“Double Cross” by James David Jordan
December 3, 2009
Simon Mason, of Simon Mason World Ministries, had been murdered. Shortly thereafter, nearly a half million dollars was reported missing from the ministry. The question was who and why.
Taylor Pasbury, the daughter of a former Special Forces officer, had been hired to protect Simon for reasons unknown to Taylor, although she was highly qualified and owned her own security agency. Kacey Mason, Simon’s daughter, was in college and living with Taylor in Simon’s home.
On this foggy December day, Kacey and Taylor were on their way to question Elise Hovden, top assistant to Simon Mason, about the embezzled money and came upon her apparent suicide.
In the late afternoon of that same day, a woman showed up at Taylor and Kacey’s residence. The woman took out her camera and said to Taylor, “Smile, baby, I’m your mother.” That was her initial reunion after 20 years of silence from her mother, who abandoned her at age 9. The relationship was strange, to put it mildly. It brought turmoil to Taylor over her mother’s strange behaviors, abandonment, sudden reappearance, the truth about her past, and the death of her father as he protected her from being raped.
Taylor and her mother manage to get themselves entangled in the mystery of the embezzlement, and find themselves mixed up in a twisted, fast-paced kidnapping.
This is a book of many twists to keep you guessing to the end. I enjoyed it tremendously.
James David Jordan is an attorney in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. He branched out and began to write novels, of which Double Cross is a follow-up to Forsaken.
www.jamesdavidjordan.com
An advanced readers copy was supplied by The B & B Media Group, Inc. for my review, which is my own personal opinion of the book. I receive no compensation. I review books for the pure pleasure of encouraging others to read good Christian books.
An Amish Christmas is a collection of three Amish Christmas novellas. All three author brought out the rich traditions of the Christmas season, as celebrated by the Amish, the First Christmas and the Second Christmas. This tradition that would be great to incorporate today, reminding us of the real Reason for Christmas.
A Miracle for Miriam by Kathleen Fuller is a poignant love story of a couple, which includes a devastating beginning for Miriam and a tragic accident that changes the heart of the young man, Seth, who was living the fast life. Kathleen weaves the tender love and fragile emotions of both young people throughout her novel in a very quiet, pastoral and intimate setting. The feelings are palpable; excellently presented.
A Choice to Forgive by Beth Wiseman is about Miriam’s sister, Lydia, widowed after 15 years of marriage to Elam Smucker. He wasn’t her first love. Daniel Smucker was her first love, but a secret kept her apart from him, but was known by both Daniel and her husband for all those 15 years. Daniel is back. Can she not only forgive Daniel, but can she also forgive the deception of her deceased husband? Can she ever trust again?
One Child by Barbara Cameron describes the indepth feelings of a miscarriage suffered by David and Sarah Fisher, and how their hearts are touched by Jason and Kate Stevens, who were caught in a blizzard when their car went off the road. Kate is almost nine months pregnant, with only David, Sarah and Jason in the Fisher home as she goes into labor. Fears abound for Sarah. Will she have to deliver the baby before help can get to them? We again are reacquainted with Lydia and Miriam, along with a host of family as they celebrate Amish Christmas.
If you love Amish reading, this is one book you will not want to miss!
A copy was provided by Kate Bond at Thomas Nelson for review purposes. These are my own reviews, are not edited by the publisher, and I receive no compensation for them. I do reviews out of my love for good Christian reading.
The Jesus Movie for the Next Generation
November 4, 2009
The Jesus Movie for the Next Generation
Be a producer for the new Jesus movie
I share their passion. In the film, The Gospel According to Matthew, we were able to capture the heart of Christ that is so often missing in Christian films, but the quality of the film making was constrained by an $800,000 budget. Now we are inspiring a movement that will bring Jesus to film in a version that literally leaps off the screen and into the hearts of viewers.
We are inviting people from all nations and all generations to join this movement to bring the gospel to all people. A movement made of 4.5 million people contributing a tax deductible donation of $10 each would fund the cost of the film. The Gospel belongs to everyone, and the new Jesus movie will be produced expressly so it can be accessed by everyone, no matter their financial situation. Our team’s vision is to see the film translated into as many languages as possible and supplied to mission organizations and churches all over the world.
