Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves is releasing May 4th, as I’ve shared before, but now I have a couple other things to announce!
The cover reveal is next Thursday, the 23rd of March!!! I can’t wait for you to see the beautiful cover that Erica Richardson designed. For now, here’s a sneak peek of the cover!
For Chip, I decided not to do a launch team with ARC copies of the story. But I’m excited to share that that doesn’t mean you can’t help with the story’s release! If you love sharing cover reveals, release days, and all things bookish, I would love for you to join the 21:25 Books Street Team!
What all will be involved in the street team?
This team will be for my publishing company as a whole, instead of for just one book. There will be a group chat on Instagram where I’ll share announcements and posts with everyone. You’ll get a first look at covers for my new books, new bookish treasures for the Etsy shop, release dates, book titles, and all sorts of things!
All I ask is that you help me spread the word about my books and Etsy shop! The time commitment will be very small; all you’ll be asked to do is share some of my posts to your Stories on Instagram, or for a cover reveal/book release, make a post on the day!
It will be a fun chance to join other book lovers in doing what we enjoy most: spreading the word about good books! Along the way, you’ll be helping me pursue the calling God’s put on my heart with 21:25 Books đ
One day, my dream is to begin publishing other authors and open a physical bookstore, but until then, I’m really excited to grow this online, bookish community! I hope you’ll join me!
If you’d like to help with the cover reveal of Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves, be sure to join the Street Team before next Thursday!
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What I’m Reading: The Dressmaker’s Secret by Kellyn Roth & The Pale Phoenix by Noah Lynch
What I’m Listening To: Birds by Anna Golden
How about you? What books and tunes are you enjoying now?
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.
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The adventure through Anelthalien continuesâŚ
Four young heroes â Kindle, Tad, Ella, and Andrew â 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 itâs not only their quest that the heroes are uncertain ofâŚ
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 youâre wondering: if the four heroes canât 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 youâll 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, thatâs part of the wonder of Anelthalien. You go there for a good story and a thrilling adventure, only to discover pieces of yourself that youâve been missing, that you thought were gone for good.
So, if youâre looking for the courage to endure impossible circumstancesâŚ
If youâre longing to reclaim the hope you need to place your trust in someone againâŚ
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 whyâŚ
Open the pages of Earth Quaking.
Anelthalien is waiting, and itâs that rare fantasy world where hope comes alive and faith begins to flourish again.
I wouldnât wait a moment more to explore it.
Would you?
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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 pastorâs 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.”
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!
I know of a certain badger named Romulus Took, whose home is full of all sorts of oddments, trinkets you’d be unlikely to find anywhere else.
For a badger, he’s an unusual sort, but I’ve grown to love him, and I believe you will, too.
Here’s a look inside Romulus’ burrow, and the items he’s acquired from a place called Elsewhere…
Any guess which is his favorite? đ
I can’t wait for these postcards to make their way into the world! đŹ
Until then, here’s an excerpt from Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves, featuring Romulus!
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“It was widely accepted that Romulus Took was an odd sort of badger, though a well-loved one. He was notorious for collecting all sorts of trinkets from the human world; the badger was fascinated by them all, but it was candles that he loved best.
Chipâs father often related the day, quite some time ago, when Romulus Took had brought the first candles to Everleaf.
The skeptical and the enchanted alike had accepted Romulusâ gift with curiosity, which quickly turned to delight as, candle by candle, a small corner of Everleaf Forest was illuminated by dozens of flickering lights.
He never would say where he found the candles or the countless other oddments that filled his cozy home. No matter how many times Chip asked â and the badger had long ago lost track â all Romulus Took ever offered was a smile and wink, and perhaps, a self-satisfied, âOh, Elsewhere.â
What do you think the secret of Elsewhere is? There’s certainly more to this badger than meets the eye!
Until you can uncover these secrets for yourself, please add Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves on Goodreads and be sure to follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss out on any writing updates!
The day is finally here!!! Happy release day to H.A. Pruitt and her new book, Earth Quaking!
All of the other books I’m currently reading will be promptly abandoned as soon as this story arrives on my doorstep, and I’m certain you’ll feel the same once you read this special excerpt!
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âNo, honestly, it wasnât,â Ella instantly brightly assured her and, after chuckling at Kindleâs dumbfounded blinking, explained, âIt was quite awfulâall I thought Iâd lostâfor a long while, but one day I was so overtaken by the unfairness and all I felt because of it that I told my papa about it. And, Kin, I remember it just as he told me. He sat me down in a chair and knelt down beside me and pointed his finger right at my nose. He said, âYoung lady, you are precisely where you ought to be and everything going on in your life is happening precisely as it ought to be. I found out a long time ago that we canât go thinking this and that is the way it ought to be because this and that never was. All that youâre conjuring ainât the life you was to liveâthis is, right as it is happening right now.â He told me that, Kin, and I knew he was right. That all I had imagined ⌠was not the life I was meant to live. My life happened as it did and our lives are happening like this right now because they are supposed to be happening this way. Everything thatâs gone on has happened for some reason, and now youâre not at your home and Iâm away from my papa for some purpose.
