by Dina Sleiman
This week I received in the mail a much anticipated sequel. But let's look back for a minute to January when I took the bold step of declaring Soul's Gate by James Rubart my new all-time favorite novel. Months later, I am more than willing to stand by that statement. You can see my review of Soul's Gate here. At the end of the review I actually went so far as to say this, "Honestly, I'd much rather you read this novel than one of mine." And I'm still willing to stand by that statement as well. (Although I'd really like it if you'd read mine too ;) The reason being, I think the best fiction challenges you and truly affects your life, and Jim's books are guaranteed to do that while taking your on a thrilling journey you will never forget.
So when Jim mentioned on facebook that he was looking for people to help him spread the word about his sequel, Memory's Door, I jumped right on that opportunity. This week I received my shiny new copy with glee. I'm about halfway through it, and I am not in the least bit disappointed. Although I didn't rush through it in a twenty-four hour read-a-thon, it is because there is too much to be savored and mulled over. It is as enthralling as the first book of the series, and jam-packed with spiritual insight.
Why don't I let Jim tell you a little bit about his series himself?
I'll be back next Friday with my official review of Memory's Door. In the meantime, if you haven't read Soul's Gate yet, (what in the heck are you waiting for?!?!) I highly suggest you get started there. While each book in this series contains a complete story and can stand alone, you will enjoy them best and be able to better appreciate the subtle nuances if you read them in order.
What is your favorite series? Why do you love it so much? Do you prefer a series in which the books can stand alone or one that leaves you in the middle of the action?
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Dina Sleiman writes lyrical stories that dance with light. Most of the time you will find this Virginia Beach resident reading, biking, dancing, or hanging out with her husband and three children, preferably at the oceanfront. Since finishing her Professional Writing MA in 1994, she has enjoyed many opportunities to teach literature, writing, and the arts. Her debut novel, Dance of the Dandelion with Whitefire Publishing, won an honorable mention in the 2012 Selah Awards. Her latest novel, Love in Three-Quarter Time, was the launch title for the Zondervan First imprint. Look for her newest release, Dance from Deep Within, in November. Dina is also a part-time acquistions editor for WhiteFire Publishing, and she is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Join her as she discovers the unforced rhythms of grace. For more info visit her at http://dinasleiman.com/
Wow! What a great teaser!
ReplyDeleteI'm stunned. Looking at the description of the book, I was like, "Yeah, that's probably good. I might check it out someday."
But the way he describes it in the video, without EVER giving anything away, is absolute perfection. Now I'm thinking, "MUST. READ. THIS. BOOK."
When I grow up, I want trailers like that.
Off to order . . . :D
Cool! I hope more people will be inspired to read it too. I thought the trailer was pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteWow, is right - Jim's trailer is perfect.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Dina. Thanks for sharing. I've been interested in Jim's books since I interviewed him for ACFW Fiction Finder for his novel, The Chair. He really gets your mind working.
As for series... I love reading books in series, but want them to be stand-alone in that if I miss one I'm not lost. A mere mention of what I missed will suffice - not reminding me every chapter!
Ditto what DeAnna said! I've seen a lot of trailers, but I think I like this style best. Probably wouldn't work for every book, but it certainly works for this one. Yeah, I wanna read the series now, too!
ReplyDeleteAnita, The Chair is actually his only book that I missed. I'll have to go back and catch that one at some point. But I do love this new series the best.
ReplyDeleteNiki, I think this would fit what some people are calling "transformational fiction," and I think this kind of trailer is awesome for that.
ReplyDeletetransformational fiction -
ReplyDeletewhat an idea. makes romance sound a bit flimsy, eh?
oh well, variety is good. This sounds amazing. Perfect trailer. Looking forward to your review!
Yeah...well...I guess romance could be transformational, but I think you kind of have to sneak that part in there.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of transformation fiction. Nice. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm with Anita. I like each book in a series to be a stand alone in case I miss one. I want to be able to go back and read it. I do not like series where you have to read this book by this author, then this book by another author, etc. Because they usually do not list the other books in the series. And if I buy one without realizing it, it's usually #3 and it won't have a conclusion and I won't know what came before. I really don't like that. Really.
I've said before that Angela Hunt has a series that I read many many years ago, that remains my favorite. The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor. Strong women, Dina. That's why I like them. Strong, strong women. I wish I could write like that. :-)
Suzie, I think you could read Memory's Door alone and still enjoy it. He hit giving you needed details from Book 1 without bogging the book down very well. I just think it's too good of a series to skip book 1.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of strong women, the woman of the group in these books has the leadership gift. Love that.
Thank you, Dina. I will definitely give it a try. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, all. Greatly appreciate your comments. :) So does my son Taylor who I put together the trailer with.
ReplyDeleteSo hope all of you enjoy Memory's Door if you choose to read it.
Forgot to mention that I intentionally wrote Memory's Door in a way that people can enjoy it thoroughly without reading Soul's Gate. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jim :)
ReplyDelete