Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (The Goldwood Tales) Review #2

Yes Dear Readers, 

I am posting TWO reviews of Starflower! This book is so good that it was in both of my main book review groups. That means, you don't want to miss it! I'll give you a list of links to her other books here in a min, and my other review for Starflower as well. But first, let me tell you this is a great stand alone book. You could read it first with out having read the others in this series. If you have read the others in this series, then this book only enriches the series more. 
Eanrin, the Poet. Earnin the Bard. Earnin the Cheif Poet and Bard of  Rudiobus. Ahhh, Eanrin! The man who is a cat and one of the immortal fairy folk, but who is also a self-centered selfish wreck! Earnin's character touches me deeply because I have had someone special to me in my life for quite a while who calls himself a cat. In many ways he is very like Earnin. I don't want to ruin any plots or anything for anyone, but in this group we often delve deeper into a book to discuss things in our review. If that worries you go read my other reviews and skip this one down to the links to my other reviews of this book and this series. If that interests you, read on. :) 
By page 225 things get really good, not that they weren't good before, but that this is what I had been waiting for. I love The Hound, and the appearances of  Lumil Eliasul. I have to share a quote from the book too.... "To love is to empty one's Self, " said the Dragon. "To love is to surrender. To love is to lose."  Don't we all know people like this??? I do! It breaks my heart and I wonder, if they could but have eyes to see and read this would they finally understand? 
I so felt for the Black Dogs. I couldn't help but feel for those monsters like Starflower did. The mercy and love that just flows out when you look deeply. I felt sorry for their creation and though evil from birth like us all, that they could have a different purpose and out come if they only reached out enough.
Starflower's silence - her inability to speak as others, such a curse placed on her from her birth. But oh! Isn't that a plan of the Enemy of our souls for all women!? To take our voices, to keep us beat down, hurt and in submission so that we don't speak and our voices aren't heard. This just made me all the more determined to follow some of the paths laid before me that I am behind on traveling! 
I did have a hard time feeling too much empathy for the Dragonwitch, the fallen Queen. It was sad that she couldn't weep, and what she had done and wrought in her life, but her heart was so cold and so turned that I tended to feel that she had walked past the point of her ever turning and reaching for redemption. It made her quite strange to me, in her lost tangled up mind. I hope that Anne will one day tell us why she made the choices she did to become what she is now, and why she can't break free and return to her former form. That really did make me wonder about that. 
Already I am waiting for the next book from Anne Elisabeth Stengl. I am grateful to get to read them, and review them, and thankful that she is writing! I would urge those who are at all interested in good stories, fairy tails, or books that could change and influence in a life to read them! 
Carol :) 
Starflower first review: http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2012/11/starflower-by-anne-elisabeth-stengl.html Moonblood: http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2012/04/moonblood-by-anne-elisabeth-stengl.html Veiled Rose: http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2011/07/veiled-rose-by-anne-elisabeth-stengl.html Heartless: http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2010/07/heartless-by-anne-elisabeth-stengl.html
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal. 

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer? 

If you would like to read the first chapter of Starflower, go HERE. 

Author Website - http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/ 

Author Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-Elisabeth-Stengl/120543861335559?ref=ts&fref=ts

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764210262 

Those of us posting during this book tour with our reviews are as follows:

Gillian Adams
Beckie Burnham
Nikole Hahn
Bruce Hennigan
Janeen Ippolito
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Anna Mittower
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Dona Watson
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler

Free copy for Kindle of White As Snow by Donna Westover Gallup!!!

Just in time for Christmas, we are delighted to announce the release of one last book for this year: The Crimson River by Donna Westover Gallup. It is the 4^th and final book in the Mysterious Ways series of novels, set in 1872 Colorado Territory & 2010 Denver, Colorado. After Charlie Smith comes of age, finds his fortune, and learns who to trust in the first 3 books, the story now fast forwards to 21st-Century Denver, with Charlie Smith's descendent as a main character, and with flashbacks to Charlie’s continued story. The plot involves a hunt for buried treasure based on clues found in Charlie's diary. Beloved characters from the first three books enter the picture and struggle against greedy antagonists and their own conflicted motives. Plot twists provide suspense and intrigue as well as romance and inspiration.

"I loved the history in this novel and the back and forth between ancestor Charlie and current events. Gallup intertwines the two stories with perfect balance coming to a perfect end.... If there is a book lover on your list this would make a great Christmas gift!" ~ Lindsey, IE Mommy blog review crew

"The twists and turns, the sharing of emotions, and the conclusion of the story will surprise and delight the reader.... I thoroughly enjoyed this series and recommend it to anyone who likes a good story. Each book in this series made me want to curl up in front of a fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate and travel back in time to the Colorado old west. "

~ Susan Bulanda, Examiner online

Paperback: 288 pgs / $12.99

Buy from Amazon.com or BN.com

e-Book: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook

As a gift to you, we are offering the first book of the series, White As Snow: A Christmas Story, FREE on Kindle through Saturday, Dec. 8.

