"A Way Out of Hell," by Jim Baton - Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts

A Way Out of Hell by Jim Baton is the second book in the Peace Trilogy Series and picks up where Someone Has to Die left off.

As an American attempting to understand Islam, the series has helped me to understand a side of Islam that is often overlooked: Muslims are people just like me, trying to raise their families, pay their bills, and worship according to their beliefs. A Way Out of Hell shows that radical Islamic groups like ISIS are as much a threat to Muslim society as they are to Christians and Jews.

Can Christians and Muslims live side by side, respect each others' beliefs, share each others' hopes, and even pray together? Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

In a world where there is so little love, so little hope, and so little tolerance, maybe this series offers a glimpse of what is possible. I have many personal questions after reading the first two books. For example, can I love that much? 

In my heart, I want to show Muslims the love of Christ. Jesus Christ died for them too, but before we can expect Muslims to listen to us, or to me, we must love them first. Earn their friendship. I remind myself, Jesus loves Muslims more than I ever could because He loves perfectly. 

Our best ability to love will never be like Jesus Christ, but if we commit our minds and hearts to trying, will that not please our heavenly Father? John 13:35 says: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

The Peace Trilogy Series has shown me some things that aren't always obvious at first. Perhaps one reason why Jesus Christ taught using parables is because stories teach us things we can't learn any other way. When we read stories, we develop an intimacy with the characters. We feel their emotions. 

The scholarship of a nonfiction book remains in the intellect. Stories reach the heart. Love, hate, hopelessness, and redemption, I felt all those emotions in the Peace Trilogy Series. I even felt pity for the antagonists who had become radicalized. They were misled, perhaps demonically possessed in one instance, but they still had souls. They weren't beyond redemption.  

It only takes one person to make a difference, to bring peace to a village, a community, a school, or a country, and the Peace Trilogy Series provides an example of how reconciliation is possible. I look forward to reading the third and final book in the series, A Violent Light.

*~*~*~*

Product Details Paperback: 322 pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (May 18, 2016) Language: English ISBN-10: 1532765991 ISBN-13: 978-1532765995 Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews) To order from Amazon, click here

About the Author

JIM BATON lives in the world’s largest Muslim nation, building bridges between 

Muslims and Christians who both desire peace.

Contemporary Thriller by Jim Baton, Book Review by Lisa Lickel

A Way Out of Hell

Book two of the Peace Trilogy

Buy on Amazon Australia 

Amazon US 

Barnes and Noble

Ebook $5.99

Print $15.99

About the Book

When ISIS turns your city into a living hell… ISIS unleashes a reign of terror across Indonesia. As a former jihadist, Abdullah knows all too well the high cost and absolute ineffectiveness of fighting such violence with violence. He accepts the impossible challenge of finding the ISIS cell hidden in his city, and disbanding it non-violently. But time is running out, and there may not be any city left to save. Meanwhile, he has to protect his adopted daughter Sari, a Christian university student, who is one of ISIS’s targets. Together they come face-to-face with the holy warriors of mass destruction and strive to overcome that evil with good. In this riveting sequel to Someone Has to Die, Jim Baton introduces us to the real people caught in the web of terrorism, with their wide variety of backgrounds and motivations, and the possibility that they, too, can change.

Lisa Lickel's review

Baton has racked up an impressive amount of endorsements for his very fine work, Someone Has to Die and A Way Out of Hell, including a former congressman. Although I trip but am willing to reason over his website declaration that Christians and Muslims worship the same Father, I can read his fiction and appreciate his craft for sharing a story that is frightening realistic and full of possibilities.

A Way Out of Hell is a sequel to the 2012 story, Someone Has to Die. Both are set in Indonesia, a heavily Muslim country, but one actively fending off radicalized Muslims who promote one world extreme sharia dominance through acts of murder and terrorism. Obviously portraying the fascinating setting and culture in a natural manner draws in a reader unfamiliar with this part of the world. A sympathetic peacemaker who sees and acknowledges his human flaws, the societal failures and resulting loss of his family through divorce and murder, Abdullah makes his purpose one of not giving in to hate and cruelty; to look beneath the reasons and meet needs in a positive way that is able to turn and pass it on. The back cover description shares the story. My review is simply that the writing is stellar, the story riveting and excruciating and occasionally embarrassingly true when Baton showcases who is willing to risk peace at all costs and who doubts it can be done. This is the ultimate lesson in meeting extreme prejudice head-on and refusing to blink. Baton makes me believe.

