Book Review: White Wolf and the Ash Princess

“One can only stifle the truth for so long. Truth is a powerful thing, and it finds a way out of the captivity of secrecy….”

All Isabelle Gudwyne wants is the truth.

About her name, about the scars that disfigure her skin and the fear that twists through her stomach in the presence of fire.

All she wants is the key to her memories, to the past that her own mind won’t reveal to her. But someone is keeping it from her.

Jonathan insists it is for Izzy’s own good, but he has a past and memories that taunt him just as much as the memories that Izzy can’t reclaim.

But Isabelle Gudwyne is nothing if not persistent, and her desire to know the whole truth is only growing.

It will not be long now until Izzy gets the answers she’s been wanting. But when she does, only one thing will matter: can she find the faith and courage necessary to forgive the one who caused her pain and help the one she loves the most find the healing he so desperately needs?

White Wolf and the Ash Princess is one of the most honest and engaging Christian historical fiction books I have read. From the first chapter, I felt so connected with fearful, yet persistent Izzy and noble, but heartsore Jonathan. To experience the journey and see these characters grow and flourish was such a joy.

This is also one of those hard-to-find books whose secondary characters are just as vivid. Miss Margaret and Tubs are only two of many I could mention, and their loyalty, humor, and devotion added such a richness to the story.

The story takes many unexpected paths through England and the wilds of America. I was surprised and delighted by them all. Mord than anything, I appreciated Izzy’s journey to faith, her experience of receiving and giving grace, and her willingness to place others before herself.

Her determination is inspiring, and her courage is, in the end, unrivaled. You will not regret reading this wonderful story or racing to find out how the adventure continued in book two, Letters from the Dragon’s Son. Tammy Lash has crafted a truly remarkable world that readerd will want to return to again and again.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Book Review: Earth Quaking

Today, I’m overjoyed to share my book review of Earth Quaking, by fellow author and friend, H.A. Pruitt! I’ll let the review speak for itself, but this is not an adventure that you’re going to want to miss.

The adventure through Anelthalien continues…

Four young heroes – Kindle, Tad, Ella, and Andrew – are making their way through unfamiliar country. Dangers surround them, and their quest to save Anelthalien and put an end to the evil throne feels more impossible and uncertain as the days pass.

But it’s not only their quest that the heroes are uncertain of…

One of them is hiding something, and, before long, shadows of suspicion begin to cloud their vision, their purpose, and their ability to trust one another. Like me, I suppose you’re wondering: if the four heroes can’t overcome their own doubts and learn to trust again, what hope does the land of Anelthalien and its people have?

Earth Quaking is a stunning exploration of that struggle we all face between doubt and faith. Kindle, Tad, Ella, and Andrew are four of the most real, endearing, and well-written characters you’ll find between the covers of a book. After reading Earth Quaking, I cannot choose my favorite; I love them all and see a little of myself in each of them.

And, perhaps, that’s part of the wonder of Anelthalien. You go there for a good story and a thrilling adventure, only to discover pieces of yourself that you’ve been missing, that you thought were gone for good.

So, if you’re looking for the courage to endure impossible circumstances…

If you’re longing to reclaim the hope you need to place your trust in someone again…

If you need help to remember that things really do happen for a reason and at the perfect time, even when we don’t understand why…

Open the pages of Earth Quaking.

Anelthalien is waiting, and it’s that rare fantasy world where hope comes alive and faith begins to flourish again.

I wouldn’t wait a moment more to explore it.

Would you?

You can start your adventure through Anelthalien in book one, Anelthalien, and then continue the journey in Earth Quaking.

Here’s a little more about the author, H.A. Pruitt:

“H. A. Pruitt is the author of the Christian fantasy book Anelthalien. Anelthalien is a portal fantasy that readers say reminds them of The Chronicles of Narnia.

“H.A. Pruitt is a pastor’s wife who teaches two Bible studies and wrote the recovery program for the church they serve. Her mission in all she does is to listen to, obey, and glorify God. She has always enjoyed art, using her imagination, and writing and is enjoying God using those abilities to shape her into an author.
Also, she really loves her guinea pigs . . . all 14 of them.”

You can connect with Heather on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook!

And be sure to add Anelthalien and Earth Quaking on Goodreads!

