Thrilling contemporary fiction from Jim Baton

A Way Out of Hell

Book two of the Peace Trilogy

Buy on Amazon US 

Barnes and Noble

Ebook $5.99

Print $15.99

About the Book

When ISIS turns your city into a living hell… ISIS unleashes a reign of terror across Indonesia. As a former jihadist, Abdullah knows all too well the high cost and absolute ineffectiveness of fighting such violence with violence. He accepts the impossible challenge of finding the ISIS cell hidden in his city, and disbanding it non-violently. But time is running out, and there may not be any city left to save. Meanwhile, he has to protect his adopted daughter Sari, a Christian university student, who is one of ISIS’s targets. Together they come face-to-face with the holy warriors of mass destruction and strive to overcome that evil with good. In this riveting sequel to Someone Has to Die, Jim Baton introduces us to the real people caught in the web of terrorism, with their wide variety of backgrounds and motivations, and the possibility that they, too, can change.

My review

Baton has racked up an impressive amount of endorsements for his very fine work, Someone Has to Die and A Way Out of Hell, including a former congressman. Although I trip but am willing to reason over his website declaration that Christians and Muslims worship the same Father, I can read his fiction and appreciate his craft for sharing a story that is frightening realistic and full of possibilities.

A Way Out of Hell is a sequel to the 2012 story, Someone Has to Die. Both are set in Indonesia, a heavily Muslim country, but one actively fending off radicalized Muslims who promote one world extreme sharia dominance through acts of murder and terrorism. Obviously portraying the fascinating setting and culture in a natural manner draws in a reader unfamiliar with this part of the world. A sympathetic peacemaker who sees and acknowledges his human flaws, the societal failures and resulting loss of his family through divorce and murder, Abdullah makes his purpose one of not giving in to hate and cruelty; to look beneath the reasons and meet needs in a positive way that is able to turn and pass it on. The back cover description shares the story. My review is simply that the writing is stellar, the story riveting and excruciating and occasionally embarrassingly true when Baton showcases who is willing to risk peace at all costs and who doubts it can be done. This is the ultimate lesson in meeting extreme prejudice head-on and refusing to blink. Baton makes me believe.

Told through multiple characters, A Way Out of Hell is a lengthy but page-turning, cringe-worthy tale of extraordinary people in an alien setting, whether native or guest, forging peace and brotherhood without thought of price.

About the Author

Jim Baton (pen name) has spent the last 20 years living in the Muslim world, where he’s been involved in a variety of peace and reconciliation activities including interfaith dialogue, training elementary through university students in peace principles, and bringing Christians and Muslims together to pray.  His real name and photo won’t appear on this site to protect his identity from radical groups where he lives out his faith.  When in America, Jim is available to speak to groups that have a heart for loving those of the other religion and can protect his identity.

Goodreads Giveaway

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Innocents Pray

by Lisa J Lickel

Giveaway ends October 31, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

New Inspirational Fiction from Jan Elder

About the Book

Didi O’Brien is engaged—at least she was an hour ago. Now she’s not so sure. Her fiancé, the suave Kevin Cabot, has just revealed that he’s been unfaithful, and he’s not the least bit sorry. Reeling from the betrayal, with her plans for a happily-ever-after life in doubt, she prays for direction. The answer comes as a complete surprise. God has someone better in mind.

Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery, is struggling with some issues of his own. Sadly, a year previously his fiancée had been killed in a car crash. Battling anger and despair, in a mountain-top experience, Jake wrestles with the Almighty, and is ready to live again. In his youth, he’d felt an unmistakable call to the ministry but, like the prophet Jonah, since then, he’s been running hard in the wrong direction.

Through a crisis of faith, and glimpses of mercy, Didi and Jake find each other. But can they find the strength to resolve the many obstacles that conspire to keep them apart?

Prism Book Group, September 2016

$3.99 eBook

$14.99 Print

ISBN:  978-1537410845

Buy on Amazon

A Brief Interview with Jan

Jan, welcome. Tell us what do you love about this book.

Seven (long) years ago, I started to write my first book, Love, Lies, and Fireflies. I loved the process of dreaming up exceptional characters with unique personalities and it kick-started my creative juices. Creating characters with hardships and major flaws, just like real people, was something I really wanted to achieve in an entertaining way. And what was most important? Making sure that God showed up as a central character—without being preachy. That will always be a passion for me.  

