Home

Saturday, October 11, 2014

The Story Behind the Name

So, perhaps some of you have been wondering why I named my blog Zerina Blossom. After all, what does it have to do with books, the main object of my blog posts? It sounds like a name of a flower, not to mention the background is filled with flowers.

Well, I would like to answer that question. You see, I am writing a book. Aside from the book I am writing, which I will tell you about another day, there are several other story ideas in the back of my mind, set in the same story-world. A main character in one of those stories is Princess Zerina. I love her name, and for some reason, I love it more when combined with the word Blossom--just because it sounds beautiful.

I would tell you a little more about Zerina. First of all, I discovered this website called Doll Divine in which I can create a model of a character complete with facial expression, hair and skin coloring, accessories, and clothing. The photo on the left is one such model, featuring Zerina and her counterpart, Roran.

Zerina is the daughter of a king, obviously. When she was a child, her older brother of four years doted on her and, when she asked, taught her the fencing skills he knew. Their parents hired the best tutors in the land to teach the royal children, and both Zerina and her brother became very good at fencing. When the princess was 13 years old, a war came to their land. Not to be outdone by her older brother, Zerina demanded to go to war with her father and brother. When she was denied, Zerina sneaked into the army anyway. Despite her fine skills, Zerina was not up to the challenge of the battle. Her brother found her in the heat of battle, defended her, and gave his life for her. Her brother was given a hero's burial while Zerina was shamed because of her disobedience and part she played in his death.

This is merely Zerina' backstory. Her real story picks up three years later, with a very determined princess and a country enslaved by the very same enemy as in the war Zerina attempted to fight.

Intrigued?

Friday, October 10, 2014

Facebook and Twitter

I am happy to announce that I began a Facebook page for Zerina Blossom! Stop by and like my page--it is filled with books! https://www.facebook.com/ZerinaBlossom

You can also find me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/KopfEmily

Thank you!

Monday, October 6, 2014

The Unexpected Bride Review

I am happy to give my review of Lena Goldfinch's The Unexpected Bride, coincidentally on it's release day. So, if you are interested in the book, be sure to click on one of my links!

Description


What's a man to do when his father orders him a bride?

Rebecca Sullivan has been "Becky" all her life, a real hoyden. Her childhood sweetheart taught her to ride bareback and shoot a rifle, but then he chose a "perfect lady" for a wife--a real Southern belle, who's now expecting a baby. Heartbroken, Becky signs up to be a mail-order bride to a Seattle man, sight unseen. She resolves to squelch her hoydenish ways and become a "perfect lady" for her future husband.

If logging-operation owner Isaac Jessup had wanted a bride, he'd have chosen a sturdy frontier woman, not some fragile lady from back East. Ready to explain the mistake, honorable Isaac takes one look into Rebecca's vulnerable eyes...and knows he'll marry her, even though this delicate waif is obviously unsuited for wild Seattle.

Could an unexpected marriage be a match made in heaven?

This is Book One in the The Brides Series. The books can be read in any order.
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, Goodreads

My Review


The Unexpected Bride was a sweet historical romance by Lena Goldfinch. Brokenhearted with nowhere else to go, Becky signs up to become the mail order bride of Isaac, hoping against hope that her new romance will be as successful as the Biblical Isaac and Rebecca’s. But, in order to be the perfect bride, Becky has chosen to hide her true self. Will she ever gain the courage to show her husband her “hoydenish” true self?

I am having a very hard time writing this review. I always have trouble giving complements or defining what I like, but I will try. I couldn’t find anything I disliked about this book, but I have to say something in this review.

I certainly like this book. I was so engrossed in it from the start that I read it all in one night. The characters were unique and human-like, the plot entertaining. The setting was realistic and would have been beautiful if I could have seen it. I also appreciated the added drama in the climax. (I’ll leave you, readers, to figure that out. I wouldn’t want to spoil the ending).

The book’s message, self-confidence, is something that applies to everyone—everyone needs to see themselves as valuable and not be afraid to show their true selves. The best friends are the ones who love you no matter what, anyway, and that includes God, who created you perfect the way you are. Many different characters throughout the novel played a role in Becky’s growing self-confidence, which gives realism to the story. How many times in life do we learn everything we need to know at one time from one person?

