Wednesday, October 4, 2023

The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella (The Curious Realities #2)

About the Book

Book: The Looking-Glass Illusion

Author: Sara Ella

Genre: YA Retelling (or dystopian fantasy)

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Alice is not prepared to face what awaits beyond the Tulgey Wood. When she and the rest of Team Heart enter the fourth and final Wonderland Trial, it’s up to her to lead them to victory. But this Trial is more than a game. If Alice and the others fail to defeat the Jabberwock and reveal the truth about Wonderland, more than points and fame will be lost.

Chess Shire never believed he’d make it this far. Now he’s stuck navigating a Trial he’s seen but doesn’t remember, all while searching for the brother he left behind. Not everything is as black and white as the game that shares his name. And if Alice discovers his deepest regret? Chess might just lose her too.

Apart, Chess and Alice scour the eight squares of the Heart Trial in search of memories, truth, and an Ivory King who seems more illusion than reality. Will they learn to lead together to face their greatest fears? Or will they remain pawns in a queen’s game, never truly seeing the Wonderland they’ve come to believe in?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

This is book two of a series and you do need to read book one first, if you ask me. This book starts where the last one ended, which is fantastic if you're reading them back to back. Like the original, there are puzzles and issues to solve, and things aren't always what they seem, and sometimes nothing makes sense at all. However, I find that life can be like that. It's twisty and messy and through it all, there is only One that keeps us together. What can fears really turn you into? What does it take to overcome fears, and or a Jabberwok? I must admit, that I love that poem and enjoyed what this author did with the Jabberwok. Alice and Chess were great characters in this retelling. I enjoyed their growth in the story and the parallels to faith and the spirit realm.

4 Stars

About the Author

Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a castle. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). Sara is the author of the Unblemished trilogy and Coral, a reimagining of The Little Mermaid that focuses on mental health. Her latest journey into the world of The Wonderland Trials feels like coming full circle after working for Disney. Sara loves fairy tales and Jesus, and she believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.”

More from Sara

“Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.”

It’s my tagline for The Looking-Glass Illusion, but in truth, I had no idea what those words truly meant until I wrote the ending (and rewrote it several times).

I didn’t fully understand what the looking glass did or did not do—only that Alice had to step through it.

I didn’t know who or what the Jabberwock really was—only that Team Heart had to overcome it.

And I really couldn’t quite figure out this Ivory King character I had introduced in The Wonderland Trials—only that he was real, and that, somehow, the King would reveal himself in the end.

This is my process and it’s rather frustrating not to know what you’re up against. I wish I could outline and have all the answers ahead of time. I wish I knew every intricate detail about my stories. It would certainly make the writing life a lot easier. But I like to think the not-knowing part is God’s way of keeping me humble in all of this. Because I only discover the story and the true underlying theme of it all when He decides to reveal it to me.

So, in the name of revealing things, here are three truths God showed me through the process of writing The Looking-Glass Illusion.

Faith is not blind.

I think we can all remember the quote from The Santa Clause with Tim Allen that goes, “Seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing.” It encompasses the idea that we don’t have to see in order to believe. And while I believe this is true, I also think if we say our faith is blind, we’ve missed the mark.

God gives us every tool we need to base our faith on the truth in the Bible. He doesn’t ask us to walk blindly. He’s given us sight in His Word! And while we don’t know or see everything yet, we do have concrete evidence to stand on that what the Bible says is real.

In The Looking-Glass Illusion, Alice steps through the looking glass not knowing what awaits her on the other side. She does know, however, that The Adventurer’s Almanac her sister gave her has never steered her wrong. It’s guided her along the way, and she holds fast to it as she steps into the unknown.

I didn’t know how this book would end. But I do know that time and time again, God has walked with me through every ending to every book I’ve written. When I hold fast to that truth, I can have faith and the courage to move forward rather than let fear get the better of me. And speaking of fear . . .

