Saturday, April 30, 2011

New iPhone App Helps Writers
Learn to Pitch Their Books

Overview: Just as it takes an entirely different set of skills for an artist to talk about their paintings as it does to paint the paintings, it’s an entirely different set of skills to talk effectively about a book, as to write one. This workshop, which writers can do on their phone, teaches a three-step formula for pitching that works for any book by award-winning author and speaker Linda Rohrbough.

Allentown, PA – Saturday, April 26, 2011 – Everyone thinks writers are born with a talent to talk to others about their work. But for most, writing a book is like sorting paper in a wind tunnel. To boil the experience down to a few comprehendible sentences is nearly overwhelming. Award-winning author Linda Rohrbough has help with a methodology to help writers do this task with fiction or non-fiction that is a plug-and-chug formula anyone can use. She’s been teaching her “Pitch Your Book” workshop to writer’s groups all over the country and now it’s available in a step-by-step, interactive manner on the iPhone.
Rohrbough says, “Pitching is a lifelong skill for a writer. There will never be a time when a writer doesn’t have to talk to someone they don’t know about one of their books. At first, it’s agents and editors, but later it’s readers, bookstore owners, and maybe even the media. But what new writers don’t know is the pros figure how to do this before they start a book.”
“Part of the rub is writers are afraid when it comes to talking about their work. Their hearts start beating fast, their palms get sweaty, and they forget their own names. I’ve done this. So one of the things I have to do is teach writers how to manage their own fears. If I don’t, I find myself with a group of people who cannot hear what I have to say, much less implement the simple formula I’ve come up with.”
Part of the beauty of doing her workshop as an App is Rohrbough can also appeal to people with different learning styles, just as she does in person. “I have yet to hear someone say, ‘I don’t remember’ or ‘I didn’t understand’ after they completed one of my workshops. Everything I do is designed to imprint in their minds, no matter how they learn, my simple and useful techniques. No wasted motion. And I’m doing the same in my App,” she said.
The basic portion of the App is about an hour in length divided into ten short sections, that can be done a little at a time or all at once. There are also flash cards and multiple choice questions to reinforce key concepts.
“Writers see many examples of how this is done, learn how to plug their own work into the formula, and then use my steps to talk about their own book in an effective and attention-getting way,” Rohrbough added.
“Pitch Your Book” became available from Study By App in the Apple iTunes store April 23th for $3.99.

Rohrbough available for interviews. Contact Robin Nolan at McDavid Public Relations robin@mcdavidpr.com or call 919-745-9333.




Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Prophetess One

I'm pleased to announce an exciting new novel from a fantastic writing coach, Linda Rohrbough!

The Prophetess One: At Risk
by Linda Rohrbough
"This is fast-paced, thrilling, edge-of-the-seat reading. The Prophetess One: At Risk had me flipping the pages and holding my breath."  - Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestseller

It’s a very different kind of war.

Why would God choose a pregnant computer programmer to fight it?

All Anna McClintock wants is a peaceful stretch of beach she can walk to with her new husband, Jack, and her soon-to-be-born child. Jack is finishing his engineering degree this semester and the two plan to leave his Kansas home to build their new lives together.

But when Anna finds herself in jail for the murder of a preschool child she tried to save, she realizes she is alone, except for God. She has to rely on new-found spiritual gifts as well as her wits and skills in order to save herself, her unborn son, and her marriage.

And she has another decision to make. This one affects the entire nation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Real events form the background for The Prophetess One: At Risk

Award-winning author Linda Rohrbough put her journalist skills to work when she saw strange events after her husband’s nephew, Daniel Rohrbough, was a casualty in the Columbine shooting. For example, as family at the Columbine memorial service, she noted General Colin Powell was on the platform in full military dress between musicians Amy Grant and Phil Driscoll. But he was never mentioned or introduced, and he never spoke.

She discovered the shooters bragged theirs would be the first of many such events and they low-level formatted the hard disk drives of their computers so no record of their Internet activity could be uncovered. And the officials investigating Columbine looked unsuccessfully for months for third-party involvement in the year-long planning of the shooting.

