We take a break from our usual book reviews and author interviews for THREE big announcements… with a Rafflecopter Giveaway to celebrate at the end. CASSANDRA IS THE WINNER – PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL.
Crystal signed with an agent!
Yep, that’s right! I am so blessed to have signed with Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency to represent me and my work. Writing has been and is a sacrifice for my family, so the picture below is me signing my contract surrounded by the wonderful support of my household. Never let anyone tell you writing is a solitary journey. There may be solitary aspects, but it certainly takes a village of support.
Hubby, Youngest, MIL, and Eldest. 🙂 I am so blessed by them all.
Tamela Hancock Murray is a bestselling author of over thirty novels, novellas, and nonfiction books, and won an RWA Inspirational Readers Choice Award (follow this link for a complete list of her books). Although her current writing for publication is limited to the Agency blog, because of her experience, Tamela brings the perspective of a working writer to her role as a literary agent. She represents many top authors and continues to develop new talent.
Crystal is teaching at the Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference
If you or an interested teen are near Elizabethtown, Kentucky June 20-22, 2019, I invite you to register for the Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference. I am so blessed to be teaching the first ever Teen Seminar on Saturday. Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference was where God first called me to pursue publishing, so it is always a conference I recommend. You never know what God has in store for you. If you go, let me know so I can be sure to connect with you.
That number may not seem very big to many, but to me it is amazing! I pray that you are exposed to lots of great Christian Historical Fiction books to add to your TBR piles and new authors you may have never seen otherwise.
Let’s celebrate with a giveaway!
It’s been a while since I’ve done a Rafflecopter giveaway, but these announcements are too big to just let slide by!
Entries are open until midnight (EST) on April 30th. Print prizes limited to United States, if an international winner, a $10 Amazon Gift card will be substituted. Open to all participants 18 and older where allowed. Rafflecopter will randomly pick the winner.
One winner will receive a print copy of Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon, Jr., a journal, and a spattering of bookmarks from various authors.
At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.
Thank you for celebrating with me! In the comments, tell me one thing you are celebrating this week.
Life is a never-ending cycle of run here and wait, run there and wait, etc. At least that is what it is for me. So during the running the waiting I read this book and darn Ms. Fordham’s hide, I was in the doctor’s office waiting room when I reached an emotional section and had strangers stare at me because I was crying.
This is definitely an enjoyable read with many ups and downs. The heroine and hero are delightful, and the secondary characters ones you want to call family, too.
Genre: Historical Romance, Azure Spring, IA 1881
Plot Overview:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.
For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He’s determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
What I loved: I love the sweet friendship that develops into romance between the strong, yet self-conscious heroine, and the sheriff hero. I may or may not have a weak spot for lawmen. 😉
Favorite Character and Why: Sheriff Caleb is definitely a favorite. You have the strong, action-oriented side common of lawmen heroes, but also a softer side that goes deeper than just being kind to others.
Who would like this? Anyone who loves sweet romances with a touch of danger, small town romances, or ties to orphan trains.
Rating and Why: Four stars. I enjoyed the story and would definitely read it again–preferably in one sitting. It was unique and had some twists I hadn’t expected.
*I received a copy of this book from a contest. The above opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.*
I finally had time to dig into my older books TBR pile and pulled out a favorite author. This was another great one. Michelle took the marriage of convenience trope and flipped it on its head in a satisfying way.
Genre: Historical Romance, American Frontier, 1770
Plot Overview:
The wild American wilderness is no place for an elegant English governess
On the run from a brute of an aristocratic employer, Eleanor Morgan escapes from England to America, the land of the free, for the opportunity to serve an upstanding Charles Town family. But freedom is hard to come by as an indentured servant, and downright impossible when she’s forced to agree to an even harsher contract—marriage to a man she’s never met.
Backwoodsman Samuel Heath doesn’t care what others think of him—but his young daughter’s upbringing matters very much. The life of a trapper in the Carolina backcountry is no life for a small girl, but neither is abandoning his child to another family. He decides it’s time to marry again, but that proves to be an impossible task. Who wants to wed a murderer?
Both Samuel and Eleanor are survivors, facing down the threat of war, betrayal, and divided loyalties that could cost them everything, but this time they must face their biggest challenge ever . . .Love.
