Coming Attractions and a Book Review

Coming Attractions

It's hard to believe that the year is nearly half over! To celebrate summer, I have a few special guests lined up. Here's a sampling:

Next week, Alex J. Cavanaugh stops by to share his thoughts on first drafts and outlines. Alex never fails to offer inspiration and great info.

We'll also find encouragement from Terri Tiffany, who visits in July for the Meet the Blogger post. Terri's debut novel, The Mulligan was released in February. 


Book Review

I have the privilege of being an influencer for Jody Hedlund's latest book, Hearts Made Whole. If you are a fan of Jody's work and/or historical fiction, you just might enjoy this story. :)

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund      

The second in the Beacons of Hope series, Hearts Made Whole is an engaging story that leads the reader on a lively journey of adventure and restoration. Caroline Taylor tends the Windmill Point Lighthouse in Michigan as she and her siblings mourn the loss of their father. It is 1865; Caroline is doubtful that the Lighthouse Board will allow her, a woman, to remain as keeper. Her doubts are confirmed when the district lighthouse inspector informs Caroline that he’s hired a man to replace her.

Despite the fact that Civil War veteran Ryan Chambers knows little about tending lighthouses, he is hired as Caroline’s replacement. Ryan is looking for a fresh start, preferably in an isolated profession, so the lighthouse position seems a perfect fit. Or is it? Horrific memories of war relentlessly pursue him, causing Ryan to seek solace by unhealthy means.

Their first meeting is a bit awkward, but Caroline and Ryan form a friendship once they begin to understand each other. As she considers her future options, Caroline agrees to show Ryan how to tend the lighthouse. Their relationship is complicated somewhat by Caroline’s would be suitor Arnie. 

This story offers an assortment of intriguing scenarios, from impending danger and loyalty, to love, heartbreak, and sorrow. There are surprises galore, and Ryan and Caroline must decide where their faith lies and in whom they can trust. About the time I thought things were settling down within the story another calamity arose, further testing their mettle. It kept me guessing. I like that!  

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms. Hedlund artfully paints each scene through realistic characters and authentic action and details that complement an engaging plot. Her writing possesses a richness and depth that fully surrounds and immerses the reader.  I was drawn into the story immediately (and then had trouble putting the book down). This intriguing tale of love and redemption leaves the reader with hope and a smile. I cannot wait until Book 3 in the series comes out!

I received this influencer copy from Bethany House free of charge in exchange for an honest review.


What are you reading this week?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen

Book Review - Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

It is 1859, and Emma Chambers and her brother Ryan just survived a shipwreck off Presque Isle, Michigan. Though thankful to be alive, Emma is uncertain about her future. Holy Bill, the local circuit preacher, suggests a solution to her dilemma – marry widower Patrick Garraty and help raise his two-year-old son Josiah. Emma agrees, but soon second guesses the wisdom of her hasty decision.

As Patrick deals with his wife Delia’s recent passing, he knows he cannot care for his son and tend the Presque Isle Lighthouse. While grateful for Emma’s help and apparent affection for Josiah, he wrestles with how much of his past he should reveal to Emma. Delia’s cousin Bertha suspects something is amiss in Patrick’s past and doesn’t hesitate to spread rumors about him.

Patrick offers Emma a home, something she has always wanted. She delights in this, yet is frustrated with Josiah’s strong willed personality and her lack of cooking skills. Patrick and Emma form a quiet friendship, one however, that is threatened by Patrick’s past and Bertha’s vicious rumors.

Love Unexpected is a sweet story, full of historical detail and genuine characters. I enjoyed watching Patrick's and Emma’s relationship develop, as well as how their challenges helped shape their character. It was interesting to learn the inner workings and the importance of lighthouses, especially during this period in American history. I also enjoyed the tie in with Jody’s novella, Out of the Storm. While one does not need to read it to understand Love Unexpected, there is an interesting connection between the two.

Jody’s stories never fail to entertain, educate, and share the gospel with readers. This heartwarming story is Book One in the Beacons of Hope set. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Buy Love Unexpected here

Visit Jody Hedlund here






What are you reading this weekend?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen

Perspective

My book got its first two star rating on Amazon a few weeks ago. Good and bad reviews are part of the deal, but I must admit, it stung a little.            

Other than the initial sting though, I was pretty okay with it. It shook my confidence momentarily, but I remembered the advice of a few of my favorite writers.

Jody Hedlund shared her thoughts on the topic, "My book won't be everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay."  (My paraphrase.)

Ann Gabhart lent further insight when she said, "Rejection is not fatal."

Jody and Ann are right. Bad reviews and rejection - they aren't the end of the world. You can't please all the people all the time. It's all about perspective.

It's been a good reality check, this less than stellar review, for it offered an opportunity to review priorities and what motivates me. Here is my short list. See how it compares to yours.