âEver since he told me that, Iâve known that every bit of life happens as it shouldânever wrongly or mistakenly or out of orderâbut Iâve never really understood how so many strange, mundane, and mad things can all be for some real purpose until now. You see, itâs the makers, Kin. Theyâve made everything, and not just the wood of these trees and things, but a plan and purpose for all of it and Anelthalien. Thereâs no other way they could know what we must do before weâve done it. Do you see? It must be quite like when my papa stews a soupâhe takes all sorts of mad bits of this and that, and you can never see how it will all turn out, but once itâs done and you taste it, you see how it all worked out. The makers arenât just guessing at where we need to go or what to do when they tell us to go somewhere or do somethingâthey know precisely why we four are the ones here and how all the strange, mundane, and mad bits of this journey are exactly what we need when we meet them and have some reason we may not see until itâs all done and worked out. Kin, all this is happening precisely as it ought, and we and Tad and Andrew are all precisely where we ought to be.â
Be sure to add the book on Goodreads and leave a review once you’ve finished it.
Reviews don’t have to be anything fancy! Even rating it 5 stars and simply saying, “I loved it!” is so immensely helpful to writers and helps us keep doing what we love!
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 Anelthalienhere.
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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.
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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 đ
Did you know that Chip’s adventure isn’t really complete until you bring it to life with colors?
I’ve drawn the illustrations, but now it’s your turn, friends!
Whether you’re coloring crazy or picking up a glitter gel pen for the very first time, an adventure is beginning, and it all starts with you!
Head to the Kickstarter to join Chip as he travels through the land of Almea, searching for a great treasure and the answer to his prayers!
And an enormous thank you to my sweet mom, Penelope Grace, fellow author Erica Richardson and her sweet kiddos, and fellow author Niki Florica for bringing my illustrations into such brilliant color!
Have you ever wondered what mysteries and adventures might wait just beyond the tree line?
Let me introduce you to Everleaf Forest and a special sneak peek at my illustrated children’s book, Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves…
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Not so very long ago, on a spring day much like this one, a young rabbit named Chip was waiting for something.
Iâd tell you what it was now, but I wouldnât want to spoil things.
The forest of Everleaf was Chipâs home, and oh, was it the grandest of forests, full of old, strong oaks covered in rich green moss. Rutted paths, nearly overgrown now, carved their way through the land, though it seemed only the animals travelled them.
Everleaf was one of those forests that set the imagination ablaze; the longer you spend walking beneath its boughs, the less surprised you would be to find a fairy flying for cover behind feathery ferns or a group of elves disappearing from view just around the next bend.
And yet, surrounded as he was by the wondrous, Chip was still waiting for just one thing, and it seemed it would never come.
He waited and waited until the sun sank below the treetops and the animals returned to their burrows and nests. The great owl, Nesbit, emerged from the grandest oak in the clearing, and even still, Chip was there.
Blinking his wide, amber eyes several times, Nesbit looked down at the young rabbit. âStill waiting, are we?â he asked with a rustle of his feathers as he settled on his nighttime perch.
âYes,â Chip replied, not a little disappointed that all his diligence had gotten him precisely nowhere.
âHmm. Perseverance is whatâs needed here, young Chip. Perseverance!â Nesbit proclaimed, startling several disgruntled birds from their dreams.
âYes, Nesbit. Thank you,â Chip replied, trying very hard to sound grateful. He and Nesbit had the same conversation every night, and the owlâs commanding declaration of âPerseverance!â had yet to make him feel better.
Thankfully, his motherâs clear voice rang out from the entrance of their home at just that moment. After offering Nesbit a quick, âGood night,â Chip bounded away to their cozy burrow, eager for supper after yet another long day spent waiting.
He had only just entered and laid eyes on the feast Mama had prepared when a voice loudly intoned, âPerseverance, my lad! Perseverance!â and Chip nearly jumped out of his skin.
His father appeared, waving a stick in the air with great authority, almost dropping it as he shook with amusement at his own joke.
âNot you, too!â Chip reprimanded, though his laughter soon echoed his fatherâs.
âAnother inspiring speech tonight, I take it?â Joshua teased.
âHe means well,â Chipâs mother chided.
âI know, Bess,â Joshua replied with a grin, âbut it was worth it for the way this oneâs fur bristled in fright when he heard the dreaded cry of, âPerseverance!â
He waved the stick in the air once more, chasing a laughing Chip around the small log table, nearly crashing into it as his son dashed out of reach.
