(c.) 2015 Bethany House Publichers

Title: Chivalrous (Valiant Hearts #2)
Author: Dina L. Sleiman
Published: 2015 by Bethany House Publishers

About the Book:

"Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.

 When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies."

The Artist Librarian's Review:
Dina Sleiman continues to build a intriguing imagining of medieval Europe in Chivalrous.  Her teenage protagonists navigate among gender roles and societal expectations, trying to find their place while discovering their worth in Christ.  The plot itself is full of action, political intrigue, and a sweet romance that will have Christian YA fans captivated.

I admit, though excited, I was skeptical when I first saw Chivalrous' cover of a maiden bedecked in chainmail and armor.  Especially since Sleiman's Valiant Hearts series are closer to historicals than fantasy.  "Lady knights" aren't historically accurate ... However, I feared over nothing, since the opportunities for Gwen to utilize chainmail and her fighting skills were plausibly believable to me in the context of this novel.

Allen was one of my favorite characters in Dauntless, so I was excited to see him appear in a larger role in Chivalrous.  I must say that I wanted to knock him over the head a couple of times in this novel, but I think his fault of pride is something that those of us with a similar spiritual background as Allen (i.e. knowledgeable or having grown up in the Church) is a danger that is all too real. 

One of the things I enjoy about Sleiman's novels is her egalitarian treatment of her male and female protagonists.  They are often both a mix of strength and vulnerability and both have moments of being leaders or being support, yet their masculinity and femininity are distinct.  For example, both end up facing a similar forced arrangement, which I thought was a neat twist because it normally only occurs to female characters in a romance.  

My only criticism was that for me, a couple of the plot points seemed forced, or only added for a twist/drama or to have certain characters there ... However, I did like that again, Sleiman touches on tough issues that we still face today.  She also provides a realistic, sobering view of medieval family life that isn't always seen in fictionalized accounts. 

The idea of a duchy/dukedom adopting Camelot as inspiration for their government and principles was an intriguing one.  The next novel in this series, Courageous, takes place during a crusade.  The Crusades are probably one of my least favorite events in history, but if Sleiman could pull off a "lady knight" character, I'm sure she can do the same for me with the Crusades.  In any case, I'm definitely looking forward to it!

Have you read any books adapted or inspired by Camelot?  How about films or television shows?  Share your favorites in the comments below!

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes.]

My first Blog Hop is with an awesome group of bloggers I've come to *know* virtually over the last month, spreading the word about Nadine Brandes’s new dystopian novel, A Time to Speak, which released earlier this month. As you may gather from the name/hashtag, #Called2Speak, we were encouraged to speak out for our passions or against injustice.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post for autographed copies of Nadine's books!

Similar to what my fellow launch team member, Andrew mentioned in his post, I usually leave my blog and other social media for geeky, fangirl types of ramblings and book reviews.  However, these are topics that have been on my mind for the past year or so:  How the Church handles sexuality and why a broad spectrum of passion/sensuality is important for Christian Romance.  Obviously, the following are my personal views and are not necessarily reflective upon my professional practice, school, workplace, etc.

Sex.  It was a scary word.  A three letter word that might has well been a four letter word.  As a Christian teenager, it wasn't avoided at my church --but basically all that was said about it was that sex was meant for marriage and while a good and wonderful thing, anything outside of that was wrong.  My parents tackled the issue in a similar way.  While I don't disagree, I think this common approach is not the most beneficial to young Christians. 

(c.) 2015 by Julie Lessman

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Title: Isle of Hope
Author: Julie Lessman
Release Date: November 1, 2015 by Julie Lessman (self-published).

About the Book:

"She stole his heart.
He stole her peace.
Can hope steal their pain?
At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O’Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?"

