Guest Post – Children’s Books I Drew Inspiration From – Kellyn Roth
Today I am sharing a guest post from Kellyn Roth as part of the Springtime in Surrey Blog Tour!
I’m so excited to participate in the blog tour and giveaway for a new novella collection: Springtime in Surrey: a Wild Blue Wonder Press anthology!
Kellyn – Thanks for sharing this guest post with us today.
Children’s Books I Drew Inspiration From
by Kellyn Roth
Hello everyone! I’m Kellyn Roth, and I’m delighted to be guest posting on this blog to celebrate the release of Springtime in Surrey, Wild Blue Wonder Press’s first-ever novella collection! This anthology features eight Christian women’s fiction stories from eight amazing authors.
But today I’m coming on here to talk about some children’s books I’ve drawn inspiration from over the years. As someone who was homeschooled K-12 and had a book-loving mom, I read hundreds of amazing children’s books over the years. My mother read aloud to us multiple times a day, and as soon as I could, I read (and reread!) to myself, too.
Below are some of my favorite children’s books which have left an invaluable impact on my writing.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett:
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Secret Garden” is a timeless classic set in the Yorkshire moors in what is presumably the Edwardian era. This enchanting tale follows Mary Lennox, a young girl who discovers a hidden (dare I say, secret) garden and, in the process, transforms not only the neglected garden but also her own life.
Just like in The Secret Garden, I’ve a love for writing children characters who go on adventures and make new discoveries of their own. It was also my first introduction to what is still my favorite era—Edwardian—and my first introduction to what is my favorite English county—Yorkshire.
But I think the main thing that The Secret Garden convinced me of is that a book can be brim full of the joy of God in the little ways in such a beautiful manner that you can’t help but leave it smiling—and also, that a book can address heavy topics without feeling like a slog of a tragedy.
Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards:
Julie Andrews Edwards, renowned for her magical performances on stage and screen, also demonstrates her talent as a writer in “Mandy,” a book that is far too unknown. (Everyone should read it!) This heartfelt story revolves around a young orphan named Mandy who finds solace and joy in an abandoned cottage.
Mandy was one of the first books that made me cry—and despite being raised in a full family, the longing for love and acceptance and individualism that Mandy struggles with utterly charmed me. I realized that I wanted to write books like that, the kind that stick with you because of their themes and strong emotions without being aggressive or feeling a need to drag the reader through pages of explanation. The story was simple—intentionally so—but left a massive impact on me.
Plus, it’s adorably cute.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall:
Jeanne Birdsall’s “The Penderwicks” series is a delightful and heartwarming collection of stories about the adventures of four sisters. Through the eyes of Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty, Birdsall skillfully captures the essence of childhood and the power of family bonds. (Though I didn’t ever read the last one, as it betrayed me. If you’ve read the series, you know why!)
I adored all the unique characters and the family dynamics of this series, especially the first novel in the series. What did it make me want to do? Well, write a cast of fun, interesting, unique characters … and especially, write families. I’ve always been pretty passionate about writing families, but this book just sealed the deal.
The Henry Huggins series by Beverly Cleary:
Beverly Cleary’s “Henry Huggins” series brings to life the everyday adventures of an ordinary boy named Henry and his loyal dog, Ribsy. Cleary’s writing is characterized by its humor, wit, and ability to capture the essence of childhood innocence.
These books, and all of Cleary’s, were childhood staples for me. I adored them because they were simple stories of adventures and misadventures—without a need to go on epic quests, create fantasy worlds, or dig up mysteries. I liked the simplicity of real life but made more interesting—and I also felt a lot of the stories reflected my own childhood growing up with my siblings and cousins on our family ranch.
Therefore, I decided to write just that, but for people my own age—simple stories, but stories with the heart and adventure of the ordinary.
Thanks, Kellyn for sharing with my audience. I loved learning more about the children’s books that shaped your life.
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Purchase Springtime in Surrey on Amazon
About the Book
The genre is … Christian Women’s Fiction, both Historical and Contemporary
This collection of novellas, set in County Surrey, England, features both historical and contemporary stories by new and old authors!
