Blog Archives
The Overcomer: God’s Answers To Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges
The Overcomer by James Collins is a heartfelt, scripture-filled guide on how to rise above life’s toughest challenges through faith. Each chapter tackles a different struggle, from stress and fear to temptation and loss, all with the common thread of biblical wisdom and personal anecdotes from Collins’ own experiences as a chaplain. The central message is simple yet powerful: trust in God, even when life feels overwhelmingly bleak, because His strength will carry you through. If you’re looking for spiritual encouragement and practical biblical applications, this book is like a faith-based toolbox.
James Collins writes in a warm, conversational style that’s easy to connect with. He opens each section with relatable stories, often laced with humor, like the tale of a misinterpreted letter about a campground’s “BC” facilities, which stands out in the chapter on overcoming lies. It’s a memorable way to remind readers not to mistake man-made maxims for God’s truth. What I appreciated most were the personal anecdotes that brought authenticity to his teachings. Collins recounts gut-wrenching experiences, like witnessing the horrors of war or comforting grieving families, to illustrate that God’s strength is essential when we’re at our lowest. This vulnerability makes his advice more impactful because you see a man who has walked through fire and come out faithful, albeit scarred. Collins tends to repeat ideas, especially when emphasizing the importance of humility and reliance on God. While these are crucial themes, the reiteration sometimes slows the book’s momentum. This scripture-heavy approach will be a goldmine for those who seek solid biblical grounding in every piece of advice. Still, I craved a bit more balance between scripture and actionable steps in some chapters.
The Overcomer is a deeply moving and spiritually rich read, perfect for believers needing a boost of hope. It’s geared toward those facing hardship and who seek strength from a faith-based perspective. If you’re struggling with loss, stress, or just the day-to-day grind, this book will remind you that no burden is too heavy when shared with God.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0DGDMC6BZ
Journey of a Prophet: Jesus Tells His Story
Journey of a Prophet: Jesus Tells His Story is masterfully penned by Kaarin Alisa, and offers a unique interpretation of the story of Jesus, combining an engaging narrative with historical biblical events. Alisa explores pivotal episodes of Jesus’ life, introducing a fresh perspective on his familial relationships, disciples, and followers. This book stands out with its remarkable approach as Alisa delivers biblical tales, miracles, and divine interventions from an unconventional viewpoint. She further enhances the narrative by using Yeshua, the Hebrew name for Jesus, thereby evoking an authentic connection with the period. The story’s richness is further amplified by colloquial expressions and biblical references, which interweave to form a tapestry of engrossing narratives. Alisa’s skillful writing ensures that readers are captivated from the first chapter.
While the life and divinity of Jesus, conceived over 2000 years ago through the power of the Holy Spirit, are well-documented in the New Testament, Alisa adds a creative spin to these tales in this book. The narratives are presented in such an immersive manner that readers feel personally involved in Jesus’ life, offering a multi-dimensional understanding of his experiences and teachings. One can’t help but feel transported back in time, living amidst those who were contemporaries of Jesus.
Alisa’s work is not just a recitation of biblical events but also a treasure trove of life lessons, many of which are often overlooked in religious texts. Covering diverse topics such as faith, hardship, respect for elders and authority, love, kindness, and personal struggles, the author provides profound insights and divine guidance. She portrays Jesus’ trials and triumphs in a relatable manner, demonstrating how resilience and faith led him to victory.
For spiritually inclined readers, this enlightening book is a goldmine of wisdom, offering guidance for those grappling with spiritual challenges. Alisa’s deep spirituality, evident in her writing, makes this book a compelling read. The detailed descriptions of places and their significance in the narrative further enrich the book.
Journey of a Prophet: Jesus Tells His Story is a highly recommended addition to Christian literature, bringing to life magical stories infused with Alisa’s infectious enthusiasm. With every page, the reader is drawn deeper into the vividly presented world of Jesus’ time, offering an immersive and enlightening reading experience.
Minotaur’s Lair
Minotaur’s Lair – Servant of the Gods – Book Three by Luciana Cavallaro is the final installment in the trilogy, which follows Evan, who must face Queen Antioche and stop the Dark Master from becoming a deity. If the Dark Master successfully gains this power, Evan and his alliances face an uncertain future. There are many unexpected twists throughout his journey and fate, making this book an incredible read.
