John 3:16 Book Review, Crooked Lines by Holly Michael

About the Book: On the shores of Lake Michigan, Rebecca Meyer seeks escape. Guilt-ridden over her little sister’s death, she sets her heart on India, a symbol of peace. 

Across the ocean in South India, Sagai Raj leaves his tranquil hill station home and impoverished family to answer a higher calling. Pushing through diverse cultural and religious milieus, he labors toward his goals, while wrong turns and bad choices block Rebecca from hers.

Traveling similar paths and bridged across oceans through a priest, the two desire peace and their divine destiny. But vows and blind obedience at all costs must be weighed…and buried memories, unearthed.

Crooked Lines, a beautifully crafted debut novel, threads the lives of two determined souls from different continents and cultures. Compelling characters struggle with spirituality through despair and deceptions in search of truth.

Buy on  AMAZON - .99 cent sale!

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CROOKED LINES BOOK REVIEW by L Shoshanna Rhodes

Crooked Lines is a well written novel about two very lonely people who faced tremendous personal adversity, but walked through it all to become who God wanted them to be. It will expand your cultural horizons as you realize that no matter how different each of our backgrounds are, we all face similar challenges that can be overcome with God’s help. 

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

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Crooked Lines was born from hearing stories from my husband and his friends who left home in the 1970s, at age 13 and 14, to join a strict religious order in India. The stories were amazing. They met Mother Teresa, worked in the slums, were sent into untouchable villages and leper colonies. They were tried and tested in many difficult situations. Then, I paralleled a story on an American teenage girl from Wisconsin, with her heart set on getting to India. Though the characters live in completely different cultures, the chapters are themed emotionally. Sagai is the young seminarian and his mentor, Father Michael, comes to America and meets Rebecca whom he mentors through letters from India.

About the Author: Holly Michael has enjoyed a writing career as a journalist, features writer, and a

regular ghostwriter for a Guideposts magazine before authoring novels and nonfiction books. Married to Anglican Bishop, Leo Michael, Holly has three grown children; daughter Betsy and football-playing sons—Jake (NFL) and Nick (University of Louisiana-Lafayette). Kansas City, Missouri is home and she blogs at www.writingstraight.com
Contact her at www.HollyMichael.com or on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/AuthorHollyMichael  or Twitter: @HollyMichael

How to Get Your Books into Barnes & Noble Bookstores, by Stacy Padula

When someone figures out how to get their books into bookstores, I (Lorilyn Roberts) want to know more. I have not been able to break through that barrier, but after reading about Stacy Padula's success, I'm determined not to give up. A lot of marketing is about getting inspired, so Stacy has inspired me to try again.

I asked Stacy to tell us how she did it. But first, let me share a few things about Stacy. I met her a few years ago through the John 3:16 Marketing Network. She has continued to publish more books since then, which is important. It's hard to become a best-selling author with only one book.

When we had an opportunity to get John 3:16 books into the Florida prison system, Stacy was one of first to donate her books. Soon afterwards, Steve Fox, the chaplain at the prison, told me how much the prisoners enjoyed her books. They were the prisoners' favorites! Yeah, I was a little jealous, but mostly, I was thrilled that the prisoners were reading Christian books, reviewing Christian books, and enjoying the Christian books we sent them, especially hers. It wasn't long afterwards that I saw on Facebook that Barnes & Noble would soon be carrying her books in bookstores.

After all the raves about her books at Wakulla Correctional and hearing about her success getting books into the Barnes & Noble Bookstores, I asked her to share with us how she did it.  Enjoy!

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by Stacy Padula

My books were published by Strategic Book Publishing, which is a semi-traditional publisher that offers print on demand. I didn't have to pay for publishing, but I did have to pay them a small fee to market my books and another fee to make them returnable. 