Told through multiple characters, A Way Out of Hell is a lengthy but page-turning, cringe-worthy tale of extraordinary people in an alien setting, whether native or guest, forging peace and brotherhood without thought of price.

About the Author

Jim Baton (pen name) has spent the last 20 years living in the Muslim world, where he’s been involved in a variety of peace and reconciliation activities including interfaith dialogue, training elementary through university students in peace principles, and bringing Christians and Muslims together to pray.  His real name and photo won’t appear on this site to protect his identity from radical groups where he lives out his faith.  When in America, Jim is available to speak to groups that have a heart for loving those of the other religion and can protect his identity.

Life is a Highway with Tracy Krauss

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

Book Review of The Dividing Stone by Anita Estes

The Dividing Stone

Anita Estes

January 19, 2016

Tate Publishing

ISBN  978-1681872001

Print $16.99

Amazon

About the Book:

A sinister, dark force hovers over the unsuspecting valley when Margo Pierson discovers a tattered letter illuminating a mysterious ancestor and warning them of “a diabolical evil that stalks this town.” Through preoccupied with preparations for the prestigious craft show, Margo, the young potter, is catapulted into a quest to unearth the truth and expose the uncanny murder of her namesake Unwittingly, she and her companions stumble upon an ancient stone that holds the secret to both the past and present dangers. Caught off guard by her nemesis, Bill Guiles, he kidnaps Ms. Pierson and attempts to erase all she discovered of the secret society, Will their plans be thwarted? Will havoc be the new order? Will relationships be ruined and marriages annihilated? As the forces of good and evil engage in a spiritual battle in the heavenly realm, can Margo survive and foil the deadly curses set in motion centuries ago?

Come join Margo Pierson and friends for a roller-coaster ride and supernatural adventure of your life.

My review:

Ms. Estes’ debut inspirational fiction is filled with darkness and terror, evil and demons battling for control. Using the cover of the church and secret societies, demons hold sway over those who have denounced faith, or who are weak-willed. Even Margo and her husband Chris’s friends are close to tragedy in this story of spiritual battle.

Told in multiple viewpoints, The Dividing Stone whips the reader from heaven to earth to the realms of the demonic in fast action. Detailed, brittle, even gory in places, the story unfolds as Margo gradually closes in on the truth of the events surrounding her ancestry in a quaint New England community. Little does she know the forces unleashed that fateful day of a long-ago suspected suicide have never left and are simply waiting to finish what they began when Margo finds a cursed piece of antiquity.

John 3:16 Book Review: Lisa Lickel reviews "Sassy Pants" by Carole Brown

Sassy Pants learns about Strange Creatures, third in the series

By Carol Brown

November 2015

Summer Island Press, Alaska

ISBN 978-0996495356

Children’s lit

Price paperback $11.99

Buy on Amazon US

Amazon Canada

From the Publisher:

Strange creatures are popping up all over the place on Farmer White's farm! What is a little pig supposed to do? Does she have to be polite? Should she just ignore them? And what if they're scary? How can you tell the difference between dangerous, or just different? That's what Sassy Pants has to learn when she wanders off by herself in places she isn't supposed to. But sometimes she learns the easy way, and sometimes the hard way. Which one will it be this time? And will she learn what's right in time to stay safe? Follow along with Sassy Pants and Friends, as they try to figure things out.

Lisa's review:

Delightful addition to the Sassy Pants middle grade readers. Sassy Pants is a little pig, a runt raised by the farm family and then returned to the pigpen where she has a lot to learn. In this tale, Sassy Pants learns from Old Clyde the horse that a strange new creature has come to Farmer White’s farm. He’s a llama with a big long name, but Sassy Pants calls him Mister One. None of the other animals want to disturb Mister One with his terrible nightmares and strange spitting ways, but Sassy Pants is determined to help the llama. She learns how when another strange creature shows up—an English bulldog and his captain, come for a visit. While none of the other animals want to even get close to the stinky bulldog, Sassy Pants persists and learns a valuable lesson about not just getting along, but helping each other even when we make mistakes.

