“Not by Sight” by Kate Breslin

(click image above to go directly to Amazon to see this book)

“Not by Sight” by Kate Breslin

WWI Fiction

Review copy source: Author and publishers

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country’s cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she’ll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them–or the faith they’ll need to maintain hope.

My Thoughts:

I really, really loved Kate Breslin’s first book, “For Such a Time” – it was so excellent – so I was excited by this new release of hers and absolutely delighted when I was chosen to be part of her influencer team – it’s been immensely enjoyable!!

The book cover is gorgeous – it really is an eye-grabber (hehe, that sounds slightly on the creepy side; how about ‘attention-grabber’?) and I love all the colours blending together. It represents the novel beautifully.

While “For Such a Time” will remain my favourite between Mrs. Breslin’s two books, I must say I did enjoy “Not By Sight”. The tale was gripping, and the characters delightfully flawed, each with their own secrets, as one character, Lucy, said in the book. It’s true – we all have some kind of pain in our lives. But God can take our brokenness and create a master piece!

It took me a little while to really relate with main character Grace Mabry. Especially since it started out by her handing out the white feathers of cowardness…but as the book got going, and we got to really know her more, I did begin to really enjoy her character. And Jack’s I liked nearly right away. :) I think the romance between the two was really sweet, and I loved the banter between them. I think the romance was nicely done in this book, though one concern I had about it was the fact that between the two of them, especially for Grace, there wasn’t a problem or even wariness that Jack himself was not a strong believer in Christ. And I think that should be very important to believers – we are not to be unequally yoked together, so it is very important that we don’t simply give into the lust of the flesh and cast aside the care of faith. This is not to say the characters were completely casting aside their faith – Grace showed some faith and did genuinely desire for Jack to be saved too, but it wasn’t in the deciding factor of their relationship, which saddened me. I don’t want girls out there to think that matter isn’t important. :)

On the topic of a faith strand, there was one present, which was nice. For me, personally, I would have liked it to be stronger and imperatively evident. I didn’t necessarily see that. Sometimes it seems like it was added as a side thought, but there were deeper aspects to it, and the characters grew through out the book which is always excellent!

My favourite part was definitely the relationship between Grace and Jack! I loved it and enjoyed it. Kind of like a ‘beauty and the beast’ story, which is always lovely!!

Mrs. Breslin writes exceptionally well, and the history she entwines throughout the story is marvelous! Very real, and helpfully depicted.

My sincere thanks, Mrs. Breslin, and Bethany House for providing me with a complimentary copy of this splendid book.

Blog Tour Book Review: “Half-Blood” by Jaye L. Knight & Giveaway

“Half-Blood” by Jaye L. Knight

prequel to the Ilyon Chronicles

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place.

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery?

See where Jace’s story all began . . .

Available on Amazon!

Buy Now

Add to Goodreads

Discover Ilyon in Resistance and The King’s Scrolls.

My Review:

Yes, I have recently jumped on the band-wagon of The Ilyon Chronicles and they’re fantasticness. Truly. It took me long enough, didn’t it? :) But yes, I am supposed to be reviewing “Half-Blood” here, not rambling about my love of this series, which I haven’t even finished reading yet…

This novella was…oh, how to I even begin? This is a hard one to review, because it’s SAD! It is the background story of the beloved main character of the series, Jace. Now, for those of you who have not read “Resistance” or any of the other books in the Ilyon Chronicles, let me inform you that Jace had a sad, sad, sad life and is broken. But he is SO love-able. Truly. When I read “Resistance”, I absolutely fell in love with him. And am so glad I was able to read “Half-Blood” to learn more of his life story and how his pain came to be.

“Half-Blood” gets five stars because it is magnificently written, and full of heart. It is a marvelous story, just heart-wrenchingly sad, mainly because of the subject. But it helps us understand Jace so much more, which is so lovely.

The pain and the heart-break is so evident in this book – you just hurt along with Jace. I don’t want to give the story away, so I can’t say much, but trust me that, even though it is sad, it is good. You will want to read this book. Jace is such a grand character – so soft-hearted even though the world has told him lie after lie and made him believe otherwise. The story ends in Hope too, which I really appreciated! I was worried it was going to end on a downer, but it was good. Of course. :) Jaye has a fantastic writing talent, and I am so glad she uses it for God’s glory!!

