Monday, March 31, 2008

Behold Your Mother by Heidi Hess Saxton


"Behold Your Mother" is a collection of beautiful meditations on the lives of Mary and Jesus with a special emphasis on Mary's role as mother of us all. Even those who are new to a relationship with our heavenly mother will be drawn in by Heidi's charming personal stories and eloquent prose. This book is both a lesson in Marian spirituality and a simple prayer book, but mostly it is a love poem from a faithful daughter to her mama. A treasure.

Purchase here or at Amazon.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Reflections from Shadow: A Novel by Malcolm Watts


ISBN 1-4120-1419-0

Reflections from Shadow is an edgy coming of age novel of the 60's with some paranomral aspects related to WW II. Jared, the protagonist, has grown up having dreams of Nazi's and prisoners and has a large birthmark on his face. While backpacking in Europe in 1969 he visits Dachau concentration camp museum outside Munich Germany. He is transported to 1943 and can see what is happening in the camp. He learns a secret about himself that explains his "mark" his dreams, and threatens his survival.

Ordering Information: www.authorsden.com/malcolmwatts or
If you'd rather place an order by talking to one of our cheerful order desk clerks, please call 1-888-232-4444 (USA and Canada only) or 250-383-6864. From Europe, ring our UK order desk clerk at local rate number 0845 230 9601 (UK only) or 44 (0)1865 722 113.

CSFF Presents: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

I've joined the Christian Sci-Fi Fantasy Review Blog. I don't do a lot of reviews, but I will post something once a month. Follow the links below for actual reviews.




Playwright Peterson (Behold the Lamb of God) spins a whimsical fantasy novel that will appeal to both adult and YA readers. When the three Igiby siblings find a mysterious map, they embark on an adventure to discover family secrets about the father they never knew and a hidden treasure that many have long desired to find. Leeli, the youngest, can sing with a beauty that captivates dragons; Tink, the middle sibling, has the makings of a king; and Janner, the eldest, possesses a bravery that will protect them all. But the children's curiosity get the entire Igiby family into trouble with the Fangs of Dang—frightening, scaly-skinned, lizard creatures that drip venom—who have ruled the land of Scree since the Great War. Soon, the Igibys are scrambling for their lives. Peterson's style is lighthearted and funny, but following the Igibys' story requires patience and attention to detail and character so as not to get lost. The sheer amount of names, places, creatures and history Peterson invents will frustrate some readers—it is so complicated that he inserts explanatory historical footnotes throughout (though many are amusing).

*Featured book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073847

Featured author, Andrew Peterson
Web site - http://andrew-peterson.com/
Author moderated blog - http://www.rabbitroom.com/

*Participants’ Links:

Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Green
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Pamela Morrisson
John W. Otte
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Plymouth Colony II by Sharolyn Wells



Earth is gone—destroyed by a group of lizard-like aliens called the Novari. Before they send their meteor ships to destroy Earth, another group of humanoid aliens arrive—the Kelkani. They will save some of Earth’s young people. Are they doing it for themselves or is the group of Elitists doing it for their own reasons?

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The Wildcat's Victory by Christopher Hoare


Follow Gisel Matah and the thunder of hooves as she strikes back at the Imperial armies that threaten all she has worked for. She must defy every established world power to bring justice to common peasants and workers in societies now ruled by greedy aristocrats. Her covert activities require her to protect her fledgling Radical movement from both friends and enemies.

Risking her life and her love, Gisel negotiates even greater hazards in a wide ranging adventure. Her partner, Yohan Felger, becomes a problem when the Baron has him smuggle a steam engine to the Empire. Gisel knows of the subterfuge but cannot admit it, while Yohan is almost torn apart by the need to deceive her. Faced with removing the pressure on Yohan as he moves his contraband engine, she accepts the offer of General Lord Ricart, an ex-lover, to command a cavalry unit in battle. Her reckless courage is needed to carry out missions against two Imperial armies.