As she investigated other shootings, she uncovered much more information that led her to believe this sort of thing could be prevented on a grass roots level. The theme of the book is men are important in the lives of children.


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Analyzing the Classics with Lorilyn Roberts


Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen

Review

          What makes Pride and Prejudice work? Why is it a classic? Why would anyone want to read this book today, almost two hundred years after it was written – in almost archaic English? I was glad I read it on my Kindle so I could use the dictionary function to enlighten myself on unfamiliar words.
          I was impressed with one quality about this book which I have seen in only a few other books I have read:  I felt like I “knew” the main character intimately, as well as several of the supporting cast. Ms. Austen’s ability to develop unique characters was impressive, and there were quite a few, though each one was entertainingly different.
As the plot progressed, Ms. Austen used the story to enable a gradual change and maturity in the protagonist, Elizabeth. The antagonist, Mr. Darcy, did a complete turnabout in nature, which was unexpected, leading to a surprise ending. Almost all of the characters evolved, and those who didn’t—i.e., the mother, the youngest daughter who eloped—their inability to change was part of their flawed nature. Their failures created tension and added flavor to the plot. I have seen many of the personalities in Pride and Prejudice in my own life. I could relate to the dysfunctional mother, the submissive father, the complacent Mary, the beautiful Jane, the prideful Lady Catherine, the prejudicial sisters, and the nosy neighbors that gossiped—and still care about them anyway. 
What makes a great book? A key ingredient is creating characters we will remember long after the book is finished—people we love and villains we hate. Perhaps it’s a protagonist who stands for something beyond the pages of the book; or noble characters who demand an audience, representing archetypes within ourselves and others. Perhaps we meet someone in a story we wish to emulate. We become that hero or heroine, or worse yet, even the bad guy we despise. We fall in love and out of love, but we are never the same having met the unique characters within the pages of a great classic.
Books I would compare Pride and Prejudice to that have characters like that are The Exodus, Gone With the Wind, and Great Expectations. I remember those books like I read them yesterday, and two of them I read over thirty-five years ago
I saw much of myself in Elizabeth—outspoken, determined, moral, and loyal. In the end, she and the protagonist married, and each overcame significant flaws to make that possible. I couldn’t be sure until the end that it would happen. There was nothing wasted; every scene followed a natural progression, leading to the next event.
I will think about this book for a while, picking apart different aspects of the characters and story as I work out how to write my own fiction. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to study the art of character in a fictional book.

Find Lorilyn:

















Children of Dreams
The Donkey and the King

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Dare to Dream by PeggySue Wells

Are You Stuck?
By PeggySue Wells
What’s holding you back from pursuing your dreams?         
Interviewing people for my books, talking with them at events, or interacting through one-on-one life coaching, I’ve found that many yearn to take their lives to the next level. To move the ‘someday’ list into the today category.
How can you make that happen? Can you make it happen?
My husband of over 20 years decided to leave. My seven children and I were devastated. Where was God? What do I do now? There were days I couldn’t get out of bed because of the weight of despair. Trying to cope and parent, the turning point came when I applied five simple steps that took me forward. These steps and the checkpoints that kept, and still keep me on track are given in my speaking events and my new book, Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After.
Slight modifications can produce boundless results. These simple acts I could incorporate by noon. Each one was a shift in my outlook and a simple attitude adjustment that is reaping a lifetime of benefits for me and my loved ones. Surprisingly, these steps helped me look more beautiful—inside and out. Even my posture improved.
If you could do anything, no matter how zany, unrealistic, or expensive, what would that be? What desire burns in your heart? What do you yearn to do and be?
Are you at a crossroad? Slight changes can make it easy for you and me to tweak our course and aim for a more satisfying today.
What are you resisting? A crisis can destroy us or it can make us stronger. Deeper. The turning point comes in how we face the crisis.
What are your excuses? Our excuses usually illuminate what we are supposed to do but are too scared to pursue and achieve. The only person who believes an excuse is the one serving it up. No one else is buying the bologna we are selling any more than we believe the excuses others dish out to us. An excuse is nothing more than a well-crafted lie that no one believes except the person making it.
How we keep our word, our commitments, reveals if we are people of integrity. Keeping my word to myself is as important as keeping my word to others.
Our lives are to be spent. Not to be saved. How we invest our life is one of the most important decisions we make. Are you living full out? Each of us decides how we will invest our time. Today is an opportune moment to invest your life in pursuits that will outlive you.
Go ahead. Dare to dream. Dream big. Then take the next step to make your dream reality. Invest the first five minutes and celebrate the progress. No excuses.
We all need an extra large scoop of hope, no matter where we are on our life’s journey. Whether you are stymied at a life-changing crossroad or eager to create an energetic tomorrow, you can affect the outcome of your life. Today.
PeggySue Wells is a dynamic and interactive speaker specializing in enabling others to reach for and achieve their dreams. She is the author of a dozen books including the What to Do series and Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After. Contact her at www.PeggySueWells.com.