Lovingly crafted illustrations and humor will add to the enjoyment of the these stories told by Sassy Pants herself.

John 3:16 Book Review by Lisa Lickel: Nana's Three Jars: Spending Wisely by Carol Round

Giving Generously, the third book in the delightful children's series of stories with a moral, is now available in time for Christmas from Author Carol Round. 

Nana’s Jars series

Children’s Fiction

Carol Round

ISBN 978-0692532423

September, 2015

$12.95 paperback only at this time

Buy on US Amazon

From the publisher:

Charlie has a dilemma. Christmas is approaching and he wants to give his teacher a special gift. He’s been saving his money to purchase a present for Miss James but until he and Emma make a trip to visit Nana, he isn’t quite sure what he will do. Join Charlie and Emma as they learn more about the third jar — spending wisely — and why it’s just as important as the giving and saving jars. “Nana’s 3 Jars: Spending Wisely” is an interactive book for adults to read and then make hot chocolate mix with children using the recipe in the back of the book. It is the third and final book in the “Nana’s 3 Jars” series.

My review:

Carol Round’s delightful third book of her series of children’s stories with a moral is a great read with sweet illustrations to subtly teach children about giving gifts with a purpose. Gifts are personal and meaningful when they come from the heart and are created with thought, based on affordability. The stories are based on a lesson Charlie and Emma’s grandmother teaches about earning and saving money, when to give, and when to spend it. Charlie visits his grandmother on the farm and sees the perfect holiday gift for his teacher. His grandmother and mother help him create the gift using donations and purchased items from his savings for him to give.

Included in the book are the directions for this gift—hot chocolate mix in a jar, directions, as well as labels to create readers’ own Saving, Giving, Spending jars. Beautifully illustrated, not too long for a good sit-down read, and easily read.

Volumes One and Two, Giving Generously, and Saving Pennies, are available as well.
See Carol Round's Amazon Page, US, for more information.

Eliza Earsman's Manley

About the Book:
Manley was in a bad way. Dehydrated and exhausted from a long ‘stowaway’ journey, he was found in the back of a removal merchant’s haulage truck. One day and 400 tarmac miles earlier he had crawled in to examine what he thought was a load of peace and quiet. Falling asleep on a sofa wasn’t the best option but that is what happened—and he had no way of raising the alarm. 

The two hardy workmen fed, watered and soothed him. Short of leaving him on the mean city streets, they had no option but to take him to an inner city London animal shelter. Staff there found a microchip identifying his owner but the ‘owner’ didn’t want the cost of hauling him back to his south-of-England home county. 

June 2015
20 pp
Buy on Amazon US $1.49
Amazon UK
Amazon CA

My review:
A lovely story about the relationship between two adventurous souls, one human, one cat. Manley might have been rescued from the shelter, but he rescued Shelagh, his boon companion, every bit as much. Nice little reading nugget, cat romance, charming adventure, and yes, Manley's expression on the cover, a little smug, a little shy, and little sleepy, says it all. Delightful For those who like a quick short pet read.

John 3:16 Book Review: Super Simple Animal Crafts by Kimberley Payne

Super Simple Animal Crafts

 to supplement

Adam’s Animals 

Fun Facts about God’s Creation

Kristen Sheppard-Payne 

Kimberley Payne

March 2014

$5.99 paperback

ISBN-13: 978-1497492172

buy on Amazon

30 super simple animal crafts to supplement children's activity book Adam's Animals - Fun Facts About God's Creation

My review:

Crating 30 different species of God’s creatures out of pipe cleaners, clothespins, googly eyes, paper plates and paint was never so much fun. Recommended to go along with the Vacation Bible School or even Sunday school Curriculum, Adam’s Animals, Kimberley Payne and Kristen Sheppard-Payne offer a fun-filled book of clear directions and pictures of easy to create animals, from Bizarre Bat to Fancy Fish using an old CD, to Handsome Horse and Wild Wolf built around a child’s footprint, a few simple supplies turns into an afternoon of fun at home or the babysitter or grandma’s house.

LisaLickel.com

Book Review: How to Train Up & Build Up Your Child by Krystal Kuehn

HOW TO: Train Up & Build Up Your Child - God's Way! By Krystal Kuehn 

Do you want your child to be confident, optimistic, grateful, successful, positive, hopeful, joyful, resilient, secure? 

Do you want to better connect and strengthen your relationship with him/her? 

You can!

Children, tweens, teens, young adults - everyone needs encouragement! Giving children simple, uplifting words of encouragement is a priceless gift from a parent that instills strength and security and builds confidence and faith.

Do you want a fast and effective way to encourage your child?

Parents have a great opportunity to connect with their children like never before. Sending uplifting messages (SMS, IM, note cards, lunch box notes) to let children know they are loved can calm their anxious minds, strengthen their resolve, improve their self-esteem, and change their lives!

Find out how in International, Best-Selling author Krystal Kuehn’s uplifting, character-building, life-changing work: HOW TO Train Up & Build Up Your Child - God’s Way! Over 100 Short Messages & Notes to help you Connect, Encourage & Empower Your Child & Those You Love 

January2014

eBook $2.99

Print $5.95

Buy on

US Amazon

Canada Amazon

UK Amazon

Australia Amazon

Review:

This short and easy to read collection of personal affirmations gives the reader some excellent suggestions with which to affirm their child or really any loved one in their lives whom they wish to encourage. So many of us are raised in an atmosphere of negativity, sometimes with the best of intentions as was suggested by the author, but leaving us drained of the vitality of life necessary to succeed. This little book will teach the reader how to pick out the good in people and become a true encourager!

L. Shoshana Rhodes, Author
One Lamb Redeemed (Shoshana Goldberg)
Coming soon: The Quest for the Lost Foundation
http://messianicpropheticintercessor.com/

Book Review: How Start a Business by Violet James

HOW TO Start a Business: Step by Step Startup Guide by Violet James 

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business? * Are you a stay home mom or dad that is considering a home-based business? * Did you recently get laid-off from your job and now have an opportunity to be your own boss? * Or maybe you are an adventurous, highly motivated person who loves new challenges? You may have seriously thought about starting your own business, but just did not know where to begin. Starting a new business can be overwhelming and a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! If you aren’t sure how or even where to begin, don’t worry – you will be guided step-by-step in HOW TO START A BUSINESS. The author, Violet James, will guide you and take you through the process one step at a time. These steps make it easy for anyone to start their own business. Violet has broken down the process into manageable basic steps that anyone can understand and complete. In HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS you will find EVERYTHING YOU NEED to start a successful, thriving business! Get started today and be on your way to fulfilling your dreams!

2014

eBook $2.99

Print $7.95

Buy on

US Amazon

Canada Amazon

UK Amazon

Australia Amazon

Review:

Finally- A Simple Guide that Makes Sense!

This small, but power-packed book is a must-read for anyone who has a budding business idea, but has never tried to start a business, or has tried and failed. It truly is a step by step guide that takes the confusion out of the process. This book also contains a wealth of resources that will be invaluable in what can otherwise be a difficult process. Even though the author has a Master’s degree, the materials in this book are so simplistic in their presentation that the reader does not need a business degree to comprehend it. I highly recommend this book for anyone who may be planning to start their own business. 

L. Shoshana Rhodes, Author
One Lamb Redeemed (Shoshana Goldberg)
Coming soon: The Quest for the Lost Foundation
http://messianicpropheticintercessor.com/

John 3:16 Book Book Review - Treasures of Darkness by Trish Jenkins

Treasures of Darkness by Trish Jenkins

This book is my journey, made up of my prison letters, private journal entries of things I couldn't put in letters, and hindsight commentary. I didn't know I was writing a book when I wrote. I just knew I had to record everything, including how I felt and my prayers. I also knew that if my faith had any substance, this was the place it would work. God did not disappoint!

May 2014

Print $15.99

eBook $9.99

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US Amazon

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Review: 

All I can say is: Wow! My husband and I were missionaries on foreign soil many years ago and I’ve wondered how I would deal with being imprisoned. I would hope that I could walk in some of the love, forgiveness, and grace exhibited throughout these pages. We are coming into a time when many in the body of Messiah are finding themselves in similar positions. Anyone who is passionate for Jesus needs to read this book! This book is NOT for cowards (Rev 21:8).

