Book Review: Hebbros

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Description: In a realm that feasts on wickedness, and a city that thirsts for power, the faithfulness of a few will be tested. 
When members of his faith are exiled from the city of Hebbros, Luke vows to resist the forces that tore his family apart. Armed with a divine gift and the aid of friends, he undertakes to right a world of wrongs. Opposed on all sides by evil men determined to silence the Faithful and outlaw their powerful God, Luke’s small band will be tried and tested as they battle for truth, freedom, and the overthrow of rampant evil in their city. 
Three years after Elaina’s world was turned upside-down, the former nobleman’s daughter still tastes the sting of bitterness. When an act of betrayal sends her north into slavery, Elaina finds herself face-to-face with the truth she has long resisted and a choice that will change her forever. 
Brought together in a desperate attempt to pluck a remnant from destruction, Luke, Elaina, and a host of unforgettable characters will discover the greatness of the power of God, and the startling truth that some things are not what they seem.

It has taken me far too long to get to this book. I loved the Arcrea series so much, and now I finally have read the next book by one of my favorite authors, Nicole Sager. The first thing that you should know about this book is that it is not as light-hearted as the Arcrea series, but it is just as good. This story deals with standing up for your faith in the face of darkness and persecution.

Luke was a great protagonist. He has many flaws, and sometimes you just want to set him down and explain life to him. However, I think this made him a very relatable character. It is easy to see reflections of yourself in a character who is trying so hard, but has some obvious failings.
There were two things about this book that I ought to mention. It felt like a trilogy put together; there are even three very distinct sections. The second is that some parts felt a bit repetitive and predictable.

My favorite thing about Sager’s writing is that I can always count on her for strong writing with faith elements that are both challenging and uplifting. This book was no exception. The gospel message was presented several times and even a few “bad” characters that come to Christ.

The cast of characters was a bit dizzying at times, but my favorite was Bradley. He was so much fun, but so wounded. While he was a minor character, he added some much needed levity to the story.

I highly recommend this book for those who love non-magical fantasy, strong Christian messages, and tales about standing up for your faith.

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Top 5 HA books : Part 2

Kyleigh Dunn ~ Top 5 HA Books I read this summer:

Heart of Arcrea

Forged Steel

Rose of Prophecy

A Knight on the Old North Shore

Gift from the Storm

To be honest, I started the summer only planning to read 5! But as I started reading them found that 1, I had more time to read on my phone than I thought I did (and it keeps me from wasting time on Facebook!), and 2, reading “peer” books was something I hadn’t done much before but I found that it’s a really good thing to do as well as being very enjoyable.

Nicole Sager ~ Reading & writing usually slow down for me this time of year, so I'm not sure I got 5 books total read this summer! I have, however, read some HA works this year, and you can read my reviews by clicking the titles below. Some of these are fairly new, so if you've never heard of them, do these authors a favor and check them out!

Honor, Rachel Rossano

The Making of A Man, Rachel Rossano

Waltz Into the Waves, Sarah Holman

Rainland, Sarah Allerding

Happy reading!

Kate Willis ~ My favorite HA books this summer have been...

Song of the Sword by Hope Ann
Water Princess, Fire Prince by Kendra Ardnek

A Different Kind of Courage by Sarah Holman

You'll Be Like Faye by J.C. Buchanan

Implant by J. Grace Pennington

Jenelle Schmidt ~ However... I do have favorite HA authors, whose books I own and have read. My favorites are: Kaycee Browning, author of Ember Flame and Esprit de la Rose (the first story in Five Enchanted Roses) I love this author not only because she writes exceptionally well, but also because she is a dear friend. Kendra E. Ardnek and her Bookania series - I really need to read her other books, too, because I really enjoy her style.  Anne Elisabeth Stengl - became a fan a few years back when I met her at her book signing for Dragonwitch and have enjoyed everything she's written so far. Gillian Adams - I have only read Orphan's Song so far, but I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the further adventures of Birdie and company.

And there are various others on the list whose blogs I read and love, and their books are most decidedly on my list of books to buy and read!