One of the most wonderful aspects of writing this book, though, was that I could slip parts of REAL people in there. The hero, Jake Montgomery, is a lot like my dear husband and the heroine, Didi O’Brien, has a lot of me in her. In the novel, Didi’s father passes away many years before the book starts and my own amazing father died in 1992. I made Didi’s dad a lot like my own. She has wonderful memories of sweet times spent with her father, and so do I. In fact, the title of the book has a lot to do with her daddy. I feel pleased that by including him in my book, I can honor my father in this special way.

Cool! That is an awesome tribute. I doubt I'll ever publish my first book, but every once in a while I pull it out and glance through it. Introduce us to the easiest character to work with.

That would have to be Jacob Scott Montgomery, a.k.a. Jake the easygoing introvert with the word “hero” stamped on the back of his tee-shirt. Seriously, though, he’s a good guy who’s had some real tragedy in his life, but he’s determined to make it through.

I’ll give you a taste of this sweetheart’s personality with a short excerpt from the book:

Didi opened the door with a sunny smile. “Hi, Jake. I see you found me.”

On this unseasonably warm evening she was wearing cream-colored slacks and a petal-sleeved, burgundy, flowered top. Jake had remembered her as being cute, but this evening, his date was downright beautiful.

Full of admiration, his eyes widened. “Nice outfit. You look great.” He handed her the bouquet with a flourish. “I hope you like flowers.”

Didi’s face lit up with pleasure. “How thoughtful, Jake. I love flowers, and these are beautiful. Please come in for a minute, and I’ll put these in water.”

They moved into the living room as the cat from the window scampered into the room.

“Remember Maisie? I hope you’re not allergic to cats.”

“Definitely not allergic. I have a cat of my own.” He squatted down and extended his hand to the calico. “My, you’re pretty.” Maisie sidled up to him, rubbed her face against his leg, and fell in a happy heap at his feet. Doubtless, it was because his hands still smelled like the catnip he’d just given his own cat, Lucy, but there was no need to share that information with Didi.

“Little flirt.” Didi slanted her head. “I’m shocked. Maisie’s usually wary of men, so this is a monumental occasion. Look at her. She’s practically batting her eyelashes at you.”

Jake hoped to have Didi batting lashes at him soon, but for now, winning over her cat was a good start.

Sounds like a guy you’d like to take home to mother, doesn’t he?

Definitely! Share two things you learned during either the writing or publication process of this book.

Everything takes longer than expected but you make some wonderful friends along the way.

And speaking of friends, in the Christian world, publishing is not only about what sells, but also about how to get the word out there that God loves us unconditionally and He wants to have a real, exciting, personal relationship with His children. If we are all focusing on this truth as a team, nobody loses. I am blessed to work with so many remarkable authors who feel the same way.

What do you hope readers will tell others when they've finished the book?

I will share a review I received on Amazon that made my heart soar. As an author, hearing words like this are so very uplifting because you feel the reader actually “got” what you were trying so hard to convey. A humbling moment that truly brought tears to my eyes and a “Thank you, Jesus”:

This story certainly didn’t disappoint! The characters were engaging and well developed. In fact, they practically came to life and jumped right off the page. On the surface, this was a romantic tale with a suspenseful twist, but on a deeper level, this story explored the love of God and many other Christian issues. As the story unfolded, it discussed the complexity of dating relationships and the consequences of certain choices. I appreciated how the author gave the characteristics of abusive relationships and explained how a person could get out of one. I also appreciated the emphasis the author put on God. I thought this was a truly wonderful book. It had romance, suspense, and a beautiful, redemptive message. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

What are you reading now?

I’m SO glad you asked that question. I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. this morning reading an advance copy of YOUR new novel, UnderStory. That’s another cool thing about being an author—getting to read some stellar books before anyone else!

Blushing...Thanks, Jan. What's next for you?

I’ve just finished writing a Christmas novella for a boxed set with four other inspirational authors. The set is called Frosting and Flurries and there is a cake and a celebration featured in each book somewhere. My book is titled Moostletoe, set in a fictional town in Maine called Moose Creek. Here’s the short blurb:

Rev. Samantha Evans lands in Moose Creek, Maine, where parishioners chew up new ministers for breakfast. Happily, she also reunites with forest ranger Eric Palmer, her best friend from her teenage years. With Samantha’s career on the line, Eric must save her job and rescue his own shattered heart in the process. But where does Matilda the moose factor in?  