Thank you, Jaye, for writing this series and sharing your heart through writing with us! It is a treasure!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.

More Fun and Info:

Giveaway

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Half-Blood, a blue feather bookmark hand crafted by Jaye, a bronze sword pendant, and a $5 Amazon gift card! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

Since I, Raechel, cannot get the rafflecoptor to show up, please click on THIS to go directly to the rafflecoptor giveaway!

About the Author:

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, and on her new fiction forum where you can interact with other readers of the series.

Blog Tour Schedule:  

Tuesday, July 14

• Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight
• Review and Author Interview at 26 Countless Possibilites
• Review and Author Interview at Lianne Taimenlore
• Review and Author Interview at Crumpets ‘n’ Cream
• Review at Tialla’s Tellings

Wednesday, July 15

• Review at The Destiny of One
• Book Spotlight at One Servant’s Heart
• Review and Author Interview at Leah’s Bookshelf
• Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering
• Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom’s Books

Thursday, July 16

• Review and Author Interview at Sutori no Hana
• Review and Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages
• Review and Author Interview at The Splendor Falls on Castle Walls
• Author Interview at A Writer’s Faith
• Review and Author Interview at writinganyone

Friday, July 17

• Review and Author Interview at Written Rest
• Book Spotlight at Tell Tale Book Reviews
• Review and Author Interview at The Pen of a Ready Writer
• Review and Author Interview at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
• Review at Poetree

Saturday, July 18

• Review at A Writer’s Heart
• Review at Reality Calling
• Author Interview at The Art of Storytelling
• Book Spotlight at Thilly Little Nothings

Sunday, July 19

• Review at Through My Lens
• Review at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
• Book Spotlight at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima
• Review at bookend

Monday, July 20

• Review at Pencils Can Change the World
• Review at Backing Books
• Review at Melody Jackson, Author
• Book Spotlight and Author Interview at In the Character’s Shadow

Tuesday, July 21

• Review at A Vintage Girl in the Modern World
• Book Spotlight at However Improbable
• Review at God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae
• Review and Author Interview at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

Wednesday, July 22

• Review at To Be a Person
• Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight

Pinterest Favourites Friday Week 19

Hello! I am finally back with a Pinterest Friday. It feels like it’s been a while. :) So shall we see the pins? =D

 

I seriously need this cup. I mean, how amazing is that?!?! I love it :D

 

Because I love Tarzan and Jane, and my sister and I recently watched “Tarzan”. :)

I don’t often pin Gif’s (“But when I do…” Yes I’ve been on Pinterest too long!) but it’s HTTYD and it’s funny. Plus I’ve seen this episode of the show. (Yes again – there are HTTYD shows, not just movies!)

 

Hehe. XD

 

Because Verity from Poldark is such a sweet character. I really am hoping she gets a happy ending!!! <3

 

Very true.

 

What I’m reading:

I just recently finished beta-reading a friend’s book, and have now begun this book:

Beautiful cover, beautiful story. I love the main character, Mary, especially. Even though I’m only a couple chapters in. :)

 

So, what are you reading/pinning?

 

 

Favorite Screen Characters Tag

Hello!

There have been several tags going around, haven’t there? I think they’re quite fun, so I rarely balk at them! =) I’ve been tagged by Faith Blum for the Favourite Screen Characters Tag. From what I gather, the rules are listing your top ten favourite television/movie characters – should be fun! So here are mine:

 

1. Toothless

This should be obvious. :D I know he’s a dragon, and not a human-character, but he’s my favourite!

 

2. Molly Gibson from Wives and Daughters (And Roger of course!)

She’s just adorable. So sweet!

 

 

3.  John Thornton from North and South.

It’s Richard Armitage, playing Mr. Thornton…need anything else be said?!

 

 

4. Jane and Tarzan from Disney’s Tarzan

Yes, I am aware that these are technically two characters, but they go together, so…

 

5.  Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth from Persuasion (1995)

I know – I just keep breaking the rules! Oh well…These two are soo…*happy sigh* I love this movie!!

