About the Book

Book: The Gatekeeper’s Descendants

Author: Johanna Frank

Genre: Christian/Fiction/Fantasy

Release date: September 2021

ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS A CURSE

Hesitant to enter the kingdom, spirited and stubborn Pipiera grudgingly accepts a task to save a fledgling earth-dwelling boy, Matthew, from sabotaging his own future. Challenged with the pull of an obsessive emotion from her past life, she’s unequipped to handle the mission, let alone discern the perplexing interference from a rebel–an unearthly soul who takes great interest in both she and the boy and who relentlessly seeks to capture their affection.

As Matthew’s world spins throughout the cosmos, his mother’s world churns at his bedside while she awaits an unknowing outcome.

Who overcomes?

Who ends up cursed forever?

The Gatekeeper’s Descendants is an easy-to-read, thought-inspiring fantasy. The story weaves together adventure in the afterlife with growing faith and family drama.

BEAUTIFUL…   TWISTED…   LIVELY…

 

Click here to enter the giveaway!

 

About the Author

To Johanna Frank, retirement means the freedom to do what she simply loves—bringing family and friends together with good food. But even better is the space to pen creative, inspirational fiction; stories she hopes will touch the lives of her readers.

Johanna lives in the Waterloo Region of Ontario, Canada with husband, Joe, cherishing and watching their children and their families as they churn through life and develop into their own wonderful characters.

At the time of publishing, Johanna’s The Gatekeeper’s Descendants was declared a Winner of The Word Guild’s 2021 Word Awards.

The Gatekeeper’s Descendants is Johanna Frank’s debut novel.

 

More from Johanna

Hey, hello! It sure is a pleasure to be here 😊.

I’ve always believed it’s a gift when others just happen to come into our lives. Sometimes it’s like a drift and ever so brief, maybe even digital. But always, I like to think anyway; it is for a reason. Sadly, we simply don’t see it that way.

That was just one premise for The Gatekeeper’s Descendants. There is so much more to our life journey than what we see and, therefore, what we could possibly appreciate.

According to some translators of ancient Greek (yes, I google the internet a great deal), the term we so often use today to explain chance happenings, coincidence, is derived from the word synkyrian – a combination of two words: sun and kurios. Sun reported as meaning “together with” and kurios reported as meaning “supreme in authority.” So, a chance happening, meeting someone along one’s path in life? …not an accident. The question becomes why.

As far as the story in The Gatekeeper’s Descendants goes, sure, I had a plot in mind. But those wonderful fictional characters came first, and I quickly discovered they had much to say about their own decisions and paths. Important to me was to incorporate realisms: personality traits, emotional challenges, tough situations and simply, life in general. And then place all such realities alongside characters from an ethereal and lively kingdom. Of course, what would a kingdom be without its rebels? This fantasized world in charge of intervening to make chance happenings actually happen, or, interfering to disrupt the course of one’s path? Well, what fun! I totally loved the adventure of writing this novel. But please, be rest assured. Faith is central in my life, and I did my utmost to treat it with great and utter respect.

And you are part of this equation. That is the most exciting part for me: your experience with the read. One reader told me how grateful she was after reading The Gatekeeper’s Descendants for the hope it gave, particularly as it came at such a perfect time—weeks following the loss of a parent. Another said it brought to her imagination the child she lost at infancy and the absolute joyous wonder of her lively existence now. Yet another felt the appreciation of having a chance at feeling a troubled teen’s point of view and the potential of very real battles that are not always visible. As one reviewer put it, “this is a story that has something to impart to even the most cynical among us.”

Without readers, writers simply wouldn’t have much purpose. So, a heartfelt thank you. I hope you will give The Gatekeeper’s Descendants a chance even if it is a diversion from your normal genre.

I would absolutely love to connect and hear your experience with the story!

And may you journey well!

Johanna Frank

MY REVIEW

There is much to find in this fantasy story that will have a lasting impact for many readers.  I like that the author focuses on a teen boy and shows us the emotions he goes through. I will say there are a few times that the language was a little off putting. It wasn’t really bad words just on the edgy side for me. I don’t think I will be able to describe what Matt sees as he travels through space but I can say that the lessons learned are for each of us at some point. Trust becomes a big issue in the story as Matt is asked to do something that seems far fetched but could give him his life back. Really  I think it was a matter of seeing what you have and being thankful for it.  

What is important to note is how Matt, like most of us hold our grief inside. The death of his father has changed him but he has never really let his feelings show. The author does an excellent job of giving readers a moment to take in Matt’s grief and perhaps help us heal as well. I don’t know if you can ever get over losing someone, but there are moments when you need to allow yourself to show your feelings by crying or talking to someone. 