Springtime in Surrey contains the follow eight novellas:
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
Elinor Chapman, an orphaned laundry woman, must fight to survive after WWI breaks out. She prays her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did 14 years ago. She is forced to take on nursing, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Will she run herself into the ground … or will she learn to rest in Jesus?
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, Moira struggles to discover hope amongst her lost ballerina dreams. Unsettled by elusive goals of his own, sheep farmer Adrian observes his uncle’s neighbor crying into her tea and wonders why… and what he can do to cheer her up. While facing their regrets, can Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan despite crushed dreams and far-off hopes?
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Forced from her childhood home after her father was killed in action, Meredith Tate is forced to seek employment at the Deepdene Hotel until she discovers the next step. Which most certainly does not include the brooding Captain Trevor Seaton, a guest who always manages to catch her at her worst. Despite his gentle magnetism, Meredith is determined not to fall for a military man—but God may have other plans.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. Then a mysterious letter signed by Jane Austen brings her back to her family’s fading tea shop and a pair of unlikely comrades. Will they find the letter writer—and perhaps discover themselves along the way? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses?
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
Hardworking Margaret Enfield is thrilled with her engagement to her lifelong best friend Lester. When his brother’s sudden illness forces Lester’s prolonged and indefinite absence, every tomorrow feels bleak to Margaret as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. As she throws herself into her tasks, can she learn to trust her tomorrows with Jesus—one day at a time?
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
Where to Find It
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OpdzZh
Website: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/springtime-in-surrey/
Add it to your TBR stack on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157492074-springtime-in-surrey
Or on Bookbub:
What about this giveaway, though?!
The authors of Springtime in Surrey are hosting a huge giveaway with not one but two winners—a US winner and an international winner—over the course of the blog tour!
From July 25th to July 31st, follow the tour, commenting on posts, and subscribe to the authors’ newsletters and blogs! The winners will be announced on August 1st and contacted by email!
US Prizes
A print copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a spring-themed mug, a bookish ornament, a spring-themed candle, an inspirational journal, and tea.
International Prizes
An ebook copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a gift card, an ebook of choice by Erika Mathews, an ebook from the winner’s Amazon wishlist, an exclusive epilogue of The Tussie-Mussie, and a phone wallpaper.
Rules
Entrants must be 18+ or have parental permission to enter. Two winners—one US and one international—will be randomly selected at the end of the giveaway and contacted by email. The winners must be comfortable sharing their shipping addresses. Any and all information provided through the giveaway will be used only for the purposes stated.
ENTER BELOW:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1956f7e911/?
Feel free to check out Wild Blue Wonder Press on Instagram and Facebook, participate in the social media bookish challenge, or browse the other posts on the blog tour using our …
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, July 24th
Kickoff Post at Lilacs & Reveries
Interview with Katja H. Labonté at Sheep Among Wolves
Interview with Faith Blum at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Launch Announcement at Writing to Inspire
Interview with Rachel Leitch at Words & Wildflowers
Three-Novella Review at Miraculous Homeschool
Tuesday, July 25th (LAUNCH DAY)
Collection Spotlight at Of Blades and Thorns
Collection Spotlight & Single-Novella Review at Review from the Stacks
Collection Review at Emily Yager
Collection Review at The Book Dragon’s Alcove
Collection Review at Story of a Christian Girl
Wednesday, July 26th
Two-Novella Review at H.S. Kylian
Collection Review at Abbigail B.
“Tips from Editing 7 Novellas in a Month,” a Guest Post by Kellyn at Joyfully Natasha
Collection Review at Imperial Scribis
Thursday, July 27th
“Why We Wrote Stories Set in Surrey,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at A Handful of Quietness
Collection Review at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Collection Spotlight at Kelsey’s Notebook
Single-Novella Review at Vanessa Hall
Interview with Andrea Renee Cox at Story of a Christian Girl
Friday, July 28th
Two-Novella Review at Read Review Rejoice
Collection Spotlight at Writing to Inspire
Collection Review at Graceful Reflections
“Why I Love Writing Women’s Fiction,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Abbigail B.
Saturday, July 29th
Collection Review at Saraina Whitney
Collection Review & Collection Spotlight at Little Blossoms for Jesus
“Children’s Books I Drew Inspiration From,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Wrapup Post at Lilacs & Reveries