L. Shoshana Rhodes, Author
One Lamb Redeemed (Shoshana Goldberg)
Coming soon: The Quest for the Lost Foundation
http://messianicpropheticintercessor.com/

John 3:16 Book Review: Highly Sensitive by Carol A. Brown

Highly Sensitive by Carol A. Brown 

July, 2011

$9.99 eBook

$11.50 Print

Buy on US Amazon

Canada Amazon

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UK Amazon

God Created Some People To Be Highly Sensitive 
Discover why you are the way you are and enjoy your gift!!

Highly Sensitive: Understanding Your Gift of Spiritual Sensitivity is a valuable companion piece to Carol Brown's previous book, The Mystery of Spiritual Sensitivity. This volume not only provides a precise summary of the topics covered in the prequel (true identity, burden bearing, aspects of high sensitivity, healing), but counsels you on the steps and spiritual practices that will help you-the "highly sensitive burden bearer" to shine in your gifting.

Highly Sensitive propels you forward into a healing and maturing process that involves a steep but exhilarating learning curve-well worth the journey.

"This book is in response to many readers asking me, 'Now what? Where do I do from here?'" writes author Carol Brown. Highly Sensitive examines and frankly discusses five growth areas most burden bearers have in common:

• 1. Having confidence that you hear from God.
• 2.Trusting God, self, and others.
• 3. Discerning between burdens and "my own stuff."
• 4. Making and keeping boundaries.
• 5. Identity (sense of worth and belonging).

All of the dots are connected through personal testimonies, biblical support, and spiritual insight-you will clearly see God's bigger picture for your life!

This book looks at how empathetic burden bearing affects the individual and how you can recover and repair damage from negative responses to high sensitivity on emotional, spiritual, and psychological levels.

Review:

Have you ever wondered why you seem so different from everyone else around you? If so, this book just might be for you! I’ve been a “different-from-the-rest-of-the-pack” intercessor for 30 years, and all I can say is this book puts into concise, easy to understand words the things I’ve had to process all these years without really understanding why! If this sounds like you, too, then I highly recommend this book. Highly Sensitive has the “real stuff” to keep you out of trouble and on the right track! You will enjoy it!

L. Shoshana Rhodes, Author
One Lamb Redeemed (Shoshana Goldberg)
Coming soon: The Quest for the Lost Foundation
http://messianicpropheticintercessor.com/

John 3:16 Book Review: Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull

Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull is a Christian Gothic historical novel set in a haunting mansion in the north of England where Ian Colquhoun and Shannon Aimee battle a Frenchman with dark secrets--spiritual warfare vs. the occult.  Will they learn enough about God’s words to defend themselves and others or will evil overcome them?

February 2015

$15.99 Print

$2.99 Ebook

Buy on US Amazon

UK Amazon

Canada Amazon

Australia Amazon

Review:

I’m not usually much for fiction, but this novel was a real hard-to-put-down cliff-hanger! It had a little bit of everything- history, romance, Christian principles, and lots of suspense. The main character is a rebellious teenager who manages to get herself in so much trouble that only God can rescue her! I highly recommend this story to both teens AND their parents (actually to anyone who wants to read a really good story).

L. Shoshana Rhodes, Author
One Lamb Redeemed (Shoshana Goldberg)
Coming soon: The Quest for the Lost Foundation
http://messianicpropheticintercessor.com/

John 3:16 Book Review: Jordan's Shadow by Robin Johns Grant

Jordan’s Shadow

Robin Johns Grant

 

February 2015

Print 12.99

E book: 2.99

Buy on Amazon

From the Publisher:

The Crosby family has a frightening problem. Is it psychological? Supernatural? Or something entirely unexpected?

In 1984, seventeen-year-old Rose and her fiancé discover an injured girl with no memory. The girl, Jordan, is in Rose’s life for a brief time but leaves her world shattered.

Years later, Rose Crosby’s fifteen-year-old daughter Ginny can’t understand why her relationship with her mother has fallen apart. Ginny could swear that Rose is terrified of her lately.