The story follows several characters who interact with each other in ways that explain how important family, trust and acceptance is. Those that like fantasy books will enjoy this story with a good faith element and a look at a fight for good to win over darkness. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

By the Book, February 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 14

For Him and My Family, February 15

Inklings and notions, February 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 17

deb’s Book Review, February 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 22 (Spotlight)

Through the Fire Blogs, February 22

Blogging With Carol, February 23

Wishful Endings, February 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Johanna is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1a459/the-gatekeeper-s-descendants-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Treasure Atop the Mountain

Author: Tonya L. Matthews

Genre: Faith-based Christian Fiction

Release date: August, 2019

Broken by the unfathomable. Frightened of the future. And unaware of God’s hand at work. Gracie grew up working in her grandfather’s ice cream shop in the small Kentucky town of Ridgewood. Ridgewood is a quiet town known for little but a 20-year-old rumor that treasures are hidden somewhere in its hills. But when misfortune strikes, Gracie is faced with challenges no 11-year-old should have to bear. She has to learn to continue to live now that nearly everything about her life has changed. The losses are so devastating that still years later she fights the nightmares. Yet folks in the town in their own unique way watch out for their little girl as she matures into a young woman. This is a story about Gracie Howard and how she finally found healing in a message that her grandfather shared with her as a little girl and from a town with hidden treasure.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Tonya grew up on a family farm in Riverside, Kentucky. Her father recognized early on that hoeing tobacco and running hogs weren’t in her skill set. He opted to send her to college. Graduating from Western Kentucky University with honors, Tonya went on to support the business community for two decades as an executive for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce where she served a primary role in the organization’s multiple national honors.

Tonya has found writing to be a healthy escape and effective therapy in tough seasons throughout her life. Tonya began writing Treasure atop the Mountain 15 years ago when she and her husband were trying to start their family and encountered multiple disappointments. Ultimately, they signed up to be foster parents and adopted.

Tonya’s been married to Todd Matthews for 25 years. They have two grown daughters. In August 2019, she published Treasure atop the Mountain—a fiction novel based on real-life emotions that can be related to by many. Tonya’s second novel in the TREASURE series, Roxie Applesauce, released in August 2021. She’s currently writing the series’ third book, Get Will. Additionally, in 2022, she will debut the first two books in her children’s book series.

 

More from Tonya

HOW THE BOOK CAME ABOUT

Treasure atop the Mountain provided for me a glimpse of hope that I needed at the time I wrote it. In the book, Gracie experiences misfortune no young girl should have to bear. Yet, in the end, she witnesses all the broken pieces come together and is overwhelmed by God’s hand in it.

When Todd and I got married in 1996, we didn’t try starting our family right away, and when we decided that we were ready, it didn’t come easy. We struggled for several years through disappointment after disappointment. I’d get home from work at the end of a long day and lean against the kitchen door facing, drop to the floor and breathe for what felt like the first time that. I was hurting and doing my best to hide it.

My sister and my two sisters-in-law were pregnant, and I was covering three positions at work for people on maternity leaves. I really needed an escape because there was not a conversation I could have with family, friends at church, or at work that didn’t involve their lives moving forward when mine wasn’t in that area. I literally just sat down in the back room of our house with our computer on a card table and just started writing. I ran the emotions I was dealing with through the characters and wrote the book that I needed to read. Eventually, we adopted two girls from foster care and with our careers, life was busy, but I never let go of the book. Over the years friends and family read rough drafts and provided feedback.

Since publishing Treasure atop the Mountain in August 2019, I’ve met so many precious people. I love to hear when people are encouraged and relate to the message in the book. We all know fear, anger, and disappointment. And we all need reminded that we will feel joy again. Since I’ve written the second in the Treasure Series. Roxie Applesauce is on tour in March. The third in the series, Get Will, will launch in 2022. A series of children’s books will release in 2022.

MY REVIEW 

What a beautiful story about forgiveness, family and acceptance. The setting of a small town is one of my favorites. Living in a small town Gracie feels secure. Her life hasn’t always been easy, but I love that she has her grandfather to watch out for her. Their relationship is very special and reminds me of how important  family is.  Gracie is a very sweet and caring person. She works hard with her grandfather at the ice cream shop. It was a special place where you found homemade ice cream and a friendly smile. 

Although Gracie may have a disability, it never stopped her from working hard. She is a little self conscious of her disability but I liked that the author doesn’t use it in a way that takes away from Gracie’s ability to do anything she sets her mind to. She is well liked by everyone in the town and they all look out for her. She did seem a little naive at times and especially when she met Ben. I was surprised how quickly they started seeing each other. 

Ben was rough around the edges and a chip on his shoulder as he found his way to the little town where Gracie lives.  Not really  having a family has caused him to never put down roots anywhere. He is a wanderer who is looking to belong somewhere and wanting someone to care for him.  His past definitely has made him not trust many people and you get the sense that he doesn’t want to show how vulnerable he really is. In some ways Ben reminded me of a character from The Gilmore Girls. 