The fight finds her opposed by ever increasing odds until in the final confrontation she must outwit two enemies who vie to dominate Iskander. New friends, allies, and enemies as well as all the old ones fill the pages when Gisel Matah sets out to gain "The Wildcat's Victory".

Monday, March 17, 2008

Interview with Raquel Soto


What inspired you to write this book?

I was reading Steven Scott's book, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon's Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness in early 2007. I'm not sure how many of your readers know his story, but it goes something like this: Steven had lost like 10 jobs in five years. Desperate to figure out what he was doing wrong, he asked his friend Gary Smalley (yes, THAT Gary Smalley) for advise. Gary's advice: read the book of Proverbs everyday for five years (since today is the 17th, read chapter 17, tomorrow the 18th, and so on and so forth). He encouraged Steven if he did that, he would be a millionaire by the end of the five years. It took Steven three. During the course of his journey and reading Proverbs, he found why some things worked out for him and why some things didn't. It began to open his eyes to those secrets he was missing. It changed his whole life and he became a better person because of it.

I got to the end of the book and thought, 'Where's the rest?' It was a wonderful read. I didn't know what I was thinking while I was reading it. I kept looking forward to a reading plan on how to implement his suggestion.

While this was a great book, I needed something more. I'm one of those get-motivated-for-about-two-weeks kind of person. If you give me a system, something easy I can follow, I can work it and get good at it. If you just tell me: 'Exercise three times a week,' I'm going to look back at you and say, 'But how and what?' I tried reading it (Proverbs) on my own but it just wasn't sinking in the way I wanted it to. Then, in prayer one day, I got the idea for the book for myself since I couldn't find an accompanying workbook for Steven's book. A few days later, I felt impressed that if I wanted and needed this for myself, others might need it to.

What challenges did you have writing it?


One challenge was in not reusing a power verse. Some of the ones I wanted to use I didn't even get the chance to write on. None of the verses are repeated in the 365 days. Some of them I could have expanded over a few pages, but I wanted to remain consistent. Every day corresponds to the day of the month. Since today is March 17th, you would go to the March 17th page and the power verse of the day would come from the 17th chapter of Proverbs. I was able to overcome this challenge by using a grid I created in Excel. This way, I could see what I wrote on for all the days marked the 17th without 'reusing' a power verse.

The more difficult challenge was just finishing it. I guess it was finished faster than many books. I started in March of 2007 and finished in November. Nine months seemed long to me. But sometimes that's how long it takes to birth something.


What's your favorite verse/chapter/section and why?

If I had to pick something, I would pick the journaling section. Every page ends with a question applying the power verse to your daily life and how you can implement it. I love that idea because it causes you to really think about what you read and creates a connection between the power verse and the reader. Why read something that is suppose to change your life then forget it the next day? That's why the journaling section on each page is important. It helps to solidify what you just read into your subconscious so that you can dig it out later when you need it.

What's next for you?
There is a series of books I will be writing that has to do with taking you from the minimum to maximum in any area of your life. I’m so passionate about people doing what they were created to do. If everyone would learn how to free themselves up so that they can fulfill those dreams that seem so far out of reach, they and everyone around them would be so much happier. God purposefully puts these out-of-reach dreams in us so that we could partner with Him to make them come to pass. That’s the exciting part for me: helping someone realize they aren’t crazy and that they can do it because God is for them, not against them.

Sometimes all an eagle needs is a little push, and I'm good at that part.

The 1 Minute Guide to Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Raquel Soto


Inspired by Steven K. Scott's book, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, The 1 Minute Guide to Health, Wealth, and Happiness creates a simple system to implement the wisdom he used to become a millionaire in three years. Find out for yourself why people are saying Raquel's writing is powerful and life-changing. You to can change the course of your destiny, one minute at a time.

