Beloved + Freedom: Blog Tour + ARC Signups

It's happening, y'all! The release date for my book, Beloved, and Faith Potts' newest, Freedom, is so close!! We want you to help us spread the word!

What is the 13 Reasons Why Blog Tour? Don't let that title freak you out! Since Netflix released the popular show 13 Reasons Why, there has been a lot of hoopla about it—both positive and negative. This blog tour isn't about the show, but about the subject: suicide. We are speaking out against suicide, both during the blog tour and in our books, while the show is portraying its opinion favorably on the subject. That is why this blog tour is called the 13 Reasons Why Blog Tour.

Not to mention that the blog tour will be overlapping Suicide Prevention Week. And that the release day is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Was this planned? *bows* Why yes, yes it was! Thank you for noticing!

So. If you have a blog, fill out that signup form! Signups close on Tuesday, August 20—two weeks from today!

If you don't have a blog, we still want you to participate! We are offering ARCs (advanced reader copies) to anyone who can have a review up on social media!

One last thing to mention! If you get a review posted by the end of the blog tour, you'll have extra points counted toward you in the upcoming giveaway!

Will you be joining us for the blog tour? We'd love to have you participate!

Book Review: Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson

Cassie Kendrick is on the run. Her abusive father arranged her marriage to a despicable man, but she's discovered an escape. Disguised as a man, Cassie enlists in the Union army, taking the name Thomas Turner. On the battlefields of the Civil War, keeping her identity a secret is only the beginning of her problems, especially after she meets Gabriel Avery, a handsome young photographer.

Anxious to make his mark on the world and to erase the darkness and guilt lurking from his past, Gabriel works with renowned photographer Matthew Brady to capture images from the front lines of the war. As Gabriel forges friendships with many of the men he encounters, he wonders what the courageous, unpredictable Thomas Turner is hiding.

Battling betrayal, their own personal demons, and a country torn apart by war, can Cassie and Gabriel learn to forgive themselves and trust their futures to the God who births hope and healing in the darkest places?

My rating:

I'd just like to start off by saying that the writing style was amazing! I was pulled into the story right away, even though it wasn't fast-moving, and at first I was sure that this would end up a 5-star read.

Well, it obviously went downhill.

I loved the characters of both Cassie and Gabe, and before Gabe found out that 'Turner' was actually a girl, I *really* enjoyed the book.

But then he found out her secret. And he couldn't stop noticing her perfect curves. Especially when she was in a dress—it just graced her feminine curves. And her full lips? *heart eyes* What made it all worse was that after almost every one of their detailed kisses, he had to pull back before he lost himself.

But it was quite obvious that he'd already lost himself.

Cassie and Gabe's ongoing argument about a woman's place seemed . . . I don't know . . . so *drawn-out*. She loved him. She kissed him. He said something that offended her and reminded her of her abusive father. She avoided him at all costs until an unexpected event (usually danger or injury to one of them) brought them back together. Repeat.

So what kept me from giving this book only 1 or 2 stars? When they weren't together (or thinking about each other . . . ) the story was amazing. The aspects of the civil war were so *real*. The author's writing voice was incredible. But all the romance kinda ruined the rest.

If you love historical romance and the Civil War, this book is for you! Will you try it out?

Book Haul: My TBR Pile

Ya know that huge stack of books (literally or figuratively, depending on the person) that you really want to read but just haven't gotten to it yet? I've got so many books I want to read—so many books, so little time, right?

I'm pretty sure I've got over a hundred books stashed in my room that I haven't read, so I'll list some of those here. Who knows? Maybe I'll have some for you to add to your TBR list! *devious grin*

The Boy Colonel by John J. Horn

The year is 1836. A mysterious young English colonel commands a crack regiment in the snowy wastes of Siberia. No one knows his history. No one knows his name. The Cossacks want him dead - but are they the only ones? It seems his worst enemy may wear an English uniform. 

The Boy Colonel strives to perform his duty, but when that duty becomes mixed he must decide which sovereign is greater - the king of England, or the God of the Bible. Treachery, intimidation, and deceit block his path. His choice of allegiance may mean the difference between life and death. Is he prepared to risk all to protect his loved ones? 

