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Thursday, June 9, 2016

"Portrait of Jenny," by Alice K. Arenz - Enjoy this Excerpt


I understand this book has a few curse words and sexual tension, but it also has Christian content, and we feature books like Portrait of Jenny from time to time if they have good reviews. 

Enjoy this excerpt! I sure do love the cover.


BACK COVER

Not even a beautiful woman can save Richard Tanner from his past.

Following an explosive—and public—argument with his ex-girlfriend, artist Richard Tanner races into a rainstorm, gripped by a powerful migraine. He wanders to the gazebo in University Park, where he meets the beautiful and mysterious Jenny—a brief encounter that leaves an indelible impression on his mind—and in his paintings.

When Detective Jack Hargrave accuses Richard of the brutal assault on his ex, he finds himself confronting demons of a past he doesn’t remember. A time when little Richie Tanner walked into University Park whole, was beaten and left to die…a time that may hold the key to his future.



Excerpt from Chapter 1 PORTRAIT OF JENNY
by Alice K. Arenz



For the first time since I’d noticed her, I realized her clothing was completely dry in contrast to my own rather bedraggled state. For an instant, I felt awkward and self-conscious, especially since I was still fighting that unusual urge—but it was only for an instant. The moment those violet eyes met mine once more, I was lost, completely caught up in the girl before me.
“You come here often?”
The question was inept, and I could have kicked myself for having asked it. I still wanted to move closer to her, examine her from every angle, my artist’s eye preparing the figure before me to transfer her likeness onto canvas. Even this was odd. I’d always steered away from portraits, never feeling capable of giving the subject the proper three-dimensional look. But this girl…
“It’s nice here.” She withdrew her hand from beneath the gutter, pulling it in to watch the remainder of the water run between her fingers. “Do you come here often?” She gazed up at me, the smile still playing about her lips, the question innocent rather than mocking.
I shook my head. “It’s usually too crowded for my taste. It’s a beautiful spot, though.”
She nodded. “I don’t care for crowds, either.”
She dried her hand on the hem of her skirt, then stood and stretched her arms over her head. The action set in motion a long chain with an ankh at its end, both swinging and bouncing lightly between her breasts. Even from where I sat, I could see the unusual design of silver and gold entwined, and wished again to have a better look at the girl.
My assumption that she was short was correct; she couldn’t be more than five feet if that. There was a delicacy about her, an overwhelming presence of femininity that was so rare in girls today. She wore it casually, as one might an old, familiar piece of clothing, which added to her overall attractiveness. I guessed her at around twenty but knew immediately that her very smallness could add to the illusion of youth. But the vitality I sensed from her was no illusion. She seemed to radiate a kind of controlled sense of being, abundant energy that was held tightly in check.
I was held transfixed as she appeared to float across the gazebo with her eyes downcast, their long, sweeping lashes and her secret smile making it impossible to catch my breath. Coming to, I ran nervous fingers through my hair in an effort to make myself more presentable.
“You should use an umbrella next time.” She stopped a short way in front of me near the edge of one of the picnic tables. Lowering herself gracefully onto the seat, she clutched absently at her pendant as she regarded me with obvious amusement.
I felt the heat rise from my neck into my face, and wondered idly about the last time I’d blushed. It wasn’t a normal reaction for me, my response to the girl seeming to prove just how special she was.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” she said softly, lowering her eyes from mine once more.
“You didn’t, er, well.” I laughed. “You’re right. I should’ve used an umbrella. Actually, I had one when I started out. Guess I left it at my last stop.”
I made a futile attempt to straighten my wet clothing, quickly realized the uselessness of the effort, then sat back to drink her in.
The blush came readily to her face, touching the high cheekbones and adding to her overall beauty. Her eyes seemed to take on a darker hue as the rosy glow spread across her face, and she looked at me frankly, completely aware I studied her every move.
“I’m being rude—”
“No, no. It’s all right. Really. I,” she smiled broadly. “I’m flattered. It’s not often a girl sees such honest admiration in a man’s eyes. I like it.”
“Honest?”
She nodded. “Completely. No come-ons, no overt acts to seduce me. Why, you actually seem quite shy, even a little embarrassed to be so interested in me.” She drew her legs onto the bench and hugged them to her as she’d been doing earlier. “Whether you know it or not, you’re really quite sweet. And, I’d imagine, very nice looking when you’re not soaking wet.”
“Thank you. I think.”
She laughed.
“My name’s Richard Tanner.” I held out my hand, but she made no move to take it. Seeing her hesitation, I withdrew it and made a show of tucking the book back inside my jacket pocket.
“I’m Jenny.”

