“The Secret Slipper” by Amanda Tero – Blog Tour/Review

Today I’m taking part in Amanda Tero’s blog tour for her new novella, “The Secret Slipper”! I am sharing my review, too, so if you’re interested take a peak at that. :) And definitely stay tuned for the giveaway below!

 

 

 

About the Book

Being a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?

Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?

As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn’t even know is searching for her?

 

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071R5859Y

 

Get “Befriending the Beast”:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L2IDEUQ

 

About the Author

Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again – starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels. If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!

 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

 

My Review:

This was a well written story, based on Cinderella – yet with a different twist, just as Miss Tero’s “Befriending the Beast” had.

I found this to be a enjoyable read, and liked it quite a lot. The faith-message sprinkled through out was very good, and the Bible verses gave great structure and depth.

I am normally a fan of sweet romances, yet even without a romantic interest, this story captured my interest and was a very sweet tale, showing the love of family.

Fairy-tale retellings have a soft spot for me, and “The Secret Slipper” was indeed a good retelling! I appreciate it being clean and ‘simple’ in all the good ways, yet with faith involved. I would definitely allow my younger sister to read a book like this, without concern.

(I’ve also read and reviewed the first novella, “Befriending the Beast” HERE.)

Connect with author Amanda:

Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com

Website: http://amandatero.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amandaterobooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/

Blog: http://www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero

 

 

U.S. Giveaway: Enter to win the set of “Befriending the Beast” and “The Secret Slipper”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/483ac2ab21/?

 

International Giveaway: Enter to win the eBook set of “Befriending the Beast” and “The Secret Slipper”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/483ac2ab22/?

 

Also Touring with “The Secret Slipper”:

May 25, 2017

Amanda @ With a Joyful Noise | Release Day, Giveaway

Leila @ Leila Tualla’s Bookshelf | Spotlight

Faith @ Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections | Review, Giveaway

Leona @ Great Books for God’s Girls | Review, Interview

 

May 26

Emily @ Zerina Blossom’s Books | Interview

Kendra @ Knitted By God’s Plan (Spotlight) and O’Scarlett Reviews (Review) | Spotlight, Review

Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny | Review, Giveaway

 

May 27

Anika @ This Journey Called Life | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Katie @ His Princess Warrior | Review, Giveaway

Sarah @ The Destiny of One | Spotlight

Heather @ Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Spotlight, Interview, Giveaway

 

May 29

Kate @ Once Upon an Ordinary | Review, Interview

Sarah @ Penumbra Reviews | Review

Dary @ Peculiar Miss Darcy | Character Interview

Julia @ My Joyful Journey with Jesus | Interview

 

May 30

Kenzi @ Honey Rock Hills | Review, Giveaway

Anita @ Christian Author: A.M. Heath  | Review

Judith @ JudithWNicholson  | Interview

 

May 31

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His glory  | Spotlight, Review

Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae  | Spotlight, Review

Esther @ Purposeful Learning | Review, Interview, Giveaway

 

June 1

Kellyn @ Reveries Reviews  | Review

Victoria @ Victoria Minks Blog  | Spotlight, Review

Kelsey @ Kelsey’s Notebook | Spotlight

 

June 2

Hanne @ RockandMinerals4Him | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Erica @ Roxbury Books Blog | Spotlight

Janell @ Views from the Window Friend  | Review

Crystal @ Crystal’s Adventures for Christ  | Spotlight, Review, Interview

 

June 3

Alexa @ Verbosity Reviews  | Spotlight

Faith @ Chosen Vessels  | Review

Melissa @ Clothed with Scarlet | Review, Interview, Giveaway

 

“All the Way My Savior Leads” by Faith Blum

It’s a blog tour post! Please join me in celebrating Faith Blum’s newest book, “All the Way My Savior Leads”, Book two in her Orphans of the West series. Besides the spotlight of this book, you’ll find a giveaway, and a guest post! So be sure to keep reading. :)

About the Book

Caroline and I walked out the back door and went into the barn.
“What are we going to do?” Caroline asked.
“Head out on our own. Saddle Whitey, please.”
Caroline’s mouth gaped open. “They’ll find us.”
“I know.”
Caroline sighed. “What can we do then?”
I shook my head. “We can stick together. Always.”

Tragedy stole everything from him … except her …

Three years ago, an illness orphaned Henry and Caroline Salisbury. The harsh years at the orphanage have forged a strong bond between the pair.

