Edgy Inspirational Romance

Recommended: ROSES HAVE THORNS (a novel of Elizabeth I) by Sandra Byrd (Ladies in Waiting series)

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

What it's about (from publisher Howard Books):

From the acclaimed author of To Die For comes a stirring novel told that sheds new light on Elizabeth I and her court. Like Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, Sandra Byrd has attracted countless fans for evoking the complexity, grandeur, and brutality of the Tudor period. In her latest tour de force, she poses the question: What happens when serving a queen may cost you your marriage — or your life?

In 1565, 17-year-old Elin von Snakenborg leaves Sweden on a treacherous journey to England. Her fiancé has fallen in love with her sister and her dowry money has been gambled away, but ahead of her lies an adventure that will take her to the dizzying heights of Tudor power. Transformed through marriage into Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth's circle. But in a court that is surrounded by Catholic enemies who plot the queen's downfall, Helena is forced to choose between her unyielding monarch and the husband she's not sure she can trust--a choice that will provoke catastrophic consequences.

Vividly conjuring the years leading up to the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots,Roses Have Thorns is a brilliant exploration of treason, both to the realm and to the heart.

Why you should read it: Each title in Sandra Byrd's Ladies in Waiting series has hooked me into its world, but this latest novel, set in the court of Elizabeth I, is not only the final of the series, but my favorite. Roses Have Thorns gives a backstage peek into Elizabethan times — a little bit like the Tudor court version of modern celebrity gossip, but much more intimate -- and altogether lovelier. Beautifully set against a woman's heartbreaking hunger for love, Roses Have Thorns is one of those books in which your eyeballs just can't seem to move fast enough to soak in every rich detail and every delicious secret.

Scandalous gossip! Court intrigue! Forbidden romance! Roses Have Thorns is addictive reading — a guilty pleasure that will transport your heart to the edge of despair and, with a sigh, to the renewal of hope.

(the bulk of this review first appeared at USA Today's Happy Ever After blog. It has been updated for EIR readers.

Recommended: TAKE A CHANCE ON ME first in a new series by Susan May Warren

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Mon, 06 May 2013 07:30:00 +0000

What it's about (from publisher Tyndale House):

Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor — oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he's also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near.

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn't know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity's death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she's always longed for. And once she gets past Darek's tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife's case.

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy — a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

Why you should read it: Darek is a gruff and angry former dare-devil firefighter with several axes to grind, but he has a definite soft spot when it comes to the tender way he is raising his preschool-age son, Tiger, alone. *swoon alert!* A graduate of the foster care system, Ivy has made a successful life for herself, but she doesn't believe love, romance, or family are things she can ever claim for herself. When one moment of loneliness and compassion purchases a date with the town's most ineligible bachelor (Darek), however, she can't help but be drawn into his life--especially after she meets his big, loving family.

The Christiansen family is the ideal Ivy dreamed of during her messed-up childhood, being shuffled from one foster home to the other — and she would do anything to protect them. But as Ivy settles into her new town--and romance begins to sizzle with Darek--she realizes that Deep Haven is too small, and too close-knit a community, to keep anyone's secrets for long. And the secret she keeps could put her on the outs with Darek and his family for good.

Take a Chance on Me is the first of six books in this new series from prolific author Susan May Warren — and I couldn't be more excited! I've already fallen in love with the Christiansen family and I can't wait to see how Warren brings true and lasting love into the lives of Darek's two brothers and three sisters.

(the bulk of this review first appeared at USA Today's Happy Ever After blog, but it has been updated for EIR readers.)

Eyes of E'veria Blog Tour + Giveaway! Books, Swag, & (of course) CHOCOLATE!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Click here to purchase

Hey! Did y'all know that THE REMEDY (Eyes of E'veria, book two) is now available at Amazon? Well, my dears, it is! And to celebrate, I (with the awesome awesome wonderful help of super-tour-booker Joy Tamsin David) will be making the rounds of the blogosphere throughout the month of May. We'll be promoting both THE RYN and its sequel, THE REMEDY with interviews, guest posts, giveaways, and more!

Eyes of E'veria Blog Tour: NOW through May 31, 2013!!!

You can visit (and like!) MY FACEBOOK PAGE for daily tour updates or just hop over to MY WEBSITE for a regularly updated list of links to where you can get the inside scoop on THE RYN & THE REMEDY as well as multiple chances to win! There will be one giveaway package for EACH stop on this blog tour (limit one package per winner) So make sure you visit all the sites!

I've been so busy keeping up with the various stops on the blog tour, that I failed to offer the giveaway right here at home! A hundred pardons, EIR readers! And here, at long last, is how you can enter the EIR portion of this giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Recommended: THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT by Beth Wiseman

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:12:00 +0000

What it's about (from publisher Thomas Nelson)

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen's rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she's intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She's always heard that house holds a secret — maybe even a treasure — and she can't wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can't deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband's memory by even thinking that way?

Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She'd always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he's going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen's heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again?

Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town's teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat — and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.

Why you should read it: Beth Wiseman built a name for herself penning Amish fiction, but The House that Love Built is a clear departure from that popular genre (otherwise, readers-who-know-how-I-feel-about-Amish-fiction, you know it wouldn't have landed on my rec shelf!) In this novel, Wiseman lives "in the now" with contemporary mainstream-American characters in the picturesque town of Smithville, Texas. Her characters are broken by the loss of spouses through death and divorce, but the romance, while resisted by both parties, sparks to life with layers of instant-but-building attraction. Add in a few light bulb moments in which her characters reconcile themselves with the idea of a second chance at love, but then back pedal out of fear, and you can hardly wait for those moments when, after reclining into the sweet compatibility of friendship, a surprising kiss reminds them that there could be something more.

Every time I come across an author who isn't afraid to portray broken people as they really are, I cheer. And I cheered for this one! Even though it is what I would classify as a "sweet romance," there is just enough grit in the characters' hearts and pasts to make them accessible to the rest of us sinners. And the repeated backpedaling from love is very true-to-life -- and to these characters.

A theme of forgiveness is threaded through both characters' stories, and minor characters help to vividly redefine what a "family" can truly become if we allow ourselves to open our concept of that word up to a fresh interpretation. Although the story starts a bit slowly, the characters soon reel you in to their romance and it becomes hard to walk away from them. A few twists, turns and revelations later, the tale is rounded out with a sweet and satisfying ending.

(the bulk of this review originally appeared at USA Today's Happy Ever After blog, but a bit extra has been added for the EIR audience.)

Big Changes at Edgy Inspirational Romance!

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

When I started Edgy Inspirational Romance a few years ago, I put a lot of thought into the design. It paired sweet pink colors with edgier reds and browns. It combined whimsical script with bold block letters. The style hit the target I was aiming for: mostly innocent with a few rough edges. Back then, that described both my writing and my blogging style.