*~*~*~*


Romantic mystery/suspense Portrait of Jenny is the newest book of 2010 ACFW Carol Award winning author, Alice K. Arenz. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, her first three novels were honored by two finals and one win in ACFW’s Carol Award: cozy mysteries The Case of the Bouncing Grandma (a 2009 finalist), The Case of the Mystified M.D., (2010 winner), and mystery/suspense Mirrored Image (a 2011 finalist), all re-released by Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications. Last August, An American Gothic, also a romantic mystery/suspense, was released by Forget Me Not Romances.

Visit her at her website www.akawriter.com

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN A FREE EBOOK OF PORTRAIT OF JENNY



Friday, May 20, 2016

Life is a Highway with Tracy Krauss

20619701

Life Is a Highway 
Tracy Krauss

$2.99 eBook
$5.98 Print
ISBN-13: 9781491223741
Buy on Amazon 
c. 2014


About the Book:
Life is full of surprises and there are many unexpected twists along the way. Hope and guidance are within reach when you let God be your tour guide. Using Biblical examples sprinkled with personal anecdotes. This little book offers sound advice and is sure to lift your spirits. Based on a series of talks given at a Christian women's retreat, it can be used as a study manual for small groups or as a personal devotional.

My Review:
Connecting with other people of faith is important for encouragement and sharing life lessons and experiences. Krauss’s book is like a virtual visit with this uplifting author. The chapters vary a bit in length, but each is a deeply personal and honest reflection on one Christian’s faith walk. Scripture comes alive to me when I see it interpreted through the eyes and practice of others, role models, so to speak. Krauss shares honestly where she came from as a youth, how she gave her life to Christ, and the continued sometimes difficult but joyful walk as a wife and mother and daughter of the king.

The personal reflection questions are great, intentional, and made me think about how I want to be seen as a person of faith to my neighbors and what practicing m faith really means to me. It’s a short book but shouldn’t be read all in one gulp. I’ll be going back to it.


About the Author: Tracy Krauss is a multi-published author and playwright living in northern BC, Canada. For more, visit her website: http://www.tracykrauss.com

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

John 3:16 Book Review: Sassy Pants Learns About Strange Creatures (A Sassy Pants Learns Story) (Volume 3) (Paperback)

Sassy Pants Learns About Strange Creatures, by Carol A. Brown

Reviewed by Lorilyn Roberts

I too always seem to learn things the hard way, like Sassy Pants. Isn't it like God to use a cute pig in a kid's story to teach me about life. If you are young or young at heart, Sassy Pants will make you laugh a little more and live a little better. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Available on Amazon here.

Available on Barnes and Noble in Print Copy here.


Friday, May 13, 2016

Young Readers Delaware Detectives mystery from Dana Rongione

26876317

Delaware Detectives
All My Fears Relieved
Dana Rongione

$2.99 eBook
$7.95 Print
ISBN-13: 978-1517527990

About the series:
It all began with a pocket knife which led to a mysterious inscription which led to a wolf. But there are no wolves in Delaware...or are there? It's up to the Delaware Detectives to find out.

In book one, Abby and Jamie, along with their friends Scott and Phyllis, followed a trail of tantalizing clues to uncover a hidden fortune.

In book two, the curious siblings embarked on a nearly-impossible mission to find a missing man.

Book three thrusts the detective team into a new mystery they are determined to solve no matter where the clues may lead. But are the kids prepared to discover what's really lurking in the woods of Beaver Valley?

While this book is appropriate for readers of all ages, gender and educational status, it was designed with the homeschool student in mind. To that end, the book contains a Glossary of Terms that can be used in the subject of Spelling and Vocabulary. The author has also included a Science Center, a History Hideout and a special Art Academy--all of which provide valuable insight and activities based on information from within the story itself. 

