“Dandelion Dust” by Faith Potts ~ Blog Tour

 

Welcome to one of the many blogs celebrating the release of “Dandelion Dust” ~ Faith Potts’ debut story!! I’m very excited for this today, because not only do I get to share this book with you, but I also have the author herself here for a visit! And don’t forget the fun giveaway at the end. Hope you enjoy, and be sure to check out this book! I know I can’t wait to read it. :)

 

Synopsis:

 

Like a speck of dandelion dust riding the tides of a prairie wind, life is fleeting. Though I never realized just how fragile it was until that day . . .

Charity always had a dream. It was simple, really. Find a guy, fall in love, and get married.
The day she met Ryder, Charity knew he was the man God had chosen for her. But she never expected their relationship to be tested and tried through the fires of a freak accident. Suddenly, her world is thrown into chaos, and the bleak, white walls and sterile smells of a city hospital fill every spare minute. And then there comes the dreaded news. It was likely Ryder would never make it out of the hospital bed.
As her carefully laid plans for the future come crashing down around her and the sun seems to set on her dreams, can Charity still find hope in the dark of night?

Like a dandelion, life is beautiful. But treasure every moment. . . for one day, the flower will be gone.

Add on Goodreads

Author Interview!

R: Hello and welcome, Faith! I’m pleased to have you here on my blog today. Would you tell my blog readers a little bit about yourself and your new debut book, “Dandelion Dust”?

F: Hello! I’d be glad to. I’m Faith, a saved by grace, teenage writer who enjoys reading, blogging, and pottery…among other things. As far as genre, “Dandelion Dust” is a contemporary Christian fiction. But to me, it is a book that was actually inspired by a dream. The way God placed this story in my heart still amazes me. 

R: That’s great! I love when God does that. <3

R: Do you have a particular favourite character in “Dandelion Dust” that you liked writing the best? (Don’t worry, I won’t tell the other characters! ;)) 

F: Hehe, that’s a tough one. I really enjoyed Charity, because I could relate to her in so many ways. I didn’t have to review her character or ‘learn her,’ so to speak, to know how she would react in any given situation. Writing her felt natural. I never had to question it, I just knew. 

R: How long did it take you to write, edit, and publish DD from start to finish?

F: From the day I penned…er, typed the first words to the publication date totaled at 6 months and 4 days. Looking back, I’m really questioning how that was even possible, (I mean, half a year?!) but I sincerely believe God has a plan for this story. 

R: Do you have other books in the works for the near future?

F: I do! Aside from my WWII historical fiction novel, which I’m going to start editing soon, I’m planning to write a sequel to “Dandelion Dust” during Camp NaNo July. I’ve also been working on another contemporary on and off for several months. I’m not sure when it will be completed now, but I’m excited for it. :D 

R: Oooh, that is most exciting!

R: And one last question: Can you give a book recommendation for a novel that you feel is similar to or reminds you of “Dandelion Dust”? I can never get enough book recommendations. :)

F: Oooohh, good one. Well, my critique partner did compare “Dandelion Dust” to “This Quiet Sky” by Joanne Bischof. It’s sooo heartbreaking and beautiful. Quite the compliment to be compared to something so amazing, for sure. :) 

R: How sweet! I will have to read that book too now! :) Thanks for joining me today, Faith! So excited for this release of yours – congratulations!!

F: hank you for having me today, Raechel! :D 

About the Author

Faith Potts is a teenage writer, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the southeastern US. When she’s not writing stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading books, or creating pottery, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and – of course – blowing dandelions.

Writing blog: Stories by Firefly

Faith blog: Chosen Vessels

Social media: Goodreads // Pinterest // Instagram

 

 

 

Giveaway:

Because my blog never seems to want to show the actual giveaway gadget, I have a link instead—

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Other Blogs Involved in “Dandelion Dust” Blog Tour:

 

• Wednesday, June 28th

Olivia @ Living for the Other Side // Book Spotlight   

Soleil @ ReviewsbySoleil // Book Spotlight & Review

Liv @ Liv K. Fisher // Book Spotlight & Author Interview

Mikayla @ Ordinary Girl Extraordinary Father // Book Review

Kaitlyn @ Twin Thoughts // Character Interview

 

• Thursday, June 29th

Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh // Book Spotlight

Angela @ The Peculiar Messenger// Author Interview

Raechel @ Gods Peculiar Treasure Rae // Book Spotlight & Author Interview

Lydia @ Lydia Therese // Book Review

Rebekah @ Rebekah’s Remarks  // Book Spotlight & Author Interview

Faith @ The Writer’s Song // Book Review & Author Interview

 

• Friday, June 30th (Release Day!)

Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh// Book Review

Anika Joy @ This Journey Called Life  // Book Spotlight & Review

Laura @ Books and Chapters // Book Review

Olivia @ Living for the Other Side // Book Review

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His Glory // Book Spotlight, Review, & Author Interview

Bethany @ A Great God and Good Cocoa // Book Spotlight & Review

Micaiah @ Adventures Beyond the Horizon // Author Interview

 

“The Destiny of a Galaxy” by Sarah Holman ~ Book Review

(Click on image to go to its amazon page)

 

‘The Destiny of a Galaxy” by Sarah Holman

Book Three in the tightly knit Destiny Series

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

Time Has Passed…
In the three years since Maria Morris found the farmer-boy-prince, the Followers have multiplied. As Wyndemere’s empire cracks and unrest rises, the Legatee orchestrates the Rebellion.
Danger Has Not Disappeared…But Neither Has Hope
Though the overthrow of the tyrannical regime is imminent, Maria’s role as the “woman who started it all” is not widely known. So why the foreboding of danger?
Promise floats in the air. Many around her find happiness, even as the tension spirals toward a breaking point. But Maria flounders. What does Maria Morris want to do with her life?
What is her destiny…now?
Rendered Powerless, Maria Must Make A Painful Choice…
One That Will Alter the Future of the Galaxy
Forever
When James invites her to headquarters where Maria assumes a new role among The Followers, tragedy strikes. The enemies she had thought long gone are capable of far more than she imagined. Will she have the courage to stand for what she believes, no matter the cost? Will she have the strength to surrender her dreams when all seems lost and she can do nothing at all?

 

My Thoughts:

What a great conclusion to this three book series! This one was really packed with action, excitement, and reminders to trust God for our strength – apart from Him we can do nothing.

In The Destiny of a Galaxy, which starts off some years later from the second book,Maria begins the story questioning God’s destiny for her, feeling left behind and bored. But soon enough adventures unfold, drawing her into the thick of it. We see her take joy, stand up against horrible trials, and learn to surrender everything that is dear to her to the Lord. It’s a powerful story, to be sure.

There was a relationship “plot-twist” I didn’t see coming, but I can’t say I didn’t approve in the end. ;)

We got to see the familiar characters of Quint (love him!), Winter, and James, as well as meet another new face or two.

The dangers, the trials, and the joys were very present in this story, and you become easily engrossed. I’m generally not much of a sci-fi reader, but this series has definitely kept my attention!

Well done, Miss Holman.

 

 

 

“High as the Heavens” by Kate Breslin ~ Book Review

(Click on book cover image to go to its amazon page)

 

“High as the Heavens” by Kate Breslin

Review copy from publisher/author

My Rating:  5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle’s café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She’s a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service.

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

 

My Thoughts:

Such a beautiful book!  

I really enjoyed this book – the plot line was fantastic, and there were twists I didn’t even see coming! You will be embarking on quite the adventure when you read “High as the Heavens”. I’ve read my fair share of WWII fiction, but not too many of WWI, and the books I’ve read by Kate Breslin set in this time period have been exemplary.

The characters are beautifully crafted, and relatable. I loved Eve in this book, as well as Simon! So good. Maddie was also a favourite character. :)

The pain and trials the characters go through are heart-achingly realistic and you so feel for them. And I really enjoyed reading the rawness of Eve’s struggles with guilt and shame, and eventually accepting God’s mercy. I think her struggles were really well written especially, and I could definitely relate.

One thing I wasn’t quite as sure on was the possible factor of ‘working for forgiveness/grace’ – I don’t believe we can work for God’s forgiveness or His mercy or grace – those are freely given from Him. This piece of the book was small, and maybe that’s not even what it was saying. But yes, that’s my thoughts on it.

I have several places marked in this book – truly, I bonded with Eve and felt some of the same struggles as she did, so the truths she received hit me as well.

And just the authentic feeling of this book – wow. So gorgeous. It’s definitely one I would read again. It was heartbreaking (because so many of the atrocities are not just “fiction” – they really happened, and oh my goodness. I cried a bit.), but with so much beauty. If you love WWI or WWII fiction with amazing characters and a fantastic plotline, definitely check this book out! Well worth the read. <3

 

“Dreams and Devotion” by Sarah Holman ~Book Review

(Click on image to go to its amazon page)

“Dreams and Devotion” by Sarah Holman

Book Four in the Tales of Taelis Series

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

 

About the Book:

Some dreams will be dashed, and their devotion will be tested.

