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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

That Special One - New Release From Nike Chillemi, Amazon 5-Star Review and Excerpt

Amazon 5-Star Review

Nike Chillemi’s departure into New Adult Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense with THAT SPECIAL ONE rings emotionally true on two levels. 

First, it is a satisfying page-turner for any new adult looking for a well-written romantic suspense. Ivy Chalmer’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior are authentic and reflect what most college-age NA's relate to and believe important in today’s society. Chillemi has nailed the angst and hopelessness many feel. 

My heart sank at Ivy’s trauma, and I grieved along with her when life delivered the opposite of what she expected. I rooted for Corey, despite knowing that nice guys always finish last, especially when a cool upperclassman is in the mix.


The plot and pacing are spot-on, as are the fully-realized secondary characters. It was nice to see some familiar faces in town from Chillemi’s other detective series.

THAT SPECIAL ONE is also an all-too-accurate trip down memory lane for those who left new adulthood behind long ago. The author sends us back to when we were figuring out our personal identity, making unwise choices and agonizing with cringing self-doubt, all the while navigating an unfamiliar world. There are several effective plot twists that I didn’t see coming.
I enjoyed the faith elements - and questions - Ivy
and others struggled with. 


Engrossing, clean Suspense = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I eagerly await the next NA romantic suspense from this author.

*~*~*~*

THAT SPECIAL ONE, a Christian New Adult Romantic Suspense
By Nike N. Chillemi
From Chapter Three

As the chancellor talked on with exceedingly precise speech, my gaze wandered around the gym seeking students from my culinary classes. I spotted a short Chinese girl whose interest and course concentration was, not surprisingly, Asian Fusion cuisine. She made a mean sushi roll.
Then I noticed Corey Jones standing against a side wall, a beverage in his hand.
Pointing toward him as unobtrusively as I could, I said. "That guy Amy knows is over there, but I don't see her anywhere."
Giana glanced over at Corey and frowned. "She said they weren't an item. He's probably here alone."
There seemed to be a shift in the atmosphere as the three Lone Star coeds Giana had dubbed 'popular girls' swept into the gym. The platinum blond modeled an incredibly short mini-skirt with a clingy silvery top. The long-haired honey blond was also decked out in a mini-skirt and a flouncy soft, yellow blouse. True to her tribe, the one with shoulder-length flaxen hair wore a mini skirt but paired it with a metallic plaid top.
As a squad of Mouncey male students gravitated toward the trio, Giana's steely gaze became riveted to the entire group.
I cleared my throat. "Why don't we use our tickets and get something to drink?"
Giana tore her eyes away from the glam-girls and their entourage. "Sure. Let's go."
At the other end of the gym, a local garage band cranked out one of their own original tunes. We walked across the polished wooden floor to the refreshment table where it was two-students deep to get a beverage.
The guy in front of Giana turned around. He lifted the cup in his hand above her head, as if he might spill its contents and grinned. "Whoa, don't want to douse you with soda."
She feigned ducking and laughed. "You better not."
Another guy turned around with his drink. "Charlie, stop assaulting young ladies."
"Definitely, Charlie. You shouldn't do that." Giana giggled.
I stepped forward, holding my ticket stub. "Perhaps we should get our drinks."
Charlie's friend pushed a shock of blond hair off his forehead, grinned, and moved aside. "Right this way." Something about him made me think of a college-age 'Dennis the Menace.'
I edged next to the table, handed over my ticket, and picked up a plastic cup filled with Coke. Giana did the same, only hers was diet.
Charlie's friend lifted his cup toward the musicians at the back of the gym. "Pretty amazing sound for a local band, don't you think?"
I nodded. "Yeah, they're real good. What's their name?"
"Subculture Quarantine." He maneuvered closer to me.
I stepped back and scrutinized him. "Nice name. What's yours?"
He pushed the blond lock off his forehead again. "Ryan Briggs. Your turn now."
"Ivy Chalmers."
Giana said something cutesy to Charlie and they both laughed. He slid his arm around her shoulders and gave her a sideways hug. They laughed again, and I wondered if I'd be ditched at the end of the mixer.
"Earth to Ivy," Ryan teased.
"Oh, I just got lost for a moment…checking out the band."
Ryan leaned toward me. "Since you're into the music, I've got to tell you about this one time when I helped Charlie haul his band's equipment. The gig was at a biker dive bar, and when they lit into their usual set of alternative rock, the bikers started throwing empty beer cans at us."
"Did you get out of there without injury?"
He laughed. "It was dicey, but yeah we all got out in one piece."
I peered intently at him. "It's hard to visualize you and Charlie in a biker bar."
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Giana and Charlie gyrating to the band's frantic pounding beat.
"So, you think we're too shallow frat boys?" Ryan brought my attention back to him.
The band launched into another pounding tune. Giana and Charlie continued dancing.
I made a face and raised my voice over the din. "I wasn't thinking shallow."
"I'm the frat boy. Charlie's the lead guitarist." He grinned at me.
"Oh, and here I thought you were the roadie." I gave him a dramatic wink to let him know I was kidding.
"I do that to help out Charlie now and then. Would you be interested in hearing his band play? He's got a gig next Friday night."
I took a breath, stalling while running through all the reasons that wouldn't be desirable. The main one being I had no intentions of hooking up with some random guy. "Yes, sounds like fun."
Was that my voice answering him?
He pulled out his cell phone. "You'd better give me your number."
"325-210-5555." My voice again.
Giana and Charlie had become a fixture on the dance floor showing off their moves through several more disquieting tunes. At that point, I was pretty sure she'd forgotten all about me.
One of Mouncey's chaperoning professors walked onto the dance floor. He clapped his hands twice. "The band will now play its last song. And then we'll call it a night. I hope everyone had a good time."
Giana and Charlie came off the dance floor. She grabbed my hand and tugged. "Let's get out of here before the crush. Then we won't get stuck in a parking lot traffic jam."
"Okay. Sounds like a plan." I turned toward Ryan and shrugged. "She's my ride."
Giana dropped my hand, pranced over to Charlie, and kissed his cheek. "I'll be seeing you, just not tonight."
She grabbed my hand again and pulled me through the crowd.
When we reached the lobby, I said, "You were having such a great time with Charlie, I began to think you'd ditch me."
She shook her head. "No way. I told you we'd leave together. Besides, it's always good for the guy to wonder if he made any headway."
"Strategy?"
She gave me a wide smile. "Exactly. Now you're catching on."