They published my first book The Right Person in 2010, When Darkness Tries to Hide in 2011, The Aftermath in 2013, and both The Forces Within and The Battle for Innocence in 2014. I have enjoyed working with them throughout the entire process, and they have been kind enough to feature me on the homepage of their website. They set up my books to be sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online, but in order to get them picked up by Barnes & Noble stores, I had to write a letter to the corporate headquarters. 

There is a small press division to which I addressed my letter and sent copies of my novels. In the letter, I shared my qualifications, my marketing ideas, the fact that my books are returnable, and why I believe my books should be on the shelves. I was advised by my publisher to keep my letter short and to the point. It has been a pleasure working with the small press manager. I originally sent in my two novels, and then I was asked to submit my other books too. I am actually planning to send out that submittal this week! :)

These are the basic guidelines that my publisher told me to follow:

"Send them a copy of your book with a brief cover letter (I would suggest sending the soft cover as that has been what they've been accepting lately). I also suggest making your cover letter short (think of a resume-you want to be respectful of their time and only hit on keys points). You'll want to include any marketing and promotion plans, trade reviews, and a sentence or two describing how the book meets the competition (what makes it unique) to:

The Small Press Department

Barnes & Noble

122 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10011

The information must include the ISBN and the suggested retail price and please note that it's returnable. Again, think of it as a resume with bullet points so it's easy for the buyer to get the info quickly. The review process takes about six weeks. The Small Press Department responds to all submissions in writing so please make sure that your cover letter has your return mailing address on it. Please include your phone number and e-mail address as well."

I sent the letter late summer/early fall and heard back by way of mail in November. 

My website is http://stacyapadula.com

My twitter is @MLHBookSeries

My books can be bought online through Amazon: http://astore.amazon.com/montlakehigh-20

Or through Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s?store=allproducts&keyword=stacy+padula

Stacy Padula is the Manager of Curriculum & Instruction at JBG Educational Group, a company of about thirty educators who work closely with young adults and their families on everything under the academic blanket. In addition to tutoring, college consulting, educational advocacy, life coaching, and academic coaching, Stacy specializes in working with troubled youth. JBG Educational Group counsels families, as well as works in conjunction with students’ therapists, doctors, and school systems.

Each week, Stacy works with students, on a personal, one-on-one basis. As a college consultant, tutor, advocate, and academic coach, Stacy serves as a mentor to her students—age twelve to eighteen—and guides them through not only academic, but also social and emotional hardships.

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.”

Wakulla Book Review: Wake the Dead, by Victoria Buck

         

This futuristic novel is set in a time where science and evolutionary technology has replaced faith in God and religion. The vast majority of the world’s population no longer suffers from diseases such as cancer due to the vast improvements of science. Also, the government has taken over every aspect of people’s daily lives. Where you work and live is decided by them. Everyone is on the world grid.

Television super celebrity Chase Sterling hosts the number-one rated show—a show that turns people’s mundane and impoverished lives into the life of their dreams. While trying to do something to woo the audience, Chase is introduced to Dr. Robert Fiender, who claims he can give people eternal life by replacing their natural organs with the one his medical team has made.

If this is true, man can [re]create man, thus eliminating the God factor altogether. Before Chase can put the doctor’s claims to the test, he is shot by a high-powered rifle during one of the shows. The weapon blows a hole right through him. However, when he awakes he finds his body has been rebuilt. Not only with new organs, but computer chips ad sensors have been installed in his head and skeleton. He is the first human robot. The downside is now they control him.

God begins to speak to Chase and he finds there are many Christians who live outside the “grid.” This sends Chase on a journey to find what true eternal life really is. He now becomes a hero to their cause.

This book is highly enjoyable and I recommend it highly.

Wakulla Book Review by B. Meyer

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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. 

Their insights, comments, and encouragment means a lot. Steve said I (Lorilyn Roberts) could visit the prison and I hope to do that sometime in the near future. I ultimately look forward to the day when we are all free in the Lord's presence to worship together our Risen King!

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."

TO PURCASE 

WAKE THE DEAD FROM AMAZON CLICK HERE

Love God and Others: First Fruits - The Passion of "Seventh Dimension -...

