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BLAST OFF!!!!!!

Folks, this is your captain speaking. “A Marvelous Redeemer” is officially LAUNCHED!!!!

You can purchase “A Marvelous Redeemer” through either of the sites below!!!

The FIRST TEN ORDERS receive a FREE hand-crafted wooden pen, a bottled map of Gabeburough island treasure map, and three key chains of “A Light for Christ” collection!
(Just purchase the book and email me your receipt, along with your shipping address!)

I hope you’ll join me at the launch party this evening!
To celebrate, I’m giving away a gift bundle, a bunch of great prizes, and rumor is going around that Queen Anna might even show up for a few minutes!

You can purchase the book through Amazon here!
 
Or through my website here!
​

I hope to see you at the party!!!!!!! <3 

Welcome to the Palace Gift Shop! It’s the perfect place to find a gift for your friends and family! 

As you take your time browsing, you find all sorts of goodies. Famous Tarsurellian chocolates from Clark’s Café, a thick trivia book containing 101 Facts About Tarsurella, and a set of adorable postcards!

And you find a miniature toy version of the palace for your little sister! Oh my goodness you HAVE to get it!

Pin this clue: Mini Silver Castle
Make sure you pin all 3 clues found on this page!


Find the next clue at https://kayleeskindofwrites.blogspot.com/ on May 16th! 



New on the hunt? Visit: https://spoonfulofsurprises.com to Pin your treasure map, and start collecting clues! 

​
This Blog Tour is hosted by Livy Lynn www.livylynnblog.com. Check out The Coronation, and her new release The Rebellion, that came out on May 8th!
 ​

​Tell us a little about your new book. What is the main story line?

The Rebellion is a sequel to The Coronation, which begins the Tales of Tarsurella trilogy. These books follow the unique lives of eight homeschooled siblings in the charming little fictitious European nation of Tarsurella. Their family ranges from ages five to twenty, and it's a sweet coming-of-age story as these Christian teens grow and learn. Except, they're not your typical homeschoolers: this Royal Family lives in a Palace, and Prince Addison is heir to the throne! The Coronation is all about Addison's journey leading up to the night of his royal coronation, and the events that happen thereafter. Addison is strongly advised not to begin ruling without a wife by his side, so the pressure of finding true love in a room full of high-class society "pure-breeds", brings a little romance and comedy into the tale.

In The Rebellion, Addison has finally found true love, but his country is in in the midst of a political uproar. Stirrings of a rebellion in opposition to the ancient monarchy demand change from the "old way of doing things", and many desire to see a democracy in place. Addison quickly discovers there's a popular website responsible for creating such civil unrest, but the author's identity is a mystery. Addison needs to discover who this powerful voice is, and shut it down, before his country is torn apart at the seams.       

How long have you been writing?
​
I started writing short stories as little girl. I believe my first story, in Kindergarten, was a Cinderella retellling (with not much difference from the original, famous plot, I might add, haha!). But my first real "original" story, was about a dog named Bozo, and all his little puppy siblings. Why was the dog named Bozo? I have absolutely no idea, haha! Out of all the names I could've chosen... 
When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

In Kindergarten, we're all asked the famous question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and amazingly enough, I said, "An author!" Now, there are many, many other things I wanted to do as well (singing, acting, writing TV scrips, producing shows, etc.) but for whatever reason, I already knew, even at that young age, that storytelling was going to be a huge part of my life. 

I struggled a bit with writing in Elementary and Middle School. It wasn't until High School where I truly started writing a lot, and started educating myself on how I could make his "author dream" actually happen. 


What inspired you to write this book?

Anyone who knows me in real life (or follows along online!), knows that I am a HUGE girly girl! I love pink, glitter, castles, ball gowns, and tiara's. As you can guess, my favorite movies are Cinderella, Pride and Prejudice, Princess Diaries, Monte Carlo - pretty much anything that has beautiful morals, gorgeous costumes, and a sweet Christ-honoring love story. Sadly, as a teen, I had trouble finding the kind of content I enjoyed watching and reading. Everything with these themes felt a tad too cheesy, and didn't hold the kind of emotional depth and spiritual food I know can be presented in entertainment. So, I decided to write my own book! I wanted to create something that contained all the elements my heart longed to see in a story, but I could never quite find.

