Wedding Score by Amanda Tero

I'm so excited to share the news that an excellent new novella is now available from Amanda Tero. I had the privilege of reading an advanced review copy and, as part of the target audience, found it greatly impactful.

My Review

The first thing that comes to my mind about this novella is how easy it is to identify with if you're a single young woman with no current love interest. And that is so refreshing in fiction for a change. Stephanie is definitely a unique individual with a great personality, but reading about this time in her life, her friendships and feelings, makes me sense I'm seeing in print what my single friends and I live. Which means that the things Stephanie learns here are invaluable to us. Relying on God, not ourselves, especially resonated with me. It's a temptation to think we're all alone on the journey of life if we don't have a spouse. But as Christians we must come to the comforting realization that we're not. It's incredibly hard on our own...but we're not on our own.

I really liked how music played a big role in this story. All the characters were enjoyable, relatable, and realistic, and the plot was simple yet well developed. The ending was just what I had hoped! Highly recommended.

I'm grateful to the author for providing me a copy for my honest review.

About the Release

Are you a single who has been in this singleness journey a little longer than you anticipated? This week is the release of Amanda Tero’s contemporary fiction novella, “Wedding Score.” Main character Stephanie is there with you as she’s suddenly thrown into a season of discontentment and impatience. Told in a whimsical, honest style, “Wedding Score” is a 1-2 hour short read that leaves readers feeling understood and hopeful.

About Wedding Score

Most girls dream of their wedding days. Except me. I’m too busy practicing piano and being the live soundtrack for everyone else’s weddings to think about my own. 

I’ve survived most of my twenties with harmonious chords and pleasant days. So why is it that now, at twenty-seven, a discordant feeling presents itself? 

Is there a solid solution to loneliness when there is absolutely no potential husband on the horizon?

A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN SHORT READ

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | Signed paperback

About Amanda

Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Connect with Amanda

| Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads | Amazon | 

amandaterobooks@gmail.com

Giveaway

Amanda is giving away paperbacks, yes... 

But she really wants to share this story with as many readers as possible. So, for release week, she'll be sending eBooks to anyone who wants one! So hop over and submit your email for a free eBook!

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Visit Amanda's blog for a complete list of bloggers and special tour information.

The Secret Slipper Blog Tour

Welcome to June, everyone! Today I’m excited to be a part of the blog tour for Amanda Tero’s latest release, The Secret Slipper. I’ve been following Amanda’s releases for a while now (and reading as many of them as I can!), and I was particularly excited about The Secret Slipper, as it’s a retelling of my favorite fairy tale, Cinderella.

About the Book

Being a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?

Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?

As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn’t even know is searching for her?

Purchase HERE.

My Review

As I mentioned, Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale. The Secret Slipper is Cinderella with an intriguing twist it appears no one has ever written before: What if Cinderella’s father is the one who is looking for her? This creative turn of character made for a unique story that was able to focus on the yearning for family and belonging instead of the overdone romance, and, most importantly, how God turns out everything to work for the good of His children.

The story is fast-paced and the plot is tight and well written. I read it in two sittings – I did not want to put it down. I found all the characters interesting, but I did feel I wanted a bit more character development among the major characters and differentiation among the more minor characters. But that’s just me! 

I really appreciated the spiritual lessons that Lia and Raoul (Lord Kiralyn) learned, especially Raoul’s conviction about not leaning on his own understanding and instead praying and listening to God’s leading. That was something I needed to be reminded of, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since I read it; it’s really helped me over the past several days of life circumstances. It’s a very meaningful lesson to discover alongside Raoul.

Another twist I was not expecting was in Lia’s character. She is the “Cinderella,” but she wasn’t the tale’s typical angelic maiden; instead, she had a lot of bitterness, which was actually more realistic. Although this was important to the storyline, I was a little disappointed that my normal favorite in the Cinderella tale was not more likeable to me. As it was, I was drawn to her mainly because she had my sympathy for her crippled foot. But her depth of darkness does allow God’s work to shine forth. 

Although The Secret Slipper is the sequel to Befriending the Beast, I haven’t yet read the latter. However, I found The Secret Slipper reads fine as a stand-alone . . . except that it completely whets my appetite for Befriending the Beast! 