Have Books, Will Travel: Part 1

Our books with us as we travel around during the summer

Sarah Brown

Sarah Beth Brazytis ~ We haven’t done much traveling yet this year – we tend to enjoy the cooler fall weather for trips – but I did take along a copy of The Apprentices on a visit to Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, Ohio in July. This beautiful formal garden is part of a 47-acre estate surrounding a manor house, and always reminds me of the scenes when George and Geoffrey are running about with Melbourne, Lady Luckley’s tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

Claire M. Banschbach ~ I have almost an entire bookshelf full of HA books, and most of my kindle app is filled with HA books as well, so I included as many as I could. And you can pretty much bet that if any of the books you see are in a series, then I have the rest of that series somewhere. :) (Also special thanks to my sisters who helped me cart around all the books. :P)

Morgan  Huneke

Nicole Sager ~ I took some books to the Sight & Sound theatre, "Where the Bible comes to life!" The current production in Branson is Moses, and it is absolutely incredible! #seaswillpart

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Just Like me: Part 1

We asked our authors: What is the book character that is most like you? (It can be from your own books).

Jenelle Leanne Schmidt ~ I think the book characters that are most like me (outside of my own creation: Kamarie) would be Princess Cimorene from Patricia C. Wrede’s “The Enchanted Forest Chronicles” or Anne Shirley from “Anne of Green Gables.” They are both true “kindred spirits.”
Cimorene is practical and no-nonsense. Like me, she has a lot of common sense and tends to approach problems logically. She also has a sense of adventure and an unquenchable spirit. She is not cowed or discouraged when things go awry, but lifts her chin and keeps trying.
Anne Shirley, on the other hand, is like me because of her vast and active imagination. She is also just a little socially awkward at times, but doesn’t care that she takes people aback with the things she says and does that are a little bit “off the wall,” so to speak.

Sarah Holman ~ Of my own books, it would be Maria Morris of the Destiny Trilogy. She is my own version of a self-portrait. Of other works, I would have to go with Emma from Jane Austen's work of the same title. I often think I am doing a good thing, but need to be corrected (now if only I could find my Mr. Knightly).

Nicole Sager ~ I relate a lot to Elinor Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility. I have [shamefully] not yet read the book, but I loved the films, took the quizzes (hehe, anyone else?!), and have a very dear friend who tells me reading the book is like reading a story about me. I take that as quite a compliment, because I think Elinor is a pretty neat lady ;)

Morgan Huneke ~ One of the characters I relate to the most is Emily Byrd Starr from L.M. Montgomery’s Emily of New Moon trilogy. I used to think I was Anne, but then I discovered Emily. Emily is imaginative just like Anne—just like me—but she’s more serious about writing. Her devotion to writing, even the period where she couldn’t write, her “flash,” so many aspects of her personality and story. I’ve been blessed with a much better family situation, a much more supportive family, but still, the similarities between me and Emily Starr are insane.

Claire Banschbach ~ I find pieces of myself in quite a few books and in most of the stories I write. But the character that I think is most like me is one of my own characters named Gregory. Yes, obviously there’s a gender difference, but we’re a lot alike. As I was writing him, I realized he was an introvert, highly loyal to his friends and family, occasionally struggling to find his place in the world and what his faith means to him. He’s a bit more snarky than I am and a lot braver because of the things I put him through, but out of all the characters I’ve written, he’s the one I identify most with.

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Writing Resources: Part 2

Aubrey Hansen ~ Other books and movies!  There’s nothing more inspirational (or instructional) than a well-written story.  After reading a good book or watching an entertaining movie, I want to duplicate the experience in my own work—and I have plenty of examples to analyze what worked and what didn’t.  Other than that, Elements of Style is a must-read.  But that’s about it.

Sarah Brown ~ I don't have too many writing resources.... But, as I am also an illustrator, I will share my favorite drawing/painting resource with you: The Art of Aaron Blaise. You can find tutorials of his on YouTube, you can look up his work on online galleries, and you can sign up for newsletters with drawing courses you can take, tips, and lots of free giveaways. I LOVE Aaron Blaise's artwork (especially his animal paintings)! My goal is to become at least as good as he is some day!

Kate Willis ~ Writing is a quest no good adventurer should embark on without brave companions and proper tools. I recommend packing K.M. Weiland's roadmap Structuring Your Novel, Strunk and White's manual The Elements of Style, a complete set of observation skills, and a blank journal.

