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Monday, October 28, 2019

My Twin the Writer - Beautiful Words by John Miller






Truth be known, my brother Jay got the gift.
He penciled lines that made us smile.
Poems, prose and short stories of talking critters and fanciful folks and places, often set to songs to delight
His words in creative flight, unencumbered and rare invited us to wonder, to venture away from the mundane to skip in fields and wander magical forests of childlike imagination, where no adults are allowed
Words flowed onto pages turned, our youthful memories churned,
Where did he? When did he? Were we ever in those places, seemingly familiar?
God’s gift, first for mother’s pen, a writer’s craft honed sharp for many years before it crossed the placenta to a thirsty mind

So rich, this fantasy liquor seeped in that early pregnant time
It was Jay that drank that potion rare from the umbilical cord
Now his
Sipped while sleeping before first breath
Warm in the womb the twin claimed his gift, stored in a fetal memory
And, our mother smiled
A grin, as brother’s tiny hands touched
Busy arms and knees sparred in that watery space
A brother’s bond was made where these twins met in that safe, warm place

Then years spent to fully discover each other
Decades passed while prose’s potion worked, awakening and nourishing the mind of the twin who bore God’s gift

Came time and by the Creator’s design,
A potion long rested was brought alive and given purpose
Words made to soar by a new-found faith
Poems, prose, and song to fill his days
The gifted twin
Drawn close to his
Creator with words of praise
His gift of wonders poured out for us
Words we ponder
Childlike or challenging, he crafted them

The Creator’s purpose has been made known
The twin would use the gift
Through times of joy and struggle
When called to witness in simple, honest manner

By words never before uttered, unleashed, fanciful and written
My twin, Jay, gone home
Honored the Great I AM!


☦☦☦☦

Jay and his beloved wife







John Miller is the twin brother of Jay Miller who was one of the first members of the John 3:16 Marketing Network. Jay was a dear friend and great encourager (Lorilyn Roberts). 
John sent the poem to me on the five-year remembrance of Jay's homecoming. Jay was a kind and humble person who wrote wonderful picture books for children. I look forward to meeting Jay in heaven. You can learn more about Jay Miller and his books on his Amazon page by clicking here.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Crazy Creek Christmas by Lisa J. Lickel - Pre-Order for Christmas



Crazy Creek, Wyoming saves Leah Hanes's life. Running on fumes and bald tires, she thanks heaven for Cookie and Jeanette Wimmer who send her to the Rocking J Ranch as a winter cook. Leah arrives to discover the ranch and the people need more than a cook.

Noel Johansen, heir of the Rocking J, happily left for the big city years ago. When he loses his family in a terrible accident, the best thing for everyone is to sell the place, ditch the memories, and move on. But his brother-in-law has other plans, and the beautiful new cook they've hired for the season threatens Noel's desire to remain detached.

The ranch represents Noel's future and selling it becomes more important than ever when one more tragedy leaves him with nothing. But memories can't be bought and sold, nor can a broken conscience heal itself. Home, heart, and future are irrevocably tied in Crazy Creek.



🎄🎄🎄🎄PREORDER NOW AND SAVE 🎄🎄🎄🎄




Saturday, October 19, 2019

That Special One - New Young Adult Release, by Nike N. Chillemi

THAT SPECIAL ONE: Young Adult (YA), Contemporary Romantic Suspense

College freshman Ivy Chalmers moved in with her aunt and uncle in Arroyo, Texas. She needed to get away from her alcoholic and weed smoking mother.  Ivy longed for a different life than the revolving-door-men in her mom's life. Making a one-eighty, she vowed not to make a serious dating commitment unless she knew it would be that really 'special relationship '.

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Once in a while, his dad showed up trying to extort money from them using threats. Then his blue-haired, self-centered cousin Ava came to live with them and the way she treats his mom enrages him.

Ivy is thrilled when she meets an upperclassman from a neighboring college and thinks he might be 'that guy.' When she is horribly betrayed, her world is thrown upside-down, and she plunges into a depression.  In a steady and kind of clumsy way, Corey is there for her during her worst moments. But his family is plagued with alcoholism, the life she had with her mom, the life she ran away from. What's wrong with her that she attracts the wrong guys? A s if that weren't bad enough, there's an arsonist terrorizing their tiny village.

♱♱♱ 

November 9, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
As usual, Nike gives us true-to-life (and so very much needed) characters in this new genre/book. Teens face problems every day--getting through each day as a well-loved, well-adjusted person is hard enough, but for those who suffer from parents who fail in their parenting duties? It's disastrous for the teen.

When young adult Ivy Chambers heads to college life to escape home life, she vows to never have a relationship that is not "true love." But it happens, and Ivy is heartbroken! Ultimately, Ivy is pulled between two young and likable men. Add to the mix suspicious fires, troubling memories, and the pitfalls of a new scene, and Ivy has her young hands full weaving her way through the mix.