Love God and Others: First Fruits - The Passion of "Seventh Dimension -...:  by Lorilyn Roberts I am writing this the day before Easter. I have to confess, I have a hard time now referring to Easter as the day...

Secrets of the Montebellis Series by Cheryl Colwell

The Secrets of the Montebellis

Cheryl Colwell

Lisa Richards has a dream. And a secret. In league with the clandestine Montebelli Corporation, she grasps her one chance to accomplish her plan to help revive the town her ancestors helped settle. It is a huge undertaking, putting all she holds dear at risk.

As a stranger to town, Steven Taylor distrusts Lisa's suspicious behavior and sets out to expose her. Instead, he discovers the truth and becomes one of her few allies when her enemies join forces to seize her inheritance—Fire Mountain.

As the Guardian of the mountain, Lisa is privy to secrets that may lead to a fabled cache of precious fire opals, a treasure that could save her dream—if she can find it before she loses the mountain. Or her life.

$1.99 Kindle
$15.99 paperback

Buy on Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia

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Adriana's Secrets 
Book Two in The Secrets of the Montebellis series

Tragedy strikes the mountain town of Mont Castello, the home of Adriana Montebelli. Orphaned in 1888, Adriana's life is swept along at the whim of forceful men who decide where she will live and who she will marry. Instead of breaking her, their cruel deceptions toughen her resolve to take control. Though she rises to manage the vast Van Buren estate, she wonders if her broken heart will have the strength to love again.

Follow Adriana's journey as she navigates the challenges of woman's suffrage, union violence, and the tragic hardships of love and loss, while struggling to cling to her faith.

Read a Review from Lisa Lickel here.

$1.99 Kindle
$15.99 paperback
Buy on Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia

The Princesses of Chadwick by Emma Right, book and a Kindle giveaway

Synopsis Of While Princesses Sleep, Book 1 of the Princesses Of Chadwick Castle Series

by Emma Right

While Princesses Sleep: Princesses of Chadwick Castle Adventure, Book 1 (Princess Castle Adventure Mystery series) is a tale of two royal sisters who are princesses.

The Princesses Of Chadwick Castle Adventure is an eight-book series set in 19th century England. The adventure revolves around the sisters, Elle age 12, and Belle, 10. It’s great for readers who love Cinderella-type fairy tales and European princess stories.

A Note From Author Emma Right

I realize as a relatively new author readers might be hesitant to invest in the Princess Castle Books. So I’ve made it easy for everyone. The first book, While Princesses Sleep, is available for download in three formats (Kindle, Nook and pdf) if you go to the emmaright.com site, the second book, Beaded Dresses Mystery, is free APRIL 2 & 3 days in April on Amazon, and the third book, Lady With the Circlet, will be gifted to all entrants in the Kindle Fire HD Giveaway I am hosting this month, APRIL 2 - 21. 

Drawing on April 22.

Also, I am excited about the audio book for the first book, While Princesses Sleep. It was professionally read by a British voiceover artist--the story’s, after all, set in an English 19th century castle. For those who write me a review be sure to email me and I will send you the MP3 recording for free! I hope the children will enjoy this feature! They can listen and follow the story with their book—ebook or paperback.While Princesses Sleep opens with the Princess Elle discovering a strange sound in the night. Curious, she determines the reason for these mysterious noises and starts the adventure with her sister, Belle. Something is afoot at the castle and they must find out what this is. However, finding the truth behind the secrets they stumble upon leads them to strange answers? What sort of trouble will the princesses get themselves into?

This children's illustrated story is written from a first person point of view and is similar to a princess diary type book. In the princesses' adventure they are also introduced to the world of ballet. The spin-off series (coming soon) will deal more with ballerinas and ballet stories.

Each full color book tells of the princesses' daily adventure living in the castle. The series features artwork from the art masters whose works have entered the public domain and are no longer restricted by copyright.

Who is the princess castle series for?

