Monthly Archives: January 2018
In Hiding Book Trailer
A dream. A memory. That’s all Brij remembers of her past – as well as the fact that she was abandoned by a dirt road at the age of three. After getting picked up by a passing stranger who seemed to know everything about her, she lives the next fourteen years of her life in an enormous nuclear power plant, performing high-intensity sports games inside the plant’s five-mile reactor for spectators – people who keep the plant operating. Most days, she doesn’t mind. Then again, she doesn’t have a choice – if she refuses to perform, she’s at risk of being abandoned all over again. When mysterious images start haunting Brij during the performances, she begins to wonder if her life in the plant is real. No matter how much she tries to ignore them, they keep coming back. A series of strange events start to unfold that ultimately leads her to make a choice – whether to live a lie, or face the truth of what she really is, and why she’s here.
Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32
![Don't Ever Look Behind Door 32 by [Fegan, B.C.R.]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61tO0n0%2B%2BNL.jpg?resize=299%2C374&ssl=1)
B.C.R. Fegan’s Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32 takes young readers on a journey through the magical Hotel of Hoo where Mr. Nicholas Noo gives his first-ever guests constant reminders to avoid, at all costs, door number 32. Behind each door leading up to 32, guests are treated to many surprises, some creepy and some quite humorous. Entertaining rhymes help light the way through the castle-like establishment as both the readers and the guests of the hotel meet and greet a bevy of characters who have taken up residence behind the first 31 doors. What lies behind Door 32? I’ll never tell!
I really love Fegan’s books for young readers. Lenny Wen, illustrator, creates some of the most vivid and striking images you will find in children’s literature. Wen gives his characters amazingly expressive eyes whether they are screaming in terror at ghosts cooking roasts, doing a double-take at a paintbrush-wielding elf, sneaking peeks at tea-drinking monsters, or (my favorite) marveling at miniature giants.
This particular tale takes on a Halloween feel and serves as a fabulous book to read aloud during October or as part of a monster-themed unit for elementary grades. As a third grade teacher, I can see using this book with my students to study rhyme, compare and contrast the findings behind each door, or as an inspiring writing prompt. The possibilities are as endless as the number of creatures housed behind each of the doors in the Hotel of Hoo.
Fegan does an excellent job of periodically reminding the reader that Door 32 is somewhat of an enigma and, possibly, the most feared of all doors in the Hotel of Hoo. Suspense builds throughout the book as the second-person narrative draws young readers into the different rooms, page by page, and treats them to a fantastic assortment of zombies, ghosts, wizards, and many more creatures of lore.
Fegan and Wen are, book by book, mastering the kiddie lit genre. With each successive book, their plots and accompanying illustrations take on more depth and even more vibrant characters. From the very first pages, this one has the feel of a classic in-the-making.
Pages: 36 | ASIN: B078VSML8V
Divinely Beautiful Moments
Wendy Varga Author Interview
Sacred Secret does a fantastic job of providing a better understanding of the power of the New Testament Covenant Meal. What was the inspiration that made you want to write this book?
I grew up as a pastor’s daughter. My parents pastor, and I now pastor with them. As I studied the Word of God, I found God revealing the power of His Blood to me and it became of vital importance in my life. While giving a message on Communion, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to my heart, “This is more than a sermon, this is a book.” About a month later, I woke up with the first words and paragraphs of this manuscript running through my head. I knew it was the beginning of the book that He had spoken to me about.
I got a sense of your zeal for the subject in every page. What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
As I was writing about what God had shown me about His passionate Meal, I realized that every revelation was a special gift. Allowing me to share these moments with others intensified the divinely, beautiful moments graciously given from Him.
You provide in depth analysis of profound religious ideas that are supported with scientific explanations. What research did you do for this novel to ensure accuracy?
As God would reveal to me things that I had no previous knowledge of, I began to search for confirmation of the truths that I was shown. Sometimes the question would resound inside me for several weeks as I searched patiently, knowing that an answer had to exist. These pursuits always ended up confirming what God had shown me—because God is always accurate, specific, and precise.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope that readers come away from this book, craving the One who is the substance and power of the meal.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
IN POWER―THE TABLE WAS SET
IN PASSION―THE UNPRECEDENTED SACRIFICIAL VICTIM BECAME THE MEAL
POWERFULLY PASSIONATE & PASSIONATELY POWERFUL
Sacred Secret is a humble attempt to show the great power and hidden treasures of a meal of incredible potency while also revealing the never-ending passion contained in a meal prepared and set on a banqueting table of love.
This book will dissipate feeble conceptions of the blood by revelations of vivid manifestations and powerful effects contained in the sacred meal.
Do you know what you’ve been served?
