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

Wakulla Book Review - When Darkness Tries to Hide, by Stacy A. Padula

Title: When Darkness Tries to Hide.

Author: Stacy A. Padula

This is a book about hope. Hope in the most serious and desperate of circumstances. Hope for healing and hope for deliverance. Hope that is only found in Jesus Christ.

This tale of high school students facing drug/alcohol addiction, peer pressure, the desire for acceptance, and unexpected tragedy hits the mark. Stacy Padula accurately portrays the battles young adults (and even older adults) go through daily. She identifies that “in the” feeling that many try to fill with alcohol, drugs, sex, and other things, and shows the reader the one thing that can fill the void—a relationship with God through Jesus.

Stacy Padula masterfully shares the Gospel of Christ in the pages of this book in a way that really helps the reader to understand. Through the characters of the story, hope, joy, peace and love are evident. But Ms. Padula does not shy away from the struggles that also are a part of the Christian life.

I will recommend her books to teens and adults alike. Well done, Stacy! God is going to use these books mightily.

Book Reviewed by Loren, a Brother in Christ

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 encouragement mean 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."

Online Help for Writers - Make Your Stories More Authentic With These Resources

Here is a list of online resources writers find handy to find everything from VOCABULARY to DATE and TIME to NAMES to COSTUMES and all kinds of other other cool stuff. 

Your additions and suggestions are most welcome.

From the website of LisaLickel.com

·        http://dictionary.reference.com/

·        http://thesaurus.reference.com/

·        AlphaDictionary -http://www.alphadictionary.com/index.shtml provides access to a variety of different dictionaries and articles on words and word usage.

·        Online Etymology Dictionary - provides historical meaning and sounds of words. http://www.etymonline.com/index.php

·        Guide to Grammar and Writing - http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

• http://www.faceturn.com/ - use a digital face to see what expressions look like

·        Using Body Language -http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/body_language.html -A great resource on how emotions and mental states reveal themselves in body language.

·        http://Timeanddate.com - provides historical printable calendars and other great information

·        http://www.copyright.gov/ - United States Copyright office online

·        Writer's Dream Tools -http://www.writersdreamtools.com/view/decades/default.asp?Decade=1650 great reference site for historical research

·        http://www.CostumeGallery.com - provides information on clothing from the 18th Century to the 20th Century.

·        http://www.costumes.org/ - a broader resource on historical clothing.

·        http://www.OldandSold.com Antiques Auction and Marketplace - A great resource for finding historical artifacts.

·        http://www.newspaperarchive.com

·        Word hippo – http://www.wordhippo.com

·        http://www.thefreedictionary.com

·        http://www.visuwords.com

·        http://www.howstuffworks.com

·        http://www.learn2.com/

·        http://www.names.mongabay.com/baby_names/ For character names in any era - learn the most popular names of historical periods, cultures, or develop a unique name of your own

·        For writing credible medical scenarios: http://medicalscenewriter.blogspot.com 

·        For writing about law enforcement scenarios:

·        To determine legitimate resources: http://www.whoishostingthis.com/resources/credible-sources

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.

Wakulla Book Review - The Map Quilt, by Lisa Lickel

The Map Quilt by Lisa Lickel

Wakulla Book Review

Review by Booker T, 3-30-15

Summary of Book:

In the year 1860 hatred and racism led to the lynching of a free black man who’d never been a slave. In an attempt to save her freedom, money, and land the man’s wife, Missy, flees with her son, money, and deed.

The Underground Railroad takes her through Robertsville, Wisconsin. Missy is shot and killed but her traumatized son, Tobias, lives and starts the family cycle to regain their family land which goes through six generations until God’s hand leads Julietta Barslow, a descendant of Tobias, to Robertsville and into the lives of the Wingates. Judy Wingate is a descendant of Sasha and Norm Edwards, conductors of the Underground Railroad, who attempted to help Missy.

Author’s Purpose:

To lead us on a mystery through the path of American history and racism. While showing the power of God to change lives and hearts through it all.

Theme:

1.     Racism’s effect on a particular black family.

2.     The acceptance by a son of a mother’s right to move on           with her life.

3.     The love of friends and family

Thesis:

Righteousness prevails with prayer and perseverance.

I really enjoyed this book, seeing the families strive to come together through their common bond of love and gain trust and new friends along the way.

The author did a great job of bringing her plots together in the end to make a wonderful mystery and historical novel come to life.

To purchase The Map Quilt 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. 

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."

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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Wakulla Book Review - The Last Detail, by Lisa Lickel

The Last Detail by Lisa Lickel

Book review April 5, 2015

Wakulla Book Review

The Last Detail is about two middle-aged people who find love with each other with patience and God’s will. Amalia grew up in a family with elderly parents and was an only child. She inherited a business “The Last Detail.” It was a service to loved ones of the deceased. Through convenience she was pressured into a future prearranged marriage with her partner, the owner of a funeral home. Hudson and Amalia’s parents were also partners and wanted their children to marry each other. The story takes place in a small town in USA and is current in time.

Merit, a missionary in the small country of Nehrangestan, is caught in between a rebel war and is wounded saving children of the village.

God puts Amalia and Merit together through a series of events that are heartwarming. Amalia has to take control of her life and have the courage to be up front and confrontational with Hudson. She uses wisdom and diplomacy to let him down while not affecting their business relationship.

I recommend this read. Somewhere in each of our hearts lies silently the emotions of relationships. I believe that God also has a wonderful plan for me in His time. I need the patience that the characters of this book have and let God work.

Wakulla Book Review by Glen...

To purchase The Last Detail 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. 

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."