I wrote the series primarily for girls age 7-12 but although it is a princess type story with mystery, action and adventure, I feel even a boy could enjoy the series. (Bear in mind these are princess stories for girls, essentially.) Almost every page is filled with full-color illustrations and the series is available in ebook and paperback. I hope to expose young readers to artwork from master artists of the world.

Frankly, I cannot believe that I’ve actually managed to finish the Princesses Of Chadwick Castle Adventure series—I call it The Princess Castle Series for short.  It took me a year to get them published which I suppose isn’t too long considering the fact that I not only had the story to write but also had to collect the images. It’s eight books in all and the word count for the entire series is about 50,000.

So why did I write a Princess series anyway?

Ever since I started watching Downton Abbey (not recommended for children) I’d been intrigued by the goings-on of life in a castle-like setting in England. So, why not a princess story of girls having an adventure with mystery intertwined and all of this taking place in a 19th century English setting? I told myself, it’d be a fun educational experience for my readers and they’ll get to enjoy a fast paced adventure, too!

After homeschooling my children the last two decades there’s nothing that I enjoy more than reading to them. I remember having all five kids ages twelve and under sitting around as I read them one book after another.

Trouble was, most stories couldn’t hold the interest of both a five-year old and the attention of a twelve-year old at the same time. Believe it or not, this was one reason why I started writing. Both my Keeper of Reign series and now the Princess Castle series were written as a read-aloud. (Naturally, kids of eight or nine could read the Princess Castle books on their own.) But I wanted to go one step further with the books. I wanted to introduce readers to the magnificent world of art.

How I collected the artwork.

To be honest I have found it hard to have art books that hold museum pieces lying around the house because some of the artwork were not appropriate for kids under twelve or even for a young teen. (At least in my opinion.)

With the Princess Castle series, I’d carefully cropped and chosen the most appropriate art pieces that fit the story. Most of the art in the series is cropped so readers get to appreciate the details that went into the artist’s work—a hem here, a lacey sleeve there, a close-up of someone’s eyes. I must confess it wasn’t easy cropping and sizing the images to the correct proportions but I felt it was worth the pain I went through when I look at the final product. I hope the artwork would also gently inspire kids as they look at world renowned museum pieces and listen to or read the stories.

So why did I break the story into eight book?

With read-alouds I’d sometimes found it hard to stop –mostly because the kids will pester me to go on reading even when I was supposed to make lunch or dinner. The way I’d set up each book mothers, or father, or teachers, could read one book today and say, “Okay, book two starts tomorrow!” So each book is like a chapter book since the mystery continues and builds with each one and the issues get resolved in the eighth book.

I’d also learned from writing other series that readers don’t like to wait. (Sadly, I’ve actually gotten hate mail because of this! Talk about impatience.) Nonetheless, I’ve taken this into account and learned from this. Which is why I’d written all eight books, and published them all at the same time. No waiting! Yay!

However, because I’ve grown to love the characters of the two princesses, Elle and Belle, I’ve started on a second series that will hold its own set of mystery and intrigue. While the Princess Castle series deals with art and the end of each book introduce readers to a particular artist, the second series will have write-ups on ballet stories—like Giselle, and Swan Lake, etc. 

Titles in The Princesses of Chadwick Castle Adventure Mystery series

1. While Princesses Sleep

2. Beaded Dresses Mystery

3. Lady With The Circlet

4. Secret Mission Princess

5. Pretty Scary Lady

6. Down With The Crown

7. Peasant Princesses

8. Princess Rewards

Both print and ebooks will be available on Amazon.

About Emma Right

Emma Right is a homeschool mother to five kids. A happy wife, she and her family live on the Pacific West Coast and have several pets they adore. She’s always enjoyed reading to her children and hope her stories will instill the joy of reading and learning in her readers. Several of her books have won book awards. Before having children Emma Right was a copywriter for two major advertising companies and have won several international copywriting awards. 

