Book Release: Grace Triumphant

I’ve been anticipating the release of Alicia A. Willis’s newest novel, Grace Triumphant, ever since I heard she was going to write it. I was privileged to be a beta reader for it, and now that release day is here, I can heartily recommend this wonderful book! 

Profligate London, 1788. Slave ships haunt the seas, bearing human cargos to further the wealth of the rich and destroy the souls of the slave traffickers.

Russell Lawrence is an avid skeptic. Captain of the slave ship Barbados, wealthy, and a respected leader, he views religion as a crutch for the weak. But when the debauchery of the slave trade begins to destroy his good morals, his battle becomes more than fighting pirates and mutineers. What if there really is a God?

Impressed as a cabin boy, Jack Dunbar sees his forced service on the Barbados as a God-given opportunity to witness Christ to the crew. But his efforts to influence the hardened slavers seems to be doing little good. How is it possible to live as a Christian on the sin-ravaged seas? Can his light shine bright in Africa's dark interior?

Back in Grosvenor Square, Elizabeth Grey battles opposition from society and her self-seeking fiancé. Her work with John Newton to end the slave trade is being harshly attacked. She faces life branded as a jilter and radical if she stands up for what she believes in. Will she ever glean the strength to call sin by its rightful name?

A tale of adventure on the high seas, redemption, and faith. Sin abounds. Is grace enough to conquer doubt and triumph over evil?

My review: This is one powerful book. It totally immersed me in the lives of Russell, the young slave ship captain who denies God; Jack, the Christian cabin boy abducted from a life on the London streets and impressed into service; and Elizabeth, the young Christian abolitionist who must marry a heartless man of the world. Scenes alternate between their points of view. I pondered and learned and worried along with them. Their fates kept me guessing to the very end! How God shone in their lives is something you have to read for yourself. 

All the other characters seemed like real people, too—Isaac, Roger, Cedrick, William, Walter, Anne…each one was well developed. And it’s thrilling whenever the real real people, John Newton and William Wilberforce, make appearances! The history behind this pivotal point early in the battle for abolition of the British slave trade is fascinating. Miss Willis was just right to choose this time. 

As I write this review and think back, I’m amazed at the intricacy and ingenuity of the plot—everything that happened, how it all tied together, how so many scenes left me hanging and wanting to know what would happen next. The only scenes that occasionally seemed static were Elizabeth’s, but I think that’s because her life was quieter and thus it seemed to take her longer to learn what God was teaching her. But everything, everything, that occurred was interesting and involved me fully with the characters. 

Ms. Willis certainly accomplishes her goal of showing how we can live as Christians and shine our light in a dark place, even if nothing seems to come of it. Grace Triumphant was very, very sobering for me. It was so realistic, and set in a familiar setting to me, both because the era and its struggles resembles our own, and because I’ve read so much about 18th century Britain. I admit I felt sobered almost to the point of depression, thinking of how much suffering there is and was in this world, and how few seek God. It’s a reality check and a clarion call to shine our light. Read this book, but be prepared for a serious look at your faith. I am so thankful for yet another of Ms. Willis’s God-honoring and life-changing historical novels.

View the trailer here.  

Learn more about Alicia A. Willis and her books by visiting her blog. And...enter a giveaway for an e-book copy of Grace Triumphant! To place entries, comment and tell me how many of the following you did or answer the questions I posed (you only need to comment once). I will add up your entries and do a drawing Tuesday, December 1.    

• Add Grace Triumphant on Goodreads. 
• Follow Alicia A. Willis on Goodreads.
• Like Alicia A. Willis on Facebook.
• Follow Alicia's blog. 
• Share about this giveaway on any social media site.
• Answer the question: What is your favorite historical time period?
• Answer the question: What do you think is the most powerful thing we can learn from history?

Update: Tuesday, December 1 - The giveaway is now over. Thanks for your entries! 

Grace Triumphant Cover Reveal

I am honored to participate in the cover reveal for Alicia A. Willis's upcoming novel, Grace Triumphant: A Tale of the Slave Trade, expected to be published November 2015! Click here to add it to your to-read list on Goodreads. I am so excited for this book! Isn't this a spectacular cover?

Profligate London, 1788. Slave ships haunt the seas, bearing human cargos to further the wealth of the rich and destroy the souls of the slave traffickers.

