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Wednesday, July 22, 2020

New Book Release - Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors, by Stacy Padula - Book Review


 

 

In the fourth installment of Stacy Padula’s Gripped Book Series, the stakes are higher as Taylor Dunkin struggles to save himself and protect the ones he loves. He never knew that a slippery slope could cause him to fall into such a pit of despair. As he tries to pull himself out, however, he begins to realize that he may not be able to escape the mess of his own creation.


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Taylor’s two younger brothers, Jordan and Marc have been at odds for years, but they are drawn together to try to decipher the mysterious clues Taylor is leaving for his whereabouts. As secrets are revealed, the relationships between the Dunkin boys may change forever, and their town of Montgomery Lake along with them.

Stacy Padula’s masterful control of a bifurcated storyline keeps the reader intrigued in two chronologies of events. The characters grow richer with each passing novel, and the depth of the relationship between them approaches reality. 

A five-star review for Gripped 4: Smoke and Mirrors.

- Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia 


To purchase a Smoke & Mirrors from Amazon, click here.



To learn more about Stacy Padula, visit her Amazon Page by clicking here





Friday, June 26, 2020

NEW RELEASE by Award-Winning Author JIM BATON - Hope Trilogy #3




NEW RELEASE by award-winning author JIM BATON
Hope Trilogy #3
June 16, 2020
          In the HOPE Trilogy, teenagers Kelsey and Harmonie solve mysteries, fight for justice, experience the supernatural, and find their place in God’s destiny for their town of Hope, Colorado.
Available at Amazon, iBooks, Nook and others
From the back cover:
The tension in the town of Hope builds to a climax in this thrilling conclusion to the Hope Trilogy. A major setback for those pursuing a citywide transformation drives them back to the House of Prayer and opens them to new partnerships with others. Change begins to infiltrate the spheres of business, education, media and the arts, resulting in all-out war with a corrupt government. Teenagers Kelsey and Harmonie are once again at the epicenter of shaking their city as they investigate a murder and fight for social justice, determined to see their town finally come into its destiny.
The Hope Trilogy is written for those who are hungry for God’s revival and transformation of their communities.

“Jim Baton is a master storyteller…Every one of these books is a page-turner.”
Carolyn Klaus, Christian book reviewer

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.

Visit Jim Baton’s Amazon Page or his blog to learn more.

Books In This Series (3 Books)
Complete Series
Kindle Edition


Friday, June 5, 2020

New Historical Fiction from Carole Brown

Caleb's Destiny

Caleb’s Destiny: Troubles in the West, book 1
Carole Brown
Inspirational historical fiction
May 22, 2020
Story & Logic Media Group
ISBN-13: 9781941622636
282 pp
$2.99 ebook
$12.99 Print

Buy on Amazon US

About the Book:
Mr. Michael, Destiny Rose McCulloch, and Hunter have a mysterious history. Why were three fathers, all business partners, murdered under suspicious circumstances while on their quest to find gold?

Hunter is determined to protect his boss and the precocious young lady who he suspects holds a key answer to his questions.

Mr. Michael wants only to be left alone to attend to his property, but what can he do when Destiny refuses to leave and captures the heart of every one of his employees?

Destiny almost forgets her quest when she falls in love with Mr. Michael's ranch and all the people there. And then Mr. Michael is much too alluring to ignore. The preacher man back east where she took her schooling tried to claim her heart, but the longer she stays the less she can remember him. She only came west to find a little boy she knew years ago. A little boy all grown up by now...unless, of course, he's dead.

Three children, connected through tragedy and separated by time, are fated to reunite and re-right some powerful wrongs.

Lisa's Review
Brown’s latest story-telling chops take her fans back to gold rush days, with all the deviousness mankind can wrought. Three youngsters, gathered by tragedy and separated by time are fated to reunite and re-right some powerful wrongs. Rich setting and always excellent scenes will enchant the lover the romantic historical suspense.

Brown’s stories tend to be rich on nuance and detail, spiritual and wholesome tales. In this  story, we hearken back to gold rush days in Colorado, where men become impatient and fools rush in. Three children, orphaned at the outset of the 1870s, are brought together for a very brief time after suffering tragedy.

Young Caleb is a determined protector; Destiny is a spitfire young girl, and Hunter, a young man with a loyal heart. They all witness horrifying crimes. The story picks up fifteen years later when Destiny travels back to the west in an effort to learn more of her history, Only a child when sent to Boston, she longs for a sense of family and friendship she once knew after losing her mother. Her reintroduction to Colorado is a rather violent one, and she’s rescued by the local landowner—a man burdened by secrets.

Caleb’s Destiny continues to unfold as the past slowly opens to reveal the intrigue and reasons behind the sorrowful events of the past. Lovingly researched with well-fleshed characters, Brown unwinds her story through multiple viewpoints, great dialog and realistic events. Fans of historical fiction with all the romance and suspense of classic westerns will find much to love.