The romance was sweet, just as the cover said. I love that the characters, Isaac and Rebecca, took time to get to know each other and work through their problems before truly falling in love. It makes the romance seem more realistic than love at first sight would have.

On the whole, The Unexpected Bride was beautiful.

I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Friday, October 3, 2014

A Time to Die Blog Hop


For the last few months, I have been seeing many blog posts about Nadine Brandes’ debut novel A Time to Die. I am really excited to read it! The premise—a teen who discovers she will die in a year and what she does to make her time worthwhile—interests me and, once I finally read the book, will challenge me. After watching this blog hop bounce around among many different blogs, I decided to join in by answering the promt:

If I had one year left to live, I would...


If I had only one year left to live, I would do several things.

First, I would spend as much time with my family as I could. They mean the world to me. I would go home and glue my little sister to myself, get to know my dad and brother better, sew with my grandmother, and watch movies and shop with my beautiful mom. I would also spend time with my close friends, my church family, and some of the people I have loved through the years—from the elderly ladies I have visited, to the little girls at church and daycare, to my many mentors, teachers, and friends. To me, they are just as much my family as those who are blood related.

Secondly, I would want to travel. Europe or Hawaii are places I have always wanted to go, but I might choose instead to visit my relatives in other states. They are my family too and I have made many wonderful memories with my various cousins, aunts, and uncles. However, some of them live so far away from me I have not seen them for ten years or more. Since they also live far away from each other, I might end up visiting half the states on the continent, accomplishing my desire to travel.

Thirdly, I would want to be involved in some kind of ministry. Presently, I am heading towards a career in children’s ministry; so it is already on my mind. I have spent many a summer in ministry and mission trips already, and I absolutely love it! So why not spend my last year working in ministry, especially since I would never have another chance? I would help with my church’s VBS, possibly go back to the summer camp I have spent many wonderful summers volunteering at, be a leader in my Awana group, and, truly, just show Christ’s love to the many people God has put in my life.

Finally, one thing that would fulfill all my desires would be to fly to Papua New Guinea (assuming I suddenly had unlimited funds), an island country off the coast of Australia, and spend a few months ministering to the Hewa tribe with my missionary uncle, aunt, and cousin.

So, any thoughts? Comments? What would you do if you had only one year to live?

Book Blurb

A Time to Die
Nadine Brandes

Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government’s crooked justice system.

But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall — her people’s death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her Clock is running out.

This is the first book in the Out of Time Series.

Amazon, Goodreads, Enclave Publishing

Contact the Author


 

  • Website: http://nadinebrandes.com/

  • About the book: www.nadinebrandes.com/my-books/

  • Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NadineBrandesAuthor

  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/NadineBrandes

  • Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Nadine_Brandes

  • Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nadinebrandes/


  • Rafflecopter Giveaway!


    Raffelcopter Giveaway

    Blog Hop Schedule

    9.03.14 – Nadine Brandes
    9.08.14 – Ashlee Willis
    9.11.14 – Caitlin Schesser
    9.15.14 – Jennette Mbewe
    9.17.14 – Heather Fitzgerald
    9.19.14 – Kristen Stieffel
    9.22.14 – Rebekah Gyger
    9.25.14 – Lydia Thomas
    9.26.14 – Ashley Olson
    9.27.14 – Angel Roman
    9.28.14 – Rosalie Valentine
    9.29.14 – Aubrei Crooke-Adams
    9.30.14 - Sarah Grimm
    10.01.14 – Jon Del Arroz
    10.02.14 – Amy Brandes
    10.03.14 -- Emily Kopf
    10.04.14 – Kathrese McKee
    10.07.14 – Karen DeBlieck
    10.09.14 – Bethany Jennings
    10.10.14 – Angie Brashear
    10.13.14 – Adam Collings
    10.15.14 – Bree Courtney
    10.20.14 – Gretchen Engel
    10.24.14 – JC Morrows
    10.30.14 – Lisa Gedfries

    Monday, September 29, 2014

    Book Review: Destined for Doon

    I hope like how I redecorated on my blog!

    If you recall, last December, I wrote about a book called Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon. I wrote in frustration of the cliffhanger the book ended with. Well, my misery has ended somewhat as the second book Destined for Doon has been published. I bought it and read it within a few days.