Check out the list of blogs featuring The Crimson River at www.cladach.com.

Donna Westover Gallup has dedicated much of her time to writing; but in her free time, she likes to golf, go boating, and explore the colorful state of Colorado. Her desire is to convey God's love through her writing. If you live near Pueblo, Colorado, you can meet Donna face-to-face at Barnes & Noble on Dec. 22 from 2-4pm during her book signing.

And a big thank you to Dan Young, the Colorado artist whose beautiful paintings were used for these book covers!

The Crimson River by Donna Westover Gallup

Today we have book four in the series, The Mysterious Ways, The Crimson River! 

It is a wonderful close to the series, and we hope to have more from this author later on with a new series! 

Carol 

PRESENTS:

.	THE CRIMSON RIVER A Frontier Novel Book #4 of the	********
	Set in1872 Colorado Territory & 2010 Denver, Colorado
	BOOK DESCRIPTION: The first three books of the Mysterious Ways series followed the adventures of Charlie Smith in the late 1800s, as he came of age, sought - and sometimes fought for - his fortune, and learned who to trust and who not to trust. Now, The Crimson River fast forwards to 21st-Century Denver, with Charlie Smith's descendant as a main character, and with flashbacks to the late 19th Century. The plot involves a hunt for buried treasure based on clues found in Charlie's diary. Beloved characters from the first three books enter the picture again. They struggle against greedy antagonists and their own conflicted motives. The reader is kept guessing with plot twists that provide suspense and intrigue as well as romance and inspiration.
	Paperback: 288 pgs / 5.25" x 7.5" / $12.99Buy from Amazon.com or BN.com e-Book: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook
	ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna says she is "the mother of three grown daughters, the mother-in-law of two wonderful men, and the grandmother of three of the world's sweetest boys." She and her husband, Don, live in Pueblo, Colorado with their boxer, Cheyenne. Donna enjoys living in the area where "Charlie lived." She has dedicated her time to her writing ministry; but in her free time, she likes to golf, go boating, and explore the colorful state of Colorado. Her desire is to convey God's love through her writing.
	READ AN EXCERPT HERE. http://cladach.com/Crimson-excerpt.html
	OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES: #3: IN GREEN PASTURES: A FRONTIER NOVEL #2: ROCK OF REFUGE: A FRONTIER NOVEL #1: WHITE AS SNOW: A CHRISTMAS STORY As a gift to readers, the publisher is offering White As Snow: A Christmas Story FREE on Kindle Dec. 4-8 !

Mysterious Ways TRAILER:

An interview with Donna Westover Gallup, author of the Frontier Fiction Series: 1. When did you decide to become a writer? Donna: I dabbled in creative writing in high school where I wrote several short stories that were published in our high school magazine. I also played the guitar and wrote several songs, mostly ballads and country gospel. Then when I married and started raising my family, I put the guitar and the pen down and dedicated myself to my family. Years later, when the girls were grown and on their own, a little story popped into my head. I heard loud and clear the simple message from the Lord: "Write!" 2. How did you think up the story of Charlie, the main character in your Mysterious Ways series? When you started out, did you plan to write only one book or did you plan a series from the beginning? Donna: When that story popped into my head, it was a thought about a boy who meets someone very special at Christmas time. That boy was Charlie Smith, the main character in the series. I was only going to write one book; but as I started to write the chapters, I realized it needed to be a series. 3. Your characters are so believable, and the plots flow so naturally, that the writing must come easily to you. Is that true? Donna: Some of it was easy, and often therapeutic for me; but some of it was a real struggle. I don't write from an outline; I write from my heart. If the words flow well, if they clearly reveal the emotions of the characters, if they touch anyone's heart at all, it is because God was touching me. 4. What year or time period in history would you have liked to live? Why? Donna: I often say I was born 150 years too late. I love the Old West…cowboys, horses, ranches, log cabins … and did I say horses? As a small child, I only wanted to play with the plastic cowboys and Indians. I had a bouncy horse that I rode so hard it would come inches off the ground (scared my mother to death). I was most comfortable in jeans and a cowboy hat. 5. What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Donna: Caroling! I especially love caroling in the snow. I love being in a large group of singers, holding candles, bundled to the Nth degree, and harmonizing together ... then topping it off with hot chocolate! 6. Are you still writing? Donna: Besides recently completing the manuscript for the 4th and final book of the Mysterious Ways series (The Crimson River), I do have a couple other stories running through my head. Both are fictitious with historical/biblical truths. 7. Where on the Internet can we find you? Donna: You can find me on my website: www.northstarstories.com andwww.cladach.com/Westover-Gallup.html

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

Have you ever felt your life was like trying chase wild geese? (They don't corral easily at all!)
Well, Izzy's Grandmother has passed. (Mine did too recently  it is hard!) She finds herself coping and in the process with a quilt that is suppose to lead to treasure! Sure - just let that word get out and every vulture, kin, and extra is on a treasure hunt. Izzy is trying to find the treasure her Grandmother intended, but it is that really what everyone else thinks it is, or it is this a deeper more lasting treasure?