You can become a part of the movement to reach the next generation. Please help us spread the word to your friends and family. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so at http://www.newjesusmovie.com./
Also, you can keep up with our progress by visiting any of these links:
Bruce Marchiano is an actor, author, international speaker, and the founder of Marchiano Ministries, a non-profit organization reaching out to people both spiritually and practically in the USA and across the world. He is best known for his joyful, passionate portrayal of Jesus in the film, The Gospel According to Matthew.
Posted by Carmen7351 at 1:39 PM
“The Call of Zulina” by Kay Marshall Strom
October 28, 2009
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A Blog Tour with Modern Day Relevance Freedom…more than the absence of chains. Grace…more than a name. The Call of Zulina…more than historical fiction… a modern message regarding slave trade and trafficking in the modern world. If you’ve ever wondered about the relevance of fiction in modern day, The Call of Zulina blog tour will confirm the importance and responsibility of every genre to bring current social issues to the forefront as needed. With the rise of modern day slavery and human trafficking growing around the world and here in the United States, Kay Marshall Strom’s newly release The Call of Zulina, takes readers into the depths of Africa two hundred years ago and raises questions and scenarios never before thought about.
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About the Book: (Eugene, Oregon) – An arranged marriage, a runaway bride, and an ugly family heritage of brutal and inhumane slavery operations leave no room for a fairytale story. Grace Winslow, daughter of an English sea captain and African princess, finds herself in a horrific position of betrothal. Doomed to marry an obnoxious white man, whom she does not love, Grace runs away to escape the slavery she’s been surrounded by all her life. Instead, her journey from home brings her face-to-face with issues of extreme slavery, abuse and human trafficking. In the end she discovers slavery is more than just chains and finds grace that exceeds a name given to her by her parents. Written by Kay Marshall Strom, The Call of Zulina links historical slavery issues with the modern-day crisis tainting many countries. On the heels of important legislature regarding human trafficking, Strom tackles the subject boldly as she sheds light on the practices and techniques used by angry slave traders. Seen as an advocate for those who have no voice, Strom finds words to communicate the message of history to today’s readers. While this book shines the light on an uncomfortable subject, the message of hope, freedom, and justice prevail and eternal truths discovered. |
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About the Author: Author Kay Marshall Strom has two great loves: writing and helping others achieve their own writing potential. Kay has written thirty-six published books, numerous magazine articles, and two screenplays. While mostly a nonfiction writer, the first book of her historical novel trilogy Grace in Africa has met with acclaim. Kay speaks at seminars, retreats, writers’ conferences, and special events throughout the country and around the world. She is in wide demand as an instructor and keynote speaker at major writing conferences. She also enjoys speaking aboard cruise ships in exchange for exotic cruise destinations. |
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Blog Tour Interview: 1. How did you come up with the storyline of The Call of Zulina? While in West Africa working on another project, I toured an old slave fortress and was struck dumb by a set of baby manacles bolted to the wall. The characters of Lingongo and Joseph Winslow, Grace’s parents, are modeled after real people who ran a slave business in Africa in the 1700s. I “met” them when I was researching Once Blind: The Life of John Newton, a biography of the slaver turned preacher and abolitionists, author of Amazing Grace. The more I thought about them, the more I wondered, “If they’d had a daughter, who would she be? Where would her loyalties lie?” 2. What inspired you to write a book so entrenched with uncomfortable issues? I used to think that non-fiction was the meat and potatoes of writing and fiction was the chocolate mousse dessert… fun, but not of much value. But I’ve come to understand that truths can be revealed through fiction just as powerfully as through non-fiction. Sometimes, more so! The fact is, for so long we have tried to look away and pretend that this horrible chapter in history never happened. But it did, and we still feel the effects today. Moreover, the roots of slavery–hunger for power and money, fear and diminishment of people unlike ourselves, and humanity’s endless ability to rationalize evil actions–abound today. The time seemed right. 3. How haveyour travels around the world equipped you for writing such a historical novel? People ask me where my passion for issues such as modern day slavery come from. To a large degree it is from the things I have seen and heard on my numerous trips to India, African countries, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, and other places around the world. 