I started writing The Coronation when I was sixteen, and I never really intended on publishing it. At that point I was focused on writing a lot of non-fiction, devotionals, and encouragement for teen girls. So I was creating The Coronation purely for my own enjoyment! It wasn't until years later when my cousins were visiting and we we're just goofing around, reading some of our latest writings, when I stumbled upon The Coronation. I decided to read it, and when they responded so positively, it caused me to think, "Hmm...what if others would enjoy reading this, as much as I've enjoyed writing it?" 


Did it turn out the way you first thought it would? If not, what was different?

The Coronation turned out COMPLETELY different from how I expected! Like I mentioned, I started writing it at sixteen, and then it sat on the shelf for years, and when I pulled it back out, it was only halfway done. I wanted to add a bit of depth to the (tenderly referred to) fluffiness, so I tossed in a massive plot twist, and then sat in horror as I wondered how in the WORLD I was going to fix everything! The Coronation was pantsing at it's finest (AKA an absolute mess!), so I really had to pray and ask the Lord for wisdom and answers to pull everything together. The ending unfolded far more beautifully than I could've dreamed, and when I realized a miracle just unfolded before my very eyes (this was my first completed manuscript ever! I still hadn't had any training as far as plotting, story beats, etc.) I knew God had done something amazing, and I was so excited to share it with the world!  

The Rebellion turned out exactly as planned, because, well...I actually planned this time! Haha! Unlike it's predecessor,The Rebellion was plotted ahead of time, scene by scene, and each conversation and plot element served it's purpose to drive toward the end goal. 


How long did it take you to write it? 

I actually wrote The Rebellion is a month and a half! After Beta Readers shared their excitement concerning The Coronation, I was SO excited to dive back into the world of Tarsurella and craft the sequel! The story flowed quite effortlessly, because the world of Tarsurella and the characters were already so strongly developed and vivid in my mind. I can see why author's get addicted to creating series' - they're just SO much fun! 


Did you need to do any special research?

I did do some political research concerning the variety of European governments, and the differences between monarchy's, State Churches, free democracies, etc, just so I could make Tarsurella's political landscape feel as real as possible.   


Do you have a special place or atmosphere you like to write in best?

Yes! I love writing in the peace and quiet! (No bustling coffee shops for me.) So that would be my bedroom, sitting beside my window, overlooking the lake. 


How are you like your main character?

Addison and I are very similar in the fact that we want to please everybody. We take on far too much responsibility than what God would EVER require of us, and when people aren't happy with the way we're doing things, it's upsetting. Addison feels as though his entire world is falling off it's axis, because the people are unhappy with how he's running things, and I too have felt the same way. Just like Addison, it's a daily choice to surrender and remember that God's opinion is the ONLY voice that matters! So long as we're doing our best to please Him and walk in obedience, well people are going to be mad and carry on and complain about how we're living our lives anyway...and that is totally okay. People didn't like how Jesus ran things either. ;) 


Did you learn anything new about yourself while writing this book?

I did! I learned that I am far more like Jane Akerly (a new character introduced in The Rebellion) than I thought I was! Haha. She is definitely a younger version of myself and I never expected to see so much of myself leek through her character! 


What new project are you working on now?

Right now, I'm working on Regal Hearts Season 3, which is a continuation of Regal Hearts: The Unlikely Story of a Princess, A Popstar, an Amish Girl, and an Average Girl. I've written this series in an eposidcal, TV show-style format, so I refer to each section as "Episodes." :) You can actually read the entire first episode of Regal Hearts for free, by signing up for email updates on my blog, if you like! 