Lisa's Review
Cute addition to the series

Dedicated detectives spending the summer with their grandfather, Abby and her younger brother Jamie, along with Pop-pop’s neighbors who have returned from vacation, try to uncover the secret behind the mysterious howling at the Beaver Valley Cave. The wooden knife Jamie had found in the last adventure has some kind of writing on it that Abby eventually interprets. Does the warning mean danger? Could this have anything to do with the potential commercialization of once beautiful land?

Join the Delaware Detectives to find out. Abby narrates the quickly paced story as the four adventurers peel away each clue. The author discretely footnotes vocabulary words and includes local native history as an added bonus.

About the Author:

Dana Rongione is a full-time Christian author and speaker, fulfilling her call to share God's message of hope and comfort through her books, lessons, podcasts and blog posts. Though her passion lies in writing adult devotional books, Dana has also authored Christian books for children, including her middle-grade mystery series, The Delaware Detectives. Beyond her roles as author and speaker, Dana works to balance her duties as wife, homemaker, church pianist, Sunday School teacher (Bible Baptist Church, Pickens, SC) and "mommy" to her two rotten dogs. She resides in Greenville, SC with her husband, Jason and her canine companions, Tippy and Mitchell. In her spare time, Dana enjoys reading, hiking and daydreaming. To find out more, visit her site at www.DanaRongione.com and be sure to sign up to receive her daily blogs.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Wakulla Book Review: The Newspaper Code by Lisa J. Lickel




The Newspaper Code is the third book of the Buried Treasures Mystery Series. And once again, there are many treasures buried in the story waiting for the reader to discover. The story centers around a statue and some gold that’s missing from the town treasury since the 1860s.

While looking for the gold, we find many more valuable treasures along the way. The people in the story learn about friendships and being friendly. They learn to trust, to listen, and to be patient. Ms. Lickel is able to help us to see our own flaws in a humorous light. Every reader should be able to connect with at least one of the characters!!


What we fine as we read this is the most important and valuable treasure of all—Jesus! Through the flawed and bumbling cast, it is easy to see our imperfections, our limitations and our deep need for a savior to forgive us and cleanse us. In the end, it is healing and restoring relationships that matter most, especially over a relationship with God. Excellent book.

Wakulla Book Review by Loren



*~*~*~*



I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Wakulla Book Review: Lilting Laments of a Looney Lass by Dana Rongione



A very, very good devotional book.  Yes, it was very humorous at times.  But for every time you smiled at what you were reading, there was another big wham coming at you.  And you didn't even see it coming.  Our Lord gave Ms. Rongione plenty of help to go with the elements of the book. 

If one should take the time to read the table of contents by itself, you could sit and think about another story from your own life that would fit right into the scheme of things that she wrote about.
            
A good smattering of saucy humor.  The major problem here is that I personally can totally understand the stories that she wrote about.  And that really scares me.
            
I was raised on a farm in upstate New York in the 40's and 50's.  There were a lot of the things that she said in the book that were right out there in the open.  Including the God part of the book.
            
An excellent undertaking.

Wakulla Book Review by Bob L.


*~*~*~*

I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida." 

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Wakulla Book Review: The Newspaper Code by Lisa J. Lickel



Summary: Judy Wingate is a new mom and hot on the trail in an attempt to solve the murder of Esme Espe Along the way she learns lessons of forgiveness and becomes BFF with Olivia Hargrove again. Judy accuses Olivia’s future husband Adam Ray of being a murderer, only to discover that he’s a hero waiting to be acknowledged.

The School’s fifth and sixth grades classrooms are condemned and must be held across town in the high school’s library. Judy handles all this while being a devoted mother and wife.

Purpose: To create a good, clean Christian mystery and suspense novel

Themes: 1. Forgiveness, 2. Love of others, 3. Family reconciliation, 4. Treasure hunt, 5. Handling disappointment

Thesis: Things aren’t always what they seem; never accuse someone until you’re 100% sure


Great story I really love reading Mrs. Lickel’s books.

A Wakulla Book Review by Booker T. 


*~*~*~*



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."


Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Wakulla Book Review: Daily Discussion of a Doubting Disciple by Dana Rongione








This is a devotional book filled with humor and encouragement.  Ms. Rongione shares her life and lessons with us as we journey together to draw closer to Jesus.  She is very candid and witty.          

I could relate to each short story.  The entries are things we all go through, and Dana says what a lot of us want to say but don't actually have the nerve to say!  In other words, she keeps it real!!

I learned a lot, took some hard hits, and laughed a lot.  This is one of the most thoughtful and encouraging devotional books I've read.


A gotta have it book!!  Bravo!!

A Wakulla Book Review by Loren



*~*~*~*


I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Monday, April 11, 2016

Chris Lind and TrueSearch

Welcome to TrueSearch.today. YOUR Christian Search Engine.


About TrueSearch:

www.TrueSearch.today is a search engine that encourages the Christian community to search for and support Christian websites, businesses, and churches by offering free advertising in exchange for website submissions. As long as it is family appropriate, the ad or message can be anything you like and can be changed as often as you like. Feel free to promote the books you author, a church, your business, a local event, or simply leave a pleasant message to brighten everyone's day. 

The way your ad or message gets displayed to website visitors is by submitting websites to TrueSearch for inclusion in search results. If you submit websites related to the subject of "Knights and Chivalry" then your message will display whenever a website visitor searches for, say, "armor" or "Knights of the Round Table." Your ad or message will display only for words that are found in the websites you submit, and only in the search results of the specific websites you submit.

The goal is to foster a "win-win" mentality within the Christian community, the idea being that if you have a book on vegetarian cooking, it is OK to submit other people's websites related to this topic for inclusion in search results, because your own book will be promoted in the process.

Feel free to submit websites to TrueSearch that are totally unrelated to your book or business. Future versions of TrueSearch will allow people to trade website submissions, allowing for increased mobility and better placement of the free ads and messages in the available search result "real estate" space. Also, the more websites you submit to TrueSearch, the more likely your own ad or message will be seen, and the more useful TrueSearch will become as a search engine...so please feel free to submit as many websites as you like!


About Chris:
Chris Lind is the creator of TrueSearch and the storybook character, Bit the Bot. He and his wife homeschool their 3 children, all under the age of 5. They keep Chris and his wife on their toes.


Friday, April 1, 2016

Seventh Dimension new addition to the series by Lorilyn Roberts

Seventh Dimension - The City: A Young Adult Fantasy (Seventh Dimension Series) (Volume 4)

The City by Lorilyn Roberts

Paperback $12.95
ISBN-13: 978-1523887910


About the book:
The Illuminati want Shale’s ancient scrolls and they’ll stop at nothing to find them. Shale and Daniel will stop at nothing to protect them. The battle rages from Jerusalem to Shambhala in search of Daniel’s father. With the apocalypse looming, Shale must choose between mortal love and immortality.

Lisa's review:
This fourth entry into the Seventh Dimension series brings the battle against good and evil back to Earth. Although I'm a bit weary of treating public high school science teachers as the bad guy, I trust Roberts's story-telling skills enough to move on from a dramatic opening in class to the reunion of Shale and Daniel as they pick up the search for Daniel's father in contemporary Israel and Asia. Strangely, Shale's biological father is the face of a deeper conspiracy in the hunt for a closely guarded secret behind the physical means to cross the barriers of time--but what this will mean for the rapidly approaching Armageddon and whether mankind can shut out God will become an intergalactic issue, as much as a challenge to our young couple, is anyone’s guess. Or is it a carefully orchestrated event across time? Daniel and Shale not only face the external pressures of a world in transition, but also their own faith in God and each other. Trust has many avenues and faith many faces.

Roberts is a well-rounded story teller and uses her experiences in international travel to add wonderful layers to her credible characters.

Lorilyn Roberts
About the author:
Lorilyn Roberts is an award-winning Christian author who writes for the young and the young at heart. Lorilyn is a single mother by choice. She adopted her two daughters from Nepal and Vietnam. Read her Amazon best-selling memoir, Children of Dreams, endorsed by New York Times best-selling author Jerry Jenkins, and be inspired. Lorilyn has been a speaker at various events and functions, including women's groups, adoption support groups, and writer workshops. She is the founder of the John 3:16 marketing network.