But our blogging style has evolved. Our interests have changed, and the design of Edgy Inspirational Romance was giving off a distinct shag-carpet vibe. It felt dated and chunky, not unlike those high-feathered bangs I wore in high school.

Thanks to Hannah at Simply You Design Studio, our old blog design has gone the way of avacado appliances. Here's a parting photo in case you'll miss it:

We've replaced it with a cleaner, more professional look which we hope reflects the direction we're heading. Those of you reading on your Kindles, by email, or in a feed reader will want to click over now to see the new digs!

Along with the re-design, Serena and I are tweaking operations a bit. The biggest change will be in our content. I love to read YA and Serena is now a multi-published YA author, so it only makes sense to start reviewing YA here.

We will no longer be an exclusively Christian fiction book review blog.

We've expanded our review policy to include both general market and Christian fiction Young Adult books.

So grab our new blog button and poke around the place. Let us what you think of the changes!

Click HERE to Insert Foot In Mouth--Or, Mortification By Pinning

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:16:00 +0000

Image credit:
<a href='http://www.123rf.com/photo_11889927_redhead-with-messy-hair-covering-
her-face-with-hands.html'>jessmine / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

It's a huge rush when the possibility of new writing adventure comes down the pike. Especially when that "new project excitement" enables you to procrastinate from what you should really be working on.

I did that yesterday. And maybe a bit today.

You see, I have a particular author friend. Earlier this week (Okay, every day this week) we've gabbed a bit. In one of these recent gab-sessions--just messing around--we sort of plotted out a book together--in the loosest terms, you understand, but still. We joked about it for a while, got pretty silly with it, actually. And then... there was a light bulb moment when we both realized:

Hey, we might be on to something here.

And it sort of snowballed from there (probably because we were both procrastinating.) We chatted about characters, quirks, settings, subplots... it was some real rip-roaring fun. Yes, the idea sort of grabbed hold of me and... it wouldn't let go.

So there I was, at 1 o'clock in the morning, taking our chat to the next level by making an inspiration board on Pinterest. I was referring to our Facebook chatter, a couple of emails, and happily, sleepily pinning pictures on to a new board, just absolutely fired up to find images that fit some of the scenes, settings, and characters we had talked about. Finally, I went to bed.

I had a busy, away-from-my-office morning, but this afternoon I opened Pinterest and saw many of my previous night's pins on my home page. I scrolled down the page, and when I came to one of the character photos I had pinned in my sleep-deprived frenzy, I realized that I had not deleted the original pinner's label-- you know, the comment right below the pin that looks like you wrote it? That comment that looks for all the world like it's something YOU said about that image? Except YOU didn't? Someone else did. You just forgot to delete it when you repinned.

Can you say... PANIC?!?

The picture was of a rather dashing fellow, a hero type... and at 1 a.m. this morning, I thought he might fit one of the characters we'd spoken about a bit. But wide awake at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, seeing that label/comment that looked like it came from ME?

Oh, no!

You see, I am a happily married woman and I would NEVER... and I mean NEVER make a comment like what the original pinner had said (let's just say it had something to do with desire and leave it at that, k?) but I didn't even SEE the comment in my pinning frenzy, let alone take the time to ERASE IT.

So yes, I am mortified. There are 62 people who follow all my boards, and 142 people who follow certain boards of mine. I know that's not a huge number, relatively speaking-- but many of those followers are author friends, readers, (even teen readers), publicists, publishers... even people in my family and in my community! Even one (who I didn't even realize was following me until today!) who works with my husband! To think that any of those people might think that I would say something so detrimental to my marriage-- that I would make a brash comment about desiring some anonymous man who is not my husband? *bangs head on desk* Mortifying. Utterly mortifying.

So let me just state, for the record: Yes, I read, write, and promote romantic fiction. I believe in the power of Story and that, when well done, romance fiction can be a positive force in teaching us how to love, how to be loved, and, ultimately, how to accept the beautiful romancing of The One Who Woos, Jesus. But, like many readers and writers of this genre, I also recognize the difference between fiction and reality. My desire is not for some fictional creation, no matter how much I appreciate the romance an author has created within his/her story, or some photogenic stranger. My desire is for one man and one man only. His name is DAVE and he rocks my world.

So... what did I do about my mortifying pinning faux pas?

First, I went in and deleted the comment. Next, I changed the name of the board to better reflect what that particular board actually IS meant to represent. Finally, I added a disclaimer to the board description. Still, I felt like I had to put a disclaimer out there in a place it might be seen by some of those followers who might now think I'm a hussy, floozy, adulterous-minded freakshow. Hence, this post.

As an advocate of positive, faith-and-marriage-affirming romance fiction, I am absolutely appalled that I would let something like that slip through the cracks--something that could so easily damage not only my reputation, but my testimony. Romance fiction, specifically Inspirational Romance Fiction, has come under fire in recent years due to just such issues--married women being accused of desiring romance beyond their marriages. I hate to think that something I repinned in creativity-driven haste would add more fuel to the book-burners' fire.

If you saw that pin comment and thought less of me for it, I ask for your understanding and forgiveness. And I promise to try harder to not let my enthusiasm for a writing project blind me to my responsibilities as an author, reader, and advocate for the POSITIVE aspects of this genre.

Honestly & Sincerely,

Recommended YA (inspy/paranormal): Heather Burch's AVENGER

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:30:00 +0000

Click HERE to purchase at amazon.com

What it's about (from publisher Zondervan):

Sometimes the truth comes with a price.

Nikki knew Damon Vessler would not let his prized creation go easily—she simply never imagined the lengths he'd go to get her back into his clutches, and turn Nikki's heart toward darkness.

A Seeker at her heels, trained on her blood, Nikki flees with Raven alongside her for protection while Mace and the other Halflings fight the battle that has erupted on earth. But even as the two boys she loves fight for her, she knows the battle will be hers to win. Determined to uncover the secrets of her past, and exactly how she fits into Vessler's twisted plans, Nikki sets off on her own and soon discovers facing hellacious beasts is nothing compared to the decision she will need to make. One that could change no only the war, and her relationship with Mace and Rave, but also her future with the Throne.

Why you should read it: First, go back and read books one and two. You won't be disappointed. The action is so immediate, so continuous, that even if I dared you to stop reading, you wouldn't. You'd read books 1 through 3 and then you'd sit there, panting, shaking your fist in the air, crying, "More, Heather Burch! More!"

Or maybe that's just me?

Just over a year ago, in an HEA interview following the release of her debut, Halflings, Heather threw out a teaser about an upcoming character named Viper, the Halfling she would pick to be her personal guardian if given that option. Well, Guardian(Halflings book two) came and went, but still no Viper. Finally, in Avenger, he appears.

And I thought Raven was a bad boy? Hell-ooo, Viper!

Oh, fine. Just call me a fangirl already and be done with it.

