My Thoughts on Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

 

About:

Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .

Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

My Thoughts:

This is the third in the Texas Ever After series that have well-known fairy-tale elements within them. This one is of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, and I enjoyed seeing all of the nods to the original tales, while still making this story all its own.

This started out with a bang, and then for me, anyway, slowed down a bit. This one more so than the other two, really felt like it had more of the fairy tale vibe going on. About halfway through, I began to really be pulled into this tale of a missing heiress and the Pinkerton agent sent to find her. 

When Letty and Philip begin their journey back to her mother and for Letty to take her place in society, the adventure really picks up speed and keeps going till the end. My favorite part was watching their love story play out. Even their reluctance to act on their feelings did not keep them from being true friends. There is strong themes of family, sacrifice, and love, familial and romantic.

Again, I enjoyed seeing all the nods to the original tales play out in this story while still feeling for these characters and their trials. Especially the sacrifice of Letty's mother, the steadfastness of her grandmother, and the unwavering faith of Letty.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

My Thoughts on Soso and the Kako Leaf by Bella Disu and Illustrated by Awele Emili

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Soso and The Kako Leaf by Bella Disu
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 6-12),  78 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  The Good Work Company
Release date:   June 19, 2022
Content Rating:  G. Children's Book.

Book Description:

​Follow the life of young Soso as she encounters mysteries and unearths traditions that have existed long before she was born.Be part of her adventures as she gains confidence, self-esteem, and an understanding of her deep cultural heritage.

Buy the Book
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This book is available for special purchases in bulk by organizations and institutions, not for resale, at special discounts. Please email all inquiries to The Good Work Company.

My Thoughts:

My love for stories started with fairy tales, so whenever I hear about one, I have not read before, I am instantly interested. Soso and the Kako Leaf is a story about a nine-year-old girl on her birthday, which is already pretty magical as birthdays go as the date of her birthday is the ninth. So, she is turning nine on the ninth and her family is planning a very special birthday party for her. Everything is turning out wonderfully, except for the fact that the birthmark on her leg is getting bigger not smaller as she had hoped. And she also has to go to her brother's soccer practice.

Well, Soso makes the best of the day anyway and heads out exploring when she falls into an enchanted world where she is the princess Asabi and she must rid her kingdom of the evil ruler that wants to keep being queen. Well, through this adventure Soso gains confidence and courage in who she is no matter the birthmark others may make fun of. She learns to be kind to herself.

This was a fun enchanting tale with beautiful, and I mean beautiful artwork throughout. This is a bigger book than usual which was a bonus and a tale worth telling of being yourself. There is a glossary in the back for pronunciation to help the readers as well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

​Bella Disu is a mother of two wonderful children. She is an enthusiastic lover of art as well as an avid reader. From a young age, she has been enamoured with rich cultural folktales. Now, she channels her love for art and her passion for reading into writing stories. Her stories use new forms to pass on the tales she heard growing up to the next generation.

Bella is also a renowned business leader who is committed to corporate governance and business innovation. In December 2019, she became the youngest ever recipient of the French National Honor - Chevalier dans L'ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her efforts at promoting French culture in Nigeria.
​
She is married and lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her family.
​
connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ instagram

My Thoughts and More on Iron by Madisyn Carlin

 

About the Book

Book: Iron

Author: Madisyn Carlin

Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling

Release date: September 30, 2022

Enforcing justice comes with a price.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?

IRON is a Christian, New Adult, Fantasy Fairytale Retelling

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

First and foremost, this is a Cinderella retelling. I adore fairytales and I especially am curious when authors put their unique spin on them. This was an interesting one and it is the first in a series.

I do not know if there are other books that involve this series that were written previously or not, but all of these characters had pretty well-established backstories. Some of the past is unraveled as we find out secrets and revelations along with the characters. Red is a complicated character along with her friends and family. And I was not sure who were the traditional characters in the Cinderella story. This story was surrounded by mystery and a lot of unknowns along with characters searching for where they fit in their world.

There was also a lot of kidnapping of children, which I did think that not many of the townspeople or nobles were that concerned about, in the beginning only Red seemed to care.

This is a fantasy that puts me more in the mind of a medieval story. There is no magic and I really appreciated the author's take on Cinderella.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

 

More from Madisyn

There are many original Cinderella stories, from all cultures and languages. Perhaps the two most common tales, however, are Frenchman Charles Perrault’s (also called Cendrillon) and the German Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel. The majority of these originals, and Brothers Grimm’s in particular, are not the sparkles-and-magic versions we are more familiar with. They are darker, bloodier, and deadlier, though they still possess an amazing display of creativity and storytelling.

