Today we welcome YA author Emerald Barnes back on the blog with a great guest post and info on her new release.

In The Chosen, Myka has to face the fact that she’s been chosen for a position she never knew existed nor wanted. Finding herself face to face with the future laid out before her, Myka realizes that just because she was chosen, doesn’t mean everything is all sunshine and rainbows. She’s torn between following her heart or loyalty.

Hi! I’m Emerald Barnes, author of young adult fiction and a follow your heart enthusiast, and I want to talk to you today about both of these things.

In my writing, I try and write realistic fiction, even though it may be in an unrealistic setting. Take my Knight’s Academy series for instance. Yes, there are vampires and werewolves, and although there are these paranormal aspects, the characters are very much realistic and deal with some realistic problems.

In book three, the latest release, Myka, my main character, is struggling between being loyal to her pack and grandmother’s wishes or following her heart.

I very much am a “follow your heart” girl, so I have this message inside my books about how it’s important to follow your heart. Don’t get me wrong. These books are just super fun books to read without an overarching message, if that’s what you like, but I also know that to those reading, I also want this message to get across.

I have always been a shy person, but from the start, my family has always supported my dreams, specifically my dream to write, and I just want to share that love and support. I want people to know that following your dreams, following your heart is okay. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that! And I can do that in my writing. And if you follow me at on any of my social media sites, you’ll see that I do share inspirational things when I’m not failing at being witty. Even my Entertaining Angels series is very uplifting.

Since I write in the YA genre, I feel like this is an important message for teens too. How many of us needed to know that it was okay to follow our hearts and dreams when we were kids? *raises both hands* I see that, I understand that. Even in my *coughs* thirties, I see the importance of helping others learn how to follow their dreams.

I won’t say it’s easy. Following your dreams never is, but it’s also very important to continue to pursue them. Why? Because, can you imagine lying on your death bed and thinking, “Man, I wish I had done this when I had the chance.”? I can’t. I don’t want to. I want to know that I did everything I could to follow my heart, and in doing so, I know that it will be the most fulfilling thing. Even if I fail! Don’t give up. Myka doesn’t, and though there are still struggles, she knows she made the right decision.

What are some of your dreams? Have they died? Are you still pursuing them?
Today, I just want you to determine in your heart to never give up. You have someone cheering for you. *cheers and applauds* I don’t care if you’re twelve or ninety-nine. You’ve got this!
 
The Chosen Blurb:
 
Still reeling from her grandmother’s death, Myka William’s has been chosen to rule her pack, but she isn’t sure she wants the job. It comes with an unwanted fiancé and vampires who are still hunting them down. Running away has always been her go-to answer, but Myka’s finally found what she’s been looking for—home. Running is no longer an option.
As the last female alpha in her pack, Myka isn’t allowed to follow her heart, and she has to fight a battle between her heart and head. Will Myka be able to have the happy ending she so desperately wants?
Along with help from vampires, hybrids, and werewolves she can trust, Myka must learn how to find a way out of her engagement, get the pack to take her seriously, and save her pack from the vicious vampires who want to use them for unspeakable things.
 
 
Tagline:
Being the chosen one isn’t as easy as it seems.
 
 
Bio:
Emerald Barnes resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it. She’s an auntie, a youth leader, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a family-oriented person. God is number One in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor. She’s addicted to tv, and she has a thing for superheroes. When she’s not working, she’s binge-watching TV shows or trying (and failing) to be witty on social media.
 
Website: www.emeraldbarnes.us
Blog: ebarnes23.wordpress.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/emeraldbarnes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fanpageforemeraldbarnes
Twitter: www.twitter.com/emeraldbarnes
Street Team: www.facebook.com/groups/emeraldbarnesstreetteam
Fan Team: www.facebook.com/groups/emeraldbarnesfans
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/emeraldbarnes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/emerald_barnes
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emeraldbarnes
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Barnes/e/B004PL38QS
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/emerald-barnes
 
Knight’s Academy Series (Amazon)
 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073PB8NQS/

Afraid of All the Things: Tornadoes, Cancer, Adoption, and Other Stuff You Need the Gospel For by Scarlet Hiltibidal

       Do you worry a lot? Were you also a fearful kid? Then this is the book for you. Scarlet Hiltibidal  has written a book that not only lets you know you’re not alone in your fears, but shares scriptures and thoughts to try and replace those fearful thoughts.  She shows you how to reframe those fears by going to the Bible and reading the scriptures dealing with fears.

      I wasn’t sure what to expect when starting it. I worried I might even find myself anxious while reading it, but instead I found myself feeling calmer while reading it. My copy currently has a lot of highlights in it from my gel highlighter. I read section one in one sitting because it was hard to put down.

             On a side note, if you like the tone of the humor in my books, then you’ll enjoy the humor in this book as well.

          I’d highly recommend this for anyone who deals with fears and anxiety. I have already recommended it to a few people because it’s one of those books that you start emailing your friends about.

​I received this book from BH Publishing and Lifeway in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.