Non-stop action and Viper aside, however, Heather Burch writes a love triangle like nobody's business — and that's what keeps me drooling on my way back to the Halflings table.

In most romantic tales of this nature, the heroine is blinded, yet the reader knows there is a definite "right" pick — and vice versa. But Burch really keeps her reader guessing who Nikki's perfect match might be (all Halflings have one, you know.) And, since we sympathize with both boys, and we are struggling to figure it out right along with Nikki, her dilemma is so much more believable. Without giving a spoiler, I will say that there seems to be a bit of resolution to that question by the end of this third installment in the Halflings saga. (I say "seems" with some trepidation, however, because three books in, I'm getting used to being surprised!) I can honestly say that this resolution (?) was not what I expected. But with the maturation of Nikki's heart and calling, as well as other characters', it does seem (there's that word again!) to make sense.

A fantastic third installment of this groundbreaking inspy series, Avenger is sure to be a favorite of teen — and grownup — YA paranormal fans.

(originally posted at USA Today's Happy Ever After blog)
Serena's Rating:

Duchess by Susan May Warren: RECOMMENDED!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:30:00 +0000

Click HERE to purchase at amazon.com

What it's about (from publisher Summerside Press):

The Golden Age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she's wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she's finally silenced the heartache of the past. Her future shines bright — until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down.

When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolf is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies — plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life.

When her country needs her, will Roxy have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?

Why you should read it: A well-known name in Christian fiction circles, Susan May Warren knows how to spin a tale that keeps the reader glued to the page. This time around, that glue (for me, anyway) was named Rafe.

*swoons and calls for hair bleach, red lipstick, and an evening gown*/

Oh, Rafe. I do love you so.

*cues music* Nothing happens. *scowls*

Figures you'd fall for Rosie.

*sighs*

So while I pull my heart away from *fans self* Rafe, I must mention that he is just one of an outstanding cast of characters, many of whom seem as familiar as if they stepped out of a classic screen gem and onto the page.

While Duchess is not the first book in this particular series, it stands just fine on its own two feet. In fact, I predict it might very well sweep you off yours and into the glitz, glam and gristle of the early days in America's love affair with the silver screen.

(originally posted at USA Today's Happy Ever After blog)
Serena's Rating:

Recommended: WISHING ON WILLOWS by Katie Ganshert

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:45:00 +0000

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM amazon.com

What it's about (from publisher Waterbrook Press):

Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?

A three-year-old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa, she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.

So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn't about to let go without a fight.

As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won't give up easily. His family's business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin's gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.

With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal, and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of second chances.

Why you should read it: With her 2012 debut, Wildflowers from Winter, Katie Ganshert stole the hearts of her readers (including this one!) by creating a believable love story while allowing the "realness" of hurting people to form the foundation for the romance. With Wishing on Willows, this fresh voice on the inspy romance scene has crafted an even more moving tale, with characters even easier to love. Returning to the beauty-from-ashes theme, Ganshert gives it fresh perspective through the personalities of her new leads and the tragedies that have shaped them, putting the reader right alongside Robin and Ian as they suffer — and then triumph just as vividly — on their path to love.

Wishing on Willows is a beautiful, romantic and charming story that will earn a sweet place on your bookshelf and within your heart.

Author tidbit: Katie Ganshert and her husband hope to soon adopt a child and are using some creative ideas to not only raise adoption awareness, but to raise money to help bring their own little one more quickly home. You can get more info and follow their journey toward expanding their family on her adoption blog.

(This post originally appeared at USA Today's Happy Ever After blog)
Serena's Rating:

Official COVER REVEAL! The Remedy by Serena Chase

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

It's official! This is the cover for THE REMEDY (Eyes of E'veria, book two)

So... whaddya think?

You can drop by any of these sites today and leave your input!

My Favorite Pasttime, Bluerose's Heart, Seasons of Humility, Novel's Corner, Scraps Giggles and More, Carissa's Bookshelf, Overweight Bookshelf, Flowers of Quiet Happiness, It's Time to Read Maw Maw

(And thanks for your help with this reveal: Julie, Tammy, Amber, Rebekah, Linda, Carissa, Lydia, Kara & Patricia)

And if you're a fan of the Eyes of E'veria book cover art so far, drop over to the designer's Facebook page and click "like" for JG Designs & Photography!

So, now you've seen the cover... but... what is it about?

The Remedy picks up right where The Ryn left off! Here's the book description!

Nine marks stand guard to guide the way. Three tasks upon the Ryn will prey. Death stalks the path with fierce desire, and a council of four will light the pyre.

Having come to terms with her long-hidden identity, Princess Rynnaia E’veri is ready to take her rightful place. But before she can join her father at Castle Rynwyk, she must endeavor to fulfill a 200-year-old prophecy and defeat the Kingdom’s ancient enemy, the Cobelds. Joined by her faithful knight, Sir Julien de Gladiel, and a gifted group of friends, Rynnaia must trek a dangerous path through canyons, forests, and into the very depths of a mountain where, if the prophetic scrolls prove correct, she will face an unknown foe, alone. Treacheries will be discovered, sacrifices will be made, friends will be lost, and love will be tested, but if even one line of the riddled prophecy is misinterpreted, Rynnaia will fail . . . and the Kingdom will fall.

If you don't yet have a copy of THE RYN, it's just $3.99 for Kindle and Kindle apps! CLICK HERE to go directly to the www.amazon.com listing. Not sure it's your thing? CLICK HERE for more info!

Mark your calendar & tell your friends! The Remedy will launch for Kindle and Kindle apps on 4/22/13--which also begins the official Eyes of E'veria Blog Tour!

Featured April Release: Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd + GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:30:00 +0000

I am happy to be a part of the Roses Have Thorns blog tour and to introduce you my pick for Featured New Release at EIR this month:

Roses Have Thorns (Ladies in Waiting #3)

by Sandra Byrd.

I had the opportunity to read this book in advance and I had a really hard time putting it down. It drew me in to its Elizabethan court intrigue like it was People Magazine, Tudor Edition, except... better, because the writing is superb and this story has a depth and soul not found within our current celebrity fascination.

A more detailed review will come soon, but I did want to let you in my my guilty pleasure... Roses Have Thorns ... and to let you know about the BOOKS & BLOOMS GIVEAWAY going on over at Sandra's blog right now!

Here's what the book is about:
From the acclaimed author of To Die For comes a stirring novel told that sheds new light on Elizabeth I and her court. Sandra Byrd has attracted countless fans for evoking the complexity, grandeur, and brutality of the Tudor period. In her latest tour de force, she poses the question: What happens when serving a queen may cost you your marriage—or your life?

