Book reviews, author interviews, thoughtful commentary with Lisa Lickel and friends
Friday, April 8, 2022
My Sister Helped Me Heal book tour and giveaway
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Walking on Pins and Needles nonfiction memoir
River Grove Books, February 15, 2022, 268 pp
Health and Fitness
ebook 7.99
paperback, 16.95
Amazon
Tai Chi is not about trying harder; it’s about letting go, being in the moment, feeling balance, and the fluidity of energy.
In this moving and illuminating memoir of one woman’s years-long struggle to understand and conceal her debilitating symptoms as she ascends the corporate ladder in a major airline comes a story of perseverance, rediscovery, and hope in light of multiple sclerosis. As she jumps into the unknown, Faulk finds comfort and healing through Chinese medicine and Tai Chi. Her inspiring story demonstrates how a chronic and debilitating health condition lacks the power to control our lives and stop us from moving in the direction of possibility.
Faulk’s captivating story drew me into her world, from the prologue of a young woman’s dreams of leaping into a responsible career as a new adult, independent in the exciting and challenging era of the 1970 and 80s, all the way to the final page. Memoirs are often so personal that I feel like a voyeur, but Faulk’s engaging and frank storytelling made me part of her story, cheering, booing, encouraging, parental at various points along her journey of discovery. Perhaps because I have personal experience through friendships with this condition, Faulk’s perspective helped me take part in her life through her eyes and grow in empathy.
Arlene Faulk is a teacher, writer, storyteller and accomplished businesswoman. She led Human Resources departments in a major airline for 19 years. Her MS symptoms that she kept secret for years stopped her cold. She jumped into the unknown and discovered health practices that transformed her life. In her award-winning blog, she interweaves Tai Chi principles and her own life experiences to inspire readers to live their best lives.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Obedient Unto Death by Liisa Eyerly debut historical fiction
Obedient
Unto Death
Christian
historical fiction
March
22, 2022
355 pp
$15.99 Print
$4.99 Ebook
Buy
on Amazon
About the Book
Christians under the rule of
Emperor Domitian walk a lethal tight-rope between evangelism and martyrdom.
Sabina, a young Christian widow, knows this better than most, her Roman
magistrate father is sworn to uphold the decrees of Rome and arrest any Christian
who refuses to worship the Emperor.
Her separate worlds collide when a young
scribe is murdered at a house church, and her pastor confesses to the crime.
With his execution imminent, Sabina sets out to prove his innocence, but to do
so she must defy the laws banning her faith, and step beyond the privileged and
sheltered world she has grown-up in.
When a pagan idol is found hidden in the
dead man’s robe, she soon discovers the life of this faithful scribe is
anything but simple. Dogged by the scribe’s brother demanding justice for the
death, they begrudgingly agree to join forces. They uncover fragments of a
burnt scroll leading to the underworld of a mysterious Gnostic sect. The closer
she gets to solving the murder, the more she endangers her family, the security
of her Christian community, and her life. Can this collision between faith and
Roman law bring anything but disaster?
My
Revew
Eyerly’s
debut is a deeply moving mystery set in an exotic location during treacherous
times. In ancient Ephesus, a death at a forbidden Christian worship service
rocks the early church. One of the worshippers happens to be the daughter of
the Roman magistrate of the cosmopolitan Greek city. Sabina is not willing to
call her friend Benjamin’s death an accident or the will of God, and uses her
unusual upbringing as the lonely daughter of a single father who raised her to
challenge myth and tales through the lens of practical stoicism and facts.
Obedient
Unto Death is a fascinating mix of faith and life in ancient times, told in a
way that brings Ephesus to life. Readers walk with Sabina as she defies the
Romans, the Ephesians who want to ban the Christian sect, other secret sects,
and even her family and friends to get to the truth behind the death of a rising
leader in her church.
Told through Sabina’s eyes, this inspirational story set during the era of the early church will keep you turning pages as she uses the four days her father gives her to unmask the real murderer or watch their congregation’s pastor die for the crime. Sabina finds Benjamin’s brother dodging her steps as he, too, is on a quest to find his brother’s killer, as well as learn more about his life. Colorful characters from Sabina’s cool, classic Roman father to her nurse to church members who all seem to have some sort of secret people this un-putdownable book. Standalone, but with future stories to come, readers who enjoy mysteries in any era will find much to love about Obedient Unto Death.
About the Author
Liisa Eyerly is the author of two
Christian mystery novels set in ancient Ephesus. She is a retired elementary
teacher and school librarian but will never retire from inciting the thrill of
reading in all ages.