This article is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you previously request permission through KCWC at russ@kathycarltonwillis.com. All other standard copyrights apply.



Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ready to move your life forward?

Live Full Blast, Full Out
By PeggySue Wells

Ready to move your life forward? Want to make a positive change by noon? Here is a
step that guarantees positive results.

Stop blaming.

Certainly there are things on our life script we would not have put there. And blame is a
mechanism to discharge pain and discomfort. However, whether I blamed my husband,
parents, boss, or myself, blame kept me cemented in the same spot. Stuck.
Blame cripples only one person. Me. Freedom comes when I acknowledge people made
choices. I made choices. Some choices made a Grand Canyon–sized impact on my life.
A friend that allows me to vent, is a gift. But camping there, the pain becomes my
identity.

It happened.

So what?

Now what?

Checkpoint
further time by blaming your lateness on the kids, the dog, or the traffic, you are playing
the blame game. You are blaming someone or something for your situation.
The only person who believes your excuse is you. When you are late, it is apparent that
you did not plan your time to arrive at least 15 minutes early in case you were delayed by
life.

In the military, fifteen minutes early is on time. On time is late. Soldiers quickly learn
that there are only four acceptable responses—yes, sir; no, sir; I don’t understand, sir; and
no excuse, sir.

When I dropped making excuses, my days and relationships streamlined. Free from
cumbersome excuses, my conversations improved. People are attracted to those who fully
live life without excuses. That’s living full blast, full out.

: Do you regularly offer excuses? If you show up late at a place and waste
- PeggySue Wells is a speaker and the author of a dozen books including
Ever After.
This article is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.
You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its
entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you previously request permission through KCWC at
Rediscovering Your HappilyContact her at www.PeggySueWells.com.
russ@kathycarltonwillis.com


. All other standard copyrights apply.

Monday, April 18, 2011

50-50 Journaling

Starting a 50/50 Journal
By Kathi Lipp

I am a serial journaler. In my years walking on this planet, I have left an impressive number of
three page-filled journals in the wake of my path. I am a sucker for a cute journal—something
romantic about a private place to keep my thoughts and dreams. Each time I’m at a bookstore I
can’t help but peruse the journal section, dreaming about the beautiful things I’d write in that
gorgeous black leather bound book—or maybe the bright orange and green floral journal with
the matching pen. Oh—the possibilities.

That is how it went on the day that I met my new journal. With its dark red cover and Irish
proverb on the front, it not only matched my mood, it matched my hair color and heritage at the
same time. Love at first sight.

After purchasing the journal and a hazelnut latte, I curled up in one of the bookstore chairs to …
what I didn’t know.

I didn’t want this to just be another started and abandoned journal. I wanted this journal to be
different. I spent almost half an hour staring at a blank page.

If I knew I was going to live another 50 years, what would I want those fifty years to look like—
what would I like to say I had done with that time?

