Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!
- The hunt BEGINS on 4/10 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com.
- Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).
- There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 4/13 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.
- Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!
I’m Roseanna M. White, author of a slew of historical romances, along with some contemporary mysteries from Guideposts. My real life is full (homeschooling mom of two teens, one of whom is now in college, need I say more??) but also very … ordinary. So I offset that by writing about things like spies and nobility and war and mayhem whenever I can. And with my next book, I decided to break out of my traditional writing mold even more than usual and explore another of my favorite genres: romantasy! (That’s romantic fantasy/fantasy romance, for you uninitiated.)
Arden Bleu has always known that her stepsister, Jade, was special–so special that she’d likely be shown to be magical when they undergo their Awakening Ceremony in a month. But when a dangerous contingent of mer kidnap Jade on the eve of the king’s birthday ball, they suspect she has something more than ordinary water magic. Something that called to King Seidon the moment her blood spilled into the water during the kidnapping. Arden always feared the king, the one man in all the world who could order her father away–but if they have any hope of rescuing Jade, it will take both of them working together, before the war boiling beneath the waters spills onto land as well.
I’ll admit it–The Little Mermaid was always my FAVORITE movie as a kid. Anyone else try to imitate that push onto the rock with the water spraying behind you? Anyone? (Spoiler alert–it does NOT work in a pool!) So when, on vacation a couple years ago, I decided to play with a fantasy idea, a mermaid story sounded like a lot of fun. I shared it with my husband as we took a walk along the beach, and he did what he always does. He asked questions that flipped my thoughts on their head.
“What if the mermaids are still fully human, legs and everything?” he asked. “What if they can just hold their breaths a long time, like whales, and have adapted to life under the pressure of the sea? What if their tails are just things they put on, like our swim fins or flippers?”
And then, “And what if this ‘magic’ isn’t traditional fantasy-book magic? What if something like nanotechnology is at work?”
One thing I’ve always loved about fantasy books is that the author gets to totally create the world and decide what role things like technology will play. So…why not?? I decided that my “magic system” would indeed be a combination of technology (“ancient,” lost technology) and gift from God, which have combined to create something new. Because if Jesus delays His return, who’s to say what God might do in the future?
So in Awakened, we have a new spin…or fin?…on mermaid lore, where the mer and still 100% human, just able to put on a tail to swim faster than any land-dweller, to hold their breaths for at least an hour, and who can surface from the depths without the need to decompress. “Magic” is just a shorthand word for “ancient technology plus miracle from heaven.” And we have a love story that might just melt you into a puddle, and a faith element as deep as the sea.
Have you ever pretended to be a mermaid? Share in the comments for an entry into my giveaway!
Here’s Your Critical Stop #11 Info:
If you’re interested, you can get a signed, SPECIAL EDITION copy of Awakened with PRINTED EDGES (!!) from me right here (and shop for other fun bookish things too!) or order a normal version on Amazon now. Other retailer links coming soon! (Printed edges will be available ONLY from me or the publisher!)
Clue to Write Down: Sometimes
Link to Stop #12, the Next Stop on the Loop: Robin Lee Hatcher’s site!
Special Giveaway!
But before you go, I’m offering a special prize!
One lucky winner with a US address will receive a set of sea glass jewelry in the color of your choice (based on availability at the time of the win). Available colors are aqua, sapphire, and purple.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
I’ve never wanted to be a mermaid but I do enjoy reading fantasy!
I love the cover of the book. You always write wonderful stories!
The ocean is my absolute favorite place on Earth. Of course I want to be a mermaid! But I would be like Ariel, also wanting legs and the ability to live in both worlds, because land does have some great things about it, too.
i have not, but my grandkids have. fun watching them.
I’m pretty sure I have pretended to be a mermaid at some point in my life. It would be cool to be a mermaid at least for a little while then I would want to be on land again in the warm sun. 🙂 I do read fantasy and I cannot wait for yours! I have already preordered. I 100% believe there should be more Christian Fantasy! My sister-in-law reads secular fantasy books and has recently been asking me about books to read. I’ve been coming up short on adult fantasy books that will point her to God and I can’t wait to share yours with her! Also, I feel like we need more printed edges in CF! Just saying. 😉
Yes🥰
I even made a Mermaid Quilt!
