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Friday, April 16, 2021

Target America - Target You - New Book Release by Dr. Lloyd Stebbins



The principal driving force of America’s founding was freedom of religion. America’s institutions established a culture of civic freedom to assure all citizens the right to practice religious freedom in all walks of life. History has demonstrated repeatedly that heritage determines destiny.

However, Christians and their heritage have, with rapidly increasing frequency, been vigorously and powerfully attacked in recent decades. The American culture first drifted from the Bible and later drifted from the United States Constitution.

The Biblical battle between good and evil in heavenly places has become clearly visible in this life—in the United States of America, where people least expected it. Unless the decline of the American culture is stopped and its Judeo-Christian heritage is recovered, America’s future is grim. 

Believers in America have become anesthetized by excessive materialism, progressively isolated, numbed to all manner of sin, and distant from God. The only remedy available is the greatest spiritual awakening of all time, similar to the awakening that fueled the War for Independence, later known as the American Revolutionary War. 

Faith must become real and soul-deep. Holy Spirit enabled love for God through Jesus the Messiah must become so visible that others are envious. The overflow of God’s love through believers conquers all. The book, Target America—Target You! explains it all and provides your action plan. It’s available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and many other places.

Dovetailing personal and professional experiences evoked a glaring awareness that America’s Judeo-Christian culture has drifted away from God in recent decades, just a few steps behind the secular culture. Virtually all modern social controversies emerged from that drift. Their resolution is rooted in recapturing the God-given gift of freedom and a striking, pervasive awareness of America’s rich and compelling godly heritage, a personal mission for Dr. Lloyd Stebbins. He has been a lifelong Christian active in many ministries.


☩☩☩☩☩☩☩☩☩☩☩☩


In the private sector, Dr. Stebbins has worked in several industries including over 20 years as an environmental consultant. Since then, he has taught both science courses and MBA courses in several universities.  His publishing experience includes a doctoral dissertation, hundreds of articles for periodicals, and recent books entitled, 1) America: Dark Slide—Bright Future, 2) Wake Up America or Die—The Undeniable Crisis, and Wake Up America or Die—The Awesome Remedy



Tuesday, March 16, 2021

FREE Memoir for Animal Lovers for St. Patrick's Day AND the Day After - Tails and Purrs for the Heart and Soul

You can check out all of my books on my website at LorilynRoberts.com
FREE book for St. Patrick's Day
2 days only
March 17 and March 18
BRAVE NEW WORLD OF COVID AND THE COMING MARK OF THE BEAST.

If you look at what the Bible says about the mark of the beast, the technology being rolled out now is what will be required for the antichrist to become the world leader as foretold in Scripture. The COVID-19 vaccine is just the beginning—a pseudo-pandemic to set the stage for something far more sinister.

The goal is to condition people to the standards of a new reality, to seduce people into believing the government is going to take care of them, and to turn them into sheeple—useful idiots who believe the lies the media tells them because they have turned away from God. They would prefer to seek their identity in tribal affiliation, comfort, or sexual perversion. TO READ MY FULL BLOG POST, CLICK HERE.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

My Favorite Creative Writing Books - by Lorilyn Roberts



From time to time, people ask me what my favorite books are to learn how to write. Of course, it depends on what kind of story you want to tell. There are hundreds of creative writing books penned by excellent authors, and some of those books may be better than the ones I’m going to recommend here.

That said, every author has his or her favorites.

Most of these I’m listing are books I read when I earned my Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. Considering how many awards I’ve won, I believe they've helped me and would also help others.

If you have any favorites, please add them in the comments section below, and I can do an addendum later.

First, I want to add a few insights on writing (I can’t help myself). 

1.  Good writing is rewriting. 

2.  No matter how many books you write, writing is hard. You might learn a few things to improve your craft along the way, but it takes persistence. Don’t give up. Just keep working at it. Those paragraphs eventually turn into chapters, and those chapters eventually turn into a book.

3.  After writing your first draft, that’s when the real work begins—editing. I’ve heard many newbies say they hate editing. Learn to love editing. You will edit many more hours than writing your first draft.