Fear is a liar. Anyone who’s listened to Christian radio has probably heard the popular song “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams. It’s a great song and I think we all need to hear it from time to time. Alice and her team have a multitude of fears to overcome. Chess Shire in particular has to overcome his fear of facing his past. I won’t spoil anything for those who haven’t read it, but the theme of overcoming fear is an overarching one in this duology. Perhaps I could have made it more complex and profound, but it’s really quite simple: Fear is a liar. And the only way to combat lies is to stand on the truth of what we know is real because . . .
The fairy tale is real. I am often asked why I choose to write fairy-tale-inspired stories. I like to turn back to my author tagline. While my logo and website design and even my bio have changed over the years, my tagline has remained the same: “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” This is something I have held to from the onset of my author journey. While fairy tales may be but stories, our walk as Christians is in the living breathing fairy tale of God’s Word. Remember that quote from “The Princess Bride?”“Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles!”
That line always reminds me of the Bible. Everything we love about fairy tales can be found within the pages of His #1 Best-Selling Book. And it all really happened! The fairy tale is real, and no matter what dragons (or Jabberwocks) we face in this life, we are promised happily ever after (dare I say, Wonderland?) in the next.
****
Thank you for taking the time to sit a while with me and for sticking with this series through its conclusion. Cheers, and happy reading, Wonders! The true Wonderland awaits!

Sincerely,

Sara Ella

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 2

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3

Blogging With Carol, October 4

The Book Club Network, October 5

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 6

Live. Love. Read., October 7

Holly’s book Corner, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 9

Raining Butterfly Kisses, October 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 11

Simple Harvest Reads, October 12 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 13

Wishful Endings, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, a $15 Starbucks gift card, and a hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a8/the-looking-glass-illusion-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, September 30, 2023

The Eternity Gate by Katherine Briggs (The Threshold Duology Book 1)

About the Book

Book: The Eternity Gate

Author: Katherine Briggs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Destroy the key. Save her people and herself.

The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.

Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant entrusts her with the key and disappears.

Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

What an interesting plot and a great read! This book is a little steampunk and fantasy, and yet, more. The suspense and time just fly past while reading and almost any age can love this book. I know I did! I loved watching the characters grow, and all the twists and turns this story takes. The worldbuilding is off the chain, it's amazing. The faith theme is that God can anyone who's willing. I did find a few things that seemed like the faith message was more towards one denomination than another, but this might be because of how I interpreted it. I can't wait for book two!

5 Stars

About the Author

Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. Katherine, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages.

More from Katherine

Hello friend,

Journey. Friendship. Choices. Do these three words resonate with—even haunt—you too?

As I mature, I see my life and those of others’ as a journey. Aren’t you glad that, through Jesus, it’s leading somewhere amazing, and that the twists and turns have a purpose?

Believing thought leaders look at trends in current culture and diagnose that we’ve forgotten how to be a friend. What ingredients make a strong friendship? A listening ear? Sacrifice? Loyalty? Speaking truth in love? Encouragement? Are you honored to participate in an “unlikely friendship,” meaning someone who is different from you?

I’m sure you’ve faced many choices, even those of the impossible variety. Are you facing such a choice right now? Can you remember a past impossible choice and the light, albeit hard to see, that was always shining through?

Seyo, the main character in my debut YA fantasy The Eternity Gate, can relate. Even though she hides that she inherited the wrong gifting, her enemy’s gifting, she embarks on a journey across dangerous lands to save her country, despite feeling unworthy. She travels with friends and makes some surprising new ones. Along the way, she’s faced with unfathomable choices that will determine the fate of her home. Choices much too big for her shoulders, but that’s because she, like us, has Someone far more powerful helping her.

I encourage you to grab a tasty, warm drink. Since it’s autumn, I suggest The Republic of Tea’s pumpkin spice latte, and you can click here to grab the recipe. Sit back, relax, and remember:

What part of your journey has made you stronger?
Is there a friend you can reach out to with an encouraging word? Small actions change the world. Don’t give up.

