Princess of the Reformation Jeanne D'Albret - Review of New Children's Historical Storybook

"Although I am only a little princess, God has put me here to rule and help spread the Gospel in this kingdom."

Courtesy of Faithwalk Photography

So stands Jeanne D'Albret of Navarre during the sixteenth century. Christian author and artist, Rebekah Dan, presents the story of a little-known, yet influential, princess just in time for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The simple story-style and beautiful illustrations make "Princess of the Reformation" a delightful venue for introducing children to this courageous princess and events surrounding the French Reformation movement. I'd highly recommend it as a homeschool read aloud or bedtime reading for little ones.

Click here to order and find more information on "Princess of the Reformation"

Exiles: Adventure, Fantasty and Faith in New Novel By Jay L. Knight

Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, Exiles, has been released! Exiles is the fourth book in the Christian fantasy series, Ilyon Chronicles. Read about it below and be sure to check out the other blog stops on the tour by visiting the official tour page. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to Emperor Daican’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest.

Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all.

Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple.

One small misstep could prove fatal for all.

My Review

Whoa! Where do I start with "Exiles"? Anyone who has read the Ilyon Chronicles knows the blend of faith and adventure Jaye weaves into her novels is first class. "Exiles" is no exception. For the faithful fans of Jace, Kyrin, Rayad, Trask, Anne and their fellow Ilyonians, "Exiles" continues the Resistance's fight against idol-worshipping Daican as he sets sights on the far regions of Dorland. At the interpersonal level many characters must grapple with real, soul-searching challenges such as earning the trust of a wounded heart, how a son honors his terribly deceived father, treasuring fellowship with fellow believers even at great risk and a young man's fears in how to be a good husband and father.

In reading "Exiles", two instances especially grabbed my attention, which I'll strive to share without divulging any spoilers. ;) The first was a particular character's yearning to be with other believers and the needed courage he drew from their fellowship. The steadfast love of the Ilyonian believers has been one of the aspects I appreciate most about the series and I was again reminded afresh of the precious gift our brothers and sisters in Christ are.

And then there's Kyrin. Oh Kyrin. It's not often I find myself wanting to emulate the femininity and grace of a fictional heroine but Kyrin's spirit stirred my woman soul. I'm really having to fight giving those spoilers, so let's just say while the previous novels highlighted Kyrin's bold faith and courage, "Exiles" accents a strong yet gentle, gracious and very feminine spirit in its lead actress that I believe will be an encouragement for many girls and young women.

As for concerns with "Exiles", they were very few for readers considering Jaye's target audience (young adult). While "deeds of darkness" are present in the pages they are covered with great tact and discretion - one of the attributes I appreciate most about Jaye's works. Still it is YA fiction and some parents may want to peruse the content for young teens who are not yet worldly-wise. Some scenes include persecution and martyrdom of believers (including a beheading and gladiator/Roman arena like sports), battles, a brother mourning the nieces and nephews he will never meet as a result of his sister's abortions to cover her illicit relationships, aforementioned sister seen with young staff member after an immoral encounter, threats of rape (more implied than told) and villains with predatory motives - and in one scene action - toward women. Again, all portrayed in a manner that is not descriptive but it is there nonetheless. As to romance in general, I thought the romance between several main characters was refreshingly sweet, providing honorable as well as endearing examples of wooing and winning so sadly absent in most Christian novels. Two weddings bookend the novel but you'll have to read it to find out whose they are. :) There are several kissing scenes but again more mentioned than described - some so brief describing them as "scenes" borders on misleading. As a general summary, I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Exiles" and highly recommend it. Keep up the good work, Jaye!

Available now on Amazon!

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? The first three Kindle books are on sale August 11^th - 14^th!

You can find them on Amazon.

About the Author
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her 
website,
 blog,  
Facebook, 
Twitter, 
Etsy.






Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Exiles, a pewter dragon necklace by treasurecast, and a sword letter opener! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Promise Is: In His Son

 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 3:3-21

Courtesy of Faithwalk Photography

Jesus came into the world to save it, not condemn it. Men bring condemnation on themselves when they refuse to believe on the only Name under heaven by which we can be saved. This self-induced condemnation is proven by their love for darkness. But to those who have believed on God's Son have no fear of their deeds being reproved by the light. They stand free, clean and blameless in the righteousness of Christ.

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life,

 and this life is in his Son. 

He that hath the Son hath life; 

and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

1 John 5:11-12 

The Promise Is: Not Forsaken

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: 

I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High... 

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, 

a refuge in times of trouble.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: 

for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that 

seek thee.

Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: 

declare among the people his doings.

~*~ Psalm 9:1-2 & 9-11 ~*~

Courtesy of FreelyPhotos.com

This is a beautiful promise. But it comes with a narrow condition. The Lord promises to never forsake those who seek Him. Yet in the Scripture are many whom God forsook because they ceased to seek Him such as: King Saul, Asa, Judas. To seek is to pursue, search and follow hard after a reward like an Olympic runner after the gold medal. It is to whole-hearted seekers, God promises to never, no, never forsake them.

