Under the Blue Skies Takeover and Review Blitz by Tricia Goyer and Elly Gilbert

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Under the Blue Skies by Elly Gilbert & Tricia Goyer hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Under the Blue Skies 

Series: Big Sky Amish #3 

Authors: Elly Gilbert & Tricia Goyer 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: August 8, 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Amish Romance

Thomas Smucker moved to West Kootenai for a fresh start—one where he could make his own decisions and build a life away from his deceased father’s harsh reputation. But when a tragedy occurs, he finds his five-year-old niece in his care. Now, he has to build a life he didn’t want and face a past that he longed to escape.

Lovina Graber dreams of a husband and family of her own, but a lifelong limp and disfigured face have her doubting it will ever happen. Instead, she’s content working as a scribe for The Budget and spending her days helping her parents and the less fortunate in her community. Well, mostly content. And then there’s that secret anonymous column she’s been writing too … 

When a newly arrived bachelor becomes an instant father, Lovina feels compelled to come to the rescue, helping Thomas care for his Englisch niece as he works toward gaining custody. Although Thomas and his niece clash at every turn, Lovina finds herself building a bond with the girl. Could this be the family she’s longed for? 

Afraid he’s too much like his anger-driven father, Thomas has no plans to ever marry or have children, despite the sparks between him and Lovina, and his growing fondness for his niece. When he finds out Lovina’s secret—and believes she’s perhaps not the person he thought—he strikes out in caring for Emily on his own. 

But when his custody is threatened, he must do what’s best for his niece. The only problem is he’s not sure what that is. Can he and Lovina work together to fight the lies they’ve believed all their lives—and fight the system to get back their girl? 

Find out in this third installment of the Big Sky Amish Collection.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub

My Review

As Amish stories go, I feel this is one of the best I've read this year, and can't wait to read more from them. The descriptions of the countryside, community, and the main characters brought the story to life. The main characters Lavina, Thomas, and sweet Emily had many layers to them which evolved as the story continued.

I admired Lavina from the beginning, even though she was struggling with self-doubt. Thomas grew on me over time. His niece, Emily was precocious but loveable and often caused me to laugh.

Family issues, insecurity, hope, healing, and a sweet romance completed the story well. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly choose to review it.

More Books in this Series

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About the Authors

Elly Gilbert lives in central Kentucky with her husband, daughter, and twin sons. A lifelong bookworm, she finds joy in reading and writing inspirational fiction and devotions for adults and teens. When she’s away from her desk, you can find her scoping out the nearest nacho joint with her family or snuggled up with her rescue dogs, Gus and Bella. She adores leopard print, never turns down dessert, and believes that when it comes to earrings, bigger is always better.

Connect with Elly by visiting ellygilbert.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tricia Goyer writes out of her passion for God and her love for family and others. The author of more than 70 books, she writes both historical fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting.

This USA Today best-selling author has won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference. 

Tricia’s contemporary and historical novels feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She is a beloved author of Amish fiction, having written the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series.

Whether for fiction or nonfiction, Tricia’s writing style is vivid and heartwarming, allowing readers to take home more than engaging stories, but also messages that inspire faith and hope. Her goal is to write stories that matter. 

Connect with Tricia by visiting triciagoyer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Under the Blue Skies and a $10 Sunrise Shop gift voucher!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 16, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 23, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

New Release on Aug 8th- Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson

 

A hurricane may have destroyed her livelihood on Prince Edward Island, but she's determined to save her community

Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island every summer since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it's not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a teacher and drama coach are too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. He has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there's more to the quiet man than meets the eye.

For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can't seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up--or lose the heart of the woman he longs for.

Join New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson for a season of rebuilding, restoration, and romance with this final book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series.

Order from Amazon

Order from Publisher

My Review

A very moving and inspirational clean romance set on Prince Edward Island. There is a hurricane that destroys part of the school and the Victoria Playhouse Theatre. Kelsey with some help from the community plans to have a play as a fundraiser in order to get funds to restore the building. That's when things get complicated.

The storyline is one of unexpected events, family struggles, and love. The main characters Kelsey & Levi have many layers and the story has a combined element of mystery, deception, and a sweet romance.

