Stone of Destiny book review by Mary L Ball

Stone of Destiny by Mary L. Ball

Prism Book Group, January 2014

Print $12.99

Ebook $2.99

About the Book:

Taylor has given up on everything but her work. After becoming the youngest CEO of Mugful’s Beverage Company, she believes life is complete--until her grandmother asks her to oversee the renovations of the family home, in addition to searching for a missing heirloom.

Her first contact with what she believes is an insignificant ring, lost for fifty years, sends her life spinning. Taylor experiences strange. Unexpected feelings surface that she doesn't understand. Thoughts that should remain unspoken are voiced.

Taylor’s emotional journey begins, testing a heart as cold as the ring itself and forcing her to question everything she believes.

Is this a fairytale, or simply her soul reaching out for a different world--a life she can only find
through faith and a divine trust in God?

Buy the Book on Amazon

my review: 

I like my romances with a little side of intrigue, and that's what author Mary Ball delivers in Stone of Destiny.

It's a romance, so it follows the patterns, yet with its own fingerprint, starting with a rather gruesome murder and the loss of an heirloom. Fifty years later, Taylor Harrison is the epitome of a modern career woman, much to her grandmother's pride and dismay. Taking Taylor's destiny in her hands, Grandma tries to make light of selling the family home, a home Taylor spent much time in as a child, and uses the old lady excuse to shame her into staying there to oversee remodeling. And of course the remodeler is a hunk ... and the sparks of battle turn into sparks of romance.

Grandma also asks Taylor, while she's packing up the house, to look for the missing family heirloom that has been handed down for generations, woman to woman, in the family, a sapphire ring. Eventually Taylor finds it...and learns its powerful secret.

Modern romance with all the angst and realism that go along with making choices. Taylor's dilemma over whether she could truly have a dual life of corporate exec and family joy is well-played, as is the hero, Brent, who bides his time, but is also willing to make sacrifices.

Well done. Nice weekend read, told from three different points of view.

The Moment Keeper by Buffy Andrews book review

The Moment Keeper, by Buffy Andrews

Carina, November 2013

Digital books, $7.99, discounted

Buy on Amazon

From the publisher:

Our lives are often connected in ways we never would have imagined...

Two babies; two very different upbringings.

First there is Sarah: raised by her loving grandmother, but neglected by her own father who views her as the instrument of her mother’s death. She will lead a hard life, searching to belong and to be loved.

Then there is Olivia, surrounded by love, nurtured and adored by her parents, a golden child with a golden future.

When Sarah’s life is cut tragically short and she is assigned to record the moments of Olivia’s life as her Moment Keeper, their lives become intertwined.

Sarah is able to overcome the heartbreak of her own lost years and Olivia is able to deal with a future that isn’t nearly as golden as what she had planned – or is it?

My review:

It's another make sure you have a box of tissues nearby story.

Andrews has created a true circle of life story, just the kind I personally love. Who we are, the choices we make, the support we receive, affect everyone. Part It's A Wonderful Life and part Lovely Bones, The Moment Keeper features characters who will impact your life for a long time.

Parallel life stories from two young women might shock some with the lifestyles of haves contrasting with the haven-nots. It may shame some of us who were guilty of being cruel at one time or another, and it will give more of us some real lessons on how to be a giver, no matter what stage of life. When at death a young woman is pulled into the afterlife with a special job, that of tracking and recording the moments of the life of another, the reader follows the journey of a privileged young girl, Olivia, growing in to adulthood. Along the way, Sarah, the Moment Keeper, shares her own struggle of life, tragedy, triumph, love, bullying, and mystery in a mirror image that almost feels voyeuristic.

Told in first person present and past with comparisons, not flashbacks, of Olivia to her own life, Sarah slowly reveals the events leading up to her suicide in a matter-of-fact, not exactly resentful, but wistful way.

Lovely tale. Kudos to Andrews for telling a very difficult story, and yes, there may be some predictability, but it was still a tearful joy to be part of the unfolding.

Book review, non-fiction: Bless Israel, Be Blessed

Bless Israel, Be Blessed

by Ulung Awng Ja

·         Paperback: 216 pages
·         Publisher: Tate Publishing (February 4, 2014)
·         Language: English
·         ISBN-10: 1629024309
·         ISBN-13: 978-1629024301

Buy the book: 

Amazon print book 13.99,discounted

http://lifepurposebooks.com/promotion/Israel-commentary.html

About the book:

Follow Ulung Awng Ja as he dives deep into the life of the family that gave birth to the country of Israel. In this analysis of the scripture, he uses his keen insight to bring new light to the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, and he discusses with us the importance of being a "mild" person. 

He also discusses the misconceptions that some people have regarding Jacob, and he uses scripture and the original language itself to back up what he says. 

Ulung explains the importance of the firstborn birthright and how all Christians can strive to obtain it.

