My List

by Jansina

I suspect every reader knows how difficult it is to name a favorite book. There are simply too many. Narrowing down to the most influential book, or even ten of them, feels even harder.

The books here are in no particular order. Naturally, as a Christian, the Bible tops this list, but here are ten others that came to mind.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne’s vibrancy for life and delight in the little things is something I strive for, and I love her phrase: “I never make the same mistake twice.”

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Austen has been my favorite author since I was introduced to her books when I was ten. There’s something about her writing and characters that is still relatable today. Of all her heroines, Catherine is the one I relate to most…and Henry Tilney’s humor is one of the things I hope for in my future husband.

Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley

Though Elsie is admittedly perfect to a fault, and this series isn’t even close to ranking among my favorites, her values and strength of character gave me something to aspire to.

Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter

The honesty and morals of Freckles, his hard work ethic, and his love of natural beauty, are all traits that endear him to the reader and make him an example of someone to be like.

Dear America: Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Kristiana Gregory

The Dear America series was one I followed pretty closely as I was growing up, but this was the one that I kept coming back to. Hattie’s strength throughout the difficult times—which far outweigh anything I’ve gone through—is inspiring.

Monster by Mirriam Neal

This book just came out this year, but I already know it’s one that will stay with me. The book brings up deep topics and makes the reader think.

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

This is a daily devotional, but I like to just read through it and  highlight the especially good parts. A lot of my book is highlighted.

The Shack by William Young

I call this my lullaby book. It always reminds me how much God (Papa) loves me, and relaxes me when things get stressful.

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

This is one of those books I read as a kid, over and over. It might seem a little silly to include it on this list, but it taught me that making mistakes is okay—and to always keep a positive attitude.

The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott

This is another somewhat unrealistic story, but it’s close to my heart, and Edith’s unconditional forgiveness is something I wish I had.

Some of these are on my list of favorites; some are just stories that stayed with me. Each of them, in their own way, made me who I am. 

About Jansina Books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was the kind of kid who pulled out grammar books in the summer and wrote research papers "for fun." (No joke.) 

My young adult novels, Forgotten Memories and Shrouded Jewels. are available on Amazon, and my third, As Fairydust Settles, will be out early this month.

In 2012, I began my editing and publishing company, Rivershore Books. I now have three secondary proofreaders and an illustrator working with me, and the business continues to grow.

My goal is to honor God in my writing, and encourage other authors to do the same with their own.

Website: www.rivershorebooks.com

Blog: thilly-little-nothings.blogspot.com

Forgotten Memories: http://rivershorebooks.storenvy.com/products/916220
Shrouded Jewels: http://rivershorebooks.storenvy.com/collections/152672
As Fairydust Settles (currently pre-order, but available at the same link soon): http://rivershorebooks.storenvy.com/products/921200

Jansina: Shrouded Jewels

Buy it Here.

Age Appropriate For: 16 and up (some thematic elements)

Best for Ages: 16 and up

Description: Davey Blake’s invitation to the Benson’s home is evidence of his good character, but Mical Benson knows it is the perfect opportunity for him to steal her father’s great wealth. In spite of her suspicions, Mical eventually falls into his 'trap' and moves beyond mutual loathing. When Davey’s past returns, all he has built up may be lost forever…

This is a very different book then I normally read. I usually avoid fiction written for teens because it is more gritty then I like my fiction. Yes, I am parcel to the ones that are happier and always end on a high note. Although this book was very different then I normally read, I found myself enjoying it.

There were only two things that had issue with in this book. The first and foremost being that it ends on a cliffhanger and the second book isn’t out yet. The second is that some things were not as clear as they should have been. I thought the story was about of teens for the first few chapters, only to find that the kids I am reading about were in their early twenties.

The characters were awesome. Not many independently published authors have characters as well developed as Jansina has. Michal was a troubled but very likeable person. I love how she strives to protect her siblings from her father’s fits of rage and works to keep them together. Her two siblings were also very lovable even though they have suffered at the hand of their father. Davey was by far my favorite. I loved his background, his faith, his relationship with his parents, and his high standards. I also loved his ideas of church and the Fathers love for us.

The story itself was good, but hard at times. I loved the realism of it. Even in the end, there are many things that are not resolved. Some of the characters make some big mistakes. Without giving anything away, let me just say that that some secrets are kept that will cause the characters heartache in the future.

I recommend this book to those who like realistic books with characters that have real problems and dilemmas, but also with a strong faith element.

Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review: Shrouded Jewels by Jansina

Age Appropriate For: 16 and up (some thematic elements)

Best for Ages: 16 and up

Description: Davey Blake’s invitation to the Benson’s home is evidence of his good character, but Mical Benson knows it is the perfect opportunity for him to steal her father’s great wealth. In spite of her suspicions, Mical eventually falls into his 'trap' and moves beyond mutual loathing. When Davey’s past returns, all he has built up may be lost forever…

This is a very different book then I normally read. I usually avoid fiction written for teens because it is more gritty then I like my fiction. Yes, I am parcel to the ones that are happier and always end on a high note. Although this book was very different then I normally read, I found myself enjoying it.

There were only two things that had issue with in this book. The first and foremost being that it ends on a cliffhanger and the second book isn’t out yet. The second is that some things were not as clear as they should have been. I thought the story was about of teens for the first few chapters, only to find that the kids I am reading about were in their early twenties.

The characters were awesome. Not many independently published authors have characters as well developed as Jansina has. Michal was a troubled but very likeable person. I love how she strives to protect her siblings from her father’s fits of rage and works to keep them together. Her two siblings were also very lovable even though they have suffered at the hand of their father. Davey was by far my favorite. I loved his background, his faith, his relationship with his parents, and his high standards. I also loved his ideas of church and the Fathers love for us.

The story itself was good, but hard at times. I loved the realism of it. Even in the end, there are many things that are not resolved. Some of the characters make some big mistakes. Without giving anything away, let me just say that that some secrets are kept that will cause the characters heartache in the future.

I recommend this book to those who like realistic books with characters that have real problems and dilemmas, but also with a strong faith element.

Was this helpful? Please vote it up on Amazon and like it on Goodreads

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Interview with Jansina

Jansina! 

Jansina, welcome to Homeschool Authors! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Thank you for having me! I was homeschooled until college, and earned a BA in English Literature & Writing. I love to see characters come alive on the page, whether in my own writing or others'. I'm currently rewriting my third novel, and running an editing and publishing company, Rivershore Books (www.rivershorebooks.com). When not enjoying the written word, I spend my time Irish dancing, playing board games, and experimenting with various crafts.

What is your favorite memory of your homeschool years?
In general, I loved the flexibility it gave me. I could work ahead (or, sometimes, get behind), and I could spend more time on the subjects I enjoyed most. A specific memory, though, is one of the field trips we went on. Our homeschool group visited a 1900s one-room schoolhouse and spent the day being taught as they would have been--wood stove, outhouse, and all.

What caused you to start writing? 
When I was younger, I would tell stories verbally--usually things that had happened to friends of mine (or, more often, fictional characters from books, movies, or Adventures in Odyssey). It was a natural progression to writing after that.

What inspired Shrouded Jewels?
 It's a modern retelling of a Bible story (1 Samuel 18), but it was first inspired by the CD for the musical King David. I haven't seen the actual musical, but the songs focus some on the romance between David and his first wife, Michal. I wanted to explore that further.

What is Shrouded Jewels about?
It follows the friendship and romance of Davey Blake and Mical Benson. Mical's father is guarded, so Davey's invitation to the Benson's home is evidence of his good character, but Mical isn't convinced that his motivations are innocent. The book delves into the motivations and challenges Davey and Mical meet on their journey to trust and faith.

Who will enjoy this story?
The target audience is teens and young adults who enjoy realistic fiction and romance.

You are working to reach teens with your stories. Why Teens?
When I was growing up, and especially as a teen, I was constantly reading. Mostly, I stuck with the classics. I found most modern fiction lacking in the moral department, and didn't know of many contemporary Christian authors. While I still love the classics, I saw a gap and wanted to help fill it. I'm thrilled that others are doing the same now!

If you could give one piece of advice to your teen-self, what would it be?
Spend time writing the difficult parts. For me, that's the endings. Although I spent much of my free time writing, I was 19 before I completed a full-length novel. The more you write [insert your personal challenge here], the easier they become.

How does your faith affect your writing?
I strive to keep my faith at the center of all I do, and especially in what I write. My goal with my stories is to both entertain and inspire, so my faith in God is a backdrop to everything I write--whether it's mentioned directly or not.

Do you have any final thoughts?
One of the questions I'm asked most often is how many books I've sold. That information isn't a secret, but the question bothers me because it's not the reason I write. I write because I feel called to--and because not writing is difficult. Writing, and seeing my books in print, is the passion God gave me. Whatever happens after that point is up to Him. No matter what passion God has given you, pursue it with your whole heart--for Him, and for you. It's worth it.

Jansina is forgiving away three digital copies of her book Shrouded Jewels! Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Announcement Saturday: End of the Year

Authors Added

Olivia Howard

Jansina

Books Added

Fresh Modesty: Creating Custom Swimwear by Olivia Howard

Fresh Modesty: How To Sew Denim by Olivia Howard

Views from the Tower by  Jessica Grey

Shrouded Jewels (Volume 1) By Jansina

Forgotten Memories By Jansina

Sanisfreeda By Jansina

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