I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed the journey. I can't wait to read more from this author. I loved the author's style of writing and felt connected to the story even though I hadn't read the first two in the series. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Julie

New Release- Unseen Danger by Jerusha Agen

 

Christian Suspense

Description:

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.

Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh's only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn't see before it's too late.

Unseen Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

https://www.UnseenDanger.com

https://jerushaagen.com/books/unseen-danger

                             BE SURE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Celebrating new releases from Colleen Coble, Lynette Eason, Jodie Bailey, Sharee Stover, Lisa Phillips, and Jerusha Agen!

Enter the Giveaway!

https://SuspenseBundle.com

New Release- The Widower's Mail Order Bargain by Karla Gracey

 

Is it really possible to choose a loveless marriage… Or is it true that love really does conquer all?

After Jonas lost his wife, he swore he would never marry again, but unless he does, he fears his in-laws will never let him have custody of his son, Teddy, again. The only course of action is to find a new bride… so he advertises for one, making it clear that although he can offer her a good home and a stable life, he will never be able to love her.

That suits Geraldine just fine. She’s also recently widowed, and her husband’s family is refusing to honor her rights to his fortune – if she remarries, she’s certain they won’t be able to deny her new husband’s claim.

Neither Jonas nor Geraldine is planning to fall in love… This is an arrangement to make both their lives easier, nothing more. But their connection is undeniable – even if neither of them is willing to admit it to the other.

As soon as the papers are signed, their focus is on getting Teddy back and securing Geraldine’s inheritance… But of course, nothing is that simple.

Soon there are much higher stakes, and their energies must not just be focused on integrating Teddy into their new family… but on finding him and bringing him safely back to Eagle Creek.

Perhaps if Geraldine and Jonas hadn’t fallen in love for real, nothing beyond Teddy and Geraldine’s inheritance would matter… But solving the issues they started out with will never be enough now that their feelings for one another are true.

Will they ever be brave enough to be honest with each other, or is their relationship doomed to live on the surface forever?

Step into the thrilling drama of Eagle Creek life, and fall in love with a romance that may never truly be spoken… unless both parties can finally admit the truth of their feelings.

To Purchase on Amazon

My Review

The story takes place in New York City, in 1886. Geraldine Hart is meeting with her attorney for the reading of her husband's will, and his family ready to fight for the money. Forced to find a new husband in order to end the stressful fight, she answers an ad in the paper asking for a wife.

Jonus Gilpin, separated from his son is in a battle with his in-laws who have been caring for his son since his wife died. His only solution is to marry and put an end to all of it.

The story is filled with compassion and understanding but also not without conflict. A marriage of convenience doesn't come without its problems. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Geraldine. She is a strong and independent woman, but also filled with hope for a second chance. The ending wrapped up the story nicely. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.

Julie

New Release- Cassie (Mail Order Brides of Sapphire Springs Book 6) by Margery Scott

 

Cassie by Margery Scott

Clean & Wholesome Romance

154 pgs.

Description:

When Cassie Dixon’s mother dies in the brothel where she works and where they both live, the owner gives Cassie a choice—take her mother’s place or get out.

Cassie leaves, and after meeting with a friend, she decides to become a mail-order bride to a Texas rancher, and a mother to his daughter, Lindy. However, when Cassie arrives in Texas, she’s met with news that changes her plans, leaving her with only one option--find a way to go back home.

Beckett Ford, her groom’s brother-in-law, invites her to stay at the ranch in the meantime. She hesitates but finally accepts. Beck is immediately attracted to Cassie but he's determined never to marry. He only hopes Cassie can help Lindy deal with her grief.

As time goes by, Cassie finds herself falling in love with Beck, Lindy and Sapphire Springs, but she can't stay without a way to support herself. When disaster strikes, she has a decision to make-- tell Beck how she feels and risk rejection, or leave her only chance at happiness behind.

To Purchase

My Review

A wonderful sweet love story about a young woman from a questionable background laced with sorrow. After the death of her mother and her dying wish, Cassie goes to Three Pines Ranch to marry as a mail-order bride. Circumstances beyond her control lead her on a different path that comes with its own sorrow.

The storyline had me from the beginning and the characters were interesting and the slow-moving romance kept me engaged. Lindy was a great addition to the list of characters. She made me smile often.