And [Rehoboam] did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. 

2 Chronicles 12:14

And ye shall seek me, and find me, 

when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:12

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, 

call ye upon him while he is near: 

Isaiah 55:6

The Promise Is: Weeping

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak:

 O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 

My soul is also sore vexed: 

but thou, O LORD, how long? 

Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: 

oh save me for thy mercies' sake...

Mine eye is consumed because of grief; 

it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. 

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; 

for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. 

The LORD hath heard my supplication; 

the LORD will receive my prayer. 

Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: 

let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

Psalms 6:2-4 & 7-10

Courtesy of Faithwalk Photography

In the Word, we see that many who loved God greatest wept most. Even the Son of God did so. Yet, our merciful and compassionate Father draws so near He hears the silent tears as they fall. And He does more than listen: our Priest promises what the Enemy meant for evil He will turn to His glory and our good.

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest;

 but he that said unto him, 

Thou art my Son, 

to day have I begotten thee...

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications

 with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death,

 and was heard in that he feared; Though 

he were a Son, 

yet learned he obedience by the things which he 

suffered;

Hebrews 5:5 & 7-8

...And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 

Revelation 7:17 

The Secret Slipper: New Family-friendly Novella of Adventure and Trust

Being a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?

Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?

As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn't even know is searching for her?

*~*~*

 Please click HERE to receive a signed copy of The Secret Slipper!
 
My Review

If I were to rate one of the most important lessons a young believer can learn it is trust the Lord always, everywhere and  forever. If I were to give my favorite aspect about Amanda Tero's second literary addition to the "Tales of Faith" series, The Secret Slipper, it would be witnessing Raoul and his daughter, Lia, as they learn to trust the Lord and how that trust lead them to being reunited. In a natural, unforced manner Amanda weaves this theme into The Secret Slipper with a beautiful simplicity that will bless young and old alike. I highly recommend The Secret Slipper for family aloud reading or personal edification and enjoyment!

About the Author
Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again – starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels. If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)




Interested in learning more about the story behind The Secret Slipper? Click here to watch Amanda's Author Chat

Connect with Amanda

Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com 
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Personal Blog
Goodreads
Amazon

U.S. Giveaway: Enter to win the set of “Befriending the Beast” and “The Secret Slipper”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/483ac2ab21/?

International Giveaway: Enter to win the eBook set of “Befriending the Beast” and “The Secret Slipper”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/483ac2ab22/

Also Touring with “The Secret Slipper”

May 25, 2017

Amanda @ With A Joyful Noise | Release Day, Giveaway

Leila @ Leila Tualla's Bookshelf | Spotlight

Faith @ Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections | Review, Giveaway

Leona @ Great Books for God's Girls | Review, Interview

May 26

Emily @ Zerina Blossom’s Books | Interview

Kendra @ Knitted By God's Plan (Spotlight) and O'Scarlett Reviews (Review) | Spotlight, Review

Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny | Review, Giveaway

May 27

Anika @ This Journey Called Life| Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Katie @ His Princess Warrior | Review, Giveaway

Sarah @ The Destiny of One | Spotlight

Heather @ Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Spotlight, Interview, Giveaway

May 29

Kate @ Once Upon an Ordinary | Review, Interview

Sarah @ Penumbra Reviews | Review

Dary @ Peculiar Miss Darcy | Character Interview

Julia @ My Joyful Journey with Jesus | Interview

May 30

Kenzi @ Honey Rock Hills | Review, Giveaway

Anita @ Christian Author: A.M. Heath | Review

Judith @ JudithWNicholson | Interview

May 31

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His glory | Spotlight, Review

Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae | Spotlight, Review

Esther @ Purposeful Learning | Review, Interview, Giveaway

June 1

Kellyn @ Reveries Reviews | Review

Victoria @ Victoria Minks Blog | Spotlight, Review

Kelsey @ Kelsey’s Notebook | Spotlight

June 2

Hanne @ RockandMinerals4Him | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Erica @ Roxbury Books Blog | Spotlight

Janell @ Views from the Window Friend | Review

Crystal @ Crystal’s Adventures for Christ | Spotlight, Review, Interview

June 3

Alexa @ Verbosity Reviews | Spotlight

Faith @ Chosen Vessels | Review

Melissa @ Clothed with Scarlet | Review, Interview, Giveaway

The Promise Is: Defence

But let all those that put their trust in thee 

rejoice: 

let them ever shout for joy, because thou 

defendest them: 

let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; 

with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

~*~Psalm 5:11-12~*~

Courtesy of FreelyPhotos.com

  
When we trust in the Lord with our all, we need not worry about having a back up plan; for He is the one Who has our back.

"They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true."

Frances R. Havergal