Nicole Sager ~ I usually Google anything specific (the meaning of a name, tools used by medieval blacksmiths, how long you can stay in the dark before you go blind, how many inches around is the average man's neck...... I would hate for my search history to be discovered by the wrong person.). It's also very true that what you're reading influences what you're writing, so I enjoy reading other fictional books in a similar genre because it helps to give me a "feel" for the era I'm trying to get across in my own story.

Rebekah Morris ~ One resource I always have beside me when I write is The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi. Not only has this book been helpful and lots of fun, it’s a great help in creating real characters and giving little tips about using emotion in your story. I would highly recommend every writer get a copy of this book. Even if you don’t think you have trouble with this area.

That's a Good Book: Part 3

Nicole Sager ~ Being a romantic, of course I love to find a sweet love story, but along the way I always hope for something that gives the story even a little bit of depth. I like for stories to make me think, and I always hope for a reason to laugh (witty dialogue is a major plus!).

Sarah Holman ~ I look for first and foremost a solid faith message that isn't preachy, but also cuts at the heart. I want real characters that struggle but choose what is right (at least most of the time). I like adventure stories that take me to far off places and show daring deeds. I like romance, not the fluffy-insta-love that most writers talk about, but the deep, real kind that is based on more than physical attraction.

Kate Willis ~ I want to be drawn into a storyline that encourages me in my daily walk leaving me forever changed. I’m looking for an understated, sweet romance; action--ordinary or swashbuckling; and definitely humor. ; ) I’m looking for something to write on my heart—something to quote—something to love.

Sarah Brown ~ hope to find very developed characters who are believable and real, whom I can relate to and can actually feel what they are feeling and going through. I like a little bit of God-honoring romance, but not anything passionate, gushy, or cheap. I am not big into sci-fi or action/adventure (like wars or secret agencies, etc.). I love when a book can depict everyday, normal life with new and interesting twists to it (like Chautona Havig does when she has a 22 year old girl suddenly inherit 8 children!). It's believable, it's set right here on planet earth (not on some made up planet or time period), I can relate to it because it depicts everyday life (eating, work, making meals, planning, painting the house, ...anything), but there's some new and unique twist added to the mix (like a woman who wakes up one day having completely forgotten her entire past, as in None So Blind). (Can you tell yet that I'm a big fan of Chautona's work?) It must also uphold Christian values and principles, but should also be real and tangible, not preachy and perfect. I'm pretty passionate and even a little picky about what I consider to be high-quality reading material. :-)

Top 5 Favorite Authors Part 2

Jenelle Schmidt

This is so very hard. Only FIVE?!?!?

J.R.R. Tolkien - obvious reasons. Father of modern Fantasy, master craftsman of words, plot-wizard, and builder of deep characters. 

C.S. Lewis - one of the most brilliant writers who ever lived. 

George MacDonald - another master wordsmith and writer of deep and beautiful fiction, fantasy, and fairy tales.

Stephen R. Lawhead - I admire the research and authenticity he pours into his novels. I love that he rewrites famous legends like King Arther and Robin Hood and puts his own unique twist on them.

Timothy Zahn - I admire the way he does not stay in a single series or story, but creates vast, complex universes for every single story or series he writes. It is truly inspiring.

Honorable mention must go to Albert Payson Terhune - whose stories about his collies are enchanting, beautifully written, whimsical, inventive, and also quite humorous, and, at times, heartbreaking.

Morgan Huneke

Ugh, it’s so hard to narrow it down to the top five.

C.S. Lewis—Because Narnia. I’ve learned so much from those books.

Jaye L. Knight—Ilyon is to me as a young adult what Narnia was to me as a child.

L.M. Montgomery—Anne and Emily. Need I say more?