I got The Boy Colonel at a homeschool convention this spring, and I'm so excited to read it! Not to mention that this amazing cover looks even better in person!

Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brien

It is the dawn of the nineteenth century; Britain is at war with Napoleon's France. Jack Aubrey, a young lieutenant in Nelson's navy, is promoted to command of H.M.S. Sophie, an old, slow brig unlikely to make his fortune. But Captain Aubrey is a brave and Gifted seaman, his thirst for adventure and victory immense. With the aid of his friend Stephen Maturin, ship's surgeon and secret intelligence agent, Aubrey and his crew engage in one thrilling battle after another, their journey culminating in a stunning clash with a might Spanish frigate against whose guns and manpower the tiny Sophie is hopelessly outmatched.

I don't even remember where I got this one. But it looked cool, and I'm curious to see what it's like!

Danger Close by William G. Boykin

Barely into his twenties and already a highly decorated military hero, Army Special Forces veteran Blake Kershaw is now going to college, studying while recuperating from wounds received in Afghanistan, and planning to re-enter the Army as an officer after graduation. But life tosses Blake a curve when his country approaches him about using his special skills to avert a terrorist plot to detonate a nuclear device in a major eastern U.S. city. To do that, he would need to become an operative deep within Al-Qaeda’s innermost circles—changing his entire identity, even his face. A true patriot, Blake makes the journey into a shadow world that leaves friends, family and, seemingly, even God far behind. But when things go terribly wrong, and his country looks set to destroy him, it is God and God’s people who intervene.

I got this one just last week in a gift shop at a restaurant we visited. It looks so cool, y'all.

The Messengers: Discovered by Lisa M. Clark

The Message worth dying for . . .

The government tells fifteen-year-old Simon Clay everything he needs to know. Except what really happened to his mom. And why no one can go out at night. And why the Darkness is so dangerous.

By day, Simon pushes against every boundary there is. And by night, secret visitors and hidden messages make him question everything his life entails.

There's a truth out there to be discovered, a truth the government will stop at nothing to stamp out. Join Simon and the Messengers as they risk their lives to protect it.

I'm not much of a fantasy/dystopian reader, so I'm a little leery of this one. It was a Christmas gift, though, and the cover is super cool, so I'll definitely have to give it a go.

Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury

Jack and Molly Campbell are enjoying and idyllic life with their four-year-old son Joey, and the close family and friends who live in their small hometown just outside Atlanta. One phone call from a social worker, however, changes everything. Joey's biological father has just been released from prison, and wants to start life over—with his son. A judge's quick decision deals a devastating blow to the Campbell family: Joey must be returned to his biological parents. In the days that follow, Jack Campbell has a desperate and dangerous thought. What if they can devise a way out? Then they could take Joey and disappear . . . like dandelion dust.

This one I got at a thrift store (slightly addicted to bargain shopping, especially for books). I've read a couple other books by Karen Kingsbury, one of them being Angels Walking, and . . . wow. Just wow. I'm definitely excited to give another Kingsbury book a try!

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a stunning thriller about a girl who must escape to freedom after the Berlin Wall divides her family between east and west.

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family divided overnight. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.

But one day, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and concludes that her father wants Gerta and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?

A graduation gift . . . ahhh, I've heard so many things about A Night Divided! And the spine is seriously so gorgeous sitting over there on my shelf . . .

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq—kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight—a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation.

Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?

I don't remember where I got this one. But it looks so goooood. And that cover!! *heart eyes*

Deep in the Heart by Gilbert Morris

They came to Texas to make their family whole. They fought for the land they'd come to love. An unforgettable saga of faith, love and loyalty that will find its place deep in your heart.
In the days when Texas was the northern edge of Mexico, when Bowie and Houston and Crockett were men and not yet legends, when the Alamo was still a scruffy mission on the banks of the San Antonio River, this unorthodox family struggled to make a wild but beautiful land their own.
This is the tale of Jerusalem Ann, who is willing to take whatever life dishes out in order to make a life for her family. It's the story of Clay, who finds himself protecting another man's family - and in love with another man's wife. It's about Jake, who loves two women and can't do right by either... and Julie, who'd rather be free than respectable... and Bowie, who can handle war but might not survive his first love. It's the story of Comanches and fiestas, hunting parties and courting parties, of battles and massacres and beautiful calm nights under a canopy of stars.
Wide as the prairies, warm as a San Antonia breeze, spiced with adventure and romance, this Texas-sized saga of faith from a beloved storyteller will quickly find its place deep in your heart.. and never let you go.