 

The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.

 

Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.

 

Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.

 

So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.

 

You can find IRON’s inspiration board here.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 31

Blogging With Carol, April 1

For Him and My Family, April 2

Mary Hake, April 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 3

Pause for Tales, April 4

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of one signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24fef/iron-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts on Shattered Reflection by Madisyn Carlin

 

About the Book

Book: Shattered Reflection

Author: Madisyn Carlin

Genre: New Adult Christian Fantasy / Fairytale Retelling

Release date: December 21, 2022

Can hope be found for four shattered souls?

Princess Nordica Icerri’s crown will be purchased with blood—her blood. Now the sole heir to the throne, she is determined to be the queen the Snowlands deserve, but that comes with a price: a numbed heart and soul. Only when she meets kidnapped physician Loren Alocer does Nordica allow herself to hope she can become queen without completely losing herself. But not everyone wants what’s best for the Snowlands, and Nordica’s upcoming rule is compromised at every turn. Can the criminal physician—and his faith—thaw Nordica’s heart, or is she destined to be the heartless queen she is being forced to become?

War shattered not only Breac Finson’s heart, but his faith as well. Tired of fighting, Breac only wants to be left alone, but his efforts are for naught when a friend calls in a favor. He soon finds himself in an unexpected alliance with Layree Alocer, a woman determined to find her wrongfully-kidnapped brother at all costs. Can a broken soldier help right a wrong—and find his faith again in the process?

Sides must be chosen and loyalties will be tested as a new war approaches. Can broken lives be mended in time to help save the Snowlands, or is evil already too deeply embedded?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Shattered Reflection is a hefty fantasy novel that deals in a world that is often cold, restless, and on the verge of another war. The king and queen are dead, and the princess is being used as a pawn by her aunt and uncle, that not only affects her, but their abuse of power is felt throughout the kingdom.

This is a story that is told through multiple narrators. Each trying to keep their faith in tack or trying to find it again. There is danger a plenty and there is quite a bit of violence our characters must deal with and go through.

This is an epic fantasy with much political intrigue and is based on the fairytale The Snow Queen. These young people show loyalty to their loved ones, one another, and to their country as they must persevere in a world that is often violent and against them. Whom can they trust and will they survive their reality? 

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

 

More from Madisyn

What comes to your mind when you think about fairytale retellings? Is it Disney’s 1950 retelling of Cinderella? Glittery swirls of magic? Talking animals? Pretty gowns? Or, perhaps, frying pans or a sassy dragon?

My interest regarding fairytales was first piqued when I was young. Though I was only three, I distinctly remember riding in the car and flipping through the three-story fairytale collection my mom just purchased for me. I couldn’t read, but the bright colors and abundance of animals entranced me. Now I not only read fairytales, I write retellings of them.

Why, though? Aren’t fairytales just fun stories that sometimes impart a lesson?

No. Fairytales are much more than that. The majority of fairytales contain deep, important lessons the authors or culture of that time wanted their readers and listeners to learn from. Fairytales offer encouragement, hope, and include gentle reminders about doing the right thing even when we don’t want to.

Take, for instance, The Snow Queen, which is the fairytale I modeled Shattered Reflection after. In The Snow Queen, the forefront themes are loyalty and perseverance. No matter what trials the female protagonist endures, she pushes on with the mindset that rescuing her best friend is worth the effort and pain.

Aside from being rich in wry humor, breathtaking scenic descriptions and worldbuilding, and interesting characters, The Snow Queen contains faith and reminds readers that our ultimate source of strength is God—not ourselves.

This is what I wanted to emulate in Shattered Reflection. This story—with its broken characters, tattered kingdoms, and insidious antagonists—contains plenty of faith amidst pain, questions, and wounded hearts. I wanted to illustrate that, no matter what we’re going through, God is in control and nothing and no one ever slips from His grasp.

 

What is Shattered Reflection?

Title: Shattered Reflection

Series: The Shattered Lands | Book One

Genre: NA Christian Fantasy

Subgenre: Fairytale retelling (The Snow Queen)

POVS: 5

Ages: Appropriate for ages 15+ due to non-graphic violence

Core Themes: Salvation, Loyalty, and Forgiveness

 

Shattered Reflection is a Christian fairytale retelling which incorporates heavy faith elements, numerous action scenes, clean romance, and plenty of evil villains.