J. Grace Pennington—Grace is rightly called the sleep stealer. I can never put her books down.
Kendra E. Ardnek—Fun, yet deep. Half the time, I wonder how she came up with these neat, meaningful customs. Plus she’s one of my best friends so I get sneak peeks. ;)
 Honorable mentions because I have to: Elizabeth George Speare, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Noel Streatfeild, E. Nesbit, Patricia Beatty, Martha Finley, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Rebekah Morris

Since I have read hundreds of books by hundreds of authors, it was a challenge to decide on my top favorites. My sister told me to think of the books I pick up the most often. My favorite author is Isabella Alden (known as Pansy). She was a minister’s wife who lived in the late 1800s. Most of her books are based on real people and real events, which makes the stories that much more interesting. (I don’t know about you, but I enjoy a book even more if I know it is based on real people and/or events.)

The rest of the authors are in no particular order.

Janet Lambert

Francena Arnold

Johanna Spyri

Ralph Connor (Just keep in mind if you pick up one of his old books, you will most likely find language you wish wasn’t there. I always read with the white-out beside me. Not all his books have as much, but be careful.) You may also find the books slow to start and don’t think you’ll be interested. I almost always start that way and then somehow, I’m never quite sure how, I’m hooked and don’t want to put the book down.

Nicole Sager 

Lori Benton and MaryAnn Minatra both changed the world of Christian Fiction for me. Their books are so rich, deep, structured, real, and raw. Vickie McDonough provides a simple, lighthearted romp into the romantic wild west, while Karen Witemeyer goes a little deeper with the genre, while still delivering a super sweet story. Isabella Alden is one author whose stories never fail to leave an impact on my spiritual walk, and it's always in a relatable way.

Sarah Brown

My favorite authors, in order from best to fifth best, are: 1) Chautona Havig (especially the Past Forward and Aggie's Inheritance series), 2) Lynn Austin (though some of her books have to be read with care), 3) Louisa May Alcott, 4) Laura Ingalls Wilder, and 5) Janette Oke (especially the Prairie Legacy series). 

Faith Factor: Part 2

Amber Schamel ~ Because of my faith, I am very picky about the books I read. More picky than most people. In fact, I’ve been called extreme. But I’ve been called extreme in my lifestyle too. LOL.

I usually only read in the Christian genre, and since I do, I expect them to reflect a Biblical worldview. I enjoy a flawed character, but I expect that the flaws and sins are portrayed as what they are...flaws and sins. According to the Scripture, sins and flaws should be repented of, and I expect that in my Christian literature.

I’m especially picky when it comes to the Romance genre. As a single Christian, I have certain standards of modesty and chastity that I hold to, and it bothers me when Christian authors do not hold their characters to such standards. Paul said, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” so I’m not okay with a lot of touchy-feelies before the couple is married. When I find a Romance that maintains respectful contact between the Hero and Heroine, I’ve found a keeper! Stephanie Grace Whitson’s A Stitch in Time was really good.

Kyleigh Dunn ~ One of the biggest differences I’ve found in the way my husband and I read or watch movies is that he tends to interpret worldviews and such from where the character is coming from, whereas I tend to interpret what characters say from my definitions and worldview, reading into it what I believe. I think that makes it easier for me to read and watch things that I don’t agree with all the way, but it can also lead to me not always being aware of things that are wrong, so that also means I have to be more careful than he does about consuming media that doesn’t have a Christian worldview.

Rebekah Morris ~ As a child of the King, I want to be careful what I put into my mind. This doesn’t mean I only read biographies of missionaries or overtly Christian books, but it does mean that I won’t read certain things. The Bible says to think of things that are true, so I stay away from fantasy and science fiction because they “can’t” be true. Whatsoever things are lovely means I’m going to stay away from horror, thrillers, and such genres. Whatsoever things are pure keeps me from most of the romance books out there or other graphic books that give too much information that could be defiling. My standard may not be what someone else’s is, but that is what I personally strive for. I know that what I put into my mind comes out in my behavior and my writings.

Nicole Sager ~ My faith definitely influences what I choose to read or not read. Every person has a worldview, and every author's worldview will be presented in their work whether or not they are trying to drive home a specific point. I try to steer clear of books (Christian or non-) that very obviously support issues I do not (divorce, immorality, alcohol, etc.). Reading is something I do for leisure time, and I just don't want to spend that time trying to root for a hero/heroine that I don't agree with!

Kate Willis ~ Scanning the shelves of the library, I pass over books that mock God and His people. I leave books with an emphasis on violence, strong romance, or witches to collect dust on the shelves. (Which usually leaves me with middle-grader books!) No matter what I'm reading, I discuss the worldview with my family or set the book aside if conscience dictates.