The story has times of danger, betrayal, and then tender sweet moments that warmed my heart. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

My Review of Unseen Danger- Now on Pre-Order! You Don't Want to Miss This One!

 

My Review

Another great read in the Guardians Unleased series. This book gripped me from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely love all the characters that make up the Phoenix K-9 Agency. They are confident, strong, and their humorous banter makes me laugh. Nevaeh & Branson, as the main characters, made the story interesting as they uncover who is behind the attempts on D-Chop's life.

The story was full of mystery, suspense, a sweet romance, and lots of Christian faith. A complete and fulfilling store that was explosive. The Phoenix K-9 Agency staff was amazing as always. Love the series. Highly recommended.

I was provided with an ARC copy and willingly choose to review it.

Description:

This woman and her K-9 protect others. Now who will protect them?

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.

Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh's only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn't see before it's too late.

Unseen Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

To Preorder A Copy

https://unseendanger.com

https://jerushastore.com

Amish Wilderness Survival Book Tour by Mary Alford

 

About the Book

 

Book: Amish Wilderness Survival

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: (Amish) Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 28, 2023

To stay alive, she must escape a killer’s clutches. . .

When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Leora made the trip from Colorado to West Kootenai, Montana to locate her brother, Tanner, and see her friend, Ethan. In the process, she meets Ethan's business partner, Fletcher. Together, a dangerous situation catapults them into a race to find Ethan & Tanner but also save their own lives.

The storyline is a fast-paced, heart-thumping mix of danger and unexpected help. Molly, a search and rescue dog, becomes an asset to them coming out alive in the end. I was on the edge of my seat and rooting for Leora, Fletcher, Tanner, and Ethan. The references to God are uplifting and Leora and Fletcher's faith helped sustain them.

I loved the story, main characters, and descriptions of their surroundings as I turned each page waiting to see what would happen next. Mary Alford never fails to give you an exciting Amish story filled with faith and danger. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.

          About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a pre-teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

 

More from Mary

Before the Story Begins

Every good Christian romantic suspense has a beginning where the hero and heroine are introduced to each other and to the danger they’ll be facing, followed by an ending where everything (usually) is tied up nicely.

In Christian (and Amish) romantic suspense, there must equal amounts of danger, romance, and faith.

As a reader, one of my favorite parts of the book is when the hero and heroine have backstories that draw me in and have me pulling for them to overcome their pasts as well as the villain chasing them.

In AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, the heroine, Leora Mast has a heartbreaking backstory. As a teenager, Leora’s and her twin brother Tanner’s parents were killed in a fire that was later ruled arson. They relocated to Colorado to be closer to their aunt and uncle and grandparents. Soon after, Leora’s brother left the Amish faith and joined the Marines.

As an adult, Leora has gone through 2 separate rounds of breast cancer. She’s just finished the final round of chemo when her brother goes missing and Leora travels to West Kootenai, Montana to find Tanner’s marine lieutenant hoping to get answers about her brother’s disappearance.

Instead of finding her brother or Ethan Connors, she runs into Fletcher Shetler and the danger unfolds quickly from there.

Fletcher Shetler’s family has seen their share of heartaches as well. They have lived in West Kootenai for several generations. Fletcher’s grandfather started the furniture making business and the family mill their own timber for the pieces they create. Fletcher has a big heart and has been taking care of his mother since his father passed away.

Fletcher can’t imagine living anywhere else but his West Kootenai community and being part of a close family. But that loyalty cost him the love of his future bride when she chose to leave the community and break his heart.

Both Leora and Fletcher must put aside their pasts to try and find out what happened to her brother and Ethan before it’s too late.

From facing down armed kidnappers to almost being swallowed alive by a sinkhole, to being forced to hideout in a cave in order to avoid being captured, Leora and Fletcher face one trial after the other, and yet they persevere thanks to each other, Ethan’s K-9 German Shepherd dog, Molly, and their faith in God that is unshakable.