Russell Lawrence is an avid skeptic. Captain of the slave ship Barbados, wealthy, and a respected leader, he views religion as a crutch for the weak. But when the debauchery of the slave trade begins to destroy his good morals, his battle becomes more than fighting pirates and mutineers. What if there really is a God?

Impressed as a cabin boy, Jack Dunbar sees his forced service on the Barbados as a God-given opportunity to witness Christ to the crew. When his efforts to influence the hardened slavers seems to be doing little, running away seems his best option. But the punishment for desertion is harsh. And is returning to the life he once knew worth ruining the work he’s tried to do for the Lord?

Back in Grosvenor Square, Elizabeth Grey battles opposition from society and her self-seeking fiancée. Her work with John Newton to end the slave trade is being harshly attacked. She faces life branded as a jilter and radical if she stands up for what she believes in. Will she ever glean the strength to call sin by its rightful name?

A tale of adventure on the high seas, redemption, and faith. Sin abounds. Is grace enough to conquer doubt and triumph over evil?

Alicia A. Willis is a home-school graduate, published author, and avid historian. She is a firm believer in the principle that one can accomplish anything by substantial amounts of prayer and coffee. Visit her at her blog or Facebook to view her historical-fiction novels and all the goings-on between writing!

Interview with Alicia A. Willis + Giveaway!

In a little less than a week, Alicia A. Willis’s newest book will hit the virtual shelves. Rising to the Challenge, the much-desired finale to her series The Comrades of Honor, is set for release on Monday, January 26! 

New difficulties arise for Sir Kenneth Dale in the exciting final installment in The Comrades of Honor Series. As a favorite of the Earl of Birmingham, his life appears tranquil – until the both beautiful Lady Clarissa and a headstrong orphan named Brion arrive in the castle. It is not long before Sir Kenneth finds himself not only in love, but also the master of the most difficult squire Birmingham has ever harbored.

Brion de Lantenac is nothing short of rebellious. Hatred for Sir Kenneth’s strict rules vents itself in constant disobedience, triggering continual clashes between himself and his new lord. But there is a reason behind his self-centered character. The murder of his family has caused heartbreak he may never recover from. Will he ever reveal his true identity to Sir Kenneth? And what about Guthrie, the man who sullied his father’s shire with treacherous hands and now seeks his demise?

Caught between a hopeless romance, a rebellious squire, and the enemies on all sides, Sir Kenneth finds himself challenged. Amidst battles, heartache, and dark mystery, he must somehow rise to meet the difficulties of his life with honor. Will he ever win his squire’s heart? Will he and Clarissa be forever separated?

Join Sir Kenneth, Brion, and all the comrades of honor in a tale of perseverance, chivalry, and unconditional love. Treachery abounds and evil seems insurmountable. Will rising to the challenge preserve honor and win the day?

I had the pleasure of beta-reading this exciting book ... it was fantastic in more ways than one! Check it out on Goodreads and stay tuned there and on other social media sites for its debut. And at the end of this post is a giveaway!

Today, I am pleased to participate in the celebration by interviewing the author. Please join me in welcoming Alicia A. Willis!

Alicia A. Willis is a home-school graduate, published author, and avid historian. She is a firm believer in the principle that one can accomplish anything by substantial amounts of prayer and coffee. Visit her at her  blog  or  Facebook  to view her historical-fiction novels and all the goings-on between writing! She is the author of six books, including this one! You can also visit her website.

1. The first book in the Comrades of Honor series, To Birmingham Castle, was also your first ever published book. What are some of the most valuable things you've learned about life and/or writing between these two books?

That’s a good question! I’ve learned so much, both about writing and life. Regarding life, being an author has really helped me be real – to express my thoughts and ideas openly, allowing myself to share who I am and who I am becoming with others. Regarding writing, I’ve learned that I have two styles: my classical style, in which I wrote my medieval series, and my modern style, in which I wrote my other titles. It is an exciting adventure to have varying writing styles and helps me ensure that my work is always different each time.

2. Those are great answers! Very interesting. How was writing Rising to the Challenge harder than the first two books in the series? How was it easier?

This title was much more difficult than the previous two installments. This was mainly because of historical issues. Historians disagree on certain points, which made research difficult. Also, I wanted Sir Kenneth Dale to be very real for his time period, but still demonstrate character points such as mercy and honor. Balancing the historical and character building aspects was a challenge!

