How A Star Falls Anniversary

You may remember my review of How A Star Falls by Amber Stokes that I shared as part of the release of the novella. Well, that was a whole year ago! Now Amber is celebrating the one year anniversary!

A Note from the Author

A year ago today (November 18^th), my little star story, How a Star Falls, landed on Amazon. I’m thrilled to celebrate the anniversary of its release with you by introducing a brand-new cover (where the hero, Derrick, makes an appearance) and sharing a fun giveaway with prizes from some of my favorite Etsy shops!

If you journeyed with Derrick and Brielle when their story first released, thank you for allowing them into your heart. And if this will be your first time meeting them, I hope you’ll be encouraged by their story and reminded of the hope of Psalm 138:8: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.”

Blessings through life’s seasons!

~Amber

About the Book

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella

How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.

Then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.

This novella is available in the following formats:

2-hour unabridged audiobook ($6.95)

Paperback ($6.99)

Kindle ebook ($.99)

 

 

 

 

 

Author Bio

Amber Stokes works as a marketing content writer for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.

You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

Cover Designer Bio

Lena Goldfinch writes inspirational historical romance and books for teens. She’s always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She enjoys life in a quiet small town with her husband, two kids, and two very spoiled black Labs.

Visit Lena at www.LenaGoldfinch.com.

Giveaway!

Fill out the form below to enter to win one of three prizes from some of the author’s favorite Etsy shops! The prizes are…

· Sparkle Green and Red Christmas Earrings from Baubles, Beads and Stuff

· Silver Compass Crystal Charm Necklace from Jaye L. Knight

· Santa Bunyan Note Cards (Set of 3) from Cindy Lindgren

Why these prizes? The earrings include stars, which fit this occasion for obvious reasons. ;) The compass is a reference to a song mentioned in the story: “If My Heart Was a House” by Owl City (you can listen HERE). And the cards are a little teaser for my next contemporary romance, Where Trains Collide. (Let’s just say the hero’s nickname is Paul Bunyan. Can you guess the heroine’s nickname?)

Note: Giveaway is open to US residents only due to shipping costs.

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Kate’s Innocence Blog Tour—Guest Post + Giveaway!

Today I’m sharing a guest post by author Sarah Holman introducing the main character of her new book, Kate’s Innocence! Sarah is also offering a giveaway, so make sure to enter! But first, a little bit about the book.

About:

What would you do if you were accused of a crime you didn’t commit?

Kate watched as her campus was torn apart by bombs and now is being accused of perpetrating the crime. As the evidence quickly stacks up against her, she begins to lose hope that the truth will come to light. Even though the handsome FBI Agent, Patrick, has taken up her cause, will they be able to prove her innocence? Will God, who she neglected for so long, listen to her prayers for help?

Patrick is an agent with a very special team of agents. He wants to help Kate prove she is innocent, but as each new piece of evidence is revealed, that goal seems harder. He wonders why he feels so compelled to help her and so sure she is innocent despite the evidence. Will he be willing to put his job on the line to help her? Can he trust in God to make sure the truth will come out in the end?

Today I would like to introduce you to the main character of my new series, Kate’s Case Files. She is accused of a crime she didn’t commit and is working with the FBI to prove it. But who is Kate Mayfield?

~ is a 22 year old college student

~ is studying to become an explosives expert in the army

~ has already served one tour-of-duty in the army

~ is the daughter of a general in the army

~ loves to jog

~ doesn’t like sugar

~ doesn’t have a lot of friends

~ has straight, blond hair

~ has brown eyes

Here is a peek into her story:

The whole building shook, and Kate fell to the floor as she heard the window shatter. All the lights went out, and Kate lay for a moment gasping for breath. What had just happened? Had someone thrown a rock through the window? Had a transformer blown?

“Kate? What did you knock over this time?” Her father’s voice was full of amusement. “Sometimes, I wonder how you do so well in the military being klutzy out of it. I guess the army is in your blood.”

Kate blinked in the darkness. She sat up, the clinking of broken glass met her as she shifted and looked around. Screams and panicked voices called to each other outside her dorm room. An orange glow came from the direction of the blown-out window.

“Kate?!”

“Dad, something has happened.” Kate’s voice squeaked as she scrambled to her feet.

“What has happened?”

“I don’t know,” Kate whispered. She moved slowly toward the window, afraid to find out.

“What?”

“I’ll call you back, Dad.” Kate hung up before there could be any further argument. She walked slowly toward the window, moving her tennis shoe back and forth on the floor to brush away the glass. Her eyes widened in horror as got closer to the window. In front of her, one of the main lecture halls was burning. Something very bad had happened.

Bam!

Kate’s ears hurt, and she could not believe her eyes as an explosion ripped through the administration building further away.

Giveaway

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Black Friday Promo Survey

Yep, it’s that time of the year. The holidays are just about here. *still mourning over the end of summer* Anyway, this is always a time for great sales. I’ll be participating in a Black Friday promo with other fellow indie Christian authors, but we want to know what YOU would like to see as part of the promo. Just fill out the survey below.