4. Tell us a personal story regarding modern day slavery. A most pervasive type of slavery is what is known as bonded servitude, where entire poor families are bound into virtual slavery–sometimes for generations–because of a small debt. This is especially common in India. I visited a village in central India where the women had been freed from bondage and set up with a micro loan that allowed them to raise a small herd of dairy cows. They worked so hard and saved every rupee. When they had enough saved, they persuaded a young teacher to come and start a school for their children. Then they used further profits to make low interest loans to others in the area so they could start their own businesses, too–a little bank. I sat in a circle with the five women who made up the “board of directors.” Only one could read and write. I asked, “How will the next generation be different because of what you have done?” They said, “No more will be like us. When people look us, they see nothing. But when they look at our children, they see real human beings with value.” From invisible slaves to human beings… all in one generation! 5. Grace, the lead character in The Call of Zulina, forsakes all to escape the slavery of her parents and an arranged marriage.How common is this scenerio today in other countries? Horrifyingly common. Slavery today takes many forms. According to UNICEF’s more conservative count, there are about 12 million people living as slaves today–three times as many as in the days of the African slave trade. As for child arranged marriages, I have talked to girls “enslaved” to husbands in many countries. Examples include a girl in Nepal married at 9 to a middle-aged man, one in India married at 11, a 13-year-old in Egypt married to a man older than her father. I’ve seen it in Africa, Eastern Europe… so many places! 6. What about in America, are there slavery and trafficking issues here? Unfortunately, there are. The U.S. State Department estimates between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the Untied States each year, although it concedes that the real number is actually far higher. And it’s not just states like New York and California that are affected, either. According to the U.S. Justice Department’s head of the new human trafficking unit, there is now at least one case of trafficking in every state. 7. You’ve had 36 books published, and more written and contracted for future release. How has this one impacted your own life? Some books report, some tell stories. This book has torn my heart. 8. Briefly tell us about the next two books in this Grace in Africa trilogy. In Book 2, Grace watches her reconstructed life smashed by slavers and revenge, and she is forcibly taken to London. There she faces a new kind of tyranny and another fight for freedom… and for her husband, who is enslaved in America. Book 3 is set in the new United States of America, in the heart of the slavery. It is a story of slavery at it’s worst and redemption at its best. |
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What Can Concerned Citizens Do to Raise Awareness?
Grand Prize Giveaway!!! Kay Marshall Strom is giving the following books to one fortunate commenter from The Call of Zulina blog tour. The prize package includes several of Kay’s books:
This book was provided to me free courtesy of Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. I receive no fee for this blog tour.
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“A Slow Burn” by Mary DeMuth
October 1, 2009
In Daisy Chain, Daisy Chance had been kidnapped when left alone in an old abandoned church by her friend, Jed. She was 13, he was 14, the best of friends. Jed had blamed himself for her going missing.
In A Slow Burn, Daisy had been missing for two months when Emory, Daisy’s mother, got word that Daisy’s body was found. Following her identification at the morgue and funeral, Emory tried to escape the loneliness and guilt by abusing drugs she got through Angus, wondering if her behaviors throughout Daisy’s childhood could possibly have made her partly responsible for her kidnapping. Only the ‘trips’ mercilessly drug her through the pits of hell and back, taking her through deep, slow, burning torment in the depth of her being, with visions of Daisy and her past. Yet she kept returning again and again to escape.
Hixon, the only black man in Defiance, had a traumatic childhood, unwanted by his mother. Muriel took him in as her ‘adopted son’ and he cared for her throughout her days of cancer. Hixon was told by Muriel that he was to marry Emory, which he also believed was from God. He took on the role of protector of Emory from that day on. Then, on the back doorstep of Daisy’s funeral, Muriel passes away.
It’s during Muriel’s funeral that mysterious things begin to happen. Emory sees a man whom she thinks is Daisy’s killer. Her house is ransacked and Daisy’s picture is stolen. She’s chased home from work one night. Daisy’s second shoe is found sitting on Daisy’s bed. Daisy’s picture is returned. Yet no one could say who this man is or how he gets into Emory’s house.
What I appreciated was how well Mary described the indepth emotions of everyone with such clarity, which included past hurts, bad childhoods, bad attitudes, grieving, hopelessness, and vengeance. Mary captures the essence of feelings so deep. There is only One way out, and Emory needed to find it. Will she? Was she willing? Would the killer get to her before she has a chance?