A brief Interview with Carole:

Is there a story behind Caleb's Destiny?

Actually, a few years ago, I wanted to enter a book for a contest. When I brainstormed with my hubby, he came up with the plot for the book. I began writing but didn't complete it. This year I decided to finish that beginning. I'd just recently began a Chore & Writing Crawl, which I've been following meticulously (or almost). Doing this has helped me complete this approximately 90,000 word novel in around two and ½ months.

Where do you get the names for your characters?
In this book, it was easy. Our niece lost her baby girl whose name was Destiny. This niece is so special. Loves us and my books. It was decided almost from the first that the female protagonist would be called Destiny. :)  For me, it seems that the names just came to me. I use origins for some names to suit the personality of a character. I use a baby name book. It just depends on the book and character. But it's so much fun choosing!

As far as Mr. Michael's name, it came from a nephew who died unexpectedly and devastated the family. It was a good thing to use his name.

Do you have favorite research books?
I do, and they are such simple but important ones to me. A dictionary, a synonym, a baby's name book, some crime books, personality books. These are my go-to research books. For other research, I use the internet and try to find specialists in whatever I need to learn about some detail. Lots of fun!

About Carole:  
My photo
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?


Friday, May 22, 2020

Award-Winning Author Jim Baton's Second Book in Hope Trilogy Series, Hope in the Balance, Is Now Available



NEW RELEASE by award-winning author JIM BATON
Hope Trilogy #2
May 11, 2020
          In the HOPE Trilogy, teenagers Kelsey and Harmonie solve mysteries, fight for justice, experience the supernatural, and find their place in God’s destiny for their town of Hope, Colorado.
Available at Amazon, iBooks, Nook and others
From the back cover:
The small town of Hope is shaken when teenagers Kelsey and Harmonie uncover its skeletons of the past. Will those secrets tear the town apart, or will they become a path to healing? Meanwhile, it appears someone is willing to use any means necessary to take over their town. The girls look for new allies to save Hope. A House of Prayer arises to confront demonic forces, leading to glimpses of angelic activity. As the intensity of the warfare increases, people on all sides are being pushed past their limits. The future of Hope hangs in the balance.
The Hope Trilogy is written for those who are hungry for God’s revival and transformation of their communities.


Readers’ comments on the Hope Trilogy—
“Very good example of redemptive Christian fiction.” –Nike Chillemi, Christian mystery author
“Gripping…I read it in one day…I could not put it down.” –Carol Brown, Christian author
I instantly fell in love with the characters Kelsey and Harmonie. Every time I thought I had the answer, I'd find out a new twist which would lead me in a different direction. I loved every minute of it!” –Tiffany Hersh, Christian book reviewer

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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.

To learn more about Jim Baton's work, visit his website by clicking here: https://jimbaton.com/

Friday, April 17, 2020

contemporary suspense with Robin Fuson



The Race of Her Heart
Robin Fuson

Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense
218 pp
Forget Me Not books, Feb 14, 2020

Ebook $3.99
Paperback $8.97

Buy on Amazon

About the book
An engaged Jalyn Stewart returns to her hometown of Durango, Colorado following an accident that changed her life and Olympic dreams. A future with Timothy, her lawyer fiancé, moves forward with his new business partnership and their wedding plans. Jalyn’s part-time journalist job brings an unexpected encounter with an old flame and sparks fly. Can she believe him when he says he has changed?

Disturbing messages and threats make her realize, she's being stalked. Jalyn searches through her mind trying to discover why and who might be the stalker and does it have anything to do with her accident? Nothing points to the answers to her questions, causing more frustration. Jalyn’s faith is challenged as fear clutches her heart and soul.


An electric bicycle race takes Adam Walker to his home town of Durango, Colorado and through the mountains to the historic mining town of Silverton. His heart never got over the beautiful Jalyn after he left, hoping to be rid of the God she lived for. At their first encounter after his return, he notices she wears an engagement ring and his heart plummets. Can he accept them as friends or should he fight for more? Pride and a wager pits cycles against the mighty steam engine in an unheard-of race. Adam must conquer the mountain to win the race and the heart of the one he loves. Through overcoming dangerous obstacles is his new faith strong enough to rely on the Lord?


My review
Fuson’s new contemporary suspense in dramatic form. When Jalyn’s Olympic hopes are shattered, she returns to her touristy small hometown of Durango, Colorado, convincing her attorney fiancé to come along. Timothy sets up shop with a colleague and begins to build a clientele while Jalyn begins to integrate back into her former life of church and home and friends, and enjoys her many part-time jobs of cub reporter, summertime youth baseball umpire and wintertime ski instructor.