Favorite Summer Films: Part 1

Read the rules here

Books taking part:

Water Princess, Fire Prince - Kendra E. Ardnek

Adela's Curse - Claire Banschbach

The Apprentices - Sarah Brazytis

Cheeper - Sarah E. Brown

The Christian Musician - Kyleigh Dunn

Red Rain -Aubrey Hansen

Kate's innocence - Sarah Holman

Creighton Hill - Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Gift from the Storm - Rebekah Morris

Implant - J. Grace Pennington

The Heart of Arcrea - Nicole Sager

The Master's Calling - Amber Schamel

King's Warrior - Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

The Treasure Hunt - Kate Willis

Nicole Sager ~ My favorite TV series is Signed, Sealed, Delivered from the Hallmark Channel! So much depth, fun, emotion, and nearly always a biblical application, this show can bring the tears as well as the laughs. Of course no show is 100% perfect, but this has been one incredibly clean and enjoyable experience after another! I even bought the T-shirt!! Go Postables! ;)

Rebekah Morris ~ My favorite TV series of all time is Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye. The first year we got these, we ended up watching the entire series four times. While I wouldn’t recommend these for younger children, teens and adults will probably enjoy them. As for movies, it is so hard to pick a favorite. I’ll settle for two or three. Follow Me, Boys, Destination Tokyo and Sound of Music.

Kyleigh Dunn ~ We live in Japan right now, and the anime company Studio Ghibli is very popular. My Neighbor Totoro is one set in the summer that we find fun for the whole family... and is quoted a lot in our house as our toddler reminds us a lot of Mei, one of the main characters.

Amber Schamel ~ My family doesn’t have TV, and we don’t watch many movies, especially in the summer time. Summer on the ranch is work from sunrise to sunset, so that doesn’t leave much time for entertainment. :) We did watch Risen the other day though, and I enjoyed it.

Morgan Huneke ~ No matter what the season, my favorite movie is the same. After all, it contains every season. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005), as a relatively faithful adaptation of the first book of my childhood favorite series, never ceases to amaze me. There’s so much depth of theological meaning in it, just as in all the Narnia stories. I notice new elements of the allegory every time, despite having the movie memorized, and it gives me a new appreciation for what Jesus did for me.

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Celebrating the 4th: Part 1

Sarah Brown ~ We are going to a pool party at my uncle's house, which will be fun, because I LOVE swimming. This will be the first year that we've ever done this, since my uncle just recently moved into the house with a pool, so it's not really a tradition or anything. But one 4th of July tradition we do have is to go out to the lake after dark and watch the huge fireworks show. My dad is the photographer in the family, so I'm afraid I don't have any pictures of either activity of my own!

Kendra Ardnek ~ Our family celebrates the Fourth, not on the day itself, but on the nearest Sunday evening. Why? Because that's when our church celebrates it. One of our church members opens his home to us every year, and we start off the night with a potluck of sorts with hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips, followed by ice cream. One of our evening speakers will usually give a short message, and then as it starts to grow dark, the kids get to run around with sparklers. We conclude the evening with a magnificent fireworks display. We have a marvelous time, and I'm so blessed to have a church that values our independence so highly.

Kate Willis ~ We lived in a tiny rural community for six and half years. A small town where stories are born and never forgotten. Independence Day was one of my favorite celebrations there. Some years we’d all drive half an hour to the “big” town (Population 7,000!) where we’d watch a parade full of too many tractors and logging trucks to count. Afterward we’d stroll through the antique car show, talk with friends, or watch part of the logging show where locals could compete and show off their everyday skills. Other years we would picnic with a few friends and then bundle up in jackets to watch fireworks shoot up over the lake. One of my favorite celebrations was when our tiny church hosted its own party. People were encouraged to dress up in the time period, and several men of the church read patriotic speeches aloud. I’ll always have fond memories of living in that community, and I’m enjoying making new ones in our “big city”.

Nicole Sager ~ In Branson, every day is a celebration of America and it's heroes! This is me and my friends "The Magnificent 7" after an evening of incredible talent, fun, and entertainment, always complete with a patriotic tribute to the USA! Go Red, White, & Blue!

