limited time sale for Sid Frost's new mystery, Murder in Sun City

 Murder in Sun City

ISBN-13: 978-0-9903181-2-5

Kindle US

$2.99 Regular price

$1.99 1/3/2016--1/10/2016

Kindle UK

£1.99 Regular price

£0.99 1/3/2016--1/10/2016

CHRISTIAN BOOKMOBILE NOVEL No. 5

Sun City is typically calm…until Liz shows up in her red double-decker bookmobile and starts cruising. When she finds one of her patrons dead, the police call it an accident and a day…but Liz has her suspicions and isn't about to give up. Lieutenant Bratton has met his match.

James Jones is a Vietnam War veteran who continued to fight the battles long after the war ended and everyone went home. His encounters are mostly in his head today, but if the military took senior citizens, he'd sign up without batting an eye. Combat was what he did best and he is lost without it. Now, as a soldier of fortune, James ends up in Sun City also.

This is the story of what happens when Liz and James cross paths.

My review:

Sid Frost is not only one of my favorite people, he's become one of my favorite authors. In this mystery, the fifth in his bookmobile series, Sid draws his readers into the life of librarian Liz Seido Helmsley who has found her true love in a British ex-pat farmer named Samuel, married and moved to Sun City. She takes the beloved red double-decker mobile library introduced in The Vengeance Squad Goes to England, and it’s not long before Liz and the library give her the opportunity for a mobile library route in this squeaky clean retirement community.

But wherever Liz goes, trouble seems to proceed her. This time it’s with a library patron found dead. Neighbor’s stories about the deceased don’t add up, and when Lt. Joe Bratton of the local police wants to wrap up the case as a simple accident, Liz decides to dig a bit deeper. Sharon Coleman turns out to be a lady of many oddities and mysteries, and Mr. Coleman even more so. With the help of her newly graduated grandson Michael and the blessing, mostly, of Samuel, Liz embarks on her own investigation to help Lt. Bratton whether he needs it or not, and make sure the Coleman’s daughter receives her proper inheritance.

One of Sharon’s secrets, an apparently homeless veteran with PTSD, James Jones, complicates everything. As the story progresses and the twists and turns lead the reader deeper into the corkscrewed life of the Colemans, about the only sympathetic figure left, so it seems, is Princess, Sharon’s pet pooch.

Murder in Sun City is a fun mystery, highly recommended for those who enjoy cozy mysteries featuring characters with a lifetime of experience, and plenty of exciting turns. I especially appreciated the treatment of those who suffer from PTSD and may not be in full control of their faculties.

About the Author:

Sidney W. Frost was born and raised in Austin, Texas, served in the U.S. Marines in California, worked in the space industry in Los Angeles and Houston, and is now living in Georgetown, Texas. 

He is active in his church and is a former Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader.

He has loved choral music from an early age, and was in 42 Austin Lyric Opera productions. He and his wife, Celeste, sing in their church choir as well as the San Gabriel Chorale. They have also participated in several Berkshire Festivals in and out of the United States. He loves to travel and has visited 33 countries.

He has a Master of Science degree from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Long Beach. He has worked in the Information Technology business for many years, and in May, 2011, retired after thirty years as an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at Austin Community College. He received the adjunct teaching excellence award in 2005. He now teaches writing courses, most recently a class on memoir writing for the Senior University of Georgetown.

He is the author of four Christian novels, set in and around Austin, Texas, and three non-fiction books. Awards for his first novel, Where Love Once Lived, include First Place in the 2007 SouthWest Writers Contest and First Place in the 2007 Writers' League of Texas Novel Manuscript Contest. Visit Sid’s website http://sidneywfrost.com, and Amazon author pages. http://amazon.com/author/sidneyfrost

Wakulla Book Review: The Map Quilt by Lisa J. Lickel

An exciting story that combines the actions of a past generation with those of the future or present generation, creating a cause and effect.

Julietta is out to solve a family mystery that began in the 1860s along the famous Underground Railroad. Fighting for the land that her free ancestors had obtained in the first of the 1800s, this African-American woman is in a fight for her life.

Hart and a very pregnant July get caught up in Julietta’s adventure which includes murder, theft, threats and near disaster.

Involving family, friends and unlikely acquaintances, Hart and Judy learn and grown as God leads the way. With a very adventurous wife, a new baby, and a mother who is beginning to date again, Hart wonders if he’ll survive.

