Heartsong by Annie Douglass Lima

Heartsong

by Annie Douglass Lima

About the Book:

Title: Heartsong | Author: Annie Douglass Lima | Pages: 296 | Genre: Science Fiction | Recommended Ages: Young Adult and Up

Book Description:

Two alien worlds.
One teen emissary.
No reality she can trust.

Thirteen-year-old Liz Smith has been ripped away from one foster family after another for years, so the idea of a permanent home is tantalizing. Who cares if that home is a colony sixty-five thousand light-years from Earth? The friends in her trusty e-reader will keep her company just fine on her interstellar relocation.

But when the adventure of a lifetime turns into the disaster of the cosmos, Liz can only retreat so far into the books that have always sheltered her from loneliness and loss. Trapped in half-truths and secrets that leave her questioning reality, can one orphaned bookworm find a way to stop two races from destroying each other … and somehow write a happy ending to her own story?

If you like books about space travel, aliens, or cross-cultural transitions, you’ll love this poignant science fiction adventure. Get your copy of Heartsong now to start the journey today!

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

Heartsong is a coming-of-age science fiction story about a girl named Liz trying to find her place in the universe. Having experienced a traumatic car crash in her childhood and living through foster care has made her learn coping skills that aren't always ideal. When she's accepted into a program to help colonize a new planet, she seizes the opportunity. However, things don't go as planned and Liz lives through another harrowing crash.

As she adapts and learns new skills in the alien world, she begins to finally feel at home. The problem is that while her new alien friends have been taking good care of her, there's something they haven't been telling her.

A lot of responsibility is placed on this teenager's shoulders. She'll have to make tough decisions if she wants to help the humans and aliens. Who can she trust and, when she has to make the choice, where will she call home? 

There are several themes wrapped up in this descriptive science-fiction adventure. Some of the themes include dealing with the loss of loved ones, the need for friendship, the value of different races, the importance of working together, and adapting to other cultures.

There is a mystery surrounding the crash of the spacecraft. Liz will have to sift through different versions of what really happened. There's also tension between the humans and aliens where she gets caught in the middle of it. Liz is a resilient teenager and this is her story.

I recommend this book for young adults and up. It would be great as required reading in schools, for military kids who move all the time, and for expat families too.

Related Reviews:
The Nameless Soldier
In the Enemy's Service
Prince of Malorn
The Collar and the Cavvarach
The Gladiator and the Guard

The Krillonian Chronicles

About the Author:

Annie Douglass Lima

Annie Douglass Lima spent most of her childhood in Kenya and later graduated from Biola University in Southern California. She and her husband Floyd currently live in Taiwan, where she teaches fifth grade at Morrison Academy. She has been writing poetry, short stories, and novels since her childhood, and to date has published seventeen books (four YA action and adventure novels, five fantasies, a puppet script, six anthologies of her students’ poetry, and a Bible verse coloring and activity book). Besides writing, her hobbies include reading (especially fantasy and science fiction), scrapbooking, and international travel.

Email | Blog | Facebook | Twitter 

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Walking the Dogs and Spring Flowers with a Linky

It's Spring here in South Africa and the wild flowers are blooming everywhere! I took so many nice photos on this walk that I'm going to have to share them in two parts. This is Part 1. Amanda came with Hubby and me as we walked our dogs in the neighborhood. Both dogs were adopted from animal shelters. We got the Spaniel mix first and he's now an old boy. His name is Benny. The German Shepherd mix is Koda.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Amanda

Benny

Koda

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Here's a peek at
my latest post

on 1camera1mom:

St. Petersburg, Florida - Part 2
My Mom and Step-Dad's House in St. Pete

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My Latest Book Reviews:


Collision of Wills
on 2 Christian Romances in the California Elite Series




The Ruthless Billionaire
on 2 Christian Romances in the California Elite Series




Soul Render
Soul Stones Book 1

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Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

I would love for you to follow me on

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Here are the easy rules:

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• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
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• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

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This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

How to use the linky widget:

Type in the name of your blog or blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

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Soul Render - Soul Stones Book 1

Soul Render
Soul Stones Book 1

About the Book:

Title: Soul Render (Soul Stones Book 1) | Author: T.L. Branson | Pages: 408 | Genre: Fantasy - Sword and Sorcery | Recommended Ages: Young Adult and Up

Book Description:

It was clearly a magical stone…

…but what did it do?

Will’s father is dead.

And now he wants vengeance, but there is more standing in his way than he knows. Alone, he will surely fail, but who will fight by his side?

Will needs a plan. To kill the man who slaughtered his father he must face fifty battle-hardened soldiers and worse. Can a band of rebels be won over to his cause? Will they help him steal the stone he needs for victory?

Can he learn to wield its powerful magic in time?

And then there are the rumors…

Is it a demon, a god, or something unimaginable?

You’ll be hooked on this epic tale from page one, because everyone loves an epic adventure against all odds.

Fans of R.A. Salvatore, Brandon Sanderson, and Sarah J. Maas will love this sword and sorcery adventure.

Get it now.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

Soul Render is an action packed fantasy adventure by T.L. Branson. It's the first book in the Soul Stone series. Some series have cliffhanger endings, which can be frustrating, but this one leaves you satisfied with a completed mission and a new and more challenging one about to begin.

The main hero, Will, is the eldest of three brothers and he's impulsive, but usually well-meaning. His actions often get him into trouble, but sometimes, with bravery and brilliance, he does things right. The story moves quickly with just the right amount of world building and character development. There are secrets and schemes by different players. There are also no guarantees in battle, and sometimes good characters die.

I highly recommend this book for young adults and up. Please be aware that there is a lot of violence in this sword and sorcery tale.

About the Author:

T.L. Branson

T.L. Branson is an author of YA and Epic Fantasy. His debut novel, Soul Render, is the first in a planned trilogy. Branson started writing when he was eighteen but didn't take it seriously until eleven years later. Born in Pennsylvania, he currently lives in California with his wife and two children.

He finds his inspiration from the kings (and queen) of story, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, George Lucas, and J.K. Rowling. That's code for "he's a total nerd!"

Branson first fell in love with fantasy when he picked up a copy of R.A. Salvatore's The Thousand Orcs. Since then, not a day goes by where his mind doesn't wander into the realm of elves, dwarves, and orcs or crave for an epic adventure.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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2 Christian Romances in the California Elite Series and a Linky

Collision of Wills

(California Elite Book 1)

About the Book:

Title: Collision of Wills (California Elite Book 1) | Author: Evangeline Kelly | Pages: 219 | Genre: Christian Romance

Book Description:

A snobby rich girl meets a rough around the edges artist. Can two people from completely different worlds come together?

Alexa Covington lived in a wealthy community in Malibu, California. She liked pretty boys, shopping, and trips to the spa with her posse of mean girls—in that order.

Dylan West wanted to be an artist, but he felt confined to a life painting houses instead. Despite the fact that he longed for something more, he was determined to follow the path his father set out for him.

Back in high school, Dylan had a crush on Alexa, but he moved on. When their paths crossed years later, she barely remembered him.

One night, after volunteering at a teen center, Alexa walked to her car alone and was nearly assaulted. Dylan came to her rescue, and the two were forced to spend time together in urgent care.

An unlikely friendship ensued and feelings grew despite their differences.

Even if they wanted to, they couldn’t walk away from each other.

Dylan made Alexa rethink everything about her life of privilege.

But when her mother threatened to cut her off if she didn’t leave Dylan, Alexa was forced to make a choice. Continue living the entitled existence she’d always known or choose another path, one that would change her world forever.

Maybe, just maybe, love would find a way.

This is a contemporary Christian story of redemption that takes the characters on a journey as they count the cost of the Christian life and learn to treasure Christ most of all.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

Collision of Wills is a great young adult love story with just enough drama and feel good moments to keep it exciting. Alexa has recently become a Christian and is learning what things are important to God and what things are temporal. Her mother is driven by worldly gain and stands in her way. Dylan has been a Christian a long time and doesn't trust Alexa's motives as he's known her since high school and had a secret crush on her. His dad wants him to focus on painting houses and starting a family business, but he has another dream for his future. Can these two young adults find their way ahead and find love too?

Things that I would change: 1) some moments were cheesy, like some of the scenes that Dylan painted, 2) the word "snickered" was used 24 times, and 3) the ending wrapped up too perfectly.

The Ruthless Billionaire

(California Elite Book 2)

About the Book:

Title: The Ruthless Billionaire (California Elite Book 2) | Author: Evangeline Kelly | Pages: 209 | Genre: Christian Romance

Book Description:

He needed to marry one of the women on his father’s list. She wanted to find her missing brother. Neither of them counted on falling in love.

Lucas Armstrong didn’t believe love existed. He was a ruthless man, ready to follow in his father’s footsteps. When he received an ultimatum to marry one of the women on his father’s preapproved list or risk losing his inheritance, he set out to win over a self-absorbed socialite, vacationing in Kauai.

He wanted a marriage in name only so he could take over his father’s empire. Separate lives. No love. No attachments.

When Aria Dasher accepted a position cleaning Lucas’s house in Kauai, she had no idea she would fall for him. She was there for one reason only: she needed to save enough money to hire a private investigator. After she and her brother, Chase, were separated in foster care, he ran away and hadn’t been seen in four years.

Aria had to keep her eye on the goal and couldn’t allow any distractions in her life. She was determined to keep Lucas at arm’s length, and he was equally determined to push her away. A connection developed that neither of them anticipated, one that drastically changed everything.

But Lucas would have to do the unthinkable in order to be with Aria. He would have to give up his inheritance.

And then there was that one issue with the secret he held. Once Aria found out, it would rip apart their relationship before it even had a chance.

This is a contemporary Christian story of redemption that takes the characters on a journey as they count the cost of the Christian life and learn to treasure Christ most of all.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

The Ruthless Billionaire is definitely my favorite book by Evangeline Kelly that I’ve read so far. It was well balanced with all the “feels” and drama and, as always, sharing the Christian faith in a natural way. The story follows the life of Lucas Armstrong who tried in the first book, Collision of Wills, to destroy Dylan's reputation and convince Alexa to marry him. He's ruthless and no one feels sorry for him in Book 1. Then in Book 2, we get to understand Lucas as we learn what drives him to do what he does. He's not as big of a schmuck as we were first led to believe. Now we can root for him and hope that true love will win in the end.