Ordering information:

Fasting way: http://www.lulu.com/content/1492636 (soft cover or download)

Amazon.com Link

Barnes and Noble link:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781847993526&itm=1

Monday, March 10, 2008

REVIEW: Juana Meets Gabriel, the Small Business Angel by Daphne Nowell



Juana doesn't want the future suggested in her fairy tales; rather than having a handsome prince to fulfill her every wish, she wants to make her own dreams come true. The Business Angel Gabriel comes and gives her some basic information about learning about businesses. She starts a dog grooming business, and in the end, gets both the satisfaction of a job well done on her own--and the handsome prince she meets when he brings his dog to her for grooming.

Written by Daphne Nowell, the book is illustrated by her mother Esther Nowell. Her artwork is very clean and eye catching. I especially love Juana's face.

I liked the premise of this book and I cheered when I read "she wanted to be proud of doing great things on her own. She wanted to be happy even when there were no handsome princes around." Certainly that’s the message most of us mothers want our daughters to learn. I also appreciated how, once she had achieved independent happiness, she got to have her prince as well. As a happily married woman who left a career as an Air Force officer to have children and begin freelance writing, I applaud the idea of being able to have both. Frankly, I see that as reality should be.

I was disappointed with a three things, however:
* Juana, who doesn't believe in fairy tales, nonetheless calls on "the universe" to help her, because "Well, it's common knowledge that when you ask the universe how to do something, you will quickly get answers." (Quote from book) The angel comes not from God or even heaven, but "the Universe." Religious implications aside, it's a confusing mix of metaphors.

* With all the fabulous opportunities available (and I won't say "to women" because we should be past that now), Nowell's angel suggests service-oriented blue-collar work--dog grooming, check cashing store, coin laundry and day spa--as small businesses Juana might start. These are important businesses, but I would have liked to see a more balanced mix, with some technical/computer fields--web design, computer repair, even accounting or electrical repair. The book is to encourage girls to break female stereotypes, after all. (It might have been nice for Gabriel to suggest getting a college degree, too.)

* I had a hard time determining Juana's age--was she a young girl? Was she grown up in the end? (She looks the same throughout--even to her dress.) That made it hard for me to put Gabriel's advice to her in a proper context. "Learn about these businesses by...taking classes and ...volunteering to work (at a business) for free" is beyond the abilities of the suggested age group, 4- to 9-year-olds. However, if Juana is old enough to take this advice and "soon open" her own business, she probably should have already known to "read books (about businesses) and (research) on the Internet."

My daughter is 12 now, so I gave the book to my neighbor to read with her 7-year old daughter. The mother thought the whole "universe" concept in confusing when combined with angels and was not impressed with the choice of careers. She loved the ending, however. The daughter did not like Gabriel in a business suit, though she liked the dogs. She described the book as "Juana grows up and gets a job." Neither considered this a book to they would have picked up on their own or recommended to friends.

This book is message-heavy and plot-light, so while I wouldn't consider this a bedtime-story book, I think Juana Meets Gabriel has a place in a classroom setting. Elementary school teachers and girls' club leaders for younger ages might consider using this book as a way to introduce the idea of careers and begin discussion.

See No Evil, My Pretty Lady by Miss Mae


New maid Dorcy Edwards spurns her wealthy employer's attempts to seduce her. When he becomes a victim of the person the newspapers call "Jack the Ripper", estranged son Gareth Davenport returns to London to handle his father's affairs. Dorcy puzzles over what the brooding, handsome heir might be hiding behind his eye patch and black leather gloves. As circumstances unfold to expose the killer, Dorcy's plunged into a nightmare, convinced Gareth is none other than the infamous murderer. But is Dorcy's life what Gareth seeks? Or nothing more easily broken than her heart?

Order at Wild Rose Press.

