"The Torch Keepers" ~ Release Celebration! ~ Author Interview

Hello! Today I have a special treat for you all! Hosanna Emily, author of The Torch Keepers, is joining us today with an author interview! The Torch Keepers releases TOMORROW!!!

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Hi Hosanna! Welcome to my blog!

Hey Molly! Thank you so much for interviewing me; you picked great questions, and it’s a huge blessing getting to share here. ♥

1. What is the most important thing God taught you while writing The Torch Keepers?

He can.

When this story was a tiny idea, God did everything. He took the little flame of a dream and inspired a whole book. When I ran out of ideas and went to His Word, He spoke. When editing got long and publishing got stressful, He provided as soon as I stopped and went to Him for help.

God wants to be the entirety of our lives! And through writing The Torch Keepers, He showed me how He provides; He can do everything. We just have to let go and let Him take us away.

2. What is the main thing you want people to take away from your book?

I want readers to know that no matter what, they are loved and sought after. That the King has a purpose for every single life. Which ties into the next question…

3. What inspired you to write The Torch Keepers?

This story started way before I even thought of writing it down. Years ago, I read an article about two beautiful, teenage girls who left their homes to become terrorists in a foreign country.

I was shocked, wondering how someone so full of life, talents, a future, could leave everything to live such a dark life. To do something so horrible. It hurt as I gazed into the girls’ faces. I wanted to grab them, stop them from those decisions.

But I couldn’t. So I kept living in my own world, so far away from theirs.

Until God had me write their story. In a school assignment, I penned a short story that mirrored the girls’ lives. I wrote about someone who chose to leave their pure life to do terrible things. I never meant to write a story off that article I read so long ago—God simply gave me a story.

That’s why the story has so much purpose: God used me to write the book I wish those girls could have read. That they are loved. They have a purpose. They are valued and treasured, no matter what mistakes they made. The King is there searching for them.

4. What is your favorite book of the Bible?

Ohh, hard question! I would choose either Psalm (because what beautiful, heartfelt poetry!) or 1st John (that heart for Love the author had! It inspires me so much.)

5. How has your relationship with God grown over your years of writing?

Wow. Where would I start?

Every story has revealed a little more of Jesus to me. The Torch Keepers taught me to trust Jesus more fully, and it also helped me discover the powerful, overwhelming love that He has for His children. Thus, specifically in this newest novel, the way I’ve grown is by getting to know Him more closely.

Maybe that’s what all Christians discover after seeking Jesus over the years: there’s still more of Him to learn, find, be enamored and overwhelmed with. ♥

6. Which character is your favorite, and which one best fits your personality?

ALL OF THEM.

*cough* Okay, so this question is way too hard. Every single character is so special to me, and they all have little pieces of my heart in their stories.

But if I HAD to pick one…

Rekém is a favorite. He struggles a lot, and many readers are going to see him as some dark, horrible villain. But I really like this guy. He is searching, like so many of us are. And behind the hard, hurt shell he hides behind, there’s a heart for peace. So yeah. =)

And a character that’s like me? I suppose it would be my other main character, Kadira. Honestly she makes mistakes, forgets how loved she is. Kadira lives radically for what she believes in, and usually makes the wrong decision. But, in the end, she remembers where she came from. And that she is so treasured.

We’re similar in that we both want to live hard-core for what we believe in. We also sometimes lose sight of what’s important. Yet the King always draws us back to His heart. ♥

7. What is the theme song for The Torch Keepers?

Oh no… Every character in The Torch Keepers has a theme song, but somehow I forgot to choose one for the book itself? So I guess I’ll have to go with one of Kadira’s soundtracks,“Nuvole Bianche” by Ludovico Einaudi or another character’s, called “Time (Inception)” by Hans Zimmer. (epic soundtracks are so much fun!)

8. What is your favorite Bible verse?

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

“The LORD your God is in your midst; the Mighty One will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

Because He does love. He does treasure you. And if you search for Him, He will be found and be your Best Friend.

Amazing answers, Hosanna! Thank you for allowing me to interview you! :)

The celebration is still going! Don't forget to check out Hosanna's blog, and hear about the amazing characters! :)

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focus on the Savior- not the storm

Life brings us all storms. Some storms can be literal tornadoes, hurricanes, etc., but others are physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental storms. 

Storms can be so hard. They can be cruel, horrible, and devastating. And they can feel as if you will never get out. In the storm, do you cry, "why me?" Or do you focus on Yeshua, and not on the storm?

Matthew 14:22-33 says, "Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."'

How many times have we, like Peter, focused on the storm, instead of on Yeshua? Yeshua saved Peter, even though he doubted, but Yeshua did ask, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Why do we doubt? We need to trust Him, and know that He will see us through any storm.

No matter where you are at in life, it's not promised to be easy, but if you focus on the Savior and not the storm, it will draw you closer to Yeshua and make you stronger. Look to Yeshua- never look down, back, or from side to side- just look to the King.

So focus on the Savior- not the storm.

Starlight Animal Rescue ~ Book Review

Synopsis

Starlight Animal Rescue: Where problem horses are trained and loved, where abandoned dogs become heroes, where stray cats become loyal companions. And where people with nowhere to fit in find a place to belong.

Review

This is one of my favorite series by Dandi Daley Mackall. The story lines in these books are incredible! I loved how the animals helped the characters heal and how they also helped the characters know Who God is. In three out of the four books, the main characters come from rough backgrounds- a runaway foster teen, to a cancer patient. The animals always help to show God's love to these teens and kids. Although all of the books were great, my favorites were definitely Runaway and Dark Horse. The faith themes were beautifully written! 

If you love redemption stories, horses, cats, or dogs, these books would be a great choice! :)

it's okay not to know

As an older high school teen, with graduation seeming right around the corner, many people have been asking me what I want to do with my life after high school. Questions such as this aren't bad, and they mean well.

However, when all you have to say in response is: "I don't know", it can be hard. It can be hard not knowing what you want to do with your life after high school, or after college, or wherever you're at in life.

It's okay not to know where you want to be in a few years, it's okay not to know what to do after high school. Yeshua will help you see what you should do when the time is right. So don't waste your time worrying. Trust Him. He's got this. :)

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you."

The Journals of Callie McGregor ~ Book Review

Synopsis

Pioneer woman Callie McGregor and her family are determined to survive the Indian massacres, prairie wildfires, droughts, and blizzards of the Montana territory in the 1800s with their faith intact.

Review

This was a great series! My sisters and I have really enjoyed these! The journal form was different, but it was a fun change. The characters all had their own personalities- Stem and Jessie were my favorites. Their spunk, never-give-up attitudes, and determination, was awesome! Callie was also a great character. I loved how she stood up for those that were looked upon in society as being less important, or less valued. The pioneer setting and the adventures were so fun to read about!

Overall, these two books are great for anyone who loves adventure, funny family moments, and pioneer life!