Dara’s life is full of farm work and worries, especially now that her older brother is a priest in a far off city. Yet she still has time to dream of the life she hopes will someday be. She dreams of marrying her dear friend and the worries of her family ending. Now, the selfishness of one person threatens her very way of life.

Dresden’s initial excitement about living a life devoted to the service of God quickly is dashed on the rocks of reality. The life of a priest is nothing like what he imagined. To make matters worse, he finds out his family back in his home village is on the brink of disaster. Torn between his vows and his love for his family, what will he choose?

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

This book left me just a bit speechless! The lessons were so relevant to me and what my family and I have been learning that it touched me deeply. 

This was a book filled with real struggles, and yet learning that “God works all things together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Nothing is unknown to Him and He will work all things for our good. Beautiful lesson.

I was just really impressed with this one. I know I say that with all of the Tales of Taelis series, but I mean it. These books are just grand. I wish I had them all in paperback form to underline and stickynote my favourite spots, and to share them with my younger sister. 

These books aren’t just incredibly enjoyable, they are meaningful. 

I think “Dreams and Devotions” may be my favourite of the Tales so far. It isn’t really your typical story where everything goes how you want it to go or even just how you expect a story should pan out. The even greater aspect is trusting God when things don’t go the way you dreamed or planned. And learning to love others – even those who have hurt you deeply – was a significant lesson.

I really appreciated the ending. I won’t spoil it for you, readers, but know that it is excellent. Oh what a story! And as usual, Miss Holman’s author note at the end is extremely touching. Beautiful reminder and encouragement.

 

 

“Courage and Corruption” by Sarah Holman ~Book Review

(click on cover image to go to its amazon page)

“Courage and Corruption” by Sarah Holman

Book three in the Tales of Taelis Series

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars  

 

 

About the Book:

Catherine is going with her mother and younger siblings to the mountains to hide from the coming war. While she fears what might happen she is looking forward to some time away from her twin brother, with whom she often fights. One foolish act changes all their plans, and one story caused not only confusion, but more fighting.

Christopher does not believe his father’s story that they are descended from royalty. He is sure the story his father tells cannot be true. However, he is forced to go to the mountain castle of Coraway along with his mother and siblings. Will his father ever see him as a man? Will he and his twin ever be able to stop fighting?

Little do Catherine and Christopher realize that they hold the key to Taelis’ future in their hands. While they discover the truth before it is too late?

 

My Thoughts:

I really love the Tales of Taelis series. Each time I read one of these books I am reminded by that fact. They’re excellent! I know that when I read one, I will be getting not only a very captivating story, but one that is full of Godly insight and truth weaved into its very core. I love that.

C&C was a great tale of two siblings – they were rivals for a fair amount, but both opened themselves up to God at different times, and that was beautiful. And Jacob, the younger brother, was quite precious. All the characters were well written and relatable. And realistic; though this story is set in a sort of medieval time period (yet still its own world), it is not hard to relate to the setting or characters at all – I find myself easily drawn into the story.

They’re clean, uplifting, and entertaining. Great things to find in a novel!

Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to all ages.

(I would also like to say that when I reached the end and read the ‘acknowledgements’ section, I was surprised to find my name listed – that was so sweet! So, thank you Sarah! It’s a pleasure being apart of your ‘team’!)

Guest Book Review: “Bread of Angels” by Tessa Afshar

Review written by my Mum! We both adore Tessa Afshar, and I love that we can read the same book and share that. <3 (My review can be found here)

 

 

“Bread of Angels” by Tessa Afshar

Review copy from Tyndale

Mum’s star rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the book:

Purple. The foundation of an influential trade in a Roman world dominated by men. One woman rises up to take the reins of success in an incredible journey of courage, grit, and friendship. And along the way, she changes the world.

But before she was Lydia, the seller of purple, she was simply a merchant’s daughter who loved three things: her father, her ancestral home, and making dye. Then unbearable betrayal robs her of nearly everything.

With only her father’s secret formulas left, Lydia flees to Philippi and struggles to establish her business on her own. Determination and serendipitous acquaintances―along with her father’s precious dye―help her become one of the city’s preeminent merchants. But fear lingers in every shadow, until Lydia meets the apostle Paul and hears his message of hope, becoming his first European convert. Still, Lydia can’t outrun her secrets forever, and when past and present collide, she must either stand firm and trust in her fledgling faith or succumb to the fear that has ruled her life.