Now, I think this one's a used book store find. My sister-in-law recommended it, and I've read (and enjoyed) other books by Mr. Morris, so I'm looking forward to this one!

I've got so many other books waiting to be read, but yeah, these are a few of them. ;)

Have you read any of these books? Would you recommend them? Which one looks most interesting to you?

Book Review: The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma

A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.
 
How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?

My rating:

I wanted to push three stars. but as I sat here trying to think of why I liked it . . . I found few reasons somehow?

Don't get me wrong - it was a good book, as far as content goes. There wasn't really anything that should cause a lower rating. Except for the fact that I just . . . didn't really like it. I wanted to. I tried. But sometimes there's just those books that you can't like. This was one of them.

First of all, it never really caught my interest. But of course, being a review copy, I had to finish it. so I did. Am I glad I did? I guess. I wanted to know how it would all play out. The ending was suspenseful.

But that's pretty much the only thing that somewhat hooked me.

The whole book seemed to be about telling instead of showing.

Let's talk about the characters, shall we?

-Miss Tann. Oh boy. That woman made me so mad. Which, of course, was the intent, in which case, the author completely succeeded. She was a heartless villain. *shudders*

-Cecile Dowd. A loving mother. Stubborn. But her stubbornness made perfect sense. I mean, her baby was stolen, so of course she was going to be a mama bear and get her little girl back in any way possible. But there were like . . . no emotions. I mean, yeah, there was a boatload of tears, but they were all in the book, and not on my face. None of Cecile's tears pulled on my heartstrings. I might just be heartless, buuuuut I felt like all the emotions in this book were sorely lacking.

-Percy Vance. He was good. I liked him. But that's about it. It seemed like none of the characters really had any depth, or development. They cried. They fought. They got mad. They were all stubborn.

-R.D. Griggs. I was so confused by this guy. I was never really sure of his exact role . . . but maybe I just wasn't paying much attention. 

-Millie. The only character I fell in love with. She was sooooo adorable!! I could envision her saying everything exactly the way a 3-yr-old would. Kudos to Ms. Liz for that!

Some of the elements in the story confused me. Like, there were some things that just seemed thrown in randomly. Like Griggs and Vance having grown up together? Um, that would've been something we should've been told before 3/4 of the way through the book. And Percy has a drawl? I guess that makes sense since they live in TN, but he was the only character mentioned to have an accent, and only THEN towards the end of the book.

The spiritual content was lacking. I mean, yeah, they prayed, but in between prayers, I forgot that they were even Christians. It wasn't because they were awful people, but simply because God didn't seem to be anything other than Someone to pray to when they needed help. The ending really made more mentions of God, though, so I was glad for that. And Mrs. Dowd's dialogue about heaven . . . um yesssss please! <3 <3

So lastly . . . the romance. It seemed so . . . so . . . disjointed? Well okay, the whole book seemed kinda disjointed. BUT the romance seemed just THROWN IN. Everything was either heat or electricity. "Her temperature rose at his words." "She touched his hand, and a spark passed between them." "Her leg rubbed against his, setting his limb on fire." Now, I'll admit, it wasn't nearly as heavy as it could've been, save for 2 (or maybe 3?) kisses, for which I was thankful. But AFTER HE'S KISSED HER and SAID 'I LOVE YOU', she's convinced that he doesn't really care that much. For which I wanted to knock her head. Kind of.

So, yeah. The book wasn't awful. I guess I kinda made it sound awful, but it wasn't. I just somehow couldn't bring myself to enjoy it.

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Voted Most Likely: A Blog Tag

Ahh, my first tag on this blog! Today I'm here with the Voted Most Likely tag, which will help you get to know some of my characters! And, in honor of Camp NaNo July, I'll be using the characters from my WIP, Little Boy Blue.

I was (kinda) tagged by Rebekah for this (more like she said anyone who blogged and was a writer could do it, soooo). Thanks, Rebekah!