Carol 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Wild Goose Chase Christmas Abingdon Press (November 2012) by Jennifer AlLee

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Jennifer:

As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.

Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.

What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.

Jennnifer can be reached through the Contact link on her Blog.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426752490

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley

Shattered Silence is the second book in a series, but I think it stood alone just fine. I have not read the first book in this series. Cody Jackson is a Ranger, as in Texas Ranger. He works on murders and helps solve cases. His life is thrown for a bit of a loop when his ex-wife dies and now it falls to him to raise his rather estranged 15 year old son. Because of his former wife Cody hasn't bonded with anyone else, until now. Now he has an attraction to the detective he is working with, Liliana. 

Frankly, Cody hasn't healed, he is a pretty good mess himself. His son has had a horrible time of it. His step-father hasn't been ideal by a long shot and now Kyle is angry. He is angry at his Mom, his Dad, and at God.

They are both hurt and wounded and to top that off Cody and Liliana are tracking a serial killer. I'd say Cody has a bit of stress going on in his life! 

Shattered Silence has romance, but it also has mystery and crime solving. What makes it stand out a bit more is the underlying tug of healing, forgiveness, being a single parent, human trafficking abuse, and violence are brought up and their results are clearly shown. The abuse issues were not so harsh as to drive off more gentle readers, but strong enough to hopefully open a few eyes and get people thinking and praying. 

Carol 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shattered Silence Abingdon Press (September 2012) by Margaret Daley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.

Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.

On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.

While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn't what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana's faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered Silence, go HERE.

Margaret can be reached through the Contact link on her Website.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426714297 

Walking In Trust Lessons Learned with my Blind Dog by Gayle M. Irwin

Here is our next installment of Cladach's Fall Book Fling! 

Walking In Trust Lessons learned with my Blind Dog is today's book.  I have raised dogs for many years, and I love both people and animals. I was really happy to read this book because I have learned so many things through my animals that I wanted to see what someone learned. This book shows God using a beloved dog going blind to teach about love, trust, hope and how awesome our God really is - all being learned from one family dealing with the changes and helping as their dog's whole life changes! 

(It's been a busy busy Thanksgiving here, so I will add in a few more thoughts later when I can!) 

Below is lots of info about the book, the front and back cover, and a film at the bottom as well!

Carol 

 Here is Cladach's web site: http://www.cladach.com/Walking-in-Trust-Blog-Tour.html

BOOK DATA:Paperback 208 pgs, 5.5" x 8.5" Illustrated with many Bl/Wh Photos $14.99 Available at: Amazon.com BN.com Cladach.com Kindle e-book format BOOK DESCRIPTION: Spending time in this book with Gayle and her dog, Sage, will help you listen more closely to what Creator God may be saying to you through your experience of the world around you. Gayle shares stories of her life with Sage, then draws out principles from the stories and from scriptures that apply to our daily lives. Chapter titles include: Patience, Wisdom, Obedience, Forgiveness, Purity, Friendship, Courage, Loyalty, Confidence, Joy, Compassion, Humility, Mystery, Goodness, Praise, Generosity, Love, Faithful, Respect, Self-Control, Contentment, Gentleness, Kindness, Hope, Peace, Reliable, Trust, Rest, Gratitude, and Perseverance. Thirty topical chapters lend themselves to a month of daily readings. Each chapter closes with a prayer that makes the lesson personal. Photos of Sage and her escapades, interspersed through the book, illustrate the stories. Our Creator has many ways of walking with us and teaching us. He can even use a blind dog named Sage! READ EXCERPT

