About the Book:
Follow Cliff Ball
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
CrossReads Book Blast, Timothy Phillips by Cliff Ball
Sunday, February 9, 2014
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?
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
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.
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.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
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?
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
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:
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
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?”
My review
Buy the book:
Christian Book
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
About the author:
John Fabion, author of Christian Suspense.
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.
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
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.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
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 28th, 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?
Kickstarter
Campaign:
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.”
*
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.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Mary Ball shares about her book Stone of Destiny
Stone of Destiny
.jpg)
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?
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:
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.
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