I have never dreamed of being a mermaid, I think I am better off just reading about them and watching movies about them, especially since I dont swim at all. I love Fantasy books. Have a great week. The sea glass jewelry is Beautiful!
I’ve never thought of being a mermaid, but now I am intrigued at how fun it could be to swim below the sea and see all the beautiful fish and coral, maybe be friends with an octopus or dolphin. I just would not wish to be eaten by a shark! I think fantasy novels are fun!
I have not dreamed of being a Mermaid, but we did take our family to see “The Mermaids” at Weekee Wachee Springs, FL. They put on quite an impressive show! I always dreamed of performing on top of the water and would have instead showcased my waterskiing skills at Cypress Gardens!😂🤣 I am not the biggest fan of fantasy. I think it’s because I am too much of a realist.
Kinda, being a mermaid would be fintastic – imagine the things you’d sea 😉 like that stunning sea glass jewelry!
My grandfather lived near there! I saw that show when I was a kid–so cool!!
HAHA, No. But I have a tumbler that I like to use that says, “I said I was a mermaid, not your maid!”
I have never dreamed of being a mermaid. But when I was a child, we would drive by the Weeki Wachee park in Florida, and I was fascinated by all the signs advertising their mermaid show. I never got to go, but was amazed at the mermaid pictures. 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway.
My grandfather lived near there! We visited him a couple times when I was a kid (it was quite a trip from WV!) and I saw the show once, I think. Definitely remember seeing the women in their tank thing. So fun!
When it was time to get updated pictures of my youngest niece, my husband (the family photographer) took her around town. They found a rock in the middle of a park that looked like the “Little Mermaid rock” and he took her picture there and photoshopped in the waves. Super fun!
I LOVE THAT!!!
Yes! I pretended to be a mermaid often as a child. We had an above ground swimming pool and I learned to hold my breath for the time it took me to go up and down the length of the pool two and a half times… the Aquaman miniseries was a BIG deal on the TV too, so I had lots of inspiration as a kid.
I have never dreamed of being a mermaid. The only fantasy books I’ve read are Lord of the Rings and Narnia ones (watched the movies too) I can’t say I’m a huge fan though! 🙂
Yes! After I saw Disney The Little Mermaid many years ago, I dreamed about being a mermaid. I love faitytales retellings, especially this one!
We had an inground pool while growing up and my sisters and I often pretended to be mermaids 🥰🥰
I have not dreamed of being a mermaid, but enjoy fantasy books, especially those with a faith mesage!
I have not dreamed of being a mermaid, but enjoy fantasy books, especially those with a faith mesage!
I have zero desire to be a mermaid! I have only read a few fantasy novels, but I’ve really enjoyed them!
I never dreamed about being a mermaid. I don’t read much fantasy but I like all your other books so might like this one. I think my daughter would.
I loved the movie Splash as a little kid, and my 2-year old daughter loves pretending to be a mermaid in the bathtub!
I loved the little Mermaid. I also love to be in a swimming pool. I loved Awakened. It was so good.The characters are just amazing. This was a different genre for me as I love
Historical Fiction. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
My daughter Ursula’s favorite Disney move is The Little Mermaid. No she wasn’t name after the sea witch. She was named after my grandmother.
Oh my co I love story about mermaids .
Ok, I have totally done the Little Mermaid on the rock thing in our family’s pool, and it usually made me laugh at just how plastered down my hair would be! Other than that though, I’m not much of a water person, so didn’t really dream of being a mermaid, but I do love fantasy, and typically dreamed of being an elf or fairy instead.
no, yes
comment name: bn100
I really enjoy the feeling of being in water. My zodiac sign is Pisces so your books appeals to me!
I have never pretended to be a mermaid that I can remember. However, my 4½ yr old daughter loves mermaids. We live in Las Vegas, and there is a local casino that has mermaids swim on the weekends. It’s pretty cool!
I have no interest in being a mermaid. 😉 I do enjoy fantasy novels though.