At the moment, I am writing book 2 in the series, tentatively titled Moosed Opportunities. Lots of fun!

That does sound like fun. Can't wait to see it in print. I've got Love, Lies, and Fireflies on my list. Watch for a review!

About Jan

Jan Elder is an inspirational romance writer with a passion for telling stories other women can relate to on a deep level. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, introducing the reader to a loving and forgiving Lord who walks beside us in our daily lives, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.  

Happily married for thirteen years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a chubby black and white tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a willowy tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

Connect with Jan:

http://janelderauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/janice.elder.author

https://twitter.com/JanElderAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13261561.Jan_Elder

https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Elder/e/B00VXW5F2C/

Judy DuCharme and the Society of the LAMB

Society of the L.A.M.B.: Love. Authority. Mercy. Boldness.



$3.99 eBook
$11.99 Print
Near future Inspiration thriller
Prism Book Group

Buy on Barnes and Noble
Buy on Amazon

About the Book

In a raucous colony of those who celebrate dark desires, Josiah and other LAMBers who believe King Glory lives are hunted and imprisoned…or worse. But hope and truth endure in the midst of total danger. After fleeing the colony, Josiah finds light and hope at his grandfather's house, where a secret gathering of LAMBers have escaped the watchers. After learning of the power of the shout within himself, Josiah is chosen to carry the truth to others. But how can he return to the colony without being captured and put to death? The shout cannot be denied. Josiah knows his mission.

My Review

I honestly didn’t know what to think the first time I read this book. On the second reading, I wondered if I knew this place, this too-near, impossible, frightening future when Christianity is forced underground and grunge rules. Not if, but when.

DuCharme paints a grim picture of a time when active persecution against authority or show of faith is taking place in America. The persecution doesn’t even stem from a cohesive structure or face, but is a pervasive mentality which is somehow more frightening. It’s easy to fight something that has a name. Faith never dies, but emerges more determined than ever to show itself through Love that conquers, Authority over evil, Mercy toward the undeserving, and Boldness of witness.

A small but growing group of faithful Christ-followers are determined to retake their lives and battle near anarchy. Under the wing of the newly-awakened Josiah who returned to the fold of his grandfather, those who hear and practice the Shout gleefully strip the Over Garments of chaos and restore colonists, when possible, to Jajireh. With the help of an amazing angel band who has just as much joy overcoming every obstacle the evil one sets up, the Lambers rescue the kidnapped and retrain the near-lost.

Told mostly from Josiah’s perspective, the Society of the L.A.M.B. is sure to spark great conversation.

A brief interview with Judy

Judy, tell us what you love about this book.

What I love about this book is that it deals with today even though the idea formed several years ago. At the time it was, in my mind, a scenario far in the future, and it seems closer every day. I also love that it gives practical truths on how to be strong in the Lord on the inside, which is my heart. It's not enough to know that...we need to walk it out, and I love that it can be done in a novel, not just non-fiction.

I honestly felt that way too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this story. Can you tell us some things you learned on this publication journey?

Because, this was the first novel I wrote, I learned so much about writing, about letting go of wordings and giving words and scenarios more clarity. I also learned that it's a longer process than I first imagined, but that it's worth it. I still am learning how to market as it's a whole different skill set.

I didn’t guess this was your first book, thought I knew it had been published previously. We never stop learning and growing. What are you working on next?
What's next is the publication of my novella, Run With the Wind, and short story Christmas Ivy, both in November. I'm currently working on the Hall of Fame Edition of the Cheesehead Devotional. It will be out for the 2017 football season. I'm praying for the publication of my second novel, Blood Moon Redemption. And, I'd like to finish another novel that I began a while ago. Plus I'm working on a short piece for Guideposts right now. And then there's hiking, and family, and church, and life :-).

Exciting! And Run With the Wind is a cutie story. Thanks, Judy, and best wishes.

About the Author

Judy DuCharme is a retired fifth-grade teacher (22 years at Gibraltar School in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, with an emphasis in science), former Christian radio announcer, Bible study teacher, speaker, author, and a great fan of the Green Bay Packers. She obtained her B.A. from Michigan State University in Communication Arts and her teaching degree through the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Judy s passion in all she does is to see people strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Her first published book, The Cheesehead Devotional earned her the Best New Writer Award (2013) at the prestigious Write-to-Publish Conference. Judy lives in Wisconsin with her family.

