Last night, I had my Christmas piano recital, and I left my little handbells out, along with some simple music I put together so the kids could play around. I’m amazed how even the littlest kids can figure out these bells because of the colors. In fact, one little boy (6yo) who is not a piano student yet, and who has not done anything with music, picked up the bells and started playing “Jingle Bells” by himself. They love it!
Several parents have asked about these bells and the music, so I thought I’d share here.
I bought a pair of simple rainbow-colored handbells years ago, like the ones found here. There are 8 bells ranging from C to C, and from red to pink.
My newest novel is now available! I’m so excited for this one.
This project started years ago with a girl who popped into my mind and didn’t want to leave. Even as I worked on other stories, Gisela was never far away. She was looking for love, acceptance, some humor, and peace for her country—things most of us hope for in one form or another.
Princess Gisela of Steinland was born without color. Albino. To add to this curse, her betrothal to Prince Jerrik of Kronga ends in his death and starts a ten-year-war her father is determined to win, even if it means bringing her out of hiding to do it. Now the savage Krongon war commander, Bloodless Kristoff, seeks the hearts of the entire royal family, especially Gisela’s.
Desperate, her father agrees to another alliance that involves her marrying an old brute of a king. Unwilling to be the sacrificial lamb, Gisela goes on the run. Thrown into the center of a battle between three kingdoms, she finds herself fighting for her life and the right to be truly loved.
Can the girl who started the war find a way to end it?
As part of this project, I’ve combined my two great passions, music and books. The idea to compose a “soundtrack” for my novel came a while ago, but I credit my daughter with being the one to help me see that not only could I do it, but I should. It’s been a blast. So I’ve written 11 original piano solos to go along with the story. Songs include: “The Betrothal,” “Ryder,” “The Battlefield,” “Vengeance,” “The Village,” “Tranquility,” and more.
I also need to give a quick shout out to five students at BYU. Four of them helped edit this book as part of their English language editing capstone course: Emily, Rachel, Erica, and Ashley. They have been awesome!
Along with them, Alyse Myers, provided the artwork at the beginning of the book. She did such a lovely job of envisioning Gisela!
Order Books
So check out the book and music and let me know what you think! And if you want to give a signed copy to your favorite readers for Christmas, order it here by Friday (US only).
I’ve had lots going on my life recently, foremost that my 15yo son was diagnosed with cancer. This cancer hit us from out of the blue–which I suppose cancer usually does. Luckily, he’s doing great and he has a phenomenal attitude. Plus, I love being able to spend more time with him now that he’s home for the next six months, undergoing treatment.
His great sense of humor shining through as he contemplates baldness.
As you can imagine, this little hiccup has given me lots to think about–and do–besides books and music. And yet, strangely, it’s also given me lots to be thankful for. One thing I’ve been most thankful for is people. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from friends, family, strangers, and even many of you! It’s meant so much to us–and him.
To show thanks, I’ve decided to give away some FREE signed books.
How far would you go to pursue happiness? What if that happiness isn’t just your own, but involves the safety and happiness of your family and friends?
The Pursuit is out, the final book in the Citizens of Logan Pond trilogy. I’m really excited about this one. :)
Here’s a little about it:
Six years ago, with the financial collapse of her country and the death of her parents, Carrie Ashworth swore to protect her siblings. She has fought to build a life for them in her illegal clan. In this battle for siblings and friends, for homes lost and freedoms stolen, the citizens must ask: How far would you go to pursue happiness? The stakes are pushed to their boundaries in this highly anticipated final book in Rebecca Belliston’s Citizens of Logan Pond trilogy, bringing her epic love story to an unforgettable end.
“Loved this book full of suspense and surprises!” – Cathy, My Book a Day
“Nail-biting conclusion to a riveting series…will satisfy readers who love Dystopian stories with a touch of romance.” – Charissa, Joy in the Moments
“Couldn’t put it down. Love Love Loved it. Full of suspense and romance, and is a thought-provoking story on top of it all. I highly recommend this series!” – Janet, Goodreads Review
As part of the fun, find out which citizen you are and TAKE THE QUIZ. Then let me know who you get.
Audiobooks
The Citizens of Logan Pond trilogy is now on audiobooks, read by the talented Rebecca Roberts! LIFE is already available, with LIBERTY, and THE PURSUIT coming soon. They’re available for MP3 download, CDs, libraries, Audible, and all that jazz. It’s awesome! I love audiobooks.
My friend Jennifer Moore has a new romance novel out that I’m anxious to read. It looks so fun and sweet. I’m excited to be part of her blog tour and $25 giftcard GIVEAWAY today (enter below).
The RONE Awards are hosted by In D’tale Magazine which said of LIBERTY, “this novel has a scary but very realistic premise which makes it a piece that should be required reading for young and old alike.” – In D’tale Magazine
They’ve placed LIBERTY in the NEW ADULT category, which has the reputation of a lot of hot, steamy, very adult romances. My book is NOT that type of romance. It’s squeaky clean, appropriate for readers of all ages, so it needs all the support it can get.
Plus, because I’ve been so out of it this week (2 kids with the flu; ugh), I didn’t realize voting has been going on ALL WEEK LONG. It’s Thursday now. Not sure how it is, but it is indeed Thursday today.
So anyway, if you have a second and can vote for my baby, I mean, my book, I’d love you forever! (I’ll love you forever even if you can’t.) :)
Most of the ‘reading’ I do these days is through audiobooks. I love them. For a while now, I’ve wanted to get LIFE | LIBERTY | THE PURSUIT onto an audio format.
Well, I’m thrilled to announce that it’s happening!
Rebecca Roberts, audiobook narrator for the Citizens of Logan Pond trilogy
Rebecca Roberts, a talented narrator, is narrating and producing the three books, and Blackstone Audio, the largest independent audiobook publisher will be doing the distribution, getting it into bookstores, libraries, Audible, etc. So cool.
Rebecca is doing such a lovely job with the story and the characters. I can’t wait for you to hear! (See Rebecca Robert’s other works here and here.)
Here is the tentative release schedule for the audiobooks:
So if you’re a fan of audiobooks like I am, they’re coming!
(Speaking of The Pursuit, many have asked when the release date is for the print/ebook version. I don’t technically have a release date yet, but that too is coming. I’m working hard, trying to wrap up all loose ends in the trilogy to make sure it ends with a bang! I’ll keep you posted.)