4.  If you are writing to make a lot of money, you might be disappointed. If you are writing because you can’t help but write, you are a writer.

5.  Read a lot, and those books that stick with you forever, ask why. Writing is more than just a mental activity. Writing involves the heart, the emotions, the senses, and the intellect. Think about what made those books special—and there is no right or wrong answer. Books are a work of art.

6.  Be willing to take constructive suggestions. In the end, it’s up to you what you do with that “criticism.” Don’t be defensive. Just say “thank you” and move on.

7.  If you write something that changes the world or improves people’s lives, relationships, or perspective, thank God He used you to make the world a better place, and give Him the glory. 


Here goes my list of books in no particular order linked to Amazon:


Writing to Change the World, by Mary Pipher

The Elements of Style, By William Strunk, Jr., and E.B. White

How to Write Killer Fiction, by Carolyn Wheat

Writing for Story by Jon Franklin

On Moral Fiction by John Gardner

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham (important for fiction)

If you are interested in writing a memoir, here is a link to an award-winning article I wrote:

"Writing a Memoir in Twelve Easy Steps"

I would also recommend you find a writer's group in your area and start attending. I lead the local Word Weavers International in Gainesville, Florida, so if you live near me, you are welcome to join us. There are also many other chapters across the United States as well as some online critique groups. Click on this link to learn more.

If you have any specific writing questions, post them in the comments below and I will reply as time permits. 

If you would like to check out my latest book, Tails and Purrs for the Heart and Soul, click here.

In the meantime, happy writing!





Monday, February 1, 2021

Author Phyllis Sather's Book Review of Tails and Purrs for the Heart and Soul Written by Lorilyn Roberts



Reviewed by Phyllis Sather

 If you enjoy animals, you need to read Tails and Purrs.

It's perfect for reading around the fireplace on a cool evening. Wrap in a warm blanket and just enjoy yourself.

I am so glad I read this book. It’s a delightful way to get to know the author a bit. Instead of somewhat boring details, she gives us peeks into her life by introducing us to her pets. I’ve only had a couple of pets, but I could certainly relate to some of her stories.

She brings herself and her pets to life as she tells about their relationship. She’s very open about her losses and attempts not to love another pet, but as is so often the case, when you see the right animal your heart just won’t let you hold back your feelings.

All you animal lovers should really get a copy; you will love each of her pets as you hear about their antics and special ways. I’ve lost count of how many she’s had, but there are enough to keep you reading and relating for quite a while.


Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Book Review by Award-Winning Author Lorilyn Roberts of Lisa J. Lickel's New Medical/Romance Thriller "UnderCut"

 



UnderCut by Lisa J. Lickel may be her best novel yet. The story begins with a couple who are engaged amid a backdrop of family dysfunction, emotional entanglements, medical intrigue, and dark forces out for revenge. The narrative builds into an engrossing plotline that is driven forward with authentic, engaging characters caught in the crossfire of evil. 

The medical thriller never lags, and many themes dealing with complex and relevant issues concerning racial relations, adoption, and family dynamics take center stage.

More subtle topics like the intersection of faith in the midst of suffering add depth and authenticity to the characters.




I also learned more than I knew before about the world of kidney transplants and the need for more volunteers to sign up on the national register.

While the story has a good solid ending, the author left an opening for a sequel, so I look forward to reading the next book in the series if one should follow.

To order from Amazon, click here.


About Lisa J. Lickel

Lisa Lickel is an author, editor, and mentor who lives with her husband in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction both short and full-length, including mysteries, romance and family drama, feature articles, and radio theater. She belongs to the Wisconsin Writers Association, the Chicago Writers Association and is a writing coach at Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp & Retreat. Lisa loves to encourage new authors through mentoring, speaking, and leading workshops. Lisa also is an avid book reviewer and blogger, and a freelance editor. Find more at www.LisaLickel.com.



Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Sassy Pants Learns to Take Care of Others, by Carol A. Brown -- Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts


 


Sassy Pants Learns to Take Care of Others is the fourth and final book in the Sassy Pants Series. You do not need to have read the previous books in the series to become quickly immersed in this book. 

The language is delightful, appropriate for young kids, and written in such a way that would be fun for a parent to read to a young child, or for a slightly older child (up to thirteen) to enjoy reading on his own. 

The tone and affirmations throughout the book reflect great life lessons—the virtues of kindness and caring, the sting of being selfish or insensitive, and the willingness to be taught and become wise.

The illustrations are outstanding and bring to life the words of the story. Kids will love the artist’s creativity, especially the facial expressions of the animals.

 I also enjoyed the dialog of the animal characters—so appropriate and so child-like. And I appreciated the idea of respect and authority for the elder animals in the story.

There is so much to like about the Sassy Pants Series. If you are looking for a great animal series for kids for Christmas, I highly recommend it.  Your child will love the little Sassy Pants’ pig and the unexpected surprise that awaits her at the end.


To Order from Amazon, click here


In Carol A. Brown's own words:


In addition to being passionate about reading and writing, I enjoy nature, music, and playing the piano. I also do pottery, knit, crochet, and paint. David and I live in Juneau, Alaska. We have two daughters, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

My current faith assignment is to stay close to Jesus so that I can hear what He says and write it down. 

Sunday, October 11, 2020

New from Cheryl Colwell Astoria Rumors

 


Astoria Rumors, Get Eaven series #1
Cheryl Colwell
Suspense

October, 2020
$3.99 ebook, 283 pp

Buy on
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08J7KJ5SH
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Astoria-Rumors-Get-Eaven-Book-ebook/dp/B08J7KJ5SH
Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/Astoria-Rumors-Get-Eaven-Book-ebook/dp/B08J7KJ5SH/

About the Book
She's desperate, alone and unprotected. But she will survive.

Homeless, broke, and broken, Eaven Alexander resurrects her career, but with an innovative twist. Her degrees in historical architecture and antiques attract a lucrative but questionable job offer to locate an important document for the mysterious Greg Sault.

The hunt takes her inside a decaying mansion and into conflict with Clayton Mercer, a town heavyweight and Greg’s enemy. Too late, she realizes that something insidious is lurking beneath Astoria’s idyllic façade. And that no one is who they claim to be.

 

Lisa’s Review

Dragging herself out of her rut might have been the most important thing Eaven has done for herself since a devastating accident robbed her of her happiness. Eyes wide shut to the crumbling decay of her comfort zone, she feels hung out to dry after her husband reveals the depth of his own despair. Waking to reality forces Eaven to face unpleasant truths about herself. Coming from high society in Charleston SC, Eaven had run as far northeast as she could to rural Washington State, Eaven decides to reclaim her former professional life as an antiques appraiser. But first she needs to build her stakes. Her first stop down the coast is Astoria, where she meets a mystery man, Greg, and becomes privy to the town’s unnerving history.

Greg hires her to help clean out his grandmother’s house, but his real objective is hidden in the mists of time and allusion. At the same time, one of the last town bigwigs has died, and his relative, Clayton, is looking for help getting an old moldy family mansion inventoried and hopefully ready for sale. Eaven happens to fill that need, and she’s put in a position to be able to double agent, so to speak.

A series of awkward and dangerous events, filled with clues and a curious series of historical flashbacks, flood the book until the conclusion. There’s obviously something nefarious happening in Astoria; that’s never a secret; but how the rest of the citizens, and in particular the visitors like Eaven, act on those events and that history provide an intriguing visit to Astoria. Good details engage the reader.

About the Author

Author of Romantic Suspense, Women's Suspense, Political Suspense

Cheryl Colwell loves to travel. and loves being home with family and friends, authentic conversations, the gifts of faith and writing, and people who are as passionate about life as she is. Each new adventure, whether traveling, listening, or writing a book, reveals things she needs to know. Things she needs to share. Readers will find these adventures and insights on her Journey with Me blog. Visit www.cherylcolwell.com.








