Showing posts with label Keri Aeschliman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Keri Aeschliman. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Book Review: In Paths of Righteousness


Buy it Here
Description: David Riley is a typical farm boy of the late 1800s, growing up in a Midwest community where religion was a tradition that none dared to challenge. He and his friend Jill set out to explore the “Old Man’s Path,” to uncover the mystery of an old wives’ tale, and it turns into more of an adventure than they bargained for. When they discover long-held secrets in the town of Detweiler, David is determined to find the truth—regardless of the cost.
 As he faces opposition in his quest, David also finds a battle waging within. He and his friends struggle to be kind to Henry, a cruel bully, and his mother, a widow bitter toward God. But as David’s hatred for Henry grows, so does the darkness in his own heart. With an emptiness that threatens to consume him, David despairs of ever pleasing God. Prospects of finding peace appear lost until he meets a strange old recluse who offers him both friendship and hope.
David discovers something in common with the mysterious stranger—but what binds them together threatens to tear his family and community apart. Will he have the courage and determination to stand for what is right? Facing rejection in the greatest decision of his life, David must choose which path to follow: a religious tradition to live by or a faith to die for.
 

Many parents are always searching for books that will build their children’s faith and character. This book is a great story that can help young and growing hearts to build a strong foundation. It will help them shape their theology regarding salvation and reach out to those who are hurting.
I was very impressed at how well written In Paths of Righteousness was. Keri is a very talented writer who obviously put a lot of effort into this story. Although the style and type of story lends itself best to children and early to mid-teenagers, it is by no means so simplistic that older readers cannot enjoy it.
The subject matter of this book was what impressed me most. Keri tackled what it means to be saved, and didn’t shy away from delving into some tough areas. She also did a great job of building a Biblical foundation for those beliefs. She also wove the message so strongly into her story that you never feel like you are listening to a sermon.
David was a believable character that I am sure many young people will connect to. The supporting cast is equally likable and believable.
I highly recommend this books to young readers who enjoy well-told stories that encourage and build their faith.



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.

Monday, January 12, 2015

Interview with Keri Aeschliman


Keri, welcome to Homeschool Authors! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Thank you! I'm 19 years old and I live in rural Ohio on a farm with my family. We raise cattle, and we also grow corn, soybeans and wheat. I love farming--harvest especially is my favorite time of year. Singing, playing piano, harp and mountain dulcimer are a few of my hobbies, as well as crocheting, quilting, gardening, baking and more! I also enjoy spending time with friends, square dancing, playing cards and volleyball. One of my biggest passions is ministering to the persecuted church. I have had the privilege of serving with The Voice of the Martyrs, which has been an incredible blessing and encouragement to me. But if there is one thing that you should know about me, it is that I am a child of God and I am grateful beyond measure for what Christ has done for me.  

Everyone’s homeschooling experience is different. What do you think made yours unique?
My homeschooling experience was definitely unique because of our occupation as farmers. If Dad needed help with anything, we got the day off! During the busy planting and harvesting seasons, being homeschooled was such a blessing because we were free to give Dad a hand and do our school work later.

How did being homeschooled prepare you to write?
When I was in grade school, Mom would occasionally have me write a short story using my list of spelling words, but she rarely made the boys do that...which I didn't think was fair! But looking back, I think she saw that I had potential there and was encouraging me to sharpen those skills.

 What caused you to start writing?
Good question! My freshman year in highschool I was supposed to write an 8-10 page short story. As I began to work on it, I kept getting bigger and better ideas and the story line grew immensely. After several weeks, when it became apparent that this was not going to be finished by the end of the school year, and that it would far exceed 10 pages, Mom told me to take as long as I wanted, just as long as I promised to finish it. What she didn't realize was that it would take me over 3 1/2 years! 

What inspired In Paths of Righteousness?
I can honestly say that it was God. He has become so real to me over the years, and as I grew in my relationship with Him and my understanding of the gospel, I found myself incorporating deeper truths into the story. (You know a lot can happen over the course of that many years!) And now that it's all said and done, I marvel at how the Lord has worked in my own life and given me the inspiration to share what He has done for me through this story.

Would you give us a synopsis?
In Paths of Righteousness is set in a small Minnesota farming community in the late 1800's. The main character, David Riley, is an enthusiastic, hardworking young man of 16 with an appetite for adventure...and for truth. Being raised in a family where religion was nothing more than a deeply rooted tradition--but one that none dared to challenge--David finds himself struggling in vain to ever be good enough to please God. And his constant battles with the bully at school bring out the worst in him. Meanwhile there is a mysterious wives' tale in Detweiler about a crazy old man, a black wolf, and an albino red-tailed hawk. The thrill of the unknown sends David on an adventure to try to figure out the real story. But what he discovers will change his life in more ways than he ever could have imagined. 

Who will enjoy In Paths of Righteousness?
I would recommend this book for ages 12+. It's written on a level that young teens can grasp, and yet I've had numerous adults of all ages read it and say that they couldn't put it down.

Do you plan to write more books?
Yes, I at least plan to write a sequel to this book. 

Where can people connect with you online (social media, websites, blog)?
You can order a copy of my book through my website at: www.storiesbykerinicole.com
Follow my blog to stay updated on farm life and what I'm currently writing: www.storiesbykerinicole.blogspot.com
Or add me to your circles on Google+: www.google.com/+KeriNicole7

Enter to win a paperback copy of In Paths of Righteousness below: