by Amanda Tero
Lia loved hearing the gentleness with which Lord and Lady Kiralyn said her new name. She would be more than happy to replace the “Lia” that Bioti used in her harsh tones.
“I see we shall have to set up a schedule of sorts so that you may be shared equally with both Raoul and me.” Lady Kiralyn’s eyes were filled with love as she looked from her husband to Lia.
Lia allowed herself to be led to the settee and nestled between the two of them—Lord Kiralyn lounging back, seeming relaxed and satisfied, Lady Kiralyn sitting neatly on the edge, proper and precise.
“Ellia.” Lord Kiralyn shifted, as if to see Lia better. “I realize that Elayne is not your mother by birth, and that you barely know me as your father…but we would be honored if you decide that you can call us ‘Mother’ and ‘Father.’” He reached down and squeezed her hand. “It may take years. We’re willing to wait.”
“Mother. Father.” The names rolled deliciously off her tongue and she kept her tears at bay. How many times had she hidden away, whispering them where no one could hear, longing for someone to be such to her? She looked up at Lord Kiralyn. “I think I am ready to use them very soon, m’lord—Father.” She was ready—more than ready—to embrace the changes offered her. She looked from Lord to Lady Kiralyn…Father and Mother. Smiles broadened on their faces and tears glistened in Mother’s eyes.
Father lowered his head and planted a kiss on Lia’s golden brown hair. “I should like that, Ellia, very much.”
1) How did Bioti’s and Nes’s choices affect the lives of others? Have you thought much about the choices that you make and how they affect others?
2) What was Raoul’s initial struggle? How did his struggle intensify throughout the story?
3) How did he learn to overcome this struggle? What choices could he have made sooner?
4) What lessons did Raoul learn that you could apply to your own life? Are there areas in which you’re afraid to trust God? Do you have pieces of your heart that you’re scared to surrender to Him?
5) What is one verse that you turn to when you are struggling?
6) How would you react if you were Lia, under Bioti’s guardianship?
7) How could Lia be made beautiful, even though she suffered from a deformity which, in her lifetime, would never be healed?
8) Do you struggle with accepting the way that God made you—flaws and all? Are you learning, like Lia, to embrace the way God shaped you?
9) Have you, like Lia, experienced the beautiful gift of salvation—the healing of the deformity of your soul?
10) Even if you have never been given the opportunity of a “fresh start” like Lia, has there been any point at which your life changed? How did God use those moments in your life?
The Tales of Faith series is what I consider my “fantasy” medieval series. Fantasy in that I am not specifically basing it in a certain era or country. The lands, castles, and characters in Tales of Faith are completely from my imagination. While I have gleaned some historical tidbits from the medieval era, I am not writing this as a historical fiction series. Thus, some things may hint at modern for the time.
It is all the fault of my author-friend, A.M. Heath. Not long after “Befriending the Beast” released, she messaged me, “Have you ever thought of doing a Cinderella story, where the prince is the father?” I stayed up until midnight with my mind churning the what-ifs. I think I got the title before I really solidified an idea. “The Secret Slipper” has had many firsts for me: writing from two perspectives, writing as a married character, and having an active antagonist to mention a few. I have not enjoyed every moment of writing, re-writing, editing, and learning, but looking back, it is something I wouldn’t want to trade, for I have learned so much!
Now for thanks…these are getting harder and harder to write, as there seems to be so many who offer their assistance.
Anita – like I said, this was your fault. ;) Thank you so much for being my writing mentor and selflessly offering your brain and expertise to help me! My writing has grown from your friendship.
Faith – you’ve been my accountability writing partner for the process of this story. You’ve helped me to stay on my toes, and I’m grateful!
Kenzi – how many times have you read my manuscript? Just as many times as I have, I do believe. I don’t think you know just how much I appreciate your prayers, encouragement, and suggestions with my many projects.
Lizzie – the picture of Lia! I am so honored to use your photography for my book cover, and grateful for you allowing me to use it (and thanks to Rachel, the subject).
Emily – because of you, Lia has slippers on the cover. You are amazing!
Mom – the years of red pen seem to have finally paid off! Thank you for your unending encouragement in my writing.
My Family – thanks for bearing with me as I talked about my characters and ideas and everything. Your support means so much!
My FaceBook Street Team – thanks for letting me flood your newsfeed on my writing days with questions, thoughts, and prayer requests! Y’all are an amazing support!
To those who read my pathetic and very needy first-draft: Katie, Janell, Rachel, Anita, Kenzi, and Aimee. Thanks for your suggestions and input. You always make me think twice as I edit, and I need that! Special thanks to Katie and Rachel, who also read this manuscript multiple times. Y’all are amazing!
My beta-readers: Faith, Olivia, Jesseca, Kellyn, Hannah, AnneMarie, Liberty Baehr, Liberty Bluebelle, Alicia, Marlene, Darcy, Hanna, Esther, Joanna, Naomi, Emily...your help was wonderful! I know that this Slipper shines because of your input!
Again, my heart is overflowing with gratitude to my Lord Jesus Christ. Not only does He supply ideas for new stories, He is also faithful to give me wisdom for every place I have questions. To Him belongs all glory and honor, for without Him, I am nothing.
And to you, my reader, thank you. Unless you are also an author, you likely do not know how encouraging it is for me to have you reading my book and leaving your reviews! Thank you.
Until next time,
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Connect with Amanda
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.amandatero.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooks
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Pinterest: amandaruthtero
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: AmandaTero
Have you met the Master Author?
The "author and finisher of our faith," the "author of salvation?"
Well, why do we need to know the Master Author?
There is no man, woman, boy, or girl who is without sin. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Have you lied, cheated, stolen, taken God's Name in vain, coveted, or lusted? All of these are sins according to God's Holy law (see Exodus 20). Even if we neglect in just one area of God's law, we are found sinners. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10) The payment for sin is death ("For the wages of sin is death;" Romans 6:23a)
God does not desire to leave us in this hopeless, destitute state. He did what we could not do and paid the debt for us. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to come, be born of a virgin, live a sinless, perfect life, die a cruel death, and rise again, victorious over sin, death, and hell! Romans 6:23 continues to say, "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Jesus Christ is the only way to have eternal life, to be forgiven ("Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6). God promised us that, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Salvation comes by putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for
salvation and eternity ("Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, " Acts 16:31) and repenting from our sins ("Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," Acts 3:19).
So, have you met the Author?