My review:

Pastor Ulung Awng Ja has created an intriguing book that addresses insights on the birthright blessings of modern Christians using the Old Testament story of Jacob and Esau as an example.

The birthright blessing was given to Jacob before he was born, Pastor Ulung Awng Ja contends, as Rebecca his mother was answered in her prayer request to understand the struggle in her womb. He goes even further to suggest that if Isaac had been told by Jacob that Esau had sold his birthright, Isaac his father would have given the blessing anyway. Rebecca acted in accordance with God’s will when she advised her younger to obtain the blessing. The Scripture from Hebrews 11 and Romans 9 backs this up with the interpretation that Isaac, by faith, blessed the younger son over the elder.

Many such examples show Christians the true nature of God, his unconditional love, and his blessings. Conversely, while God loves all, not all love Him truly; some follow blindly, and many reject him outright

In subsequent chapters, Pastor Ulung Awng Ja offers more explanation and interpretation of the blessings and cursings, and their results for Christians. Christians show their commitment by following God’s Word and Commandments. All mankind is in bondage, but through Christ laying down his life, we are freed from death to become children of God. Such simple truths to the faithful who have been long-time believers is refreshing.

Told in honesty and with the lyracy of his native language, Bless Israel, Be Blessed is an interesting study on God’s blessings. Breaking down the modern language of today’s Bible versions, and applying both Old and New Testament Scriptures, Pastor Ulung Awng Ja helps those seeking faith, newly faithful, and long-time faithful see how and why we should practice our belief in the Savior and his grace.

About the Author:

Ulung Awng Ja is an author, Bible scholar and senior pastor of Myanmar Philadelphia Pentecostal Church. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit He serves God and teaches people according to what the Bible teaches us. 

He has written another book titled Why Did God Create Man? It has been published by Wine press Publishing.

Book review: Debut thriller Friend Me by John Faubion

Howard Books, February 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1476738727

Print: $14

Ebook - $10

About the Book:
From the publisher - You’re afraid you are becoming unfaithful, aren’t you?” 

Scott and Rachel’s marriage is on the brink of disaster. Scott, a businessman with a high-pressure job, just wants Rachel to understand him and accept his flaws. Rachel is a lonely housewife, desperate for attention and friendship. So she decides to create a virtual friend online, unaware that Scott is doing the exact same thing. But neither realizes that there’s a much larger problem looming. . . . 

Behind both of their online creations is Melissa, a woman who is brilliant— and totally insane. Masquerading as both friend and lover, Melissa programmed a search parameter into the Virtual Friend Me software to find her perfect man, but along the way she forgot to specify his marriage status. And Scott is her ideal match. Now Melissa is determined to have it all—Scott, his family, and Rachel’s life. 

As Melissa grows bolder and her online manipulations transition into the real world, Scott and Rachel figure out they are being played. Now it’s a race against time as Scott and Rachel fight to save their marriage, and their lives, before it’s too late.

My review

John Faubion’s debut novel speaks to the heart of relationships, of the depths of marriage and the reality of what betrayal and unfaithfulness looks like to people of faith.

Not something we might expect from a former missionary unless we knew that missionary turned software developer.

You just knew a book like Friend Me had to come sooner or later in today’s social media world. Virtual reality, while around for a while, melds dangerously with physical reality in this story. When loneliness and disappointment lead Rachel Douglas to experiment with a new website to re-create a lost friendship with a virtual online avatar, neither she nor her husband realize they are being played. Rachel’s husband, Scott, is curious about his wife’s activities, and checks out the site. Stress at work may be part of the blame, but giving in to temptation and a lack of respect and trust in the people around him—a heart of sin—is what leads him to create a virtual playmate. What is unfaithfulness? Faubion explores the issue in this book that’s sure to generate a lot of good discussion.

Told from three viewpoints, the two protagonists, Scott and Rachel, and the antagonist who’s the programmer, the reader is never in the dark about the depths to which each of them has fallen. Their deepest desires, their faults and their faith are all exposed as they strive for what they want.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that most married couples reach a point from time to time of feeling stale or even betrayed; of not wanting to share burdens, of keeping secrets and lying to each other. This story shows what that’s like, and the hard work and discipline it takes to decide to practice marriage even when we may not always feel like it. Honestly Scott and Rachel were not always likeable and seemed to be graced by all good things, but that’s the way of grace. They learned, they grew, they forgave and were forgiven.

An intriguing side note to the novel is Faubion’s inspiration - which I hope will be put back on his website at publication. The concept for virtual friend creation came to him as business idea. You’ll want to read why he decided not to follow through. Readers of contemporary inspirational suspense will be fascinated with Friend Me, especially those who are curious about behind-the-scenes software development (not in-depth), and the possibilities of a frightening new computer reality that can so easily manipulate users with false perceptions and advertising.