So, I started to write everything down. I figured that if I was healthy and stayed out of the way of
people talking on cell phones while driving, it was conceivable that I
years on this planet. I wrote down fifty things I wanted to accomplish in the next fifty years.
Somehow, this new journal seemed different than the ones I’d started before. This was not a
daily recitation of deep thoughts that I had while walking on the beach. This felt big, important,
and all for me.

I felt silly writing some of those goals down—getting my nails done once a week—that seemed
less like a goal and more like self-indulgence. “Take a gourmet cooking class” seemed a little
frivolous as well. But one of the things I promised myself was that I was going to be very free in
what I wrote down—I would not censor myself because it seemed silly or trivial. I trusted that
these goals were between me and God, and asked Him to bless me in the goals that were within
His will, and to take away the desire for the ones that may not be from Him.

It has been fascinating to see God working in my 50/50 journal. About once a month, I update
any progress made towards the goal. It can be as simple as buying a book on cross-country
travel; I make a note of it on the page that has “Travel around the United States for a month
without a schedule” as the goal. Any progress is noted and celebrated.

In my 50/50 journal, every small step is recorded and celebrated—my own personal record of
how deeply interested God is in delighting me by first putting desires in my heart, and then
blessing me by giving me the desires of my heart.

We all have these nebulous goals in our lives that we want to accomplish, someday. If you have
never taken the time to commit them to paper, do it today. There is power in writing your goals
down. They become concrete and tangible. The goals are easier to break down into smaller
steps—giving you a real chance at seeing those dreams become a reality.

could have another fifty
- Article adapted from a chapter in
through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in
your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you previously
request permission through KCWC at

 
The Me Project by Kathi Lipp. It is provided free of charge by the authorruss@kathycarltonwillis.com. All other standard copyrights apply.

Friday, April 15, 2011

New from Splashdown Books

I'm learning to love this newer down under indie press, and hope you will find some gems to read too.






Today it is my great pleasure to announce to you our first title from Splashdown Darkwater. Drumrolls please!





Winter
by Keven Newsome


Winter Maessen didn't ask for the gift of prophecy. She's happy being a freak - but now everyone thinks she's crazy. Or evil.
Goths aren't all the same, you know. Some are Christians.
...Christians to whom God sends visions.

Students at her university are being attacked, and Winter knows there's more than flesh and blood at work.
Her gift means she's the only one who can stop it - but at what price?


MUST SEE video trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It8aP6speuo

... or view it in its natural environment at http://darkwater.splashdownbooks.com/

Winter is now available for pre-order at http://www.splashdownbooks.com/winter.html


Are you ready for the chill?

June 1, 2011

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Microbusiness for Teen Tips with Carol Topp - enter the drawing

Starting a Micro Business for Teens
By Carol Topp
c. 2010
Ambassador Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-0-1
Retail price: $9.95

This nifty little book sets out to make a big difference in encouraging families with teens who are interested in more than setting up a lemonade stand or playing around with real dollars. Topp's reason for adding this book to her collection of teen helps is that she wanted to create a useful and practical guide for teens, written by a mom who had teens, and include the inspiration reasons behind stewardship.

Each chapter, from the introduction of "What is a Micro Business" through the practical steps of figuring out suitable ideas to making them work and how to establish realistic goals, is filled with brief paragraphs of advice in easy-to-understand and follow tips, and ends with bullet-pointed Important Points. I loved her sample Business Plan, her encouragement, even the word-for-word advice for shy teens when they are encouraged to seek advice over the phone or in person from help desks or professionals.

Topp doesn't stop when the micro business is set up; she makes sure all accountable areas are covered, particularly with licensing and the all-important responsible government cut. Kudos to Topp for this wonderful and practical guide.