*~*~*~*

Nike is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and its Chair, a Reader's Choice Awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She has been a judge in the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories; and an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category. Her four novel Sanctuary Point series (out of print), set in the mid-1940s has finaled, won an award, and garnered critical acclaim. The first novel in the Veronica "Ronnie" Ingels/Dawson Hughes series HARMRUL INTENT won in the Grace Awards 2014 Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Thriller/Historical Suspense category. She has written book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and John 3:16 Marketing Network.  http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/

Friday, November 17, 2017

Book Review for Get the Skinny by Kimberley Payne

Product Details

Get the Skinny
Answers to 45 Frequently Asked Health & Fitness Questions
Kimberley Payne
copyright 2017

nonfiction
Health and Fitness
63 pp

$2.99 eBook
$5.99 Print


About the Book
Get The Skinny debunks the myths and promotes the practices that contribute to healthy living.

Kimberley tackles frequently asked questions such as:
* Does muscle change into fat when I stop exercising?
* Will lifting weights make women bulk up?
* Should I take vitamin supplements?
* Is a flat stomach a realistic goal?
* Can I still exercise after an injury?
* Should I take vitamin supplements?
* Is it possible to spot reduce fat?
* Can ankle weights help burn more calories?
* Are fresh fruits more nutritious than frozen?
* Is fruit juice good for me?

And many more

Lisa Lickel's Review
Wow, this is a great little book! I rarely get excited about non-fiction, but Kimberley Payne’s fitness books are packed with great advice and practical tips. Get the Skinny is an excellent addition. Filled with common-sense information and personal observation, Payne truly does answer, realistically, questions many of us feel too stupid to ask, or didn’t realize there was even an option.

Some of my favorites are about how muscle turns to fat when we age and stop working out (it doesn’t), and whether walking with weights makes a difference (it does but probably not in the way you think). Why can’t I spot-reduce, and how to buy a sports bra—just great advice, backed not just by the most reputable medical research results, but experience. Personally, I’m more likely to follow tips by someone who’s walking the walk; not just telling me how, but explaining why. Get the Skinny is a practical guide for today’s practical lifestyle choices.

About the Author
Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and writer. Her writing relates raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Kimberley offers practical, guilt-free tips on improving spiritual and physical health. Visit her website www.kimberleypayne.com

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts of "Pawprints in the Snow", written by Susan Miura and Patt Nicholls

“Pawprints in the Snow” by Susan Miura and Patt Nicholls is a delightful children’s book that combines science, art, faith, and creativity into a collection of poems about animals that will stir the imagination of young readers.

The poems in rhyme are delightful to read, and I found the fun facts following each poem fascinating. The photographs are captivating, and the subtle message of God’s love for all animals will touch the hearts and minds of children

As a former homeschooling mom, I recommend “Pawprints in the Snow” as a great addition to a homeschool family library. The words can be read over and over for sheer enjoyment. Young children will love the photographs and rhyme, and older children will enjoy being introduced to fun and exotic animals from around the globe.


I love books that impart a positive life message and capture God’s majesty. “Pawprints in the Sand” will not disappoint. In fact, is one of those rare books you will keep and treasure not only for your children but also for your grandchildren. 