She has lived in some of the most
beautiful areas of the U.S. The passion for exploring new places and connecting
with people began there and inspired her writing. Her publishing career started
after getting married, teaching, raising three children, opening a small
business, closing her small business, and finally getting serious about
writing. Check out her blog at www.liisaeyerly.com
Friday, February 25, 2022
Defending David new historical fiction from Barbara Britton
Defending David: Ittai’s Story
Barbara M. Britton
Biblical fiction, 300 pp
February 25, 2022
16.99
5.99
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Apple, Kobo, and from the publisher
When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors. Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman’s niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land. Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir’s betrayal, will they be separated forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his rebellious son?
Britton’s deft research and reimagining little-known stories from scripture flesh out another deeply ingrained figure in the background of King David’s life and reign. As a child, the Philistine Ittai met David and his entourage when they lived for a time under the protection of Achish. Ittai loved his single mother, but adored the youthful David who was kind and strong. Ittai also found a new purpose in life when David’s God became Ittai’s God.
Rimona agrees to join Ittai’s company and is sheltered by Ittai’s commander’s family whom she befriends. Once in Jerusalem nothing is easy. Sure, they both are welcomed after a fashion—David recognizes and gratefully accepts his one-time protegee, and Rimona’s grouchy uncle gracelessly accepts his new responsibility. That is unfortunately the highlight of their first impression of Jerusalem as they’ve unwittingly walked into a dreadful time in their sovereign’s life. The encounter with Absalom was a portend of a coup, and Rimona and Ittai are thrust into each side of the battle for the throne, their dignity, their freedom, and their lives.
Britton’s story of great faith and loyalty, of choosing the Lord’s side even if it looks hopeless is a gem of an addition to her growing library of Biblical historical fiction. Nuanced with romance and faithful to the story found in II Samuel, readers of faith-based fiction will surely enjoy Defending David—Ittai’s Story.
Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb writes romantic adventures from Ancient Israel to Modern Day USA and especially enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. You can visit Barb online at www. barbarambritton.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Friday, February 11, 2022
Write Now Literary Tour and Givaway for Boss Women
Write Now Literary is pleased to be organizing a two-month book tour and $25.00 Amazon gift card for Boss Women: Seven African American Women Who Built Their Business From The Ground Up by Gwen Richardson. The book tour will run Jan- Feb 25, 2022.
Genre: Youth
ISBN- 978-1737449607
Boss Women features seven African American women who started their businesses by themselves or as co-founders with family members. Some of the enterprises are relatively new, while others have been established for decades.
The businesswomen profiled in this book are Janice M. Adams (JMA Solutions), Valerie Daniels-Carter (V&J Holding Companies), Bea Dixon (Honey Pot), Janice Bryant Howroyd (The ACT One Group), Garnetta Sanders (Neta Scientific), Janell Stephens (Camille Rose Naturals), and J.C. Sykes (90 Degree Construction).
Boss Women uses poetic phrasing to make it easier for children to read and understand. While reading each poetic profile, children will be able to see themselves in these women’s successes and dream big dreams for the future. The book is also a motivational tool for adults who are seeking encouragement on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
The First Wolf Pack by J Daniel Reed for epic lovers
The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable, by J. Daniel Reed
Terra 3 Communications LLC
November 15, 2021
Paper,
ebook, 220 pp.
Fiction
$5.95
ebook, $11.95 paper
Buy
on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/First-Wolf-Pack-Dogs-Fable-ebook/dp/B09LZ9KY6T
About the Book
An exciting and emotional journey into the ancient history
of man and the wolf to discover the genesis of tolerance, cooperation, and
loyalty.
Immerse yourself in the intelligence, wisdom, and majesty of the wolf as you
journey through wolf-history heretofore unknown by humanity. Discover what
every dog knows about the true beginnings of human civilization. You will find
yourself wondering if it really did happen this way.
It was the age of the lone wolf, an ancient time of isolation and hostility.
When Arn and Versa, two of the most powerful wolves to ever roam the earth,
clash in a mighty battle lasting two days and two nights they collapse on the
battlefield, virtually drained of life. Only by helping each other can they
survive certain death. Forced to trust each other, they overcome the poisoned
blood of the lone wolf and forge a super-partnership never before enjoyed by
any other carnivore.
Fully healed, they become The First Wolf Pack, a hunting machine dominating all
lands they choose. Lone wolves, pressed to survive, form alliances in an
attempt to destroy The First Wolf Pack. While their adversaries assemble, Arn
and Versa must teach their extraordinary offspring the secrets of pack life.
For The First Wolf Pack to survive, the most gifted of their young offspring,
Tria, must grow up quickly, battling countless foes and her own deep flaws.
Soon she becomes the invincible wolf others fear; destroying all enemies in her
path, but her spirit remains empty and broken. Suffering great internal
struggles to overcome her unparalleled power, brutality, and suspicious nature,
Tria must learn to forgive and trust those who misunderstood her.
She embarks on an epic sojourn across continents and time in an attempt to
change the course of wolf, dog, and human history. But the question remains—can
she fulfill the improbable destiny that awaits her?
