BLOG TOUR: The Strength of Ballerinas by Nancy Lorenz

THE STRENGTH OF BALLERINAS

by Nancy Lorenz

Cedar Fort Publishing, 2014

ISBN: 9781462114528

YA/Adult Fiction

Source: eARC from publisher (Thanks!)

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

All Kendra wants to do is dance for the Manhattan Dance Company. So when her family’s forced to move to California, her dreams of auditioning are shattered. Still determined to dance, Kendra faces social isolation and family pressures in her new home. But when she’s diagnosed with a debilitating illness, Kendra must decide which dreams are worth fighting for.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Lorenz currently teaches as an English adjunct at several colleges. She worked in publishing, public relations and in network television. She studied ballet in New York City at numerous studios, including open level classes at American Ballet Theater in the 1980’s, and continues to study ballet for the sheer love of it. She recommends that you love what you do, but also to branch out to the many subjects out there yet to discover. The more you learn, the more you can bring back into your art.

REVIEW

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BLOG TOUR: Star of Deliverance by Mandy Madson Voisin

STAR OF DELIVERANCE

by Mandy Madson Voisin

Cedar Fort Publishing, 2014

ISBN: 9781462114542

YA/Adult Fiction

Source: eARC from publisher (Thanks!)

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Born a slave and outcast, the young healer Emi discovers an ancient disease spreading among her people. Desperate, she races to the Capital for a cure and unwittingly finds herself in a competition to win over the Crown Prince’s heart. Staying in the game provides time to search for a cure, but it may cost Emi her life—or her heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mandy Voisin is a wife, marketer, and author. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English. Her parents told her she’d never make a living with an English degree, so she’s dedicated the rest of her life to proving them wrong. She loves poetry and babies and her sisters. Mandy currently resides in Phoenix, Ariz., with her husband Kevin who is a sleep deprived medical student with a heart of gold and the world’s best smile. Together they chip away at their dreams.

REVIEW

When I heard this book was a retelling of the Esther story from the Bible, I was immediately interested.  The Esther story has long been one of my favorites.  The story did not disappoint. Emi is a great character who sets out to find a cure for one person and ends up working for her entire people who someone in the castle is determined to destroy.  Ending up in the castle as one of the possible matches for the Crown Prince was not part of the plan, but it might give her the opportunity she needs to help her people. Emi sacrifices a lot to help her people which is admirable and very risky, including leaving her mentor, who is getting on in years, alone to help the sick.  The Crown Prince turns out to be very likable as well, especially as Emi helps open his eyes.  An interesting story that is well-presented and quite enjoyable.