But Henry’s about to age out.

He must choose whether to leave his only family behind in relative safety, or take her with him as he pursues dreams of owning a farm. Henry trusts that God has a plan for him, but little does he know that others have plans for him and his younger sister as well. He will need all his faith to find the right path.

Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

Note: 50% of my income from this series will go to the World Orphans organization.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DL3Z9T

http://books2read.com/alltheway

About the Author

Faith Blum is a 20-something author of multiple books in various genres. She loves to write, read, play piano, knit, crochet, sew, watch movies, and play games with her family. She lives in Wisconsin with her family on a small family farm where they raise goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and have 2 dogs and a varying number of cats.

Faith’s goal in her writing is to encourage Christians in their walk with Christ. If you enjoyed this book, go to her website to sign up for her Monthly Newsletter so you can get an email with fun facts, giveaways, and so much more every month. You will also find links to her other Social Media sites on her website. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her.

Double Sale

For May 26-31 only, get both books in the Orphans of the West series for just $0.99 each! They are both available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks, and more.

http://books2read.com/saviorlikeashepherd

http://books2read.com/alltheway

GUEST POST:

Why Henry?

 

My Orphans of the West series is mostly books about orphans I introduced in previous books in the Hymns of the West or Hymns of the West Novellas series’. But Henry Sullivan isn’t in any of those, so why did I write a book about him? A few reasons, actually.

 

First, the first version of Lily of the Valley had an epilogue that introduced Henry. That made me want to write more, even though I ended up cutting the epilogue. Another reason was because I wanted to write more about Micah, Ruth, and Jeremiah Carson. They were great characters and I didn’t want to leave them where I did.

 

The main reason, though, is because I could really identify with him. Even though I haven’t gone through anything he has, I have struggled many times with anger at how bad people could do so many awful things and get away with it. Learning to let God lead in all circumstances is a difficult, but rewarding experience.

Giveaway

Three prizes, three winners! The grand prize is a Savior, Like a Shepherd notebook and paperback. Sorry, but the lantern isn’t mine to giveaway. In second and third prize, the winners will receive a free eBook of All the Way My Savior Leads.

Note: The grand prize is open only to those in the continental US, but the other two are open to all.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

 

May 26

Bookish Orchestrations-Intro Post

Annie Louise Twitchell-Review

 

May 27

Letters from Annie Douglass Lima-Book Spotlight

Zerina Blossom’s Books-Review

 

May 28

God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae-Guest Post: Why Henry?

The Book Corner-Review

 

May 29

Sarah Allerding-Review

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Character Q&A with Henry

 

May 30

Frances Hoelsma-Book Spotlight

Purposeful Learning– Review

 

May 31

Rachel Rossano’s Words-Guest Post: How I Pick Hymns

 

Written Rest-Review

 

June 1

Bookish Orchestrations-Giveaway Winner

 

Book Review: The Destiny of One by Sarah Holman

The Destiny of One by Sarah Holman

Christian Sci-fi

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

Destiny – it’s a word that plagues Maria Morris. What does God want her to do with her life? Should she go to college or does God have other plans for her? When her parents go missing during a business trip, Maria embarks on a quest that will change her life forever. Trying to fight against an overbearing Milky Way Government, Maria travels to earth in search of a lost prince and some crown jewels. Her faith is tested, however, when a new law is passed. Will Maria be able to find her parents and the crown jewels before it’s too late? Is she strong enough to stand up for her faith even if it means never seeing her family again? Most of all, will Maria discover her true Destiny?

 

My Thoughts:

I’ve had this series waiting on my Kindle for a while, and now that I’ve read the first one, I don’t know what took me so long to start it! Generally I don’t read a lot of sci-fi type books, but this was excellent! Maria was a great and very real character, and it was all written extremely well. And goodness did I love the message of waiting and trusting God for His plan in our lives – that was just fantastic. So often we’re told we need to have our lives figured out by 18 years old, which in my opinion is so not old enough to know what we want to do, but in “The Destiny of One” Maria doesn’t know where God wants her, and the best thing? Her whole family supports her in waiting on God to show her. That was a breath of fresh air to me. It doesn’t matter how long the wait may be, it’ll be worth it to follow God’s chosen path for us!