Empyrean
![Empyrean (The Brin Chronicles Book 3) by [Cronin, Jim]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61LJefBAy2L.jpg?resize=303%2C455&ssl=1)
In Jim Cronin’s Empyrean, the third book in the Brin series, readers will find the perfect novel to tie the series together. Skae and the Gorvin, two empires find themselves stuck in a struggle for control. During the conflict, suspicion has been raised about Skae’s true motives towards the Brin. The head of the Brin Council, Maliche Rocker decides to go on a journey to uncover the truth and risks everything in the process. The race, the Kolbri, has the ability to interact with technology to travel through time and space to understand what truly went wrong once the Brin race came into existence. Both empires hang in the balance while the characters race to find the truth. What really caused the tension between old allies into mortal enemies?
Though science fiction can be technical, Cronin kept the text easy to understand and interesting. Having new characters and showing the perspectives of the characters the way that Cronin did, allows the reader to stay engaged and interested throughout the story. Cronin has the ability to keep the characters, and the reader, on their toes. The author does a great job showing both perspectives from both empires and keeping the personalities of the characters natural through impressive dialogue. The natural tension between both empires will allow readers to feel for both empires, understanding that they were once allies now enemies.
Occasionally certain terms as and political aspects may be somewhat hard to understand if you haven’t read the first two novels. Yet, I was still able to enjoy the novel and I think it can stand on it’s own. Otherwise, this is a satisfying way to connect to the other two novels. Cronin allows the narrative to flow effortlessly, connecting various intriguing theories together, and building tension throughout, allowing the reader to prepare for the climax. Any reader who has read the series will not be disappointed. Using great concepts, elements of science fiction, descriptive context and strong dialogue supports what is already some great character development. Jim Cronin did a fantastic job bringing his series to a close. I highly recommend you read book one and two in the series for a wildly enjoyable journey!
Pages: 274 | ASIN: B077ZBQWDT
Action Men with Silly Putty
![Action Men with Silly Putty: A Jack Donegal Mystery (Jack Donegal Mysteries Book 1) by [Clark, Susan Joy]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5168ay8GO5L.jpg?resize=288%2C460&ssl=1)
Susan Joy Clark’s Action Men with Silly Putty features two comrades in the toy business on the adventure of a lifetime. Clark’s main characters are best friends who are attached at the hip and one another’s voice of reason. Jack Donegal and the book’s narrator, Andy Westin, set off on their journey to uncover the mystery of a mistaken identity and to find out what the heck is so important about the teddy bear from 1915 that Jack purchases at an estate sale in San Francisco. From their company, Out of the Box Toy Design, to breakdowns of Picasso’s private escapades to the Salvador Dali special–it involves eggs and a toast–Action Men with Silly Putty is filled with eccentricities at every turn and brimming with mystery!
I have always been a mystery fan and jumped in headfirst wanting, wholeheartedly, to love Action Men. I wasn’t disappointed. Jack Donegal, a character with every quirk imaginable, is as interesting a central character as I have seen. He appears as an amalgamation of whimsical leads from a handful of stories throughout the years. Incredibly well-read, dead set on having a plethora of alternatives to the traditional curse words, and a virtual fount of knowledge, Jack leads Andy on a wild ride with Andy doing little to challenge each subsequent request. Clark has given readers a vivid personality in Jack Donegal who is impossible to forget.
It’s fairly clear from the beginning that Jack is the book’s focus, but, for me, Andy sets the tone of the entire story. His obvious frustration juxtaposed with his allegiance to Jack is highly relatable. Readers will find common ground with Andy as he fights the urge to question his best friend while simultaneously appeasing him. I thoroughly enjoyed the repartee between the two and give full credit to Andy for the book’s future success.
Clark is consistent with her depiction of Jack as the absent-minded professor type character. She bestows upon him the same qualities that make one Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory the lovable and appealing guy he is. Andy, faithful to Jack to the bitter end, has some truly fantastic lines. Clark brings laugh-out-loud moments via many of Andy’s thoughts: “I thought of that famous photo of Albert Einstein, the one where he was sticking out his tongue and looking anything but genius, and felt reassured…slightly.”–my favorite line in the book as Andy reveals his never-ending stress over Jack’s idiosyncrasies.
I am giving Action Men with Silly Putty by Susan Joy Clark 5 out of 5 stars. Clark’s success with the business partners-turned-private investigators team of Donegal and Westin is tied up neatly in her narrator. As the solution to the mystery of the teddy bear is pursued through colorful secondary characters and unique settings, Andy simply shines. Clark is eloquent, creates one scenario after another to engage readers in her comedy team’s plight, and helps to define a new niche in the mystery novel. In addition, the path to the mystery’s solution is peppered with pop culture references which will appeal to a broad range of readers.
Pages: 214 | ASIN: B00Y49AUXU
Peeks Their Curiosity
Rolynda Tassan Author Interview
Lucy’s First Christmas is the heartwarming tale of Lucy the rescue cat’s first Christmas with her adoptive family. There is so many directions to take a holiday story, how did you settle on this story line?