Why I'm "WoW" about Unfailing Love:I rarely read indie or self-published books, but this is Julie Lessman!  I'll read anything she writes --and I have, such as her Romance-ology 101 writers' guide, even though I'm not an author!  Like Deeanne Gist, Julie's known for being on the more "passionate" side of Christian historical romance.  This is her first contemporary novel, so it will be interesting to see how well she transitions.  I have a feeling I won't have anything to worry about though!  ;-)

Who is an author that you think has "transitioned" well --able to write successfully in different genres or time periods? 

This week's Top Tuesday topic is from The Broke and The Bookish's blog:  "Halloween themed freebie -- your choice (ie. 10 best ghost stories, 10 things that scare you in books, 10 literary Halloween costumes, 10 vampire novels, 10 books that WILL scare you, 10 non-scary books for Halloween, 10 scariest covers, etc.)"  I don't really celebrate Halloween, but since I do costuming, I thought I'd share my list of top book characters I want to cosplay someday!  In no particular order ...



1. Kale Allerion in DragonQuest by TheArtistLibrarian on DeviantArt
Kale Allerion (The DragonKeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul)

For this Throwback Thursday, another manga review first written for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in December 2014.

(c.) 2011 by NBM Publishing

Title: Stargazing Dog
Creator: Takashi Murakami
Published: English version 2011 by NBM Publishing, original Japanese in 2008.

About the Book:
"Translated from the Japanese bestseller, this story centers on Oto-san, a man who finds himself abandoned by his family and friends with nothing in his life happening the way he had planned. He embarks on a road trip to escape it all, and he soon discovers the only one he can count on completely is his faithful, recently adopted dog, who helps him see the light at the end of the tunnel. Illustrating the valuable lessons of friendship and loyalty, this is a heartwarming tale of two endearing characters and their shared adventure into the unknown."

The Artist Librarian's Review:
This was a poignant story told through the eyes of Happie, the family dog. From the time he burst into their lives, he observes his family: witnessing the break down and then finally the separation of his family members. He remains the companion of "Daddy" as they road trip aimlessly across Japan. Happie is the only "person" left in Daddy’s life and they loyally stay at one another's sides until the end. The last part of Stargazing Dog follows the social worker tasked with identifying the body of the man found in an abandoned vehicle. The body of the faithful dog reminds him of his treatment of a loyal pup from his childhood.

I’d heard of elderly in Japan passing away alone and not being found until months later.  This manga reminded me of those stories (and of Hachi). Why did Daddy use a fake name at the pawn shop near the end? It didn’t seem like he wanted anyone to find him after he was gone … Was it to avoid shame? I thought it was interesting to note a slightly different culture and mindset. But something made me sad to think that his daughter or wife wouldn’t know what happened to him. Even if he and his wife didn’t split on the best of terms (it seemed they were both kind of resigned rather than angry) … I don’t know, I still think that his family would want a funeral or closure. Even if you were a “cat person” (like me) I don’t see how you could dislike Happie … I think any pet owner would be moved by his loyalty and sweetness. 

For regular manga readers, I’d recommend it to folks who enjoyed Chi’s Sweet Home (though Chi is a cat) because the story is told from the pet's point of view … I’d feel pretty comfortable recommending it to teens and up, as I didn’t remember anything really graphic (I don't know if it would interest younger readers). Though they might not be able to really relate to the protagonist, it might give them insight to the older family members or adults in their lives …

For non-manga readers, if they were interested in “animal stories” or memoirs, such as Dewey, Marley and Me, Hachi, etc. I’d recommend Stargazing Dog.

Do you have any favorite animal stories or graphic novels?  

"Happy tears are the best tears" - Don't you agree, Mikasa? =)

Another Wordless Wednesday!  Going to keep this brief because I've got midterms ... haha.  I got to sample the new Kleenex Pocket Packs that have messages of care printed on them and I thought this one ("happy tears are the best tears") fit the ending of episode 8 of Attack on Titan.  *wink*  I won't elaborate anymore because I don't want to spoil ... But thinking myself clever, I tried to do a little themed photo.  =P

Anyways, I always make sure I have Kleenex Pocket Packs in my backpack because the classrooms at school are so cold!  I like the new designs, they're colorful and (minus the yellow one above) have high contrast: vibrant colors that make the white text easy to read.  There are even blank ones that you can write your own customized message on (I suggest a permanent marker).

