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Friday, September 30, 2016

Contemporary Thriller by Jim Baton, Book Review by Lisa Lickel

front cover

A Way Out of Hell
Book two of the Peace Trilogy

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.

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.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Wakulla Book Review - Seventh Dimension - The King, Book 2: A Young Adult Fantasy by Lorilyn Roberts

Summary: The King continues the adventure from The Door. However, the twist in this book is that it's through the eyes of Daniel. All the things that happened with Shale had another side of the story to be told: Daniel's. 
The King, however, opens up more twists and plots to weave through in search of some destination for these two.

Author purpose: Clearly two purposes are available.
1: Entertainment
2: To provide readers a view of what the search for the Messiah is like.

Author Theme: Seek and ye shall find. Know that your treasures are in heaven, not on earth.

Thesis: One has to believe in the Messiah in order to receive all the blessings that He has in store for us.

Author Stance: A couple of good points come up that Daniel struggled with in the book.

1: Honor over love.
2: No sexual relations before marriage.
These topics were covered very well.

Enjoy: An absolute must if you read The Door. And if you read The King you'll have to read The Castle as Roberts leaves you hanging again. Thank you, Lorilyn.


Reviewed by J. Clark.


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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. 



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."

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

The Power of Story - John 3:16 Book Review of "Someone Has to Die" by Jim Baton

"Someone Has to Die" shows the real struggle between the major religions of the world, Christianity and Islam, and to a lesser degree Judaism, in a story that touches the heart. 

"Someone Has to Die"  demonstrates in a powerful way that reconciliation is possible if people are willing to change. "Someone Has to Die" would be an excellent book for Christians and homeschooling families to read, as the author has interwoven much of the fabrics of each faith. 

"Someone Has to Die" can help Christians to understand Islam. I appreciated that the author did not whitewash the complexities of the two faiths, and the clashes at times had tragic outcomes. The characters were well-developed, and the storyline realistic. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.



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Biography

JIM BATON has spent the last 20 years in the world’s largest Muslim nation, building bridges between Muslims and Christians who both desire peace. His speaking and writing call people out of fear and into authentic friendships that can change the world.


Friday, September 16, 2016

Traditionally Published Author Goes Indy - And the Indy World Gains An Award-Winning Author


When U.S. DEA Special Agent Lelisa Desmond refuses to follow an order to bury evidence in a high profile case, her superior inexplicably hires a hit man to kill her. Lelisa barely survives the first attempt on her life, but someone close to her is mistakenly murdered in her place. 

Lelisa sets off on a daring mission to bring down the man who ordered her execution. A man in a high position, with powerful friends. A man who will stop at nothing to protect his son.

Can she take him down, before he sends someone else to silence her forever?


Dianna's book is all new and updated, available on the web in all formats. The Hidden Son should be available in print copy in a couple of days. Click here to see on Amazon.
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Dianna Torscher Benson is a 2014 Selah Award Winner, a 2011 Genesis Winner, a 2011 Genesis double Semi-Finalist, a 2010 Daphne de Maurier Finalist, and a 2007 Golden Palm Finalist. In 2012, she signed a nine-book contract with Ellechor Publishing House. She’s the author of The Hidden Son, her debut novel. Final Trimester is her second release.

After majoring in communications and a ten-year career as a travel agent, Dianna left the travel industry to earn her EMS degree. An EMT and a Haz-Mat and FEMA Operative since 2005, she loves the adrenaline rush of responding to medical emergencies and helping people in need.

Dianna lives in North Carolina with her husband and their three children.


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More and more authors who used to be strictly traditionally published are taking the plunge into indy publishing. If you desire to do the same, be sure to talk to someone who has experience indy publishing first. 

As with any business venture, get several quotes if you need help making the switch, and do some research on what works best for you. I think more authors are finding the empowerment indy publishing offers and the greater share in profits far outweighs the initial steep learning curve and set-up. Don't be afraid to step out in faith, knowing God is in control. ~Lorilyn Roberts