The story maintains a consistent pace that conjures excitement from the start. Cavallaro creates an action-packed tale with elements of ancient mythology and mystical places, contrasting with time travel and modern technology. Evan must quickly adapt and learn how his quest shifts from one challenge to the next, whether Queen Antioch attempts to entice him with tempting gifts and promises or he becomes face-to-face with a new enemy. He must also follow his father’s legacy by locating a sacred artifact while defeating his captors.
Cavallaro’s fantastic writing style is sharp and descriptive without slowing the story’s pace. The author thoroughly researches the architecture, landscapes, and scenarios in mythology. It’s a fantastic adventure full of exciting developments and lively characters. As the story delves into the thrilling mythology of an ancient world, Evan becomes eager to find a way home to his time in the future.
I found this book, and the trilogy, an excellent story that’s engaging and enjoyable from start to finish. The author does a fantastic job of creating an intricate world with layers of fascinating developments and characters that keep the reader moving from one chapter to the next. Minotaur’s Lair – Servant of the Gods – Book Three by Luciana Cavallaro is an excellent read for science fiction and fantasy fans. I recommend the trilogy and look forward to more books from this author.
Pages: 396 | ASIN : B0BFGW1Z6S
Awakening
![Awakening by [Jennifer Leigh Pezzano]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qV9goOaOL.jpg)
Awakening is a beautifully written and emotionally rich tale that weaves together the past and the present. Jezebel is a cleaner with a tragic past but life takes an unexpected turn upon meeting a new client, one Mr. August De Sanguine. Jezebel discovers that there is more to our world than she previously believed, but August seems to both pull her in and push her away. He has his secrets, but she does too, and she hopes to reach beyond the mask he has formed. Their fates are bound somehow, but their paths are tangled and winding, twisting together in ways neither of them could have foreseen.
Awakening is such an emotionally touching romance novel because of the way it addresses the human experience through characters and experiences that are more than human. The author touches on trauma, love, desire, sorrow, sex, and so many other aspects of the experiences of life. Even though many of the characters are otherworldly in some aspect, it is the deep emotional connection that the author weaves that allows the reader to relate to these characters and see our own sorrows, traumas, and desires in them.
Despite the sometimes quite heavy sentiments discussed by the narrative, Awakening also has an intricately layered plot that starts out relatively simple but grows increasingly complex and detailed. The world-building and mythology of the book is original and unique enough that it seems to outdo many popular franchises. Additionally, the story covers both past and present in a way that fleshes out the innate connections between the two. I found the extended flashback both enjoyable and informative as to the connections that make Jezebel’s and August’s story so magnetic and fateful. The story starts out what what seems to be a fairly simple love story but goes on to reveal some of the secrets of the universe and the origins of humanity as well as the power that lies within each individual.
Awakening is written in such a way that readers will forget that the story is fiction. Although the book is not action-packed, it is rich, well-imagined, and will keep readers turning pages. I highly recommend this book for those interested in romance and provocative philosophical ideas and theories.
Pages: 344 | ASIN: B08P5SMG3M
Messiah for the Universe
Did Jesus Die For Dogs? examines the relationship between nature and God’s salvation. Why was this an important book for you to write?
We miss so much when we ignore the full scope of salvation: understanding, joy, and purpose to name a few things. What I mean by understanding is, for example, we all know that Jesus was born in a manger. The focus in Christmas sermons is almost always on his humility. But, where else COULD he have been born? If he is the savior of the whole creation, it is only fitting that he be born surrounded by humans AND ANIMALS. The first Adam was born surrounded by plants and animals, the same needed to be true for the second Adam. The lyricist of “Joy to the World” understood this; when explaining the meaning of Jesus’ birth he wrote: “. . . let men their songs employ while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make His blessings flow far as the Curse is found [the Curse being the twisting of the universe by sin].” He understood that the Messiah would bring in a renewed universe where the lamb would lie down beside the lion. The Curse would be lifted and Eden would return. Christ was messiah for the universe.
We miss joy because we miss God’s presence around us. The Gospel of John starts “In the beginning was the logos. . . “ Logos is usually translated as “word.” But to many if not most of John’s original audience, they would have read it in accord with popular stoic philosophy which used logos to refer to the rational structure of the universe. The very foundation of the universe became flesh. Johannes Kepler, founder of modern science and a Lutheran pastor, explained to an acquaintance that he studied science to understand the regularly repeated acts of God’s self-revelation. For Kepler, and biblically, each reflection on a body of water is placed there actively by God. Wind is God moving each molecule of air. All things hold together because God actively holds them together. The universe is not a machine wound up and now running on its own. In other words, God surrounds us and the whole world is holy.
And although I don’t draw these implications in the book, we miss purpose because we think only preachers and evangelists matter to the Kingdom of God. But this whole world is loved by God. We scratch God’s heart when we misuse creation. Global warming, plastic in the oceans, habitat reduction . . . how can Christians stand by and let what is loved by our Creator and Redeemer be decimated? Once we understand the depth of God’s love for bees, songbirds, frogs, polar bears, the need to defend them is obvious.
What do you feel is a common misconception people have about God’s salvation?
Certainly most Christians view salvation as a ticket out of hell and into an otherworldly eternal church service. The biblical picture is much different. Salvation is a never-ending process of being engulfed by the whirlwind of God’s creativity. God built a physical universe and we are physical parts of that universe. This universe, though twisted now, will be restored and become the arms of its creator wrapped around each one of us. God did not create us to live in an ethereal realm, that’s why, according to the Bible, the universe will be physically renewed and we will be physically resurrected.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
Assurance that all parts of this creation matter to its creator. God will not lose what God has created. All will be restored. It is as true for critters as for people, “God is God of the living, not of the dead.”
This book certainly has an attention grabbing title. What was the inspiration behind the book’s title?
I’ve watched the sadness, almost despair, of believers who have lost a pet. The church seldom offers any consolation although it should because salvation embraces animals as well as people. I wanted to drive that home with the title. The subtitle “What does the Bible say?” lets readers know this is a study of actual scripture. Other authors have covered this material from a history of theology standpoint, but presenting the biblical picture is less common. I wanted to let the audience know that the Bible affirms the everlasting value of the relationships we form with animals.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads | Website
Darkness in Ronda
![Darkness in Ronda: Crime Thriller set in the world of Bullfighting (Andalusian Mystery Series Book 2) by [Paul S. Bradley, Jill Carrott, Gary Smailes]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WuIdmztTL.jpg)
A notorious bullfighter demands a change in the world of Spain’s bullfighting. He realizes that the younger generation is more caring about animals and that the bloodshed of animals in the industry must stop if it is to survive. This controversial topic brings about a dark and twisted story. Meanwhile, a story about the dark web emerges. A Spanish detective is solving a difficult case that leaves many unanswered questions. The author ties the two stories together with friendship, love, and culture. It is a beautifully written and cultured book that makes you fall in love with the city of Rhonda in Spain and all it has to offer.
Darkness in Rhonda was incredibly eye opening and intriguing as it tells the story of a Spanish detective named Leon Prado and his lifelong friend Juan Romero. Paul S. Bradley begins the tale with a backstory of the gentlemen when they were young and how their families merged. The story then switches to present day in the beautiful, historical city of Rhonda, Spain. As the author tells the story of what is happening, he does a remarkable job of explaining in detail how to bullfight and I felt as if I was staring the bull in the eye myself. You can imagine the bull’s horns nearly colliding with your ribs and the way the bullfighter must dance about to avoid being mauled by the beast. At the same time, the author beautifully captures the essence of the culture, going into detail about the Spanish wine, crusty bread, Spanish cheese and most importantly, the meat industry in Spain.
The story brings in many characters and at first it is difficult to stay on track but as you read, you get to understand who each character is and the important role each of them play. Alongside Pedro and Juan are business partners and family friends named Phillip and Amanda and their story becomes truly captivating. Each character is narrated in detail and you can imagine them in their finest outfits perfectly described. The author does a great job creating characters that are complex, yet relatable. The story line was surprisingly easy to follow for having no background about Spanish culture or Spain as the reader. The author has created an enthralling plot including love, tragedy, mystery, and friendship. Darkness in Rhonda is the second book in the Andalusian Mystery Series and truly captures a gorgeously historical city and makes you feel as if you are there yourself, taking part in the beautiful Spanish history.
Pages: 261 | ASIN: B07PF8BJ5Y
A Natural Extrapolation
Rose Noland Author Interview
The Master’s Garden describes the relationship between God and his children with a beautiful metaphor of a gardener and the host of plants to which he tends. What was the inspiration for this metaphor?
Jesus used the metaphor that He was the Vine, God the Father is the Gardener, and that we are the branches. I have over 40 years’ experience in dealing with plants, both professionally and personally so I understand how plants work more than the average person. It was a natural extrapolation for me to expand it to all plants. It came to me one day while hiking in the woods. It was really fun to write!
What were some themes you felt were important to focus on in this book?
God loves all of us and wants us all be to belong to Him and come under His care through His Son, Jesus.
