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Sara Ella

May 30, 2014

The Fault in Our Stars

Fan Prize Pack!

Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our StarsI cannot express how much I loved The Fault in Our Stars. I totally didn’t expect to like John Green’s writing. I’d heard from a friend there are some crude things in at least one of his other books. I don’t do crude (no matter how realistically YA it might be) so I sort of forgot about it.

Then she recommended The Fault in Our Stars to me (Thanks, Christen!). Oh my word! I’d  just like to publicly apologize to John Green for making an assumption before actually reading something he wrote. I read The Fault in Our Stars last year (before I even knew the movie was coming out) and it was unlike any book I’ve ever read.

Let’s get a couple things straight. Yes, The Fault in Our Stars is about teens with cancer. No, The Fault in Our Stars is not a “cancer book”. I feel I can speak freely on this a little because my mom passed away from cancer two years ago, and my grandmother before that. To put it bluntly-cancer sucks. And John Green captures that fact perfectly. He doesn’t tiptoe around the matter with a bunch of ooey gooey Lifetime television-type stuff. He writes cancer real. The constant-ER-trip, late-night-in-the-waiting-room, I-wish-everyone-would-stop-crying-every-time-they-see-me kind of cancer. Cancer from the perspective of a teenage girl who just wants to be normal. Who doesn’t want to be a walking time-bomb. Good read. Real read. Read it!

Why did I like The Fault in Our Stars?

A) Real characters with flaws. I know I say this a lot, but this element is key if I’m going to like a book. Hazel is jaded but undergoes transformation. Augustus is swoon-worthy and yet has his own issues (I won’t ruin it for you). I even related to the parents in this book. I’ve never had a child with cancer, but I had a parent with it. I could totally relate to Hazel’s mom in so many heart-wrenching ways.

B) Quick read. The Fault in Our Stars isn’t epic. You probably won’t see people dressed up like the characters lined up along the sidewalk outside the theater on opening day (I’m talking to YOU Darth Vader). It was just a good book. I read it in a day. I’ve heard authors say they don’t like hearing that for all the blood, sweat and tears they put into writing the book. Believe me, John Green, when I tell you this is the hugest compliment I can give you. Reading The Fault in Our Stars in one day means I didn’t clean or cook or do any of the normal mom and wife stuff. It means I cared more about finding out what happened to Hazel and Augustus than I cared about my hair.

C) It’s going to be a movie! Okay, so this is technically not a reason to like the book, but it sort of is. I mean, if the writing is good enough to become a movie, that says something, right? A book becoming a movie is the greatest treat ever for a reader such as myself. It means I get to see everything that’s been inside my head for the past year on the big screen. Yay! Happy birthday to me!

The Giveaway…

Okay fans of The Fault in Our Stars,  I’ve got an awesome prize pack just for you! Enter via the Rafflecopter for your chance to win:

Recently Updated85-001

  • A copy of The Fault in Our Stars ~ Movie Tie In Edition (Paperback)
  • A $10 AMC gift card (delivered electronically) to use when the movie releases June 6th!

Enter through Tuesday, June 3rd. Winner will be announced in my June newsletter (so be sure to subscribe via the form at the bottom of this page).

What did you like best about The Fault in Our Stars? If you haven’t read it, why do you want to see the movie?

Click to Tweet:

  • Tweet: Enter 2 win #TheFaultInOurStars Fan Prize Pack from @SaraEllaWrites. Includes paperback book + $10 AMC gift card! http://ctt.ec/dZRBf+
  • Tweet: Love #TheFaultInOurStars? Win the book + a gift card 2 see the movie! @SaraEllaWrites http://ctt.ec/Sew9T+

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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26 Comments

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Comments

  1. christenekrumm says

    May 30, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Oh my gosh what isn’t there to like about John Green???!!! (yes, I have a total and complete nerd crush on Mr. Green — have you seen his Lit YouTube videos?!)

    I love the way he puts words together, how his books aren’t mammoths but still pack a ginormous punch, and I’m pretty sure he laces his words with magic because once you start reading a story it’s so so hard to put down!!

    xo,
    Christen
    ChristenKrumm.com

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      May 31, 2014 at 9:05 am

      I know right? This is the only John Green book I’ve read but it makes me want to read more. He’s an awesome writer!

      Reply
  2. Brooke @ i blog 4 books says

    May 30, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    I’ve been hearing about this book for a while now. It sounded interesting but I really got curious when I learned it was being made into a movie! Like you said, it’s not a reason to like a book, but it will make me curious. 🙂

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      May 31, 2014 at 9:04 am

      Hi Brooke! Yes, a lot of times a book becoming a movie actually draws more readers to a book or author. I’m excited to see it in the theater. Thanks for taking time to comment:)

      Reply
  3. Cindy Goar says

    May 30, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    I would like to see the movie and read the book because my daughter loves John Green. She has read his books and I would like to take her to see the movie.

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      May 31, 2014 at 9:03 am

      Hi Cindy! That sound like a fun thing you girls can do together. John Green is a great author. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking time to enter!

      Reply
  4. HS says

    May 30, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    I want to see the movie because I like the story.

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      May 31, 2014 at 9:02 am

      Me too, HS! I love books to movies. I’m so excited. Thanks for commenting:)

      Reply
  5. Prasert says

    May 31, 2014 at 12:56 am

    I haven’t read the novel but i’ve heard that it’s wonderful

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      May 31, 2014 at 9:02 am

      It is, Prasert! Thanks for stopping by:)

      Reply
  6. Jordan says

    May 31, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    So many friends have told me how amazing and sweet the story is! I love movies like that!

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      May 31, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      Hi Jordan! Your friends are right on. It is such a sweet story, one of my faves. I expect the movie to make me cry LOL:) Thanks for entering and good luck!

      Reply
  7. Jamie says

    May 31, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    i saw the trailer and it looked fantastic. I haven’t read the book .

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      May 31, 2014 at 1:24 pm

      The trailer does make the movie look good:) I recommend the book, Jamie. I’m excited to see how similar the movie ends up being. Thanks for entering!

      Reply
  8. Julie Raye-Rod says

    June 1, 2014 at 9:30 am

    I really fell in love with the novel. It was written beautifully and i can’t wait to see the movie

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      June 1, 2014 at 10:10 am

      I totally agree, Julie! Thanks for commenting:)

      Reply
  9. brittany says

    June 1, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    I haven’t read it but I want to see it because it looks good.

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      June 1, 2014 at 8:53 pm

      Agreed, Brittany. The trailer makes it hard to wait until June 6th! Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for commenting:)

      Reply
  10. couponboss says

    June 1, 2014 at 8:40 pm

    I heard the book is good…so I want to read it first, then see the movie.

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      June 1, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      Reading the book first is always what I like to do too! Thanks for entering and good luck!

      Reply
  11. Tabathia B says

    June 1, 2014 at 9:44 pm

    I have never read any of his books, but I read a recent review of this book and it made me want to read it and the trailer seemed similar to a Nicholas Sparks type (movie based on his book)

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      June 2, 2014 at 7:06 am

      The book was wonderful. I highly recommend it. I hadn’t thought of that–comparing it to a Nicholas Sparks story. I didn’t think of the book that way but am interested to see how the movie portrays the story. Thanks for commenting, Tabathia and good luck in the giveaway!

      Reply
  12. adriane says

    June 3, 2014 at 12:58 am

    I haven’t read it yet, but heard good things about it. I’d like to see the movie since I like Willem Defoe and Laura Dern

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      June 3, 2014 at 8:26 am

      It’s definitely an awesome film cast, Adriane. I’m excited! Thanks for entering and good luck!

      Reply
  13. Suzanne Rose says

    June 3, 2014 at 1:03 am

    The previews look like it’s going to be a great movie, tearjerker perhaps, but I like the romantic element! So can’t wait to see the film!

    Reply
    • Sara Ella says

      June 3, 2014 at 8:25 am

      I love the romance in this story too, Suzanne. One of my favorite literary couples. Thanks for entering and good luck!

