Book Spotlight: Dagger's Sleep

A prince cursed to sleep.

A princess destined to wake him.

A kingdom determined to stop them.

High Prince Alexander has been cursed to a sleep like unto death, a curse that will end the line of the high kings and send the Seven Kingdoms of Tallahatchia into chaos. With his manservant to carry his luggage and his own superior intelligence to aid him, Alex sets off to find one of the Fae and end his curse one way or another.

A hundred years later, Princess Rosanna learns she is the princess destined by the Highest King to wake the legendary sleeping prince. With the help of the mysterious Daemyn Rand, can she find the courage to finish the quest as Tallahatchia wavers on the edge of war?

One curse connects them. A hundred years separate them. From the rushing rivers of Tallahatchia’s mountains to the hall of the Highest King himself, their quests will demand sacrifices neither of them could imagine.

Tricia, oh Tricia. This was truly my favorite of all the novels she has written so far. Blades of Acktar will always have a soft place in my heart, but this was a beautiful, beautiful story.

I didn't know what to expect when I received the ARC of Dagger's Sleep. I knew it was going to be good, but different. I was yet again immersed in a world that melds Western influences with Midieval structures and ideas. As before, it's a familiar landscape with the dense forests I imagine myself playing in during my childhood, but the political and social structures are feudal, with Kings and Princesses. In this case, it's also very Native American influenced, and I was intrigued. Beyond that, however, it was the story itself that really shines this time around, as well as the characters. Tricia has grown so much since her debut Dare, and this is really a beautiful story. It is allegorical in nature, and powerful at that. I was surprised at the combination of Fae with these characters who wore moccasins and talked about the Lord of All, but it works so well in this story.
Tricia is gifted at writing sensitive but strong characters, and Rosanna is just that. I loved her immediately. Hers and Isi's friendship is sweet and loyal. Alex, although arrogant, has a soft side that kept me turning the pages knowing, and waiting, for him to change. And Daemyn... how can you not fall for Daemyn, really?
The ending was sweet and made me teary; it ties in all the loose ends, and all your favorite characters are viewed in a redeemable, forgivable light (which is my favorite way to end a story). I'm going to stop here lest I give away too many details. Just go read it!

About the Author

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.

Welcome to May!

CampNaNoWriMo is finished! I'm a bit behind on sharing how it went only because the weather has been so nice. Until today. Apparently since we didn't get enough rain in April we get it now. But summer is coming, and I'm praying this year will be great. It will be great. I am so thankful for energy to spare after work, and the use of my hands without hindrance or pain. I'm grateful for walks in the evening and the desire to bake, garden, write and do all the things I love again. I am so thankful for Godly friends and family who have surrounded me with prayers.
Beyond this, I have so much to share!

I made it well over my goal of 15,000 words, somewhere into 17,000 and I am very happy with that!

Ember is growing slowly but steadily, but I've reached a point where some details need to be mapped out, so I'm exploring the Scrivener software and loving how easy it is to create folders and subfolders. Everything is right there and I don't have to leave the page! This is both very convenient and a great time-saver because then I'm not wandering off on rabbit trails through Pinterest and Facebook since I don't need to flip between the 'net and my files. My favorite part of story-telling is world-building, and this software is wonderful for that. I used to have multiple files in my documents, and pictures saved on Pinterest, but now I can have them all in one place. World-building is a complicated and delicate process that requires a lot of thought and observation, with some research, and the creation of "rules" and functions. (This, among other reasons, is why I am not a short-story teller unless it's a novella or similar of an already created world of mine. I won't take the time to create something if I can't explore all possibilities, and why use up grand ideas for something so small??? ;D )

I haven't used Scrivener for long and I've not used it for anything complicated yet. (Though I did just play around a bit with the name generator on it this week, what fun that is!) If you are interested in it, please feel free to message me through Facebook (or comment below). I have won a coupon for it through NaNoWriMo and as I was shared a code from another writer friend, I would love to pass it on before the code expires.

I have also done a thing which scares me half to death and also makes me very excited at the same time.
I have registered for Realm Makers! Wow! I can't believe I just said that!

I've prayed about it for two years and it is actually happening! Realm Makers is a Christian Speculative Fiction writer's conference held annually. Christian fiction has really exploded in recent years, thanks to social media and other influences (we might be able to happily blame Lewis and Tolkien for that, though Tolkien was not as intentional and people mistakenly give him too much credit for it). What used to be available was something like Amish Romance/ soft romance and other "Inspirational" literature but now we have more variety than ever before. Personally, I'm very happy about this because as a voracious fantasty-novel reader, I always found it very difficult to acquire good, wholesome fantasy literature when I was younger. The Christian Fiction market was seriously lacking, and so I never actually read any Christian Fiction at all. In a way, I think this taught me how to self-edit while reading which can be a good thing, but is not for everyone. It is my hope that by getting the word out about the Spec Fic genre, other Christians can find well-written books that share a good message in a creative way. I would like other readers who, like me, enjoy deeper literature with dimensional worlds, characters, and lots of adventure to have such books easily available to them. Literature is a wonderful way to teach us about empathy, consequences, and to think deeper about simple questions. I'm really excited to be able to attend this conference with supportive friends!

Soon I will share my Spring Have-Read list, but I didn't want to drop a huge single blog post on you this month after missing an entire month. I am so happy to that I have been able to read a little more again. I hope you're all enjoying your Spring!

P.S.: y'all should check out Speyer's Farm Market. Part of the reason I'm behind on blog posts is because I've been outside gardening, and Speyer's is my favorite place to shop for flowers. #1 Their plants are excellent quality, always healthy, well manicured (I would know, I have worked there, and we plucked and pinched and groomed those babies to perfection) and hardy! #2 Great prices! Speyer's has competitive prices, especially considering that the quality of the product that you buy there is top notch. Bob and Karen personally select and maintain each plant and each produce item. #3 You can have choices! I once decided to shop at a very popular flower market that many people had suggested to me, and I was a little disappointed that they flats are arranged quite differently so that you can't select as much variety as you like. The little plastic trays that are connected to one another came in larger quantities. I prefer purchasing the flower trays in smaller quantities, in threes or fours, rather than sixes. It allows me more options in plant type and color, and, frankly, I feel this is more cost efficient for me, too. #4 They are very accomodating! I have personally witnessed employees going out of their way on a very busy day to find or retrieve an item for a customer that requires either a trip several greenhouses over or out to the field to pick it.
So there is my little rant about Speyer's. :)

April Break

This is just a short little hello from me to you. I won't be doing a blog-post in April due to Camp NaNoWriMo (if you missed the notice, it was in the previous blog post).
Before the month kicks off, I'm enjoying re-watching my favorite show, The Mentalist, with my family. It helps to have witty characters to lighten me up before diving into something of my own... not-entirely-certain-yet characters. Patrick Jane is certainly full of good wit.

This is just a short little hello from me to you. I won't be doing a blog-post in April due to Camp NaNoWriMo (if you missed the notice, it was in the previous blog post). 

Before the month kicks off, I'm enjoying re-watching my favorite show, The Mentalist, with my family. It helps to have witty characters to lighten me up before diving into something of my own... not-entirely-certain-yet characters. Patrick Jane is certainly full of good wit.

Hehe ;)

I certainly won't be disappearing, I might pop in on Facebook if there's news to share, or Instagram for cat pictures, but I would really appreciate your prayers for clarity, focus, and generally feeling not-stressed over it. 15,000 words seems like a lot, and I am sort of anxious about this, it is new and I don't know my antagonist very well just yet.

So here's to tea, word-weaving, head-scratching, and keyboard-glaring.

Winter Have-Read List & Much More

Hello there! There are so many updates, so I will just jump right to it! First off, I have decided to do my first ever NaNoWriMo-ing by joining up for Camp NaNo this April! I'm really excited, but also very nervous. I set myself a small word count, but I'm only trying to make a comfortable habit, not knock myself out at this point. I will be working on Ember, and I think it would be incredible if I could at least make it half-way through this story by month's end.

Secondly, I am thrilled to share with you the cover reveal for Tricia Mingerink's next story. This one sounds like a lot of fun, and I know she put a great deal of effort into it so it is definitely a labor of love. 

It's a beautiful cover and I think it's going to be a great read. The release date is set for May 28, 2018, and you can learn more about it here, at Tricia Mingerink's website. 

Finally, I am obligated to share with you my usual Have-Read list, and I hope these books inspire you and that you try them for yourself!

Ilyon Chronicles #4 Exiles by Jaye L. Knight

I'm dying for the next one. There's no spoilers here, but it does end on a cliff-hanger. By this time in the series, we are well-acquainted with our MC and supporting characters and Knight takes us on a wild journey with them. I was seriously concerned for Daniel's life, and riveted wondering who might change... and who might not. Kyrin has grown up so much, and her worries are different than they used to be. I loved the depth we get into with each character this time.

A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller

This wasn't the devotional I had thought it would be. It didn't give me nice lists or "you should do this differently" or "start making that a habit". Instead, Miller weaves his own experiences into it to show you how his life was shaped by prayer. He gently guides the reader to an understanding of making prayer part of life, not just something you do intermittently in life. Like all devotionals, I took my time in reading it, but that really seemed to suit its pace anyway. It is the kind of book you need to read slowly and digest, so if you're looking for a fast and short book, you may want to consider something by Lydia Brownback, or perhaps Najapfour's lessons (below).

The Folkestone Files #1 War of Loyalties by Schuyler McConkey

I have so much to say about this one. First, because I know Schuyler, and I think she's grand. Second, because I read this and I think it's fantastico. It's long, but it is full of suspense, adventure and mystery. Ben is so nice, you can't imagine him being anything but sugared up, but he surprised and amused me when he is pushed beyond his breaking point, between morals and relationships, and forced to make difficult decisions. I enjoyed the complicated relationships between the characters, and their individual personalities were vivid, intriguing and warming.

The Gospel-Driven Tongue by Brian G. Najapfour

You can read my short-but-sweet review on Goodreads and it can be purchased from Amazon. The best way to compliment an author is by reviewing them on sites like this that help to promote the book. (Let me know if the links do not work, please.) Copied below is my short review on both Goodreads and Amazon. Rev. Najapfour was the pastor of my church, and we as a congregation enjoyed being under his teaching and learned a lot from his evangelical approach.
"I really enjoyed this book. It was written very clearly and simply, but it was also thorough and deep. It is thought-provoking and convicting, and I think it would make an excellent book for a Bible study because it also includes chapter questions to help you apply the lessons. I thought it was well-organized to also help the reader digest the information and includes an abundance of Scripture references."

Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin
I have just finished this one with a Bible Study group, and it was very good. I enjoyed the in-depth study of Matthew 5-7, reading it all at once and then taking it apart daily. My only two criticisms would be that some of the questions seemed repetitive in places, and it was a difficult task to begin each study chapter by re-reading all three Bible chapters in one morning. Working full-time means that in order to do something like that, I need to split it up into manageable chunks throughout my day which I found really defeated the purpose of reading it all at once. It was less stressful and more enjoyable to me when I felt free to take my time on a small section of verses. Otherwise, I appreciated this study and learning alongside a wonderful group of women.

Well, that's about it! I hope that you have a wonderful Spring. I'd love to hear what you are reading in the comments below. I am always open to new suggestions, fun reads or devotionals alike. 

Marching In... Like a Prayer Warrior

Ah, so here is March, that lion-like month which enchants us and irritates us equally as much, because we see spring ahead yet can't quite reach it. I promise my Spring Have-Read List mid-month sometime (after the first day of spring).

I have been thinking over the last few days and weeks what a blessing it is to be surrounded by friends, and what it means to be a part of a covenant family. 2017 was a rough year for me, I'm praying that 2018 is much better, by far, and trusting that God will continue to provide for me. He already has, too.
I was supported in prayer by so many, and in turn I know each close sister in Christ has their own struggles. I pray for them, too. You really don't know what someone is going through when you meet them. I've learned that everyone experiences their own pains in life. You can't measure their pain to yours, or yours to theirs. Your pain is yours, their pain is theirs. If you are compassionate and listen, sometimes you are blessed with the opportunity to be included as a prayer warrior for your friends- what an honor that is! It becomes a wonderful honor when you realize you have prayed so often and so deeply for one another that you realize these people are family. Family is not just defined by blood, but by the likeness of our hearts, and proven by the giving of ourselves to others. I know who those who care are not by what they have said to me, but what they shown to me.
I can honestly say that my family has grown significantly greater year by year. This past year, my family grew and continues to grow, but it had some losses, too. I realized how exceptionally blessed I am to have a church family; I learned that a lot of people had been praying for me, and I don't know If I'll ever have the time or the words to express gratitude for that to every single one of them. I may not even know who all of them were. It makes me deeply sad that there are people out there who can't imagine what it is like to have a God-centered family this grand and this great. I can't imagine what it must be like not to have one at all.
So I guess this is a thank you for some of you (you know who you are) but it is also a call-to-action for others if you don't have these things. While technically 2018 has already begun, we're still experiencing winter, and there are so many chapters yet to read in so many books. Spring is on its way, offering a chance at new beginnings, new endings, new events, new family. I'm planning to tackle all of them with a prayer warrior's heart, open hands and listening ears.

Hello! Jemma's Birthday, Scrivener, and New Fish

 As usual, I've gotten quite behind on social media. :) I figured it was time to pop in for a hello. I am still pleased to have snow yet this February, but you can be assured that I will probably tire of it come March, which is just around the bend. 
Speaking of February though, I mentioned last time that we celebrated Mittens' birthday in January and that means Jemma gets a birthday cake, too. (She may not eat it.) Since it is easy to remember and close enough, I picked February 14th as her birthdate, and plan to make a purple cake this weekend for the niece and nephew's benefit. (Also because it is fun. There are always plenty of excuses for cake.) Jemma has endless reserves of energy and is the most affectionate, but also the most expressive cat we have had. This yarn-thieving rascal has endless reserves of energy. She is jealous for attention always and plays fetch. If you don't play when she wants you to, she goes through your pockets for hairties -this is a little awkward when visitors come- and meows incessantly. Jemma enjoys "helping" anybody with their projects or chores and is there wherever you go. She also demands a strict routine and diet, due to her sensitive stomach and dramatic, expressive nature. We put up with it because she makes us laugh and smile. 

I've been puttering about Scrivener when I can, which I downloaded in January. *does little happy dance* I am ever so grateful to Emily Hayse for her help, and eagerly waiting to hear news about her ink baby... yes, more books are on the way! I don't know yet how I like Scrivener because  my time on it has been limited, so I haven't even fully explored all of its features. I did transfer Ember over, and made it somewhere near or past Chapter 5? (I don't know how to count chapters in this stage, so I'm just making this number up off a rough estimate right now.) 

I also bought too female bettas, which Jemma finds amusing. They are named Indigo (left) and Isla (right).

 In between Scrivener, fish, realizing I made it about 1/4- 1/3 of the way through my quilt and accomplishing other very important life-things, there was the mythical creatures exhibit at VanAndel, which was intriguing. My only criticism is that there could have been more dragons. There can always be more dragons. "You musn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling." (Inception) And more cake.