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary sample of this product from Crowdtap.com]

'Fess up.  What was the last movie or t.v. show that made you cry?  ;-)

(c.) 2015 by BrokenSeed Books

Title: Secrets Kept (The Hidden Dagger #1)
Author: J. L. Mbewe
Published: 2015 by BrokenSeed Books, 2013 by AltWit Press

About the Book:

"With a curse, she will build an army.
With the dagger, she will undo the last sacrifice.
But first the sorceress must find the secret keeper.

Torn from her homeland and thrust into a betrothal against her wishes, Ayianna learns her family has a deadly secret that now has her on the run. She joins forces with Kael, an embittered half-elf, and Saeed, an elderly High Guardian, to seek answers to her father’s death, the destruction of Dagmar, and the plains people’s bizarre behavior.

Ayianna discovers there is more at stake here than just her mother’s disappearance and her familial duty to her betrothed. The sorceress has cursed the plains people, and it is a race against time to release them before the sorceress resurrects an ancient evil."

The Artist Librarian's Review:
J. L. Mbewe's debut Christian fantasy novel, Secrets Kept, introduces us to the world of Nälu.  Her detailed world-building and intense storyline is sure to appeal to mature readers much like Jill Williamson's Blood of Kings Trilogy.  Filled with diverse locales, languages, and creatures, this Adult/YA crossover is a welcomed addition to the Christian fantasy genre.

One of the biggest things that drew me to this novel was the diversity.  I don't think that was a main focus of Mbewe's work, but several of the different populaces of Nälu seem to be based on African and other (e.g. Middle East, Eastern) cultures.  Of course, we also have cultures reminiscent of more euro-western influences as traditionally seen in American fantasy, but it's really neat to see this unique mix in a Christian fantasy series. 

Needless to say, Mbewe's world-building is epic.  She's obviously thought out a lot more details and background information that isn't in the book.  However, you're immersed right into it, learning bit by bit as you read more of the story.  This type of fantasy isn't for everyone: people will speak foreign, fantasy languages and the unique terminology and names of characters and things can be overwhelming.  But those familiar with fantasy novels shouldn't have too much of a problem.  I wish there was a brief pronunciation guide included, at least for commonly referenced places, items, and main characters.  However there is an illustrated map, which is a personal "must have" for a fantasy novel in my book. 

Like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, much of the story is centered a quest or traveling.  It got to be wearying for me to read at times, but I think that was the point --to show the toll it took on the main characters.  Besides her world-building, the action scenes are a strong point of Mbewe's.  They're definitely more intense than what your typical Christian fantasy reader might be used to.  It's not too graphic, but if it were a movie, I think it might just hit PG-13.

Aiyanna is a likeable heroine.  Some might get frustrated with her, but for a girl who's world is suddenly thrown into disarray, I think she's coping as well as she can.  My only criticism is with the ending.  I felt like it kind of ended abruptly --they're still in the midst of a quest, a character decides something and then it ends.  I would have liked a bit more of a conclusion.  However, this is a series, so I guess it could be considered an emotional cliffhanger of sorts.

Regardless, I hope more secrets to the world of Nälu and Aiyanna's family are revealed as Mbewe continues this unique Christian fantasy series because it has it all: a detailed fantasy world, unique characters, action, mystery, and a bit of romance!

BONUS:

Secrets Kept Paperback Giveaway on GoodReads (ends Oct. 31, 2015)!

Which Character are You? Secrets Kept Character/Personality Quiz
Sale! For a limited time, you get the Kindle version of Secrets Kept for $0.99! *Affiliate link, for more information, click here.  