      Reply

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Sara Ella
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1st Place ~ ACFW Genesis Contest 2014 ~ YA Category

1st Place ~ ACFW Genesis Contest 2014 ~ YA Category

1st Place in the Young Adult Category for 2013!

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About Me

Once upon a time, Sara Ella brought dreams to life as a Disney cast member, wishing for the day she’d find her prince and live in a castle of her own. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it's almost Christmas (even if it's only January). Sara is the award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy. She is old enough for fairy tales and believes happily ever after is never far away. Read More…

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🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS! I have a full lineup of b 🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

I have a full lineup of bookish events this spring! I’d love to see you at one or all of these:

@storyconusa | Salt Lake City, UT | February 27 & 28 | Workshops + Interrogate an Author + Book Signings

@tucsonfestivalofbooks | Saturday, March 14 | 10:00–1:00 | Indie Author Pavillion 

@pvpllibrary Book Fest | Saturday,
May 2 | Workshop + Panel + Book Signing

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🍪 Food is my love language. Whenever we go out of 🍪 Food is my love language.

Whenever we go out of town, I’m already looking at menus ahead of time, planning what yummy things I want to eat.

Themed food is my favorite. Call a honey latte a Pooh Bear Latte and I’m sold! Serve me a cup of the most delectable potato soup I’ve ever had and call it Samwise Soup? I’m there! 

If I’m going to Disneyland, I’m planning my day around which new cold brew I want to try and where I want to eat lunch. And if I’m going to a writing conference? You’d better bet I’m on the hunt for a Vanilla Coke and the best hotel cookies yet!

Yummy food just makes everything a little more magical. Can you relate? What’s your favorite food, drink, or dessert?

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There aren’t many people in this world who tackle hardship with joy the way you do. You are a true example of what it means to “count it all joy” amidst trials. Even on your toughest days, you find ways to bless others and see God’s sovereignty.

I don’t know what I did to deserve you as my best friend all these years. But I do know that God brought you into my life because He knew my life would be richer and fuller and just all around better with you in it. He knew I would need someone to walk alongside me in good times and bad. Someone to encourage me during discouraging years like this one has been.

I have been so blessed to see you so much in 2025. Although we are states apart, when we are together it feels like no time has passed at all.

Here’s to the woman who inspires me as an author, speaks truth into me as a wife and mom, and reminds me that God never leaves us and that His plan and timing are perfect. I love you, Bestie! Many happy returns for the rest of 2025 and the year to come! My life is better because I know you.

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You know I’m always behind on the trends, but I co You know I’m always behind on the trends, but I couldn’t resist doing this one for Disneyland. 

I’m definitely dreaming of a Disneyland Christmas this year. 🎄 If anyone knows of someone giving away free tickets for a family of 5, send them my way! 😂

Fun fact about this date: December 18, 1971 was the first ever Candlelight Processional held at Magic Kingdom. 🕯️

I’m dreaming of more Disney days in 2026. Christmas is my favorite season to visit the parks. They are just extra magical this time of year. ✨

Are you staying home or traveling for Christmas this year? 

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Did you see my unboxing reel for the painted edges of Glass Across the Sea? These editions are extremely limited as they are hand-painted by the very talented @hilltop_art . 🎨

For Christmas, I’m giving away one of these painted edges editions, plus a bookish Glass Across the Sea candle 🕯️ from @lamplighterliterary and mini cookie mix from @story.crumbs ! 🍪

Today is the LAST DAY to enter this giveaway. I’ll be putting all entries together tomorrow and sending them through a randomizer to pick a winner!

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I’m so thrilled to finally be holding these beautiful painted edges for Glass Across the Sea in my hands. Bethany @hilltop_art made my vision for the most beautiful lighthouse come to life! And the details are even more stunning in person. From the lighthouse to the fireflies and cherry blossoms, I couldn’t be more in love!

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🎁 One U.S. winner will receive:

📖 A hardcover of Glass Across the Sea with Painted Edges

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✍️ When did you first start writing? This is a c ✍️ When did you first start writing? 