The legend is shared by the narrator, a British dog named Bingley, who has been
granted the right to speak “human” by the great wolf spirit. Discover how The
First Wolf Pack created The Wolf Ways and, in the process, how wolves and
humans came together to create the ancestors of modern dogs.
My Review:
J Daniel Reed’s tale of The First Wolf Pack draws the reader into an imaginary world of two mighty predators who must decide to survive together or fight to the death.
When
an accidental hunting convergence brings two of the ancient great wolfs into
mortal combat, they realize they are so equally matched they must use their
great intelligence to seek a common goal: survival. Versa and Arn begin to care
for each other and together derive the Wolf Ways.
Told
in the manner of the great sagas, the narrator, a contemporary dog named Bingley,
reveals the secret of contemporary dog heritage to his audience. Bingley’s tale
is filled with lofty wisdom and bits of advice on how to be a family, not just
any family but the best at parenting, the best at sharing the role of alpha
couple in a pack, the best at finding nutritious food and cooperation—the first
Wolf Way. Versa and Arn are notably the first at many things, including digging
an inground den in which to raise their first litter.
As
the family grows into the First Pack, Versa and Arn form the first wolf
council, the Magnificent Ones, and establish the first Wolf Utterance. Soon the
offspring grow toward maturity and ponder their parents’ ways. Why do they
prosper and live in a pack and work together and not fight like the lone
wolves? When an intruder is assimilated into the alpha family, they teach him
their ways. The story occasionally lapses into buzzable page-turning moments
such as when Versa turns to Arn and asks, “Are you as amazed at this crazy,
unique life we created? There are no lone wolves who live like we or that know
what we know.”
Maturity
has its leaps and drawbacks, and as the pups reach adulthood, the alpha
offspring male and female must be driven off to begin their own pack. Jett soon
finds his mate and begins a family even while he and his sister Tria maintain a
close relationship and develop wolf speak, which humans foolishly call howling.
Eventually
other lone wolves outside the First Pack hatch a plot to attack, and the
scattered family packs reunite hoping initially to make peace and teach the
others the Wolf Ways. However, the alpha daughter, Tria, suffers from hatred,
or poisoned blood, and her turmoil and anger threaten her brother’s young
family and the First Pack with her vigilante ways. It takes her father to remind
her of her greatness and uniqueness and why she’s driven. “Only you, daughter,
share our genes, strength, and cleverness,” he tells her, “and only you can
teach the wolf ways.” The advice changes his daughter’s heart, much like taking
a Dale Carnegie class, the narrator explains.
The
battle ensues between the First Pack and their friends, and the lone wolves who
align with malicious creatures to attack the First Pack. Find out if the First
Pack can maintain its integrity and survive against these as well as strange
new odds.
The author has created a legend, an epic saga the likes of Gilgamesh, Beowulf, or other Norse legends of old, even faintly reminiscent of Eden and the first humans. We learn how humans and wolves intertwine. Those who love poring over those tales will thoroughly enjoy The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable.
About J. Daniel Reed
J. Daniel Reed (Joe) is an independent real estate investor
and author. His new novel is The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable, the legendary
journey of wolf, dog, and mankind.
After a successful career in commercial real estate, Joe has
spent the last year exploring his love of creative writing. In The First Wolf
Pack: A Dog’s Fable, Joe combines his writing talents with his deep knowledge
and respect for dogs, wolves, other animals, and nature.
Born on the Northwest side of Chicago, into a three-generation household, he was raised by a committee—grandparent, parents, and three older siblings.
Joe lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, Barbara and
their Bouvier des Flandres, Keera. When not writing, he loves outdoor
photography, taking walks with Keera, nature hikes, gardening, birdwatching,
cooking, and grilling.
Friday, January 14, 2022
Boss Women: Seven Women Who Built Their Businesses
Write Now Literary is pleased to be organizing a two-month book tour and $25.00 Amazon gift card for Boss Women: Seven African American Women Who Built Their Business From The Ground Up by Gwen Richardson. The book tour will run Jan- Feb 25, 2022.
Genre: Youth
ISBN- 978-1737449607
Boss Women features seven African American women who started their businesses by themselves or as co-founders with family members. Some of the enterprises are relatively new, while others have been established for decades.
The businesswomen profiled in this book are Janice M. Adams (JMA Solutions), Valerie Daniels-Carter (V&J Holding Companies), Bea Dixon (Honey Pot), Janice Bryant Howroyd (The ACT One Group), Garnetta Sanders (Neta Scientific), Janell Stephens (Camille Rose Naturals), and J.C. Sykes (90 Degree Construction).
Boss Women uses poetic phrasing to make it easier for children to read and understand. While reading each poetic profile, children will be able to see themselves in these women’s successes and dream big dreams for the future. The book is also a motivational tool for adults who are seeking encouragement on their entrepreneurial journeys.