Having a new pet during the holiday season can be stressful for them, the established pets, and the family. The family dynamic changes with the additional family member. I wanted to show that there is plenty of room and love to go around.
I felt like there was a lot of love and truth in this story. Did you take anything from your own life and put it in this story?
Oh yes! Lucy’s antics all happened. From playing with the Christmas tree decorations, to “helping” me wrap Christmas presents, to playing in the snow. She did it all! But in the end her favorite place to be is curled up on our laps or snuggling with one of our other pets 🙂
Do you find that pets are usually extra curious around the holidays when humans are decorating?
Absolutely, the sights, scents, and sounds that go along with the holiday season are very enticing to pets. The constant activity peeks their curiosity even more. That’s why it’s so important to take extra safety precautions for your pets during the holiday season.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The fourth book in the Lucy’s Tale series, Lucy goes to the Vet, will be available spring 2018.
Author Links: Website | Facebook
Tomorrow is Lucy’s first Christmas. Everyone is busy getting ready for the big day. Lucy wants to help. But when she tries to help Mom wrap presents, she makes a mess. When she tries to help Dad decorate the tree, she tangles the lights. When she tries to help Ben build a snowman, she gets stuck in a snowdrift. Surely there must be a way for an eager kitten to help!
Based on Actual People
A Deal With God tells the tale of sweethearts Rebeccah and Leon whos fates are intertwined after a romantic summer night. What were some themes you wanted to capture in their relationship?
I believe the reason “Deal” has been so popular with readers and reviewers alike is because the interpersonal relationship between the characters are so real. The truth is there relationship between Leon and Rebeccah was very rocky. She blamed him for everything that was wrong in her life. The night before his marriage to Deana he tells her he is shocked to be remarrying because his first marriage was so bad.
This book is inspired by a true story. What were the real events that you used in this book?
The real event in question is that she actually died in the car wreck in chapter 2. Most characters in this book are based on actual people with real personalities and emotions. I love asking readers if they can tell me which parts of the book are real and actual verses what I made up.
We learn about Deana’s life and her hardships at the beginning of the story which builds a beautiful persona. What were some things that surprised you the most about Deana?
To keep the man who raped her from ever finding her when he got out of prison they changed her name and put in her in a boys orphanage in a different school zone. My old asst coach said it best: “If you asked Murphy (Deana) to run through a brick wall she would be back in a few minutes with a sledge hammer.” The story is unique in the feature it gives you the best of both fiction and non-fiction literary worlds.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Amazon
![A Deal With God: The Power of One: A Christian Romance by [Haden, Michael]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BzcjEufKL.jpg?resize=229%2C344&ssl=1)
Is she an angel, a ghost or something much, much more?
Deana Murphy endured a life and death of brutality and hardship. She met every challenge God gave her and it made her stronger and stronger. God had a plan for her and she would need every ounce of this strength. Deana always dreamed of a bigger life. However, she never realized smaller can be just perfect. She wants romance and love, but she never realized sometimes it can take a little Divine intervention. In return, though, Deana senses the payback price will be steep. it is something big but God does not fully disclose the task. Desperate for a second chance, Deana agrees to do “anything ” God desires.
Deana Murphy had been unlucky at love. Yet the man who was perfect for her lived in one of the smallest towns in the United States. When God gave her a second chance at life, he was actually playing matchmaker. He sends her to rural Georgia, deep in the country to meet Leon Samuel’s. Sparks fly and love prospers as these two paths intertwine. This book features the greatest pick up line any woman can use on a man .“A Deal with God” is the romance novel readers have been waiting for.
Forsaken Book Trailer
In Forsaken, we see the changing lives of four women who have come together in friendship, mainly due to Ellen’s faith in God. When Anne’s son is injured by a hit-and-run driver, Ellen’s daughter, Ruthie, receives a message she feels she must deliver, but will the doctors believe a child hears from God? Devastated over their son in a coma, Anne and her estranged husband must find ground to struggle through this overwhelming situation.
Harriet’s love for the child allows her to set aside the fact she has found Marigold to be the daughter she allowed into adoption over twenty years ago. Now the two sit in a hospital room while Harriet wonders how to approach her. Marigold has her own problems; pregnant with complications she cannot reveal because everyone would know she had married Matthew, and his parents are dead set against her.
Life has become nothing but trial and hardship; Bitty’s chief of police has been injured in a drug bust that left one officer dead. Andrew Graves was the suspect’s PR man. Had it not been for one man seeing something worth saving in Andrew, he would be in prison. Now his boss is on trial. Just when they think it can’t get much worse, Ellen’s ex-husband decides if Daniel Gates can’t come up with a certain amount of money, he will declare his right as Ruthie’s father, gain custody, and move Ruthie to Florida.
Will Ellen’s undying faith in the God she believes in sustain her or will she fall?