What I loved: Historical details are always a favorite of mine, and I really loved how the complexities of frontier life were displayed, especially for the heroine. To change from the pampered life of England to the comparably savage struggle of the frontier was fun to live through. I learned so much, and of course, I loved the romance. The struggle between the two to learn to love and trust each other was a slow thing, like a stew cooked to perfection takes hours and hours. Love is not rushed and I really enjoy that.
Favorite Character and Why: Samuel definitely won me over. He was a complex character, a puzzle to be figured out. He was both a man you loved and accepted as imperfect. He was real.
Who would like this? Anyone who loves frontier stories, romance, action, and danger. Also, if you love marriages of convenience, this is a fun story that breaks some of the molds.
Rating and Why: Four and a half. Michelle continues to be one of my favorite authors, and this story is no different. I will certainly be reading this one again. Her details were fantastic, the plot great, and the romantic tension consistent all the way to the end.
This is a little different from the reviews I typically do as it a children’s book, but since it is a fairy tale, I thought it fit well with the historical fiction focus.
I have two sons, ages ten and fourteen, and decided to read one chapter a night to them before bed. Honestly, I was afraid they’d stick their noses up in the air and Mom would be forced to go sulk and read it alone. But they enjoyed it! Even begged each night to read more than one chapter. For this momma who realizes her days forming these sort or memories are numbered, it was something I deeply treasured. At one point in the fight scene, they grabbed their toy swords and fought each other while I read.
The story was exciting as it followed the traditional fairy tale form. You have the monstrous villain, the brave hero, and the damsel in distress. The knight was a great example in doing what is right without expectation of reward because it is the right thing to do, and the princess was smart and compassionate. Of course, you can’t have a fairy tale without some sort of battle with good vs. evil. As I stated earlier, that was my boys’ favorite part.
It is definitely a story to read aloud, as the vocabulary is a little high level for young readers. I’d put it somewhere near a middle school level, but even if the younger readers don’t know the exact meaning, they can still greatly enjoy the story.
Even though I was provided a digital copy by the author/publisher, I’ve decided to purchase a hardcover copy. It is a story I hope to pull out on occasion and read to them, and perhaps one day, to my grandchildren.
Is it worth it to pay the higher price of a hardcover picture book? Yes. The pictures were simple in design but colorful and complemented the story well. The story itself was enjoyable and something I look forward to reading with my boys again… this time not from my tiny phone screen.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher. It in no way influenced my opinion as given above.*
Blurb from Amazon
Lord Tempesto is a snake in every sense. As a human, he is slimy, deceitful, and manipulative, but when he’s denied what he wants, he transforms into a gigantic, powerful snake. He wants nothing more than to rule the kingdom himself, and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Princess Melina is meant to rule her father’s kingdom someday, but she doesn’t want to do it alone. However, the search for a noble suitor brings a monster to the palace gates. When monster Lord Tempesto captures her and threatens to devour her beloved kingdom if she doesn’t marry him, she has no choice but to submit to the repulsive monster’s demands.
James, the son of a knight, hears about Princess Melina’s plight and sets out on the long journey to rescue her. But his own skills aren’t enough to win the fight against such a ruthless, powerful monster, and it takes teamwork between the captive and her rescuer to save the kingdom from the monster for good.
The Knight in Battered Armor shows children of all ages the importance of doing what is right no matter what and not being afraid to protect what is most important.
I am so excited to share with you this interview with Grace Hitchcock. Her book, The White City has become a new favorite of mine. It’s one of those books I’m going to force everyone I know to read books. So I’m going to give away a print copy to one happy commenter below. Be sure to answer the Fun Question with your email written in this format name (at) place (dot) com. 😉 Don’t worry, I’ll remind you at the bottom. Now on to meet this amazing author!!
Grace Hitchcock is the author of The White City andThe Gray Chamber from Barbour Publishing. She has written multiple novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com. For author news, sign up for Grace Hitchcock’s newsletter here.
Crystal: I am so excited to have you here, Grace! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions!
Grace:Thank you so much for having me here.
Sweet or Unsweet Tea?