 

Content Warning:

SR1 contains heavy topics, although none are described in a gratuitous and gory manner. There is also a lot of violence, so I do not recommend this book for anyone younger than fifteen. If you are older than fifteen and are easily bothered by such content, then this probably is not the book for you.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

To Everything There Is A Season, January 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 24

Cover Lover Book Review, January 25

deb’s Book Review, January 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

Literature Approved, January 28

Denise L. Barela, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30

Blogging With Carol, January 31

Through the Fire Blogs, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

For Him and My Family, February 3

Rebecca Tews, February 4

Holly’s Book Corner, February 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of one autographed paperback copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23bc6/shattered-reflection-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae

 

About the Book

Book:  A Dark Beauty

Author: Clarissa Kae

Genre: Fairytale

Release date: March 9, 2021

 

A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast

Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.

Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.

When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.

Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was an interesting retelling of my favorite fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Taking place in Victorian England, our two main characters, Georgiana and Lord Dom Pichon have something in common. They are both scarred by a fire that Dom believes was set by her family on purpose. 

Enter Queen Victoria and her need of Georgiana to secure Prince Albert's Crystal Palace, but her cousin Dom sees that as a mistake. As he really does not trust Georgiana and her family no matter their ability in the best locks around. So the story picks up and I enjoyed how the author wove the old tale and it's characters into her story. Dom and Georgiana have quite the biting repertoire with one another and we are told what a beauty Georgiana is. Not all of the characters were obvious at first, but after reading and pondering for awhile, I can see the cleverness of this retelling. I also enjoyed the Gothic feel it also possessed.

This was my first author Kae novel and I have been quite interested in her work for awhile. I did enjoy the story, it moved a little slow at the beginning for me and then the tale picked up. I look forward to reading more of her work.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

 

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.

 

Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.

 

She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.

 

More from Clarissa

As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version. When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream as come true.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, March 25

Labor Not in Vain, March 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

The Write Escape, March 26

Books and Everyday Life, March 26

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Breny and Books, March 27

The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Through the Fire Blog, March 30

Inklings and notions, March 30

deb’s Book Review, March 31

Connect in Fiction, March 31

Inside the Wong Mind, March 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1

Inspiration Clothesline, April 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3

To Everything There Is A Season, April 3

Beauty in the Binding, April 3

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Blogging With Carol, April 4

A Baker’s Perspective, April 5

Genesis 5020, April 5

Pause for Tales, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Godly Book Reviews, April 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7

Mary Hake, April 7

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two winners one $25 Amazon gift card each!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/109d3/a-dark-beauty-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire by Jennifer Faye

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Fairytale Christmas with the Millionaire

(Once Upon a Fairytale #3)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling

Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages

December 1, 2020 by Harlequin Romance

He thinks he has it all…

…until he meets his spirited Cinderella!

Under threat of eviction, Alina Martin finds herself making a deal with infamous CEO Graham Toliver. He may be used to getting what he wants, but Alina’s not going to back down. Yet as Alina gets to know Graham, she realizes that there is more to the charming CEO than she initially thought—could their arrangement lead to her happily-ever-after in time for Christmas?

From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Bookshelf | Book Depository | PRINT

Walmart | BAM | IndieBound | Apple Books | Kobo | GooglePlay

Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

My Thoughts:

A Cinderella Christmas and a billionaire Grinch was what this cute little story was about. Alina loves Christmas and she loves the old building she calls home. Not only does she work as a waitress but she is also the beloved building manager. Taking her father's place after he passed.

Graham Toliver is also trying to live up to his late father's expectations. But to do that he needs to take away what Alina is trying most in the world to save. Her apartment building, thus displacing her and all the residents she considers family.

As they meet, sparks fly along with attraction. A plan is made and a deal is struck. Each of their hearts soften toward one another, but it will take more for them to come to a satisfying conclusion.

This is a contemporary story but I really enjoyed how the author brought in all of the elements of the fairy tale and wrapped it in a nice Christmas package as well. This was a heartwarming story of finding new love and new reasons to move on from the past and live in the present and hope for the future. 

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | BookBub | Newsletter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and autographed copies of the first two books in the Once Upon A Fairytale series: BEAUTY AND HER BOSS and MISS WHITE AND THE SEVENTH HEIR (US only, if winner is international digital copies will be sent instead)

Ends December 16, 2020

ENTER HERE

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Swift by RJ Anderson

 

About the Book

Book:  Swift
Author: RJ Anderson
Genre:  Christian Fantasy
Release Date: August 18, 2020

To save her people, a wingless girl must learn to fly.

As a piskey girl born without wings and raised underground, Ivy yearns for flight almost as much as she misses her long-lost mother. But the world outside the Delve is full of danger, and her dreams seem hopeless until she meets a mysterious faery who makes her an enticing offer: If Ivy helps him escape the Delve’s dungeon, he’ll teach her how to fly.