Monday, March 03, 2008

CFRB Presents: The Void by Mark Mynheir


Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Robbie Sanchez devotes her life to crime prevention, and it shows: She has no personal life and doesn't know the meaning of a day off. After all, someone has to be around to clean up the mess crime leaves behind. So when Officer Brad Worthington is brutally murdered, Agent Sanchez is called to the scene along with Brad's best friend, Detective Eric Casey. The two turn to Lifetex, the genetics lab near the scene, hoping their elaborate security system might have captured the crime outside. But what is going on inside the lab is far worse: a renegade scientist is cloning humans! As Robbie and Eric pursue clues---and a growing attraction---they are caught in a deadly battle as the clones begin to act on their own volition. But this battle threatens to claim more than human life; the clones are vying for human souls.

Read more at:
The Christian Fiction Review Blog
Back to the Mountains
Queen of Convolution
A Frank Review(Contest on this site!)
Between Sundays
Bibliophile's Retreat

Available at ChristianBook.com

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Interview with Marvin Zimmerman


Why did I write The Ovum Factor?

It was a story that came to me in a dream ten years ago and its message has only grown in importance with the advance of climate change and ecological destruction all around us.

What was my favorite part of writing this book?

The Ovum Factor
is an eco-thriller, pulsating with risks and dilemmas for the young protagonist, David Rose. Putting his story into words allowed me to live through all the drama and adventure along the way.

What was most difficult?

Deciding how the love interest between David and beautiful Chinese biochemist, Emily Zhang, would resolve itself.

What is the next thing I want readers to know about my work?

My novels will aim to spin compelling tales of love and intrigue, against the backdrop of the major issue facing humanity today - our very survival in the face of ongoing environmental degradation.

What is next for me?

My second novel - The Last Noble Truth - is just about finished and I hope to have it published before the end of this year.

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Ovum Factor by Marvin Zimmerman


Destruction of Earth's ecology threatens the survival of humanity. With time ticking away, a clandestine think tank of scientists and world leaders has identified our last hope - the controversial research of a Nobel Prize - winning professor aimed at unleashing the power of a unique molecule that can alter the course of human history.

When David Rose, a young investment banker from New York, is assigned to evaluate the professor's research, he soon becomes swept up in a whirlwind of international espionage, assassination, and sabotage. David finds himself on a journey that takes him to the unexplored depths of the Amazon in order to fulfill two ancient prophecies for saving mankind and at the same time to realize his own destiny.

From New York to Califonia, from China to the slums of Rio de Janerio, and into the Amazon, the search for the mysterious source of this rare molecule will take you into the heart of the unknown and unseen forces of nature.

READ THE EXCERPT

The only sound came from the muted ticking of the alarm clock on the night table.
David Rose opened bleary eyes and reached over to scan its face. Not even 5:00. Yet he knew he would not be sleeping any longer. His dreams had been filled with all sorts of
unfamiliar images and faces, none of which he could now recall. He had no desire to return to that chaos.

He lay back, staring blankly at the ceiling and feeling the cooling sensation as the perspiration from his dream evaporated into the dry air of his Manhattan bedroom. Many unrelated thoughts drifted through his mind. But all brought him back to the same basic question. What am I doing with my life?

That question had begun haunting him in recent weeks. He was blessed with all the trappings that defined success in his job as an investment banker. Yet he was far from satisfied. Something important was missing.

He had always imagined a different life for himself. He was a dreamer who wanted to change the world by helping shape the minds of the next generation. This would have made a career in education his obvious choice. But the influence of family had caused him to follow a much different course—one more likely to bring a handsome income. And with his combination of intelligence and intuition, he had excelled at it, in spite of the poor fit with his real aspirations.

While he was reflecting on how life might have been different had he only resisted these external pressures, an unfamiliar feeling began to take hold. It was almost as if some outside force were pulling him from the bed and compelling him to begin his usual morning ritual. He chose to comply even though this would mean arriving at the office much sooner than normal.

He stumbled out of bed and entered the shower, leaving the bright bathroom lights off to avoid the uncomfortable transition from the night. The jets of water cascading over his face and running down his long, lean body provided welcome relief from the tension accumulated in his dream. The shower was a place he could let his mind wander wherever it chose to take him.

Suddenly, standing there in the dark, the warm water pouring over his body, he felt a powerful sense of reverse déjà vu. Not that he had experienced this moment in the past but that he would soon experience it again and in a place far away.

He dressed quickly in his usual light shirt and conservative dark suit. He then decided to skip breakfast to keep his momentum.

As he closed the door of his apartment that cold January morning, David Rose could never have foreseen what destiny had planned for him. He was about to embark on a great adventure that could affect all humanity—an adventure whose origins had already begun seven decades earlier in a village in southern China.

Available from Amazon.com.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Catholic Family Handbook by Fr. Lawrence Lovasik


Time-tested strategies to help you strengthen your marriage and raise good kids

Here is a crucial book for you if you want to shield your family from the effects of our selfish secular culture, which destroys families and poisons relationsships.

In it, Fr. Lawrence Lovasik, the renowned author of The Hidden Power of Kindness, gives faithful Catholics all the essential ingredients of a stable and loving Catholic marriage and family — ingredients that are in danger of being lost in our turbulent age.

Using Scripture and Church teachings in an easy-to-follow step-by-step format, Fr. Lovasik helps you understand the proper role of the Catholic father and mother and the blessings of a large family. He shows you how you can secure happiness in marriage, develop the virtues necessary for a successful marriage, raise children in a truly Catholic way, and much more.

Let Fr. Lovasik strengthen your marriage and family as you discover:
# Three things you can learn from the Holy Family about living as a family today

# The secret of gaining God’s blessing and peace upon your family: do you know it?

# Four crucial lessons no school can teach to your children (only you can!)

# Why marital happiness is not automatic, but must be earned (and how to earn it)

# Common mistakes fathers make that can damage their families irrevocably

# The primary requirement for family happiness: does your family measure up?

# The secret of overcoming the anger that can disrupt any relationship

# Eleven simple steps you can take to bring harmony to your marriage right now

# Are you selfish? Sixteen searching questions to ask yourself in order to find out

# Four qualities that every good parent has: can you name them? Do you have them?

# Sex education: how to navigate this minefield in a way that’s good for your kids

# Plus much more that will help you imbue your family with Catholic values!

“A timely resource of timeless truths to strengthen marriages and families. Fr. Lovasik recognizes the challenges we face and offers excellent practical wisdom to help us meet those challenges. Highly recommended.”
Kimberly Hahn
Catholic Education: Homeward Bound


“A masterpiece! The wisdom and insights here are not only an encouragement but also a practical guide for all couples and families striving for holiness in our turbulent age.”
Michaelann Martin
The Catholic Parent Book of Feasts

Order from Sophia Press
ISBN: 1-928832-17-2
Price: $17.95

Monday, February 11, 2008

Sweet Georgia Brown by Cheryl Robinson


Meet Georgia Brown-a humble housewife determined to become a household name . . .

After eleven years of marriage, Georgia Brown is fed up with her husband, Marvin, a popular radio personality. It's not just because she suspects he's having an affair, or because she's suddenly expected to raise his thirteen-year-old daughter, Chloe-whom she never even knew existed. It's because of the comments he makes about her weight, their marriage, and their sex life...on national radio!

Now, to save their marriage, Marvin invites Georgia to the station for an on-air rebuttal, having no idea it will launch her career. Or that what began as a battle at home will now be a blistering war for all to hear . . .

Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: Jan-2008
Price: $13.95
Author: Cheryl Robinson
ISBN - 10: 0451222288
ISBN - 13: 978-0451222282

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Praise for the Novels of Cheryl Robinson

“Fresh and exciting” – The Charlotte Post
“Laugh-out-loud snappy dialogue, compelling plot twists, and
heart-feeling, genuine characters.” – Cydney Rax
“One of the hottest fiction authors of today.” – Urban Reviews
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheryl Robinson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She has a degree in business marketing from Wayne State University. Cheryl currently lives in Central Florida, and is working on her next novel. Visit her Website at www.cherylrobinson.com and her MySpace profile at www.myspace.com/cherylrobinson.