Rebekah Morris ~ I love watching “A More Perfect Union” on the 4th of July and playing patriotic songs on the piano.

Our Book Shelves: part 1

Claire Banschbach

I tried to get a good picture of myself with my bookshelf, but mine are all the upper shelves of a built-in bookcase and kind of spread out everywhere, so it was kind of difficult to include myself. But the books were happy to pose by themselves.

Nicole Sager

Buying a new book is always a treat.....until you have to come home and find an empty spot for the little paper-backed fella. And yes, those shelves are double-stacked! o_O

Sarah Brown

 Here you go! My bookshelf is really only my headboard, but it sure is handy for reading in bed (although, I have to say, my Kindle app has nearly replaced hard copy reading). My headboard still holds my collection of favorites from over the years--classic, timeless stories: Heidi, the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, Evangelists in Chains (a very powerful book based on a true story that has really touched my life), Thrilling Escapes by Night (another amazing book--truly thrilling), Paula the Waldensian, Old Yeller, just to name a few.

Morgan Huneke

My very awesome dad built a bookshelf into my wall when we finished my bedroom. Plenty of room for my library to expand.

Aubrey Hansen

My husband and I moved from Chicago to Kansas City last year and bought our first house.  Which means we should finally have the space to put up enough shelves to display all our movies, books, manga, and anime—at least in theory.  Of course, with all the other updates and responsibilities that come with owning a house, we haven’t had time yet... which is why my books are still in old Dairy Queen boxes...

Reading Traditions Part 3

Sarah Holman ~ I read all the time all over the place. I carry my kindle with my everywhere and am surrounded by books wherever I am in my home. I have a bad habit of chewing on a fingernail while I am reading. I also consume a large amount of whatever my beverage is that day.

Nicole Sager ~ Most often I sit in my bedroom or the living room (curled up in a rocking chair) when I read. Coffee or hot tea is usually my "reading treat" of choice if I have anything at all.

Sarah Brazytis ~ I am a speed reader. Not the trained kind, but the kind who, like Sara Crewe, gobble up books rather than reading them! If there is a new book in the house, I simply have to read it as soon as possible – and at an insane speed. Unfortunately, this habit of devouring reading material sometimes causes me to miss the fine nuances of a story, and I need to read it over and over to get it all.

But lately my mother, sisters and I have fallen into a delightful habit: we operate a custom sewing business which generates piles of hand-sewing by the end of an average day; and while we girls stitch through the big basket, Mom reads out loud. It has turned an end of the day chore into a downright recreation! Now it’s hard to separate the two activities, and I feel that I get much more out of a book since I am forced to take it in at a slower pace. When I get a new book these days, I’m most likely to place it on the ‘out-loud’ shelf and say, “Mom, I’ve got a huge pile of sewing to do…”

Kendra Ardnek ~ This was a tough question, again, because I never read the same way twice. However, I do have a bad habit of reading the last chapter ahead of time and spoiling the story for myself. Does that count?

He Surprised Me Part 2

Homeschooled Authors asked: 

When God meet you unexpectedly in the pages of a book?

(We excluded the Bible)

Morgan Huneke ~ Caught by Margaret Peterson Haddix. I’d picked up on hints that she was probably a Christian in some of the Shadow Children books and earlier Missing books, but I wasn’t sure. And I was not expecting the big reveal at the end of Caught. Without giving too many spoilers, a very wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey discovery is made about a certain character, and you find that all these “mistakes” they’ve made, all this trouble they’ve caused with time were actually meant to happen, and one of the characters indicates that God controls it all, that all these things happened because God said they were supposed to happen. It was a “wow” moment for me. All the mistakes we make, all the things we think we messed up, God is using for His glory. He’ll work it all out. And I thought I was just reading a fun time travel adventure!

Sarah Holman ~ I was very angry about a lot of things that were going on in my life and I felt as if every time I opened my Bible, all I found was condemnation. I decided to read the most secular book I could find in the house. If you could have seen our bookshelves, you would have see how laughable this was. I decided to read the Chronicals of Narnia. Allegories were often lost on me so this seemed a safe choice. I was reading the Horse and His Boy and I came to the point where Shasta is on the mountaintop and I started crying. It was just want I needed to hear from God when I was trying to run from it.