Faith - I believe that God is in control no matter what. Nothing takes Him by surprise.

Family and Friends - It's good to know your loved ones are on your team.

I. Must. Write. - The need to express myself no matter what anyone else thinks.

The Importance of Sharing - I feel led to share various experiences and bits of info with others.

The Take Away - There's often something to learn from a negative review, constructive criticism, or a rejection letter. Challenges sharpen our skills and help us grow.

Balance - Knowing there will be ups and downs helps maintain a better outlook.

Blessings - Remember and count them daily.

How do you handle rejection or bad reviews? What helps you keep a good perspective? What's on your short list?

It's been crazy busy around here, with a manuscript submission, the start of my teen writing classes, and a wedding on our property over the weekend. So I am taking a break until September 22 when Sarah Sundin stops by to talk about her new book. Hope you can join us. :)

Enjoy September!

Happy writing,

Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

A Plethora of Pictures with Jody Hedlund

Behind the Scenes of Captured by Love Blog Tour

Please join me in welcoming author Jody Hedlund! She's visiting as part of her blog tour for her latest book, Captured by Love.

Jody's giving away a paperback copy, so check out the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

A Plethora of Pictures for Captured by Love

I admit, I am a Pinterest addict! Okay, so maybe not an addict, but this Pin is very true of me.

 

One of the things I like to do the most on Pinterest is create novel boards for each of my novels. What are novel boards?

Basically, they're boards that summarize the characters and events in a novel via pictures and  snippets below each picture.

Novel boards are a great way to give readers a glimpse of the story before they read the book. I use pictures to briefly tell the sequence of the story and give the readers some ideas of what takes place in the book (I try not to have spoilers!). The pins are a way to hopefully intrigue a reader, to get them interested, even excited about the story.

The novel boards can also be a place readers can go after finishing the book. Often if a book really resonates with a reader, they'll search out the author's website and want to learn a little more about the author and the book. The boards of pictures can give more insight into the research, setting, and characters.

Of course my novel boards aren't perfect. It's not always easy to find pins to match the story. And it's also challenging to get them in story order (since Pinterest still doesn't allow you to reposition pins on individual boards once you've pinned them).

But I'm also learning that with each book I write, (while I'm in first draft mode), to bookmark pictures and even pin some onto one of my Secret Boards, so that I have them closer to the book release when I begin putting the board together.

All that to say, I invite you to stop by my Captured by Love Novel Board and take a look at all the various pictures that will hopefully bring the story to life in a different way for you.

To whet your appetite, here are some of the pictures that I picked to represent my story.

The story opens on a foggy morning in the spring of 1814. After a long isolated winter, the residents of Michilimackinac Island are starving. Angelique is sneaking food to her friend Miriam when she's confronted by a British soldier who demands that she hand over her early morning catch of fish.

 

(Photo credit: Flickr Mike the GForcers)

The long winter has just ended and spring is starting to bloom. A wide variety of lilacs grow in Mackinac Island. Angelique and Miriam both love this fragrant flower.

 

(Photo credit: Flickr knitting iris)

When the British forced many of the American men to leave the island, the farms and fields fell into disrepair. Miriam's farm is overgrown with weeds and has remained unplanted since her son Jean left to fight with the American forces.

 

(Photo credit: Flickr Leon Reed)

Angelique has helped keep Miriam and other residents from starving during the winter by fishing. Her canoe (like most canoes at the time) was a birchbark canoe. 



(Photo credit: Flickr Shannon Mills)

Additional British troops have landed on the island in preparation for an inevitable battle with the Americans who want to retake the island.

 

(Photo credit: Flickr Gary Strong) 
 

Native Americans are arriving on the island too. As allies with the British, they've come to receive their annual "gifts" from the British as well to aid them in battle in a potential American invasion of the island.

 

(Photo credit: Flickr ryanophilly)

These are just a few of the pictures on my Pinterest board for Captured by Love. Make sure you head over soon to check out the rest!

Well, that's all, dear friends! We've come to the end of the behind-the-scenes tour of Captured by Love. I hope you've enjoyed learning more about the making of the book. And now if you haven't already read it, pick up a copy and enjoy!

Do you enjoy seeing pictures of things in novels? Does it help bring the novel to life? Or would you rather leave the story to your imagination?

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Jody!

Find Jody at her website and on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

My Review of Captured by Love 

Captured by Love is another Jody Hedlund classic – it offers a wonderful plot rich in detail, carefully orchestrated to engage and entertain the reader.  Although the characters reside in a different era, they are authentic and relatable, facing obstacles not so different from our own. Hedlund shares a lively and stirring tale full of surprises and adventure, love and redemption. Historical fiction fans will not be disappointed; it’s a great read.

Don't forget to check out the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

Do you have any questions for Jody? What are you reading this week?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen




a Rafflecopter giveaway