In short, this novella immersed me in an intriguing story that was hard to put down and that truly spoke to my heart.

(I purchased this book and was under no obligation to write a positive review.)

About the Author

Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again – starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels. If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Connect with Amanda

Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: http://amandatero.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero

Also Touring with The Secret Slipper

(note that there's a giveaway going on!)

 

May 25, 2017

Amanda @ With a Joyful Noise | Release Day, Giveaway

Leila @ Leila Tualla's Bookshelf | Spotlight

Faith @ Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections | Review, Giveaway

Leona @ Great Books for God's Girls | Review, Interview

May 26

Emily @ Zerina Blossom’s Books | Interview

Kendra @ Knitted By God's Plan (Spotlight) and O'Scarlett Reviews (Review) | Spotlight, Review

Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny | Review, Giveaway

May 27

Anika @ This Journey Called Life | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Katie @ His Princess Warrior | Review, Giveaway

Sarah @ The Destiny of One | Spotlight

Heather @ Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Spotlight, Interview, Giveaway

May 29

Kate @ Once Upon an Ordinary | Review, Interview

Sarah @ Penumbra Reviews | Review

Dary @ Peculiar Miss Darcy | Character Interview

Julia @ My Joyful Journey with Jesus | Interview

May 30

Kenzi @ Honey Rock Hills | Review, Giveaway

Anita @ Christian Author: A.M. Heath  | Review

Judith @ JudithWNicholson  | Interview

May 31

Jesseca @ Whimsical Writings for His glory  | Spotlight, Review

Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae  | Spotlight, Review

Esther @ Purposeful Learning | Review, Interview, Giveaway

June 1

Kellyn @ Reveries Reviews  | Review

Victoria @ Victoria Minks Blog  | Spotlight, Review

Kelsey @ Kelsey’s Notebook | Spotlight

June 2

Hanne @ RockandMinerals4Him | Spotlight, Review, Giveaway

Erica @ Roxbury Books Blog | Spotlight

Janell @ Views from the Window Friend  | Review

Crystal @ Crystal’s Adventures for Christ  | Spotlight, Review, Interview

June 3

Alexa @ Verbosity Reviews  | Spotlight

Faith @ Chosen Vessels  | Review

Melissa @ Clothed with Scarlet | Review, Interview, Giveaway

 

Surrender: A Song Book

Calling all pianists! With a Joyful Noise has released a new piano solo book for late-intermediate to early-advanced pianists. Whether you are your church's pianist or you simply enjoy learning new music for personal enjoyment and reflection, finding new music books is always a joy. Coming from a church pianist who knows the struggle of finding new offertories, Amanda Tero has taken timeless songs and woven advanced techniques into simple, relaxing settings.

The songs in the piano solo book are commonly known as “invitation songs,” and the messages ring true. Have we laid all on the altar for God to control? Have we acknowledge our need for Christ and turned fully to Him? Have we truly surrendered all to Him? Are we daily seeking to be near Him so that we can say in assurance, “It is well with my soul?” Are we eagerly awaiting His eternal plans for us or do we still cling to that which will one day fade away?

Listen to all of the songs on YouTube.

About the Book

Level: Late-intermediate/Early Advanced

Pages: 37

Song List (click on the link to listen to samples)
Is Your All on the Altar - Come, Ye Sinners - I Surrender All - Near the Cross - It is Well With My Soul - Near to the Heart of God - Jerusalem, My Happy Home

Buy the Book

Visit www.withajoyfulnoise.com or email Amanda at withajoyfulnoise@gmail.com for more information on purchasing your own copy (digital or print).

About the Arranger

Amanda Tero is a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, currently living and teaching in Mississippi. She has played piano since 1998, studying under Karen Tero, Donna Hopkins, and Shelley Hayes. The Lord has given her opportunities to be involved in accompaniment, congregational playing, hymn-arranging, and recording since 1999.

Connect with Amanda

Email: withajoyfulnoise@gmail.com

Website: http://withajoyfulnoise.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/wajnmusicvideos

Facebook: www.facebook.com/withajoyfulnoise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withajoyfulnoise/

WAJN Blog: https://wajnmusic.wordpress.com/

Amanda's Blog: http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/

Giveaway

Since not all blog-readers are pianists, there are two giveaways going on, so no one is left out! First, you may enter for a physical copy of Amanda's piano solo CD, The Solid Rock. Second, you may enter to win a print copy of Surrender for yourself. Note: these giveaways are open to U.S. Residents only (non-U.S. residents may enter the giveaway for Surrender if they would like to win a digital copy instead).


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Be sure to hop by the other great blogs that are featuring Surrender on their blogs this month!

~ Bookish Orchestrations ~ Creating Precious Moments ~ Jessa's Whimsical Writings ~ Honey Rock Hills ~ The Destiny of One ~ Ready to be Offered ~ Thoughts on Life ~ Reading in June ~ Kelsey's Note Book ~ Peculiar on Purpose ~

                                                     

Free Short Stories

Until December 1, two of Amanda Tero's short stories, Coffee Cake Days and Debt of Mercy, are free on Amazon!  

Meg has finally graduated and has the time she’s dreamed of for months: time to “sit at the feet of Jesus” and soak up His Word as she seeks what future plans He has for her. She soon runs into a problem: her family. Unwanted interruptions and household duties tear her away from the time she longs to spend in the Bible. Journey with her as she strives to learn the balance of spending time in God’s Word and applying it to her daily life.

Raboc’s eyes narrowed to slits and he thrust his arm forward until his fingers closed around Ancel’s throat. The young man knew better than to resist the powerful lord, but his jaw clenched. “To the dungeon with you. Guards!” “Lord, have mercy,” Ancel pleaded. “Give me time and I shall pay the other half.” 
A medieval retelling of the parable in Matthew 18.

About Amanda Tero:
Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate whose desire is to provide God-honoring reading material that challenges the readers to consider their walk with God. She has currently published several short stories which can be found on Amazon on her website.

Links:
Writing website | Facebook | Blog | Goodreads | Amazon

Amanda Tero writes challenging and faith-filled stories that are really worth looking into! I've enjoyed and been affected by every one of the stories I've read by her!

Coffee Cake, Anyone?

Today I am thrilled to participate in author Amanda Tero’s blog tour to celebrate the release of her newest short story, “Coffee Cake Days”!

I have been so blessed to have gotten to know Amanda Tero online. Her heart for God is inspiring, and I’m excited about the impact her stories (as well as her music and the other things she does!) will have on people. We all need to be returning to God’s Word and making Him our life, which is what she encourages!

My review: “Coffee Cake Days” was short and sweet with a powerful lesson. The main character, Meg, is fully relatable and even though I’m not the oldest of several siblings, I was able to imagine myself in her position. The principle of servanthood is something that we can all take to heart, no matter our place. I especially loved how the Bible verses that Meg reads teach her the right thing to do. This story was at once both heartwarming and convicting!

Review of “Maggie’s Hope Chest,” another short story by Amanda Tero: I read “Maggie’s Hope Chest” twice so the spiritual message could fully sink in … and it was more touching the second time through. What Maggie learned is something that really hits me because I have had to constantly regulate my attachment to my possessions.
I enjoy how Miss Tero makes Maggie’s Bible study, prayers, and conscience-wrestling the drama of the story. It’s realistic to whoever has searched out God’s will on a matter or been trying to avoid something God wanted them to do. The joy that comes at the end is real!
This little story will get you thinking: “Have I really given God all that I have?”

Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate whose desire is to provide God-honoring reading material.

Her current projects include short stories and novels-in-progress. When she was a young teenager,

Amanda was obsessed with writing. However, the Lord helped her to realize that she was writing for

her personal pleasures and purposes - not His. For several years, she put away “pleasure writing" and

wrote mainly Biblical articles for several years (which she still continues). She found the time of writing silence beneficial in gleaning from God's Word and strengthening the focus of why she writes. Since 2013, the Lord directed her to begin writing fiction again. Her desire is to glorify and exalt God in all of her writing. She desires to challenge girls to focus on their relationship with God and grow in Him and His Word. If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!

Website: www.amandatero.weebly.com

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooks

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero

Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Amanda-Tero