âNow, see here, Joshua Raddish!â Bess cried, though Chip knew she wasnât really angry. âWe spent all day gathering this supper, and Iâll not have you send it flying with your shenanigans!â
A practiced expression immediately transformed Joshuaâs face as he and Chip obediently froze. âOf course, Bess, dear. Absolutely no shenanigans here,â he said, carefully setting the stick down on the floor, a look of mischief barely concealed by his mock seriousness.
Bess fixed him with a look that made it clear she was not at all fooled, then turned to their son. âI hope you didnât fill up on that sweet meadow grass today. Your papa and I have a special treat for your birthday.â
She gestured to the center of the low table, and Chipâs eyes grew wide. Nestled amidst the usual grass and leafy greens was the largest clump of clover he had ever seen and several choice flowers, enough for them to each enjoy two.
âWhere did you go to find these?â Chip breathed in awe.
âA fair distance,â his father replied vaguely.
They sat down, all of them eager to enjoy this special meal. Chip rubbed his paw against his left ear as he always did when he was excited or nervous.
Unusual though it may seem, it was Chipâs left ear that had given him his name. On the night heâd been born, Mama always said, he was instantly revealed to be perfect in all ways to them, and that included the chip missing from his left ear.
No one could say why he had been born with it, but it made the young rabbit uniquely Chip, and his parents had immediately known what his name ought to be.
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If you’re longing to discover more about Chip and join him on his adventures, please consider supporting my Kickstarter so that Chip’s story can be told to young (and young at heart!) readers!
You’ll receive a hand-bound, manuscript edition of Chip’s story with illustrations to color and many more fun surprises! I can’t wait to share it all with you!
In a quiet meadow tucked away in Everleaf Forest, a young rabbit is waiting.
Chip whispered a prayer weeks ago, a question that he is longing to know the answer to. But as more time passes and still, no answer comes, Chip begins to wonder something quite different:
Do his prayers really matter to God at all?
Instead of being met with silence, though, strange tales of a treasure and a Guardian named Abaline reach Chip’s curious ears.
The stories promise that anyone who discovers this treasure will find the answers they long for, and Chip is determined to do just that.
But an unexpected adventure awaits, full of fire and drakes, racing rivers, and untold wonders.
It promises to be thrilling, but not safe.
The only question that remains is this:
Are you courageous enough to join Chip on his adventure and uncover the answers with him?
The Kickstarter has 25 days left! Will you help me raise the money needed to share Chip’s adventure?
We’ve raised $315 so far, and I’m so grateful and wildly expectant for God to move!
I would so appreciate your help as I pursue my calling for filling the world with books about God and the good things He does!
Please find me on social media (@2125Books) and share my posts with #bookofroseleaves to help me spread the word!
Happy release day to Free, a YA Christian historical fiction novel by Careena Campbell!
To celebrate, I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Careena, where she shares what led her to write YA historical fiction, tips for authors curious about cover design, and what she hopes readers will get out of reading her debut novel!
Enjoy đ
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Tell us a little bit about your journey to becoming a writer and published author! What first inspired you to pick up the pen?
As a little girl, a pen was just another outlet for my ever-active imagination. As I got older, I wanted to write so I could create the kinds of books I had always wanted to read–books full of adventure that featured main characters that would set a good example of character to me. I wanted young people like me to go on wild adventures that inspired them to live closer to Jesus.
Of all the genres you could write in, what drew you to YA historical fiction?
I have always been fascinated by the past. The way people lived, how they thought, and how it was similar or different to me always filled me with wonder and curiosity. I chose YA because I was the same age as YA protagonists. I will soon be beyond the YA age myself, but I still have a special place in my heart for teen readers. Adolescence is such a moldable time, and teen minds are like a sponge. I want to give them good, wholesome stories that they can âsoak upâ with excitement, that also help build their character into that of strong adults.
Top three tips to help cure writerâs block! Go! đ
I feel like this is cheating because I actually did a YouTube video on this topic a while back. Iâll try not to quote it though! My best two tips are taking a break or reevaluating your outline. If you feel void of any inspiration on what to do next, a short break can help. If that doesnât work, there may be a piece of the story missing from your outline. Of course, not everyone uses an outline to plan their story, but I personally find it a great way to avoid getting âstuckâ!
You designed your own cover for Free. Do you have any advice for other independent writers who are looking to venture into the world of cover design?
Look at lots of different book covers. While itâs good to pay special attention to those of a similar genre to your own, look at other genres too. You might see a useful design element that was less common in the genre you had previously been looking at. Also, donât be afraid of creating âmock-upâ book covers by collaging a bunch of pictures together. Iâve lost count of the exact number, but I created at least five different versions of the book cover for Free. While you donât want to use Pinterest and similar sites for your final cover, they can be very useful for finding images to practice with. I searched for and downloaded ocean and person pictures so I could practice getting the right layout.