*P.S. I forgot to mention that Connie VanHuis' book Stable Help now has a sequal! I have yet to read it, but I really enjoyed her first book. She writes short little stories about her horses and compares them to us and Christ. It is easy to read and the stories are all from her real-life experiences. My favorite one is the one where her horse jumps the fence to be with her, which she likens to how we should feel about spending time with our Savior.

Amarylis News & Other Things of Importance

Semi-finalists have been announced today over at WriteMichigan.org. If you'd like to read the short stories and vote, I encourage you to do so! Unfortunately, I was not among the semi-finalists, and therefore Amarylis is not open to public voting. While this is a little disappointing, I am glad for the experience and enjoyed the hard work that I put into it. Connie VanHuis was a wonderful help, giving both critical aid, advice, and mounds of encouragement in the process. I am grateful to Sarah Diehl for all the in-between editing as well. I'm not a short-story person, and this was a tough competition for me, but also a good one to try out on!
Thank you everyone for your prayers and encouragement. I would like to make it available to you who prayed for me and Amarylis, and so I will pray about the best way to share it with everyone. I will let you know soon so that I don't keep you all on a cliff-hanger too long.

Also of great importance is, of course, reading. I am in the midst of War of Loyalties and already terribly curious about whatever it is Jaeryn is up to! Please remember that the best thing you can do for your favorite books is to review them on both Amazon and Goodreads. Help Schuyler out by reviewing her book as soon as you finish devouring it!

I have a lot to say in this post, so I apologize that it's so long! On a less literary note, here are some other things that I am up to.

This past weekend I also participated in Logos, which is a Young Adult retreat for ages 18-30 put on by the RYS (Reformed Youth Services). I highly recommend this weekend. They have two a year, one in August and another in January. This particular Logos was bittersweet for me as I have now "aged out," but it was a nice way to finish off this experience. I was not alone, there were a few of us who had to say goodbye. I will see many of them again, but for others, there is distance between us and I do not know what the future will bring. I am beyond thrilled for those who begin new futures, and look forward to celebrating with them. There were lots of tears on that last morning after singing verses of God Be With You Til We Meet Again. Logos taught me a lot, and I am so grateful for it. I was terrified to go at first, and so I put it off for a long time. I thought it would be very intimidating, because it is a singles retreat, and that was just awkward sounding. I am also a completely, ridiculously awkward introvert, and the idea of meeting tons of people all at once sounds like scary chaos. But I decided to be brave and give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. It was nothing like I thought it would be. There was minimal "clique-y-ness", I felt so welcomed and included by so many people. I was not alone in feeling awkward about meeting new faces, and it was very freeing to socialize with so many people with similar foundations in faith. It was definitely exhausting to have three or four days of non-stop socializing, but I regret none of it. I was blessed deeply by Ed DeGraaf, the speakers carefully chosen over the years, and leaders who generously included and cared for everyone.

Third, because she is dear to us and we love our sleepy, sweet Mittens, I wanted to share that January is officially Mittens' Gotcha Month. We can't remember the exact date or year, but it's been roughly sixteen good years with us. This sweet, beautiful kitty showed up on our doorstep when it was becoming cold outside, and since she had white paws and my mother said she was going to need mittens to stay warm this winter, we started calling her Mittens. We put up flyers and took her to the vet to have her scanned for a microchip. Nobody called for this beautiful brown cat with piercing blue eyes, a white spot on her nose and soft, thick fur. So we got her shots and brought out the litter box and made her a part of our family. She just loves to roll outside on the porch and sleep all day. Mittens has a sneaky, clever, quiet way about her. Her favorite foods include popcorn and shrimp, but she always just loved food (though in her old age it takes some coaxing to get her to finish her dish). She loves belly rubs, and is usually quite relaxed and gentle. I plan to make a cake for after Sunday dinner to get the kiddos in on the celebration for sixteen years with our beautiful, sweet Snowshoe kitty.
We love you, Mittens!