The author gives us a story that explores trust, family and overcoming your past. There is one part of the story that was uncomfortable to read but the author does a good job of not being  too descriptive. It is used to show how others can take advantage of someone who is placed in a vulnerable position. I always try to think of one character that really stands out to me in a book. In this one I will have to keep it a secret. This character surprised me and made me understand what “a treasure really is.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Texas Book-aholic, February 11

Mary Hake, February 11

Inklings and notions, February 12

For Him and My Family, February 13

deb’s Book Review, February 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 18 (Spotlight)

Pause for Tales, February 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, February 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tonya is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1a5c9/treasure-atop-the-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway

 WELCOME TO SILENCING THE SIREN TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

About the Book

Book: Silencing the Siren

Author: Denise L. Barela

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale

Release date: January 4, 2022

Andrew Grayson thought he had everything… until he met her.

The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it—clothes, gadgets… even a car! What more could a young man desire?

Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire… in a wheelchair!

Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can’t help but fall for her.

Annabel’s connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the “right” girl with the “right connections.” But he won’t do it. He’ll defy them and marry his little mermaid.

When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don’t add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, “What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?”

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Denise Barela’s passion for fiction, her faith, and general creativity define her life. In all things, she strives to glorify God, though especially in and through her writing. She has spent the past six years working for a publicity company and five years working as the head editor for a publishing company. With an MFA in Creative Writing and a Professional Writing certificate, Denise enjoys using her education and work experiences to help authors achieve their own writing dreams. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…

 

More from Denise

Hello Readers!

I’m so excited to share Silencing the Siren with you! This book was so much fun to write and research. I learned so many fun facts about old cars, old New York, and even doorbells!

Yes, you read that correctly. Doorbells.

These noisy items were such a novelty in the 1920s that they were often given as Christmas gifts!

Crazy, right?

I wanted both Andrew and Annabel to represent that feeling we have all experienced at least once in our lives. That feeling of not belonging. It looks different for each person, but it’s a uniting feeling.

Annabel will never be accepted by those outside her family, but they more than make up for that. Andrew is popular and well-off in society, but as he comes to know the Lord, he starts to feel that rift with his superficial friends and family. It’s with other believers, Annabel’s family, that he finds that deep relationship he desires. They are more than willing to provide.

This is the beauty of the body of Christ. When we are sick or in need, the body of Christ comes together to support you in that time of need and extend Christ’s love to all corners of the globe.

I hope you enjoy reading Silencing the Siren as much as I enjoyed writing it!

MY REVIEW 

I am in awe of the writing style of this author. Her debut novel will take readers 

to a place that most of us have heard about. The setting of Coney Island is inviting 

and I loved getting to go behind the scenes. I immediately noticed that the author had 

captured a character in grace, beauty and love. Annabel is filled with a sense of being 

different but still her heart hopes for that one special person. My heart went out

 to her as people gawked at her while she swam in the water as a mermaid. It was so easy 

to visualize her as she glided with grace. Her smile radiated throughout the place

 as she entertained the people.

It was sad to think that people were thought of as a freak show because 

they were different. Annabel is use to stares and whispers as she sits 

in her wheelchair. Can you imagine living a life where you are on display

 because others think of you as different? I noticed how the author was

 able to convey to readers that even though we may look different, 

God loves us unconditionally.

Andrew comes from a wealthy family who are very judgmental and 

only thought of how important they were because of their financial stability. 

Even though his parents were rather snobby, Andrew had a heart that 

saw beauty from the inside. The relationship between Annabel and 

Andrew is so well written that I could feel their attraction to each other.

 The author builds a beautiful connection between the two with tender

 moments spent getting to know each other.

I loved how the author incorporates a mystery in the story that illustrates

 jealousy to an extreme that danger comes to one character. I couldn’t read fast

 enough to see how the author would unravel a sinister plot to make

 Annabel disappear. Andrew’s parents are so determined that Andrew won’t

 disgrace the family that they will do anything to stop him from seeing Annabel.

 The story gets tense as Andrew tries to solve the mystery and the emotions

 he has spills across the pages.His pain is evident as he hears devastating news.

 The author is able to not only deliver a touching story of 

unconditional love, but shows how people can become irrational 

when their future is at stake.

The ending caught me by surprise and I cried as I read the final words. I must say

 that I am very impressed with this debut novel and know this is only the start

 of a long career for this author. Thank you for taking me back in time where

 status was important and expose the ugliness of pride and jealousy.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7

A Baker’s Perspective, February 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 9

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 10

Genesis 5020, February 10

Inklings and notions, February 11

Connect in Fiction, February 11

For Him and My Family, February 12

Blossoms and Blessings, February 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 13

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 14

For the Love of Literature, February 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 15

Blogging With Carol, February 15

Connie’s History Classroom, February 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 17 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, February 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 18

Austen’s Angle, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Simple Harvest Reads, February 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Back Porch Reads, February 20

Through the Fire blogs, February 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/19bc6/silencing-the-siren-celebration-tour-giveaway