Buy the book:
Christian Book 
Barnes and Noble

Amazon

About the author:
John Fabion, author of Christian Suspense.

I am a former thirty-year foreign missionary, now working as Senior Software Engineer for a large electronics and appliance retailer.

In 1966, as a new Christian and an American soldier in Vietnam, I was deeply moved at my first exposure to idolatry. In 1974, after completing Bible college and missionary deputation, our family of four moved to South Vietnam to begin formal missionary work, where we remained until the war was lost and Americans had to leave.

In 1976, with another missionary, we started Harvest Baptist Church and Christian School on Guam.
We returned to the field in 1977 going to Taiwan, where we began our Chinese ministry. The Lord allowed us to start the Ping Lin Baptist Church in Taichung at that time.

From 1981 until 1988 I did the software development for Baptist International Missions in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We then returned to the mission field of mainland China. In 1989 my first wife went to be with the Lord, and the Lord gave me my wife Beth in 1990. 

We remained in Beijing and Hong Kong until 1999.

I'm still a Mandarin Chinese speaker. I have five children, the youngest sixteen years old.

Kickstarter Project: Adam's Animals with Kimberley Payne

Kickstarter is a way to bring a creative project to life with the direct support of friends, colleagues and family.  My book project, Adam’s Animals, is one of the endeavours found on Kickstarter.

Adam’s Animals is a children’s activity book that features over 40 animals mentioned in the Bible and little-known facts about each. It’s ideal for 6 to 9 year olds, for home or school use and classroom sharing in grades 1-3 to supplement the Life Sciences Curriculum on Animal Life. It is the second book in the Science and Faith Matters series. The first book, Trees of the Book – Learning from God’s Creation, is a colourful introduction to trees, leaves and their corresponding Bible stories.

As the book creator, I have set a funding goal of $3500, with a deadline of February 28^th, 2014. If you like my book idea, you can pledge any amount of money to make it happen.

As the book backer, you choose from a number of rewards based on the amount of financial support you pledge. For example, backers who pledge a minimum of $5, will receive a choice of one of two of my e-books: 1) Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to improved spiritual and physical health, OR 2) Women of Strength - a devotional to improve spiritual and physical health. Backers who pledge a minium of $15 will receive an autographed copy of Adam’s Animals. Backers who pledge a minimum of $175 will be listed on the “Dedication” page at the back of the book PLUS will receive an autographed copy of Adam’s Animals.

Backing Adam’s Animals is more than just giving money. Writers need encouragement and you would be supporting my dream of creating a valuable resource for children and parents.

To support the creation of Adam’s Animals please visit Kimberley's kickstarter site.

1.       Tell us about yourself

I am an award-winning author and a member of The Word Guild, Inscribe Christian Writer’s Fellowship, and John 3:16 Marketing Network.

I combine my teaching experience and love of writing to create educational materials for mothers and children about family, fitness, science and faith.

2.       Tell us about the book

My latest project is Adam’s Animals, a children’s activity book that features over 40 animals mentioned in the Bible and little-known facts about each. It is the second book in the Science and Faith Matters series. The first book, Trees of the Book – Learning from God’s Creation, is a colourful introduction to trees, leaves and their corresponding Bible stories.

3.       Who is this book written for?

Adam’s Animals is ideal for 6 to 9 year-olds, for home or school use and classroom sharing in grades 1-3 to supplement the Life Sciences Curriculum on Animal Life.

4.       What was your inspiration for this book?

Years ago, my daughter wrote a little book called, “Did you know...fascinating and fun facts about animals around the world” as a fundraiser to go to camp. I helped her with it and loved discovering new things about God’s creation.

5.       Do you have a favorite animal and why that one?

I loved learning about the leopard. This big cat can climb trees, run fast, and swim. He’s powerful and smart. My kind of creature!

6.        Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?

There was a ton of research. Not only did I have to dig through the Bible to discover the animals mentioned, but then I had to research each individually to uncover five unusual facts.

7.       What do you hope this book accomplishes?

I hope that Adam’s Animals will fuel the desire for children to read the Bible and to also learn more about the animals that God created.

8.       Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.kimberleypayne.com

Blog: http://www.scienceandfaithmatters.wordpress.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KimberleyPayne.Author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FitForFaith

Kickstarter Campaign:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adamsanimals/adams-animals-a-childrens-activity-book

Ant

 

Proverbs 6:6 “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!”

See also:  Proverbs 30:25

The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, wrote the Book of Proverbs – a book of wise sayings to help us live godly lives. In this verse, Solomon points out that it is foolish to be idle and lazy. He says that we should learn from the example of the ant who doesn’t laze around and wait to be told what to do, but is willing to work hard and do what needs to be done.

   

Did you know?