But home isn’t quite so friendly and familiar when Jalyn begins to receive threatening notes insinuating she was the source of someone else’s misfortunes and would pay. From then on, Jalyn feels she’s being watched and reports the matter to the local law enforcement. Durango has many attractions and happy summertime events, including the Durango to Silverton train. The train is not only famous for happy rails riding, but the subject of races of all kinds. This summer, it’s electric bicycles racing the train. Jalyn is sent to cover the intrepid bicycle riders and meets her former boyfriend, Adam, who’s made some marvelous life-changing decisions and cleaned up his act. As Jalyn’s fiancé continues to downplay her growing fears and the threats against her, oddly withdrawing more and more as their wedding approaches, Jalyn begins to turn to Adam for comfort and advice.

As Jalyn’s stalker acts out, affecting the lives of her friends and their businesses, even their lives and her own, Jalyn has many truths to face. She’s not alone. Faith, family, and friends enjoin in this gripping tale of romantic suspense.

About the Author
Robin is a Colorado native. Together, with her husband Jimmy. 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.

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Coronavirus Church Services and Christian Blogposts for Getting Us Through COVID-19



To help stop the spread of COVID-19, many churches, including mine (Lorilyn Roberts), have developed church services online to serve church members during this crisis. One of our John 3:16 authors, Martin Roth, who lives in Australia, shared his vision of helping those without online church services to be able to connect with other Christians without leaving their homes and risking exposure.

So, I sent out a call to our John 3:16 authors, and many responded, sending me links to church services at their home church. Our members are all over the world, and it’s another example of how we can connect with one another spiritually during this time of crisis.

Please check out the links and enjoy worshipping at home. I want to encourage you to post any prayer requests you have in the comments below, and we will be praying for you.

I’m also including links to blog posts you might find helpful written by our John 3:16 authors.
                                                                                                                    
As Christians, we have the Prince of Peace who lives in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Despite not being able to meet as a Church Body, we are the vessel God has chosen to spread His Word of salvation to the world, so let us be mindful that we've been set apart to carry out God's mission. I truly believe God can use COVID-19 to open the hearts of the unreached and the unsaved. Jesus Christ can bring comfort to those who are hurting and those who are sick with the Coronavirus.

Stay safe wherever you are by staying away from crowds and preferably staying at home. Let us pray for our leaders—Australia, Canada, Cuba, Israel, England, India, and everywhere—for a special anointing from God to come over those in positions of power. Let’s lift them up and pray for revival. 

And let's pray for our healthcare workers who are on the front lines fighting this pestilence to keep us safe. As I write this, I wonder, could COVID-19 be one of the signs of the Lord’s imminent return?

Jesus said:  “…and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:11)
 

Coronavirus Online Church Services From Around the World

Pastor Steve Gregg, Creekside Community Church, Gainesville, FL

*Creekside Community Church, Gainesville, Florida (Lorilyn Roberts)
  

*Bethel Church, Redding, California (Jim Edwards) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gn4XSEn15I


*Centennial Road Church, Ontario, Canada (Kimberley Payne) https://www.centennialroad.com/home


*Cornerstone Assembly of God, North Chesterfield, Virginia (Larry Fox) 


*Franklin Road Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee (Amanda Stephen)  


*Glory of Zion International, Dallas, Texas (Jim Edwards) 
https://tv.gloryofzion.org/available-replays/videos/celebration-service-3-29-9-30am https://tv.gloryofzion.org/available-replays/videos/celebration-service-3-29-9-30am


*Grace Baptist Church, Bowie, Maryland (Pearl Nsiah-Kumi) https://gbcbowie.org


*Journey Church, Liberty, Missouri (Terri Nighswonger)  https://www.journeykc.com/podcast/


*Laymen’s Evangelical Fellowship International, India (John Cyrus) https://vimeo.com/399646294?ref=tw-share


*Neuma Church, Melbourne, Australia (Martin Roth) https://neuma.online.church (service starts at 9 minutes 40 seconds)


*New Creation Church, Singapore (Emma Tcheau) bit.ly/NewCreationChurch


*Templestowe Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia (Martin Roth) https://www.tbc.org.au/sermons


*Valton Friends Church, Wonewoc, Wisconsin (Lisa Lickel)  bit.ly/ValtonFriendsChurch


*Steve Cioccolanti and Discover Ministries, Melbourne, Australia (Lorilyn Roberts) https://www.youtube.com/user/DiscoverMinistries



COVID-19 Helpful Blog Posts Written by Christian Authors 


Jesus and Social Distancing by John 3:16 author Jim Baton

A Message to the Hoarders by Preacher Brother Bob, shared by John 3:16 author John Cyrus

Are You Staying Home During the Coronavirus Crisis? by John 3:16 author Lorilyn Roberts

How My Neighbors Stepped Up by John 3:16 author Kimberley Payne

What Resurrection Sunday Showed Me During the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic by John 3:16 Lorilyn Roberts

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Tweet: To help stop the spread of COVID-19, many churches, including mine (Lorilyn Roberts), have developed church services online to serve church members during this crisis. Check out this list of churches from around the world. bit.ly/John316Churches
Click on Icon to Share Page

Prophetic Video with Sid Roth 

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Interview of Award-Winning Author Jim Baton by John3:16 Marketing Network Founder Lorilyn Roberts



Author Interview with Jim Baton

Lorilyn:  How did you get into writing books, and did you know you wanted to be an author?