I saved the lion pendant because it is so beautiful.
never wanted to be a mermaid and i do like fantasy movies
Beautiful seaglass jewelry!
I usually don’t like fantasy, BUT love your books, so looking forward to yours!
I used to want to be a mermaid and I would try and swim like one every time I would go to the pool! I also enjoy fantasy and an excited to read this one!!
My sister did the ballet type swimming, of course the little sister was interested, mermaid fits;
I read alot of fantasy as a child, loved books that take you away.
I haven’t really dreamed about becoming a mermaid and when I first started seeing things about your new book, I wasn’t so sure about it. I LOVE your historical books and eagerly wait for the new ones so this fantasy mermaid tale had me feeling a bit skeptical at first. The more I read your thoughts behind it though (like, the conversation with your husband) and the more I learn about the storyline, the more intrigued I become! I look forward to diving into the fantasy world with you when Awakened releases!
Thanks, Amy! I of course don’t expect all my historical readers to give it a shot just because it’s me–I know well that I often read people for one specific genre. But thus far, *most of the non-fantasy readers who have read it (I let my P&P group read it early) have been surprised to love it and report being utterly swept away! Makes me so happy to hear. (Though of course, like all books, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea!) I do hope you enjoy it though!
Do not read fantasy as a rule but love your other books.
I love fantasy books!
Yes, I’ve dreamed of being a mermaid and I love fantasy books!
Rarely read fantasy unless I am an avid fan of the author. I usually gravitate to historical novels. I’m sure that all the jewelry sets are lovely. I have never dreamed of bing a mermaid!! Do they smell like fish??
Thank you for opportunity to win. Lovely jewel.
I don’t believe I’ve ever dreamed, wanted, or pretended to be a mermaid. I like swimming, or at least I did when I was younger and had the stamina; now I just float.
I do read some fantasy. The story has to have something that catches my interest. Some fantasy just is too out there for me. But then, I don’t read books in other genres that do not interest me either.
This fantasy book, AWAKENED, does pique my interest, especially after your conversation with your husband.
I read The Tales of Emily Windsnap as a girl and have always wished I could be a half-mer like her. But yes, I totally pretended to be a mermaid in the pool, although I never tried the rock scene 🙂
We all need fantasy in our lives. I never dreamed of being a mermaid.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid came out when my daughter was a little girl. We played Disney trivia on car trips and had to guess what movie a line of dialogue came from. Our favorite from The Little Mermaid was, “Life is full of tough choices, isn’t it?” How true! I never wanted to be a mermaid because I love the mountains and forests and running! I did want to be a horse and we would gallop and neigh the afternoon away.
The sea glass necklaces are beautiful!
I love The Little Mermaid, but I would never want to be a mermaid. I don’t really like the water.
I love “The Little Mermaid”. My sister and I would sing every song at the top of our lungs every time we watched it (drove my mom crazy)! I grew up by the ocean and love the water. I think I may actually be part mermaid. Being a mermaid would be so much fun! Fantasy is a newer genre for me and I can’t wait to read your newest book!
Ooo, singalong time! 😉 Pretty sure I knew every line of that movie by heart as a kid…and pretty sure I could probably recite it all now too if someone got me started, LOL.
All of my birthday candle wishes up until the age of around 10 were that I would become a mermaid 😂 When I was 19 I got a finfun mermaid tail to use in swimming pools and made an ASL video of Part of Your World… so I have pretended to be a mermaid a few times 😝🤣
I LOVE THIS!!!!
I loved the movie the Little Mermaid and the music in it. I haven’t ever dreamed of being a mermaid– I personally like my head above water– and in the skies is even better!
I’m not a good swimmer so I’ve never dreamed of being a mermaid.
I haven’t specifically pretended to be a mermaid, but when I was on my high school swim team and we practiced dolphin kicks it always felt like I was one. 😂
Hey, I’d count that. 😉
Splash is my fave mermaid movie. I forever dream of being a mermaid lol
I also make jewelry, so I’m a glittery mermaid all the time. I read SOME fantasy novels, but it’s tough when they’re named stuff like Xancloie.