Wednesday, September 23, 2020

"Peter and the Whimper-Whineys Coloring Book" by Sherrill Cannon, reviewed by Lorilyn Roberts




Peter and the Whimper-Whineys Coloring Book
is a wonderful book for kids who enjoy coloring and enjoy a good story. The companion book to this one I read to some children when I went on a mission trip to Nepal a few years ago. As a read to a dozen kids, they listened with rapt attention, spellbound, and made me read it to them once more before I returned back to the States. 

Peter and the Whimper-Whineys Coloring Book would be an awesome addition to any parent's library. After reading the story, children can color in the pages as they reflect on the moral presented. 

I love books that tell great truths without sounding preachy, but instead, use the writer's creativity to engage the audience. Showing truth instead of "telling" is a gift of Sherrill S. Cannon. She also has a remarkable ability to write rhyming stories for children that parents love to read - over and over to their kids. 


Tuesday, September 22, 2020

A Delightful Book for Children with ADHD - David's ADHD by Sherrill S. Cannon, Reviewed by Lorilyn Roberts

David's ADHD by Sherill S. Cannon is an excellent read for kids who struggle with ADHD. I learned more about ADHD in this delightful kids' picture book and how to help families cope than I thought possible. Most importantly, it's written so that children can understand the challenges and develop useful strategies for impatience, frustration, and out-of-control impulses. 

I believe David's ADHD would be a great encouragement for everybody involved with ADHD, and it would give me hope that I could make my own child's life better if I had a son or daughter who struggled with it. 

Particular elements of  David's ADHD that I liked included:

The rhyming lines, which make it fun for adults to read to their children.

The  colorful and warm drawings

The book follows a three-act set-up: the problem, the journey, and the resolution.

David's ADHD  is timely and relevant.

Elementary school children would be able to read David's ADHD.

Although I've personally not had to deal with ADHD, I have friends who have, and David's ADHD has given me more empathy for how ADHD affects families and encouraging ways to approach the issue with beneficial outcomes.




Tweet: David's ADHD by Sherill S. Cannon is an excellent read for kids who struggle with ADHD. http://bit.ly/DavidADHD

Friday, August 14, 2020

New historical romance from Robin Fuson


Worthless to Priceless

Robin Densmore Fuson

Buy on Amazon 

Ebook $2.99

Print $7.99

198 pp

July 2020

About the Book

At the tender age of thirteen, orphaned Jenny Low decides to take matters in her own hands and runs away from her captive life in a Ute tribe. Rescued from near death by a kindly teamster, Samuel Baunof, Jenny is sent to live with a family in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1886. She learns the truth of wickedness and runs again straight into true evil.

Meanwhile, Samuel holds his head up while facing life's cruelty head on. A few years later, he crosses paths with the orphaned girl he once rescued. Now a beautiful young woman, Jenny is a God-send in his time of need. Their trials aren’t over and Samuel finds himself tracking her through the wilderness where, unbeknownst to him, someone else is after her too. Will he get to her in time?

Can these two people with completely different backgrounds and beliefs help each other and those around them? Is Samuel able to rescue Jenny from the horror her life has been drawn into? Is his faith strong enough to help her understand that God loves her and didn’t abandon her? Jenny is challenged to accept love and forgiveness even when she feels the world closing in.

 

Lisa's review

Heart-achy love story between a young girl, brutally abused on the old west of Colorado, and a widower searching for someone to care for his young children.

It’s a familiar trope well-retold by a master storyteller. Fuson’s tales are always dramatic and life-changing no matter where or when they’re set.

Jenny has an almost True Grit aspect to her life, though she needs to kindness of others to help her escape the desperate circumstances she is in. After escaping from one horror and jumping into the next, this girl just can’t get a break until her life circles around to meet with the rescuer who thought he’d done a good deed.

Samuel has a good position as a teamster in Colorado; it’s just that he’s on the road for days at a time and when his wife passes away, he has three young tots to care for. Life is funny when it leads him back to the young girl he rescued from the desert. Horrified to learn the couple who took her in failed her dreadfully, and the next troubling circumstance she entered was even worse, Samuel was more than determined to see her safe.

Nicely told from both sides of gritty realism, romance readers will enjoy Fuson’s latest story.


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.

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.


*~*~*~*



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