An Update and a New Award!

Hey everyone! Long time, no . . . uh, post. Yeah, my life is a chaotic mix of racing to edit Samara’s Peril, keeping up with Etsy orders, and preparing for holiday sales. I seriously feel like I’m never going to catch up. Why can’t days be 48 hours instead of 24? I definitely need a few more hours to get to everything that’s pressing on me every day. Such is the life of a self-employed entrepreneur, I suppose. Despite all the chaos, I am incredibly grateful for how God has been providing and giving me success I never imagined having, in both my writing and my Etsy business. I might feel like I’m drowning in deadlines and pressing business stuff, but it’s better than wondering how you will afford even simple necessities.

Now, for the award bit. I’m a little late in sharing this news, but a couple of weeks ago, I got the news that Resistance has been honored with a B.R.A.G. Medallion!

I’m so excited about how Resistance is doing. I was really quite nervous when I first published it, sending my baby out into the big, scary world. But my fears weren’t necessary, thanks to God working in the story and the wonderful readers who have become so dear to me over the last year and a half. You all are the best! :)

The Crossways Blog Tour—Character Spotlight

I have another blog tour post for you today! This one is a spotlight for Morgan Elizabeth Huneke’s character, Rae. She sounds absolutely adorable. Make sure you check out my post from Monday for all the information about Morgan’s new book, including a giveaway!

Character Spotlight: Rae

Appearance: Small and delicate, tanned skin, brown eyes, and somewhat scraggly brown hair.

Age: 6

History: Rae is Adriel’s youngest sister and the baby of the family. She, like the others, was born as a slave on Tuvya and Jardeena’s plantation. She’s very sweet, but she has never been very strong, so she is not often able to do all her work, and is therefore not a very valuable slave.

Author’s Notes: Every story needs a super cute little girl, right? Rae definitely is one. She’s cute, and sweet, and little, and exactly what Adriel needs. I created her character at the same time as Adriel, when I wrote his opening scene…where he was whipped for her. She provided the perfect balance for him.

One thing I really love about Rae is the simplicity of her childlike faith. She never doubts God. She’s always encouraging Adriel, praying for him, and doing her best to help him control his temper. She really does believe, and her faith never wavers. Still, she is very timid, and depends on Adriel a lot. I just love their relationship, how they take care of each other, depend on each other, and how they love each other so much. I’ve always loved writing sibling relationships, and theirs is one of my favorites.

 

Tour Schedule

Monday, October 19

• Tour Introduction at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
• Book Review at Girls Living For God’s Glory
• Author Interview at An Orange Dragonfly
• Character Interview at Knitted by God’s Plan ~ Grant Weathersby
• Guest Post at Jaye L. Knight ~ Pirate Character Arcs

Tuesday, October 20

• Book Review at Flights from the Aerie
• Book Review at The Art of Writing For Him
• Author Interview at Writing Anyone
• Guest Post at Bring Your Own Books ~ Time Captives Writer’s Block
• Character Spotlight at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections ~ Eleanor
• The Crossways Inspirations at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Wednesday, October 21

• Book Review at Knitted By God’s Plan
• Author Interview at Flights from the Aerie
• Author Interview at Leah’s Bookshelf
• Character Interview at Reflections of the Heart ~ Jeremy Herb
• Guest Post at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections ~ An American/Medieval Fantasy Culture
• Character Spotlight at Jaye L. Knight ~ Rae

Thursday, October 22

• Book Review at Scattered Journal Pages
• Character Interview at Bring Your Own Books ~ Eleanor
• Guest Post at In the Character’s Shadow ~ Putting Yourself in Your Characters
• Character Spotlight at An Orange Dragonfly ~ Adriel
• Surprise Post at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Friday, October 23

• Book Review at Bring Your Own Books
• Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages
• Author Interview at The Art of Writing For Him
• Character Interview at Flights From the Aerie ~ Adriel
• Guest Post The Overactive Imagination ~ Choosing the Right Point of View

Saturday, October 24

• Book Review at Writing Anyone
• Author Interview at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
• Character Interview at In the Character's Shadow ~ Joseph
• Character Spotlight at Knitted by God’s Plan ~ Jaysen

Monday, October 26

• Tour Conclusion at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

The Crossways Blog Tour—Guest Post + Giveaway!

Today I’m sharing a guest post by my writing friend, Morgan Elizabeth Huneke, celebrating the release of her newest book, The Crossways!

About the Book

“M’lady, it has been fairly well confirmed that the Redona was hidden away by the merfolk at the conclusion of the Great War instead of destroyed as was commanded. My brother has confirmed to me Joseph’s belief that it was concealed at the Crossways.”

Toarna pressed her fingertips together in thought. “It must be recovered and destroyed as was at first intended.”

Emily, Allan, Jill, and Joey have been reunited with their long lost ancestors. But with that reunion comes the true beginning of their quest: free the rightful king of Calhortz so that he may be restored to his throne. The Redona, the only object that can free him from his long imprisonment, is rumored to be concealed in The Crossways, a mountain across the sea which cannot be entered.