 

6. Esther Summerson from Bleak House

She’s a very sweet character. :)

 

 

7. Lucy Pevensie

We can’t forget her :)

 

 

8. Verity Poldark from Poldark

I just love her character. She is one of the best, (if not the best?!) of the show. Anyone else watching Poldark on TV right now?

 

 

9.  Georgianna Darcy from Death Comes to Pemberly (and also her love, Henry)

-Such a cute couple!! Georgianna seems so refined, and genteel. And very sweet. :)(Kinda hard to believe that the same actress plays Demelza in Poldark!! – Still cute and sweet though!)

 

10. Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility (and sweet Edward, too! :))

I love these two, as well. I often relate to Elinor. They’re great characters!

 

So that’s ten. I know I am forgetting some, but it’s hard to think of every movie you’ve ever seen on the spot. :) And also, I should say – these aren’t in exact order. That would be way too hard! These are just ten of my favourites – although, Toothless is definitely #1 :)

And as for who I tag, I tag YOU! If you choose to do this, leave a link so I can read it! :)

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award/Tag

Good day! I was awarded/tagged by the lovely Miss Shantelle over at A Writer’s Heart. Thanks Shantelle! =) The questions look like fun. And since it’s Friday, I thought I’d just go ahead and post this instead of a Pinterest Favourites post. I think I’ll just go ahead and dive right in!

 

Rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.
• Put the award logo on your blog.
• Answer the ten questions sent to you.
• Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.
• Nominate ten blogs.

 

And here are the questions for me to answer:

• What genre have you read most of this year?  Oh tough question…I’ve read a fairly wide variety of books so far…The most would probably be Christian fantasy/medieval fantasy, etc.

 

• Do you enjoy fairytales? Which ones do you like most? I do enjoy them, but it’s hard because I stay away from magic. I’ve rewritten one of them so far without magic and with a Christian theme, and I’d like to do that with more of them. As for which I like most…hmm. I’ve always been rather fond of Snow White, but ever since writing the Beauty and the Beast story, I absolutely fell in love with the redemption story of that one. :)

 

• Favorite dessert? Too many! I guess I’ll go with cherry cheesecake, because that is absolutely amazing! =) 

 

• Which Disney princess are you most like and why? Well to be honest, I don’t really relate to any of the Princesses. If I was to be in a movie setting like those, it would be something like How to Train Your Dragon. I asked my Mum for her help with this question (it’s easier for someone else to tell you who you’re most like!) and she said I’m kind of like Valka in HTTYD2 – Hiccups Mom. My Mum said ‘She’s calm, and kind, but can defend herself and is strong, yet still gentle, and is rather like a dragon whisperer, which is what you’d be.” Only I’m not her age…XD But yeah, that’s what I’ll go with. Hope that’s okay! I think I’d be more of a viking than a princess. =) S

 

• Which Disney prince do you consider the most dashing? So, we don’t watch Frozen, but I love Kristoff. And Tarzan. Technically neither are princes, but they’re close enough, right?! 

  

 

• What was your favorite blog post this year? Of my own or others? I’m gonna go with others…but that’s still hard, because I read SO many blog posts. I was really excited to read THIS post of Alica Ruggieri’s. :)

 

• A few books you hope to read soon? I’m waiting for two review books that I am SO excited for. They are “Not by Sight” by Kate Breslin and “Through Waters Deep” by Sarah Sundin!

 

• Favorite book of the year? I’ve already read SO many books this year, and this question is way too hard…The following books will make my absolutely favourites list of the year: “The Tomb” by Stephanie Landsem, “The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest” by Melanie Dickerson, “Not Abandoned” by MacKenzie Morganthal, “Brothers-in-Arms” by Jack Lewis Baillot, “The Fragrance of Geraniums” by Alicia Ruggieri and “Resistance” by Jaye L. Knight. Sooo many good ones!!

 

• Summer or winter? This doesn’t even require a nanosecond of a thought – WINTER!!