Sip your cozy drink and please enjoy Seyo’s journey. I hope The Eternity Gate invites you into a grand adventure.

Sincerely,

Katherine Briggs

Blog Stops

Bliss, Books & Jewels, September 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

Texas Book-aholic, September 22

Through the Fire Blogs, September 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 25

Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, September 26

The Book Club Network, September 27

Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 29

Blogging With Carol, September 30

Labor Not in Vain, October 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and one hardcover copy of The Eternity Gate!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/27fb7/the-eternity-gate-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Zuggy the Rescue Pug Happy Howl-idays by Jean Marie Alfieri

About the Book

Book: Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays

Author: Jean Marie Alfieri

Genre: Kid-lit Activity Book

Release Date: June 17, 2023

Three fun Zuggy the Rescue Pug stories in one action-packed activity book! First, Zuggy goes ‘Costume Crazy.’ How many does he model before finding the perfect Halloween outfit? Color them all. Then, Zuggy must save dinner from racing out the door, in ‘The Great Turkey Chase.’ Finally, Zuggy can’t stand the thought of the family having no presents this holiday. Can he work some Christmas magic? Only if the cat keeps his secret.

Packed with book club questions, puzzles, and games, this activity book makes a paws-itivly perfect gift for parents, teachers, and kiddos!

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

What a cute book covering three holidays of adventures in the life of a pug named Zuggy. He was a shelter dog at some point, which, in my area, wouldn't happen easily at all with his breed. Zuggy has a family, with a mom and dad, a boy and a girl, and a cat. It's really cool. In addition to the story, there are all kinds of games and puzzles. Coloring, numbers to make an image, crossword puzzles, matching games, and drawing games, it's a full activity book in addition to the stories. I really loved the Thanksgiving one. It made me laugh. The Christmas one is heartwarming, and the Howl-a-ween one is just cute. I need to get a copy for my friend with rescued pugs.

5 Stars

About the Author

When Jeans’s eyes locked with those of a smooshy-faced little dog who sat inside a kennel at the Humane Society, it was love! He captured her heart. She captured their many adventures in short story poems starring Zuggy the Rescue Pug. An author, speaker, and advocate for the adoption of senior dogs, Jean and her husband currently live with their three fur-kids in Colorado. They joke that although the humans pay the mortgage, it’s really the dogs’ house! Jean finds much of her writing inspiration from her “vintage puppies” and work at the Pikes Peak Humane Society.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 18

lakesidelivingsite, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 23

Blossoms and Blessings, September 24 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, September 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 25

Blogging With Carol, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Guild Master, September 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 1 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, October 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jean is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a print-copy of the newest special-edition activity book, “Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays”!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/27fb2/zuggy-the-rescue-pug-happy-howl-idays-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Building Character through Picture Books Epic Book Launch!

Here's a peek inside this neat book!

Think About It:

1. Which person would you most like to be in this story? Why?

2. Whose job is most important in this story?

3. God gives each of us a job to do to be part of the Church. He says the church is like a body where each part has its job. What happens when each part of your body works well?

4. What happens when one part doesn’t do what it’s supposed to?

5. If everyone does their part, the church blesses people, and God’s will is done. Do you think God is happy when everyone does their part?

6. When each person does their part in the story, what happens to others in the story?

7. We never know how God is going to use our lives. We must simply obey Him and His word. In doing that, we help people know Jesus.

Everything you say and everything you do
should be done for Jesus your Lord.

(Colossians 3:17a, ERV)

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan. (Romans 8:28, ERV)

Did you miss an expert?

"Missed Any Excerpts"?

Excerpt One: https://travelerswife4life.com/building-character-through-picture-books/

Excerpt Two: http://kid-lit.library-lady.blog/epic-book-launch-and-excerpt-building-character-through-picture-books-devotional/

Excerpt Three: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/09/epic-book-launch-building-character.html

Excerpt Five: https://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Six: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Seven: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2023/09/14/building-character-through-picture-books-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit/