Bible Verse Wednesday: Royal Priesthood

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

Book Monday: The Ransom Review

Hi everyone! Sorry I am posting this late. I had the intention of writing up this post when I got home but I needed to stop at the eye doctor and drop off my glasses to be fixed, and then make a stop at a book store. After that, I worked on my audition and my piece I am performing at the Coterie on Sunday.

In other words, sorry I didn't post this sooner!

Today I have a review of The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall.

Here's a little about the book:
"In Jamaica in 1692, women were not allowed to run businesses. But Juliana has no choice. To save her family and keep her secret, she allies herself with the town buffoon. Alex, the most feared pirate in Port Royal, leads a dual life to stave off his boredom, but when his infatuation with Juliana puts them in grave danger, only a divine hand can lead them to safety as Port Royal sinks into the sea."

My Thoughts:

The Idea:

I looooved the idea. In case you don't know, this book is related to MaryLu's Legacy of the King's of the King's Pirates series. (One of my favorites from her.) Well, this piece is about Merrick and Charlisse's son, Alex, AKA The Pirate Earl AKA Lord Munthrope. I really enjoyed the idea of pirate Alex leading a double life as the most feared pirate in the area and fluffy, nonsensical, colorful Lord Munthrope. 

I also enjoyed the idea of Juliana Dutton being forced to take over her father's business as he falls ill. 

And, there were pirates. So I loved it. 

The Characters:

The characters were fantastic! Juliana and Alex had vivid, realistic back stories. I loved Alex as both "Munny" and the Pirate Earl. Even the smaller characters were pretty well developed. I was really invested in this book and didn't want to stop reading.

The Plot:

It was a great plot! It really kept me reading, and I would love to read it again. This book was a little longer than most in its genre, but I enjoyed it. There were many twists and turns, and while I could predict the outcome of some events, I still loved it.

The Setting:

Fan. Tastic. I am writing a novel right now involving someone who was injured in the Port Royal earthquake of 1692, so I have been doing a lot of research for this era. MaryLu did not disappoint. Everything was accurate and vividly described. 

Overall:

It was amazing! I loved this book and recommend it to friends. I am a huge fan of MaryLu Tyndall, and this did not disappoint. 

About the Author:

Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than fourteen books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.

 

Catch-Up Friday

Hello, everyone!

What have I been up to? Being busy!
 This week, I have been practicing my monologue, pantomime, and song for an audition next week. Please wish me luck for that!
Also, tomorrow is my very first rehearsal for "Letters to Romeo and Juliet," a piece I wrote, and "Literary Armageddon," a piece I am performing You can see both and others at the Coterie Young Playwrights Festival May 4th at 7:00.

This week I have been trying to get a lot of writing done. On Sunday I hit 50K in "Carried Home," my sequel to "Swept to Sea."

What have you been doing? Tell me in the comments.

Music Thursday: Cathedrals

Hi everyone! I may have shared this song before, but I haven't very recently, and I thought it was really pretty. 

Here is Raminn Karimloo's "Cathedrals."

Bible Verse Wednesday: Speck of Sawdust

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3

Book Monday: Am Reading

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I don't have a review for you today...I should have one next week.
Right now I am reading The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall. It is fantastic! You should all go read it because it is awesome.

Also...did you have a good Easter?
I did! My Easter Bunny wanted to say "hi" to you. :)

Catch-Up Friday: We Have Our Winners!

Hey everyone!
First of all, I want to point out that not only has my play been chosen to be performed at the Coterie Theatre, but I will be performing at the theatre as well in a monologue called "Literary Armageddon." I can't wait to start rehearsals. You can attend the show on May 4th at 7:00 PM.

Also, I will be speaking at Maple Woods College at the event: At the Writer's Desk on April 29th at 3:00. I hope to see you there! After the panel there will be a book signing...my first ever book signing!

And, finally...we have our winners of the Swept to Sea giveaway!


Drumroll please........

E-copy of Swept to Sea: Sarah B.

Signed Swept to Sea Magnet: Tarissa G. 

Congratulations!

As for the rest of you, thank you so much for entering and sharing with your friends. I truly appreciate it. I hope to hold another giveaway soon, and maybe you will win then.

Have a wonderful Easter! 

Music Thursday: A Whole New World

In honor of the new Broadway production of Aladdin, I decided to share with you one of my favorite songs from the movie. Here is "A Whole New World." Have fun! 

(I want to see this so bad.)

Don't forget: today is your last chance to enter to win an ecopy of Swept to Sea or a signed magnet! Enter here.