A slave since birth, Adriel’s resentment and hatred towards the strytes only grows as his family is continually ripped from him. He longs for the freedom the Time Captives are prophesied to bring, but he doubts their existence, just as he doubts God’s love. Circumstances in Calhortz are so dire. How could they ever improve?
Who can enter The Crossways? Will the king ever be freed? Or will the slaves of Calhortz lose all hope of freedom before it is even offered to them?

The Crossways is the second book of the Time Captives trilogy, a tale of faith, family, fantasy, and a fight for truth and freedom.

Buy Now

Kindle ~ Paperback ~ Signed Copy

Guest Post

Pirate Character Arcs

One of my biggest literary pet peeves, aside from poorly developed characters and badly written stories, is when negative character arcs are portrayed as positive ones. It happens far too often. My primary example, however, is from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Will Turner starts out as a blacksmith, a good, upstanding citizen. And I really liked him. As the series progressed, he…became a pirate. Instead of upholding the law, he broke it, and that was considered a good thing.

That really disappointed me. I thought the Pirates movies were exciting and interesting, but I couldn’t love them because the “good guys” were really no better than the bad ones, and we were supposed to be okay with that. Even in Christian fiction, authors still try to have “good” pirates, and that bothers me. So I decided I wanted to write a pirate story where the pirates were actually bad guys. Ironically, a few weeks later, I discovered that Molly Evangeline had done just that in her Pirates & Faith series.

Finally reading a pirate story that met with my standards, and which I loved very much, only served to make me want to write my own even more. I was in the middle of Time Captives, though. It would have to wait. But as I continued to read Pirates & Faith, I determined I wasn’t willing to wait. I put my pirate character into Time Captives and Jeremy Herb kidnapped Emily, Allan, Jill, Joey, and Peetur. I couldn’t stop there, however.

Jeremy came from somewhere. No one starts out as a pirate. I wanted to know where he came from, why he turned to piracy. I was also determined not so show it as a good thing. Piracy sounds grand, but what are pirates essentially? They are the thieves and murderers of the sea. There aren’t “good” pirates. And so, despite Jeremy starting out as just any little boy, he is not a “good” pirate. Turning to piracy destroyed his life.

I did love exploring his history, but it was sad. He made bad choices and it sent him on a downward spiral. He has a negative character arc, and I portray it as negative. Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean make piracy seem like such a grand adventure, but it’s not. It’s just as destructive as any other life of crime, and I hope that’s what Jeremy shows.

About the Author

Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics. She is the author of Across the Stars and The Experiment.
You can connect with Morgan on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest.
 
Giveaway
Join in the excitement of Time Captives and enter to win a special prize! The first prize winner will receive a signed copy of The Crossways. The second prize winner will receive an eCopy of The Crossways in the eBook format of his/her choice. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Tour Schedule

Monday, October 19

• Tour Introduction at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
• Book Review at Girls Living For God’s Glory
• Author Interview at An Orange Dragonfly
• Character Interview at Knitted by God’s Plan ~ Grant Weathersby
• Guest Post at Jaye L. Knight ~ Pirate Character Arcs

Tuesday, October 20

• Book Review at Flights from the Aerie
• Book Review at The Art of Writing For Him
• Author Interview at Writing Anyone
• Guest Post at Bring Your Own Books ~ Time Captives Writer’s Block
• Character Spotlight at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections ~ Eleanor
• The Crossways Inspirations at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Wednesday, October 21

• Book Review at Knitted By God’s Plan
• Author Interview at Flights from the Aerie
• Author Interview at Leah’s Bookshelf
• Character Interview at Reflections of the Heart ~ Jeremy Herb
• Guest Post at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections ~ An American/Medieval Fantasy Culture
• Character Spotlight at Jaye L. Knight ~ Rae

Thursday, October 22

• Book Review at Scattered Journal Pages
• Character Interview at Bring Your Own Books ~ Eleanor
• Guest Post at In the Character’s Shadow ~ Putting Yourself in Your Characters
• Character Spotlight at An Orange Dragonfly ~ Adriel
• Surprise Post at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Friday, October 23

• Book Review at Bring Your Own Books
• Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages
• Author Interview at The Art of Writing For Him
• Character Interview at Flights From the Aerie ~ Adriel
• Guest Post The Overactive Imagination ~ Choosing the Right Point of View

Saturday, October 24

• Book Review at Writing Anyone
• Author Interview at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
• Character Interview at In the Character's Shadow ~ Joseph
• Character Spotlight at Knitted by God’s Plan ~ Jaysen

Monday, October 26

• Tour Conclusion at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
  

Lily of the Valley Cover Reveal Correction

Due to an error in the original blog posts about Faith's cover reveal, the entry for the giveaway has been extended more than one full day! You have until noon Central time on Friday, October 16th to enter the giveaway. If you tried to email the cover before, please do so again, this time with the following, CORRECT email address: faith.blum.author[at]gmail.com. Thank you! :)