Saturday, April 27, 2024

New devotional from Kimberley Payne

                                       

Still Learning: Reflections from the Life of a Believer

Meeting Faith Devotional Series, book 5
Kimberley Payne
Self-improvement
Inspirational Living
April 27, 2024, 240 pp
$5.99 ebook
$12.99 Print
Buy on Amazon

About the Book
Do you want wisdom and encouragement in your spiritual journey? Discover these devotions that can bring you into a deeper understanding of living the Christian life.

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of the Bible? Do you have specific theological questions? Are you looking for encouragement and a boost in your faith? Kimberley Payne is a down-to-earth writer who is passionate and curious and offers a refreshing perspective to enhance your spiritual growth and devotion.

Still Learning is a collection of 100 devotions with questions about salvation, grace, suffering, and the very essence of God's nature, presented through the lens of everyday encounters and heartfelt contemplations. By reading these reflections you’ll be feeling encouraged and strengthened in your faith.

In Still Learning you’ll discover:

Theological questions in the Bible through the unique lens of a non-theologian

Personal insights, real-life experiences, and profound reflections with scriptural inquiry

Reminders of teachings from the Bible without being preachy

An accessible exploration of the Bible's theological questions

A diverse array of topics

Still Learning is an authentic and inspirational devotional that will resonate with both seasoned believers and those on the quest for spiritual understanding.

If you like stories that celebrate the beauty of faith and inquiry, then you’ll love this book as a supplement to theological studies.

My Review
In her new book, Payne sets out to expound with sincere simple kindness many of the questions and sometimes their answers regarding what makes the Bible so fascinating.

Often using examples of three, easy to remember, the author begins by sharing why and how to read the Bible, why it’s trustworthy, and why the Old and New Testaments work together.

Along the way the author uses examples from her own family about teaching and living the doubts we all have about faith, God, morality, and history. Why should we follow any of the Biblical “rules” if they no longer make sense? This is the topic of the segment “Should We Follow All the Laws in the Bible Today?”

Payne, a prolific author, shares in these lovely essays examples of how and life are deeply woven, no matter what you believe. The joy of finding lost ones; what about baptism, prayer—to whom, when, keeping a journal, what to do with your doubts, and even how to know if you’ve committed the unforgiveable sin of blasphemy. I appreciate the author’s candidness, the ways she shares how she came to understand what she believes, and even the learning curve. For example, learning about prophetic utterances had some unintended consequences. Payne took the time to learn more about her experience with a pastor she trusted, and realized there were better ways to share messages in faith.

Still Learning sets out to do what it promises: celebrate the beauty of faith and inquiry. Most topics include scriptural references, but are not set up in traditional devotional ways. Most of these 100 topics are a couple of pages long and easy to read and ponder. Recommended for inspirational readers teen and up who enjoy exploring matters of Christianity.

About the Author
Kimberley Payne is a Jesus follower, Oma, and an eclectic author. She combines her teaching experience and love of writing to create books for parents and children about family, fitness, science, and faith. Her books and teachings help you boost your belief, face difficult challenges, and draw closer to God. https://www.kimberleypayne.com

Monday, April 1, 2024

Jason Tanamor and Contemporary Filipino fiction

 


Love, Dance, and Egg Rolls
Jason Tanamor
YA Contemporary
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2022, Ooligan Press

Paper: $18
Ebook: $6.49

About the Book:

Filipino folk dancing is a huge part of Jamie's life, but so is high school and his two best friends. When these two worlds collide, Jamie must decide who he truly wants to be.

Jamie Santiago is just an ordinary high school teenager—he has a huge crush on a girl from school, he watches a ton of sitcoms, and he is constantly trying to keep his dad from feeding egg rolls to his white friends. Not to mention he also aspires to be the next Tinikling folk dance master. Okay, maybe he’s not so ordinary.
It's hard enough balancing the demands of high school, but when the last ever Asian Folk Festival falls on the same day as Homecoming, it feels like Jamie's world comes crashing down. He is forced to make an important decision between honoring his heritage and salvaging what's left of his social life. With a racist bully at school and rising protests in Portland, Jamie sometimes wonders if it would be easier to forget his Filipino side entirely instead of trying to embrace it.

[Play the catchy sitcom music]

[Cue the laugh track to numb the serious stuff]

If only life were so perfect.

Tensions will rise in Love, Dance & Egg Rolls as Jamie decides whether it's more important to remain hidden in plain sight or step directly into the spotlight. Jamie will not only come face-to-face with a bully, but also with this thing called cultural identity.