Carol Topp is a CPA who advises teenage business owners. Visit her web site: microbusinessforteens.com/




GRAND PRIZE!
The Complete Set of Carol Topp's Micro Business for Teens Series
(Winner will receive the four books shown below)

Starting a Micro Business
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-0-1
Retail price: $9.95
Running a Micro Business
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-1-8
Retail price: $9.95
Money and Taxes in a Micro Business
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-3-2
Retail price: $9.95
The Micro Business for Teens Workbook
ISBN: 978-0-09829245-2-5
Retail price: $14.95

New from Dan Walsh - The Deepest Waters


The Deepest Waters
By Dan Walsh
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1980-7
April 2011
$14.99
Revell

Ship wrecks, dysfunctional families, theft, and slavery come together in Dan Walsh's third novel, The Deepest Waters. The story takes place over the course of four days in 1857. A couple on their honeymoon travel by sea from San Francisco to New York City to meet his family and encounter tragedy. Walsh bases his book on a true event. A paddlewheel steamship went down off the eastern US coast, and some of the reported human interest stories, such as a bride packing along her wedding gifts, add poignancy to this work of fiction.

The reality of being adrift both on land on sea was well-described; the characters each drawn lovingly. The California Gold Rush is downplayed to the point that Walsh doesn't reveal the reason a single woman, Laura, apparently doing nothing, was far from her family home until well into the novel, or the business John had been engaged in until nearly the end. Walsh succeeds in portraying a devastating shipwreck and strong characters who survive because of their hope and faith, not necessarily that the other lives through the ordeal, but that no matter what happens, God will take care of them.

How to tell this story, to keep up the drama of the sinking ship, the angst of parting so soon as the wedding, rescue, being set adrift at sea, family issues, multiple cases of shipboard dynamics, even the undercurrents of slavery, is a challenge. The beginning of John and Laura's relationship might have been considered too slow but I would have preferred that to the flashbacks and constant interruption in place and time and narrator. There is a lot of activity going on from at least three scenarios during the same time period over four days, which may appeal to some readers but I like to read quickly, so I had to backtrack several times.

Although there is plenty of excitement, there are also many convenient happy coincidences. The cover is beautiful; the book easily readable for distracted moms and business people who snatch moments for a good story at lunch and toddler naptimes. However, Walsh's style and description is engaging and maturing, and that's what we reader fans like to see in authors we follow.

Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.



Monday, April 11, 2011

Andy Andrews' The Final Summit

The Final Summit: the quest to find the one principle that will save humanity
By Andy Andrews
Thomas Nelson Book Publishers
ISBN: 978-0849948664
c. 2010
Releases April 12

My review:
David Ponder from The Traveler's Gift returns. He's 74-year-old wealthy man, built and lost fortunes, widower who loved his late wife; created loyalty by advising and rewarding on the way up. The story begins with the results of his success: a 55-story office building with park-like atrium, security, penthouse with all conveniences and the people who care about him.

The story quickly shifts to Ponder, and those of us who did not yet read The Traveler's Gift are caught up by the revelation of the Seven Decisions for Success. From Gabriel's advice to King Solomon to Anne Frank, to Presidents Lincoln and Truman, to Governor Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and Christopher Columbus: sentiments of lifestyle choices come together in a great work reminiscent of great epics.

Andrews' works always have a punch. Reminiscent of CS Lewis, Plato, Shakespeare and Gene Roddenberry, Andy Andrews' latest tale sets in motion the quest for the redemption of humanity.
The archangel Gabriel arrives in the moment of David's deepest despair to conduct him to a supernatural summit of travelers. God is not pleased, again, and is deciding whether or not to start over. "Humanity is sinking of its own accord," Gabriel says. As the auditorium fills, Ponder and his sidekick Winston Churchill, along with the others, learn the question: "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?"

They have five chances to get it right; Gabriel is the arbiter, who says the answer is two words; Ponder can summon five pre-selected advisers.  In order, they appear and discuss possible answers.
Joan of Arc: "Everything we do while we are alive—everything we say is important. And though sometimes difficult, death is part of living." Restore Hope
Abraham Lincoln: "I believe that wisdom, when harnessed over time, leads ordinary people in incredible directions." Seek Wisdom
Eric Erickson of WWII-era spy fame: "It is at that moment [when we need courage] when we take risks that are unimaginable in any other context." Show Courage
King David: "If we do not discipline ourselves, the world will be allowed to do it for us." Exhibit Self-Discipline
George Washington Carver, who changed the world. Building Character

Even though Gabriel has denied them five times, the group decides to fight on, even when everything looks hopeless…they discover that time ebbs and flows through the hourglass timepiece Gabriel has left them, and they work together to come up with the answer that pleases Gabriel.

