Faith, Community, and Book Reviews
Reading Exiles jumped to the forefront of my priorities list as soon as I got the advanced reader’s copy from Jaye. Other books might get lost in my work schedule, buried under tasks I need to do for church, or lay temporarily forgotten while I visit friends … but not when that book contains characters as beloved and missed of Kyrin, Jace, and the others.
Remember the good old-fashioned book reviews this blog was built on? It’s been a lot of fun branching out with devotional posts that delve into the themes of various books, but sometimes it’s good to go back to the basics and just share some thoughts on the book itself. Right? (Do you guys want more book reviews or do you like the theme based posts better?)
Continue reading “Book Review & Giveaway: Goth by Kimberly Koch”
When I received the invitation to be part of the Samara’s Peril blog tour, I submitted my author interview questions and waited eagerly to receive Jaye’s replies. I really wanted to know which characters she’d pick to play which roles in her wedding!
Actually, I think it was more the opposite—that life taught me how to write Samara’s Peril. The last several years of my life have had quite a few ups and downs. There’s been a lot of emotions to deal with. But the one thing I’ve learned through all of that is to really cling to faith, no matter how painful it is. So much of Ilyon Chronicles was born out of these emotions and struggles, especially with my main character, Jace. He really sinks into despair in this book, yet it’s when he reaches his lowest that he finally finds the hope he’s always looked for. That is often true in life.
Clinging to faith and trusting God no matter what is something I’ve been learning lately too. It’s encouraging to see that struggle (and the benefits of it) play out in characters’ lives!
Never give up or lose faith. I know, it is so easy to do, and there are times where you don’t really want to care anymore, but even if you slip, keep hanging on. This can be applied to both life and being a writer. Being a writer is scary. You bare your soul for anyone to see and might get crushed a little sometimes, but keep pushing forward. With every book I’ve ever published, including Samara’s Peril, there are inevitably times I start to worry it’s not good enough—that I’m not a good writer. That can be really hard, but just keep going.
Hmm. I admit this question was largely for myself because I’ve been struggling to make progress on the sequel to Counted Worthy. I’m going to have to take this to heart!
Good question. Well, supposing my fiancé (are you out there anywhere? ;), was cool with anything I chose, Jace and Kyrin would definitely be part of my wedding party. Kaden too. Meredith would be the flower girl, and I would definitely have Talas and some of his crete friends do the music. 🙂 Lenae would probably be in charge of the food. Oh, and I would have Timothy do the ceremony.
Meredith is so perfect to be the flower girl! ❤
Daniel! 😀 He gets a whole storyline dedicated to him in book four, so I’m really looking forward to sharing that. Also, Jace, of course. He changes a lot in Samara’s Peril, but it doesn’t stop there. I love watching him continue to grow throughout the series.
Oooh! My brother and I have been hoping for Daniel to get more screen time.
Enter Here
Are you ready for an influx of posts about Samara’s Peril? I’m so excited to talk about this book because the more of the series I read, the more of a favorite it becomes. Dear readers, if the Ilyon Chronicles books aren’t on your read-as-soon-as-possible list, they should be.
When news arrives that Emperor Daican has been in contact with his chief war strategist, it signals potential doom for the country of Samara. Determined to intervene, the resistance in Landale, headed by Lady Anne, embark on a covert mission in hopes of unearthing further information. However, a shocking discovery leads to complications no one could have foreseen.
Armed with their newfound knowledge, they set out for Samara to warn the king. War is inevitable, and they must face two desperate battles—one on the walls of Samara’s great stronghold, and the other on the battlefield of Jace’s heart, where victory might only be achievable through great sacrifice.
Every once in a while, you meet a fictional character that completely captures your heart. When they’re part of the series, you find yourself grinning when you begin the next book because you’re happy to be “hanging out” with this character again. Jace is one of those characters. There is something about his dogged integrity despite a crippling past that makes him compelling.
While past books in this series have caused me to contemplate broad issues like faithfulness in the face of persecution, Samara’s Peril was a very personal story. The majority of the narrative clung to Jace’s perspective, struggles, and eventual … well, let’s not give that part away. 😉 The moments of joy are bountiful, relieving joy because they’ve been hoped for and anticipated for so long. (One scene had me stumbling around the house with a grin on my face for half-an-hour.) The stretches of pain and doubt are heart wringing.
The bottom line is: the storytelling is amazing, the story itself is meaningful, and the characters will make a home in your heart and never leave.
Stay Tuned! Next Wednesday we’ll be featuring an author interview with Jaye, and next Friday I’ll share some practical, real-life takeaways inspired by Samara’s Peril.
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Etsy.
Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Samara’s Peril, a John 3:16 necklace by FaithWearDesigns, and a green wire dragon bookmark by Wirelings! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)
The month of January is almost at an end, which means this will be our last devotional giveaway. It has been such a pleasure to share some of my favorite devotionals with you. I hope you’ve found this series an encouragement and a challenge to study God’s word this year!
Last week I was giving away a copy of The One Year Devotions for Kids, which is a collection of devotional lessons pulled from Keys for Kids. And the winner is…
I admit that I was rooting for Connie’s name to be drawn by the random generator used by rafflecopter. She has faithful entered each of the devotional giveaways, so I’m glad you won one, Connie!