    About the Book

    Destined for Doon
    Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon
    In this sequel to Doon, Mackenna Reid realizes she made a horrible mistake in choosing to follow her dreams of Broadway instead of staying in the enchanted land of Doon. To make everything worse, she's received her Calling—proof she and Duncan are each other's one true love—and it's pure torment, especially when visions of the very alluring Scottish prince appear right before she goes on stage. So when Duncan tells her an ancient curse threatens to overtake Doon and the new queen and Kenna’s best friend, Veronica, needs her to return, Kenna doesn't have to think twice. With darkness closing in on all sides, Kenna and Vee must battle a world of nightmares in order to protect the kingdom. But it will take the ultimate test of courage for Kenna to salvage her happily ever after.

    My Review

    Destined for Doon picks up where Doon left off. Kenna, as expected, makes it back to Doon, but her relationship with Duncan is ruined. Meanwhile, Veronica is trying to fit into her new position as queen. However, Jamie is having a hard time relinquishing control and is extremely overprotective in her eyes.
    Then they are faced with a horrible curse called the limbus. It literally zombifies anything that touches it and it is slowly surrounding and infecting the entire nation. How can they stop it, when they can’t even go near it? Add to that the fact that it is invisible…
    I enjoyed this book. It is the continuation of a story I am interested in, set in a beautiful world with lots of adventure. The characters are interesting and unique. I loved that Kenna is always singing and mentioning musicals; it brings her to life in that even her thought life is affected bu the things she loves. Also, Vee and Kenna’s friendship is beautiful. The constantly comment on how they “share each other’s brain” which shows the depth of their friendship. I also enjoyed the plotline, which is the main thing I consider when liking a book. It held my attention with a mix of romance and crisis.
    Destined for Doon didn’t pull from me the same emotions as the first, however. Part the reason for this is the fact that much of the turmoil between the couples are misunderstandings which could be rectified if they would just talk and actually listen to each other. Of course, the existence of misunderstandings is probably a pretty accurate portrayal of any relationship.
    The curse was interesting. The authors never really explained how the witch made it since Vee and Kenna stripped her of her powers in the first book. How then could she have revived the curse, and where exactly is she? I assume it will be explained in the third book in the series, especially since this book is a cliffhanger as well.
    I enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequel as an answer to my questions and a hopefully epic conclusion to the series.

    Thursday, September 25, 2014

    Pre-Order Party for the "Unexpected Bride" by Lena Goldfinch

     
    Some of you might remember a blog tour I hosted this spring called "Lena's Sweet Spring Reads." The blog tour promoted several fantasy/paranormal books by author Lena Goldfinch. I really enjoyed her books and was super excited to join this Pre-Order Party for her newest book, The Unexpected Bride, the first in a series of western historical romances. I am certain it will be as thrilling as Lena's previous novels. It will be released on October 6, so mark your calendars!

    About the Book

    The Unexpected Bride
    Lena Goldfinch 
    What's a man to do when his father orders him a bride?
    Rebecca Sullivan has been "Becky" all her life, a real hoyden. Her childhood sweetheart taught her to ride bareback and shoot a rifle, but then he chose a "perfect lady" for a wife—a real Southern belle, who's now expecting a baby. Heartbroken, Becky signs up to be a mail-order bride to a Seattle man, sight unseen. She resolves to squelch her hoydenish ways and become a "perfect lady" for her future husband.
    If logging-operation owner Isaac Jessup had wanted a bride, he'd have chosen a sturdy frontier woman, not some fragile lady from back East. Ready to explain the mistake, honorable Isaac takes one look into Rebecca's vulnerable eyes...and knows he'll marry her, even though this delicate waif is obviously unsuited for wild Seattle.
     
    Could an unexpected marriage be a match made in heaven?
     
    Book One in The Brides Series
    Sweet Historical Western Romance / A Mail-Order Bride Novel
     
    Release Date: October 6th, 2014
    Available for pre-order in ebook format:
     
     

    Author Bio

    LENA GOLDFINCH writes romance and fantasy for adults and teens. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she's writing historicals or something light and contemporary. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. Visit Lena at www.LenaGoldfinch.blogspot.com.
     