• One goal you have? Hmm..Well, ultimately I want to follow wherever God leads. But one dream/goal I have that I hope will be accomplished soon is being published. :)

Thanks again, Shantelle, for the award! Now, here is where I am supposed to name who I shall pass the award onto, but I cannot think of ten bloggers, let alone those who have not already been awarded! So, if anyone is reading this right now who has not been awarded but would like to, please consider yourself nominated!! And just go ahead and used the same questions – I’d love to see other’s answers to them! If you do answer these questions, leave a link for me to see! =)

 

Book Review: “A Bride at Last” by Melissa Jagears

 

“A Bride at Last” by Melissa Jagears

#3 in The Unexpected Brides Series

Review copy source: Influencer copy from the author and publisher

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she’d been deceived about her intended groom, she’s now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she’ll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony–until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy’s father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony’s wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

My Thoughts:

I really love how Melissa Jagears writes – her style flows well and keeps you interested. I don’t often read the mail-order-bride stories, or any sort of westerns in general, but if it’s by Mrs. Jagears I am sure to try it.

I have read her previous books of this series and adored each one (I think my favourite was the novella though!!), so I was really excited to read this next book, “A Bride at Last”. And while I enjoyed the writing style, and the characters, I was let down on some aspects of it. It just wasn’t my favourite. There were a couple of things that disappointed me, and I think I will start with those and then move on to what I did like.

In the beginning, the faith strand seemed strong and that really gladdened me. But as the book got going, it was nearly forgotten, and when the Lord was brought into it, I don’t think it was in a very respectful light. At one point, one of the characters prays for an answer but immediately after the character prays, it says ‘But of course there was no answer’. And it leaves it at that – as if God never answers us today, like it’s normal and expected. But He does speak. It’s not an audible sound, but He speaks to our souls, I firmly believe this and think that is the norm. The Bible says, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24) – He answers even before we call. There are many other verses to attest to that, but I will leave it with this one.

The other thing that was a disappointment was how it was very much centered around physical-attraction between the two main characters. Almost inappropriately so. There were some parts I wanted to skim over because of how…’gushy’ (only more so. That’s not quite the right word) it was.  It was nearly blush-worthy. And I was sad to see that the characters couldn’t just fall in love because of their hearts – their personalities. I know that they did do that in some respect, but it was really much more of a physical attraction and that is what was greatly portrayed throughout the book. Love is more than physical. It is a choice, a state of the heart, a commitment to God. I read a quote on Pinterest that said “A woman is not written in brail – you don’t have to touch her to know her” and that’s true.

But now for the things I did like. :)  The characters, besides from the physical attraction issue, were well crafted and easily liked. Kate was a strong character, and I liked how much she cared for Anthony (the little boy). Silas was a good character too, though frustrating at times. They both had a hard past (most people do…), but he seemed to have a harder time letting go of her past – almost holding it against her, which seemed like he was forgetting that he had ‘his own past’. I know that was intentional, but I think it could’ve used a little more work.

The plot was good – I enjoyed it. It was an easy read, and captivating. As I said, I really like Melissa Jagears and how she writes. =)

I feel like it seems that I disliked this book a great deal but that’s not the case. I DID like it, I just didn’t like ALL of it. There were parts that made it really difficult for me to fall in love with it, like I did with her other books (which I highly recommend you read!).

Still, I would read more of Mrs. Jagears books, and reread the ones I loved. =)

 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

 

============

You can read my reviews of the previous books in this series below. The first two are very short since I was not required to write a review and I didn’t have time. The third is lengthly though and shows how much I loved that book:

Love by the Letter

A Bride for Keeps

A Bride in Store

 

BookLook Book Review: “The Good, the Bad and the Grace of God” by Jep and Jessica Robertson

 

 

 

“The Good, the Bad, and the Grace of God” by Jep and Jessica Robertson with Susy Flory

Non-fiction

Review copy Source: BookLook Bloggers

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the book:

A Moving Story of Redemption and Second Chances

 

Jep Robertson, the youngest son of Duck Commander Phil Robertson, and his wife, Jessica, open up about their personal trials, their early years together, and the challenges that might have destroyed them both had the grace of God not intervened. Jep describes being molested as a child and his reluctance to tell anyone until only a few years ago, his downward spiral into drug and alcohol abuse, and the eventual intervention of his family. Jessica shares about the difficult failure of her first marriage while still a teenager and the hurt that came along with it, much of it from the church. Her insecurities spun out of control as she wondered whether she would ever be good enough or pretty enough. This book is their love story but, more importantly, their love story for God.