This week is a week of bookish holidays! Yesterday was Read-A-Book Day and tomorrow, I’ll be celebrating International Literacy Day on Instagram by sharing one of the books that I read again and again (and again) as a kid. I hope you’ll join me!

What will you be reading this week?

Alexandria

Book Review: Hoover’s Horn

Luna’s first adventure with her newfound friends has hardly ended, and the next one is already beginning…

Wizard Edwin is up to his magical tricks once again, and Hoover – Luna’s beloved (and sometimes grumpy) owl friend – has paid the price.

Transformed into a fierce rhinoceros and none too happy about it, Hoover demands to be turned back into his dignified, feathered self this instant.

But it will take all of Edwin’s magical resources and friends to undo this latest mishap, and they’ll soon learn that their hope rests on one noble gnome, Mr. Terracotta Glaze.

It seems impossible, but you never know, young reader. With a few willing friends and a wish fulfilled, Hoover might regain his feathers yet.

Hoover’s Horn is a wonderful continuation of The Cottonwood Chronicles. I continue to be delighted by Erica Richardson’s God-given gift for taking a whimsical tale full of child-like wonder and adventure and then filling it to the brim with heart-warming reminders of true friendship and what’s really worth treasuring in life.

If you’re longing for a story that’s sure to bring your family together for an adventure full of magic and delight, look no further than Hoover’s Horn, book two of The Cottonwood Chronicles, and all of the magical adventures yet to come.

If you’re just discovering the wonder of Erica’s magical tales, you can find a copy of Luna’s Rescue on Amazon!

While you’re there, you might as well grab a copy of Hoover’s Horn, so you don’t have to wait a moment to find out what happens next 😉

When you’ve finished, please consider leaving a review on Goodreads! It’s the best and quickest way to help out your favorite authors!

You can join Erica’s writing adventures on Instagram 🙂

This Thursday, I’m sharing a special excerpt from Hoover’s Horn and a peek at the coloring pages that Erica designed for her stories!

Alexandria

Book Review: A Tapestry of Light

“Sometimes little things held more strength than the grand.”

For Ottilie Russell, life has been an unending pattern of loss.

First, her father and siblings, wrenched away by illness.

Then, her mother, stolen away in a senseless accident that leaves her with the daunting responsibility of caring for her grandmother and younger brother, Thaddeus.

Ottilie is determined, though. Amidst the swirl of doubt and grief, she steels herself to use her unique gift for embroidery to honor her parents’ legacy and provide for her family.

But Ottilie soon learns that her mother’s plans for them were quite different than what she expects, and plans have been set in motion that promise to rip away everything that is familiar.

Everything comforting and reassuring.

As much as Ottilie has wrestled with her British and Indian heritage, she is about to find herself more torn between the two than ever before. The only way forward is to carefully gather the smallest scraps of faith and courage she has left and discover if they will be enough to make something with real strength.

Kimberly Duffy’s books are absolute wonders and a gift to anyone who reads them. In A Tapestry of Light, the pages are filled with characters who hold their darkest struggles up to the light with a courage and vulnerability that is exceedingly rare.

Readers will be comforted to know that they are not alone in their doubts or pain, challenged to ask the hardest questions, and emboldened to face their long-held fears.

There are countless lessons and comforts to be found in the pages of this book, but, by far, the most important one for me is this:

Sometimes, it is the smallest stitches that transform a tapestry into a work of stunning beauty, and, often, it’s the seemingly insignificant seeds of faith that make a person radiant with the hope that even a life fragmented by loss can be daily made whole.

A Tapestry of Light is available on Amazon and Bookshop, a really fantastic site that supports indie bookstores with every purchase!

You can connect with Kimberly on her website and Instagram.

Join us Thursday for an interview with the author!

Until then, happy reading!

Alexandria

Book Review: Etania’s Worth

What a delight to share this wonderful story with you this week! Read my full review of Etania’s Worth by M.H. Elrich below! And come back on Thursday for a special interview with the author!

“Etania. She felt Melchizedek’s voice, warming her whole body… Lean on me.”

The land of Tamnarae and its people are at terrible risk. Melchizedek is no longer amongst them, and the forces of Malstorm, known as the Skazic, are rising once more.