Kate Willis ~ I was reading a hilarious fantasy series. Imagine taking The Princess Bride, The Lord of the Rings, and a bit of Hank the Cowdog and stirring it all together. That’s how you get The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. I found it interesting, epic, and very amusing. Who knew that in the last few chapters of the last book God would throw at me one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful things I had ever read? The main character was going around and around in his perfectionist, performance-based mind when he met with God and was told, “Peace, be still.” He was loved and that was all. I will always remember the moment when I sat with Janner Wingfeather in his perfectionism, jealousy, and despair and discovered the grace of God all over again.

Nicole Sager ~I experienced this when I read Colleen Coble's Safe in His Arms. Often I'll relate to one or more characters in a book, but can't usually connect with their struggles or apply the lessons they're learning to my own life. Reading Safe in His Arms I found myself relating to the heroine and her struggle, and often felt as if I was reading something written directly to me. The Inspirational side of the story truly touched my heart, and by time I read the last words in the story I felt as if I'd had a sweet reminder of God's love for me personally.

Rebekah Morris ~ Having read biographies of many missionaries, preachers, evangelists, etc, I wasn’t expecting to be as impacted by this biography of H. Grattan Guinness, the brother of Mrs. Howard Taylor, as I was. Wow! What a life. The book, titled Guinness of Honan by Mrs. Howard Taylor tells the story of a missionary to China. I wrote down several quotes from the book and am still challenged by them today.

Read to Win: Impactful books part 2

Nicole Sager ~ I have to mention 2 books that fall into this category!
First, when I look back on the books I read as a kid, Hurry Home, Candy by Meindert DeJong always comes to mind. I honestly can't say for sure why it had such an impact on me, but it was the first book that didn't end the way I wanted it to, so in hindsight I see that it taught me to look at the big picture. We don't always get what we want, but what we want is not always best.
Second, Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black. This one (and its series) gave me a whole new perspective on spiritual warfare, and while the book contains a lot of speculation on spiritual matters, I believe it's kept within the realm of possibility. This book gave me a deeper appreciation for prayer as well as everything I can't see - what God is doing for His children on a moment-by-moment basis.

Rebekah Morris ~ I have read so many fiction books that I don’t think I can pick one book that has had the greatest impact on my life. I do know that Ester Ried’s Awakening, The King’s Daughter and New Graft on the Family Tree all by Isabella Alden, were some of the first strong Christian fiction books I had ever read. They gave me a taste of something better, something higher than just the normal action, adventure and excitement young teens usually enjoy. I discovered a completely new style of book where Christ wasn’t put in as an afterthought or to make it “christian,” but was the focus and center of the story. No, these books didn’t preach, but the characters lived lives that made me want more of what they had.

Claire Banschbach ~ The fiction book that most impacted my lift would probably be C.S. Lewis’ The Horse and His Boy. It’s the book that really kick started my imagination and helped to inspire the story that would become my first book.

Sarah Brown ~ Wow, that's hard to decide! I was debating between Heidi by Johanna Spyri, Paula the Waldensian by Eva Lecomte, and The New Amplified Pilgrim's Progress by Jim Pappas, but I think I would have to go with the latter. The New Amplified Pilgrim's Progress is such an gripping retelling of the ancient Old English version--rigidly true to the original, and yet so much more meaningful with its modern English and dialogical story-format. Check out my blog for a full review.

Read-to-Win 2016

Welcome to this year’s Read-to-Win Challenge!

You read a book, write a review, and hopefully win some awesome prizes. This year, there will be even more winners!

Grand prize: $100 Amazon gift card

First Prize ~ Six signed paperback books from various authors

Second Prize ~ One signed paperback and three e-books from various authors

Third Prize ~ Three e-books from various authors

New this year!

~ All the books that are part of the challenge will be $0.99 for the whole summer! Now you won't books because you forgot to check which book was on sale that week. It will also give you more time to read. (See the full list below!)

~ Each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, responses to the weekly challenge by the fourteen authors will be posted. On Friday, we will have a link up because we want you to take part. Post your answer to the weekly challenge and then add it to the link-up. You never know, your favorite author Homeschooled Author might stop by and comment!