My Review:

This book is a gem on many levels.
America is an uneasy melting pot, stirred by influencers from the top up who chose divisive means to bully and harass. They don’t support a union, and the animosity has always trickled down to those who celebrate their heritage within the greater American society.
In Oregon, Filipinos are one segment of a varied group of Asian Americans who bond through celebrating their heritage in sharing food and traditions of dress and storytelling and dance. Our hero, Jamie, is a first-generation highschooler, caught between embracing and being embarrassed by his racial identity. He’s a typical young man, hanging out with friends, wondering who he is, enduring flagrant bullying while discovering the ups and downs of first love. He’s also very good at his cultural dances, practicing with his greater family for friendly competition at the community center. But just like so many organizations today, participation is dying out, and Jamie is facing the end of a very important part of his social life. Enter one special young woman facing ostracism in her own world. Jamie faces choices among friends and family, standing up for what he believes, and remaining true to himself.
The story features many elements that will resonate with readers, from comical asides and references to pop culture, in learning how to see between the lines and vibes and real dilemmas of teens in contemporary society. Highly recommended.

 About the author

Jason Tanamor (tan-uh-more) is a Filipino-American writer and author.
Named as one of the "5 Best Modern Filipino Writers" by Pinas Global Newspaper, Tanamor enjoys writing in different genres. He is the critically acclaimed author of the supernatural/folklore novel Vampires of Portlandia and the YA #ownvoices novel called Love, Dance & Egg Rolls.
Tanamor also spent a decade as an entertainment writer and interviewer, interviewing the likes of author Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club); comedians Demetri Martin, Jim Breuer (SNL, Half Baked), Aisha Tyler (Talk Soup, The Ghost Whisperer), Dane Cook, and Gabriel Iglesias; musicians Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Ann Wilson (Heart), Taylor Momsen (The Pretty Reckless and Gossip Girl), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction), and Henry Rollins (Black Flag); and baseball legend Pete Rose.
He has covered everyone from Steve Martin to Jerry Seinfeld and from Evanescence to President Obama.
Tanamor is married, has one son, and has a family of fur children. He currently lives and works in the Portland, Oregon area.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Finish March with a good Read and Gift card drawing

 


While you’re waiting for spring to arrive,
head over to @N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s latest book festival
to win a $35 Amazon gift card and books to read to beat the winter doldrums:

#bookish #entertowin #reading 

I'm excited to be part of this Collection of Authors

My crime novel UNDERCUT

is featured TODAY MARCH 28!

Enter to win a $35 Amazon giftcard below:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750256

Open internationally.

Runs March 1 – 31, 2024

Drawing will be held on April 1, 2024. 

Battle the winter blues at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Shake Off Winter Doldrums Book Festival. 35 books, 27 authors, a giveaway plus sure-fire ways to combat your winter melancholy! #NNLBH.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/shake-off-winter-doldrums

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Friday, March 22, 2024

Shake off Winter with a Giveaway and a Good Book

 


#GiveawayAlert: N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s Shake Off Winter Doldrums
has 35 books, 27 authors, a giveaway plus fun ways to combat your winter melancholy! https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/shake-off-winter-doldrums #booklovers #winterdoldrums #giveaway

I'm excited to be part of this Collection of Authors

My thriller Requiem for the Innocents

is featured TODAY MARCH 22!

Enter to win a $35 Amazon giftcard below:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750256

Open internationally.

Runs March 1 – 31, 2024

Drawing will be held on April 1, 2024. 

Battle the winter blues at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Shake Off Winter Doldrums Book Festival. 35 books, 27 authors, a giveaway plus sure-fire ways to combat your winter melancholy! #NNLBH.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/shake-off-winter-doldrums

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

new novel in the Uncharted series

 

Uncharted Peace
Keely Brooke Keith
#13 in the Uncharted Series
March 2024
Edenbrooke Press
Inspirational Fantasy Sci Fi
 