In 1565, seventeen-year-old Elin von Snakenborg leaves Sweden on a treacherous journey to England. Her fiance has fallen in love with her sister and her dowry money has been gambled away, but ahead of her lies an adventure that will take her to the dizzying heights of Tudor power. Transformed through marriage into Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth’s circle. But in a court that is surrounded by Catholic enemies who plot the queen’s downfall, Helena is forced to choose between an unyielding monarch and the husband she’s not sure she can trust—a choice that will provoke catastrophic consequences.

Vividly conjuring the years leading up to the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots, Roses Have Thorns is a brilliant exploration of treason, both to the realm and to the heart. (from book description at goodreads.com)

Make sure you drop by Sandra's blog and enter the giveaway!

Want an exclusive preview of Serena's new book cover?

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:55:00 +0000

Serena and I are looking for bloggers to participate in the cover reveal for THE REMEDY (Book 2 in The Eyes of E'veria series) on Thursday April 17th. If you have an opening and would like to be included, please fill out the form below.

I included a few questions about future book tours, as occasionally I'm approached by other authors looking to organize them. Loading...

Audiobook Review: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck (aka The Cure for Attention Deficit Book Disorder)

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

My Goodreads profile mocks me. With each log-in I am further away from meeting my reading goals.

At your current pace, you're 8 books (17%) behind schedule.
At your current pace, you're 24 books (51%) behind schedule.
At your current pace, you'll never resume book-blogging. Hang it up sister.

Goodreads shows I've only finished 4 books all year, one of which was a travel guide. (If you suffered from Attention Deficit Book Disorder, you'd rate travel guides too...and Oahu Revealed earned those five stars).

I just haven't been in the mood for Christian fiction. But I may have discovered a cure for what ails me and the recipe is simple: equal parts audiobooks and Rachel Hauck.

To crawl out of ~~a reading rut~~...a reading canyon like this, one has to circle the wagons. Filter out the clamor of new releases and focus on the authors who made you fall in love with Christian fiction in the first place. For me, Rachel Hauck is one of those authors.

The Wedding Dress is a whimsical story of a vintage gown which automatically fits the one bride destined to wear it- no alterations needed. Thanks to a little nudging by a mysterious man in purple, the dress crosses paths with its intended: Charlotte, a bridal shop owner recently dumped by her fiancee.

This title will go down as one my top five* favorite Rachel Hauck books. I adored the dual love stories taking place in both the past and the present. Two brides, the same dress, separated by a several decades. There is also an element of fantasy in this romance that I found refreshing. It reminded me a little of the story The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Listening to the audio version added a whole new dimension to The Wedding Dress. I've always enjoyed Hauck's southern settings and the voices she gives her characters. But the narrator of this title, Eleni Pappageorge (who sounds exactly like Ashley Judd), had a delicious southern accent which really brought the story to life. The Audible.com version comes with book club discussion questions which can be downloaded from the website if needed.

I don't know if my Attention Deficit Book Disorder is completely cured. But now I know where to find the medicine. Rachel Hauck has another book coming out and I hope they release it in audio!

My Rating:

Want more info? Here's the book blurb:

Four brides; one dress: a tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love. Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift - and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress - or feel certain she should marry Tim?
Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed”?

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history - and its new bride - begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily, from 1912; Mary Grace, from 1939; Hillary, from 1968: each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

P.S.- Before Google Reader dies...Follow my blog with Bloglovin

**Curious about the other Rachel Hauck books that round out my top five faves? In no particular order they are:

Joy’s Completely Biased, 100% Partial (but totally honest) review of The Ryn by Serena Chase

noreply@blogger.com (Joy Tamsin David) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

It’s been almost 2 years since I last posted at Edgy Inspirational Romance. In my absence I haven’t written anything more interesting than a lesson plan (though occasionally the fiction found in my plan book rivals a New York Times bestseller). I can count on one hand the number of Christian fiction books I’ve read in two years without using any fingers. To say my writing skills are a little rusty would be an understatement, and I’m nervous this review won’t do Serena’s book justice.

Serena’s book.

You know those disclaimers bloggers need to provide at the end of their review? Well let’s set the record straight right now. I know this author. I’m invested in this author. I want her to do well. She sent me a free review copy, and then I went out and bought her book anyway. I’m thrilled to pieces about her debut release…

…But I was a little bit scared to read it.

Between you and me (and 700 of our closest followers), it was like meeting your friend’s baby for the first time and hoping he’s cute. Not that you’d ever let on, but you’d feel sooooo sorry for your buddy if he wasn’t! I’m happy to report Serena has nothing to worry about. No cone-shaped heads or unsightly birthmarks here. Her baby is absolutely adorable (think Shiloh Pitt or Suri Cruise cute--minus the temper tantrums and high heels).

The Ryn is the story of knights and princesses, secret destinies, and mythical bear-man creatures. It’s a beautiful cross between fantasy and fairytale with amazingly intricate world building. I was perfectly content visiting the world Serena created. There was a scene toward the beginning involving the heroine and her brother that made me laugh out loud and I thought “there’s Serena’s humor!” in the same way you might comment “your baby has your eyes.”

Then something amazing happened.

With a brilliant display of craft, the author flipped the script on both her main character and the readers and sucked us deeper into this fairytale. A vine of tangled ivy couldn’t have held my attention any more securely. At that point, The Ryn stopped being Serena’s baby and became my story. I took up residence, I moved in. I became Rose and oh-my-word, it was me falling in love with the handsome knight Sir Julien.

Serena Chase has created a world in which any fantasy lover would gladly spend the day. It is full of adventure and mystery and just enough romance to satisfy our blog readers. Technically, The Ryn is not Christian fiction, but longtime followers who read strictly Christian fiction should not let that deter them. The amount of Christian allegory in this story makes me think it could easily be a crossover hit.

Bravo my friend on your glorious debut, and bring on The Remedy!

My Rating:

Want more info? Here’s the book blurb:

DESTINED by prophecy. GUARDED by deception. PURSUED by Love.

Centuries ago, an oracle foretold of the young woman who would defeat E’veria’s most ancient enemy, the Cobelds. But after two centuries of relative peace, both the prophecy and the Cobelds have been relegated to lore—and only a few remain watchful for the promised Ryn.

Finally, a child is born who matches the oracle’s description, but a Cobeld curse accompanies her birth. Led to believe they succeeded in killing the prophesied child, the Cobelds emerge from hiding with plans to overtake the Kingdom.

But the child survived.

Secreted away and called “Rose” for the first nineteen years of her life, Rynnaia E'veri has no idea of her true identity until a chance meeting with an injured knight reveals not only her parentage and true name, but the task assigned her by the oracle: discover the Remedy that will destroy the Cobelds' power.

Now, her time has come.

Offered the assistance of pirates, scribes, storytellers, a young woman who died centuries ago, and the knight who is quickly working his way into her heart, Rynnaia is fortified with friends. But if the Ryn is to complete her task, she must come to terms with not only who she is, but for whom she must be willing to die. For the kingdom’s survival depends on her.