This book will pull readers back into their own past of insecurities and problems. You will root for young Ivy and learn to love all of the secondary characters that help make any book better.

I highly recommend this book. Chillemi is an author to follow.



Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts of Book Three in the Montgomery Lake High Series, The Aftermath, by Stacy A. Padula

The Aftermath, Book 3 in the Montgomery Lake High Series, continues with the same cast of characters and delves deeper into the lives of the protagonists, including the good and the bad that ranges from hope to despair. 

I've developed a sense of who these teens are as people and how God is working in their lives in a deep and personal way - when the coming-of-age young adults are willing. 

Montgomery Lake High Series is realistic and meaningful and something that all teens who are searching for truth and meaning in today's chaotic world would greatly enjoy. I look forward to the next book in the series.

To purchase from Amazon click here

Friday, October 11, 2019

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts of "Infernal Gates" Written by Michael Jack Webb - A Supernatural Christian Thriller in a Genre of Its Own - Based on Scripture




In today's world, where politics, Hollywood tabloids, and salacious news reporters fight for supremacy in entertaining the masses, most are blind to what is REALLY happening behind the veil. 

Sometimes I feel like I'm living in a different reality from the one in which I grew up. Few people are able to recognize the spiritual battle that is being waged. Not a day goes by that we aren't affected, and in "Infernal Gates," Michael Webb gives us a glimpse into that spiritual realm with thought-provoking history, creative exegesis, and mysterious characters that keep the reader turning the pages. 

Masterfully woven together with a hint of romance, tragedy that is too close for comfort, and an original storyline, Inferno Gates embodies the truth of Scripture with a historical and cultural narrative that is refreshing and eye-opening. With an unpredictable plot, the reader is whisked to exotic locations, and as only Michael Webb can artfully achieve, the story comes together with a conclusion that is truly satisfying.

I can't wait to read the sequel which I hear will be available soon.

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Saturday, October 5, 2019

Saturday - One Day Sale on Amazon - Seventh Dimension Series - Mini Box Set FREE



FREE FOR ONE DAY ON AMAZON - 
FIRST THREE BOOKS IN SEVENTH DIMENSION SERIES


The Seventh Dimension Series Mini Box Set includes The Door, The King, and The Castle, the first three books in the six-book young adult fantasy series. The Seventh Dimension Series has won over thirty-five book awards.

“Time is an illusion until God’s appointed time,” is the major theme based on A.W. Tozer’s quote in The Pursuit of God: “A spiritual kingdom lies all about us, enclosing us, embracing us, altogether within reach of our inner selves, waiting for us to recognize it. God Himself is here waiting our response to His Presence. This eternal world will come alive to us the moment we begin to reckon upon its reality.”

The two young protagonists, Shale Snyder, an American, and Daniel Sperling, an Israeli, meet in the seventh dimension—a reality outside of time. Their love for each other is conflicted over their opposing spiritual beliefs that seem irreconcilable. The story covers many years as the young couple matures. The sixth book, The Howling, culminates with Biblical revelations concerning the future, Daniel’s missing father, and a startling surprise.

Allegory, foreshadowing, and symbolism are woven into the Seventh Dimension Series, and the heroism of the two protagonists is meant to inspire the reader.

Love and forgiveness are virtues that both protagonists must learn. The Seventh Dimension Series begins in Atlanta, Georgia, but quickly moves to Israel. The reader soon finds himself immersed in the first century, and stories from the life of Jesus Christ intersect the story plot outside of time. As the reader progresses through the books, he is exposed to many religions and worldviews including Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism; and the young couple makes a memorable trip to heaven and hell.

Many relevant topics are addressed that young adults will have explored in school, among friends, or been exposed to through the media—evolution versus creationism, globalism versus nationalism, socialism versus capitalism, adoption versus abortion, and Christianity versus occultism. Spiritual warfare is a recurring theme, and there are talking animals, special gifts, and much more that I will let the reader discover for himself.

The protagonists are coming-of-age young adults, taken via supernatural stargates into the violent, unpredictable world of the seventh dimension. While I wrote this series for young adults, all readers will enjoy the deeper, profound truths that can only be learned from a life well-lived.