Holiday Writes by Betty Dobson


An eclectic mix of essays, poetry, and fiction celebrating the many holidays celebrated around the world and throughout the year.

Order at Lulu.com.

Monday, February 04, 2008

Nor Iron Bars a Cage by Caprice Hokstad




Two baby boys are lost in the hostile country of Ganluc--one the firstborn son of a prince and princess (third in line for the Royal Throne of Latoph) and the other an illegitimate half-breed born to an Itzi slavegirl and fathered by a licentious owner who was executed for treason. Yet Duke Vahn is determined to rescue both of these boys. Scores of knights and bounty hunters have risked their lives trying to retrieve them, yet none can even find a clue to their whereabouts. When all else fails, a bold plan is proposed to send Vahn's most trusted servant posing as a runaway slave in order to gather information. Reluctantly, Vahn sends a strange trio off to Ganluc--his brave captain, a middle-aged healer, and an Itzi slave. Little does he know what challenges await both the trio and his own house, now forced to survive without its key leaders.


Learn more this week at the Christian Fiction Review Blog.

FREE excerpt (first 3 chapters)
http://members.aol.com/cfvici/latoph/NIBAC.html

The most economical place to buy Nor Iron Bars a Cage:
http://www.lulu.com/caprice

Barnes and Noble:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780615163604&itm=2

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615163602?ie=UTF8&tag=welctolato-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0615163602

Books-A-Million:
http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?id=4002649507244&isbn=0615163602

The official author/book website: www.Latoph.com

Learn more about Caprice:
http://www.shoutlife.com/capricehokstad
http://www.myspace.com/cfvici
http://caprice.renspace.com

Seven Archangels: Annihilation by Jane Lebak


Heaven is forever--or so we thought.
What would happen if Satan could
obliterate an eternal soul?


All angels have known since their creation that they cannot be killed--
but now Satan is convinced the impossible can be done.
Demons abduct and are able to tear apart the Archangel Gabriel's soul,
leaving Heaven in stunned grief. If angels can be killed, where is God's justice?
Can Gabriel be saved from the void? How can Satan be prevented
from achieving a final victory against God ?

Read the serial at Mindflight Magazine

Buy the Book from Double-Edged Publishing or Amazon.com

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Judi Moreo Bio



WHO IS JUDI MOREO?

Judi Moreo is a leading authority in the areas of communication and motivation. She has conducted consulting assignments, training workshops, seminars and keynote speeches in 26 countries on 4 continents. She has coached countless business leaders worldwide on issues of corporate change, cultural diversity and conflict management.

Her expertise has assisted corporations and organizations such as Walt Disney Imagineering; Sony Electronics; the U. S. House of Representatives; Investec Bank; U. S. Army; BMW; Johannesburg Stock Exchange; Nestle; and Nissan Motor Corporation.

As an international business leader and entrepreneur, Judi knows first hand what it takes to be successful especially amidst political, social and cultural differences. In 1991, she became a senior executive in one of South Africa's most prestigious corporations. In 2003, Judi was named Nevada Business Person of the Year by the U. S. Business Advisory Council. She is currently President of Turning Point International, Inc., an international performance improvement consulting firm in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce honored her with the Woman of Achievement - Entrepreneur Award.

She has served on the Boards of Directors of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Women's Council; the World Modeling Association; the Greater Las Vegas Soroptimist; Women in Communication; and the Las Vegas Professional Speakers Association. Judi is listed in the World's Who's Who of Business and Professional Women; Who's Who in Professional Speaking; and the World's Who's Who of Women, and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement and Community Service Award by the American Women in Radio and Television.

This year Ms. Moreo received the Diamond Star Las Vegas Visionary Award.

You can visit her website at http://www.judimoreo.com/.