I admire, as always, Andrews' research, his ability to pull up from the dustiest corners the slightest bits of long-hidden information and tie things together so neatly. I'm probably not alone in thinking I knew an answer after the first conversation. I read more or less patiently while answers were offered and denied. When my choice was not even considered anywhere in the discussion, I really had to think about the one the author presented as the true answer. I liked the answer, I liked the book. My answer always leaves too much to interpretation, so I applaud Andrews.

Readers of short philosophical ponderings the likes of Andrews' other works, George MacDonald and world-wide historical figures, will be delighted by this discussion.

I received this book from the publisher for review purposes.


                                                               
















Blog Tour Week - Carol Topp's Micro Business for Teens

This week, Carol Topp launches her blog tour for Micro Business for Teens. I read it and thought it extremely savvy- I'll be reviewing it later in the week. Those of you who comment on this blog and the review will be entered in a grand prize drawing for four of Carol's books.

Carol Topp, CPA advises teenage business owners though her Micro Business for Teens book series. Carol’s day job is accountant to business owners, and she enjoys teaching teenagers to succeed beyond their dreams. Students appreciate how she shares what they need to know in clear and helpful lessons. Her website is MicroBusinessForTeens.com



Spring Cleaning: A Time For a Teenager to Make Money
by Carol Topp

Here are some ideas for a micro business a teenager can start this spring:
  • House cleaning: Offer to tackle large jobs like washing windows, moving furniture, etc. Many people are grateful for a young, strong teenager to help them with heavy lifting. What is easy for you might be very difficult for them, especially if they are an older person.
  • Routine house cleaning: Some customers need regular house cleaning and may hire you on a weekly or monthly basis. Don't wait for them to ask: offer to come weekly or twice a month and see what they say.
  • Attic cleaning: Offer to help people do a job that they put off, such as cleaning an attic.
  • Garage cleaning: A big job that can earn you big bucks!
  • Yard cleanup: Offer to trim bushes, pull weeds, plant flowers and spread mulch to spruce up a yard.
  • Car and van cleaning: People spend a lot of time in their automobiles and their cars and vans need frequent cleaning. Melissa gladly paid to get her van cleaned inside and out every week because her four children could really make a mess in it. You can make some cash by offering to clean a van inside and out.
  • Organize. Organize a house, playroom or garage. Charge the customer for any bins, tubs and labels that you purchase for them and then add on the value of your time. Take before and after photos to use on your advertising fliers.
  • Declutter: Do you love HGTV shows on organization? You might be able to find someone to hire you to declutter their house like you see on TV.
  • Garage sales: Advertise, organize and run a garage sale for your neighbors. Get several neighbors to participate together and really earn the bucks!
  • eBay sales: Offer to sell your neighbors' stuff on eBay and take a cut for yourself. Combine the decluttering, garage sale and eBay tasks into a full package to help your customers profit from their excess stuff.















 

Friday, April 8, 2011

Don't Look Back

Don't Look Back
By Lynette Eason
c. 2010
Women of Justice Book Two
Revell

Reviewed by Lisa J Lickel for Title Trakk
Jan 11, 2011

ISBN 978-0-8007-3370-4
$14.99

From the publisher: One man lives to see her dead – the other is fighting to keep her alive.

Lynette Eason's novel about a forensic anthropologist has a very similar feel to my favorite television crime shows. The story is scary and a bit creepy—everything I like in a thriller. The missing element is the little details that male thriller writers like to stick in, like the model of the weapon and other little cop factlets. However, Eason's extensive research and attention to detail regarding skeletons and torture was plenty enough to keep me turning pages.

And that's the story line. Jamie Cash was victim number three of a mass murderer; only Jamie got away. Fifteen years later, just when Jamie's starting to get her life under control, the murderer decides to remind her how disappointed he was that she got away. His psychological taunting is eerie. Eason's hero, the lovelorn FBI Special Agent Dakota Richards, has plenty of secrets of his own to keep. These two lonely souls take a chance at love and fight for a relationship.