THE RYN begins an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, Snow White and Rose Red. Book Two, THE REMEDY, is scheduled for release April 2013.

Recent Inspy Fiction Finds from 2012 and Anticipated Reads of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Are you as sick of hearing about me and The Ryn as I am? Yeah? I figured. So I'm taking a little break on the "Let's Promote My Book" train that seems to have been rolling through Edgy Inspirational Romance lately to tell you about a few books by other authors that you should consider adding to your shelf. Some I've read recently and loved but haven't had the time yet to write a review. Some I've yet to acquire, and some I have sitting on my TBR stack, just waiting for a spot of time to open up with their name on it. But regardless, I wanted to let you know about them!

PURE FUN--INSPY STYLE

1. Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

2. If the Shoe Fits by Sandra D. Bricker

MAY REQUIRE USING YOUR BRAIN OR STRETCHING YOUR SOUL/MIND--BUT WORTH IT!

1. Beautiful Justice series by Dawn Dyson (end times speculative fantasy romance fiction mash up)

2. Soul's Gate by James L.Rubart

KIND OF "OUT THERE" -- BUT IF, LIKE ME, YOU'RE INTO THAT THING, READ THIS!

1. Books of The Mortals series by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

2. Beckon by Tom Pawlik

HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO READ THIS YET, BUT CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SQUEEZE IT INTO THE CRACKS OF MY SCHEDULE

1. Son of Truth by Morgan L. Busse

2. Iscariot by Tosca Lee

Like I said, I have read some of these, so watch for reviews to come! Others... I'm simply drooling over for now, but hope to get to soon! Happy Reading!

Serena in the Hot Seat -- Interview Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, guest interviewer Jodie Gerling talked to Serena Chase about writing, advice she might give her 17-year-old self, and seahorses. Today, she dives into a few other tasty subjects, including, of course, chocolate.

Turning the Tables on Serena Chase, Part 2

by Jodie Gerling

During a family photo session last fall,
Jodie posed Serena by this tree
because, as she explained it,
both Serena and the tree
are a little twisted.

JG: It's no secret that your two partners in crime are Dr. Pepper and chocolate. Are there any known scientific reactions if, say, someone ingests too much warm Dr. Pepper while consuming Milk Duds?

Serena: Research! It was research!!! See, this is the problem with being friends with the person interviewing you. I believe the “scene” you are referring to involved chugging warm Dr. Pepper and shoving as many Milk Duds in my mouth as I could fit. It was bona fide research for a scene I’d already written (for a contemporary work-in-progress. There is no Dr. Pepper in E'veria. Which is sad.) I wanted to know if the warm Dr. Pepper fizz would help get the caramel off the character’s teeth. (It does) The problem with conducting this sort of research comes in when the person doing it is lactose intolerant. As it turns out, “Milk” Duds, at least in that sort of quantity, are not friendly to people like me. There was much writhing-in-pain involved. Luckily for the readers, that character is not lactose intolerant, so that part of the research will not need to end up in the book.

JG: Speaking of chocolate, have you ever eaten bad chocolate, like say on the level of baker's chocolate? Please describe that experience.

Serena: Actually, yes. I try to avoid any chocolate that isn't a name brand I recognize (like those waxy pumpkins, Santas, and bunnies that show up during holidays.) If I'm going to eat chocolate (and I AM) it's going to be good, quality chocolate. Most of the time. Unless I'm really, really desperate. But... I have this friend who is a graphic designer. Years ago, I was tutoring her in cooking and baking while helping her get ready to host a bridal shower. She was using bitter baking chocolate in a recipe and decided to try a piece. I started to warn her. She shrugged and said, “It’s chocolate, right? It can't be bad.” So, being the good friend I am, I dared her to stick the whole piece in her mouth. She did. There were tears. And maybe a little vomit. Do you know anyone like that, Jodie? Hmm?

JG: Back to books.

Serena: *snorts* Nice segue.

JG: As I was saying… back to books. Who is your favorite character (so far) in the Eyes of E’veria series and why?

Serena: Cazien de Pollis. (honestly, I didn’t even have to think about it!) He’s a pirate, appearing as a minor character in The Ryn and The Remedy, but he will step onto the big stage for books 3 & 4, coming in 2014. It’s no secret that I have a little bit of a pirate fetish, but Cazien… oh Cazien! He started out as a bad boy (the name “Caz”, his nickname, means “vain”) and not the sort of “bad boy” the reader could ever truly love. Originally, I pegged ol’ Caz for a villain. Don’t get me wrong, he made an excellent villain. But then—and this is the crazy thing about being an organic writer—he came to life in 30,000 words of backstory and, as it turns out, he’s still an outlaw… just not a villain. And exactly the sort of character a reader could love. I can hardly wait to share him!

JG: Who is your least favorite character?

Serena: I try not to create characters who don’t serve a purpose. But we should all despise a villain, right? So rather than pick a least favorite character, I’ll pick the one I love to hate: Aspera Scyles. And yet, I still can’t help but feel a wee bit of compassion for the difficult life that made her so unlikeable.

JG: Why is a cover design so important to the book itself? After all, the saying is "Don't judge a book by its cover," and yet, as a writer, you know that the cover will be what initially pulls the reader in. What went into your brainstorming sessions behind your cover design and what's your style of brainstorming? Is it using words, or perhaps… sketches? And would you share any surviving sketches with the class, Ms. Chase?

Serena: You just had to mention my sketches, didn’t you? PASS on the sharing! Better than anyone, you know that my creativity does not extend to drawing. Those sketches will remain our little secret, ’k? But I will speak to the importance of quality cover design.

There are a lot of vomitrotious covers out there. Especially in the romance and Christian romance categories. As a reviewer, I’m always looking at covers. If a book has an amateurish cover, I question if the writing matches the cover. On the other hand, there have been books that I've requested or purchased simply based on the beautiful cover. So as for the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, that’s hooey. First impressions COUNT. Make the right one.

For The Ryn, I wanted a touch of mystery, a feeling of magic, and the idea of dueling identities. And a bear. And some sparkly stuff. And snow. And a rose. My very patient designer (thank you) managed to translate hundreds of crazy email ideas, a few really terrible sketches, and about 8 hours of Skyping into something that I believe really fits the story. She deserves a hand. *claps & whistles* The cover for THE REMEDY was actually a first draft of the cover of THE RYN. But it fits the second book so much better. FIRE! DANGER! ADVENTURE! It’s a simpler thrust, but very eye-catching. I will be revealing that cover soon on my website! (although discerning readers may catch a glimpse of a not-final draft of it, if they look around!)

JG: You've admitted to living vicariously through your hair. Describe your worst hairstyle or haircut in the last ten years. Was it A) Little House on the Prairie? or B) Layers upon layers of orange-on-orange with a little orange highlight over the orange low lights to create that orange fiery look? Are there pictures?