This is a common question I’ve received in various settings over the years. The easy answer is, “I’ve always been a writer.” And it’s true. English was my favorite subject all through school, and I’ve never not loved reading.

But when did I actually start taking novel writing seriously? When did I really begin believing that I could pursue it and reach my dreams of having a published book in my hands?

That happened in my 20s. When I had a baby on my hip, and my mom’s health began to rapidly decline. She’d always said I was a writer. It’s why my first book, Unblemished, is dedicated to her. But the truth goes deeper than that.

My mom’s lifelong dream was to open a coffee shop. I suppose it’s part of why I love this beverage more than any other. She wanted to create a place where people could fellowship, eat, laugh, and, of course, drink all the yummy coffee. But she passed away before that dream became a reality. 

She had always put off her own dreams for us kids. She sacrificed everything for us. As a mom of 3, what she did for us holds so much more meaning now. But she didn’t want me to wait. She said I could do both. That if I put off writing a book until I had time or my kids were grown, I never would.

I don’t know if that’s true. Lots of people write books later in life and are highly successful. But her hope for my future stuck with me, and so, after she passed, I made a promise to myself that I would write a book and get a publishing contract by my 30th birthday.

Many of you know the story—3 days before my 30th, I got the call. My dream publisher at the time wanted my trilogy. 🥹 And the rest is history!

Now I have 7 YA fantasy and fairy tale novels on the shelf, I have the most amazing family at @enclavepublishing , and I’m blessed with encouraging readers and writers all around me.

If you’re holding back from pursuing the thing you are passionate about, I’d encourage you to go for it.  Take the leap! My mom always said I’d write a book, and as always, she was right. ❤️

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I’ll admit, I am very selective when it comes to the audiobooks I listen to, and probably even more picky regarding the narrators for my own books.

I am so thankful to @enclavepublishing and @oasis_audio for how involved they have let me be in the audiobook process. @megrunyannarration and @ramondeocampo knocked Glass Across the Sea out of the park! They worked so hard to bring this fairy tale world to life in such a magical and enchanting way. 🥰

Glass Across the Sea is available to download on audiobook now. And @audible even has a Cyber Monday deal today—3 months of Audible PLUS a $20 Audible credit for $0.99 a month! ✨LINK in STORIES✨ Today, December 1st, only!

Shoutout to @charmagnebooklover for sending me a glass pumpkin!

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🩷 Happy Small Business Saturday! When I first sta 🩷 Happy Small Business Saturday!

When I first started out on my writing and publishing journey, I never imagined my idea for a portal fantasy about a girl afraid to look in the mirror would lead to a decade of books, editing clients, mentees, and more.

I am truly grateful for every single manuscript I’ve had the privilege to edit. For every author I’ve mentored who has equally blessed me with encouragement and kindness. And this year especially, for every reader who took a chance by picking up Glass Across the Sea, and every Substack subscriber who has followed me on my new venture.

This year has ushered in many ups and downs. I’ve never seen so much grief and loss in the span of twelve months. I don’t know what the future holds for our family. I don’t know where God will have us in 2026. Every day brings its own struggles.

But I do know I am so grateful for each person who has blessed and supported my little writing and editing business in different ways. You have made a greater impact on me and my family than you know. And for that I’m humbled and thankful.

👉 Tag your favorite small business in the comments so we can spread the support and follow them! Some of mine include:

@mariposa.aristeo.art 
@jennethleed 
@writewithapro 
@nadinebrandes 
@enclavepublishing 
@cassieporathauthor 
@gracebought 
@music.with.noelle 
@eahcreative 
@hannahprewettstories 
@hilltop_art 
@zoeshaffer_art 
@ms.madeleine.elizabeth 
@crystalgrantauthor 
@erinmcfarlandaz 
@story.crumbs 
@yourebakingmehappy 
@lamplighterliterary 

#smallbusinesssaturday #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #supportsmallbusiness #saraella #saraellawrites
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