The South, Football and Life

Congratulations to Janet W. Ferguson and the novel Tackling the Fields for taking home this month's Clash crown! We're pleased to feature this guest post, which gives us a little insight into Janet's book and football...yes, football!

In the South, most of us love football. It’s something we talk about, cheer for, and spend time watching with friends, whether in person or as a group viewing it on TV. The adrenaline seems to flow as the leaves begin to turn from deep greens to those fall yellows and oranges, a chill touches the air, and those pads and helmets are put on.

My husband played high school football. He was a center. I’ve always watched the sport at whatever school I attended, and of course, in Mississippi, a lot of us follow the SEC games. I never thought a whole lot about why we enjoy watching so much or about the injuries the players battle with—until my son played the sport.

His junior year, he tore his ACL and his shoulder labrum participating in this sport he loved. And he was not able to make a comeback. I saw the game through different eyes as he struggled with the loss. He missed the comradery, the goal, the discipline, the friendship. Everything about being a part of a team.

While he was going through three of four surgeries that he ended up having, I began writing Tackling the Fields. It combines this love for a game with the loss of a dream for one character and the loss of innocence for another. It was a challenging, almost painful, book to write. But in the end, God heals our wounds and helps each of us recover from our broken places.

He’s there to free each of us from the heartaches that try to take us captive.

About the book:

Cole Sanders is a changed man. The university quarterback questions his direction in life after serving on a mission trip in Honduras. Things that used to fill Cole’s ego seem empty after witnessing the developing country’s extreme poverty and the death of a precious child. The one glimmer of hope through his confusion is the fresh perspective he now has about his tutor, Audrey. She possesses something beautiful inside and out—something that might help him become the person he wants to be.

University senior Audrey Vaughn tutored Cole Sanders for an entire year and never imagined the popular quarterback would see her as anything more than a friend. After partnering with him on the mission trip, they are drawn together. And he appears to have changed for the better. To let Cole into her life, Audrey will have to overcome not only her brother’s distrust, but also the paralyzing fear still lingering from a past she’s tried to leave behind.

Cole can’t walk away from Audrey now that they’re back in Oxford. He’ll have to figure out how to keep her giant of a brother, a lineman on his football team, from killing him when the coach has his back turned. But can Audrey trust her heart to a player so similar to the one who stole so much from her in the past?

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Prism Book Group Love Is series A Haven in the Woods

Love Is Number 11: Love always protects

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a New International Version (NIV)  

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is no tproud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8. Love never fails

A Haven in the Woods

Nancy Bolton

Novella, romance

$2.99 eBook

Buy on Amazon - http://amzn.to/2dcG2Td

Print collection coming soon

About the Book

Ellen is running away. Heartbroken and carrying the ever growing shame of her foolishness in trusting a man, she rents a remote cabin in the woods. All she needs to do is survive until the baby is born. Once that happens she’ll be free to start a new job and a new life. The last thing she expected was to be pulling out her gun on a strange man walking out of the woods.

Robert loves the solitude of the mountains. Tracking the wildlife with only his dog for company. It’s not the profitable career his family would desire for him. He wished they’d understand. But the woman in the cabin, while an annoyance, also concerns him. She’s not prepared for the brutal winter in the mountains. And pregnant? He resolves to help her.

Robert falls for the taciturn woman and even more for the child she carries. When her home is destroyed he brings her to his…offering protection and shelter from the harsh winter. He can’t understand why she won’t talk about the baby, or make plans for it.

Can two lonely souls trapped together, testing the limits of solitude and friendship, find true love?

My Review

All of the books in this series connected only by a Bible verse are based on one aspect of First Corinthians 13:4-8. Bolton’s romantic novella uses love “always protects,” and takes place deep in the Appalachians. Ellen and Robert have both decided to take a break from the harshness of society and chosen to battle nature instead. Brutal, beautiful, predictable in the change of season, each needs a chance to be alone in order to assess their individual wounds, and then to heal. Winding up as unexpected neighbors, Robert has the advantage of a cabin with a working stove to protect him from winter’s blast, while Ellen must learn that there are heroes in the world, and that trust is not overrated. That lesson comes hard to both of them.