 

 

Mum’s Thoughts:

 

I am a huge fan of Tessa Afshar’s books.  I don’t actually read a lot of fiction, but I always make time for one of her books, because I know they will be well worth it!  This book was no exception.  She creates a story line that you immerse yourself into, as if you are friends with the characters and you feel their sorrows, joys, fears and life lessons.  She makes every Bible account come to life, which I love!  She weaves fact and fiction beautifully, making it believable and realistic without any of the far-fetched information that I’ve read in other Biblical Fiction.  Some authors write stories about Bible accounts that have unrealistic and even unnecessary (and frustrating) story lines.  Not so with any of Tessa’s books.  Her words are God inspired and they give truth and even facilitate healing because of the issues that each character has and deals with.  I would recommend this book (and all of Tessa Afshar’s books) to everyone.  They do not disappoint!

 

“The Genesis Tree” by Heather FitzGerald ~ Book Review

I’m finally posting my review of this lovely book! I read it quite a while ago, but haven’t been able to post my review until now for various life reasons, but finally here it is!

 

 

(Click on image to go to its amazon page)

The Genesis Tree by Heather L.L. FitzGerald

Book Three in the closely knit Tethered World Chronicles

Review copy from the author

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

She took down the Nephilim queen—but can she and her brother save the kingdom?

Sadie Larcen may have defeated the traitorous Queen Estancia, but she’s quite happy to be home with her family. Unfortunately, their fiendish neighbor, Mr. Marshall, is still up to no good. He’s called a press conference with plans to introduce the world to a living, breathing Bigfoot.

As a Sasquatch expert, Sadie’s mother Amy is coerced into lending her expertise to the spectacle. When Sadie and her brother Brady spy nefarious, uninvited guests at the gathering, they know there’s trouble brewing in the Tethered World. The two are driven into separate, dangerous exploits as they are thrust back into the schemes of the forces of darkness. Schemes that include using their autistic brother Brock as leverage to seize control of the Flaming Sword and the Tree of Life. The Gargoyles and Trolls have an ambition that extends beyond dominating these powerful elements. They’ve set their sights on the Topside realm—with or without the help of Mr. Marshall.

Deception is rampant, the enemy is subtle, and love dares to tug at Sadie’s heart amid the turmoil below. Once again, she and Brady will cling to God’s faithfulness as they fight for the people and creatures they care for, and against the enemies they fear.

Will the cost be more than they can endure?

 

My Thoughts:

*Sniff*. Very good conclusion to the series. When Mrs.FitzGerald emailed the review copies out and said she knew it would be difficult to write a spoiler-free review, I didn’t know just how accurate that statement would be. But sitting here, contemplating how to gather my thoughts into this review, I’m realizing that it shall be difficult to say much without wanting to give away anything! The Genesis Tree is a wrap up of this series – it is tying everything together at last. What an adventurous series this has been! I really enjoy Mrs. FitzGerald’s creativeness and writing in these books – her imagination is spectacular and shows brightly through The Tethered World Chronicles. I am always thoroughly engaged reading her books. And I want a gnome. There was one part involving a gnome gaining access to a house through a doggy-door. That had me giggling! Definitely read these books in order – that’s a must. Best way to enjoy them – and of course, follow the plot. Oh, and I wanted to be sure to add that I would personally recommend these books to a little more mature readers (15+ maybe) – this one has a bit more serious plot, with some violence and “gore”. Nothing absolutely hideous, but still there were some gross moments. The characters though! Getting to know them through each book has only made them more dear to me. And we got to see so much of Sadie and Xander in this one!!! Made me very happy. :) And the ending. Very good. I will say that there were aspects of this book that had me straight-out crying. But, no spoilers! Mrs. FitzGerald can surely write a emotion-evoking book! To some of my blog readers who know my reading habits, and know that I generally avoid magic-y, fairy-involving stories, I will add what I said in my review of “The Flaming Sword”: “I touched on this in my review of the first book, but for me, magic is something I generally stay away from. But there are no spells or really even use of magic, it’s more like ‘this is their world’ and it’s fantasy. ” So while I don’t read a lot of books like this, I feel like The Tethered World Chronicles are in a genre of their own, and I greatly enjoy them.

And the reading starts NOW!

Remember the recent post about the Summer Reading Contest being hosted by author MacKenzie Morganthal? Well that starts today! She’s got some more to say about it, so read on: 

(re-using this image, though I won’t probably have a following post up as it says, since this was taken from Kenzie’s FB post. :))

 

Today is the day! 🎉 I am so excited that today starts my Summer Reading Contest! I hope you all are just as excited to start reading. As I said before, the goal will be 10 books over the next 10 weeks, and if you reach that goal you will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing! (Winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, August 25th)

Remember that reading “Not Abandoned” will also give you 2 entries, even if you don’t finish all 10 books! And since today is our kickoff day, I have our first challenge to help you get some extra entries as well!