     

    Excerpt

     

    The lean-to was chilly and not for the first time, Isaac considered boarding it up proper and calling it a barn. He sat on the stool and began milking the goat, all the while mentally preparing for the worship service they planned to go to later that morning. The Scriptures he'd read first thing that morning were fresh in his mind, and his prayers kept returning to the problem of Rebecca. One inner voice urged him to send her back home, but another voice spoke of commitment. He'd said vows before God to love and keep her till death do them part. Those weren't words he was willing to dismiss lightly.

    "What's her name?" Her voice was suddenly in his ear, quite close.

    Isaac jumped. The goat bleated at him.

    "Sorry, girl." He patted her side and resumed milking her with slow, careful hands. He glanced over his shoulder toward the subject of his thoughts.

    Rebecca stood watching him, leaning over the rail and peering in at them with curious eyes. He was surprised to see her out this early. She usually left him to his morning chores, and most times he'd get back inside the cabin and find her already up preparing breakfast.

    "What's her name?" she repeated.

    "Name? The goat?" He looked at the goat dumbly. It was a goat. He'd never gotten much further than that. She gave them a daily supply of milk, but other than that she was generally a nuisance. She liked to butt down the stall door. And whenever she got loose, she'd eat what few vegetables he was able to grow in the summer. She also liked to nip at his shirts and underthings when he hung them out on the line--if he was lucky. Most times she'd tug the whole line down and drag it through the mud.

    "Yes, the goat," Rebecca said, a pleasant-sounding smile in her voice. "Don't tell me she hasn't got a name?"

    There was something nice about hearing a woman's voice in the morning. It reminded him a little of when he was young, and his mother had chatted with him in soft tones while they ate breakfast. As if speaking too loud would jar them too quickly out of whatever dreams they'd had the night before.

    Rebecca's soft voice put him much in mind of those times.

    "All right. I won't." Isaac focused on his milking.

    "She doesn't have a name?" Rebecca pressed. "How can you have an animal that doesn't have a name?"

    "Never gave it much thought. She's good for milk, but other than that she's nothing but trouble, always munching on the laundry."

    "Well, then I think your choice is clear. Either you call her Milky or you call her Trouble." Her teasing tone brought a reluctant smile to his lips.

    "Well, then, if I have to choose, then I guess she's Trouble."

    The real Trouble was standing behind him, her elbow propped against the top of the rail, her chin cupped in one dainty hand.
     

    Rafflecopter Giveaway

    Celebrate the upcoming release of Lena Goldfinch’s new historical romance with this sweet giveaway! One winner will receive a book locket necklace from the Lily Pickford Etsy shop, as well as a paperback copy of The Unexpected Bride. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.
     
    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Sunday, September 21, 2014

    Mark of Distinction

    Mark of Distinction
    Jessica Dotta

    Description

    London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.

    Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

    Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.

    Amazon    Barnes and Noble    Goodreads

    My Review

    Mark of Distinction, by Jessica Dotta, is the continuation of the story of Julia…whatever her last name is (she has several). Julia struggles with her identity as she is thrust into the world of the gentry as the esteemed Lord Pierson’s daughter and Mr. Isaac Dalry’s intended. How can she embrace this world when her heart is back home with Edward and Elizabeth and with Mr. Macy threatening her at every turn?

    I enjoyed this book very much, but not as much as I enjoyed the first book Born of Persuasion. This is due in part because Julia spends much of her time moping or locked in her father’s house. I had also wished Mr. Macy was good—he could have made and amazing husband to Julia if he was who he originally said—but he is proved more and more evil as time goes by.

    In any case, the book was a little disappointing in that it did not surprise me at every turn as did the first book. The sending was a surprise, a very good one, in fact, but the surprise was utterly improbably considering the circumstances.
    On the good side, Julia is becoming less and less the naïve girl she began the first book as. She is growing and maturing as the story progresses.

    Also, the story is yet rich with unique personalities. Each character is a study in human behavior. The book shows the result of bitterness through one character as well as a son and daughter choosing to be different than their parents, specifically their parents’ mistakes and weaknesses. 
    In all, Mark of Distinction has its ups and downs but still points to an epic conclusion in the third and final novel. I can hardly wait!