Paper
Ebook $6.99
 
Buy
Amazon

About the Book
Lena Vestal enjoys spending her days cooking for her siblings and her nights curled up with a good book… or a letter from Philip Roberts, the overseer of Falls Creek and only man ever to capture her heart. It’s safe to dream of a future with him while she is still sheltered by the older brother and sister who raised her. When Philip’s final letter announces his forthcoming arrival to take her to Falls Creek, Lena must leave all that is familiar to make her dream a reality.
Philip Roberts takes his duties as the overseer of Falls Creek seriously, not only to please God but also to prove his competence. Having been in the pastoral position for two years, Philip’s dissertation is anticipated by all the overseers of the Land, particularly his father. Producing a work of great merit would prove his worth, as would setting an excellent example of holy matrimony in his church
Lena’s yearning for the security of Philip’s love compels her to spend a month without her siblings at the isolated Inn at Falls Creek. To prepare for their nuptials, Philip informs her the Land’s tradition requires they compare family lineage. When she receives hers from her sister, a shocking secret about her true origins means she must choose between protecting her family and marrying the man of her dreams.
And when Philip’s published book is distributed before he can check it, both feel their hopes dissolve.But at the Inn at Falls Creek, no one is alone and everyone is worthy.

My Review

As with all of Keely’s books, readers may step into her world of the Land Uncharted with any story, though they’re best enjoyed in groups. We met the main characters, Lena Vestal and Philip Roberts, in previous books, but get to know them and their journey toward marriage in this latest, lovely offering.
Keely’s stories in the Land Uncharted are set in a uniquely dystopian future where war rages on earth, but not in this unique bubble of an island in the ocean, uncharted because it only exists for those who find it under very particular circumstances. The settlers who populate this land arrived in the 1860s, have spread across the island, sorting themselves into several communities. Naturally, as marriage and parenthood develops, it’s important that they keep their genealogy straight to avoid problems. It’s not an issue for Philip, who can trace his lineage back to one of the eight founding families over the past 150 years. But for Lena, it’s another story.
Lena has been coddled and protected her whole life. Raised as one of three adopted siblings, she, as a young adult, is ready to step out of her shell and accept the hand of the wonderful overseer of another community. Her brother and sister understand her extreme shyness and exact a condition on the marriage—Lena should spend a month in Philip’s community before agreeing to a wedding and moving away from her beloved sister and brother and the home where she feels safe.
Philip reluctantly agrees, and once in Falls Creek, Lena blossoms. When Philip mentions the lineage requirements, that the couple compare pedigree charts before marriage Lena writes home for hers and instead receives the surprise of her life.
Love and Loyalty come head to head in this new story of a hidden oasis of a culture hidden from the outside world…or so they think. Can the people of the Land adapt to changing times, even if they come from within?
Fans of the Land Uncharted will enjoy these sweet inspirational stories of contemporary issues framed in mores of a Biblically-based society with nineteenth-century values.

About the Author

Keely Brooke Keith is the author of the beloved Uncharted series. Her books are best described as inspirational frontier-style fiction with a futuristic twist.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely was a tree-climbing, baseball-loving 80s kid. She grew up in a family who moved often, which fueled her dreams of faraway lands.

When she isn’t writing, Keely enjoys gardening and is slowly learning how to not kill plants. Keely, her husband, and their daughter live on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee. She is a member of ACFW. Join Keely’s email list at keelykeith.com/sign-up so you will always know when the next Uncharted book is available.

 


Monday, March 18, 2024

Grab a Good Read and Enter to Win!

 


Need a cure for the wintertime blues? Join us at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s 5th annual Shake Off Winter Doldrums Book Festival: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/shake-off-winter-doldrums #booksworthreading #mustread #giveaway

My sci fi story PARHELION

is featured TODAY MARCH 18!


Enter to win a $35 Amazon giftcard below:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750256

Open internationally.

Runs March 1 – 31, 2024

Drawing will be held on April 1, 2024. 

Battle the winter blues at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Shake Off Winter Doldrums Book Festival. 35 books, 27 authors, a giveaway plus sure-fire ways to combat your winter melancholy! #NNLBH.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/shake-off-winter-doldrums

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Monday, March 11, 2024

NN Light Big Book Promo with Meow Missing

 


Are you suffering from the winter doldrums? I’ve discovered the cure at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Shake Off Winter Doldrums Book Festival. 35 books featured plus a chance to win a $35 Amazon gift card.

My fun cozy mystery, MEOW MISSING

is featured TODAY MARCH 11!

Curl up with a good book, and

Enter to win a $35 Amazon giftcard below:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750256

Open internationally.

Runs March 1 – 31, 2024

Drawing will be held on April 1, 2024. 

Battle the winter blues at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Shake Off Winter Doldrums Book Festival. 35 books, 27 authors, a giveaway plus sure-fire ways to combat your winter melancholy! #NNLBH.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/shake-off-winter-doldrums

a Rafflecopter giveaway