Serena with the short-lived "fire hair" look
a red-to-blonde ombre.

Serena: Wow. You really did NOT like the orange part of the fire hair, did you? *laughs* And stop teasing me about the Little House look already! I was a young mom! It was easy! But, it is so so so far from where I am now, personality-wise. I actually loved the orange fire hair, but… I was very self-conscious when I had it and just not quite confident enough to be able to keep it once my roots started to show. Then again, I never keep any hairstyle very long. Except that Little House look. I kept that way too long because it was so easy. Long, straight, wash, dry, pull back, go. Sometimes I do sort of miss the versatility of being able to do a classy updo or to curl it up big and glamorous, but mostly… not.

JG: Now, having accomplished a long time dream of publishing your first novel, what advice would you give to any young authors starting out?

Serena: Get professional help! And I mean that in the nicest sort of way. When I finished the first draft of THE RYN I thought it was awesome. It was NOT awesome. Seven years later, I cringe when I look at the lack of craft in that draft! (and I’m cringing again at the amount of rhyme in that sentence!)

Available now at Amazon
Click HERE

After completing that long and rather craftless draft, however, and failing to sell it to publishing professionals much wiser than me, I enrolled in the 2-year Apprentice Course through the Christian Writers Guild, where I was introduced to my mentor, bestselling author Sandra Byrd. Sandra, in turn, introduced me to Jenny Q at Historical Editorial. Additionally, since I started to write for USA Today, I've made some wonderful friends, such as Tamara Leigh, whose encouragement, advice, and example have helped to improve my craft.

Since I first started sending out advance reader copies of THE RYN to reviewers, I’ve received a lot of compliments about how “professional” it appears and how it doesn’t read like an indie or self-published book. As a professional reviewer who comes across a lot of poorly written or edited work (even from major publishing houses!) in the course of my day, those are welcome, welcome words. But, alas, I cannot take the credit, because apart from the SEVEN YEARS it took to bring the manuscript to that point, it also took a lot of qualified, professional input. So my advice? GET PROFESSIONAL HELP is true. I know it is expensive to find quality editors, but if you truly want your work to be excellent—and that should be every author’s aim—suck it up and spend the money—you’re not as good as you think you are.

That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But I’m speaking as much to myself as anyone. Anyone can write and publish a book these days, but for most of us, it is going to take a lot of study of story craft and at least a couple of dedicated team members to make that story something worth reading.

If it wasn't for my team, there would be gaping holes in the plot, errors all over the place, and just some general sloppiness. There are few things at which anyone could ever call me a perfectionist, but this is one. And I know I can’t do it alone.

JG: What has been the hardest part of writing your first book?

Serena: 7 years of edits and rewrites! Seven. Years! But there is a certain amount of wonder found in loving a story so much… and a lot of trepidation, too, knowing the next books must live up to or surpass the first! Book 2 is set to go out into the world in a few weeks. *almost hyperventilates* and, meanwhile, I'm diving into Books 3 & 4. That is particularly challenging because Book 3 puts me in a whole new fairy tale with new (but familiar) protagonists-- characters that some readers of THE RYN have already professed to love! It should be interesting. I’m really excited, but it’s kind of scary, too.

JG: What has been the most joyful part of writing your first book?

Serena: The fact that I’ve lived with this story for seven years and I can still read certain scenes and be brought to tears… that is worth every moment of the labor pains it took to bring THE RYN to readers.

JG: Last question: If your book ever makes it to the silver screen, would you A) Buy a train ticket to Manahttan, KS and have a calories-don’t-count weekend, B) Fly you and your favorite graphic designer to the sandy beaches of southern Florida, or C) Buy a year's supply of Panera goodies?

Serena: I love “the little apple” in Kansas, of course, but I think I would go with option B. And we will go to the southern Gulf coast of Florida. Maybe Naples. And for breakfast every morning we will drink Panera mochas and eat chocolate croissants and cinnamon crunch bagels, on a sailboat, pretending we are pirates. And Dave and Alan will bring their guitars and serenade us. Eventually, they will start acting all goofy and we will throw things at them. Just not the baked goods. Oh, and I will bring my Lactaid pills so I don’t have any more embarrassing moments to write about.

Jodie Gerling is a photographer and graphic designer in Manhattan, Kansas. She and her husband Alan, a worship pastor, have two small children, a minivan that used to be owned by Serena Chase, and a cat named Domino. You can contact Jodie through HER FACEBOOK PAGE if you are interested in book cover or other design services.

Serena In the Hot Seat--Interview PART I

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Today Edgy Inspirational Romance welcomes guest contributor Jodie Gerling of JG Designs & Photography in Manhattan, Kansas. Jodie is the talented designer behind the cover art gracing Serena Chase's new release The Ryn, as well as its upcoming sequel, The Remedy and helped to create some of the images used in the book trailer for The Ryn. Today, however, she has stepped back from her more artistic pursuits to design some questions for Serena about writing, chocolate, and embarrassing moments--that latter of which she knows far too many, according to the interviewee. So let's give a warm, EIR welcome to our guest interviewer, Jodie Gerling!

Turning the Tables on Serena Chase (Part 1 of 2)

by Jodie Gerling

As Serena Chase's go-to graphic designer (and a friend who has read numerous interviews she has conducted with other authors at USA Today’s Happy Ever After and right here at Edgy Inspirational Romance) I thought it would be fun to turn the tables and put her in the hot seat. So here’s a little glimpse behind the scenes with Serena Chase.

Note: In the fantasy genre, characters are sometimes granted 3 wishes. In this case, I am granting Ms. Chase the option to pass on no more than 3 of the following questions. We’ll see how she does with that. *evil laugh*

JG: So, Ms. Chase, what is it about writing that makes you all unicorns-eating-skittles happy?

Serena: I just love to play make-believe. The fact that there might be other people who come to like my imaginary friends as much as I do is just a bonus. I can’t seem to help myself. There are these stories and characters twisting and turning inside of me. Sometimes, they even yell at me. I'm a rather sensitive soul, so I usually let them have their way.

JG: Have you ever been caught talking out loud to the characters that are only in your head?

Serena: Um, yes. While proofreading a scene in which there was a proposal, I shouted, "Yes!" at the screen. The characters are entirely real to me and what is happening in their lives is very personal. And sometimes, funny. Sometimes in a very warped sort of way. For example, once, my teen walked in the door after school and I announced: “I killed off five people and a horse today!” Unfortunately, I didn't think about how that might sound to the friend she’d brought home with her. With big eyes, her friend quipped, “Sooo... did you have a rough week, Serena?”

JG: What got you interested in writing your own books?

Serena: I wrote my own first book when I was about 7, I think. Held it together with staples. My grandparents came over and I showed it to my grandpa, who said, “That wouldn't really happen in real life.” And I was crushed. But I kept writing. Like I've said. I couldn't really help myself. But it wasn't until I was about 33 or 34 that I thought I might actually have stories within me that other people would like to read.