Then one terrible day, Ginny overhears Rose confessing that she truly is terrified of Ginny—because to her, every day Ginny grows more and more like Jordan, the girl who's been dead many years. In fact, she swears that somehow, Ginny is turning into Jordan.

Is Ginny’s mom insane? Is there a ghost in their house, threatening to possess Ginny? Or is the demon in Rose's past, forcing her to confront what happened on that horrible day in 1984 when Jordan was killed? 

My review:

A must-know page turner.

It hurt when I had to set this book down. It’s not a quick read...just a heads up.

Jordan’s Shadow is a YA mystery paranormal thriller that will glue readers of all ages to their favorite reading chairs. I thought I had the mystery pretty well sewn up—and then Grant would take me back in time and prove me wrong. I’m the kind of reader who normally reads the end when I think I’m right, but this is one book where I didn’t skip and I was glad I didn’t.

This multi-generational dysfunctional family drama will make you cheer and boo until the last curtain. The lingering question of mental illness keeps the reader on her toes with the question of who do you trust when the story of deaths in the family begin to appear. I loved the paranormal aspect of moving through time and I got a kick out of mulling the questions that remain.

Well-done sophomore book from talented author Robin Johns Grant. Great characterization, terrific setting and dialog. Told from the viewpoints of Ginny and her mother back and forth between twenty-five years, Jordan’s Shadow will keep you reading. Recommended for those who like family dramas, teen angst, faith-based YA with a twist of fantasy.

--Lisa Lickel

John 3:16 Book Review: Think Snow Devotional by Kimberley Payne

Think Snow Devotional by Kimberley Payne

Available here: http://amzn.to/1A7xvmT

Book Review by Sheldon D. Newton

I enjoyed these pleasant short stories with a spiritual meaning, which ran really cause you to evaluate one's walk with God. I recommend it to all. It is not drawn out and each story carries a life lesson with it. I like the moose story . Each one will draw you in and you see how the authors experiences give a Biblical lesson that is direct and to the point.

*~*~*~*

Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author and writer on spiritual & physical fitness topics. Her devotional writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire people to live healthier lives that glorify God. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com

$2.99 on Kindle, 3 reviews, 5 stars. Available here.

John 3:16 Book Review: My Name Is Jealous by Sheldon Newton

Author: Pastor Sheldon Newton

Review: Kimberley Payne

Kindle $3.99

Paperback $15.00

Buy on US Amazon

Amazon Canada

Amazon Australia

Review from Kimberley Payne:

Pastor Newton writes this unique book from God’s viewpoint with a personal and affectionate tone. He opens with a question and challenges us throughout the pages to return to our first love. Each chapter ends with either a Moment of Truth, Meditations for Today, or a Personal Reflection time that encourages us to apply what we’re reading to our personal life. The book is written for believers and advocates prayer and Bible study to build our relationship with our Father, who indeed is Jealous.

About the Author:

Sheldon D. Newton is a Bible Teacher, Pastor and Inspirational Speaker. He has been Biblical Principles of true success and victory for over thirty years, travelling both locally and abroad. He believes that every person born into this world has worth and value. His mission is to share with others keys which will enable them to discover their true purpose, overcome life's challenges and live victoriously. As an Ezine Articles Expert Writer, he has written over two hundred articles on various issues of life. Sheldon is the senior pastor of Jesus Christ Centered Ministries International, located in Nassau, Bahamas. He is the prolific author of ten life-transforming books, including: Be Ye Transformed; My Name is Jealous; Humility & the Honor of God; The Positive Power of Biblical Affirmations and Refuse to Live the Common Life. Sheldon lives in Nassau, with his wife and two children. Visit his website at: www.sheldondnewton.org

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Book Review: Dead Dreams by Emma Right

Dead Dreams 

A young contemporary adult psychological thriller and mystery. Book One.

Author: Emma Right

Kindle $1.99

Paperback: $10.99

Amazon US

Amazon Canada

Amazon Australia

Reviewer: Cheryl Colwell

Eighteen-year-old Brie O’Mara has so much going for her: a loving family in the sidelines, an heiress for a roommate, and dreams that might just come true. Big dreams--of going to acting school, finishing college and making a name for herself. She is about to be the envy of everyone she knew. What more could she hope for? Except her dreams are about to lead her down the road to nightmares. Nightmares that could turn into a deadly reality.