“We are desperate to let people know that no matter what you’ve done; no matter what you’ve lived through, you can come out of it.  You can be washed clean.  You are redeemed.”

 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book – more than I thought I would, actually. Being that my family and myself are Duck Dynasty fans, I was interested when I saw this book up for review – and knowing that my parents would want to read it as much as I would, I didn’t hesitate to request it.

It was so interesting to get a glimpse into the trials Jep and Jessica faced through out their lives – together and apart. Their faith in God, and their dedication to each other is inspiring.

There are times where we get frustrated with some of the aspects of the show, because whether it is their choosing, or the producers of the show choosing, they don’t always portray what Christians should, but I thought that the book was quite different from the T.V. show and they gave all the glory to God. I personally found it much easier to understand and relate to at least Jep and Jessica knowing what they’ve been through and how they feel about their faith. It’s encouraging for sure.

This is an easy read – I normally don’t choose to read non-fiction/biography type books, but this one I just sailed through with great interest. I would recommend for older teens and up, to read this book because of some of the subject matter.

I must say, I was saying several ‘awws’ when reading about Jep and Jessica’s love story. It truly is a sweet one. :)

It’s inspiring, because they talked a lot about redemption. You can have a horrible past, but when you come to Christ, He redeems you and you are cleansed as white as snow – forever. And, as they talk about, sometimes the church will make judgments, which of course they shouldn’t but Jep and Jessica didn’t accept and take on those judgments as their own – they saw it for what it was: broken people making bad decisions. They knew that God’s opinion mattered more than man’s opinion and I like that.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.

Author Interview with MacKenzie Morganthal, author of “Not Abandoned”

Hello Readers! I hope you had a good Independence day and weekend. =) Did any of you get to see any fireworks? I was house-sitting, so I didn’t see any on the 4th, but our town puts on fireworks this next weekend along with their parade. So I’ll see those, most likely! :)

Today I have a special treat. My lovely and talented kindred spirit, MacKenzie Morganthal, has agreed to do an author-interview with me today! Isn’t that exciting? I am really glad you guys can get to know this gal – she is someone I hold as dear as a sister to me. So, without further delay, please enjoy this interview with…MacKenzie Morganthal, author of her newly released, “Not Abandoned”!

 

Welcome back to my blog, Miss MacKenzie! I’m truly delighted to have you here for this interview. :) I know you’ve been here before, and have thus shared a bit about yourself, but in case anyone is reading this for the first time, would you please introduce yourself?

 

Thanks for having me back, Rae! :) Sure, I’d love to. I’m an eighteen year old, homeschool graduate, and I love to write pretty much anything. I love the Lord with all my heart and have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. When I’m not writing, I love to keep busy as a worship leader and Creative Artist. My debut novel “Not Abandoned” just came out at the end of May, and that was a huge dream come true for me! :)

Amen! It is a dream come true indeed, and I am so happy for you!

How long have you been writing for and what first spurred you on to write?

 

I’ve been writing for around eight years. My Mom is actually the one who first encouraged me to write. She gave me an assignment in about 4th grade to write a short story about what I was learning in history. If you can believe it, I didn’t really want to do the assignment at first! But my Mom kept encouraging me to do it, and once it was completed, I fell in love with writing. So I’ve been writing ever since and I have my Mom to thank for that ;)

 

Your new debut book, “Not Abandoned” is about the heavy subject of human trafficking; where and how did you first find out about this terrible crime?

 

I first found out about human trafficking from my sister. She had read a book discussing this topic and then had shared the information with me. While the news was heartbreaking to hear, it wasn’t until awhile later when I heard an interview with a trafficking survivor that God placed the burning desire in my heart to do something about this atrocity.

 

Do you have any ‘tips’ for people about how to get involved in putting a stop to this modern-day slavery?