JG: You mainly write for young adults (YA), although your books translate just as well to adults. Let's focus on young adults first: When you were seventeen, who was your favorite character-- in other words, who did you long to be on those days when being a teenager was less than glamorous?

Serena: There were glamorous days? I don't remember those... but...

For my entire life, I’ve wanted to be Lucy Pevensie. Ever since I saw the cheesy cartoon version of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe when I was a preschooler. No lie. Ever since, were I offered the chance, I would jump at being Lucy in a heartbeat. Well except for that moment when she learns she's too old to go back to Narnia. I cry every single time I read that! But then in The Last Battle... when she gets to go back to the New Narnia... yep. Lucy. *wipes eyes and stares off toward Narnia*

At 17, my favorite book was probably Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti – but I wouldn't want to be ANYONE in that story! *shudders* At seventeen I was so focused on my dreams of being in the music business that music was almost as big of an escape for me as books. As a teen, my heroes were musicians and songwriters like Amy Grant, Margaret Becker, Diane Warren… people who wrote lyrics that moved the heart. That’s where I thought my life would go. And I followed my heart to Nashville for a few years to pursue that dream. But even then, I still wanted to ride on the back of The Lion. So, yeah. Lucy Pevensie.

Now available at Amazon Click HERE!

JG: Still sticking with the YA theme here, what advice would you give your seventeen year old self now, looking back?

Serena: Believe me, she needed a lot of advice! So here goes: 1. Stop sweating the love thing. It will come. 2. You look good, stupid. Start making exercise a habit now, though, or you’ll be 35 and… not so much. 3. Emotionally, well… can’t really help you there. You are who you. 4. You did the right thing, taking all those extra English classes in high school, kid. But in a few years, when Dr. Annette Sisson at Belmont University suggests that you transfer out of the Music Business department and into the English department, you should maybe think about listening to her, Down the road, when you're 40 you're going to be less music and more writing! 5. Oh, and take it easy on the hair spray, would you? That look will soon be over and someday you might miss the ozone layer.

JG: How do the two previous questions factor into your own books? Do you ever write from your own experiences/trials/successes?

Serena: You will be pleased to learn that Rynnaia uses no hairspray whatsoever in her beauty routine.

But seriously, my sister-in-law, the brave soul who reads the first ugly drafts of everything I write, has said, “I don’t know how it’s possible, because (Character A) and (Character B) are so different from each other, but they are both you.” So the short answer to the 2^nd part of your question is…yes.

JG: Let's elaborate on that last thought: have you ever written a real-life embarrassing moment into one of your manuscripts? If so, can you describe that moment/scene for us?

Serena: This is the optional PASS you were talking about, right? Of course I have, but the details have been changed, of course, to protect my pride.

JG: What are your thoughts on seahorses? It's rumored that one of your future books features them… in a way. Have you ever met anyone who has an aversion to the little things?

Serena: *laughs* There’s this graphic designer I know, she just hates the little guys. I think she needs a support group or something.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF THIS INTERVIEW, COMING TUESDAY!

Jodie Gerling is a photographer and graphic designer in Manhattan, Kansas. She and her husband Alan, a worship pastor, have two small children, a minivan that used to belong to Serena Chase, and a cat named Domino. Authors can contact Jodie through her Facebook page if they are interested in book cover or other design services.

I'm blushing! Inside Scoops, Mentions, & Even a Deep Curtsy!

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:44:00 +0000

The Ryn is starting to pop up in all sorts of interesting places!

Interview + Giveaway!

Want some inside scoop on the Eyes of E'veria series and ANOTHER chance to win a copy of THE RYN? Head over to Jenny Q's LET THEM READ BOOKS for her interview with me!

Review + Giveaway!

And don't forget, Relz Reviewz still has a 2-copy giveaway going on through 3/31/13 (not sure what that translates to across the international date line...) so if you haven't yet entered over there, get to it!

While trilling about over at TWITTER this morning, I saw this lovely tweet from darling Lydia Mazzei of The Overweight Bookshelf and... my day is officially MADE.

Lydia Mazzei ‏@overweightbooks18hTHE RYN, an allegorical inspirational fairytale by @Serena_Chase has left me spellbound and in awe. A deep curtsy to you Mrs Chase. Brava!

Available NOW!
Click here to purchase

Thank you, Lydia! And may I offer a deep, Storyteller's curtsy right back atcha!

And thank you to Jenny Q and Rel, also, for your enthusiastic support of my debut!

Readers: make sure you come back next week! Monday and Tuesday will find a rather quirky and fun 2-part interview RIGHT HERE at EIR. (p.s. there may be chocolate involved.)

I'd love to connect with you on Twitter! Find me @Serena_Chase. You can also "Like" my official Facebook page and visit my brand-spankin-new WEBSITE to keep informed on all Eyes of E'veria related news and more giveaways as they become available!

Awww... don't feel bad...

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:55:00 +0000

Did you miss out on Tuesday and Wednesday's 6 copy giveaway? Never fear, my sweets, for more will appear!

You can still register for a giveaway being offered over at RELZ REVIEWZ.

You can also "like" me on Facebook and stay in-the-know about other upcoming Eyes of E'veria news and more giveaways of THE RYN!

It's Official Launch Day for THE RYN

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:09:00 +0000

Big giveaway.

Huge.

Like, awesome.

Tell your friends.

To celebrate the official launch of THE RYN, I am giving away 6 Kindle copies of my book. You read that correctly: SIX. Okay, I know. It's not huge-huge. It could have been bigger. But I'm pacing myself (and my budget!) here. (Plus there may be some other giveaways of THE RYN creeping up around the book blogosphere this week and I don't want to overwhelm you. I'm nice like that.)

"So," you ask, "when is this going down?"

Now.
Today & tomorrow.

But only 2 of the 6 will be given away at this precise location.

You can enter to win one of the other 2 copies on my official Facebook Page HERE (I'm giddy when people "like" me. Hey, we all have our insecurities, right?)

And enter also for the final 2, which I'm offering on my website HERE. (have you visited my new website yet? www.serenachase.com Stop on over and say "hi!")

And I'm giving them all away TODAY (3/26/13) and TOMORROW 3/27/13)

Rules?
Of course there are rules. And here they are:

1. You can enter at all three locations, but you may only win one of the Kindle copies.

2.Winners will be chosen using www.random.org

3. Only one entry allowed per site (you can enter here, Facebook, and my website, but only once each time)

4. Leave a comment. You can tell me the name YOUR favorite fairy tale (feel free to tell me why it's your favorite, but you don't have to!), why puppies are cute, why brussels sprouts are gross, or just say "Hey" or something. I'm not picky.