Other things I liked about Mary’s book that really stood out for me was her poetic word pictures and how she would jump from first person to third person and back all within the span of a page or a chapter. They catch you by surprise and delight! Made you really reason out what was going on!
Purchase here.
M. DeMuth – Bio
Meet the author of A Slow Burn, Mary DeMuth.
Mary DeMuth
Mary DeMuth is an expert in the field of Pioneer Parenting. She helps Christian parents plow fresh spiritual ground, especially those seeking to break destructive family patterns. Her message guides parents who don’t want to duplicate the home where they were raised or didn’t have positive parenting role models growing up.
An accomplished writer, Mary’s parenting books include Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture, Building the Christian Family You Never Had, and Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God. Her real-to-life novels inspire people to turn trials into triumphs: Watching the Tree Limbs (2007 Christy Award finalist, ACFW Book of the Year 2nd Place) and Wishing on Dandelions (2007 Retailer’s Choice Award finalist).
Mary is a frequent speaker at women’s retreats and parenting seminars, addressing audiences in both Europe and the United States. National media regularly seek Mary’s candid ability to connect with their listeners. Her radio appearances include FamilyLife Today, Moody Midday Connection, and U.S.A. Radio network. She also has articles published in Marriage Partnership, In Touch, and HomeLife.
As pioneer parents, Mary and her husband Patrick live in Texas with their three children. They recently returned from breaking new spiritual ground in Southern France where they planted a church.
Learn more about Mary at http://marydemuth.com.
Mary DeMuth’s Blog: http://relevantblog.blogspot.com
A Slow Burn Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ9c-Cfg3WY
Mary DeMuth’s Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-DeMuth/33200616570
Follow Mary DeMuth on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mdemuth
“Fearless” by Max Lucado
September 8, 2009
“Fearless” by Max Lucado
This is my first introduction to Max Lucado’s adult books. I’ve heard marvelous things about his writings, but have never gotten around to reading any. This is one fabulous book! I’ve read some of his kids’ books and they are dynamite.
Fearless is an all-inclusive book on the definition of fear and all it entails in the arenas of your life. Fear is a belligerent bully that won’t share your heart with happiness in any area of your life, be it financial, being overwhelmed with life, calamities, violence, death, does God care about me, health, children, etc. Everyone deals with it at one time or another within their life, Christian and con-Christian alike. It’s toxic if not dealt with. What counts, however, is how you handle it. Thus, the writing of Max Lucado’s book.
Max uses real life people’s experiences and lots of humor to show you how to command this bully to leave your life. You have a role in controlling fear by making choices. I learned some time ago that we all have ‘choosers.’ In this arena, you will have to make choices. Max gives many examples and methods on how to help you do this. He has solid directive of overcoming fears. They are not a 1, 2, 3 magic formula, but real life methods to control this beast.
He points you to the One True Source for help, the Commander of every storm in your life. He also shows you how the body of Christ is important in this role as well. And wait till you see how a funeral is likened to a wedding! Blows your mind! Or how a baby is equipped for life on earth, and in turn, earth’s experiences equip you for life in heaven!
Fearless will have you absorbed, teaching you new ways of living. Application of what you read is necessary to set you free. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with life. Hmmm, I think that would be everyone! You’ll be glad you did. I can’t stress enough, though, that you must apply what you read. Not hearers only, but doers.
There were only a couple of things I didn’t like. One was the use of paraphrased Scripture references. I prefer those that are word-for-word. The other is that I don’t agree with a couple interpretations. With that said, enjoy!
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/reviews/blogger/4318?ref=badge
Purchase here:
http://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Imagine-Your-Life-Without/dp/0849921392/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252415359&sr=1-1
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntk=keywords&Ntt=Fearless&action=Search&N=0&Ne=0&event=ESRCN&nav_search=1&cms=1&Go.x=13&Go.y=8&Go=Go
Copy and paste the URLs in your browser.
“The Justice Game” by Randy Singer
September 5, 2009
Jason Noble worked for the Justice Inc. World Headquarters in mock trials, but was fired for being too good of a lawyer. His boss, Robert Sherwood, however, is willing to set him up in a few larger D.C firms, but he declines in order to set up his own criminal defense office. Sherwood still offers to help him out, with only one request–that he give 10% to help alleviate world suffering. One would think this a worthy cause and offer.