 

Well, the first tip I would say is definitely to educate yourself. Take time to learn about trafficking and make yourself aware of what is actually happening in the world around us. The first step in stopping modern-day slavery is prevention, and you can’t have prevention without awareness and education. Another tip I have is to get involved with one of the many great organizations fighting against human trafficking. That’s what they’re here for, and they’d love to help get you involved in the fight to end this! One of my favorite organizations is the A21 Campaign. :)

These are really good tips of help – thank you! 

How long did it take you to write “Not Abandoned”?

 

Haha, ya know, I actually can’t remember the ‘exact’ date that I started writing it. How terrible of me. :P When I first started writing it, I didn’t really think it would go anywhere or I would ever even finish it. But a few months after that is when God really placed the desire in my heart to continue with this story. So it was around mid-January of this year when I really started working devotedly on this story, and I completed the first draft on February 23rd. :)

That’s not terrible of you, worry not. I have projects like that. And wow, that’s a fast write, Kenzie! Although, I already knew you were a super fast writer – you got talent girl! God-given talent, and what a blessing it is that you use it for His glory!

Do you have a favourite character from it that you relate to most?

 

Definitely Haley Hampton, the college student/police officer in training. She’s strong-willed, and very determined. When she sets her mind to something, not much can stand in her way! She’s got a kind heart, and can be a bit daring. She also has a habit of jumping into things without always thinking them through. Most of my friends, especially you Rae, can attest to the fact that I tend to do that too, more often times than not. ;)

Haha, funny. ^.^ And also, Haley’s my favourite character too – she’s a great character!

You self-published: did you experience any troubles going that route, or are you entirely happy with it?

 

There were definitely some bumps in the road, but in the end I’m entirely happy with my decision. In the beginning of my self-publishing journey, I was trying to mostly go through the process alone and figure everything out myself, and I don’t ever recommend doing that, haha. I got in touch with some awesome authors who have already gone through the process and they were able to help tremendously, which I am so thankful for! So my advice to anyone else going the self-publishing route would be to ask lots of questions and seek help from others who are in the business. It makes it a much better experience than trying to figure it out alone. :)

Good idea – I’m definitely keeping that in mind when I publish too. :)

What are your writing plans for the future?

 

Right now I am in the process of writing a sequel to “Not Abandoned”. I’m about 72 pages and almost 18,000 words in, so we’ll see where this one goes. :) I also regularly enjoy being a monthly magazine columnist for my sister’s e-mag, and also a bi-monthly columnist for a friend’s e-mag.

Yes!! I cannot wait for this sequel. I love it already (yes, be jealous readers, because I’ve already read some of it! ;)).

Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to answer these questions, MacKenzie! I wish you a heart-felt congrats on your new release and look forward to many more of your splendid, God-filled books!
Thanks so much, Rae! :)

++++

That was fun, wasn’t it? Below you will find more information about the author and her book. Please do check it out!

“Human trafficking… These two words will change four different lives forever. Especially for Haley, a police officer in training, who is thrust right into the heart of an organized human trafficking ring when a family friend is mysteriously abducted. Once the problem hits even closer to home, Haley will stop at nothing to see justice prevail. With no way out once trapped inside the trafficking ring, is there any hope for rescue? When trouble arises and Caryn’s life is compromised, will she be able to survive or will help come too late? Strength is tested and trust is broken in this mystery of seemingly impossible rescue and God’s loving redemption. After hearing those words, human trafficking, these girls will never look at their lives the same way again… and neither will you.”

MacKenzie Morganthal is an eighteen year old, Christian, Homeschool graduate. She loves writing, music, and most importantly Jesus. She resides in Pennsylvania where she keeps busy as a freelance author, worship leader, and creative arts director. She also loves going to concerts, and all things chocolate. While some people say she can be a little crazy, she always takes that as a compliment. She has been writing stories for eight years, and “Not Abandoned” is her first self-published novel.

CreateSpace estore: http://www.createspace.com/5427955

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/069243688X

Website: http://www.kenziebooks.weebly.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14073307

Facebook: Click THIS for link.

 

Uniquely You

 

 

I read something on a pin recently (Not the above image), and while I did not agree with all of it, there was something that stuck out to me and that was in not becoming someone you’re not just so can keep or please the other person interested in you.