Robert is one of those too-good-to-be-true superheroes I adore. Yes, he has grown from a wounded heart, yes he’s stubborn, but that’s what gets him back on the road to life. Who doesn’t love a man who’s willing to give everything for an infant? Ellen comes from a bubble that is difficult to break from, and yet, when she does manage to free herself, she realizes that freedom can have overwhelming consequences. As a faith-filled couple, they are better at facing life head-on, meeting their obligations and serving the Lord with joy together.

Bolton’s lush setting paints a perfect backdrop for these people who learn that protecting each other, no matter who they came together, as well as living under the protection of God’s wings, makes life worth living. Told in multiple viewpoints from the perspectives of the main characters, this sweet novella clips right along at a quick pace. Full and satisfying, readers will root for both Robert and Ellen, even in the darkest moments.

Enjoy an Excerpt

She kept the gun aimed at him. “Stay off my property or I’ll shoot you.”

“Technically, I’m standing on my land.” His calm voice didn’t fit with having a gun trained on him. He pointed at a small orange flag affixed to a rod in the ground near him. “The survey marker shows where your land starts and mine ends. Also, you can’t just shoot someone in New York State for stepping onto your property.”

He seemed like a reasonable person, but didn’t people always say psychopaths were good at appearing normal? She continued to point the gun at him. “I can shoot anyone I think means to harm me.”

“Well, that wouldn’t be me.” He shrugged and gave a brisk flip of his hand. “See ya.”

About the Author

Nancy Shew Bolton is a wife of 42 years, mother of five grown sons, and grandmother to a boy and girl. Ever since she learned to write, she would jot down her thoughts and impressions in little snippets of inspiration in the form of poetry, song lyrics, or short essays. About six years ago, she decided to try her hand at writing a full-length book. She’s since written five works of fiction, two non-fiction, and is working on an idea for a children’s book, as well as more fiction manuscripts. Writing a full-length work is much more challenging than she thought, and she has received so much valuable assistance from other writers, especially from the ACFW critique groups. Her husband has been supportive of her long hours spent at the keyboard. Many thanks to her beloved Johnny! She thanks God and His Son for her life, her loved ones and the spark of creativity inside every person. She believes each person is a unique creation, with their own special voice and place in this amazing universe. God’s handiwork amazes her every day!

Feta and Freeways by Susan Baganz

Prism Book Group

2016

ISBN 978-1537366043

eBook $3.99

Print $13.99

Buy on Amazon, BN, Smashwords

From the Back Cover

He’d never noticed her…till now.

Nikolos Acton is the lead singer of a Christian Band, Specific Gravity, struggling to make it in the industry after an unplanned break, touring the country with their manager, Tia.

Tia Bartel loved Niko for the longest time, but it wasn’t until she stepped in to save his life that he finally realizes what has been there all along. Is it too late for him? Could a relationship between them work after years of ignoring her? How would he ever convince her he’s worthy of her trust?

As they journey on the freeway of life and love, they encounter struggles as they are forced to rely on their faith, and friends, to make it through.

My Review

I’m a big fan of outside-the-box contemporary fiction, and the Orchard Hill series steps right in to fill a rut of genre-specific romance, suspense, or mystery. Yes, these are love stories, but tales with a purpose that don’t need to be formulaic.

This fourth story from Baganz follows her general true-to-life premise that everyone has issues, everyone is broken and everyone needs the Lord as Master of his or her life. Then we need each other, and it’s the dealing with each other part that always gets tricky, even for Christians. These very faith-oriented stories are all stand-alone, but draw on characters from the other books. In this book, the person who makes everything work for a rising contemporary Christian band, Tia, prefers the shadows of anonymity to worship her hero, the lead singer Niko, from afar. When Niko receives his wake-up call after Tia’s attack by a crazed not-fan, the spotlight shines on her—both the ugly and the good sides of what she’s made of. Coming into the light is a huge risk, yet one she’s willing to take with Niko’s enlightened promises and support.

Feta and Freeways is this story of what it takes to be committed to a higher purpose, a network of people who rely on each other through faith, family, and talent offered to the glory of God. It’s not perfect, it can be messy and twisted, but through it all there’s some giggles, a number of surprises and twists, revelations and a set up for the next adventure. A truly enjoyable read with a peek into life on the road, roots and wings, and the joy of camaraderie. For those who like faith-based stories of contemporary life in sometimes not so nice places and realistic decision-making.