What are some of your favorite fantasy novels with elaborate world-building?About the Author:

"Writing as J. L. Mbewe, Jennette is an author, artist, mother, wife, but not always in that order. Born and raised in Minnesota, she now braves the heat of Texas, but pines for the Northern Lights and the lakes of home every autumn. She loves trying to capture the abstract and make it concrete. She is currently living her second childhood with a wonderful husband and two precious children who don’t seem to mind her eclectic collections of rocks, shells, and swords, among other things. Here, between reality and dreams, you will find her busily creating worlds inhabited by all sorts of fantasy creatures and characters, all questing about and discovering true love amid lots of peril. She has two short stories published in The Clockwork Dragon anthology, and four short stories set in the world of Nälu. Her debut novel, Secrets Kept, was nominated for the 2014 Clive Staples Award. Stay up-to-date with all things Nälu and her journey as a writer mama at JLMbewe.com."

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author for review purposes.]

(c.) 2015 by Enclave Publishing

Title: A Time to Speak (Out of Time #2)
Author: Nadine Brandes
Published: 2015 by Enclave Publishing

About the Book:

"What happens when you live longer than you wanted to? Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she's being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow.

The Council uses Jude's Clock-matching invention to force 'new-and-improved' Clocks on the public. Those who can't afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council's purposes.

Parvin and Hawke find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?"

The Artist Librarian's Review:
So if I thought Nadine Brandes' debut, A Time to Die, was an intense dystopian/survivalist novel, this sequel doubles the stakes, the action, the romance, and the cliffhanger ending!  After the devastating events at the end of Parvin's journey beyond the Walls, she returns to her "normal" life forever changed --and so are the people close to her.  But too quickly, she finds herself responsible for the survival of the remnant of her townspeople.  With her leadership, can they escape beyond the Council's reach? Can they survive beyond the Walls?  Can they unravel the mystery of the Clocks?

Brandes' dystopian world is expanded upon from the North American continent to the Southern Pole and back.  We get to see new locations such as Lost Angel on the west coast and the Antarctica base, each with their own flavors and perils.  We also get a glimpse into Prime, a High City, and its unique culture and technologies. 

The survival-against-nature aspect of this series is one that sets it apart from other dystopians I've read.  While I did have a literary suspension-of-disbelief-moment again, I think most of that comes from the fact that I haven't lived through freezing, snow-inducing weather, so a lot of the Antarctica scenes made me think, "you can't survive that in real life." (I'm sure you probably can, but this warmth-loving girl just probably can't.)  =P

Parvin continues her journey, growing both as a character and as a leader.  If A Time to Die was about Parvin discovering that God has a plan for her life, A Time to Speak is about the details.  Have you ever thought, "I know that God has a purpose for me, but what are those exact plans?" That's what Parvin's struggling with also:

"I don't think He wants us to keep asking and dwelling on His specific plan or will.  He wants us to dwell on and seek Him.  Then our decisions will be made from our love for and relationship with Him. We are free to take action in whatever means we want as long as we seek Him and allow Him to guide us" (330).

I love Hawke's words --they reminded me of something my mom told me when I was around that age and I was facing big "future" questions and wondering "How do I know if this is God's will for my life?"  She said we seek God and allow Him to guide us, but not to fret over decisions.  If we aren't going in the right direction, God will let us know --He'll shut those paths (like how Paul was prevented from going to Bithynia in Acts 16:7). 

Speaking of Hawke, he's one of several characters who are fleshed out in this novel and quickly became one of my favorites.  While Parvin and Hawke kind of had more of an "online" or digital friendship in the first novel, their relationship changes when they find themselves working closely together to save an innocent girl.  I really liked this progression.  The fact that both Parvin and Hawke have faults and the differences in their personalities and how they handle stress or hurt are realistic.  I also really appreciated the way they confront these differences and face them in a potentially romantic relationship.  I think that's something important for readers to see.  Their faults aren't glossed over just because they might be falling in love. 

A Time to Speak is another action-filled page turner that left the romantic in me completely satisfied.  But be warned: the ending is a huge cliffhanger which left me saying, "Did she just do what I think she did?!!!"  However, if Nadine Brandes has shown me anything from this series, it's that she's a bold author. She's unafraid to take risks and do the unconventional.  I'm absolutely dying to see how she opens the next novel in this series!

Brief reflection on content: Christian YA dystopian. Characters are injured, bloodied, killed,   etc. (but not graphically described).  A bit of romance as well (not to spoil, but I ship "BlackHawke"). =) I'd recommend to older teens and up, but of course, dependent on maturity, a younger teen may enjoy it as well. 

About the Author:

 "Nadine learned to write her alphabet with a fountain pen. In Kindergarten. Cool, huh? Maybe that's what started her love for writing. She started journaling at age nine and thus began her habit of communicating via pen and paper more than spoken words. She never decided to become a writer. Her brain simply classified it as a necessity to life. Nadine is a stay-at-home author and writes stories about authentic faith, bold living, and worlds soaked in imagination. She lives in Idaho with her husband and works as a freelance editor. When she's not writing, editing, or taste-testing a new chai, she is out pursuing adventures. A Time to Die is her first novel. Visit Nadine at www.nadinebrandes.com."

Any thoughts?  What is a book that absolutely left you hanging with the hugest cliffhanger?  Let me know in the comments (no spoilers, please)!
[Disclosure: As a part of this book's launch team, I received a digital advanced reader's copy (ARC) from the author for review purposes]

I briefly reviewed this gorgeous manga series during my 2014 wrap-up.  But for this Throwback Thursday, here is my full review of A Bride's Story, Vol. 1 written originally for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in December 2014.

1. I'm in love with Mori's detailed penwork!

Title: A Bride's Story, Vol. 1
Creator: Kaoru Mori (English translation by William Flanagan)
Published: 2011 by Yen Press (English), original Japanese in 2009
Rated: "Older Teen" by the publisher

About the Book:

"Acclaimed creator Kaoru Mori (Emma, Shirley) brings the nineteenth-century Silk Road to lavish life, chronicling the story of Amir Halgal, a young woman from a nomadic tribe betrothed to a twelve-year-old boy eight years her junior. Coping with cultural differences, blossoming feelings for her new husband, and expectations from both her adoptive and birth families, Amir strives to find her role as she settles into a new life and a new home in a society quick to define that role for her.

Crafted in painstaking detail, Ms. Mori’s pen breathes life into the scenery and architecture of the period in this heartwarming slice-of-life tale that is at once both wholly exotic, yet familiar and accessible through the everyday lives of the rich characters she has created."

The Artist Librarian's Review:
A Bride’s Story is a lush, historical graphic novel with beautiful, detailed art. I admit, when I first read the synopsis, I thought, “Oh no, this might be awkward,” regarding the ages of Amir and Karluk. However, they both have a sense of maturity to their characters --especially Karluk-- and Amir has a sense of fun and a lighthearted playfulness that often made me forget about the age gap.  To me, the age gap is especially minimized when paired with the manga style of art (other than a few panels that visually emphasized the difference). Though this manga was assigned in our class as an example of an "Adult Graphic Novel," based on the first volume (and the rating), I’d be willing to recommend it to older teens also.  However since there were a couple of what I’d call artistically nude/topless images, I’d only do so with families I knew really well.  I personally will be continuing this series because I am absolutely in love with the gorgeous artwork and the characters! Both the main and supporting are fleshed out in their respective roles –Karluk’s nieces and nephews are adorable and I want to learn more about Grandmother!

For manga readers, if they’re interested in lush historicals or even fantasy (the cultures explored are so foreign and unfamiliar to western ideas that I felt like I was reading a fantasy at times, especially when Amir’s family came back), I would definitely recommend A Bride’s Story.  Actually … some parts kind of remind me a tiny bit of Aang’s crush on Katara in the Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series (but the "Kataang" relationship is a little less "squicky"). But if they are "Kataang" shipper/fan, they might be enjoy this series as well.

For non-manga readers, I think historical fiction fans like myself would enjoy it. Those interested in drawing or pen work (or even intaglio or printmaking) might also find the series interesting to read and study Mori's amazing work.

Brief content notes: Some slight language [e.g. bas--rd] and artistically nude/topless images, but most of the situations come across as more innocent rather than typical hyper-sexualized graphic novel/comic book art.  Feel free to contact me for more details.

Do you like reading about unfamiliar cultures or customs (historical or contemporary)?  What are some titles (books or graphic novels) you'd recommend that explore those subjects?1. - A Bride's Story, Vol. 1 cover image (c.) Yen Press

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Title: Cosplay in Libraries: How to Embrace Costume Play in Your Library
Author: Ellyssa Kroski
Release Date: October 23, 2015 by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

About the Book:

"Cosplay, comics, anime, and geek culture have exploded into the mainstream over recent years and have resulted in a thriving community of costume enthusiasts and pop culture fans. Today’s cosplayers find inspiration on the pages of comics, classic literature, and even history, as well as film, television, and video games to inform their creative and oftentimes elaborate ensembles. They utilize all manner of materials and techniques including 3D printers, thermoplastics, craft foam, fabric and more to design their costumes and props.

Libraries on the leading edge are already embracing this new worldwide sensation by integrating cosplay into their programming and events. Learn all about the world of cosplay and how you can host cosplay events, workshops, makerspaces, clubs, and more in your library!

This one-stop guide includes quotes and interviews with librarians who are incorporating cosplay into their programming as well as with cosplayers. You’ll also find 32 full-color photographs of cosplay in action to give you both ideas and inspiration for getting started!"

Why I'm "WoW" about Cosplay in Libraries:
I don't know if I really would need this book, as it sounds like it might be meant for librarians unfamiliar with costuming or cosplay.  BUT it is almost as if it was made for me.  I mean, when have you ever seen a serious discussion or writings on cosplay in library literature?  The only thing that would be more applicable or connected to my focus/interests would be library literature on art education in public libraries or Christian fiction in public libraries.  $50 seems a bit steep of a price for 168 pages, but I'd love to get my hands on a copy to see what types of programming and events Kroski will highlight ... I also think it's kind of neat that Kroski's bio says she cosplays also (guess I'm not the only librarian costumer)!  Needless to say, my anticipation for this non-fiction title is off the charts!

Are there any titles releasing this month you're "WoW" about?  Let me know (and tell me why) in the comments!

About the Author:

"Ellyssa Kroski is the Director of Information Technology at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 34 books including Law Librarianship in the Digital Age for which she won the AALL's 2014 Joseph L. Andrews Legal Literature Award. Her ten-book technology series, The Tech Set won the ALA's Best Book in Library Literature Award in 2011. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at Pratt Institute, and an international conference speaker. She blogs at Cosplay, Comics, and Geek Culture in Libraries. Her professional portfolio is located at: http://www.ellyssakroski.com

Ellyssa is also an avid cosplayer and has appeared on TLC's Cake Boss TV show as well as in the official music video for New York Comic Con and many other events. Her cosplay portfolio can be found at http://www.giallogirl.com"

Title: Knit, Purl, Pray: 52 Devotions for the Creative Soul 
Author: Lisa Bogart
Published: 2015 by Worthy Publishing Group

About the Book:

"The knitter knows that the time spent creating something beautiful and useful can also be a time to be quiet and reflect.  Author and knitter, Lisa Bogart sees life's challenges as something that can be unraveled and reworked into something beautiful.  In Knit, Purl, Pray she encourages you to think about the craft you love in a new way.  These 52 devotions use knitting to explore all aspects of life, giving the knitting reader a daily takeaway.  Is there a better way to weave a full spiritual life than combining it with the craft you love?"

The Artist Librarian's Review:
Knitters, needlecrafters, and other creatives would especially enjoy Lisa Bogart's new devotional book.  Each devotional can easily be read in 5 minutes and features a verse or passage from the Bible, a vignette of application, and a little prayer.  However, as Bogart mentions in the introduction, though a brief read, each devotion is meant to be pondered upon for much longer: during your knitting session or any other part of your day. 

I knit, so I could really relate to the devotionals that often incorporated analogies of knitting techniques, stitches, concepts, tools, lifestyles, etc. and related them to the Christian walk.   It's apparent Bogart is a knitter herself as she uses the terminology with ease.  Some samples of devotional titles include: "Yarn Overs," "Metal or Bamboo," "Mistakes," "Novelty Yarns," and "Weaving in the Ends." The book also includes two patterns for small projects: the first for a slouchy beehive hat/beanie and the second for three different cabled coffee cup cozies.  Though obviously aimed at knitters, I think other needleworkers and crafters in general might enjoy this devotional as well due to the creative theme of the book.

About the Author:

"Lisa Bogart practices her passions, knitting and writing, every day.  She has gifted over 70 sweaters to Guideposts' Knits for Kids.  Her award-winning devotiona have appeared in several publications including Guideposts and she is the author of Come on In: Taking the Hassle out of Hospitality.  She lives outside of New York City."

Do you knit or do any needlecrafts?  What was your most recent project?  If you don't, have you ever wanted to learn how?  If so, what's stopping you?

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.]

Author Nadine Brandes

I've recently come to know YA dystopian author Nadine Brandes through my blogging and am very excited to have the opportunity to interview her today and be a part of her launch team for her latest book, A Time to Speak, which releases October 16th!

Thanks so much for stopping by The Artist Librarian, Nadine! Let's start off with an elevator pitch: Describe the Out of Time Series in three wor--no, let's make that three sentences.
--These books are about a culture where everyone has a Clock telling them exactly how long they have to live. My main character — Parvin — has one year left on her Clock, but feel she’s wasted her life. She spends that last year trying to find purpose.

And they’re so intense!  My review of book 1, A Time to Die (I struggled not to spoiler anything) and stay tuned for my review of the sequel, A Time to Speak, coming soon!

Why dystopians? Like the fantasy and sci-fi genres, some Christians look at dystopians with a skeptical eye. Why do you write Christian Speculative Fiction and what would you say to convince someone to give it a shot?

--Well, I chose dystopian because I wanted to convey that there can be hope in even the darkest situations and darkest times. I write speculative fiction because sometimes it’s easier to understand the world when you step out of it for a time. [grin]

Personally, the fantasy and sci-fi genres have affected my walk with Christ and my journey in this world much deeper than real-life fiction. I guess that’s why I gravitate toward writing it. There’s power in created worlds. Besides, we were created to create. :)

I am also drawn to speculative fiction for similar reasons and only recently began reading more contemporary fiction.  Plus, it's just neat to see the world-building that goes on in fantasy or sci-fi books!

I was an art major, so I have to ask: Can you briefly describe the book cover art/design process for you as the author? How much input did you have? Is it what you envisioned?

--Kirk DouPonce from DogEared Design does my covers and he’s amazing! With book 1, A Time to Die, when I received the first draft it was like seeing my imagination on paper. Not a lot of authors can say that. Generously, Enclave Publishing and Kirk both allow me quite a bit of input. It’s more of a team effort, where Kirk and I will discuss ideas and then he’ll execute what he envisions will be best. That way he still gets creative freedom and I still get a say in the matter. I’m extremely pleased with the set-up.

That's wonderful!  I always enjoy learning how similar (or different) authors' experiences are with that process (such as Jill Williamson's).  As a reader, it throws me off when a book cover doesn't match the character descriptions in the text ... Kirk did a great job with your books and I can't wait to see what book 3's design will look like! 

 Today is the 4th annual Star Wars Reads Day (with events across the nation at local libraries and bookstores/comic book stores), so I thought I'd be fun to close out this interview with some Star Wars themed questions!