Bible Verse Wednesday: Hosanna

They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matthew 21:7-11

Book Monday: Reading

Hi, everyone!
I agreed to be a part of debut author Miranda A. Uyeh's blog tour for her novel, To Die Once, a while back and I finished reading it on Friday. Unfortunately, I don't have a review of it for you today because I realized my part of the blog tour isn't until mid-late May. So, until then, I will send you off to go check out this book--a book I really enjoyed!
Miranda's Website
Add it on Goodreads

Also, I am now reading The Ransom by one of my favorite authors, MaryLu Tyndall. I am loving it. So, check out these books and tell me what you're reading! 

Catch-Up Friday: This Week

Hi everyone!  How are you this week?
I'm doing really great. By the way, I'm writing this post from my Kindle, so please forgive that there are no pictures. I might add some later.
Anyway, please remember that my giveaway of a copy of Swept to Sea is still running through next week. Enter it and tell your friends to enter! There will be two winners.

What have I been up to? This week I started work again on Carried Home. sequel to Swept to Sea. I also signed my very first copy of my book!!!!!! I was very thrilled.
Now, for some more info. On April 29 I will be participating in a writer's panel at Maple Woods College. I'll read an excerpt from my book and there will be so book signing. I'll share more information tonight when I update this post.
Also, I JUST found out that my Letters to Romeo and Juliet were selected to be performed at the Coterie Theatre Young Playwrights festival on May 4 at 7:00!
That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by!

Music Thursday: All for the Best

Hello, everyone! I love the musical Godspell, and the song "All For The Best" is one of my favorites from it. Enjoy this clip from the movie! This isn't the full song, but I thought this version was interesting considering where it was filmed!

Bible Verse Wednesday: Saved by His Grace

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 

Romans 5:10

Book Monday: Review of Remnants

Hey everyone! I'm sorry this post is a little late...

Just a few days ago I finished reading Remnants by Lisa T. Bergren.

It was great, as I expected from this author!

Here's a little about the book:

"Our coming was foretold by the elders--- Those who would change the future, just as the planet teetered on the edge of darkness.Born on the prophesied day with birthmarks in the form of a crescent moon, they knew us immediately. Swaddled and screaming, we were spirited away by those who hid us, trained us, and kept us safe until our time came.
They poured their lives into us. Some died to save us.
And now we, the Remnants, protected by Knights of the Last Order, have gathered.
Called until we breathe our last … to save the world."

My Thoughts:

The Idea:

Remnants was very interesting! It was different from a lot of what I read. I liked the different angle of dystopian--the Christian angle. It was very cool. 

The Characters:

I enjoyed the characters. Andriana and Ronan were some of my particular favorites. 

The Plot:

It kept me reading! I have to admit that for the first part I wasn't SUPER interested, which was odd, because I have always completely enjoyed every Lisa Bergren book I have read. However, after a while I REALLY got into it and couldn't put it down. It was very nice!

The Setting:

It had an interesting setting! I liked the concept of the dystopian world. The author developed it very well. 

Overall:

A great book that I really recommend! If you are a fan of Lisa Bergren, dystopian, Divergent, or a good read, you will like it! Don't miss the chance to read it. 

Catch-Up Friday: GIVEAWAY

Hey everyone!
In case you were wondering, last weekend's performances went very, very well. Some of my friends got to come and see me in action so that was pretty cool!

What have I been up to this week? I've been editing my play and a shorter piece. I need to hand these in on Sunday for them to be considered for my Coterie Playwriting Group. I have also continued working on Carried Home, Swept to Sea's sequel.

Did you know that Swept to Sea is now available in PRINT?!?!?!?!??! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, what have you been doing?

Now, here's my big surprise....the FIRST EVER giveaway on my blog!

Enter to win an e-copy (PDF) of Swept to Sea! (This can be easily converted to go onto whatever reading device you want.) Second Place gets a signed magnet. :)

*The magnet offer is only for US Citizens because of shipping costs, but I will gladly award an out-of-country winner with the ecopy of the book*

Let me know if you have any questions, and please share with friends!!!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Music Thursday: Another National Anthem

Hey everyone! I absolutely love the musical Assassins. So, today I'm sharing the song "Another National Anthem" with you. Enjoy! :)

Bible Verse Wednesday: Our Transgressions

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

Isaiah 53:5-6

SWEPT TO SEA IS AVAILABLE IN PRINT

Hey everyone!!!!!!!!
Just today I found out that Swept to Sea is now available in PRINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am super excited!!!!!!

You can get your copy here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Swept-Sea-Heather-Manning/dp/1497483638/ref=tmm_pap_title_0