		PRAISE for the BOOK:"Readers will laugh and cry - I certainly did! Mrs. Irwin's reflections are deep and always focus on glory to God. She shows how God interacts with us, how His instruction and His wisdom have such impact on our lives. She richly connects Sage's journey through life and God's path for us. I will be rereading and reflecting on each chapter to deepen my walk with God!" ~ Kari Nordahl, Bible Study Facilitator and Elementary School Educator, San Bernardino, CA "Readers will laugh and cry - I certainly did! Mrs. Irwin's reflections are deep and always focus on glory to God. She shows how God interacts with us, how His instruction and His wisdom have such impact on our lives. She richly connects Sage's journey through life and God's path for us. I will be rereading and reflecting on each chapter to deepen my walk with God!" ~ Susan Bulanda, author of God's Creatures and Faithful Friends AUTHOR BIO: Gayle Irwin has worked as a journalist, and as an educator in conservation and humane treatment of animals. She is the author of two children's books, and several of her stories appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Mrs. Irwin writes regularly for Our Town Casper, a monthly community magazine, and for The River Press, a newspaper in Fort Benton, Montana. Mrs. Irwin sees God's handiwork in his creation and believes great lessons can be learned by observing nature. She shares those lessons with students and others when she speaks. Mrs. Irwin was raised in Iowa. She and her husband, Greg, a videographer, currently reside in Casper, Wyoming. Get to know Mrs. Irwin better at http://www.cladach.com/Irwin.html AUTHOR INTERVIEW: We did something different this time, and we asked Gayle to fill in the blanks in the following statements: 1. My husband and I were looking to adopt a Springer Spaniel because we liked the size and personality of the breed. 2. Two years after we adopted Sage, she became fully blind. This presented many challenges. The hardest part for me was trying to not feel sorry for her, wondering if she missed being able to see. But, as we shared life together, I came to understand that dogs are very resilient and that her other senses helped her navigate her surroundings, even those with which she was not familiar (i.e., school buildings, hotels, etc.) . 3. One thing that triggers my memory of Sage is when we spend time at our cabin. Not only is this the area where we lost her for two days, but it's also a special place where we shared long walks in the forest, a cozy fire in the woodstove during spring and autumn, and evenings with friends and family. . 4. If I won a reality TV show where my winnings would go to a charity, I would choose Best Friends Animal Society of Utahbecause they do so much to help homeless pets, not only those that come to their sanctuary, but numerous others around the country, through workshops, conferences, and other guidance. They also respond to pets in need during a natural disaster. . 5. I feel like I'm really getting something done when I pray before my day begins and read my devotional, then focus on the goals I've set for the day and not let the phone or other potential interruptions distract me; that sometimes means closing my office door and letting the voicemail pick up the phone . 6. Outside of my own home, the place where I spend the most time is the cabin and property on Casper Mountain. Our acreage has become my sanctuary, a place of solitude, a place to write, a place to spend time with God. Because it's located only 20 minutes from our house, I'm able to go up there frequently, even if only for a few hours after work one evening. I am thankful for this lovely, quiet place! . 7. My favorite sport to watch is basketball, but I sometimes sit through a baseball game with my husband, as that is his favorite sport. . 8. If I had the time and money, I would donate to and volunteer more with children's charities and companion animal groups, and also start my own pet foundation and animal sanctuary, particularly for disabled pets. AUTHOR VIDEO:

Judge by R.J Larson (Books Of The Infinite Series)

Greetings!

Today's book is Judge, sequel to the book Prophet. In this book we find Ela, the Prophet of Parne still alive and working to do the Infinite's will. Seven months have passed since the events in Prophet occurred  Now Ela is a bit more confused, because prophets tend to die young, and her heart pulls her towards Kien.

Kien, on the other hand, is finding out that he too has missions he must fulfill that the Infinite has given him, and he isn't pleased about them. In His wisdom, the Infinite has sent Kien to warn the people of ToronSea to turn back to Him, and away from the bloodletting and morally debased false goddess of the Ateans. However, Kien isn't handling his mission so well. He is angry that he isn't busy courting Ela, and isn't very gung-ho about trying to per-sway people of the Infinite's love. His first attempt's are down right rude, and extremely non-productive. Kien figures he can say what he has to say, declare judgement and leave. How very very wrong he was about that!

Ela isn't with him because the Infinite sent her on a mission of her own to warn the people of Parne of an upcoming massively devastating invasion. She needs to take her little sister and go get the rest of her family out of there! So off on Pet (Skythe) the destroyer Ela and Tzana go to save who they can in Parne, while Kien finds his rebellious self swallowed whole by a sea monster! (O.k... very much Jonah and the great fish but quite quite nice even so!) Being almost digested and dumped out in a place even more remote and worse than he had planned to be Kien has some major choices to make. The Infinite isn't playing when it comes to His plans. There is a message to be spread, and hearts that must make major choices.

Lots of changes, forgiveness, love and grace going on in this book. It also has a sneak peak into the third book coming in this series -- King.

Carol

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Judge

Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)

by

R.J. Larson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Kien Lantec, you will bear witness to my followers in ToronSea.

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs on the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

Tell them I see they are beguiled. Tell them I seek their hearts.
The wise will hear Me.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne? Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has forsaken their Creator and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading...and hope He will reunite them again soon.

Child of dust, will you be My servant?

If you would like to read the first chapter of , go HERE.

R.J. can be reached through the Contact link on her Website 

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209728