Ooh, I love this idea! *Didn’t know it was Star Wars Reads Day* :P

Original Trilogy or Prequel Trilogy?

ORIGINAL! duh. ;-) Always and forever.

Yes! *high fives*  Though I do love the costumes and lightsaber choreography in the Prequels, the Original Trilogy holds my heart ... With Episode VII: The Force Awakens coming out in December, I wonder what they'll call that trilogy ... "The Sequel Trilogy?" Hmm ...

Who is your favorite Star Wars character?

Han Solo. But isn’t he everyone’s? :) (My bestie’s favorite character is Boba Fett, so I guess that answers that question.)

Harrison Ford as Han Solo

Haha, I know.  <-- Han reference ;-)  I've seen fans of Boba Fett (or Mandalorians in general) called "Fandalorians" which I think is kind of a neat "fandom name" ... I've never been able to figure out what Star Wars fans are called ... Most of my favorite SW characters are from the books, but Princess Leia (and Luke Skywalker) are my favorite film characters. =)

The Death Star is heading to your home planet, what do you do?

Die. LOL. Oh, you mean that I’m on the Death Star while this is happening? Well, I’d try and snag a blaster from some oblivious stormtrooper and blast the controls off of that beam-director thing before Vader strangles me. Yup.

"That's no moon ... "

That would be a different time to die [okay, I'll stop with the references] ... Great answers!

Since it's Star Wars Reads Day, have you ever read a Star Wars novel?

No. But I’ve recently grown more interested in reading sci-fi. I used to be a fantasy-only girl.

Star Wars books are the only sci-fi novels I've read --not counting Ender's Game and dystopians (which are technically a sci-fi sub-genre), so if you ever want a recommendation on pre-2014 published SW novels, feel free to ask me, LOL!

Thanks so much Nadine! Anything else you'd like to share with the readers?

Thanks for chatting! I guess I’d like to ask readers…What do you want to know about me? I’m pretty open to answering all sorts of question. Ask in the comments! ;)

There you have it --feel free to ask Nadine any questions you have!  I was just perusing her "About" page on her website and saw she's a huge Miyazaki fan! I'm working on watching all of Studio Ghibli's films, so I'd ask her if she prefers watching his animated films with the English dub (voice overs) or in the original Japanese with English subtitles and why?  ;-)

More about Nadine:
"Nadine learned to write her alphabet with a fountain pen. In Kindergarten. Cool, huh? Maybe that's what started her love for writing. She started journaling at age nine and thus began her habit of communicating via pen and paper more than spoken words. She never decided to become a writer. Her brain simply classified it as a necessity to life. Nadine is a stay-at-home author and writes stories about authentic faith, bold living, and worlds soaked in imagination. She lives in Idaho with her husband and works as a freelance editor. When she's not writing, editing, or taste-testing a new chai, she is out pursuing adventures. A Time to Die is her first novel. Visit Nadine at  www.nadinebrandes.com" or check her on on social media sites such as Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Google+.

The directors, John Musker and Ron Clements, have previously worked on beloved Disney films such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Princess and the Frog.  Excited yet?  I can't wait for a full trailer.  You can read more and see some exclusive images in this people.com article as well.

Obviously, the title role in a Disney animated feature would catapult whoever got selected onto Hollywood's radar (especially if they did a spectacular job), so I'm glad Disney chose to highlight an actress of Polynesian descent (like Moana herself).  I honestly don't think ethnicity should be that much of an issue in voice acting in animation (it's animation, you don't see the actors). In my opinion, Caucasian actress Daveigh Chase did a great job as Lilo (presumably Native Hawaiian, I don't recall it being stated) in Disney's Lilo & Stitch. However, there are not often many opportunities or roles available for Native Hawaiian or Polynesian actresses, so due to this, I really applaud Disney for Cravalho's casting. 

What yet-to-be-released animated films have you excited and why?  Let me know in the comments!
[Edit: Added more info!]