Hello friends and welcome to the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour for Silencing the Siren by Denise L. Barela! I really cannot even tell you how excited I was to hear that Denise was publishing a book. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her through Celebrate Lit, and she is such a phenomenal person. She has the sweetest heart, best attitude, and is quick to pray for you. Gosh I just love this girl. And so of course I jumped at the chance to read her first novel!!
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About the Book
Silencing the Siren Series: Ever After Series #7
Published by Celebrate Lit Publishing
on January 4, 2022
Genres: Christian, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Fiction / Christian / Historical, Historical
Amazon | ChristianBook.comAndrew Grayson thought he had everything… until he met her.
The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it—clothes, gadgets… even a car! What more could a young man desire?
Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire… in a wheelchair!
Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can’t help but fall for her.
Annabel’s connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the “right” girl with the “right connections.” But he won’t do it. He’ll defy them and marry his little mermaid.
When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don’t add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, “What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?”
Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.
My Perspective
Silencing the Siren is a fun play on the beloved tale The Little Mermaid. Barela gives it such a unique twist in Annabel, a character I can easily connect with. I may not have had legs like Annabel, but I can certainly understand what it’s like to be different, and to be looked at in a way that makes you feel two inches tall because you are different. And bless Andrew’s heart – first drawn by her beauty, but once getting to know the true Annabel he reminds readers of the importance of knowing a person on the inside. That’s where the true beauty lies!
I also appreciate how Barela brings light to the performers in this story. I think quite often, especially back in this time period, the world looked at them with scorn and mockery. Yet as Barela so easily depicts in her story, they are people, just like us. They have fears, worries, tender hearts, compassion, and love. What a wonderful reminder of the importance of treating people the same, no matter how they appear.
Barela did a wonderful job of bringing characters to life in her debut novel. Not only did she have a beautiful theme weaved into each and every page, she also brought a faith theme, that while not overtly in your face, beautifully present. I’m excited to see what’s next for Barela and to see her growth as an author. This is been a delightful series to read, and I’m so glad she was a part of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Denise Barela’s passion for fiction, her faith, and general creativity define her life. In all things, she strives to glorify God, though especially in and through her writing. She has spent the past six years working for a publicity company and five years working as the head editor for a publishing company. With an MFA in Creative Writing and a Professional Writing certificate, Denise enjoys using her education and work experiences to help authors achieve their own writing dreams. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…
Guest Post from Denise
Hello Readers!
I’m so excited to share Silencing the Siren with you! This book was so much fun to write and research. I learned so many fun facts about old cars, old New York, and even doorbells!
Yes, you read that correctly. Doorbells.
These noisy items were such a novelty in the 1920s that they were often given as Christmas gifts!
Crazy, right?
I wanted both Andrew and Annabel to represent that feeling we have all experienced at least once in our lives. That feeling of not belonging. It looks different for each person, but it’s a uniting feeling.
Annabel will never be accepted by those outside her family, but they more than make up for that. Andrew is popular and well-off in society, but as he comes to know the Lord, he starts to feel that rift with his superficial friends and family. It’s with other believers, Annabel’s family, that he finds that deep relationship he desires. They are more than willing to provide.
This is the beauty of the body of Christ. When we are sick or in need, the body of Christ comes together to support you in that time of need and extend Christ’s love to all corners of the globe.
I hope you enjoy reading Silencing the Siren as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Tour Schedule
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7
A Baker’s Perspective, February 7
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 8
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 9
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 9 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 10
Genesis 5020, February 10
Inklings and notions, February 11
Connect in Fiction, February 11
For Him and My Family, February 12
Blossoms and Blessings, February 12
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 13
deb’s Book Review, February 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 14
For the Love of Literature, February 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 15
Blogging With Carol, February 15
Connie’s History Classroom, February 16
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 17 (Spotlight)
Sodbuster Living, February 17
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 18
Austen’s Angle, February 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19
Simple Harvest Reads, February 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Back Porch Reads, February 20
Through the Fire blogs, February 20
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/19bc6/silencing-the-siren-celebration-tour-giveaway
Thank you for the review.
This book sounds lovely! Thanks for the review.
I can hardly wait to read the author’s interpretation of The Little Mermaid which was my daughter’s favorite childhood story.
So happy for Denise. I would love to read this.
A mermaid in a wheelchair. A unique storyline. Sounds good.
I love the cover! Its Art Deco design is amazing.
I enjoyed the guest post and Silencing the Siren sounds like a great book for me to read! Thanks for sharing it with me! Thanks, A Baker’s Perspective for sharing your perspective! Have a spectacular day!
Love the idea of a fairy tale retelling!
This sounds like a great story. Nice cover.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book, it sounds like a wonderful read and I am looking forward to it