Today is release day for Free! Congratulations! What do you most hope readers get out of reading this story?
I want to remind readers of their identity in Christ–that, no matter the circumstances, if we remember Whose we are, there is an unlimited spring of hope and courage available to us. We are free to shine for the Lord, no matter what may happen, and free to celebrate our identity in Him.
What are some of the books youâve recently read and enjoyed?
I know Iâm behind on the classics, but in January I finished Pride and Prejudice! I thoroughly enjoyed the worlds Austen created and canât wait to explore more of them. Her characters were so funny, lovable, and–at times–embarrassing, they felt like they might really be your neighbors in the next manor over. I also recently enjoyed the Tales of Faith series by Amanda Tero. It consisted of three novelettes, each a Christian retelling of a different fairy tale. They were so clean and uplifting, and yet at the same time riveting and full of adventure. I will certainly be reading more of her books in the future!
Next week, an adventure begins. Chip and the Book of Rose Leaves publishes this spring, and the Kickstarter officially opens next week! My heart is overflowing with expectation for how God is going to restore our reassurance in His heart and His intent, listening ear for our prayers.
I hope you’ll join me in the next chapter of 21:25 Books’ story. It’s my greatest desire to fill the world with books about Him and the good things He does, and I hope I get to continue doing just that all of my days.
I had the pleasure of being on the launch team for Careena Campbell’s debut novel, Free.
If you’re looking for an adventure on the high seas, full of hope and the promise of true freedom, this YA Christian historical fiction novel is the perfect book for you!
Read my full review below, and get swept up in the adventure for yourself in a special excerpt of the story đ
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Very few books allow you to encounter freedom, and Free is certainly one of them.
As the book opens, readers are introduced to a young woman named Ruth, who is forced into service on a merchant ship. Fearful and confused, she still manages to bring a pure heart and joyful spirit to every trial and adventure she faces on the high seas.
Still, despite her abundance of both kindness and patience, the men remain resistant, confused by her unwavering faith and uncommon humility towards those who have treated her so unfairly.
But freedom can come to the hardest of hearts, and hope remains that, one day, Ruth will find herself in the company of those who know they are wholeheartedly free.
Careena Campbell has penned an exceptional tale, full of adventure, high stakes on storm-tossed waves, and, above all, the longing for freedom and a place to belong.
With characters rich in faith, internal struggles, perseverance, and humility, Careena has crafted a book perfectly suited to lovers of YA historical fiction, and, at the same time, produced that rare thing: a story that leaves readers with hearts wide open to the miraculous and full of faith that they, too, can be free.
Read an excerpt from Free below:
Ruth limped the few short steps to the edge of the ship. Her hands floated up to the railing as she gazed upwards. The night sky was encrusted with millions of brilliant stars, each twinkling one after the other. They stretched out all the way to the horizon, where they cast their reflections over the ocean. The sea, like a great blue blanket covered with shining sapphires, rocked back and forth as the wind gently caressed its water. The waves seemed to sigh in contentment, as if they were settling down to sleep, as they softly swooshed over each other.
Ruthâs heart beat fast as she was overtaken with the beauty and the majesty of Godâs creation. She could not resist praising and thanking the Creator of this breathtaking scene, and her awe bubbled over in soft song.
âThis is my Fatherâs world,
and to my listâning ears,
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheresâŚâ
The nearby sailors turned, surprised to hear the gentle strains of a song floating from the shipâs edge.
ââŚThis is my Fatherâs world,
I rest me in the thought,
Of rocks and trees of skies and seasâ
His hand the wonders wroughtâŚâ
For a moment, they watched the maiden fairly sing. Why was she so calm? Didnât she understand the danger they were facing?
But Ruth, for once, did not even notice them. She was swept up in the beauty of Godâs peace.
She reflected on her own situation as she sang the final verse:
âThis is my Fatherâs world;
O let me neâer forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
âThis is my Fatherâs world!
The battle is not done!
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heavân be one.
âYes,â Ruth thought. âThe battle is not done. God isnât finished with me, and Heâs not finished with the sailors, either. I will press on. I know He is still working!â
Ruthâs heart swelled with joy and contentment. Leaning out over the shipâs railing, she folded her hands to pray. âLord,â she whispered, âplease bless the sailors and help them to come to know You. And help me to be brave even when things arenât this peaceful. Amen.â
Ruth straightened up and smiled as she returned to her room for the night. Now she felt she could face her future, for God had reminded her of His presence.
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Free releases this Thursday, March 11th! You can help Careena celebrate release day by pre-ordering Free and adding it on Goodreads!
21:25 Books 