself. This verse taught me so many truths about God's love for me which gave me the confidence to write this book.

For He knows: God is omniscient, He knows all things, and He knows my story.
The way that I take: He knows my path, He knows where I'm going because He planned it from the beginning of time.
When He has tested me: Trials will come. They are part of the process and I can't escape them in this life. But these trials are a test and God remains the Good Teacher who has my best interests at heart.
I will come forth as gold: God is constantly working on me. The trials He allows are purifying me and helping me to be more like Christ every day. God is with me through it all. He will never leave me, and when I get my eternal reward, it will all be worth it.




Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Joan! This was such a fantastic interview, wasn't it?! I loved hearing about the thought and consideration she put into this book, and I really truly recommend reading it. The One Who Knows Me is easily in my top 10 list of books I've read this year (and I've been reading a lot so...). 


What did you think about the interview? Do you want to read The One Who Knows Me, or have you already preordered it? Sound off in the comments!