Jim:  My two children loved my goodnight stories, even into junior high. I let each of them pick a character, so one night I’d tell how Mickey Mouse and Hello Kitty solved a mystery, the next night Winnie the Pooh and Scooby-Doo learned about forgiveness. I even tried to imitate all their voices.

One day in the House of Prayer, the Lord told me, “I gave your father a writing gift, but he passed away before it could bear fruit. It’s part of your inheritance if you want it.”

“I want it!” I replied.

“Will you submit it to me?”

“Yes.” And that began my writing journey. The partnership I feel with God when I write, sometimes feeling His revelation flowing through me, is one of the great pleasures of my life.

Lorilyn:  Do you have any favorite authors that have influenced your writing?

Jim:  Some readers will notice shades of Frank Peretti or Ted Dekker in my books. I love reading the novels of David Baldacci and Gregg Hurwitz for their adrenaline-rush plots, and Dick Francis and Jonathan Kellerman for their brilliant characters.

Lorilyn:  Do you draw on personal experiences in your books, or is your imagination what drives your plots?

Jim:  It’s really a combination of personal experiences, research, and imagination. Most of my characters are loosely based on real people. 

CLICK TO TWEET:  Many of the supernatural phenomena I write about are also based on real experiences—whether angelic or demonic, miracles or dreams. In fact, several of the supernatural dreams my characters experience are based on real dreams that my wife, my friends, or myself have had. And we’ve been blessed to see God do many, many extraordinary miracles, far more than we could ever include in my books.

Some of them have been so extraordinary that the phrase “truth is stranger than fiction” applies.

All that to say, writing about terrorists or angels or dreams or revival has required very little of my imagination. Because of this, I think my readers catch the authenticity of the stories.


Lorilyn:  Your books have won several awards. Can you tell us about those?

Jim:  It’s encouraging when others recognize the quality of my craft, but honestly, the most rewarding aspect of writing to me is when my readers share that my novel completely changed their perspective on _____. Every book I write begins with a message I feel God has given me for this moment. I fully embrace the power of the storyteller to change paradigms.

Lorilyn:  You have lived in some very faraway places. Where is your favorite “home away from home”?

Jim:  We’ve been blessed to live over 20 years in the Muslim world and blessed to travel and share about our work in many different nations. As a result, the concept of “home” is somewhat fluid for me. I guess I feel most at home wherever my family is gathered, or on a soccer field, or in a House of Prayer.✙✙✙✙✙

Lorilyn:  Where can readers find your books?

Jim:  All my novels are available on all the online platforms: Amazon (for paperback), Kindle, iBooks, Nook, etc.



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Enjoy a Preview of Jim's latest book from the Hope Trilogy Series


Thursday, February 27, 2020

NEW RELEASE by Award-Winning Author JIM BATON




In the HOPE Trilogy, teenagers Kelsey and Harmonie solve mysteries, fight for justice, experience the supernatural, and find their place in God’s destiny for their town of Hope, Colorado.
Purchase at Amazon: Hope is a Dangerous Place
For iBooks: click here and Nook: click here
Also available on Kobo, Scribd, 24 Symbols, etc. here
From the back cover of the book:
Seventy-five years ago, fifteen-year-old Hope McCormick disappeared. To remember her, the newly incorporated town was named “Hope.” 
When high school friends Kelsey and Harmonie begin looking into this unsolved mystery, they discover that someone will do anything to make sure the town’s secrets never come to light. 
Which neighbors are allies, and which face masks a violent enemy? And what will it take for their struggling town to fulfill its original destiny of hope?
The Hope Trilogy is written for those who are hungry for God’s revival and transformation of their communities. Learn more at www.jimbaton.com.
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“All over the world, radical lovers of God are rising up to reform their communities. We’re about to see entire cities and nations experience supernatural kingdom transformation. Jim Baton’s HOPE Trilogy captures in riveting narrative what it could look like.”
-Johnny Enlow, founder of RISE, author of The Seven Mountain Renaissance: Vision and Strategy through 2050 and Rainbow God: The Seven Colors of Love