Check out my review of

The Unwanted Assistant

by Evangeline Kelly

About the Author:

Evangeline Kelly

Evangeline Kelly is the pen name I use to write contemporary Christian romance books. I married my husband (my perfect bad boy hero) in my early forties so I understand the longings of a single woman desiring love, as well as the contentment and sweetness of marriage.

And now, a little bit about me. When I was a kid, I had two dreams. One was to work with at risk youth and the other was to write books. After pursuing my passion of working with foster children for over twenty years, I finally decided to pursue my childhood dream of writing. My grandma kept all of my short stories in a box as a keepsake, and I read them occasionally when I need a good laugh. Not only do I love to write, I enjoy the pleasure of sitting down with a good book. Being a voracious reader, I've always said that a good book is way better than any movie or television show!

I've witnessed suffering in my line of work, but I've also witnessed God's redeeming love. A good Christian romance features both hardship and delight. My hope is that my stories not only entertain, but encourage, and most of all, that they bring glory and honor to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive my book, Matchmaker for free: Website

I received an ARC of each book. These are my honest and voluntary reviews.

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Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #281

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

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Weekend Linky

How to use the linky widget:

Type in the name of your blog or blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

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4km Fun Walk and a Linky

On Saturday, the 1st of September, Amanda and Samantha participated in a 4km Fun Walk in the Cape Winelands, South Africa. It was a fundraiser for Open Doors and their work with the Syrian refugee children. There were about 50 - 100 people of all ages who joined in. Amanda was given permission to go as fast as she wanted, knowing that her big sister would be somewhere behind her. You can imagine our surprise when we heard that she came in 3rd place! She got a 3rd place medal for her achievement along with the one given to everyone who participated that said, "Open Doors - DO IT 4 THEM - 1 September 2018."

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

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Here's a peek at
my latest post

on 1camera1mom:

St. Petersburg, Florida - Part 1

*********************

My Latest Book Reviews:


Spice Bringer

The Unwanted Suitor

*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday

(with or without words) or any picture post

at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.

Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Twitter 

Facebook
Instagram

and

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
• Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
• If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
• Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS14XLc-z2uSUW00dIvyZc7lEfLP2tkPgO3qmU3NWi_UObDs_d7XqpYhjp0BBeROyZot-8YlEFU9rguELrZYu3arN1qHHNpB4_ezrb-TlBlfHRSOvP7pBA0VI-j1RkUkF77wJxUc7M7ye/s150/Picture%2520Perfect%2520Party%2520Linky.jpg"/></a></center>

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

How to use the linky widget:

Type in the name of your blog or blog post under Link Title, then type in your email under Email Address (which I don't sell to anyone), then copy your permalink to your post (most link parties ask for blog posts and not blog homepages) and paste that under URL (make sure that you use http:// or https:// only once), then click Submit Link and that's it!

Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

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Spice Bringer by H.L. Burke

Spice Bringer

by H.L. Burke

About the Book:

Title: Spice Bringer | Author: H.L. Burke | Publisher: Uncommon Universes Press | Pages: 282 | Genre: Fantasy | Recommended Ages: Young Adult and Up

Book Description:

A deadly disease. A vanishing remedy. A breathless journey.

All her life, Niya's known she will die young from the fatal rasp. She survives only with the aid of vitrisar spice and a magical, curmudgeonly fire salamander named Alk. Then an ambitious princess burns down the vitrisar grove in an effort to steal Alk so she can claim her rightful throne. Joined by Jayesh, a disgraced monk, Niya and Alk must flee to the faraway Hidden Temple with the last vitrisar plant, or all who suffer from the rasp will perish.

But even as Niya’s frustration and banter with Jayesh deepen to affection, the rasp is stealing away her breath and life.

For a girl with limited time and a crippling quest, love may be more painful than death.

Purchase Links:

Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Kobo | Apple iBooks

Amazon Paperback

My Review:

Spice Bringer is a bittersweet story about a girl who hasn't got long to live, a snarky salamander, and a disgraced monk who are all on a quest together. I think it's Heidi Lyn Burke's best book so far. She has done a fabulous job creating flawed heroes and a tender romance. She also keeps the pace pumping with adventure and intrigue while bringing in deeper themes like good and bad motives, having faith, death and dying, and living life with purpose. I highly recommend this book for young adults and up!

Want More from H.L. Burke?
Check Out My Other Posts!

H.L. Burke Author Interview

Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon

Cora and the Nurse Dragon

A Tale in Two Parts

The Green Princess Trilogy - Book 1

Dragon's Curse - Book 1

Dragon's Debt - Book 2

Dragon's Rival - Book 3

Dragon's Bride - Book 4

Beggar Magic

Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

Lands of Ash

About the Author:

H.L. Burke

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

Facebook Page | Facebook Reader Group

Twitter | Instagram | Website

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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