I have several other "Top Secret" projects in the works, that I wish I could tell you about, but I have to wait a bit longer. ;) So yeah, if you want to stay updated with my new writing projects, I'd love to have you subscribe to email updates, and you can join the family! <3  


What advice would you give a new author?                

Don't give up. Don't be discouraged. Don't listen to all the negative voices that say you're not good enough, you're never going to make it, you'll run out of inspiration, etc. Seek the Lord in everything you do. Allow HIM to be your writing coach and mentor! He can inspire, energize you, and give you ideas! God wants to be part of your writing journey, more than anything, we just have to allow Him the space to take control! <3


How can we find your books?

You can find them all on Amazon, or the quickest way to take a peek is at Livy's Library!


Any closing comments you have for us today?

Aleigha, thank you SO much for having me on your blog, it's such an honor! 

And for all you writers out there - KEEP WRITING! If there's a book on the shelf you don't see, but wish it was there, write it. Your ideas need to be heard. You have a unique voice, and the Lord can use you in spectacular ways, if you're simply willing! Just like the boy with the scrawny loaves of bread and fish - when we offer our gifts to the King of Glory, He can use them and multiply them in such spectacular ways! 

Oh, and readers, I hope you'll come check out the whimsical land of Tarsurella! <3 

Livy is an AMAZING author! But, even more than that, she's an absolutely AMAZING person!!!

Be sure to check out her books! (And, by the way, The Rebellion is AMAZING too, so be sure to get your copy today!) 

​Have you ever played Hide and Go Seek in the dark? How about Four Corners or Cops and Robbers?
All these games have one thing in common.
Darkness.
In order to win the game, you have to maneuver your way through the dark to find what you’re looking for.
I don’t know about you, but I find “walking through the darkness” to be pretty tough. I stumble around, tripping over stationary objects. I might run into a wall or two. I typically don’t end up winning.
We live in a world of darkness.
We can either spend our days trying to blindly find our way through the darkness, or we can let the light of Christ lead our lives.
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) 
Just like our Father is the light of the world, He bids us to follow His example and be lights for Him. Why? So that they might see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:16) 
 
4 Ways We Can Be Lights for Him
 
 Equip ourselves
Just like it’s vital for a soldier to gather the necessary items before going into battle, we too should put on the armor of God, read our Bibles daily, pray fervently, attend church, and memorize scriptures. All these things will help prepare us so that we will be ready when we step out onto the battle field.
 
 
Remember that people are watching
Am I saying to act like a hypocrite when you’re around people? No, not at all. But remember that while you’re at the grocery story, someone is watching you. While you’re pulling through the drive through at Starbucks, someone is watching you. While you’re dropping your children off at baseball practice, someone is watching you. You never know who might be looking, so remember to put on the fruits of the spirit and always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you.
 
 
Put on a happy face
We have the cutest children’s book. It’s a precious moments story about a sad clown who “put on a happy face.” It’s adorable! Just like that clown, we, as Christians, should “put on a happy face.” Smiling through trials, doing our best to show that yes, we’re still hurting, but we’re still trusting and peaceful because we know the Lord holds our future in His hands. If you know me, you know how much I believe in the power of a smile. I talk about this more in my devotional book, “Hidden Treasures.” Just the smallest smile could be all a person needs to brighten their day.
 
 
Be a “light-catcher”
In order to be a light for Christ, you have to have light, right? So, be a “light-catcher.” Make sure that the things you’re doing are things that are bringing glory to His name. You’ve probably heard the saying “you are what you eat.” Well, how about the one that goes “you are what you read?” or “you are what you watch, what you look at, what you do.” What you put inside your mind will come out in your thoughts, words, and actions. So, let’s make sure we’re putting light in our hearts and minds. Let’s be “light catchers” for Christ, so we can then share His light and love with others.
 
 
My entire “brand,” my whole purpose with my stories, is to share the light of Christ with others.
This world is a cold and dark place, and it’s only getting darker.
 
Let’s try our best to be lights for Him in the midst of this darkening age.
 
Let’s be “light-catchers” together.
 