Each character was really well-constructed, and I’m really looking forward to continuing the series. And seeing more of Quint…turned out being quite fond of him. Not right of the bat, but pretty soon after. ^.^

If you feel that you’re being pressured to choose your life’s path, read this book and be encouraged. While it may be fiction, it has a great message!

 

 

Book Review: “Befriending the Beast” by Amanda Tero

Befriending the Beast by Amanda Tero

Book One in the Tales of Faith Series

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the book:

Belle has returned unannounced to the castle to restore her relationship with the king, her father. Her hopes are dashed with the devastating message: “The king refuses to see you.” Convinced that God has led her home, she is unwilling to return to Lord and Lady Kiralyn.

Time is running out for the decision that will change her life. When tragedy strikes, will she and her father be pulled further apart or knit together? Could she stay at the castle even if she will never see her father again?

 

My Thoughts:

This was a very good retelling of the familiar tale, Beauty and the Beast. And like other reviews have said, it was very unique in the fact that the Beast character was portrayed in this story as Belle’s father, instead of a romantic interest. I thought that was very clever, and very well-done! I loved the medieval feel to it – it was rich in that. And the decorative formatting of each chapter was just lovely! I thought that was beautiful. Well-written, and captivating. My favourite of Miss Tero’s books that I’ve read so far. :) **Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary ecopy. All thoughts in this review are my own

Book Review: “Admirable” by Sarah Holman

Admirable by Sarah Holman

A Tales of Taelis Short Story

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

 

About the book:

William returns home to find his family threatened with attack from a neighboring Earl. Will he be able to protect his sister and the rest of his family from this threat? Will he be able to trust God no matter what?
A prequel story for Adventures and Adversities.

 

My Thoughts:

Very good short story that gives us a glimpse of William’s backstory from “Adventures and Adversities”! It was very short making it easy to read in one sitting, but still very well-written and I enjoyed getting to read more about William’s past. The message was very sweet and profitable too – trusting God with our loved ones isn’t always the easiest, but it is very important!

Great story. :)

BookLook Review: “The Noble Servant” by Melanie Dickerson

“The Noble Servant” by Melanie Dickerson

Part of the Medieval FairyTale Series

Review copy from BookLook

My Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

She lost everything to the scheme of an evil servant.

But she might just gain what she’s always wanted . . . if she makes it in time.

The impossible was happening. She, Magdalen of Mallin, was to marry the Duke of Wolfberg. Magdalen had dreamed about receiving a proposal ever since she met the duke two years ago. Such a marriage was the only way she could save her people from starvation. But why would a handsome, wealthy duke want to marry her, a poor baron’s daughter? It seemed too good to be true.

On the journey to Wolfberg Castle, Magdalen’s servant forces her to trade places and become her servant, threatening not only Magdalen’s life, but the lives of those she holds dear. Stripped of her identity and title in Wolfberg, where no one knows her, Magdalen is sentenced to tend geese while she watches her former handmaiden gain all Magdalen had ever dreamed of.

When a handsome shepherd befriends her, Magdalen begins to suspect he carries secrets of his own. Together, Magdalen and the shepherd uncover a sinister plot against Wolfberg and the duke. But with no resources, will they be able to find the answers, the hiding places, and the forces they need in time to save both Mallin and Wolfberg?

 

My Thoughts:

A continuation to Melanie Dickerson’s Medieval FairyTale Series, “The Noble Servant” tells us the tale of Lady Magdalen whom we met in “The Beautiful Pretender”. While reading TBP, I was looking forward to reading Lady Magdalen’s tale, and so as soon as this came available for review, I grabbed a copy. :)

I found the middle and end of the book the most engaging, though perhaps a little predictable. Still, I enjoyed the book and am sure fans of Melanie Dickerson will enjoy it as well.

I did have some…concerns with this one, but for the most part I enjoyed it. It could be a little slow/long at times, but Lady Magdalen was a sweet character, and Stephen was a good one too.

The author does a good job with the setting and making you feel like you’re in the time period, and I do really like that.

There was a bit of violent description in this one, a case right in the first chapter that I didn’t care for and wouldn’t advise my 14 year sister to read. I’m not one for scenes of violence described so…thoroughly. I understand the circumstances and necessity of the scene, just don’t think it needs to be so gruesomely described in YA books.