~ Every Saturday, we will be posting about other deals that the authors are running.

~ Reviews can be posted on Goodreads and Blogs


As always: new reviews on Read-to-Win books are the only ways to earn an entry. This year, you have fourteen books to choose from. That can means you could have fourteen entries this year! So, what makes a valid entry? Good question as we will be weeding out the spam and incorrectly submitted entries.  Here is how it goes:

Buy one of the books

Post review on Goodreads or your blog.

It must be a new review

It must be posted between June 1 and August 31

While not required, Amazon reviews are very helpful to all our authors. Please consider posting your review on Amazon as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who is going taking part?

Water Princess, Fire Prince - Kendra E. Ardnek

Adela's Curse - Claire Banschbach

The Apprentices - Sarah Brazytis

Cheeper - Sarah E. Brown

The Christian Musician - Kyleigh Dunn

Red Rain -Aubrey Hansen

Kate's innocence - Sarah Holman

Creighton Hill - Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Gift from the Storm - Rebekah Morris

Implant - J. Grace Pennington

The Heart of Arcrea - Nicole Sager

The Master's Calling - Amber Schamel

King's Warrior - Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

The Treasure Hunt - Kate Willis

Nicole Sager on Burdney

Welcome back to Homeschooled Authors, Nicole! What have you been up to since the last time you were here?
​Thank you for having me back! The last time I was here I had just released Hebbros, the first book in my Companions of Arcrea series. Since then I've published the second "Companions" book, titled Burdney, as well as a booklet called A Tale of Two Siblings, which takes a look at sibling relationships and is based on my personal journey with one sister in particular.

What inspired Burdney?
​​The epilogue for Hebbros kind of threw me into the next plot by bringing two unlikely characters together at the last minute. I knew I wanted to use them, and had also entertained the idea of a female antagonist. I'm not quite sure when it struck me that this antagonist should be Lord Bradley's forgotten bride (mentioned oh so briefly in Hebbros) but I'm so glad the idea stuck! The plot started out simple, but as I moved forward layer after layer was added until I hardly recognized it as my original idea.

How does it tie in with the other Arcrea?
​The Companions of Arcrea books are intended to take the reader across the Brikbone Mountains ​to explore new places, meet new characters, and also (quite honestly) to give me some new "writing ground."​ Each book so far has included a familiar Arcrean character, and has taken place in the kingdom just north of Arcrea. In Hebbros we caught up with Elaina. Burdney reintroduces Blunt.

Who is your favorite character in Burdney?
​Ah! Such a hard question! I think perhaps my favorite to write about was Lathan. It was a challenge writing ​from the perspective of this character (you'll have to read the book to see why!) and yet it was a wonderful stretch for me. Lathan, for me, is one example of allowing the fantasy aspect of my novels to affect the human characters without using any magic. It's not easy!

Would you rather visit Narnia, Middle Earth, or Arcrea?
​Hmm... While Narnia is very tempting, I have to say Arcrea. There are characters I would love to meet in person, places I'd like to see, but I'd also really like to explore what I "missed" - What characters walked by without me noticing? What other creatures live in those hills? ​I'm a very visual person! I feel like seeing things just once would inspire so many stories and give depth to what I already have!

What good Homeschooled Authored books have you been reading of late?
​​Most recently I've really enjoyed Sarah Holman's A Different Kind of Courage and Brothers & Betrayal, as well as Word & Deed by Rachel Rossano!

Where can people find your books?
My books can be found on Amazon (link below) as well as most online bookstores! ​If folks would like to browse before they buy, they can check out my website. And I love having readers connect with me on Facebook and Pinterest as well!

http://www.amazon.com/author/nicolesager  
http://arcreabooks.wix.com/nicole-sager
www.facebook.com/arcreabooks
www.pinterest.com/heartofarcrea​ - (check out this link to join the Arcrea Group Board: http://pin.it/jaBaTNm​)​

What is next for you?
​I'm currently working on the 3rd book in the "Companions"​ series, and tossing around ideas for another non-fiction booklet. Outside of writing I have a regular babysitting job, so it'll be fun juggling my time between activities this year!