This book has the elements of love, hate, loyalty, betrayal, anger and forgiveness rolled into a well-written package. Ultimately, it’s about the true treasures of life—family and friends.

I’d give this book five stars on content and adventure with a touch of history blended in.

A very easy read that I would recommend to older preteens and up; male or female

A Wakulla Book Review by Bill C.

To purchase from Amazon, click here.

*~*~*~*

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."

Wakulla Book Review: First and Goal by Jake Bryne

FIRST AND GOAL is a football-themed devotional. By using terminology from the game, the author is able to use his personal experiences as a football player and relate them to scripture in order to teach and encourage the reader. 

The author’s love and devotion to God shows as he gives the reader insight in the lessons the author has leaned throughout his life. 

Sports fans and non-sports fans alike will find this book enjoyable as there are many personal applications to be learned from FIRST AND GOAL. There is something for everyone, but I would especially recommend this book to those who love God as well as the game of football.  

Wakulla Book Review: In peace, Nathan J.

Order Best-Selling Book, "First and Goal," from Amazon by clicking here.

*~*~*~*

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."

Ordinary Women - Extraordinary God, by Sandra Julian Barker

What do we do when life throws us a curve? How do we react? Does our view of God change? What is the secret to surviving crushing loss or sorrowful circumstances and still praising God?  

This book contains stories of 14 ordinary women (and one ordinary man) who have gone through various degrees of difficulty or tragedy. These women have come through their trial (or in some cases, are still going through the trial) with a prayer on their lips and praise to our extraordinary God in their hearts.

Along with these present-day sisters in Christ, there are enlightening stories from a few Biblical sisters in the faith.  There are also messages from God’s word on such topics as fear, tears, His all-sufficient grace, and beauty from ashes.

Read the stories and see the pictures of ordinary women like you and me.  You’ll cry over their pain and loss, laugh at their humorous tidbits, rejoice in their victories and, hopefully, whisper a prayer for those who are still going through the floodwaters.

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…” Habakkuk 3:18

EXCERPT – taken from chapter entitled, “Gretchen”

Gretchen was 44-years old when it happened.  She'd been married 13 years and long ago been told she could not have a baby.  Although she'd always longed to be a mother, over the years she’d developed peace about her childlessness and accepted her situation as part of God's plan.

As a leader in the children's ministries at her church, she'd become like a second mother to many of her friends’ children.  One of her joys was having "Princess" retreats for the young girls and encouraging them to grow in the beauty and grace of our Lord.

So -- it was a huge surprise when Gretchen discovered she was pregnant.  It was a surprise and joy that a dream she'd given up on was at last coming true!  She would be a mother with a precious baby of her very own -- praise God from who all blessings flow!

No sooner had Gretchen shared her exciting news with family and friends than word came from her doctors that the pregnancy was in trouble.  The baby boy she was carrying had a condition known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) which meant that abnormalities in the placenta restricted the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.  It was then they told her and her husband Shawn that their son might "pass away at any time."

How do expectant parents cope with such news?  Gretchen's life had seemed like a placid stream before she'd been placed on a roller coaster that started off with joyous promise, but was now plunging into a dark and fearful place.

Her first reaction was quite natural -- tears, an overwhelming sorrow and her heart's cry, "Lord, please no!  This cannot be happening!"

Almost immediately, hope eased the sorrow.  She said, "For a while, it was hope that conquered my sadness -- the hope that the Lord would heal my son and that what they'd predicted would be wrong -- that he would be born a miracle....a complete miracle."

Months passed and the roller coaster continued its twisting journey of ups and downs -- sometimes hopeful, but more often news they did not want to hear.  It was a frightening ride for Gretchen and Shawn.  Early in her pregnancy she was admitted to the hospital and placed on bed rest.  This tiny baby boy, whom they'd named Shawn Austin, was a little fighter, and he'd surprised the doctors by refusing to quietly "pass away" as they'd predicted.  The expectant mother was full of hope as she wrote, "We are still praying, and not giving up on this miracle baby."

As a friend watching this heart-wrenching situation unfold from a distance, what touched my heart most deeply was Gretchen's firm and unwavering statement:  "I still will love and serve Him - no matter what!"  This was not just something she said to sound spiritual.  Even through tears and sorrow, Gretchen meant what she said from the bottom of her broken heart.  That was powerful to me -- and still is as she reaffirms her love for God every day.

On the morning of July 1, 2011, Shawn Austin came into the world with eyes wide open and a strong yet gentle cry.  There was joy at his birth and a continued hope that this sick 'lil warrior, as Gretchen calls him, would survive and be a testament to God's miraculous grace.