Yet, there are those blessed with Neuma – unique gifts bestowed by Melchizedek Himself – who remain loyal and are willing to risk all to fight for what is good and true.

But when Etania, along with her family and friends, is called to join the fight, she discovers that leaning on Melchizedek in faith is the greatest battle of all…

Etania’s Worth is such a remarkable story. Full of adventure, love, betrayal, and courage, it’s a novel that is sure to entertain readers of all ages and challenge them to face their fears with bold faith.

The characters struggle with real brokenness and doubt, but what truly sets this story apart is the redemptive arc that most of the characters experience. Reading a novel where many characters learn to receive grace and healing was so refreshing. I’m sure that readers will agree, as they turn the last page, that we need more stories as brave and full of faith as Etania’s Worth.

I’m so grateful that I had the chance to read this remarkable story!

Pick up a copy for yourself and a friend at Amazon or Bookshop (a wonderful site that supports independent bookstores with every purchase)!

Join me on Thursday as I share a wonderful interview with M.H. Elrich!

Until then, happy reading!

Alexandria

Book Review: The Lightning Bride

This week, I’m sharing my book review of D.M. Sonntag’s YA fantasy novel, The Lightning Bride! Read on for my full review and come back here on Thursday for a special interview with the author!

Have you ever wondered where you belong?

Maydeline Shadow is wondering the same thing and all the more as her family’s life and reputation in the Northern Kingdom begins crumbling.

Reviled for their connection to a world of mermaids and magic, it seems that the Shadow family is relying on Maylie to find a husband who can restore their standing.

But as Maylie searches, she realizes that her family is swept up in a story years in the making, hunted by a crazed mage who is desperate for revenge. And as the days pass, the most urgent question becomes if the Shadow family will survive the danger at all…

The Lightning Bride is an action-packed, YA fantasy novel that blends myth and magic in an exciting and unique way. Whether you’re looking for adventure on the sea or longing to know what dangers might lurk beneath the waves, this story will have something to intrigue and delight YA readers.

The biggest difficulty I had while reading The Lightning Bride was finding Maylie unrelateable at times. I struggled to connect to her character, and it made it difficult to root for her throughout the story.

That being said, there are many strong aspects to this novel. I particularly loved the way that so many different cultures were included and explored.

All in all, D.M. Sonntag has created a unique world, one that readers looking for a fantasy adventure will enjoy!

The Lightning Bride is available on Amazon! Once you’ve finished the adventure, please leave a review on Goodreads! A simple review is one of the very best ways you can support authors!

You can connect with D.M. Sonntag on her website and Instagram, so you don’t miss out on any writing updates or news about new book releases!

This Thursday, D.M. Sonntag joins us for an author interview!

What are some of your current reads? I’d love to know who your favorite indie authors are and always welcome ideas for books and authors to feature on my blog!

Alexandria

Book Review: Abort

Happy Release Day to C.D. Hulen and his brand-new novel, Abort!

This is a science-fiction adventure unlike any other, and I’m thrilled to share my review below (and an interview with the author later this week)!

When Commander Mason Wyatt wakes up on a starship, he has more questions than answers.

Discovering his mission should have been a comfort, but the clock is ticking to complete it, and Mason finds himself stuck with a partner who is asking difficult questions, questions that unsettle his understanding of right and wrong and that put his precarious reputation at further risk.

When he first awoke on the starship, Mason thought the most important thing was to complete the mission, but as time runs short, he must decide if he even has the right to do what the mission demands…

C.D. Hulen has created a masterful, stand-alone sci-fi novel that is both a thrilling adventure through space an intriguing exploration into a character’s struggle with right and wrong.

With a faith-based perspective that effortlessly permeates the entire story, Abort is a novel that will both entertain and challenge readers, and it’s certainly an adventure that they’ll never forget.

Abort is available on Amazon!

Be sure to add Abort on Goodreads and leave a review once you’ve finished reading! It’s one of the best ways to support authors!

This Thursday, I’ll be sharing an interview with C.D. Hulen.

Reading a few more good books until then,

Alexandria

Blog Tour: Anelthalien by H.A. Pruitt

Have you ever read a book that left you with the feeling that you’ve never encountered anything like it before?

For me, that book is Anelthalien by fellow author, H.A. Pruitt.

This story is something special, friends.

