Jim Baton and the Peace Trilogy

Peace Trilogy book 1

Jim Baton

June 2012

In the midst of a global clash between international terrorism and an American congressman’s peacemaking effort, a poor Muslim-majority neighborhood in Indonesia holds the keys to victory. While some in the neighborhood are making efforts to understand the truth behind the Muslim-Christian divide and build new bridges across it, others are determined to perpetuate and intensify the hatred that has plagued the region for years.

When a tragedy reveals an unexpected villain, it will be up to two unlikely heroes to set aside their differences and save the day. What will it take to keep hope alive? And who will be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of peace?

This intense thriller will encourage you to reexamine your understanding of love and forgiveness, and reconsider what it means to be a true hero.

ISBN-13: 978-1616389222

$2.99 eBook

$14.99 Print

Amazon US 

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UK 

  

Lisa's review:

Provocative, thought-provoking, challenging. Jim Baton, long-time missionary to Asia, writes a call to action in his novels. Aptly named Peace Trilogy, the first two novels in the series are a virtual visit to life in the streets of a little-known nation torn by differing faith practices. Baton explores why Muslim youth are able to be drawn into jihad, especially those who have nothing but themselves.

I read the books in reverse order, not necessarily on purpose, but also to see how they stand up. A Way Out of Hell (read about the book and my review here), is a story of the result of actions taken by families in a close-knit neighborhood in this book. The reader is drawn into Indonesian culture at its most intimate level, from intact family life, to single parentage to second wife status, from making a living, to education and religious life. Readers can’t help but empathize with the widows who live on handouts, the angry youth who feel purposeless, the women who must keep their deepest secrets, teens with a Romeo and Juliet story, and especially the fear of anything that rocks the status quo. When a neighborhood matron takes charge of bridging the gap and getting to know the neighborhood Christian lady better, she opens a Pandora’s Box of woe that drives a storm of retaliation across the planet. Who will step into the miasma of hatred and show what love can do?

The amount of detail was both wonderful and frustrating as I was sometimes impatient to find out what would happen next. For those who love detailed virtual visits to exotic places where you can live with the natives, the books of the Peace Trilogy will meet your expectations. A bonus is Baton’s character’s struggle with how to practice what they believe, an in-depth look at the misunderstandings and lies that have kept people of different religions and denominations within the religions in hate. There is no pussy-footing around American or Christian values for that matter, but love is the foundation of miracles. Told in multiple viewpoints. Nicely done.

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.

Excerpt of "Poetry from God" by Joseph F. Harlin

Lord you see and know my heart 

Willing to be your perfect vessel 

But every time I try to do right 

My mind begins to wrestle. 

I'm blinded by my weaknesses 

In sin I'm entangled 

I can't breathe in your presence 

Because my spirit has been strangled 

It's hard to see any hope from the way my life is angled 

My knees shake in weakness 

My spirit is just not steady 

So while I try to get things right 

Lord cover me till I'm ready 

By your loving kindness 

I am always drawn 

Can you fill me again 

Though my strength is gone 

I think about my purpose 

From dusk till dawn 

My knees shake in weakness

my spirit is just not steady 

while I try to get things right 

Lord cover me till Im ready. 

My hands are shaking 

My soul is aching 

My life seems to keep crumbling 

My feet are always stumbling 

But it's a process I just can't rush 

So I'll tell my doubting lips to hush 

One day, Satan's head I will crush 

But until then, until my spirit is steady 

Lord hold on to my hand 

And cover me till I'm ready

*~*~*~*

You can get your copy of "Poetry from God" from Amazon by clicking here.

Joseph F. Harlin is the author of "Poetry From God" which is a book of Christian poetry and commentaries. In his first book, Joseph writes as he is inspired by God bringing encouragement, enlightenment, and hope to readers. Joseph will be releasing his autobiographical book entitled "Earrings In My Ear" in the near future.

Montgomery High series by Stacy Padula

Featuring Stacy Padula

Montgomery High series

5 books

 

Book 1 – The Right Person, June 2010

Chris Dunkin and his close friends have lived lives of excessive partying since age twelve. At fifteen, Chris is drinking more often and trying heavy drugs to keep himself high--but his dream of becoming a professional athlete is slipping away as quickly as his grades. Chris feels empty inside, bored with the partying scene, and incredibly attracted to Courtney Angeletti--his best friend's girlfriend, the mayor's straight-laced daughter. Courtney is equally intrigued by Chris' "life of the party" reputation, and her hidden desire to rebel leads her and Chris on a quest for a lot more than just romance.

This story of teenage acceptance and the resulting battle over moral convictions will hit home with many teens looking for answers

e-Book $4.99

Print $11.50

ISBN-13: 978-1609114725

buy on Amazon US

 

Book 2 – When Darkness Tries to Hide, January 2011

As the skies grow darker and darker over Montgomery Lake High, not everyone takes the severe storm warning seriously. A day later, Andy Rosetti--the popular class president--is in a coma, and his classmate Jason Davids feels responsible for the tragedy. As Andy's friends and family cope with the aftermath of the storm, Jason and his friends set out on a quest to save Andy's life. Stopping at nothing, Jason begins to see that there are forces stronger than nature at work in Montgomery--and more than one life in need of saving.

e-Book $4.99

Print $11.50

ISBN: 978-1609768577

buy on Amazon US

 

Book 3 – The Battle For Innocence, April 2014

Within a dimly lit hospital room, Chantal Kagelli peers at her boyfriend Andy's blank face. It has been one month since he slipped into a coma-one month since she last heard his voice. Chantal begins reflecting on their journey, which began two years prior in seventh grade. The Battle for Innocence flashes back to that pivotal year when the characters of Montgomery Lake High were first introduced to the temptations, peer pressures, and internal-struggles associated with adolescence. 

e-Book $4.99

Print $12.00

ISBN: 978-1628577778

buy on Amazon US

Others:

The Aftermath, October, 2013

For the past two years, Jason Davids has lived a charmed life. Blessed with good looks, a popular girlfriend, quick wit, and a wealthy family, Jason has everything he could want--but everything is not enough. There is emptiness--something unsettled in his soul. Partying, drugs, sex, and alcohol provide temporary relief, but the haunting emptiness always returns once he is sober. He can't stand being sober. When a tornado strikes his town, Jason's drug dependency puts one of his classmates, Andy Rosetti, in danger. After Andy is taken away on a stretcher, the guilt and regret that Jason feels lead him to a paradoxical place of darkness and illumination. Jason soon realizes that there is more than one life at risk in Montgomery and a stronger force at work than nature. 

e-Book $3.99

Print $13.00

ISBN: 978-1628570571

buy on Amazon US

The Forces Within, March, 2014

Last month, when a tornado wreaked havoc on my hometown, I suffered a severe head trauma. I have since experienced something much more disturbing. During my recovery celebration, I came face to face with a force more powerful than any weather phenomenon—something darker than I ever dared to imagine.

Twice this past month, I woke up in a world that I did not recognize. I heard things that didn’t align with my memories—things that made me question my identity, my beliefs, and my own thoughts. I still cannot fully comprehend what happened to me or distinguish reality from illusion.

Am I, perhaps, discerning an additional dimension of life that I was too blind—too jaded—too scared—to see before? Could the forces within these two worlds exist as one?

I’m determined to solve this mystery and gain all of the insight that I can from the haunting enigma that has recently become my life.
—Andy

The Forces Within follows Andy Rosetti and his friends’ chilling adventure at Fallen Lake. Could Andy be stuck between two worlds, or have his eyes been opened to see a deeper reality?

The story wrestles with spiritual warfare, moral convictions, and teenage social issues.

e-Book $4.99

Print $13.59

ISBN: 978-1628578966

buy on Amazon US

General Series Review by  Lisa Lickel

Padula’s Montgomery High series is a hard-hitting look at today’s teen culture. Fictional, yes, but as Padula notes in her biography, based on current events. The books all feature a large cast of students who assemble and reassemble in couplehood. They are from the typically popular crowd, the faith crowd, and the straight-and-narrow group. Although it might be best to start from the beginning, the winding story line throughout the five books currently available are written so a reader can step into any of them. It will take time to get to know the different cliques, but they are fleshed and real, facing angst, fear, and joy. I did not read them in order, and wasn’t bothered.

Each story is told in multiple viewpoints and are mostly daily activities, behind-the-scenes events at school, home, church, sporting events, or activities. One of the stories, The Forces Within, is one of the character’s first-person accounts of a strange dream-like adventure with the friends lost in an evil-laced mansion. Lies, experimentation, angst, and self-discovery are explored.

The series is written about high schoolers. Even though the intent is to encourage kids to see that that godly faith and lifestyle is the way to overcome temptation and vice, the stories contain pervasive drug use, sexual content and innuendo as well as suggestive sexual language and situations. As a parent, I would recommend checking these stories out first or at least at the same time your children read them so healthy feedback and conversation can take place. You might need to take notes.

About Stacy:

Stacy Padula, a native of Pembroke, Massachusetts, has accrued years of experience working with adolescents. She has been a mentor, life coach, youth group leader, and private educational consultant with extensive experience in the fields of college counseling, tutoring, standardized test preparation, and Christian counseling.

Stacy wrote the Montgomery Lake High books in the hopes of preparing teens to face the “war zone” that is high school–to help kids deal with the stress and peer pressure, and to encourage them to “steer a straight path, pursue God, and not fall for the false promises of the world.”