                   Blog Stops

Betti Mace, June 3

Blossoms and Blessings, June 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 5

The Avid Reader, June 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 7

Holly’s Book Corner, June 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 8 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 9

,Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 12

Splashes of Joy, June 13

Bizwings Book Blog, June 13

Simple Harvest Reads, June 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, June 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 16 (Author Interview)

Books I’ve Read, June 16

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/263ee/amish-wilderness-survival-celebration-tour-giveaway 

Review of Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

 

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review

Alexis Stone takes over as chief deputy in her grandfather's absence. Little does she know, the quiet town of Pearl Springs is beginning to heat up. The storyline takes you on a roller-coaster ride of events. There is deception, danger, suspense, and a budding romance to keep your interest peaked.

It's a story that you won't be able to put down. The hunt for the Queen's Gambit Killer will have you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who they are and what will happen next. It's a very well-written story by a gifted author. The characters have many layers. This is a book that will have you pondering the content long after you close the last page. Highly recommended.

I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher and willingly choose to review it.

Tracking the Tiny Target Reviewer Tour by Connie Queen

 

Catching a kidnapper takes teamwork

…and a K-9’s help.

When a three-year-old boy is kidnapped, deputy sheriff Chandler Murphy and his search-and-rescue K-9 partner are on the case. And when the child’s mother, Bristol Delaney, insists on helping, he can’t turn her away. But someone is dead set on stopping the investigation. Can Chandler guarantee Bristol’s safety and rescue the missing child before the trail goes cold.

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

Bristol and her son, Spencer have changed towns often, since she left her husband, Rex. With Rex out of the way for good, life in a new town seemed safe, that was until her world was turned upside down.

The story contains lots of danger, unknown answers, mystery, suspense, and lots of twists and turns you won't see coming. This gifted author never fails to deliver and this is one of her best. A very well-written story, with compelling characters that will hook you from the beginning. The ending was a surprise and wrapped everything up nicely. All the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

The Dreamer Album by Julie Elias- Singer/Songwriter of Christian Music

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to a new to me singer/songwriter, Julie Elias. I hope you enjoy her beautiful voice as much as I do.  Be sure to enter the giveaway.

Have a wonderful day.

Julie

The Dreamer is the sixth album by Julie Elias, a singer, and songwriter who draws inspiration from her faith and personal experiences. The album was released in 2023 and features 16 songs that explore themes of hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of challenges and uncertainty. The album was influenced by Julie's own journey of rediscovering her dreams and trusting God's plan for her life. One of the highlights of the album is a duet with John Owen-Jones, a renowned musical theatre actor who played the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. The song, titled The Prayer, is a beautiful expression of faith and gratitude. The Dreamer is an album that invites listeners to embrace their dreams and find encouragement in God's promises.​

Link to Album

https://bit.ly/3Lnpowf

My Review

Julie Elias's album, Dreamer, is a combination of uplifting Christian songs that will touch your soul.  Her voice has amazing range and lots of emotion, and the instrumental accompaniment is very well done.  Every song on the album is filled with insight into your Christian walk. Some are slow and soothing, while others are more upbeat. It will definitely energize you and you will find yourself singing along.  I know I did.

"You Make Me Brave" and "Won't Hold Back" are two of my personal favorites. The songs brought tears to my eyes- Yes, God makes us brave!

This album is one you will listen to often and will be a wonderful addition to your Christian Music Library.

Enter the Giveaway

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/the-dreamer-from-julie-elias-giveaway.html

Review, Excerpt, and Author Interivew- Children who Dance In the Rain by Susan Justice

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  32 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Compassion Project Press
Release date:   May 2023
Format available for review:  print-hardback (USA), PDF
Tour dates: May 15 to Jun 2, 2023
Content Rating:  G for all kids.

Book Description:

Sophie gets bored quickly and won’t even eat her food without looking at her tablet. She’s thrilled to hear of her family’s upcoming trip to a magical place called India, a land she’s only heard of in stories. Once there, she quickly realizes that the underprivileged children living in the mud colony possess a joy and contentment she can’t explain. Sophie sets out on a journey of discovery, but what she finds may change her world forever. This tale about the true meaning of happiness and the power of gratitude is based on true events.