CHALLENGE 1:
Post a picture reading “Not Abandoned” in a creative setting, just like my picture below. Maybe your favorite reading nook, or favorite spot out in the sun. Post your picture to either Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtag #summerreadingfun, and make sure to tag me in your posts.

If you complete this challenge you will receive one entry towards the Grand Prize! Ready to read as many books as you can this summer?! Today is your day to get started!

If you want to purchase a copy of “Not Abandoned”, visit morganthalbooks.weebly.com to place your order. (Also available on Amazon)

 

Facebook: Click THIS for link.

Twitter: @authorkenzie

Website: http://morganthalbooks.weebly.com/news/summer-reading-contest

“The Sweet Smell of Magnolia’s and Memories” by Celeste Fletcher McHale ~ Book Review

“The Sweet Smell of Magnolia’s and Memories” by Celeste Fletcher McHale

Review copy from BookLook Bloggers

My Rating: 1.5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

Jacey and Colin shared the three most intense days of their lives together, waiting for help as Mississippi floodwaters surrounded them. Jacey knew Colin was the love of her life—until her rescue boat went under water, along with Colin’s last name and pieces of Jacey’s memory. The last thing she remembered was being submerged in water. Again.  

As Jacey walks down the aisle as the maid of honor in her friend’s wedding a year later, the last person she expects to see is Colin. The biggest surprise, though, is that the man of her dreams is not wearing jeans and flip-flops as he did when he held her through those long nights of the flood. He’s the preacher.As Jacey’s memories come flooding back, it’s almost more than she can take. The fate of the young family trapped with them haunts her. The unwavering honesty—and support—of her best friend Georgia forces her to take a fresh look at herself. She’s spent her life afraid of love. But this flood is opening Jacey’s heart in the most unexpected ways.

 

My Thoughts:

This book sounded good from the description, and with its added lovely cover, I requested it for review. And at first I thought maybe I’d enjoy it as a light fluffy read, but as I got even just a couple chapters in, I was disturbed by some of its content. There were a lot of innuendos, crudeness, and a great amount of alluding to swear words. To me it felt very “cheap”. There was very, very little that would classify this book as “Christian Fiction”. Colin was a preacher, but there was really no true “God-like-ness” in this book at all. Even the character, Julie, that was the one to spur him on to pray more said something like “Prayer is just what worked for me- if hanging upside down and chanting works for you, then great!”. “Follow your heart” was another very strong theme, which I disagree with (according to the verse in the Bible that says our heart is very decietful, who can know it?).

There were a couple things I found okay (such as Lillian’s three children – I liked them fine, and Mrs.Ernestine but they were hadly ever in the book).  So overall, I was extremely disappointed. There were a lot of inapropriate parts, plenty of ‘make out’ scenes, and nothing pointing towards God.

I couldn’t recommend this as a Christian or even clean read, unfortunately. As Christ Followers, we are to be set apart, and I do not feel like this book was that at all.

“The Destiny of a Few” by Sarah Holman ~ Book Review

(Click image to go to Amazon)

 

“The Destiny of A Few” by Sarah Holman

Book Two in the Destiny Trilogy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

 

About the Book:

On her quest to find the crown prince, Maria Morris faces an abundance of obstacles. Now a marked Christian, it will be difficult and dangerous for her to travel. The USF follows her every move. (as the vibrating chip in her arm irritatingly reminds her.) Yet knowing all of this, Maria puts her trust in God and, with the help of a few new friends, refuses to give up her mission. She must find the crown prince. The Destiny Of A Few depends on it.

 

My Thoughts:

In The Destiny of a Few, we get to continue with Maria on her journey in discovering – and following – her destiny. In this book, that means quite a bit of travel and adventures to discover the Crown Prince.

I liked the emphasis put on how sometimes we will go through perilous things but God will always have a bigger plan and purpose for everything and is always in control.

We didn’t get to hang out with Quint quite as much as the first, but we did get to meet a couple new characters. Winter was a tad bit annoying at first – and her speech very hard to read with all the ‘like”‘s and “you know”s, but as a character I liked her pretty well, especially as you got to know her more. Letty was a marvelous character. :)

I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Maria in this book, and would say the first book is definitely my favourite so far. But I’m still very interested in continuing this series and finding out the ending!

Definitely recommend for fans of Christian Sci-Fi. And also recommend that this series be read in order, as they’re very tightly knit and I don’t think they would be fully understood by reading on their own. :)