The rules:

1. Thank the blogger who tagged you.

2. Include this link to the original tag post. 

3. Use your own lovely Original Characters (OC’s); don’t use a friend’s characters or characters from your favorite fandom. They can be from any project, so long as you created them. For more fun, try to use as many different characters as possible.

4. Tag at least five bloggers.

Okay, I'm going to give you a list of my characters to which you can reference when all these names confuse you when I answer the questions.

Judah: Protagonist, serious and family leader

EmmaLee: Judah's wife, sweet and clever

Jason: Judah's brother, impulsive, loudmouthed

Jayne: Judah's sister, mild, kinda cocky (I guess? Idk, she's honestly one of the most minor characters #oops)

Jayden: Judah's youngest sibling, cocky

Wyatt: Judah's ward, quiet, serious, slight attitude

Okay, now that the boring part's over, let's get to the juicy tidbits!

Most Likely to Become a Poet

Um . . . I should've enlisted my writing partner's help for this tag, haha! Oh goodness, this one is hard. Most of my characters are guys, and it's super hard to see them as poets. Um . . . let's go with EmmaLee. She's a sweetheart.

A sweetheart with spunk, that is.

Most Likely to Dance in the Rain

Uhhh can I go with Emma again?? No?? Rats. *thinks* *crickets chirp* *audience falls asleep* OH! Jayne. *nods* I think. *nods again* Like I said, I haven't written much with her. *sobs*

Most Likely to Look Good in a Kilt

BAHAHAHA. Uhhhh . . . rats, I wish I were using my novel's characters (Fergus, man!). Um, Judah, probably. Though he'd probably only be wearing it because EmmaLee cajoled him to. And then his brothers would make terrible fun of him for 'wearing a skirt.' *shakes head sadly*

Most Likely to get Punched in the Face

Jason, hands down. He's always acting immature and speaking without thinking. The dude needs help.

But he can be rather hilarious, if I do say so myself.

Most Likely to Drop Everything and Become a Sheepherder

What kind of questions are these?! Probably Jayden. He probably wouldn't care for it too much, but hey, he's Jayden; he surprises people with what he likes or doesn't like. Unpredictable chap.

Most Likely Found in a Library

Uhhhh I'm gonna have to start using the same characters again because there ain't no way I'm going to be able to find enough characters from Little Boy Blue to go with all these questions. So I'm gonna go with Judah again. Though, Wyatt would probably be a close second.

Most Likely to Sleep through an Earthquake

EmmaLee, probably? I mean, I'm trying not to give away any spoilers, but they're all used to waking up at the slightest noise. So, since Emma hasn't been a part of the whole 'operation' that long, probably her.

Most Likely to Steal Food from Others' Plates

Jason and Jayden. They both would. I seriously can't pick between the two. Though, having grown up with them, Jayne probably would too if it were something she really wanted, or if they just did it to her.

Most Likely to Cheat on a Test

Wyatt, just because he hasn't been taught any better. He's probably got it down to a science on how to do it most efficiently.

Most Likely to Say "Oops" After Setting Something on Fire

Again, probably Wyatt? And Jayden. There really isn't any explanation needed here . . . 

I love these dudes.

Most Likely to Open an Orphanage

Both Judah and EmmaLee. I mean, Judah kinda did with his own home when he took Wyatt in, soooooo . . . 

Most Likely to Run Off to the Circus

Jayden. He's so quirky, I can totally see him doing that. Except that he's technically a grown man . . .

Most Likely to be Needed in a War

Judah. I mean, he's the leader! But Wyatt, too, for reasons that shall remain anonymous for now.

Most Likely to Fake Their Own Death

*bursts out laughing at the death reference* My writing partner will understand why I'm laughing. Don't worry, I'm not totally crazy.

Though I'm a writer, so aren't we all kinda crazy by default?

Anyway, most likely to fake their own death . . . Jason, probably. Just so that he can pop out of his casket and shout "Surprise!"

Well, how did you enjoy getting to know my characters a bit? I know I sure liked introducing them to you! I kinda like these peeps. *hugs them all*

So nowwwwww . . .

I tag: 
Anyone who is doing Camp NaNo this month! (yes, I'm totally cheating, but that's okay, because there's exceptions to every rule, and IT'S CAMP NANO. No other explanation needed.)