Gretchen and her son in the NICU

But, it was not to be.  This beautiful baby boy with dark hair and a sweet smile spent the entire 2-1/2 months of his life in the intensive care unit at the Children's Hospital.  His Mommy and Daddy loved him and loved on him as much as they possibly could.  Gretchen said, "Shawn was a fighter until the end of his precious but brief life when he went home to be with Jesus."

How did Gretchen cope with such loss?

When a woman loses her precious baby, it is heart-rending, but it seemed like Gretchen's loss had an extra twist that made it even worse.

During moments of weakness, you can imagine satanic influences whispering in her ear, "What kind of God would dangle the carrot of motherhood in front of you like that?  After you'd long ago accepted your childlessness, why would He set you up for a fall by giving you the joy of pregnancy and a glimpse of your baby, only to dash your hopes and joys with pain and a sorrow like you'd never known before?  What kind of God does that?"

These are the thoughts and feelings of the natural self -- which is still part of all of us, but such thoughts and feelings are destructive to every part of who we are -- and unfair to every part of who God is.  Gretchen knows this and refused to let Satan bait her into blaming God, or letting bitterness cloud her world.

Gretchen explains, "My peace with God is knowing that His ways are perfect; that He chose me to parent that Lil Warrior and Blessing that he was.  There's no recurring bitterness or anger with the Lord.  My pain now is to have had a child that was taken back to heaven so quickly, missing him and just what he would have added to our lives; feeling emptiness in my arms though my heart is full of the love that I felt for him.  My healing is a work in progress, but He that has begun a good work in me shall complete it to the end!"

To purchase from Amazon, click here.

*~*~*~*

Sandra Julian Barker is the author of a number of novels, a children’s book, and now a Christian inspirational book.  She has written numerous newspaper and magazine articles, and has a story in the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul.

"He's Looking for a Bride" by Elizabeth Paige - New Book About the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

"It is His love that drives Him. Love is the chariot that brought Him from the highest heights of heaven into the filthy stall of a manger. And it is that same chariot that drove Him to the cross. 

Don't forget, Jesus didn't want to do it, but it was His love that carried Him up Calvary's hill, and love was the nails that held Him to our only chance at redemption. It is that same love that beckons you closer, into the very intimate presence of the Lord. For it is for the promise of His Bride that He suffered so.

It is His love that stretches us and calls us ever higher into His presence. It is His love that can accept nothing less than a Bride without spot or wrinkle, and it is His love that removes our stains with His own precious blood. 

And it is His love right now that asks you to walk this steep and narrow path. The road that leads to the most intimate presence of the Lamb is paved with repentant hearts, humility, and reverent obedience. The road is long and narrow and steep, but the chariot in which we ride is Love."

Click here to purchase from Amazon

*~*~*~*

Elizabeth Paige is a Christian and children's author, speaker, ordained minister, and homeschool teacher with a powerful testimony. 

She is co-founder of In His Hands International Ministries, co-founder of Hope's House Foundation Kenya, president of Moldable Clay Publishing, and a featured writer for Treasures Magazine. 

She lives a life of extreme faith, love, and obedience to God's will with her husband and four miracle children in the mountains of Colorado. For more information, please visit www.moldableclay.com.

Wakulla Book Review: Seventh Dimension - The Castle, by Lorilyn Roberts

Summary: Now we go on with Daniel's journey to find the castle and to fall in love in more ways than one. Will Daniel past the test or hold on to his many Jewish beliefs and customs?  Only the illusion of time will tell here in the seventh dimension. Hold on tight, this is no ordinary read.

Purpose: I could name a hundred and not even begin, yet I can sum them all up with one:  To illustrate the passion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in a way that even gives "The Passion of Christ" produced by Mel Gibson a run for detail. 

Theme: The Lord of God for all His creation and the greatest demonstration of such love in the ultimate salvation message.

Thesis: Choices and how we sometimes must make many choices to prepare us for the most important one(s) 

Controversial issues: Carnal mindedness, selfishness, and bitterness. Most importantly, the greatest sin of many ‑ unbelief. 

Enjoy: Tell you after I read The City, December 2016. 

Reviewed by Jackson P. 

Note from Lorilyn:  I've already written the first draft of "The City," so it should be out around mid‑March. In time hopefully for Passover.

To purchase "The Castle" from Amazon, click here.

*~*~*

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."

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.