Review:
I don't usually read YA, but this story was too compelling. Great character development and well written, this story brings the best of mystery and suspense, ending with a titillating
twist that makes you anxious to read the book two ASAP.

John 3:16 Book Review: Once Again, by Deborah Heal

Once Again 

Romance, Mystery, and History Combine for a Delightful Read

Author: Deborah Heal

Published January 2014

$ 3.99 Kindle

$10.99 Paperback

Buy on US Amazon

Amazon Canada

Amazon Australia

Reviewer: Cheryl Colwell

A history teacher at McKendree College, Merrideth Randall is fascinated with historical events that occurred nearby. Though resisting the handsome Brett Garrison’s pursuit, she finds herself entangled because of the genealogical research she is doing on his family.

The delightful twist Deborah Heal has added to this series is a mysterious computer program that allows Merrideth to virtually visit the past and learn facts lost long ago, facts she cannot substantiate. I enjoyed the varied characters, fascinating history and secrets that were unearthed. A great read that I presume will fully conclude in the next book!

Book Review: How To Train Up a Child and Build Self-Esteem by Krystal Kuehn

c. Jan 2015

Maximum Potential LLC

.99 e-book

Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC

From the Publisher: 

Do you want your child to be confident, optimistic, grateful, successful, positive, hopeful, joyful, resilient, secure? 

Do you want to better connect and strengthen your relationship with him/her?
You can!

Find out how in International, Best-Selling author Krystal Kuehn’s uplifting, character-building, life-changing work:
HOW TO: Train Up & Build Up Your Child - God’s Way! Over 100 Short Messages & Notes to help you Connect, Encourage & Empower Your Child & Those You Love

Lisa's review:

Train Up and Build... is a great hands-on tool for parents who want to make a visual difference in their family life. Kuehn offers well-grounded reasons to encourage your child's self-esteem through reminders in the form of notes that can be read when not in a parent or other caregiver's physical presence. The author proceeds to give many examples in an alphabetical and topical order of notes that can be jotted and placed in lunchboxes or pockets or elsewhere for a child to find and read. The notes themselves are encouraging, I found, and uplifting, for anyone. 

           

“A simple word of encouragement...empowered them and changed the course of their life.”

“Each new day is a gift of you”

“In Christ you can be a God-pleaser and not fall in the trap of caring what people think of you.”

This little book is recommended for anyone who wants to start an encouragement campaign in a general way or a faith-based way and needs a place to start. The author's credentials as a counselor add credence.

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Member Book Review - He Who Has an Ear by Laura J Davis

He WhoHas An Ear

Laura J Davis

January 2014

ISBN: 9781492125051

Print $8.99, E-book $2.99

Biblical Exposition

More than two thousand years ago the Apostle John had a vision he received from the Lord. He was told to write seven letters to the churches of Asia Minor. Out of the seven churches only two received commendation from the Lord. The rest were letters of warning. Compromise and disobedience, combined with a lack of knowledge of the Word of God, has placed the 21st century church in a precarious situation. These letters to the seven churches are a message for this generation during these last days. He who has an ear will know what to do and act accordingly.

My Review: Insightful and well documented and researched book dissecting the Revelation of the Seven Churches for today’s meanings. Having just been in Ephesus, I appreciated the effort Davis went to make these places come alive for contemporary readers. It’s always tricky to make connections between popular current movements, people, and trends to Biblical prophecy. That very issue of expectation and assumption has been going on since the first Promise, however. Davis points out historical theories and why people thought/think what they do about the Christian faith and how to practice it.

Included in each chapter are check lists about the characteristics of the churches, calls to action and contemplation, questions and dialog interspersed with segments of the Scripture. My Kindle copy has a little formatting trouble with spacing between sentences, but it was not terribly difficult to read.

For those interested in eschatology, Davis’s honed reasoning about the symbolism of the seven churches mentioned by John in the Revelation of Christ will provide much to ponder, chew over and discuss. The author includes a lengthy resource and bibliography that is also helpful to those who would like the study deeper.