This made me laugh SO HARD! I think that’s my biggest complaint too, LOL. I really strive to use (mostly) normal names. Now, for some of mine, I used Latin as my base, so there are still times it might sound awkward to us. But…yeah. There are so many books that I go, “Okay, I’m just gonna call you Bob. And you’re from The Place.” 😉
I can honestly say that I’ve never dreamed of being a mermaid! I’m not really into fantasy novels. My favorite genre is historical fiction (with some romance included). I love your historicals!
I do.
I have never dreamed of being a mermaid (I’m not a water person, LOL. I’m more of a hobbit.😉), but I do love fantasy novels! If I’m not reading historical fiction, I’m reading fantasy and scifi of various kinds. My ideal reading schedule is alternate them off: one historical, one fantasy, one historical, one scifi, etc. because I enjoy the variety.
What are your top 5 favorite fantasies?
wow that sea glass is gorgeous. To bad I am in Canada.
Take care.
I’ve never dreamed of being a mermaid and I don’t like fantasy novels.
But it’s been a while, so maybe should give fantasy another try
I do enjoy fantasy, but I’ve never wanted to be a mermaid.
I love fantasy novels! No I’ve never dreamed of being a mermaid though
I like reading fantasy books and no, I’ve never dreamt of being a mermaid.
My daughter enjoys fantasy!
I haven’t pretended
This sounds like such a fun, different idea! I think my teenage daughter will really enjoy it too, she loves fantasy!
Awakened sounds very interesting.
I have never dreamed of being a mermaid. But I love fairy tales.
While I loved The Little Mermaid, and I love to swim, I never thought of being a mermaid myself. But I love the premise of Awakened!
I’m sure I did pretend to be a mermaid when I was younger because I spent a LOT of time in the water. Never thought of what it would be like to be a mermaid and have legs!
I saved the Black Heart Necklace on my wishlist.
I was an adult when Disney’s Little Mermaid released and the Hans Christian Andersen original didn’t stir a desire for mermaidhood. I was more likely to be swinging my Wonder Woman lasso or climbing trees à la Sheena, Queen of the Jungle.
I love fantasy books and the Hans Christian Anderson Little Mermaid is my favorite.
Oops. Did the entries out of order. Lol. I added the Blessed is she who believed shirt and the book earings and I’m still browsing for more. Lol
Yes I enjoy fantasy novels! I do dream of being a mermaid, but I’d have to learn how to swim first, haha!
Might help! LOL
Excited about this!
Growing up with a pool in the backyard, we played mermaids all the time. We would slide those diving rings around our ankles and try to swim. Super safe. Lol.
We are SO kindred spirits, Megan! YES!!! I’d forgotten about those rings until you said this, but I did that too!! LOL
I adore fantasy novels. I added the black heart necklace to my Wish list.
Yes, love fantasy! Little mermaid was always my favorite growing up and I would pretend to be Ariel every time I was at a pool lol!
I always liked to come up out of the water and flip my hair. It sort of worked 🙂
I love the seaglass! In my personal wishlist/cart right nowI have my eye on the wave necklace!
Growing up, the stories I watched and read through Disney definitely has my intrigue set on mermaids and I’ll admit my dream was to be one when I was younger XD
I’m so, sooo excited to read a fantasy novel from you! I’m a huge fan of fantasy but I love your writing style so this is honestly my top most anticipated release of 2025!!
I have dreamed of being a mermaid ever since I saw The Little Mermaid. I love the ocean. And yes, I love fantasy! It’s my favorite genre.
I did like the Disney version of mermaids!
No, and no.
I love fantasy, and no, nobody wants to see me try to be a mermaid. LOL
Like the idea of being a mermaid.
Being a mermaid would be so fun!
I have never wanted to be a mermaid. Don’t really like the water
Of course, I have. Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney movie growing up. 🙂 I am fond of fantasy novels, but I don’t read them as often as your other genres.
I don’t think I’ve ever pretended to be a mermaid. I guess I’m not that imaginative. 😀
Yes, I enjoy fantasy novels.
When I used to take my kids to a swimming pool, where actors pretended to be mermaids, I pretended to be a mermaid with my little girls!