Also, there is a strong Catholic theme throughout the book, which I know some love and some don’t, so I want to make sure that I mention that.  It isn’t just a “Christian” world view that every religion or belief system can relate to, it is strongly Catholic with penance and working for salvation.

Book Review: Saguaro Sunset by Debra Marvin

“Saguaro Sunsent” by Debra E. Marvin

I won a copy from the author

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

No ice cream sandwich is as sweet as a long-delayed sunset kiss.

Friday night’s first phone call was the answer to Teresa Scott’s career dreams. Before she can celebrate, a second call informs her of her sister’s accident and puts Teresa in ‘the driver’s seat’ of Frosty Fingers Food Truck during the Tucson Festival of Books. Determined to keep her sister’s business out of the red, Teresa hides the painful disappointment of giving up her dream.

Fellow accountant Alan Davis sticks his do-gooder nose in, hanging around to help Teresa, the woman he’s adored since forever, not knowing the coveted board position he’s just accepted is the one she had to give up.

Nice Guy Alan isn’t really Teresa’s type, but she’s won over by his humor, adorable smile, and ice cream scooping skills. As his presence become irreplaceable, she sheds the hardened layers of her heart. Just when it’s clear she needs him in her life, Alan has to face his biggest regret and honor an old promise. Will losing this chivalrous knight in a snowman costume break Teresa’s vulnerable heart?

My Thoughts:

I can count on finding a good novella when it’s written by Debra Marvin. I’ve read three of hers so far, and have enjoyed each one. Usually, I’m a novel kind of gal, but I enjoy novella’s for a break – and Debra writes some good ones. :)
This was her first contemporary, and she handled it fantastically in my opinion!
The setting was unique – I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the character runs (or in this case, helps run) an ice cream food truck! I found that a great setting – one to stand out. And the characters were each well-constructed and you got to know them even in a ‘short’ amount of time of a novella.
I enjoyed the splash of faith too.
There was one scene towards the end that was a bit more…passionate (just kissing) than I usually read, but otherwise, I didn’t skim any of the book – it was a good, sweet read, one I enjoyed. :)

April Recap

Happy May!

(And Happy Birthday to my dearest Ken! <3)

I hope everyone had a good April. Ours was busy, but good. One highlight was getting to go up north to see my grandparents for a couple of days. And also enjoying the lake they live by, and stop at one of my favourite places up there.  It was so nice to see my grandparents, because it’d been several months since my Mum, sister, and I had seen them.

April brought a lot of rain, as usual, and warmer weather. But we did get a light dusting of snow about a week ago and then a bit of a snow fall yesterday (it melted as soon as it reached the ground though)…that’s Minnesota!

April was a pretty busy month for me book-wise – getting and reading. :D I discovered a group online that sells and swaps Christian fiction – I joined to sell my books (and have done so with a few!), but did end up getting some too – because, good books are hard to resist! It was nice because I was able to make a couple swaps too. So, here’s my book month in review:

Received:

 

On the left are the books that came from the book selling/swapping group. The Susan May Warren books and the Russian Verbs book (along with a book called “The Legend of the Firefish” which I forgot to add in the picture…) I purchased (very affordably!!) from a gal, and then the top three were swaps. :)

On the left are books I’ve acquired elsewhere. The bottom three came from a very sweet friend up north who also gave me a book on The Monkees that’s not pictured! <3

“The Noble Servant” is a review book, “The Illusionist’s Apprentice” and “When Tides Turn” I won in giveaways (hurrah!), and the top three came from thrift stores, and the very top one, “All for a Sister” I got from Tyndale Rewards.

Read:  7 books this month (not counting finishing “Missing” or books of the Bible)!

Finished “Missing” by Lisa Harris

Read “Pursued” by Lisa Harris (reviewed here on the blog)

“Treasured Grace” by Tracie Peterson (reviewed here on the blog)

“Written in Love” by Kathleen Fuller (reviewed here on the blog)

“Saguaro Sunset” (novella) by Debra E. Marvin (review to come)

“Priceless” by Joel and Luke Smallbone (With Nancy Rue)

“Befriending the Beast” by Amanda Tero (review to come)

“The Secret Slipper” by Amanda Tero (review to come)

 

So that was pretty exciting for me, to read as many as I did – even though three were novella’s. :)

Did you read or acquire any good books this past month? Where do you usually sell or pass along your older books to?

I hope you have a great May!