*~*~*~*

WEBSITE: www.susanmiura.com
TWITTER: @miura100
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/susanmiurawrites/
Susan Miura grew up in the Chicago suburbs, longing for a horse and reading books by Marguarite Henry, Walter Farley, and Anna Sewell. After attaining her goal of becoming a newspaper reporter, she headed for the wide-open spaces of New Mexico, until her heart led her back home to Illinois. Love and marriage followed, along with a career in public relations. Susan works for the Schaumburg Township District Library, gives travel presentations, and reviews books for The Book Report. 



Monday, October 23, 2017

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts of "My Little Angel" by Sherrill S. Cannon

My favorite children's books are rhyming books, and Sherrill Cannon once again in "My Little Angel" has created a masterpiece. The story is uplifting, the illustrations are beautiful, and it's one of those books where you feel good all over when you finish it. You want to linger on the words, the message, and read it again and again. 

The story is biblical, where the young girl has an angel who protects her and helps her throughout the day. Prayer, self-worth, kindness, gratitude, and love are recurring themes and make this a wonderful book to share and read to young children. "My Little Angel" is a great addition to children's literature and I'm sure it will win many awards in the years to come.






Monday, October 16, 2017

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts of "Understory" by Lisa Lickel

Lisa Lickel weaves together a masterful tale of intrigue and romance, and the multilayers of complexity will leave the reader turning the pages. 

The characters are well-developed, and overarching themes involving racism and prejudice will resonate with the reader.


The story takes place in the Midwest—in a small town that harbors a big secret—perhaps more common than anyone dares to imagine. UnderStory is one of those rare books that’s not only a great read but makes a statement about what’s most important—in the midst of depravity, unfairness, and greed.

Monday, October 9, 2017

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts of "Prepare to Meet Your Maker" by Pearl Nsuah-Kumi

If you are wondering how to become a Christian, "Prepare to Meet Your Maker" tells you exactly what you need to do to become one, as well as how to live the Christian life afterwards. I loved the succinctness of the book, all the Scripture references, and that every page is totally Biblical. There is a heaven and a hell, and every person who has ever lived will go to one of these two destinations. 


Points stressed include:  

The urgency of this decision - no one knows how long we have this side of eternity. 

Once you die, your decision is irreversible.

The love and holiness of Jesus.

God's judgment for those who don't turn to Jesus.

Free will.

It is pointless and needless to perish.

I highly recommend this book to unbelievers and believers alike. It can be read and one sitting, and is a great addition to your Kindle library.

To learn more about Prepare to Meet Your Maker or purchase, visit Amazon by clicking on this link.



Friday, October 6, 2017

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts - "Living & Breathing the Psalms" by Jim Edwards


After a year-long battle with cancer, I have found this book to be a great encouragement. Jim brings alive the true meaning of Psalms - to lift us above our circumstances, to show that God's love surpasses our most difficult trials, and that with Jesus, we are never alone. God is with us, and we can trust Him in our pain.

Each page is filled with encouragement, written in a style that anyone can understand as the Holy Spirit shouts praises and affirmations of God's unfailing love.

I have to admit, at times I haven't felt like praising God this last year, but "Living & Breathing the Psalms" reminds me that human feelings can be overcome and transformed into the worship of King Jesus. 

if you are hurting, reading "Living & Breathing the Psalms" will renew your mind. 

God hears our cries when we give Him our struggles.  I found this book to be a great encouragement,  prompting me to be more thankful. It helped me to keep my eyes on my Redeemer. Sometimes we need to be reminded, God is greater than our suffering, and He is able to do far more than we ask. 

If you enjoy reading the Psalms, you will enjoy this modern-day praised-filled rendition. Soak in a little each day, and be filled with God's joy.



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Friday, September 29, 2017

New Young Adult Book From Award-Winning Author William D. Burt - "The Lake Lights"

“The Lake Lights” by William D. Burt is the first book in his new Creation Series Seekers.

Jonathan Oliver, the main character, comes from a long line of scientists and inventors, and after the disappearance of his father, sets out to discover what the strange creatures are over Lake Oswego.

Jon's quest becomes more than a scientific homeschooling project when he is confronted by evilness that wants to destroy his father’s legacy and family at all costs.

God is an integral part of the story as William D. Burt discusses evolution versus creationism. Throughout “The Lake Lights,” God’s concern over the affairs of men is emphasized, and the compatibility of Christianity with science is explored, giving the book a Christian worldview

I enjoyed the intrigue, the suspense, and the surprise ending that ties everything together into a delightful and engaging story.


While the book is geared toward a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Lake Lights” in my “old age” and learned a few scientific facts. I also highly recommend “The Lake Lights” to homeschooling families and look forward to reading the next book in the series.


*~*~*~*
William D. Burt is the award-winning author of the seven-title Christian allegorical "King of the Trees" series. Other works are in progress. Two of his titles (out of three submitted) were finalists in the 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest: "The King of the Trees" and "The Golden Wood."