Now, this can be in reference to a friend or a romantic relationship. And I think it is sometimes far too easy for us girls to be forged into someone else because we like them and want them to like us. We like what they like – their interests become our own. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it becomes dangerous when we feel we must *change* to be of any interest to the other person, and I don’t think that is right – in our eyes, or in God’s.

You see, God made us unique individuals – and yes we know this, but I think we need to be reminded of it because we can sometimes forget among the hustle and bustle of daily life. We weren’t created to become someone else – we can be *compatible* to someone else, but that is not becoming them.

I am going to pretend for a moment that I have a boyfriend (:D) to give an example.

My boyfriend’s name is Bob. I really like Bob – I might even love him. But I’m worried that I am not enough for him. I’m not feminine enough like Cindy, I’m not strong/tough enough like Sally. I’m just *me*. But is that enough? Without hardly thinking, I start to compare myself to the Cindy’s and Sally’s of the world. And I try to be like them so that Bob will like me more. Because he may only like someone like Cindy, or someone like Sally. I have to become like them for me to “hold up” in Bob’s eyes. Soon, I begin to think that Bob’s a jerk because he only likes *those* kind of perfect girls, and I struggle with the fact that I *know* I can never become that – I know I can never be perfect. So it’s Bob’s fault, right? Because he can’t just be interested in me, can he?

Well, now I’m putting my preconceived notions onto Bob and he has no idea what’s happened.

Maybe he would be more compatible with Cindy, or Sally, but that’s not a fault of mine, is it? No. You see, here is my point: God will bring us the right person. Someone who won’t want us to change from us being ourselves. Our “job” is to just be who God created us to be – beautifully and uniquely us – and glorify Him as we serve Him. Our ultimate purpose on this earth is to love and serve Him – He will take care of all the rest as He loves and teaches us.

I don’t need to change to have Bob love me. Sally doesn’t need to change to have someone love her. Cindy doesn’t need to change to have someone love her. We have a Greater One who loves and cherishes us and joys in us especially when we are exactly as He created us. If Bob is who God has planned for me, then Bob will love me not who/what I am trying to be like. Just me. And that will be more than enough, and the same goes for me of him.

 

 

 

Thank you indulging me in my example and pretend boyfriend – it helped me to get my point across. I do well when I think in examples. =)

So yes, please remember: You can only be you. God’s unique and peculiar treasure. You are enough. He will orchestrate your whole life if you let Him, and He will bring your future to pass. Trust Him in everything.

And be uniquely…you.

 

A Writerly Update

Ah yes, I am actually writing a normal post! And about my writing, no less :D It has been a while, and so I thought ‘why not?’ (anybody thinking of the quote from “Leap Year” when the icky fiance’ says that? XD)

So yes, my writing…

I am only working on a couple projects now – of writing, that is. The biggest news that I have to share here, is that a few days ago, I FINISHED the story of my heart – the novel that has taken me over 4 years to write! It’s all done. Two full notebooks, and lots of pencil stubs later, it is complete.  And I cannot even being to express how exciting, and sad, and amazing that is for me! I don’t feel like I will ever be done with this story though. It’s too close to my heart to ever really be over. =) Next step for that one comes typing it up on the computer and then editing…I’m not exactly sure when I will start that mountainous project.

Currently, my Beauty and the Beast retelling is in its second stage of editing. After that, I imagine I will give it one more read through, and then start the publishing process for that one. So exciting! Even if it isn’t till later this year, or even next year, it’s still exciting that I will be published in the near future!

I am also currently writing a short story for a contest through Homeschooled Authors.

 

You’ll just have to wait and see what Jane Austen story I am retelling. =) I am also writing this one by hand because my laptop has not been behaving properly. That’s okay though, because I felt that it is God’s doing to have me writing it by hand. It gives Him even more control. :)

I’m also working on another writing project that is my “typical” medieval-y/village-y setting. Fantasy, but not really. Hard to explain. =) I’ve sort of set this beloved story on back-burner until I finish my short story, which I’m hoping will be soon, because I miss that other story which I refer to as “M and A Story” online. =) Once everything is all done and published, I will share names, details, etc.!

I’m editing a couple of friend’s books as well, so that’s fun…

I think this about wraps it up for a writerly update! Not much else to say… =) If you’re a writer, what are you working on at present?