When the murderer starts taking serious shots at Jamie's family and Dakota, Jamie takes control of her fears. But will she keep that control when her worst nightmares come true? I didn't have to guess twice about the identity of the murderer, but I appreciated the intricacy of Eason's details.

Don't Look Back is a thrill-ride read. A couple typos were unusual for Revell, but they were in the beginning and didn't detract from the rest of the story. Readers who find Hannibal Lector stories or Ted Dekker a little intense, but enjoy the likes of Steven James, will find Eason's romantic suspense a little, but not much, kinder on the late night all-alone-in-the-dark senses.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Unforgiveable

The Unforgiveable
By Tessa Stockton
c. April 1, 2011
Risen Fiction

ISBN: 9781936835003
$5.99 Kindle price
$10.17 print price - see below for purchase link.

Quilts, recent political historical intrigue, and exotic locations make The Unforgiveable an adventurous read. The premise, that the main character, Genevieve, falls in love with an Argentinian former military captain who served during some of the most horrific political cleansing, is interesting.

Genevieve and her friend visit Argentina for what appears to be a highly touted crafts fair. While on break, Gen encounters Carlos, a man with a checkered past, and they are immediately attracted to each other. Gen's host family has a history with the former government, as the aunt is one of the "disappeared ones"; citizens who were taken into custody because of suspected anti-government activity, tortured for information and sometimes released, sometimes not. The host family warns Genevieve and shows her their personal and the media's side of the so-called dirty war. Genevieve and Carlos cannot stay away from each other, and as Carlos's side of the story is revealed through his friends and his own confessions, Genevieve, through whisperings of the Holy Spirit and despite threats and alienation of her host family and friend, is determined to get Carlos to answer God's invitation to salvation.

Not for the faint of heart, the author describes some aspects of physical torture quite graphically, and hints at other elements. Genevieve's ability to accept Carlos, his personal suffering and his determination to make amends, is a beautiful story of the depths of love and loyalty built not on personal feelings, but conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Stockton's story behind the story of why she felt the need to tell this tale is equally intriguing, and I encourage you to read it for yourself at http://www.tessastockton.com/. Although a work of fiction, the author's determination to make available redemption for all who are called is commendable and food for thought. I don't agree with her personal political convictions.

I do recommend this story for those who aren't afraid to explore both sides of an explosive situation and who believe the citizens of the kingdom will surprise us.

I received a galley from the author for review purposes.

 

Splashdown Books for April

The Crystal Portal by Travis Perry and Mike Lynch

And Yeshua said, "His ears will be a sign to you."
A time-travelling warrior elf on a manhunt for an evil genius. A state-of-the-art robot from New Los Angeles. And a carpenter's son from first-century Israel. Entering the Portal, they join forces with a princess of the Sapphire Monarchy to defy their power-mad adversary.
Available at http://www.splashdownbooks.com/crystalportal.html

We'll be having a Book Release Party online at 9pm EST, Tuesday April 5th - so be sure to come along and chat with the authors. Find it here: http://tinychat.com/splashdown


Splashdown Darkwater
Counting down!

Have you seen the Darkwater preview book trailer? If not, be sure to catch it at http://www.youtube.com/user/splashdownbooks. The full length trailer - complete with the big reveal of the title and author to kick off our paranormal line - is due for release in under two weeks! The book itself will appear on June 1.

The Splashdown Darkwater main site with its own teaser is here:
http://darkwater.splashdownbooks.com/


Avenir Eclectia
Adventures in Microfiction

The Avenir Eclectia project has gotten off to a great start, with a steady flow of contributors adding to the story. Already there's a great bunch of new characters to follow on the space station and the inhospitable planet it orbits - hunters, smugglers, historians, miners, wizards, children, and more. Sign up to receive these bite-sized stories by email: a minute to read, a day to digest. Head on over to http://www.avenireclectia.com/ and dive into a new world!