Excerpt from Chapter One 

It was long after noon the next day before Naya was at last able to slip away. This time she was better prepared. In a deerskin bag slung over one shoulder she carried flint tools and kindling for making fire, a flint knife and enough food to last a day, as well as a full water skin. Over the other shoulder was coiled a long length of braided rawhide, strong enough, she hoped, to restrain the filly…

             She found the little band at dusk, when the sun’s afterglow cast blackening shadows across the landscape. She had just gained the top of a small rise and could see for some distance, despite the gathering darkness. There they were – blurred shapes silhouetted against the next range of hills. Succeeding ridges gained in height, verdant meadows giving way to forested slopes, behind which the sun had disappeared. The horses had led her to the edge of the grasslands…

            Naya shivered in the rapidly cooling air. The horses appeared to have stopped for the evening. The mares’ heads hung low, muzzles almost touching the ground in deep relaxation and she could make out several darker shapes that must be the foals, lying in the grass at their feet. Only the stallion stood alert, scenting the air for danger before dropping his head to grab a few mouthfuls of grass. Moments later, his head lifted again, keen eyes scanning the landscape.

Naya settled herself in the deep grass and rested her folded arms atop her knees. From her vantage on the rise downwind from the small band, she could sit and keep watch without arousing suspicion… Eventually, cheek resting on her forearms, she closed her eyes, and slept…

            At some point later in the night, she thought she awoke. Lifting her head from her folded arms, she checked the herd. They were as they’d been before, dozing in the lee of the hillside across from the rise where she sat. Even the stallion had relaxed his vigilance and stood with his head lowered. The full moon now rode high in the sky, bright enough to cast faint shadows. As Naya’s eyes adjusted to the night, the moon’s light illuminated a faint track leading down the rise at an angle from where the horses rested. She hadn’t noticed it before.

Rising, Naya moved as silently as she could, following the path in the moonlight. Soon, she found herself ascending another small rise, then descending, then rising again, until at last she stood at the edge of a ravine. Below, she could see a stream, shining in the moonlight, gurgling quietly as it flowed over its stony bed… Slipping and sliding, Naya made her way down the steep slope, scratching her skin against sharp rocks and thorny underbrush. At last she reached the bottom and looked around her. Along the ravine’s floor, smooth white stones marked the water course… Drawn onward, Naya followed the path upstream into a grove of trees.

            There, a wondrous sight met her eyes. Oaks and birches encircled a small pool of water, fed by an underground spring. Reflected in the pool’s clear, still surface was the round orb of the moon, casting its light from high above the rocky cliffs which formed the pool’s backdrop. Beside the pool stood the red filly, burnished coat softly aglow. Naya froze, rooted as if she were one of the trees, and stared. The filly, startled by the girl’s approach, stared back. Neither moved. Eventually, Naya remembered to breathe. In the next moment, she realized that she had left her rope, along with everything else she’d brought with her, back on the rise. Still, she and the filly stood motionless, looking at one another.

In that moment, Naya’s senses underwent an almost imperceptible shift; the moonlight became just a little brighter, the stream’s murmur became just a little louder, the slight breeze rustling the leaves in the trees became just a little fresher against her skin. In the next moment, she seemed to feel the filly’s thoughts.

            I will grant your heart’s desire, but only if you are able to grant mine. The musical voice resonated within the core of Naya’s being, even though no sound other than the splash of flowing water and whisper of the wind in the trees disturbed the silence of the grove. What is your heart’s desire?

            Awestruck, Naya could only gaze back at the young horse, who now regarded her with luminous dark eyes in which fear had given way to curiosity. Finally, she found her own voice. “I wish to be with you,” she said simply. “I wish to touch your coat.” Then, from deep inside, another longing welled up, a yearning so audacious she almost couldn’t bring herself to speak. Hesitatingly, she uttered the words. “I wish,” she said, “to ride upon your back.”

            Ah, the red filly seemed to reply, if this is indeed your deepest desire, then you must see with the eyes of your heart and create ties without the use of a rope. And when you have succeeded in granting my heart’s desire, then shall yours be granted also.

            Before Naya could begin to ponder the meaning of the words, the filly brushed past her in a chestnut blur and was gone, disappearing through the trees toward the mouth of the ravine. Gazing after her, Naya shook her head, as if to clear her senses. Water still flowed in the creek and a breeze still rustled among the leaves. The moon still cast its dim glow – but the moment of utter clarity had vanished, just as suddenly as the young horse. Shaking herself again, as if awakening from a dream, Naya retraced her steps to the mouth of the ravine. There was no sign of the red filly…

MY REVIEW

First, I have to comment on the author of this beautiful book. The storyline is pointing out the differences in culture. While Sophie lived in a world of privilege she soon found out that other places are quite different. The story teaches that not having much, doesn't mean their heart is empty and miserable. It teaches the value of giving and gratitude.