Rachel Crawford is a WDXR I-team reporter. She’s doing a breaking story on Larry Jamison, owner of The Surf, who is involved with human trafficking. After breaking in and terrorizing the TV studio because of the storyline, he holds Rachel hostage, demanding her to retract what she said on live TV. The SWAT team breaks in, and Larry is killed but not before he kills pregnant Rachel during live broadcasting.
Fast forward, and we find Jason as the defense attorney for a case against MD Firearms, the manufacturer of the MD-45 used in the killing of Rachel. Kelly Starling of B & W law firm, is the plaintiff’s attorney, who takes this case pro bono.
Both attorneys are young, but good, spirited, talented attorneys. The only clincher is that they both have a past that has never been revealed, but could ruin their careers. A unknown blackmailer, named Luthor, uses the information to manipulate the trial. “Do this, or else.” Neither attorney is aware of the other being blackmailed by the same person.
Will they discount their own gut feelings about the jury selection to stop the exposure? Will they withhold pertinent discovery to swing the trial? The basic question is, will Jason or Kelly sell out their clients to save their own careers?
Amazingly, both seek out their fathers for advice, even though Jason’s relationship with his father is estranged. Millions of dollars are at stake. Will they take the high road or the low?
The story is intricately written, with variable circumstances. Some say Randy is as enjoyable as John Grisham. I would say they both are great!
The one drawback for me personally is the ending of the novel. It’s not what I voted for. You see, to make it the ultimate “Justice Game,” Randy allowed his readers to determine the outcome of his novel. He’s got you wondering throughout the whole novel. It’s ingenious!
“Captive Dreams” by Cara Putman
September 4, 2009
Those who have had loved ones in any of the wars, know the difficulties that the soldiers go through and the risks to their lives. To say they are difficult is an understatement. In Captive Dreams, we hear the other side of the story.
The Ed Goodman family is reeling over the death of a beloved wife and mother; knowing Brent, a son/brother, had his plane downed in WWII and is missing in action; and needing to care for a farm in order to make a living. However, Ed is in the throes of depression over the death of his wife and missing son and is drinking heavily, ignoring all that needs to be done.
Anna is left to work full-time at Kearney Airfield, care for her father, and keep the family farm her father refuses to tend to, so Brent will have something to come home to. Until one day she meets Specialist Sid Chance, who personally takes on the task of seeing that the Goodman farm is worked, using German prisoners, which both Ed and Anna despise and even chase off.
Anna feels her life is on hold, unable to see a future for herself. She’s breaking under the stress of her load. Where can she turn? Why is Sid so interested in helping them? This is a compelling story of life’s burdens, struggles, exhaustion, and hopelessness here at home for one family during the war. Anna and her father need to look for a new hope. Will they find it before they lose everything?
Cara’s book really captured the depth of life during WWII here at home. I was not disappointed.
I am a blogger for Thomas Nelson
September 4, 2009
“Witness to Murder” by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
August 30, 2009
News reporter, Hallie Berglund was going to an interview of model and college student, Alicia Drayton, at her apartment to do a piece on modeling for the newspaper. What she finds is Alicia’s boyfriend, MN Golden Gopher’s bad boy, Damon Lange, hovering over Alicia’s body with the murder weapon. He charges toward Hallie, knocking her and her cameraman down, and disappears. Her co-worker, Brody Jordan, is a tight friend of Damon’s. To top it off, a bracelet made by Hallie’s long-dead mother was found on Alicia’s body at the time of the murder.
Strangely related episodes move you through the book at a quick pace. Even though Hallie’s life is at stake, she and Brody go to Alicia’s funeral. Although their bantering continues head-to-head about Damon’s guilt throughout the story, together they find several discrepancies about Alicia’s past.
Where did Alicia get that bracelet? Why does it take so long for James and Cheryl to come and claim her body? Did those discrepancies of Alicia’s past indicate things relating to her murder? Who is behind the threats and attacks against Hallie?
A ‘keep-you-on-your-toes’ good read. And remember, this is a love-inspired suspense, so sparks are flying!
The book can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.christianbook.com.
onedesertrose