God, the Master Gardener, wants to have a growing, dynamic relationship with each one of us. I tried to portray this with the intimate and personal discussions that New Dawn has with the Gardener.
Living as a Christian the way God wants seems impossible. That’s because we think we are to live in our own strength. Jesus teaches us the only way to live rightly is through His power and strength not our own. We cannot do it, but He can.
True significance and enjoyment, the Abundant Life, are achieved by living God’s way through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Violet’s character was delightful and well developed. What were some ideas that guided her character development?
Violet represents, in many ways, most of us who struggle with inadequacy and a longing to be loved and valued as an individual. New Dawn, the main character in the allegory, is me. While the allegory doesn’t exactly follow my life’s journey, it is a close representation of it. It is my story of how God has transformed this self-condemning, insignificant and pathetic person into one who now has joy, peace, confidence, and significance—true riches! All to the credit and honor of my magnificent Creator!
Do you have more stories planed that take place in Plantasia?
Absolutely! I am working on the sequel already, as well as several Bible studies and devotionals to go along with this first book.
Author Links: Twitter | GoodReads | Facebook | Website
In the gospel of John, Jesus tells us that He is the Vine and His Father is the Gardener. He explains that His followers are the branches and need to remain in the Vine and bear much fruit. Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant by that or how remaining in the Vine might look in your daily life? Then enter into the fantasy world of Plantasia™ where plants come alive! This is a witty tale told by a grandmother to help her struggling granddaughter find true significance under God’s care. The Master Gardener created this beautiful world where plants can think, see, hear, and speak. He longs for all to come under His loving care and be grafted onto His beloved Vine. Through this connection, plants are able to flourish and reach their full potential. See what happens when a spindly rose, who yearns to be more than she is, meets the Master Gardener. Listen in on the conversations she has with the Gardener, Mighty Oak, Ginni (the Obedient Plant), and Mr. Bugleweed. Learn with her as she discovers the secrets of how to abide in the Vine and experience true riches. If you enjoyed the allegory Hinds’ Feet on High Places, you will love this allegory of abiding in Christ, the Vine!
Life Without Humor is a Pathetic Experience
Eduardo Chapunoff Author Interview
Charlas Con Dios En Calzoncillos contains discussions with religious representatives of different faiths. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Most people are seriously and justifiably concerned about their thoughts on God and religion. Fears prevail and limit humans’ ability and disposition to express their feelings on the subject.
Asking questions to representatives of different creeds exposed some crucial differences among them. However, I tried to convey the message that mutual understanding can be achieved EVEN when individuals have opposite points of view.
My motivation in writing this book was based on a life-long struggle to deal with this issue and showing how important it is to express your ideas to GOD, even when you don’t know (as it happens in the book), He’s speaking to you.
This book contains some fictional stories to get a larger point across. What were some themes you wanted to capture in these stories?
Life without humor is a pathetic experience. Those who believe in God and his extraordinary goodness will notice his great sense of humor and of course, his capacity to do miracles.
Another very important point I made in the book is the suggestion that God is not directly responsible for human beings cruelty, and that He is extremely frustrated about humans’ highly dysfunctional behavior. That becomes even more pronounced when He recognizes that He’s unable to correct it. God’s attitude is humble and compassionate and he admits that the creation process of the world and human beings, regrettably, and to his deep regret, suffered from “infrastructure failures”.
I like the title of his book. Where did the inspiration for the title come from?
Perhaps, subconsciously I felt that those who believe in God would like to have chats with Him in a very personal and intimate way. Talking to God in underwear would be one way of doing that.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
Believing in God is far better than not believing in God. Appreciate God’s incredibly smart and beautiful he created for our world but also understand his limitations, as mentioned in the book by Rabbi Isaac. Also, make an effort to tolerate the doubts of the agnostic, Dr. Terrin, and don’t hate him for his ideas.
Nobody’s is perfect and God appears to be the first one to recognize that. Don’t feel guilty for your doubts. God will be grateful to you for your candor, sincerity, and understanding. And remember that He’ll never be able to avoid tragedies in your life, but will give you the strenght and capacity to fight adversity.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
![Charlas Con Dios En Calzoncillos (Spanish Edition) by [Chapunoff, Eduardo]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/418Jl4PR7bL.jpg)
Dios viene a la Tierra como hombre para comunicarse con seres humanos directamente. El libro contiene discusiones con representantes religiosos de distintos credos y tambien contiene capitulos humoristicos. Se cataloga como “ficción”.
No tengo conocimiento de que algo parecido se haya publicado anteriomente.
LITERARY TITAN 