An unexamined life can squander the opportunity to be redeemed. What a waste. My goal is to make the reader think, ask questions, and consider the most important question of all—where will he spend eternity? As noted above, the theme of the Seventh Dimension Series is: “Time is an illusion until God’s appointed time.” You may not have tomorrow. You only have today, this hour, this moment, this second…



☦☦☦☦ 
Amazon Review



October 2, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I loved being able to buy all these books together in one set. Not only did I personally enjoy each one, but the set will be a great pass-along to my nieces and nephews. Beginning with The Door, this speculative young adult series grabs the reader’s attention from the start with likable main characters, some charming animals, and plenty of action in each book. It all begins with Shale Snyder following a dog through a door that leads to a mysterious garden. Using creative symbolism, rich allegory, vivid imagery and gifted storytelling, the author takes us from the real world to Biblical times to places in between.From beginning to end, this is a story of hope, forgiveness, faith, love, friendship and courage. I like watching Shale and Daniel mature through the series, both internally and in their relationship. There is never a shortage of conflicts and challenges, with each chapter ending with a nudge to keep on reading. Just as the Bible is full of conflict, drama, betrayal, courage, love, war, and hope, so too is this fascinating series. And…it will keep you thinking about your own mortality, how you’re spending your brief time on Earth, and what happens next.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

New from Robin Fuson

Restoration

Restoration
Robin Densmore Fuson

Inspirational holiday novella
$2.99 ebook
Paperback available

Buy on Amazon

About the Book
Restoration is a Christmas novella which tells a twenty-five-year love story. Nurse Rebecca Porter and bush pilot Kyle Warren’s relationship started terrific, tight, memorable and romantic. Kyle swept Rebecca off her feet in a remarkable marriage proposal. Their fantastic wedding day surrounded by beauty, family, words of wisdom and promises made went without a hitch. An unexpected marvelous honeymoon trip took them up in the air to enjoy the rugged landscape of Alaska. Can their storybook relationship go on without a flaw? Do they have what it takes to dig deep into their souls to heal, grow, and change? Through the years, Christmas remained Rebecca’s favorite time of year when peace reigned for a day. Love traveled with Rebecca and Kyle from the snow covered Mountains near Anchorage, Alaska to the vast ocean off Miami, Florida’s coast. Helicopters, small aircraft, speed boats, and vintage cars marked their mode of transportation in this tale of hearts won through love language, prayer, and perseverance.

Lisa’s Review
This latest tale from prolific author Robin Fuson encompasses a fairytale marriage through ups and downs.

As with most marriages, secrets, disillusionment, and shame color the relationship. Some secrets are good but some are simple acts of controlling behavior. Rebecca and Kyle can’t see past their rose-colored glasses as they set up housekeeping and become a family. Kyle’s need to keep up the appearance of perfection and Rebecca’s growing disenchantment with his financial behavior may become a deal breaker unless they get help and remember the source of the faith they both profess.

Set in lush Alaska and moving to Florida, Restoration is a romantic story for readers who are intrigued by the long haul; the reality after the initial passion, and the need to be honest and mindful of the foundation on which we build our lives.

About the Author
Robin recently moved to Tennessee with her husband Jimmy. Together, they celebrate with seventeen grandchildren. An award winner for romance and flash fiction. Robin is multi-published and writes stories on her blog for children. Robin is a member of ACFW, Vice President of ACFW Colorado Western Slope, and member of John316 Marketing Network. She enjoys leading a Bible study group and singing in two community choirs. Robin loves company and challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and hidden nooks and crannies of their home.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Teens in High School in a Coming-of-Age Novel - When Darkness Tries to Hide, Book 2 in Montgomery Lake High Series

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts

When Darkness Tries to Hide is the second book in the Montgomery Lake High Series and continues with a new story but the same kids from Montgomery High. The struggles of the Young Adults are authentic and reflect many of the issues that teens face today –  bullying, drugs, sex, self-worth, and making good choices. 

I particularly liked how the author instills hope throughout the book and shows the reader how Jesus Christ truly can make all the difference. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.



To learn more about Author Stacy Padula, visit her website at https://stacyapadula.com/

Monday, August 5, 2019

Book Review of "The Right Person" in the Montgomery Lake High Series by Stacy A. Padula



Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts

The Right Person, Book 1 in the Montgomery Lake High Series by Stacy Padula, is a great read for teens and especially teens that struggle with self-worth. The Right Person introduces several young ladies and young men who are freshmen in high school, and they are caught in the crosshairs of coming-of-age and figuring out who they are in relationship to each other and to God as Christians—at least those who attend a church youth group.

If you are a young person and you are struggling to integrate your faith with friends, both male and female, this is the book for you. You will easily relate to the characters in the Montgomery Lake High Series.

Although I am way past my teenage years, I enjoyed reminiscing about those days long ago, and I would have enjoyed reading this as a young adult. I would have learned some things early on rather than the hard way later, and it would have reassured me that many of my insecurities were natural and common, especially when it came to dating.

Author Stacy Padula does a great job understanding the difficulties that teenagers face, and I particularly liked the upbeat ending of The Right Person. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Montgomery Lake High Series.




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