Grace:While I never drink iced tea, I adore hot tea with a ridiculous amount of sugar! One lump or Two? Better make it Three or Four.
Crystal: I’m with you on the iced tea, but no sugar for me. Sometimes honey, but not sugar.
Beach Vacation or Mountain Getaway?
Grace: Beach vacation! Nothing is more relaxing to me than a salty breeze and the sound of the waves.
Crystal: After this winter, I could go for a beach break.
Homebody or Love to Travel?
Grace: Both! I love to get out on little adventures throughout the year, but home is always my favorite.
Crystal: I bet it is hard traveling with a toddler, too. It’s been a while, but I remember it being tiring.
Morning Person or Night Owl?
Grace: Morning person☺ Turns out my little toddler is quite the morning person too.
Crystal: Then it is a good thing you both like mornings!
Bookmark or Dog-ear Pages?
Grace: I winced at the question haha bookmark all the way! I even hesitate to dog-ear printed out articles I’m studying!
Crystal: I definitely cringe asking the question. So you’re in good company.
Writing & Life
What are you reading right now?
Grace:I just finished Unblemished by Sarah Ella! Soooo good and I am dying to read book two now, but have to get it at my library. I pre-ordered Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano and am loving it!
Crystal: I’ll have to check out Unblemished. I’ve never heard of it, but I know Jen’s books are always good for a laugh.
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
Grace: I would say finding balance with motherhood! As my baby grows, my writing habits continually change. When I wrote The White City, my baby gave me three naptimes during which I could write and catch up on household needs…and now, we are down to one precious nap a day. Heaven help me when I lose that one nap haha but for now, I’m holding onto it as long as I can.
Crystal: Oh, if only we could nap that many times in a day and still be productive. LOL
While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as an exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for a bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?
Questions about The White City
Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?
Grace: Winnifred Wylde from The White City! With her character, I gave her the love of reading and a romantic, fun spirit. She isn’t afraid to be silly, but can be serious. Also, I gave her my sweet tooth, which gave me the perfect excuse to eat some inspirational chocolate as I wrote.
Crystal: I loved Winnifred, and her name is so uncommon now that I smiled every time I read it.
What was some of your favorite research you discovered while preparing for The White City?
Grace: I loved studying all about the World’s Fair and the exhibits they had! I found an amazing map that showed me the exact layout of the fair. (If anyone wants to see it, I have in on my Pinterest board!) I’d say my favorite part of the fair was researching for the Ferris Wheel scene. I had no idea the wheel could house 50 people per car! Could you imagine being suspended in the air with all those people crowding in about you with no deodorant on a hot summer day?
Crystal: I certainly can’t, but if it is anything compared to being stuck in a car with a teenage boy after a sweaty sport on a day he forgot deodorant, I don’t want to!
Do you have any upcoming projects, releases, or sales?
Grace: I can hardly believe that The White City is out in the wild!! Now, I’m planning for the release of my next novella, “The Bridal Shop” in Thimbles and Threads from Barbour Publishing, in July 2019. This story is about Alice Turner, a young bridal shop owner who snubs marriage…until she meets a handsome groomsman named Giles Clayton who attempts to change her mind.
I’m currently working on my next True Colors book for Barbour called The Gray Chamber, a tale of an eccentric heiress wrongfully committed to the notorious Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island. Coming January 2020
Crystal: Oh, yay!!! I am so excited about The Gray Chamber! And I had no idea about the next novella. Now my TBR pile has gotten a bit taller.
Fun, Zaney Question of the Day
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot? Why?
Grace: A Holland Lop Bunny! Bunnies have always been my favorite pets with their sweet personalities. I’ve had four in the past and hope to have a few more in future years!
Crystal: Oh fun! I’ve only seen bunnies out in the wild and at one friend’s house. They look so soft. Thank you so much for sharing so much for talking books with us! I truly appreciate it.
Readers, enter to win your own copy of The White City by commenting your answer below. Be sure to leave me your email address in this format: name (at) place (dot) com.
This contest will end on March 12th, 2019. The winner will be announced on this page and then contacted via the email address provided. (Restricted to U.S. Residents, 18 and older, only.) The winner will be picked through a random name picker. Best of luck! You’re going to LOVE this book.
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