5. Enter by 11:59 pm PDT on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 (I'm in the midwestern USA, but I'm trying to be fair!) and make sure to check back THURSDAY to see if you are the winner!

Good luck! And thanks for stopping by!

Goodreads users, you can now add THE RYN to your "want to read" lists! Here's a link THE RYN @ GOODREADS

BONUS: THIS JUST IN! REL AT RELZ REVIEWZ JUST POSTED A REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF THE RYN! THERE ARE ANOTHER 2 COPIES UP FOR GRABS OVER THERE -- SEE HER WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS!

Can you keep a secret? No? In this case, that's okay.

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:24:00 +0000

Shhhhhh! *looks around sneakily* I have a secret to share.

Now available at AMAZON click here

You know The Ryn, that not-so-little book I've been talking about the last few... years...? Well, the official launch date is tomorrow.

TOMORROW!!! *SQUEEEEEE!*

But... (and here's the "secret" scoop) it is available at Amazon (for Kindle & Kindle apps) TODAY!

Stay tuned all week for giveaways and links to other blogs featuring my ~~baby~~ debut novel! In the meantime, Goodreads users can add it to their "want to read" lists! Here's the LINK to that listing. (It's already gotten one 5-star rating from Amber, who reviews at Seasons of Humility blog. Yay!)

I'm excited. Scared. A little freaking out, maybe.
But mostly, excited.

I had planned to keep my little secret. To take a day to breathe, to get out of town and wander the aisles of the nearest Pier 1 (making sure to leave my purse in the car, of course!) to clear my head after the crazy last few months of readying my baby to meet the world. But when snow came, and a 2-hour school delay made me not really want to drive the 65 miles to The Nirvana That Is Pier 1, I decided I couldn't keep the secret.

*dances a jig* The Ryn has been 7 long years in the making and I am EXCITED! Thanks for sharing this moment with me!

Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 11:22:00 +0000

It's 6am on Palm Sunday morning and it's snowing. What's that about? And what's this about me already up and having been on the computer for 40 min at 6am on a Sunday morning?

Well... this is happening a lot, lately. So much to do to get ready for the book release that once I wake up, there is no hope of going back to sleep. So, while my family enjoys their zzzzzs, I shut the door to my office, turn on the laptop, and get to work.

But it's Palm Sunday -- and I have a heart that needs to be prepared to absorb the absolute largeness of what we Christians will celebrate over the next week. And that largeness is so much bigger than any book release, any to-do list, any self-important busywork. Today I'm going to think on that word "prepare" and try to apply it to my heart, in response to the gift of Christ's crucifixion (and resurrection!), with, I hope, greater emphasis than that which I put on my to-do list.

I am a selfish person, even during the Holiest of weeks on the calendar. I pray that God would still me, would speak his mercy into my being, and that I might quiet my mind and heart enough to rest and reflect on Him and Who He Is and how utterly enormous, how beautiful, how personal the Big Picture really is.

I hope your Palm Sunday is blessed with the preparation of your heart for what really matters this week.

...and I'm going to keep reminding myself that it's not me. Or my book. Or my lists.

It's about Jesus Christ and his great love.

Unquenchable Love: sharing a little piece of my heart

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:30:00 +0000

The "Memory Lane" column of my hometown newspaper has 4 headings: 10 Years Ago, 20 Years Ago, 50 years ago, and 100 years ago. (It's a small town and a small paper!) I was surprised, today, when my eye caught on my grandparents' names on the first line under the 10 Years Ago heading. But as soon as I read the paragraph I was choked up -- it was the story of when a fire destroyed the farmhouse in which they'd spent 60 of their 64 years of marriage.

Luckily, they were 2 weeks away from their planned return home from a winter spent living with my mom and dad when the house burned to the ground in the middle of that horrible, cold night. There was no loss of life, but... I still get choked up thinking of all the childhood memories my kids didn't get to make (like I did), the heirloom photos, and the emotional pain that resulted for my grandparents, my mom, and my aunt over all that was lost that night.

We had Papa & Grandma here to love on for a few more years after the fire and my Grandma was an amazing prayer warrior on my behalf until the day Jesus took her home. But losing their home, with such a violent finality, was devastating, especially to my Swedish immigrant Papa, who worked so hard to make that piece of land, that home, not only a profitable Iowa farm, but a place where any kid, regardless of their relation to him, could feel at home and loved. Really loved.

When weather permits, I still like to go out to where Papa & Grandma's farmhouse used to stand (the land is owned by my mom, so I'm not squatting!) I go out there to think, to read, to pray, to dream, and to remember the love and sacrifice that enabled me to be who I am today.

The house is gone, but I know there is so much left out there, even if it's only in my heart. But when I'm there, I can close my eyes and hear peace and love whispered in the water-drop chatter of the cottonwood leaves and I can find a metaphor for life and truth as I see the beauty in the shaggy peelings of the white birch's papery bark.

I miss the house. I miss the people who lived there. But I hold their legacy within my arms every time I embrace one of my daughters.

If you'll pardon my paraphrase: Many fires cannot quench love.

(this originally posted on my Facebook page)

A romantic suspense series... and fictional family... that might just win your heart! SHATTERED by Dani Pettrey

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 07:43:00 +0000

Shattered (Alaskan Courage series) by Dani Pettrey

What it's about (from publisher Bethany House):

Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed — but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry — and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

Why you should read it:Shattered is a fast-paced suspense and the romance thread is a sizzling undercurrent throughout every chapter. Piper and Landon deeply fear the other's rejection and this conflict keeps their relationship paralyzed with tension, and yet sweetly passionate with longing.

Although readers will benefit from reading Pettrey's 2012 novel, Submerged, as an introduction to the McKenna family, it doesn't take too long to grasp who everyone is and how they are connected to one another.

Fans of Dee Henderson's O'Malley Family series will love Pettrey's McKenna clan. Shadowed by danger at every turn, but passionate about finding justice regardless of the cost, the McKennas are well worth getting to know and Pettrey is an author to watch.

(this recommendation originally appeared at USA Today's Happy Ever After blog)

Google Reader Announces Its End... how do we keep all our followers?

noreply@blogger.com (Serena Chase) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:30:00 +0000

I'm sure a lot of bloggers join Joy and me in our knee-shaking, wondering what's going to happen to our followers (we love you!), mini-panic about the recent announcement that Google Reader is shutting down July 1.

I'll keep you posted as we look into alternatives, but I wanted to let you know about an article that was posted at USA Today that offered a bit of advice... or at least information.

Here's that link: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/03/14/google-reader-alternatives/1986865/

The article mentions services such as Feedly, Pulse, Flipboard, and also ... Twitter? Yep. Twitter.

As we look into these new (read that: forced) opportunities, we'll try to keep our readers and RSS followers in mind. In the meantime, you can follow us on Twitter @JoyTamsinDavid and @Serena_Chase.

Thanks for being here! We do appreciate you. Very much!

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