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A Look Behind & A Look Ahead

Hi everyone!

Life has been hectic lately, and I haven’t taken much time to reflect on all that’s happened over the last few months. I’m really amazed by how God has led me and provided everything I needed 😊

Last November, I had the joy of publishing my first novel, Penelope Grace and the Winter Carousel. This winter tale, full of wonder and light, is inspired by my mom and grandpa.

I wrote it after we lost him to Parkinson’s and Dementia, and my hope is that it encourages anyone who struggles to see any light or hope in winter and times of grief.

Last year, I also got my Etsy store for 21:25 Books up and running! This is where I sell my books and other bookish goodies. Before I get to my news, here is a quick peek at some of the items you can find there:

I’m so grateful for the blessings and opportunities that God gave me, and it’s been so cool to hear how Penelope Grace has encouraged people who have read it 💙

But now, God’s leading me (and you, my fellow readers) to some place new.

Much as I love Penelope’s world and the land of Ellura, it’s time to say good-bye (though just for now).

Flowers are already beginning to bloom in a forest called Everleaf, and a young and curious rabbit is eagerly waiting for us there…

My children’s story, Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves is releasing on May 4th!!

This was a story that I never expected to write, and I am so thrilled to be releasing it in paperback this spring, on the National Day of Prayer!

The story will have a little something special, though 😊 This is a springtime tale to color and will include many illustrations that I hope inspire you to break out your colored pencils and add color to!

I’ll be sharing much more in the days to come, but now, I also want to announce something that I’m only sharing on the blog right now.

For many years, I have had a Christian epic fantasy series planned. This will be a nine-book series, divided into three trilogies.

Today, I want to share a little sneek peak of what’s to come. The photos below give a teaser of the aesthetic of each trilogy!

For the first trilogy, I’ve shared the name of the trilogy & given a separate aesthetic for each book, which may or may not offer a clue or two about what’s in store 😉

For now, that’s all my news! I can’t wait to share the cover of Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves with you! Erica Richardson has already designed it, and I can’t get over how absolutely stunning it is 😍

Now, to get back to writing and formatting!

Alexandria

Book Review: Water Falling by H.A. Pruitt

Kindle, Tad, Ella, and Andrew are continuing their adventure through Anelthalien, but things have never felt more dangerous. Everything they believed to be true about the Makers and stopping the evil throne now seems uncertain, and doubt claws at them until they even begin to question the faithfulness of their friends. Nevertheless, they carry on, fleeing from danger beneath the earth and in a strange city, only to find that it’s closer than ever. The four heroes have much to overcome, but in the darkest times — if they’ll only listen — they will remember that they are not alone.

Water Falling is such a beautiful continuation of the Anelthalien series. One of the things that H.A. Pruitt excels at is weaving meaningful heroic journeys for each of the main characters. Kindle and Tad, especially, experience character development in this book that was amazing (and sometimes, entertaining) to witness, and I’m excited to see Ella and Andrew grow even more in future books.

This book deals heavily with the inner turmoil of each hero as they navigate the next stage of their quest. Discerning between truth and lies is a major theme, and Pruitt explores it in an imaginative way that I’ve never encountered in another story. The descriptions, especially in the beginning of the book, are stunning, and when the characters find themselves in a strange, underwater world, I found myself getting lost right along with them. Stories that immerse readers in the fictional world like that are the very best kind.

There is plenty of action and adventure to balance the characters’ emotional journey, though. The end of the story flies by, and it’s obvious how much higher the stakes are getting. I absolutely loved this story. I’ll never be able to say enough to recommend the Anelthalien series or express how much the themes of faith, doubt, heroism, and truth mean to me.

All that’s left to say is that if you ever wanted something different, or if you ever wanted to know the truth, Anelthalien is waiting.

Please note: There is a very brief scene where unwanted physical attention is directed towards one of the characters. It passes quickly and is not, in any way, graphic, but I wanted to mention it in case it would be triggering for anyone.