It follows four young, reluctant heroes – Kindle, Tad, Ella, and Andrew – all of whom are looking for something different, longing for an escape. As they travel through an unfamiliar land – encountering friends, questions, and mysteries – each of them must decide if they will accept their role as heroes or turn their backs on Anelthalien and its people altogether. It’s a thrilling and powerful adventure!

But, perhaps, even more remarkable than the journey the characters go on is the wonder this story works on every single one of its readers.

While journeying through Anelthalien alongside the four heroes, I witnessed true courage.

I was reminded of what patience (even with the most seemingly unloveable) looks like.

I encountered the Savior and learned what being a hero truly requires.

And I emerged better for it.

All because of a courageous woman who was simply willing to pen the words of Anelthalien exactly as God gave them to her.

What a remarkable gift that I can never properly thank her or God for.

Pick up this book, fellow readers, because Anelthalien isn’t only something different; it’s something altogether rare.

What an honor and joy to be part of this blog tour that celebrates one of my very favorite books and authors!

Grab a copy of Anelthalien for yourself and a friend, and get ready for the next installment of the journey, Earth Quaking, releasing June 30th! I can’t wait!

Connect with H.A. Pruitt on Instagram and her website to follow her writing (and guinea pig) adventures! I’ve been so blessed to get to know her, and you will be, too! 🙂

Tomorrow, Erica Richardson is continuing the celebration of Anelthalien!

Wishing you happy reading,

Alexandria

Book Review: Child of the Dragon Prophecy

I’m delighted to be sharing the cover reveal and my book review of Child of the Dragon Prophecy, a debut novel by Effie Joe Stock! Read on to learn more about the story, its release date, and where you can get a copy for yourself (and a friend!).

What if, all your life, the people you loved and the memories you cherished had been taken from you?

Stephania can’t even remember what she’s lost, but she knows this: there are blank spaces where memories should live, confusion where purpose should light the way, and stinging rejection where love should abide.

You must be wondering if Stephanie will ever uncover the mystery of who she is. But the real question is this: when the Child of the Dragon Prophecy learns the truth, will she wish she never had?

Child of the Dragon Prophecy introduces readers to Rasa, a land full of centaurs and magic, prophecies and loss. In this debut novel, the world-building is exceptional, and readers are sure to feel that they’re traveling right alongside Stephania, breathing in the same scents and taking in the same sights. While some of the characters’ development and the pacing felt off at times, Child of the Dragon Prophecy is a debut rich with conflicted and real characters who must, like us, learn to fight fear with an uncommon faith and let go of hatred in favor of wholehearted forgiveness and love.

Child of the Dragon Prophecy will be available on Amazon, Bookshop (by BookBaby), Effie Joe Stock’s website, and other retailers. It releases on June 8th!

Follow Effie on Instagram for exciting updates, including preorder availability, special editions, and preorder merch, and don’t forget to add Child of the Dragon Prophecy to your Goodreads list!

Thank you, Effie, for the opportunity to read an ARC of your novel! 🙂

Hoping your weekend is full of lots of books,

Alexandria

Book Review: The Open Letter

This week, I’m sharing my review of The Open Letter by Marysol Ramos Moreira! Read on and find out where you can get a copy for yourself 🙂

Madison and her young daughter, Mady, have only just moved into a new neighborhood, but an unexpected event has already led them to friendships that will change their lives for the better. After meeting these new friends – Tommy, Milo, Hope, Xavier, and Audrey-Ana – Madison learns that they are homeless, and, try as she might, she can’t convince them to share their stories with her.

But one day, Madison finds a gift box, full of broken eyeglasses, in her apartment, and this gift is bound to change everything…

The Open Letter is a story quite unlike any other. With prayers shaped into beautiful poetry, this story offers readers the chance to meet characters who are willing to bring their fears and thanks, victories and doubts, to God, and it challenges the readers themselves to embrace that same vulnerability.

While there were editing issues that distracted from the story itself, The Open Letter is an important reminder to look beyond a person’s appearance and circumstances, to love fearlessly and unwaveringly, and to bring everything to the heart of the Father, who truly cares for each one of our prayers.

The Open Letter is available on Amazon and you can connect with Marysol on Instagram!

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing my interview with Marysol 🙂

Until then, happy reading!

Alexandria