Are you working on your own project, for Camp or otherwise? How's it going? 

Book Review: Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig

 

Mentioned in the pages of the Septuagint but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets--and dangers--never before seen on earth.  

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is finally given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as "Viorica" snatches the volume right out from under them. 

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most--freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives--entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in two-
thousand-year-old words could unleash the storm of their own destruction.

My rating:

Miss Ronie's books are always chock-full of suspense, action and incredibleness!! I was so excited to read a book about Lief, who was a side character in one of the Tox Files books, and I wasn't disappointed!

Things I liked:
-Um, hello, Lief! He was so epic! And his backstory that kept getting hinted at and such...just yes. So much yes.
-The snark?? If you have a book with a group of people that aren't afraid to tease each other, and all the camaraderie...in my case, it's instant love, basically.
-The injuriiiieeees. Don't give me that look, I don't like it when good guys die, but when they just get hurt...well, yes, this book nailed it. The good guys weren't immune to a little roughing up. It was fabulous.
-Just yeah, allll da peeps. 

Things I didn't like:
-The romance. I know this is a romance book, and I KNOW that it shouldn't necessarily dock part of my rating consequently, since I kinda knew what to expect, but...no thank you. Sappy? Definitely. Detailed? Quite. No, I don't want to hear about your 'sizzling attraction' or the detailed kissing.
BUT. The rest of the book made up for it, sooooo
-The spiritual content was...almost nonexistent? There were a fewmentions of God, but...that was it. I'm not quite sure that it could technically count as Christian fiction. BUT. The book was pretty much squeaky clean in the language aspect, which I SO APPRECIATE.

Overall thoughts:
UM I NEED THE NEXT BOOK PLEASE. Like, RIGHT NOW. Like, the book didn't necessarily end on a cliffhanger, but it definitely left questions waiting to be answered in further books.
And that's another thing—I was pretty much confused throughout the whole book. Some of the stuff went over my head (which, I suppose, is to be expected, with what they were looking for), but I was still left in confusion. And some of the locations were super hard to picture in my mind from lack of description.
BUT all this to say...this book is epiiiiic and I can't wait for the next! <3

My Camp NaNo Project: Little Boy Blue

This July, I'm participating in Camp NaNo for the second time in my life—and the second time this year. Honestly, it was probably a bad idea, buuuut . . . it's one of those irresistible things, ya know? One of those things that you just really want to try, even if you may or may not have time.

Do I have time? Probably not . . . but I set my goal at half of what it was last time, so I think it's doable. If it isn't, well, I guess I'll fail Camp. But that's okay. Because the goal is to just write as much as time allows, right?

Right.

Anyway. You're obviously here to read all about my crazy Camp NaNo project. The title? You guessed it (rather obvious, I suppose . . . )! Little Boy Blue.

The idea for this story first blossomed . . . I don't know . . . it really depends on how you look at it. This particular story has probably been stewing in my brain for several months. I'm not quite sure about the amount of months. (Any idea, Livi?)

Little Boy Blue is a retelling of the biblical story of Joseph, with a particular twist that incorporates the nursery rhyme:

"Little Boy Blue,

Come blow your horn.

The sheep's in the meadow,

The cow's in the corn.

Where is the boy

Who looks after the sheep?

He's under a haystack,

He's fast asleep!"

I wrote up a quick unofficial synopsis the other day:

Custody of a fifteen-year-old wasn't what Judah had in mind when he took over the Turner clan. But he sees himself in the teen—lonely and afraid of the future, a mask of indifference covering his true fears.

Determined to draw out the boy's inner potential, Judah continually maintains patience with him, despite warnings by the others: a convict's son doesn't belong in a family of crimefighters.

A stroke of tragedy shoves Judah to the brink of despair, and only God can bring him back to safety. Will severed ties mend before it's too late?

Honestly, I don't even know if the story will stay true to the description. You can ask my writing partner, I change my mind far too often, especially when it comes to this story!