In her spare time, Stacy enjoys skiing, going to Bruins games, reading about Psychology, taking her dogs to the beach, and spending time with her family, boyfriend, and friends.

Prepare to Meet Your Maker by Pearl Nsiah-Kumi

Prepare to Meet Your Maker by Pearl Nsiah-Kumi is a 48-page book of articles introducing people of all ages and both genders to the love of God through Jesus! 

All the articles, although titled differently, do the same thing—point to Jesus as the only way to a relationship with God. 

One doesn’t have to read the whole book to understand the gospel; each article does the same thing. Time is not on our side; let’s be diligent in sharing this message. Use this book as a tool to reach many for Jesus! Bless you!

*~*~*~*

As I (Lorilyn) think about what is happening in the world, I believe Pearl is right. Time is not on our side. How can we not be in the last days? As I think about what that means, all the people who are not believers in Jesus Christ are facing eternal damnation. 

Time is short to share our faith. Jesus died for everyone, the young and old, the rich and poor, the able-bodied and lame, and those who have sinned much and those who have sinned little (all have sinned). We all need a savior. Jesus is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, and the ONLY door to heaven. All others lead to hell. Only Jesus can save you.

This is a short read, 48 pages, and it's only $1.99 on Amazon Kindle, less than a latte at Starbucks.  

Check out Prepare to Meet Your Maker or learn more by clicking here.

5.0 out of 5 starsLearn how to have eternal life in this "short read"

By HopeGiver on October 10, 2016

Verified Purchase

The author gives a very thorough treatise on what each of us can do to have eternal life. She addresses four different groups of people to which everyone falls into one of them. Using the term "grace period," Nsiah-Kumi shares how God has given each person on earth a "grace period" to ask for forgiveness of their sins and seek to have a relationship with the only true God. Once we die, the grace period is over. "Each day that passes brings you closer to the end of your grace period." This is a great "short read" for you to learn how to have eternal life and make that decision today.

With Music in Their Hearts Spies of WWII by Carole Brown

With Music in Their Hearts The Spies of WWII Book 1

Carole Brown

ISBN  978-1941622032

$2.99 Ebook

$12.99 Print

Story and Logic Media Group (November 1, 2014)

Buy on Amazon 

About the Book

Angry at being rejected for military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a civilian spy within his own country. 

Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed ammunition to be used in the war. According to Tyrell’s FBI cousin, this spy favors pink stationery giving strong indications a woman is involved. 

Tyrell is instructed to obtain a room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up.

While Tyrell searches for the murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong willed as she is.

Tyrell works to keep his double life a secret and locate the traitor. He refuses to believe that Emma Jaine could be involved even when he sees a red-haired woman in the arms of another man. Could the handsome and svelte banker who’s also determined to win Emma Jaine’s hand for marriage, be the dangerous man he’s looking for? Is the trouble-making renter who hassles Emma Jaine serving as a flunky? Worse, is Papa Rayner so worried about his finances and keeping his girls in the style they’re used to, that he'll stoop to espionage? 

Will their love survive the danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?

Lisa Lickel's Review

Ms. Brown’s historical novel is a delight. The book adds a twisty dimension to the WWII spy game that isn’t often considered from the US war-time arena. Yes, there were spies in the US, stooping to betray their country and sell information to our enemies, creating a new level of mistrust when these traitors could be our next-door neighbors, or even family members.

When a young pastor tries to enlist but is turned down for head-scratching reasons, his debonair, fun-loving cousin comes to the rescue. Or was this all part of some elaborate plan? Tyrell Walker gets to serve his country after all, just not on the European or Asian fronts. With his cousin Ben’s contacts, Tyrell is pulled into the underworld of espionage and given orders to find out who is selling secrets. He is given a position as a church pastor and a room in a boarding house which the government believes hides their target. Nearly every boarder, from the spunky elderly Miss Gertie, to the aspiring catty actress, the couple who always argues to the banker who seems to have a lot of late nigh crises at the bank, not to mention the owner of the boarding house who’s falling on hard times, is a potential spy. Tyrell has his work cut out for him, but his heart is truly in God’s corner and the pastorate is not just a cover. He is God’s servant first, an undercover agent second, and falling in love with his landlady, Emma Jaine. Can he keep all of these pieces of his life in control, or will he let his heart overrule his good judgement?

Brown uses period clothing, lifestyle and a lot of slang in her tale of life Stateside during the perilous era of World War II. Told in multiple viewpoints, the story opens with action, clues, and faith that God is in control during an era gone amok. For those who like inspirational period historical novels with lots of romance, relationship issues, and 1940s culture. Discussion guide included.

Christian Fantasy Author Lorilyn Roberts: How I Became an Author

50 Great Writers You Should be Reading 2016 Contest. 

Below is the article I wrote that won me a top spot.