The washable hardcover is eye-catching in its many vibrant colors. The illustrator did a fantastic job of creating the characters in the story through drawing and colorization. All are well drawn and the expressions on the children's faces depict their feelings well. Each illustration is a joy to view and will keep any child engaged in the story. This book would make a beautiful addition to your child's library. Highly recommended.

I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

 

Buy the Book
Amazon 
B&N 
(coming soon)
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Meet the Author:

Susan, a legal advocate for children’s rights, has long harbored a dream of crafting a tale that would empower young readers to understand and champion the rights of their peers. Drawing upon her own experiences as a young person comprehending privilege, she was inspired to write a book that would not only entertain but also inspire her readers to consider pressing social issues and to actively strive to make the world a better place for all children.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW w Sarah V. Barnes, author of SHE WHO RIDES HORSES

 

Q: What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

A: David Whyte has a line in his poem What to Remember When Waking:

“To become human is to become visible while carrying what is hidden as a gift to others.”

For me, this speaks to the essence of what we do as writers. Becoming visible means putting yourself and your words out there, for others to read. Writing is an inherently vulnerable act. Even if no one reads what you write other than yourself, you are still making yourself visible, if only to yourself. You are revealing what is hidden – the gift of your true self – the gift each of us alone can offer to the world. The whole poem is a powerful reminder of why we are here – and that line in particular really inspires me, especially as a writer.

 

Q: Is your book mainly for horse lovers?

A: No – it’s meant to appeal to a wider audience. I describe the story as ‘Clan of the Cave Bear’ meets ‘My Friend Flicka.’ Certainly the horses, and Naya’s relationship with the red filly in particular, represent an important aspect of the story line, but readers don’t have to be horse people to connect with the characters. The challenges they face are universal.

 

Q: What is the most courageous thing that you’ve done?

A: There’s more than one type of courage, of course. In terms of physical courage, competing in the cross-country phase of eventing probably took the most courage. Eventing is the triathlon of horse sports and cross-country involves galloping around a course while jumping over stone walls, leaping off banks, crossing ditches and traversing water obstacles. Like most things that require courage, however, proper preparation takes some of the edge off. If you and your horse have practiced navigating the various types of obstacles, and you’ve walked the course and know what to expect, a good outcome is more likely. As far as the kind of courage that involves emotional vulnerability as opposed to physical risk, the hardest thing that I’ve had to do is allow my children to go out into the world, make their own choices (and mistakes) and forge their own paths. You want the best for them, and that starts with setting them free. Not surprisingly, elements from both these personal experiences of courage show up in my books. 

 

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: When I’m not writing, I’m often at the barn with my horse. Horses are creatures of the present moment. They can also potentially be quite dangerous if you don’t understand them. Spending time around horses necessitates being mindful, being grounded, paying attention. My horse and I have a relationship which requires that I show up as my best self. Hobby is perhaps not the right word for the time and effort that I devote to her, and the lessons she teaches me. Spiritual practice comes to mind.

 

Q: What is your writing schedule?

A: Many writers apparently do their best work early in the morning. For me, that’s not the case. While I like to get up with the sun, I spend that first quiet hour journaling and reading, with a cup of chai at my elbow, followed by meditation and movement practice. Once the day is underway, my first commitment is usually going to the barn. Only after I’ve spent time with my horse, do I sit down to write. Once I’m at my desk, other than letting the dogs out and going upstairs for tea, I’m pretty much working away until dinner. I write very slowly – going back to reread and rework passages – so I need big chunks of uninterrupted time. Luckily I’m at a stage of life where I can enjoy that luxury.

 

Q: What is your next project?

A: I’m nearing the end of the writing/editing process for the second book in the She Who Rides Horses series. There will be a third book, for sure, and possibly more, depending on how the story unfolds. At some point the novels will be released as an audiobook and ultimately, I’d love to see the story made into a film or limited series.

Enter the Giveaway:

CHILDREN WHO DANCE IN THE RAIN Book Tour Giveaway