Wakulla Book Review: Am I Okay God? Devotionals from the Seventh Dimension, by Lorilyn Roberts

Summary: A devotional of hot topics that affect the lives of teens and young adults with excerpts from the author's book, “The Door.” It explains how Shale dealt with these issues in her own turbulent life and how 

God brought her through them.

Author’s Purpose: In writing this devotional, the author reaches out to those going through tough times. Each devotional touches on a particular issue in young adult lives.

Theme: Hurt, pain, uncertainty, fear ‑‑ Lorilyn Roberts uses the experiences Shale survived to encourage 

those in like positions and those likely to experience 

the same.

Thesis: Ultimately, no matter the issue, God is the 

one to supply relief. God is our helper, provider, protector, and is in control of the outcome.

Author's Stand on Controversial Issues: Throughout the writing of this devotional, the author takes the reader back to Shale's life and struggles. In bringing us time and again to how she dealt with these things, she also shows us turning to the Lord and seeking His stand on morals and temptations is the 

road to delivery.

Enjoy the Book: Yes. The book is well written and presented. Its quotes are accurate, and its references to “The Door” allows it to be a source “companion.”

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Reviewed by: R. Pechler a Wakulla Book Review

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. 

Their insights, comments, and encouragment means a lot. Steve said I (Lorilyn Roberts) could visit the prison and I hope to do that sometime in the near future. I ultimately look forward to the day when we are all free in the Lord's presence to worship together our Risen King!

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."

TO PURCASE 

AM I OKAY, GOD FROM AMAZON CLICK HERE

Book Review: Only One Way Home by Deborah Heal

Only One Way Home - Fun, Romantic, Unique!

Author: Deborah Heal

Published: January 2015

Kindle $4.99

Print $10.99

Buy on US Amazon

Amazon Canada

Amazon Australia

Reviewer: Cheryl Colwell

My Review:
Deborah Heal continues to amaze me with her creative stories and passion for historical research.
"Only One Way Home" is the second book in this delightful series, but it's not fluff.

Professor Merrideth Randall is researching her client's genealogy, but that search drops the reader in the middle of the Cherokee Nation's Trail of Tears. Heal's dramatization held me spellbound and left me feeling grief and relief at the same time. If you love inspirational romance, history, and mystery, don't miss this series. 

 

Summary:
Professor Merrideth Randall’s latest after-hours genealogy consulting gig takes her and friends Abby and John to the small southern Illinois town of Golconda on the Ohio River.

She expects to have to research the old-fashioned way at the courthouse. But thankfully, her client’s ancestor Matthias Frailey once hung out in Golconda’s ancient Ferry House inn, and that means Beautiful Houses, Merrideth’s time-rewinding software, will work after all.

I was given a copy of this book to read. The opinion express is my own.

Wakulla Book Review: Crooked Lines, by Holly Michael

WAKULLA BOOK REVIEW

Crooked Lines [by Holly Michael] follows the story of Rebecca, a young girl living in Wisconsin and Sagai, a young boy living in India. Rebecca dreams of one day going to India, while Sagai dreams of becoming a priest.

The book follows each of their lives, the choices they make, lessons learned, struggles, and tests of faith endured while working toward each of their ultimate goals. The author uses hardships, sidetracks, and uncertainty to illustrate the crooked zigzag lines that make up life while God’s ever present hand is guiding us.

This book would be an excellent read for young adults unsure of their future and God’s purpose for their life.

The main theme of Crooked Lines is that God is always there, never letting go, even when we cannot feel His presence in our lives. If we are able to put our trust in Him, to keep pressing on, He will guide us to where He wants us to be.

The thesis of the book is clearly stated in the first chapter with a quote from Romans 8:28. “For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” NIV

My first foray into Christian literature, I enjoyed Crooked Lines. It allowed me to look back and see the good that comes out of the hardships and struggles. I would definitely read another book by this author. 

Reviewed by: Nathan L., a Wakulla Book Review

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."

TO PURCASE CROOKED LINES FROM AMAZON CLICK HERE