3. That does sound like a challenge, but you rose to it and I found this title to be really enjoyable and satisfying! Before you begin a story, do you outline extensively, dive right in to chapter one, or do something somewhere in the middle? Why does this work well for you?

I’m somewhere right in the middle. I have a general idea of where I am going, but not a strict outline. I’d say that my outline is in my head. That way, I have the ability to be creative and allow for scene or plot changes that I had never anticipated, but my mischievous characters demanded…

4. Flexibility without chaos is good! What strategies do you use to keep going when the writing gets tough?

Prayer, coffee, chocolate, and repeat.

5. That makes me smile! It's certainly effective for you. What is your favorite thing about writing?

Expressing my thoughts or teaching a life lesson through a fictional character! I also love the research.

6. Great answer! It sounds like your family members are very supportive of your writing. Do any of them have a favorite out of the books you've written? What is yours, and why?

My favorite is From the Dark to the Dawn. It is also my boyfriend’s favorite. I’m not sure what everyone else’s is, though. I love From the Dark to the Dawn because the Lord used it to teach valuable lessons to me. And, now, others are telling me that the book changed their life as well!

7. That's wonderful! I look forward to reading it myself. Would you like to return to medieval fiction someday, perhaps with a new storyline? Can you share with us about any upcoming projects?

Maybe. We will see where the Lord leads! My current WIP is entitled Grace Triumphant: A Tale of the Slave Trade. I hope to release it this year, but we’ll see if I can manage that. The research regarding the Middle Passage and life on shipboard is grueling… I anticipate many challenges with balancing historical reality and pure Christian reading.

That sounds spectacular. I'm looking forward to it already! I appreciate how your books are realistic without ever becoming unpleasant. Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Alicia!

Thank you for having me!

And for the giveaway ...

We'll be doing this comment-style, so leave one comment per entry, and they will be tallied up on Tuesday, January 27! The giveaway ends Monday at midnight (which, don't forget, is also release date for Rising to the Challenge!). This will be for a free PDF copy of the book!

1. Leave a comment saying you've liked Alicia's Facebook page. 

2. Leave a comment saying you've become a fan of hers on Goodreads.

3. Leave a comment saying you've added Rising to the Challenge to your to-read list on Goodreads. 

4. Leave a comment saying you've followed Alicia's blog. 

5. Leave a comment saying which book of hers you like the most (if you've ready any of them) or you think you would like the most. (This entry requires some research, but it may give you an edge!) 

The winner will be announced one week from today, on January 27!

Interview with Alicia A. Willis!

I'm excited today because I'm hosting the historical fiction author Alicia A. Willis for an interview about her newest book, From the Dark to the Dawn: A Tale of Ancient Rome. (This is the first time I've been the host of an interview, and it's just as much fun to be on that end as it is on the interviewee's end.) Alicia A. Willis is a skillful, dedicated, and inspirational author who's a joy to follow online, as her books are a joy to read. She devotes her writing to the Lord! Her books are amazingly well-researched, yet exciting, dynamic, and emotional. I can't wait to see what her newest book is like!

Alicia Willis is a homeschool graduate and avid historian. When not writing or doing endless historical research, she enjoys being a church pianist, teaching music, singing, and playing volleyball. Her other passions include working in her church and spreading the love of Jesus Christ.

Decadent Rome, 61 Anno Domini. The masters of the universe have crushed the Iceni rebellion with an iron hand, slaughtering and enslaving her people.

For Philip, his existence as a captive means living to hatred. He despises his rich, young master, resenting his life of servitude and the wrestling feats Marcus forces him to perform. Bitterness engulfs his soul until he only lives for the day when he will crush the might of Rome.

Then Christianity enters the picture. Taught by a Jewish breadmaker to know the man called Christus, Philip begins the struggle to forgive and honor his master. But forgiveness is not easy towards one who lives for himself.

Marcus Virginius knows nothing but power and pleasure. Destined to a successful career serving Nero in the Praetorian Guard, he wants no part of Christianity. And he is determined to crush Philip’s newfound faith – no matter what it takes.

Join Philip and Marcus in their journey of redemption, faith, and forgiveness. Is love enough to conquer hate? And will the light of the gospel ever surmount the darkness of Rome?

Persecution abounds – will the two young men survive its terrors and live to experience the bright hope of a new dawn?

Expected publication date: July 18, 2014 

And now for the interview!

KB: I think almost every writer has gotten their start by admiring other authors' work. Who are the authors that inspire you the most?

AW: Florence Kingsley, G. A. Henty, and Louisa May Alcott were my biggest influences. I have also learned some things from Anne Mateer, Tricia Goyer, and Erynn Mangum. 

KB: What is your favorite aspect of history, the parts you're most excited to learn: the sweeping events that show God's hand at work; the details of daily life that make historical people real to us; the interesting things that make the past different, like costumes and weapons; or the whole ambiance of a different country and era? Something else? 

AW: I just love all of history! I love learning about the little details of daily life, of how the events in question affected us today, the outfits, and - okay, I love food - the eating habits! History isn't black-and-white; it's full-blown color, with sweeping events and real living, breathing people like you and me. I love watching it come alive.

KB: The Middle Ages is your favorite historical time period, correct? What attracts you to that era and, by contrast, what attracted you to the setting of ancient Rome?  

AW: Well, I would have to say that few gals have a hard time resisting chivalrous knights, castles, and dashing squires. Those aspects are a few of the things I enjoy about the Middle Ages. Contrasting the gentlemanly knights with the brutal ones, examining the mentoring process between knights and squires, studying weaponry and castle architecture... All of the Middle Ages is a fascinating field of study.

I think what most attracted me to ancient Rome is its many similarities to America today. History repeats itself, and I feel we as Americans are very, very similar to the Romans - if not worse. Additionally, Rome's brilliant military expeditions and powerful culture are very fascinating to me.

KB: What were your main, or favorite, sources for researching From the Dark to the Dawn?

AW: Books, trusted internet sites, PBS, speaking with actual historians and professors, Google Translate for Latin, documentaries, my FBI [Faith Bible Institute] classes, and the Bible. 

KB: Do you have a favorite character in From the Dark to the Dawn? Tell us about him (or her)!

AW: That's like asking me to choose a favorite child. :) As close as I am to Marcus, Philip, and Moriah, I would have to say that there is something special about Philip. Captured after the Battle of Watling Street and taken to Rome as a slave, he battles anger, bitterness, and his loss. And, even after Christianity enters the picture, forgiving his harsh young master, Marcus Virginius, isn't easy. His struggles to accept God's will and forgive are very real to me.

KB: What do you hope readers will take out of From the Dark to the Dawn?

AW: I hope readers will be drawn closer to the heart of God. I hope they will realize how blessed we are by our religious freedoms and wholeheartedly set their hearts to praying for our country. And I hope that the persecution and Christian testimonies revealed in From the Dark to the Dawn will inspire them to do more for Jesus themselves.

KB: Are you going to write any more books set in ancient Rome? 

AW: The Lord has not laid any particular story set in Rome on my heart at this time. But who knows?

KB: Now this is a question about technique. One thing I am impressed by is your ability to complete quality projects quickly. You have a busy life outside your writing, so how do you make time to write and do historical research? Do you have any tips for maximizing the time writers have for creativity?  

AW: I do my research and writing simultaneously. While I am scheming on the plot in my brain, I am doing historical research. When I have enough research completed, I begin writing, but I continue researching the entire time to ensure accuracy. I multi-task like crazy. I always have two WIPs, one being written, one being edited/published/etc. At the same time, I squeeze research time into it (reading in the car, recording research while I eat lunch, whatever). I do recommend multi-tasking! :)

Thanks for having me here today!

KB: You're welcome, and thank you. I really appreciated the fascinating interview, Alicia!

Alicia is giving away a free e-book copy of From the Dark to the Dawn. We're going to conduct the giveaway blog-comment style. One comment will give you one entry. So ...

1. Leave a comment saying you've liked Alicia's Facebook page. 

2. Leave a comment saying you've become a fan of hers on Goodreads.

3. Leave a comment saying you've added From the Dark to the Dawn to your to-read list on Goodreads. 

4. Leave a comment saying you've followed Alicia's blog. 

5. Leave a comment saying which book of hers you like the most (if you've ready any of them) or you think you would like the most. (This entry requires some research, but it may give you an edge!) 

The giveaway ends one week from today, Tuesday evening, July 8.