Hi friends!
I just wanted to share with you something I got from two of my writing friends, Jason and Peter.
​They’re launching a new blog called Awkward Truth that I’m super excited about! And they need your help.

Here’s what Jason said:

‘My friend, Peter Rogati, and I are starting a blog focused on discovering God’s absolute truth in His relational and natural creation, even and especially when it’s awkward.
But before I launch I need your help.
I’ve created a two-question survey. Your answers will shape the direction of this new project.
Will you take a few minutes to:
1.Complete the survey yourself 
2.Forward this survey to anyone you think might be interested
Here’s the link to the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z53QKJP
Thank you so much for your support!
In Christ, 
Jason’”


​
I think this blog is going to be AMAZING and I can't wait for it to launch! 

Take a moment to fill out the survey! 

Today's post is a book review in honor of the upcoming release "From Death to Life," by pastor and father, Allen Nelson.

Isn't that the most AMAZING cover you've ever seen?! 

Now for the review, (written by my father!)

​
​From Death to Life: How Salvation Works
​
This is the title of Pastor Allen S. Nelson IV’s new book on the subject of soteriology (the doctrine of salvation).  I started reading this book some time ago and have really enjoyed it for several reasons.

1. It glorifies God

Dr. John Piper says:
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”
By saying something glorifies God or God is glorified in us don’t think we add to God’s glory in any way.
As puritan writer Thomas Watson says His glory is intrinsic.
“As light is to the sun is the glory of God to Himself and He cannot be without it.”
Being satisfied in Him means to understand that He is the prima causa (the first cause).
He is all powerful God who created all things for His own glory and He can do whatsoever He desires with His creation and it is good.
Ecc 3:14  I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.
Bro. Nelsons book is a good work of a regenerate heart and his desire is for people to know the Christ of scripture and thereby pass from Death to Life.
John 15:8  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
 
2.It brings clarity and unity in the body on how salvation works
Ephesisans 3:6 speaks of the mystery that the Gentiles are fellow heirs of God’s grace. From Death to Life brings to the forefront what has been revealed to us in the Bible.
This book simply asks the question:
“What does the Bible say?”
I have seen people shy away from the clear and repeated teaching of scripture regarding the sovereignty of God when it comes to salvation. 
 
 
The Bible clearly and repeatably teaches and history shows us that God’s rule and authority is supreme and folks that’s good news.
Realizing that God is sovereign over salvation is to REJECT autonomy.
au·ton·o·my
noun: autonomy
(of a country or region) the right or condition of self-government, especially in a particular sphere.
a self-governing country or region.
freedom from external control or influence; independence.
synonyms:
self-government, self-rule, home rule, self-determination, independence, sovereignty, freedom
This is the lie from the beginning.
Gen 3:5 …and you will be like God…
So either God is (and He is) in control of all things or we are.
I find the first idea a little more comforting. How about you?
GOD is in control!
Glory!
How does teaching with clarity on this subject bring unity you might ask?
Only through submission. When we embrace the full council of God’s word regarding the glorious doctrine of salvation unity may be found. Therefore, we must reject autonomy and bend the knee to the authority of scripture.
 
3.The book aims to see the body edified through application of these biblical principals
 
1 John 1:4-6  And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
Much more could be said but I will stop now.
This book is an overview of God’s word on the work of salvation.
1Pe 1:10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully
How about you? Can you say you have conducted a thorough careful study of the scriptures on this topic?
Psa 107:10  Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons. 

This book will be an invaluable tool for individuals and families as a devotional resource. I will be using it as I teach my family God’s word during our evening devotion time.
The implementation of these references is telling. Bro. Nelson’s only appeal and authority is that of scripture. They also show a shepherd’s heart and his desire is to see the body of Christ grow into maturity and for the joy of our great salvation to be more fully realized.
 
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Stay tuned, readers! Once this book releases, I'll post a link so you can buy your own copy! This is definitely a book to add to your collection. 


Until next week week, friends. Keep letting your light shine!