You can find a copy of Water Falling and the first two books in the Anelthalien series on Amazon.

Water Falling is also available in a hardcover, special edition (pictured above) that is absolutely gorgeous! It’s full of extra content like a behind-the-scenes look at H.A. Pruitt’s creative process and a chapter from book four! I’m so glad that I chose to get the hardcover. Getting to see the process behind the creation of the story makes it that much more special 💙

Be sure to follow H.A. Pruitt on Instagram and YouTube!

Next week, it’s time for a writing update! I’ll be sharing a sneak peek into my next book. This story has been a long time in coming, so I’m really overjoyed that it’s time to start sharing this new world with you!

Until then,

Alexandria

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Putting Holes in the Darkness

I recently read the most beautiful story about Robert Louis Stevenson.

One night, when Robert Louis Stevenson was a small boy, his nanny called him to come to bed. Oblivious to her summons, he was staring at something outside his nursery window. The nanny walked over, stood at his shoulder, and inquired patiently, “Robert, what are you looking at?”
The little boy, without taking his eyes away from the window, exclaimed in wonder as he pointed to the lamplighter who was lighting the streetlamps, “Look, Nanny! That man is putting holes in the darkness!”
You and I may not be able to change the world, but surely each of us can put a hole in the darkness!
The Joy of My Heart, Anne Graham Lotz

As soon as I read this story, I started thinking back on all of the remarkable books I’ve read over the last few years by my fellow authors and how much their stories matter.

In Anelthalien and Earth Quaking, H.A. Pruitt invites us into a world that is altogether different, where the characters reflect our own struggles and strengths and unexpectedly remind us that no part of our story can erase the purpose that God has uniquely prepared for us.

Whether you’re reading The Cottonwood Chronicles, Peregrine, or Astrid and the Marble Tower, Erica Richardson’s books are full of stunning and much-needed reminders that you never go unnoticed or unseen by God, no matter how small, insignificant, or different you might feel.

Lisa Howeler’s books, like A New Beginning or The Farmer’s Daughter, remind us that grace is real and that the insecurities we feel and the mistakes we make don’t disqualify us from receiving it.

M.H. Elrich’s Daughters of Tamnarae series reassures us that our worth is set in stone and showcases the delight God takes in weaving us into His grand story of love and redemption.

The first book in the Hope on the High Seas series, Free by Careena Campbell, reminds each reader who picks it up that pure faith, though it might be scoffed at, is true strength, and that the more we walk in step with God, the more fully we’ll get to know Him and the hope He offers.

Effie Joe Stock’s books, like Child of the Dragon Prophecy or Aphotic Love, confront the most intense emotions with a courage and boldness that can’t help but inspire her readers. Each page is a reminder that, just like her characters, you are brave enough to experience anger, grief, and pain without being defeated by them.

In Starganauts, C.E. Stone takes readers on a journey through the most crushing grief and uncertainty and displays God’s faithfulness in the midst of it. The whole story is a beautiful reminder that hope is possible even in the most intense battle and that victory and joy are waiting on the other side of it.

There are so many more authors and stories that have inspired me than I have room to share in one post, but I am so grateful for the chance to experience each and every one of these stories.

With every word you type, you are all putting holes in the darkness, reminding us how fragile the night really is when it comes up against God’s radiance.

You can check out all of these wonderful stories at the links above! If you have any book recommendations, share them below. I’m always looking for an excuse to add another bookshelf to my library 🙂

Alexandria

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Book Review: Etania’s Calling

For Etania and the peoples of Tamnarae, a new danger is lurking. Jazel is bent on seeking revenge, and no one will be safe until she is defeated once and for all. Desperate to hunt her down, Etania’s father pleads for her assistance and Etania reluctantly agrees. Accompanied by her suitor, Keyel, and a charming young prince, the company sets out on a quest that will decide the fate of the land. But Etania is keeping a secret, and should she share it with the wrong person, it could derail their hunt for Jazel, fracture her relationships with those she loves most, and leave the fate of Tamnarae more uncertain than ever. Etania’s calling is certain, but her ability to trust the One who gave it to her is yet to be decided…