·            Ants are from the insect family

·            Ants can lift 20 times their body weight

·            Ants have two stomachs – one to hold the food for itself and one to hold food to be shared with other ants

·            There are 3 kinds of ants in a colony: the queen, the female workers, and males

·            Ants communicate by using chemicals called pheromones

·            Ants don’t have ears but they “hear” by feeling vibrations in the ground

About the Illustrator 

The illustrator, Janis Cox, is an author, watercolour artist, wife, mother and grandma -- but most of all she's a faithful follower of Jesus. She's been retired from teaching for over 15 years but finds herself back into her passion of working with children.

Janis says, "I love painting pictures of animals and it will be a joy to create the illustrations for Kimberley’s new book. Plus working with Kimberley has always been exciting. Her enthusiasm always brings joy to my heart.”

Janis’ website            http://www.janiscox.com/

*

About the Publisher 

Diane Roblin-Lee is the owner of byDesign Media, a custom publishing company which specializes in beautiful layouts and cover designs. With over 30 years in the publishing industry, Diane has written several bestsellers herself and takes pride in being able to help other writers to get their books out to the world. 

Her tag line, "From Manuscript to Market," covers the full spectrum of services, from editing and design, to publishing and international distribution. Helping her authors find pleasure and satisfaction in the publishing process is very important to Diane.

Diane’s website        http://www.bydesignmedia.ca/

Mary Ball shares about her book Stone of Destiny

Stone of Destiny

12.99 paperback

2.99 eBook

Taylor has given up on everything but her work. After becoming the youngest CEO of Mugful’s Beverage Company, she believes life is complete--until her grandmother asks her to oversee the renovations of the family home, in addition to searching for a missing heirloom. 

Her first contact with what she believes is an insignificant ring, lost for fifty years, sends her life spinning. Taylor experiences strange. Unexpected feelings surface that she doesn't understand. Thoughts that should remain unspoken are voiced. 

Taylor’s emotional journey begins, testing a heart as cold as the ring itself and forcing her to question everything she believes. 

Is this a fairytale, or simply her soul reaching out for a different world--a life she can only find through faith and a divine trust in God?

 ******************** 

Mary says:

The most favorite part of Stone of Destiny is the chapter where Taylor and her mom talk about life, It's not an earth shattering moment for Taylor, but for the first time she sees the world from her mom's prospective. Taylor then begins to understand what happiness really is about.        

 

Two things I have learned during writing and publishing are:

1. Having a critique partner is a must. 

2. Weasel words are a bad habit. :)

 

When readers finish Stone of Destiny I hope they share the lesson Taylor learned.    

                        ~~Now that sounds intriguing, Mary! ~Lisa   

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

iTunes

Alibris

About the Author:

I live in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. Every chance I get to explore these two picturesque places I travel three hours (in either direction) and bask in the splendor. I love the outdoors, there is so much creativity to look at, and I'm always amazed at the vast world God gave us.

My favorite pastimes is fishing and of course, reading, not necessarily in that order and often together. Last year, I caught a forty-five-pound Red Drum. Hey, for me that was a milestone!

Just like everyone else, I sometimes get bogged down. I have to step back and take a look at the big picture. On those occasions, I seek solace in the Lord. Jesus endured much for us, so we're sure to face the adversary at times. Religious traditions will not define my novels. I depend on God's word to lead the way.

Being there for my family and supporting my husband's ministry reminds me that life is more about what we have, than the things we don't. I also enjoy singing gospel music.

Readers can connect with me on Face Book and Twitter.

The Gingerbread House novella review

The Gingerbread House

Novella

Jacqueline Hopper

Ebook

.99

Prism Book Group

October 2013

buy on Amazon

From the publisher:

Keren Joel has a phobia and, without realizing it, she's passed it on to her son, forcing her to seek professional help. What she doesn't expect to find is the man who'd been her best friend twenty years earlier, and his shrine to a moment that forever changed the adults they became.

My review:

The Gingerbread House is a novella, a quick read, about family, the past and the present, and what we hold dear.

Hopper's characters, the divorced Keren and her little guy Sawyer, and the man from her past who couldn't let go, Jared, are in a real pickle. Keren unwittingly transferred her fears onto Sawyer who now needs professional help to avoid a lifelong existence of stranger fear. I worked in a mental health dept. and encountered such issues.

Keren seeks help from a child psychologist who uses revolutionary methods to work with children, one of which is about to be exploited by Hollywood. When Keren realizes the depth to which her former neighbor and friend, Jared, had never forgotten their past, she jumps between flattery and outrage and a terrible guilt for a past wrong. They each have far to go to using the past in a way that helps them move forward with their lives in a healthy way, while also helping Sawyer.

In a novella there isn't the space or necessity to provide lengthy treatment details. While Sawyer seemed to quickly resolve his issues, the point is that two adults in his life worked together to make that happen. Nice story, enjoyable!