Our final giveaway is a little bit different than the last three. When God Writes Your Life Story is not a collection of 365 devotional readings. However, it is a great addition to the time you set aside to spend with God and learning of God. You can read the review I posted of it here on the blog.
Click on the image below for your chance to win a copy!*
![When God Writes Your Life Story [Giveaway]](https://leahegood.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/when-god-writes-your-life-story-giveaway.jpg?w=525)
*giveaway can only be shipped within the continental United States
What do you want to see next on Leah’s Bookshelf?
After an extremely mild start to our winter, New England finally realized it’s winter and sent us “blizzard 2016.” I’ve been thoroughly enjoying a quite day sprawled in front of our fire reading. Are any of you snowbound and reading good books? I just finished Rise by Rachel Starr Thomson. Now I’m ready for a nap (or maybe I’ll watch one of the movies I got for Christmas). But first, I want to share with you the winner of last week’s giveaway and announce which devotional I’m giving away this week!
Last week I was giving away A Closer Look at the Evidence, by Richard & Tina Kleiss. The winner of that giveaway is…
Congratulations, Spencer! I’m sure that you (and maybe Hanna too!) will enjoy this one. I’ll email you to get your mailing address.
This week I’m giving away* a collection of childhood favorites. When I was young, my family used Keys for Kids for our family devotions. The One Year Devotions for Kids is 365 of the devotional stories and “key lessons” that I grew up on. Just click on the image below to enter for your chance to win this devotional.**
![One Year Devotions [Giveaway]](https://leahegood.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/one-year-devotions-giveaway.jpg?w=525)
*Giveaway can only be shipped in the continental United States.
**Used Copy
I’m posting a day early this week because tomorrow my family will be at services for my Great-Grandmother who passed away Monday evening. She was born two months after the Titanic sank and had a full 103 years of life. She also knew the Lord, so we can celebrate her home going. 🙂 Please pray for my family’s testimony tomorrow! And also pray that I can sing as planned–I’m fighting a sore throat today.
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So, who wants to know who won the Daily Light from the Bible giveaway? I know I was eager to find out! Our winner is…
The winner was chosen by Random.org, and Becky definitely earned her win! She tweeted about the giveaway every day. I’ll be emailing you to get your address, Becky.
This week’s devotional giveaway is a really neat one for those who enjoy creation science. I discovered A Closer Look at the Evidence on Mike Snavely’s book table when he came to speak for our state homeschool organization several months ago.
This book has a “devotional nugget” for every day of the year. According to the back cover, “A Closer Look draws from over 70 expert sources to show how 26 different areas of knowledge confirm that God’s Word can be trusted as a basis for truth, guidance, and hope.”
Anyone who enjoys ministries like Institute of Creation Research, The Creation Museum, and Mission Imperative will find this devotional intriguing!
January 14: Evidence From History
Jesus Christ is not a mythological character. Evidences of His existence can be verified by many sources.
First, there is the testimony of the New Testament documents. All 27 New Testament books were completed within 60 years of Christ’s resurrection. Ten of these books were written by Christ’s personal friends. At least thirteen were written by Paul, an eyewitness of Christ’s life.
Second, The Jewish Babylonian Talmud and the writings of the famous Jewish historian Josephus bear witness to the historical presence of Christ. Their testimony to Christ’s existence is all the more valuable, because the Jews not only rejected Christ, but were extremely hostile toward Him. Many of these writings contain lies and distortions, but the very fact He merits attention supports His historical existence.
Third, ancient nonreligious historical writings also bear record of Christ. For example, Pliny, the governor of Bithynia (around 112 A.D.); the Roman historian Tacitus (115 A.D.); and the popular Roman writer Seutonius (about 120 A.D.) all acknowledge the existence of Christ.
A Study Course In Christian Evidences, p. 140-141
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem… Matthew 2:1
Now it’s your turn! Use the image link below to enter for your chance to win* this devotional! 
What’s your favorite Christian Evidences ministry? Do have a favorite Christian Evidences fact you can share?
P.S. If you liked the look of Daily Light in the Bible but didn’t win, you can buy a used copy for $0.01 + shipping on Amazon. I’d highly recommend giving it a try.
*The prize book for this giveaway can only be shipped within the continental United States.
This little devotional has floated around our home for years, but I just recently decided to explore it for myself. It’s simple, easy to read, and has become a refreshing way to start my days at work with the right mindset.
My favorite part of Daily Light from the Bible is that the entire devotional is scripture. Story and commentary devotionals certainly have their place (I’ll be giving away one or two of those this month), but God’s word is more than enough on it’s own. It is powerful, challenging, and peace-giving.
In this book, there are two devotional readings–morning and evening–for each day of the year. The scriptures that comprise each reading are arranged around a topic. For example, the reading this morning was:
They that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.–I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.–For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints, they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.–The LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.–Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.
Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Who would like to incorporate this book into their time with God during 2016? I’m giving away a (used) copy of Daily Light from the Bible this week! Giveaway ends January 14th.
Do you use a scripture reading plan or have a specific way you go about spending time with God? Have any tips for other readers on how they can dig deeper in their walk with the Lord? What is your favorite devotional?
Leah E. Good 