Promise’s Prayer by Erika Mathews is now available in paperback and eBook! Promise’s Prayer is the first book of the family-friendly Christian novel series Truth from Taerna. It sounds like a very good book – I know I’d like to read it at some point. :) Today I also have a character spotlight and snippet to share, so be sure to scroll down and check that out. Also, check out the other blog party stops below, connect with Erika at her website, and don’t forget to join the giveaway!
About the Book
Kaelan is restless for adventure and relentless in his efforts to bring the land of Taerna back to the blessings of Adon Olam and the prosperity of the days of his ancestors. Fueled by a solemn promise and his mother’s secret, he finds himself in the forefront of a desperate scheme that is crucial to Taerna’s future. Can he keep his promise? Can he save the people of Taerna from the corruption and rampant lawlessness that threaten them with extinction?
Shy and quiet Carita knows she possesses what Taerna’s people so desperately need. But how can she help them when her own soul is simultaneously tormented by witnessing unmet needs and handicapped by her own paralyzing fears?
When Kaelan and Carita come face to face with the true nature of Adon Olam’s call, will they each choose to embrace Adon Olam’s plan for Taerna—and for their own lives?
Click here to purchase on Amazon!
About the Author
Erika Mathews is an author and editor who lives in the farm country of Minnesota with her husband and daughter. She’s a homeschool graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communications, a Master’s in Biblical Ministries, and a passion for sharing Jesus Christ and His truth. When she’s not working with books, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities, piano and violin, organizing, and using the Oxford comma. You can connect with Erika at restinglife.com, on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.
Character Spotlight:
Carita
Description: age 20, 5’5”, sparkling golden brown eyes, medium-brown long hair, slender, looks young, Her expression usually looks sober, almost frightened, as if she were lost, but when she smiles it’s beautiful. She usually wears long, well-fitted dresses in earthy colors—greens, browns, grays, rust-red, muted blue. Most are plain in a medieval peasant style, either one-piece, overdress, or skirt with jacket. She wears a hooded blue cloak when it’s cold.
Carita lives in Frydael, a small village a few days’ journey from the capital. She lived in a middle-class house until her parents died in an accident when she was fourteen, then she and her little sister Ellisia moved to a tiny house outside the village where she raises sheep and tends a garden. Carita has a habit of not looking directly at anyone who is speaking to her. She often has a faraway look in her eyes, and often looks at the ground as though she is sad or lost in deep thought. She speaks slowly, often hesitatingly. She loves caring for people, serving, meeting needs, and walking outdoors. She has a special sense of compassion. Quiet and thoughtful, she hates to see others hurting and is very fearful. She’s very shy, quiet, home-loving, and devoted to Adon Olam. Passionate for Him, she longs to share her knowing of Him with her neighbors but is terrified of speaking to them and being rejected as a “nobody.”
Author’s Note:
Even though I knew developed Carita’s character in depth before beginning Promise’s Prayer and even though she was a character I was most looking forward to writing, I was surprised to discover that her scenes were some of my favorite to write. Although I felt like I didn’t know her very well during the early chapters, as soon as chapter seven came along (her first point of view chapter), I loved her. Spiritually, she’s everything I wish to be—fervent in prayer, devoted to Adon Olam, listening to Him continually, treasuring His word, and with a heart of compassionate service. She always know the right words to say to people, even though she’d much rather speak one-on-one in a friendly setting. I relate to her struggles and fears, and walking her through her challenges encouraged me and strengthened my walk with God. Carita’s name means “love, charity, beloved” and it fits her completely.
Snippet:
She finished the dishes with energy and then helped the children pick up the toys they had scattered around the room, laughing and telling scraps of nonsense as a story while she did so. “Once upon a time,” she giggled confidentially to Liliora. She drew the little girl closer with a secretive, important manner. “There was a little girl who was a princess.”
“Really?” Liliora’s face lit up. “Was it me?”
“I couldn’t tell you,” said Carita, shaking her head dramatically. “She had an aunt who was the Best Aunt Ever. And that’s what they called her: the Best Aunt Ever. Every once in a while, the Best Aunt Ever would visit, and the girl and her brothers and sisters would have the best time they had ever had. She knew just what stories to tell, and what food to fix—and she always brought something new and exciting for the children. She was a wonderful lady.”
“But,” Carita went on, “she had one particular peculiarity. She liked to keep things spic and span.”
“What’s spic and span?” asked Liliora, her big blue eyes opening wider for a moment.
“Oh, it means clean, and tidy, and neat,” Carita told her importantly. “And so,” she said, “the children always tried to not make quite as many messes as usual when they knew she was coming.”
Giveaway
Celebrate the exciting release by entering to win Promise’s Prayer! One winner will receive a paperback and a second winner will receive an ebook.
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Blog Party Special Stops!
Check out each of these stops today for special highlights, snippets, features on Promise’s Prayer characters, interviews, and more! Also, keep an eye on social media for Promise’s Prayer posts by special guests!
Ellrick Character Spotlight at Reality Reflected (Brie Donning)
Author Interview at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings (Alea Harper)
Carita Character Spotlight at God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae (Raechel)
Author Interview at Seek Him First (Katherine Sophia)
Kaelan Character Interview and Spotlight at Random Reflections (Gabriella)
Release Party Central at Resting Life (Erika Mathews)
Gods Peculiar Treasure Rae 