What's Holding You Back: Guest Post by Tessa Emily Hall and a Giveaway!

About Tessa

My PhotoTessa Emily Hall is a 19-year-old who has been penning stories since before she could read. Her first YA inspirational novel, Purple Moon, will be published fall 2013 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and is now available for preorder. She is generously giving away a signed copy of Purple Moon to one of you!

Tessa is also an editor for Temperance Magazine and writes for several online Christian teen magazines. She resides in South Carolina and is currently working toward her degree in English. She is also a coffee-addict, music-lover, book-worm, and has a passion for youth ministry, especially in the area of the written word. Tessa posts weekly devotions for teens, book reviews, writing tips, and more at her blog, Christ Is Write. 


Welcome to Inspiring Daring, Tessa!

What's Holding You Back


Have you ever noticed that it’s the strong-willed guy who is determined not to give up who always wins a race? It’s never the one who gives up in middle of a race because he twists an ankle or starts having doubts that he’ll win. The winner of a race is always the guy who is determined to win, despite any injuries he may get along the way.

We could all learn from that guy. Not just for life in general, or in our relationship with God—keep on going when the going gets rough—but keep stretching towards the goal of your dreams, despite what may be holding you back. It may not be a twisted ankle, but it could be a rejection. It may not be a pulled muscle, but it could be discouraging words from someone who has told you that you’ll never reach the finish line.

 When I was fourteen, I emailed one author telling her that her book sounded really interesting—it was on my to-read list—and I asked for advice for an aspiring author. She told me that she wouldn’t advise pursuing writing, only because it was hard and very unlikely. While I understand this—and I have heard other writers saying the same thing—I don’t agree with this advice at all. Sure, it’s hard. Sure, it may be unlikely to get published. But I did. And so did all of the people who wrote all of the books you enjoy.

Every job has work put into it; it’s not all fun and games. But if your passion is big enough, nothing else will matter. In fact, the hard work might even be exciting for you. My passion for writing is too big to do anything else with my life—and as you can see, while I respect that author, I didn’t follow her advice, nor do I agree with it. If you want something bad enough, you have to go for it, despite the odds. Many people will try to discourage you, tell you that it’s unlikely or that your work isn’t good enough or that the pay isn’t good, or even that it’s not a real job. Ignore all of those voices, especially if it’s yourself telling yourself this. Don’t let anyone—including yourself—hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

Keep running. Yes, you may get injured along the way. But the person who will not let those injuries hold him back from reaching the finish line is the one who will win the race. 

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Philippians 3:14 (MSG)

Rachelle here: Wow. I needed those encouraging words today. For more from Tessa, visit her blog or check out her book!

The Giveaway

Please enter using the Rafflecopter below. {Due to the cost of international shipping, this giveaway is open to residents of the continental U.S. only. Sorry, ya'll, and thanks for understanding!}

Odds and Ends


Recently a friend remarked casually that she had woken up that morning to find her hair looking wavy and lovely. She didn’t even style or do anything to it before heading off to class.That has never happened to me.



I have far too many friends who spent yesterday without their mothers. Joanna shared her story here. Her mother died of cancer this year. Two other sister-friends near my age are weathering the storm of that unique grief. I know my grandma missed her mama yesterday.

Whether you are young or old, something happens in your heart when your mother can no longer be there.

from "When Your Parents Aren't There to Honor" my latest post on MOHL


And in other news...

Have you seen the giveaways on Inspiring Daring this week? 

Stephanie Morrill is giving away The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet!


And Carrie Fancett Pagels is giving away Return to Shirley Plantation!



Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels ~ A Book Review and Giveaway!






Abducted against his will, Matthew Scott is conscripted into the Confederate army because of his Copperhead father’s political leanings. Injured at Malvern Hill, Matthew is taken by the Union army to Shirley Plantation in Virginia where he is tended by seamstress Angelina Rose, a freed slave. 

Given an opportunity to leave the South and start a new life for herself, Angelina remained for the sake of her sister’s orphaned twins who are still enslaved. Will Matthew’s return to Shirley Plantation settle a mystery concerning his father’s past? And help Matthew find the family he longs for?

What I Loved


Matthew is torn from his theatrical troupe and forced to fight. Angelina gave up a new beginning for the sake of those who need her most. Both have encountered hardship, but now they face an even greater conflict--the Civil War.

I really liked this view into a time that is easy to pass over with a shake of the head. Pagels provides an intriguing look into a Southern home where all is not as it seems and facades are precious. I enjoyed the fact that Matthew and Angelina are sweet with each other from the beginning (seems like the trend in historical fiction is a hero and heroine who start out annoyed with each other...though that can be hilarious to read, it was nice to read this adorable couple's interchanges and see them being nice!).

I also liked the level of intrigue the author supported from the beginning. Secrets are everywhere! A mystery is unraveled in the end--and a twister I did not see coming certainly threw me for quite the loop! 

What I Didn't Like As Much

Because there was a bit of intrigue going on in the background, I was confused at a couple key passages. Also, the abundance of characters was a bit much for my taste for the length of this story. However, everything balanced out in the end, and I really enjoyed this book!

Looking for a dip into American history? With fine writing? And characters whose hearts prove stronger than their struggles? Check out Carrie Fancett Pagels fiction debut, Return to Shirley Plantation.

About the Author


Carrie Fancett Pagels writes "romantic historical fiction." Her short story "Snowed In: A Northwoods Christmas" will be published in the fall of 2013 as part of Guidepost Books' "A Cup of Christmas Cheer" collection. Carrie also contributed to "God's Provision in Tough Times," by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy releasing July 2013.

Carrie blogs at "Colonial Quills" and "Overcoming With God." She has served in ACFW leadership positions as Zone Director, Area Coordinator, and continues as co-chairman of a local group. She is a member of ACFW, Romance Writers of America, Faith-Hope-Love RWA affiliate group, and FaithWriters. She is a Columnist/Board Member of The Book Club Network ezine.

Previously a psychologist for twenty five years, Carrie lives in Virginia with her family. She loves God, history, and romance!

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Find Carrie
Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Goodreads

Giveaway

Carrie is generously giving away a Kindle copy of Return to Shirley Plantation to one of you! Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. International entrants welcome.  


A sincere welcome to Carrie for providing me with a complimentary copy of this Civil War story in exchange for an honest review.

Avenger by Heather Burch ~ A Book Review



Sometimes the Truth Comes with a Price 


Nikki knew Damon Vessler would not let his prized creation go easily---she simply never imagined the lengths he'd go to get her back into his clutches and turn Nikki's heart toward darkness. A Seeker at her heels, trained on her blood, Nikki flees with Raven alongside her for protection, while Mace and the other Halflings fight the battle that has erupted on earth. But even as the two boys she loves fight for her, she knows the battle will be hers to win. 

Determined to uncover the secrets of her past, and exactly how she fits into Vessler's twisted plans, Nikki sets off on her own, and soon discovers facing hellacious beasts is nothing compared to the decision she will need to make. One that could change not only the war, and her relationship with Mace and Raven, but her future with the Throne.

What I Loved

Nikki is a lot less torn in this book when compared to Guardian (and I appreciated the toning down of the love triangle). At first, while Raven and Nikki were on the run from the Seeker (which was legitimately scary, by the way) and Mace is back at Viennesse, I was the one torn. Raven was being, well, Raven (part protector, part flirt), and Nikki wasn't having it. I liked that, but at the same time was wavering in my Mace loyalties.

Any book that can make me wonder just who the heroine is going to end up with is a keeper.

The fast pace and unrelenting action that I grew so fond of with both Halflings and Guardian returns full-force in the third book in the series. So many answers are revealed in this one! Vessler is as evil as ever, but there's a twist to even his character in the end. Raven provides a key to his and Nikki's relationship (page 146 is pivotal). Mace is as dedicated and sweet as ever, but there's even a change in him that rockets up the respect level.

What I Didn't Like As Much

I'm still unraveling the theological logic given on page 213, but, as with the other books, I appreciate that Heather Burch never distorts Scripture or says something that makes me squirm. This is a paranormal with half-angel, half-human beings, after all, though, so the super-unexpected ending and even the darkness is well-played.

This book gets quite dark without being over-the-top depressing (there's plenty of comic relief, supplied mostly by the candy-loving Vine and surprisingly-heroic-but-still-adorably-nerdy Zero). I like the ending because it totally had me thinking we were going to lose a major character -- or all of them.

Any book that can make me wonder if everyone's going to die -- and make that somehow seem strangely okay -- is a keeper.

About the Author

Heather Burch grew up in Branson, Missouri, where she learned to love fiction. She then married into a family of published novelists and quickly learned writing was her heart's desire. When she's not working on her latest book, Heather can be found watching a sunset at a beach near her home in Southern Florida, along with her sons Jake and Isaac, and husband, John---who is her hero in every way.

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Find Heather


Read the two FREE illustrated e-books:

The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill ~ A Book Review and Giveaway!


Ellie Sweet is a lot of things—good girl, novelist, silent adorer of the new boy at school, Palmer. But when “outcast” gets added to the list, she decides it’s time to take reality into her own hands … and tweak it as needed.




In the pages of her book, she’s Lady Gabrielle, favorite of the medieval Italian court. Her once-friends are reduced to catty ladies-in-waiting, and the too-charming Palmer—who in real life never spares her a second word—gets to be nothing more than a rake wracked by unrequited love for her. She even has a perfect real-life villain in the brooding Chase, who hails from the wrong side of town.


But just when she’s getting along great in her fictional world, the real one throws her a few curves. With Chase pursuing her, Palmer wanting to date her—but in secret—and the details of her manuscript going public, Ellie suddenly receives more attention than she ever really wanted. And when her former-friends discover what she’s been writing, they’re determined to teach Ellie a lesson about the severe consequences of using her pen as her sword.

What I Loved

I almost never use the bookmark feature on my Kindle, but I couldn't help but make a note of all the times Stephanie Morrill's Ellie Sweet made me groan or grin. This one made me laugh out loud.

"I turn away and bury my burning face in my math book. Now would be a really good time for the rapture." 
- Ellie Sweet

{And you'll just have to read the book to discover what embarrassing moment takes place prior to that stupendous statement.}

That voice is one of the things I like best about this novel: Ellie Sweet can be as true to her last name as can be, but at other times she can be downright hilarious.

"'Go away,' I murmur, as if a headache can be sweet talked. 'I have a book to get published.'" 
- Ellie Sweet

The story of this teen writer drew me in immediately because I can relate. I was a teen writer! Ellieattends high school, hangs out with the popular crowd (well, sort of), and is hard at work revising her novel so she can submit it to a great big writer's contest. (Which totally hit home for me and made me sympathize with Ellie all the more since I entered the Genesis this year.)

"I've noticed, since I started studying writing, that it's hard to lose myself to reading." 
- Ellie Sweet

She's a dedicated writer who is not only working on writing and preparing to take this big step of entering a contest, but she's also reaching out for advice (she has a mentor) and studying the craft. Stephanie does a superb job of getting this across while not slowing the story down. There's a lot more to this novel than Ellie working on a novel.

For instance, her best friend receives devastating news that foretells serious consequences for Ellie. There are two very different guys in the picture. And there's the very big deal that Ellie has kinda sorta based the main cast of characters in her medieval (woot!) book on people she knows--which spells very bad news. I'm looking forward to the sequel!


What I Didn't Like As Much

There are a few mentions of a partying lifestyle, but Ellie, a Christian, does a good job of staying away from all that. To be honest, I winced when I realized she was considering a relationship with a guy who is not a Christian. Other than that, though, this is a clean novel with a lot of take-away value (without any essence of "preaching").

Why I Recommend This Book

I recommend The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet to all of my writer friends, teen or otherwise. Whether or not you started writing while still a teen, you can still relate to Ellie's struggles to learn the craft, revise her story, and deal with rejection.

For those who are not writers but enjoy a solid YA novel, check out Ellie's story. The underlying theme is a great one:

"'You can't control what people are going to say, and paying too much attention to it can cost you your dreams.'" 
- Ellie's aunt


About the Author


Stephanie Morrill lives in Kansas with her husband and two kids. Her only talents are reading, writing, and drinking coffee, so career options were somewhat limited. Fortunately she discovered a passion for young adult novels and has been writing them ever since. 



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Read my review of Go Teen Writers by Stephanie Morill and Jill Williamson.

About Team Novel Teen

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrioll by clicking on the links above, and click here for more information about Team Novel Teen.

Stephanie is generously giving away an e-copy of The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below!


A sincere thank you to the author and Playlist YA Fiction for providing me with an advance copy of this book ~ and for naming a character after me! 