And, in honor of Camp NaNo (and, more specifically, this post), I created an aesthetic collage! It was actually surprisingly hard to find pictures for this—except for the can of Pepsi—but I think it turned out pretty well. ;)

But there's one little secret I haven't told you yet—Little Boy Blue is, Lord willing, the first of a series! *cue screaming* Nothing is set in stone yet, and heaven knows that I need about ten (or a hundred) times more research than I've actually done (which is pretty close to none). The series has been in my mind for well over a year (maybe two or three?), and I'm soooo excited to finally start working on it!

But wait, you might be thinking, she's only started thinking about this book for a few months. How can she have thought of the series for years?

Well, let's just say that this series has gone through many mental revisions. I'm rather fickle that way.

So. Would you care for a snippet? Yes, I thought you might. This particular bit was written before Camp NaNo, but I'm rather partial to it. 

Judah turned and looked where her gaze pointed. Wyatt leaned casually against the doorway from the dining room into the living room, though he looked anything but relaxed. “Hey Wyatt, you ready to eat?”

The young man shrugged indifferently and stepped into the room, then swaggered to the table, taking a seat next to the door.

“Uh, sorry, but that’s, um, my seat,” Jason spoke before Wyatt sat down, face utterly serious. Then he broke into a wide grin and a hearty laugh. “Nope, just kidding. You can have it.”

Wyatt rolled his eyes and moved to a different chair anyway.

Jason’s face morphed into a frown, and he opened his mouth several times before finally stammering, “Now, that one really is my seat.” He moved to stand behind Wyatt’s chair, waiting for the boy to stand.

He didn’t.

Judah watched on in amusement, leaning back against the island. This’ll be interesting. 

Wyatt sat still for a moment, ignoring the man behind him, and then finally turned to stare up at least three feet from where he sat. “You need something, Hulk?”

Jason’s face reddened. He normally didn’t mind being called Hulk, but somehow he didn’t think that this time was meant as a compliment. “That’s my chair, punk.”

Wyatt tilted his head, then motioned to the seat beside him. “I thought you said that that one’s yours.”

“Yeah, well, I was only joking.”

Wyatt paused for a moment, staring unblinkingly into Jason’s eyes. “Yeah, well,” He copied Jason’s words, “I wasn’t.”

Judah held back a smirk. Two matching egos. May the sparks fly.

 What do you think? Intrigued? Yeah, me too. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to seeing where this story goes!
Are you participating in Camp NaNo July this year?

Book Review: The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin

A sleepy rural town in South Carolina. The end of summer and a baby about to be born. But in the midst of hope and celebration comes unexpected tragedy, and Dylan Styles must come to terms with how much he's lost. Will the music of his heart be stilled forever--or will he choose to dance with life once more, in spite of sorrow and heartbreak?

The Dead Don't Dance is a bittersweet yet triumphant love story--a tale of one man's spiritual journey through the darkness of despair and into the light of hope.

My rating:

Now, before that title (and cover) starts freaking you out, let me tell you now that this is not a creepy murder story, 'kay?

Okay . . . um, I'm not even sure where to start. I fell in love with this book right away, with both the characters and the writing style. I've read one other book by Charles Martin, When Crickets Cry, and I have to say that after reading only two books by him, I'm in love with his style.

So, to talk about The Dead Don't Dance . . . again, where to start?? This is one of those books that you just can't put down, but it's not necessarily because the plot is fast-moving. Far from it, actually. Yet the description was incredible, the plot engaging, and the writing style flowed like nothing I've ever read before. This was just one of those books that, once finished, you just set in your lap and stare into space, saying, "wow."

What specific things made this book special? 

Well . . . um . . . all of it? But first of all, Maggie. She's one of those characters that you just fall in love with right away. And Dylan? I don't know, it's something about his narration that really made the come alive. (I mean, technically it was Charles Martin's narration, but pfft, minor details) Amos was so epic. That one friend that stood with Dylan throughout the whole ordeal.

*MINOR SPOILER*

Another thing—Dylan's teaching job?? I was so, so excited when he started working with dropouts!! And I wasn't disappointed! And the way it all came together in the end just . . . *cuddles book*

*END OF SPOILER*

There were some crude comments made that I might've liked kept out, but nothing awful. Actually, if anything, it probably made the book more realistic.

I feel like there really isn't much else I can say without giving spoilers. Just go read it. *shoos you off to the library*