It’s not often that a main character’s journey so closely mirrors your own. Etania is fully aware of her calling, yet she struggles both to fully trust that it’s possible for her to live it out and to not try to do so in her own strength. At so many points, her strengths and weaknesses resonated with me, as a reader, in such a powerful way. The reason I don’t find this surprising is that one of M.H. Elrich’s greatest strengths as a writer is to weave realistic characters with flaws, eccentricities, and God-given gifts.

It is nearly impossible not to find pieces of yourself in Etania, Keyel, or even Zaden. The result is a powerful story of learning to surrender and trust, to fully embrace your God-given calling with your whole heart so that others can be inspired to do the very same. After reading Etania’s Calling, there is no doubt that M.H. Elrich has courageously embraced her own gift, and every reader who picks up this story is going to be better for having read it.

I’m very much looking forward to the Daughters of Tamnarae series continuing and am so grateful for the opportunity to read this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

You can keep up with writing updates from M.H. Elrich on Instagram and Goodreads!

Etania’s Calling, as well as the first book in the series, Etania’s Worth, are available on Amazon.

What books have you read and enjoyed lately? Share any recommendations in the comments! I’m always looking for new books to read. If you’re an author, please don’t be shy about suggesting your own stories!

Hoping your weekend is filled with good books,

Alexandria

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Countdown to Earth Quaking’s Release!!

There’s only one more day to wait for Earth Quaking, book two in the Anelthalien series, to release!

Anelthalien is one of my favorite books, and H.A. Pruitt is such a gifted writer, who boldly pens every word God gives her as this beautiful story continues to unfold.

If you’d like to learn more about this fantastic series, read the synopsis below and check out my review of Anelthalien here.

If you ever knew something wasn’t quite right, Anelthalien is waiting.

Shaken from their encounter with the cloaked figure, Kindle, Tad, Ella, and Andrew continue their quest across Anelthalien to find and end the evil throne. Fractured by a secret among them, the heroes escape into a forest trembling with Anelthalien’s memories. Their goal to reach the evil throne dims, though, as the elements, obscure foes, and the past push them to doubt their mission and even if they can trust one another.

Kindle, Tad, Ella, and Andrew must remember who they can trust or their disunity will rip all hope away from them and Anelthalien.

Earth Quaking is the second book in the Christian fantasy series Anelthalien. Anelthalien begins the story of four teens who are transported to a strange land when they find mysterious necklaces. The four teens learn they are heroes who are tied to the salvation or demise of the land of Anelthalien.
The Anelthalien series can be enjoyed by middle grade, young adult, and adult readers. Anyone who loves reading portal fantasy books with a deeper message would enjoy Anelthalien.

Earth Quaking is a fantasy adventure but also teaches spiritual truths and answers difficult questions of faith such as: Why do bad things happen? Who can I trust? Can I trust God and how do I know? How can I discern God’s voice from other voices?

Although Earth Quaking provides an escape into a wondrous fantasy land, it also equips readers with encouragement and Biblical truth that will help them in daily life.

More about H.A. Pruitt:

H.A. Pruitt is the Christian fantasy author of Anelthalien. She lives with her rowdy herd of guinea pigs and her sarcastic husband. She never wanted to be an author and would have been content to remain unknown to the world, but God decided that she would be perfect to hear the story of Anelthalien and share it with the world. Now H.A. Pruitt’s goal in all she does and writes is to listen to, obey, and glorify God.

Please add Earth Quaking on Goodreads and come back tomorrow to read a special excerpt from the book! I can’t wait to share it!

Haven’t read Anelthalien yet? I know of a few retailers who can solve that problem 😉

Amazon

Bookshop

Christian Book

Happy reading!

Alexandria