Freeing Richard could cost Ivy her reputation, perhaps even her life. But when her fellow piskeys start to disappear and her beloved little sister goes missing, Ivy has no choice but to take the risk.

Deadly threats and shocking revelations await Ivy as she ventures into a strange new world, uncovers long-buried secrets about her family’s past, and finds that no one—not even herself—is entirely what they seem.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Swift was an engaging read that blends Cornish folktales with the modern day human world. I had never heard of piskeys and wondered if it was a misspelling. I ended up looking it up and found out about a new to me little person.

This story starts out six years before the main action begins. Something dreadful happens that affects the life of a family- at the time, the main charactrer Ivy is 13. Ivy is a piskey girl who was born without wings, only knubs where they should have been, and for awhile had been very sickly. But as she grows and secrets of her past and of her beloved home come to the surface, Ivy finds strength to pursue the truth even when the fear is very great.

Ivy also meets some characters who actually end up being good for her and trustworthy companions no matter the scary stories that have been told about their kind. 

This story was about finding truth and stepping out of your comfort zone and realizing that fear can and will control you if you let it. This is just the first in this series and I look forward to the others. I recommend this book to adults, young adults, and even younger children who would like to listen to it. This was a fun fantasy mixed with our world fairy tale.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Born in Uganda to missionary parents, R.J. (Rebecca Joan) Anderson is a women’s Bible teacher, a wife and mother of three, and a bestselling fantasy author for older children and teens. Her debut novel Knife has sold more than 120,000 copies worldwide, while her other books have been shortlisted for the Nebula Award, the Christy Award, and the Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Science Fiction. Rebecca lives with her family in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

More from R.J. Anderson

FEAR, FAITH AND LEARNING TO FLY

What would you give to feel safe? If you could hide from all life’s dangers and anyone who might harm you, and spend your whole life in a beautiful, comfortable home surrounded by friends, family and all the necessities of life, would you?

That’s the kind of place that Ivy, the teenaged heroine of Swift, has grown up in — a glittering underground complex called the Delve, where safety and protection are paramount, and young girls especially are warned not to take foolish risks. Like climbing the wall of the Great Shaft that leads to the surface, for instance. Or going outside for any reason, except for two special nights of the year. In the world of modern-day Cornwall, the converted tin mine where Ivy and her fellow piskeys live is their only refuge from scheming faeries, greedy humans, and their deadliest enemies of all, the spriggans. And since Ivy’s mother was stolen by the spriggans six years ago, Ivy knows all too well how dangerous the outside world can be.

But as Ivy discovers when she stumbles on a mysterious Shakespeare-quoting prisoner in her people’s dungeon, safety isn’t everything. If “Richard” is telling the truth about what happened to Ivy’s long-lost mother, there may be more going on in the Delve — and outside it — than Ivy ever guessed. How far will she go to find the truth?

When I first started writing Swift, one of the ideas I wanted to explore was how much our prejudices and false perceptions limit us. Ivy’s been taught to fear everything and everyone outside the Delve, and that her poor health and lack of wings means she will never be worthy or whole. But when she starts to ask questions and search for answers, Ivy discovers that much of what she’s always believed is a lie.

What I didn’t realize until I’d finished writing the whole Flight and Flame trilogy is that in many ways, Ivy’s story parallels that of Moses in the book of Exodus. Like Moses when God first called him, Ivy doesn’t think she has anything to offer her people, or any chance of convincing the stern, suspicious piskey queen to set them free. But when Ivy learns to look beyond her fears and self-doubts and step out in faith — even if she’s not sure yet what it means or where it will lead her — extraordinary things happen and her world begins to change.

We all crave safety and security. But if we refuse to step outside our comfort zones or ever question our prejudices, our lives and hearts will stagnate. It’s only when we open ourselves up to truth and act on it, even if it’s hard or unpopular to do so, that we can truly soar.

I’ve loved writing Ivy’s story. I hope you’ll love reading it, too.

— R.J. Anderson (www.rj-anderson.com)

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, August 31

Blogging With Carol, August 31

Through the Fire Blogs, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 2

Worthy2read, September 3

Texas Book-aholic, September 4

The Book Chic Blog, September 4

For Him and My Family, September 5

deb’s Book Review, September 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 7

Mia Reads, September 7

Artistic Nobody, September 8 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For the Love of Literature, September 9

Daughter of Increase, September 9

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 10

Simple Harvest Reads, September 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Vicky Sluiter, September 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 12

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 13

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, R.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a signed and personalized bookplate, two bookmarks, and two beautiful blank-inside notecards with artwork by Kirk DouPonce and Rory Kurtz!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fff5/swift-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Dust by Kara Swanson

 

About the Book

Title: Dust
Authors: Kara Swanson
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Release Date: July 21, 2020

The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London…and a boy who shouldn’t exist. Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins. The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself.