Lorilyn Roberts

My love for writing began with a homework assignment in third grade. The teacher asked us to write a short story. Fifty-plus years later, on occasion, I’ll pull the old, faded, handwritten story out from underneath my bed and read it. I still remember writing the words.

In fourth grade, I wrote poetry.

In fifth grade, my teacher accused me of plagiarism in front of the class. My father went to the school and talked to her. He never once questioned my integrity.

By the time I was in ninth grade, I had written two unfinished books. Yeah—I didn’t know how to finish them.

When I was thirteen, my parents gave me a guitar for Christmas. The next few years my writing waned as classical guitar took up most of my time. I loved the attention and self-worth it brought me as I performed at many major events.

When I went to the University of Georgia my freshman year, I rediscovered my love for writing. Since I grew up in a family business, however, English wasn’t on the list of “qualifying” majors; maybe physical therapy or business administration, but not English. No starving authors were allowed in the Roberts’ family.

Then, as often happens, I fell in love.

I hit a crossroads. What was I going to do with the rest of my life? In a moment of insanity, I threw my college degree out the window, and at my parent’s urging, agreed to go to court reporting school. My future husband promised someday I could go back to college.

As a court reporter, I was writing, if you can count thousands of pages of depositions writing. I imagined how many books that would be, and I longed to write something different.

When my husband finished medical school, we moved to Gainesville, Florida, where he began his residency in radiation oncology. I enrolled in college and earned my two-year degree towards a bachelor’s in journalism. I took my first creative writing class, and my writing appetite was whet once more.

My life changed forever when tragedy struck. I discovered my husband was having an affair and had gotten his girlfriend pregnant. Not only was I devastated because I loved him, but I had sacrificed a lot for his career. My dreams were just beginning to be fulfilled, although my inability to get pregnant caused me great depression. My hopes of becoming a mother, earning my college degree, and writing books evaporated overnight.

I cried oceans of tears and didn’t want to live anymore, but God heard my desperate wails. I sought counseling, began to read the Bible, got involved in a local church, and started attending a prayer group. Most importantly, I recommitted my life to Jesus Christ.

Perhaps the hardest part was accepting God’s will. I had to go back to work as a court reporter since that was the only skill I had. I had dreamed of so much more.

While it took some time, God gave me new dreams and better opportunities. I obtained that elusive college degree, and in the process, did quite a bit of traveling that included studying in England, Israel, Italy, and Australia. On a whim, I got certified as a scuba diver and made over a hundred dives around the world.

However, my longing to be a mother remained unfulfilled for eight more years. Then, on May 8, 1994, on Mother’s Day, I arrived home with a three-year-old Nepali girl. Five years later, over Christmas, I adopted an infant girl from Vietnam.

Manisha a couple of months after arrival.

Joy in Vietnam When I Adopted her

Reading picture books to my daughters unexpectedly rekindled my love for books and writing. We made frequent trips to the library, and I would come home with armfuls of books. We read hundreds of books together, even into their teens—one of the best things about homeschooling.

Not surprisingly, the first book I wrote was a children’s picture book, The Donkey and the King. When I finished it, God told me something I didn’t expect. He wanted me to wait until my children were older before I wrote more books. My passion for writing was all consuming. As a single mother, my daughters needed me when I wasn’t working—now as a broadcast captioner.

I waited four years to write my memoir Children of Dreams. I was afraid if I waited any longer, I would forget my daughters’ adoption stories. I wanted them to know how God had brought us together as a forever family.

After writing Children of Dreams, my passion for writing grew. However, I only knew how to write picture books and nonfiction. How could I learn to write fiction? I remembered those two books I wrote as a teen—the books I never finished. 

At the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference, I heard about a Masters in Creative Writing degree from an accredited online college. I later enrolled at the spry young age of 53. When I completed my Masters, the book I wrote as part of my thesis became a best-selling book in Christian fantasy on Amazon. Three years later, Seventh Dimension – The Door is still listed in the top twenty Christian fantasy books (I eventually made it free on all eBook platforms).

Following Seventh Dimension - The Door, I wrote four more books in the series: Seventh Dimension - The King, Seventh Dimension - The Castle, Seventh Dimension - The City, and Seventh Dimension - The Prescience. Currently, I’m working on the sixth book in the set to be published later this year.

What drives me to write? I write for an Audience of One. God gives me the desire to write, and He gets all the glory. I feel God’s pleasure and spiritual insights I can’t explain.

As I look back, I’ve learned I needed to live a little so God could teach me much. God has shown me He never wastes anything and limits the feasts of the locusts. They can only eat what He allows. It is never too late to start writing, and it’s always too soon to quit. If we commit our way to our heavenly Father, God will multiply our time, effort, and ability. If my writing can change a life—even if it’s only my own—then I know I’m in God’s will, and really, isn’t that all that matters?