Recently...and a Giveaway!

I share about The Name You Haven't Claimed on Christ is Write, the blog of Tessa Hall, author of Purple Moon.

And there's a giveaway for a 10-page edit/critique!

As writers, we learn early on that Louis Brandeis's words "There is no such thing as good writing, only good rewriting" are painfully true... "The Name You Haven't Claimed"

The other MOHL Ladies and I recently celebrated our devotional blog's fourth birthday! And I posted an update on my Live It! challenge. 

Oh, God, I can see their faces today. So clearly. 

I wonder what they’re doing. I wonder what the children are learning in school and what the parents are working on right now. I pray they have food in the cupboard and clean clothes in the drawer (did they keep clothes in the drawers? Or treasures? I never asked) and enough candy to make small eyes sparkle… "I Am Speaking For Them"

Double Wrapped

My most recent post on More to Be was also published this week. 'Tis about what purity is (and is not). 

I plopped onto the couch, Kindle in one hand and a mini peanut butter cup in the other (the mini’s are my favorite—more chocolate!)...  "Double-Wrapped"

{And did I ever share here my April post for More to Be? If you missed it, here it is: 

Captives by Jill Williamson ~ A Book Review


One choice could destroy them all. 

When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he'd find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed by enforcers, and many---including his fiancee, Jem--taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Land, a walled city that seems anything but safe. 

Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away to Denver City, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land like nomads and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Land has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago ... and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar's dreams. 

Meanwhile, Jemma is locked in a cell, awaiting the Safe Landers' plan to protect their future by seizing her own. Can Levi uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Land's facade before it's too late?

What I Liked

Mason, the one who doesn't quite fit in. Omar, the one who thinks everyone hates him. Levi, the one with the  secret that could cost him everything.

These three brothers tugged me into the story from the beginning. Even when the sciency stuff had my brain spinning (It's probably because of all the historical fiction I read that I was having that reaction!), I kept reading because these three guys have such a complicated relationship with one another -- and suddenly they're plopped in the middle of the biggest danger they have ever faced.

I've said it before, but Jill WIlliamson really does a slam-dunk job with voice. These guys really sound like guys (I say this with a straight face). It's fascinating watching them adjust to life in this place that is so different from the one in which they grew up. I was just as drawn in and nauseated at the Safe Lands reality as they were (except, of course, for Omar, who throws himself into everything to escape what he's done).

One of the sweetest things about the story for me was Levi's courage. Left alone in his village after everyone is abducted? The chances of him sneaking into the Safe Lands slim to none and only slightly higher than his desire to spirit everyone out of the Safe Lands again? It doesn't matter that the situation looks completely hopeless. He tries anyway. (Whether he succeeds or not I'll leave to you to find out.)

And may I congratulate Jill for making nothing easy? I was expecting a quick fix for at least one of the super-dangerous circumstances, but not once did she settle for giving her characters an easy way out. This kept me reading.

What I Didn't Like As Much

What almost made me stop reading was the horror of it all. The Safe Lands is not all it's cracked up to be, as Levi, Omar, and the others soon discover. This society glitters, but it truly is a "gilded cage," as Mason says. The Safe Lands seems to offer everything one could ever want--and often that translates into drugs and immoral living.

Jill does a great job of tactfully portraying the lifestyle, but I still wanted to wince at a few sections. I could have done without some of the descriptions of vaping (high-tech smoking), but maybe that's the point? To show how horribly wrong what seems so outwardly wonderful really is?

Why I Recommend This Book

Because of the lifestyle choices made by certain characters and the (delicately written) procedure some of the women are expected to undergo, I would not recommend this book for readers younger than 16. Fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent, however, will want to put Captives on their to-read list. Not only is it Dystopian (complete with almost Doctor-Who-ish science), but it's a story chock-full of characters who have their own goals and voices.  

And the ending? I won't give it away, but it just awesome. (I totally teared up on page 377.) I look forward to Book Two!

About the Author

Jill Williamson is an author of all things weird. She grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Her Blood of Kings trilogy won two Christy Awards, and she recently released Captives, a dystopian teen novel from Zonderkidz. Jill lives in Oregon with her husband and two children and a whole lot of deer.

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Find Jill

Read my review of Replication by Jill Williamson

Read my review of Go Teen Writers by Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson

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A sincere thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.