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My Thoughts:

It has been way too long since I have read a YA book that captured my attention, was an unbelievable good story, and did not have a bunch of garbage in it. It is also kind of funny that I have actually picked up two YA books this week to read. This one and another one I have been waiting a long time to read.

Dust has it's roots in the fairytale of Peter Pan. It is not a retelling of the story but a continuation of what-ifs and what might be happening now. I was mesmerized from the very beginning by a young woman's story, Claire, who has had a very hard time fitting in and not only that but she has also been searching for and dealing with the emotional, physical, and spiritual ramifications of her missing twin brother for six very long years. Now everything seems to be falling into place for her to find Connor.

Peter is of course one of the main characters as well. What I really liked was that the author captured the essence of his character. He was still the over confident, aggressive, selfish little boy he always was, except he is also wrapped in a different package. Peter has grown some. I will not say anymore, except that Peter Pan was never a favorite of mine but this Peter has grown on me.

The author brings in other important characters: Tiger Lilly, Hook, a Darling, the Lost Boys. I enjoyed all the references back to the original story along with the new mythos. This was a highly entertaining read that I would recommend to a wide range of readers. It surprised me how fascinated I became with the story and I wait in anticipation for the second helping in this Heirs of Neverland series.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

As the daughter of missionaries, Kara Swanson spent her childhood running barefoot through the lush jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped into a unique new world, she quickly fell in love with the fantasy genre. The award-winning author of The Girl Who Could See, Kara is passionate about crafting stories of light shattering darkness, connecting with readers, and becoming best friends with a mermaid—though not necessarily in that order. Kara chats about coffee, fairy tales and bookish things online (@karaswansonauthor) and at karaswanson.com

More from Kara

I wrote Dust not just for those who grew up loving the original Peter Pan story — but especially for the children who were left behind. Those of us who never escaped through a window to a magical world, whose childhoods oftentimes felt a little shadowed.

Dust follows Peter Pan when he is cast out of Neverland, grounded in London. For the first time, this Peter has to start thinking about someone other than himself—and become a beacon to remind any Lost ones that there is still magic to be found.

Dust also follows a young woman named Claire who can create pixie dust, but is desperately afraid of herself because when her fears and insecurities leak out, her dust starts to burn. Claire has seen too many shadows to believe in fairytales anymore and is doing everything she can just to lock away the strange dust dripping from her fingertips. But when she meets Peter, he challenges everything she thought she knew.

I wrote Claire for those of us who may feel too weighted to even remember what it feels like to have hope lift your soul. Who can look at ourselves and all we see are our own shadows and shortcomings.

Throughout the course of the novel, Peter has to teach Claire how to see the spark of light inside herself that is far brighter than the darkness. As he helps this girl learn how to fly, Peter rediscovers what it is that truly makes him Peter Pan: the unquenchable childlike belief that there are weightless thoughts in all of us that can lift us out of the shadows.

This story is a love letter to anyone who has ever needed that reminder. We have value simply because we exist. We do not have to be weighed down by our shadows. There is still light that can lift our hearts if we have faith, trust…and a dash of the impossible.

Blog Stops

Andrea Christenson, July 31

Rebecca Tews, July 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

For the Love of Literature, August 2

deb’s Book Review, August 2

Emily Yager, August 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 3

Blessed & Bookish, August 3

Through the Fire Blogs, August 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 4

Worthy2Read, August 5

Losing the Busyness, August 5

Adventures of A Travelers Wife, August 5

Remembrancy, August 6

Wishful Endings, August 6

Inklings and notions, August 7

April Hayman, Author, August 7

For Him and My Family, August 8

Musings of A Sassy Bookish Mama, August 8

Inside the Wong Mind, August 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 9

Nancy E Wood, August 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 10

Mia Reads, August 10

Simple Harvest Reads, August 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Faery Tales Are Real, August 11

Artistic Nobody, August 12

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 12

Pause for Tales, August 12

Just the Write Escape, August 13

Blossoms and Blessings, August 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kara is giving away the grand prize package of a Dust-themed bundle that includes a signed hardcover, bookmarks, character cards, Peter + Claire art print, and an exclusive Dust pin!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fe3a/dust-celebration-tour