Carol Brown and her newest book for children

Thank you, Lisa, for hosting me! I always enjoy talking about Sassy Pants and delighting children with another story in the series!

Buy Sassypants in paperback format from Amazon, $11.99, or order from your favorite bookstore.

• ISBN-13: 978-0996495356

Can you tell us about your new book? Sassy Pants Learns About Strange Creatures 

Sassy Pants Learns...about strange creatures is a continuation of the story of Sassy Pants learning to overcome difficulties she, in large part, created. In this story she tackles fear and worry—fear of her father’s reaction, and fear of those animals different from the ones she is used to. Her worry and fear make the situation much more scary than it really is. When she faces the situation instead of running away or hiding, she finds friends and learns to call for help when it is needed. By calling for help, and help comes, she has a new picture, a bigger, more complete picture of her father that’s not scary at all.

What is the message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

There are actually two. The first is that if we can keep from being offended by differences (like looks or smell) we may find a good friend. On the other hand, some strangers are truly dangerous. We need to learn the difference and know who to call for help.

The second is that fear and worry exaggerate our problems. The good news is that we can overcome fear and worry.

What inspired you to write this book?  My husband urged me to write a sequel to the first book in the Sassy Pants series. He argued that she was so naughty in the first book that I should give her the opportunity to redeem herself. But I didn’t have another story in me. I even asked God’s help in convincing him that there were no more stories, and that was when God downloaded the rest of the series! So...here we are!

For those who aren't familiar with your work, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I began writing in 1996 about highly sensitive people and how sensitivity affects you as in individual. My purpose was to give voice and vocabulary for people’s experience of life. It was a lot of work and I was relieved when done! I told God that I didn’t want to write any more hard books. I guess He was good with that because that is when He downloaded the stories in the Sassy Pants series!

Whether I am writing for adults or children, my focus is to leave the reader not only with a nugget of knowledge, but that they are in some way wiser, stronger in character and more able to make wise decisions. I believe humor helps us learn more easily so you will find I use it liberally!

How long have you been writing?

I began writing in 1996, as a way to save my sanity during recovery from M.S., but I have been telling stories f.o.r.e.v.e.r! (Probably more like 65 years of story telling.)

How many books have you written? I’ve written 3 for adults and about 10 for children...3 of which are published.

A brief bio “I began telling stories when I had enough brothers to make an audience!” (four brothers and one sister) My husband and I reside in Grand Rapids, MI. with my elderly mother. We have two daughters on the west coast, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. I was raised in a farming community in Iowa. I enjoy reading, nature and music, playing the piano, knitting, crocheting, painting and telling stories! As a retired educator, “I dedicate myself to knitting sweaters and spinning yarns!”

Visit Carol's website
Facebook Page
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Sassy Pants Learns About Strange Creatures is the third book in the series.
Check her Amazon page for purchase details.

Book I – SassyPants learns...

·         Choices have consequences. (She bumps into this fact in other books in the series.)

·         Different kinds of “sorry”

·         The importance of listening...or not

·         Respecting feelings, fences and boundaries

·         Bullying

·         Some learn the easy way...and some learn the hard way. It’s your choice.

Book II – SassyPants learns...about amends

·         Words and actions can both hurt

·         Why we apologize and ask forgiveness

·         What amends is and why it is important

·         How to make amends

·         About honor – what it is and how to do it

Book Review - All's Fair in Love and Arson by Sharon McGregor

All’s Fair in Love and Arson 

Sharon McGregor

Prism Book Group

c. Nov 2015

novella

inspirational holiday romance

.99 ebook

ISBN 9781943104255

Buy on Amazon http://amzn.to/1GNIZ4K

From the publisher: 

Bella is back at her childhood home. When her mother took a fall in the Nuisance Grounds (garbage dump) and broke her leg, Bella came back to help her and run her shop, Izzie's. Soon Bella discovers she's also been handed Izzie's role in the town's Christmas theatre production, a musical version of a well-known mystery that threatens to become more bizarre each day. A serial arsonist is frightening the townspeople, a family feud threatens young romance, and intrigue and rumors are the order of the day. On top of everything, Bella's high school sweetheart Jake, who dumped her for a cheerleader, is now Chief of Police. Poor Bella! Christmas in St. Christopher's is not what it used to be.

My review:

Bella comes home to her small town of St. Christopher to help her mother at the shop while Izzie heals from a broken leg. It’s been twelve years and old wounds have festered. But St. Christopher has some secrets—some good, some not-so-good. One of them is the new chief of police—Jake—Bella’s high school honey she thought cheated on her all those years ago. She can’t decide if that’s a good or not-so-good secret. Another is the amount of nostalgia for a sense of home Bella left behind and never really felt anywhere else.

Izzie has a few secrets of her own—including a romance and a task for Bella to force her into the public through a local theater production role. A definitely not-so-good secret is there’s an arsonist afoot, and no one knows his or her next target. This is not the St. Christopher Bella left behind. In some ways, it’s better.

McGregor’s small town family stories pack a lot into a sweet, easy, quick read that tends to linger with a sense of nostalgia after the last page. Told in a folksy, third person manner from Bella’s point of view, the reader is transported to December in St. Christopher, where the nativity set in the hardware store window reminds Bella and Jake what life is truly all about. A gentle, multi-generational love story with a bit of mystery and lots of fun. For those who enjoy a quick and clean read with forgiveness to go around twice.

About the Author:

Sharon McGregor is a west coast transplant from the Canadian prairies. Her imagination and story weaving got its start when she was an only child living on a farm. She's moved on from cowgirl dreams to romance and mystery, but hasn't lost her love for horses.
When not writing or reading, she's busy with the two shops she shares with her daughter- an ice cream and candy store and a bath boutique.

Book Review: Patriot's Pride by Penelope Marzec

Patriot’s Pride

Penelope Marzec

Prism Book Group

July 2015

ISBN  978-1514364994

Print $13.99

Ebook $3.99

Amazon

About the Book:

With knowledge, he believed he could find answers.

She had only faith.

Derrick, a surgeon, is haunted by his brother’s death. When his prayers went unanswered, he turned his faith to science. He believes studying with an esteemed surgeon in England will return meaning to his life.

Margaret’s fiancé died at the hands of a doctor who bled him to death. On board the Prosperity, she meets the arrogant Doctor Fortune who considers her no less than a milkmaid. She considers him a butcher. Though she must journey to England to hear the reading of the will of her grandfather, the Earl of Broadcraft, she finds herself constantly confronting Derrick on his methods of healing. Yet, there is something about his soulful eyes that attracts her.

When a British ship presses the Prosperity’s sailors into service, Margaret and Derrick must work together if they are to reach England. But can they ever learn to trust each other enough to allow love into their hearts?

My Review:

Peril and Romance on the High Sea

The second book in the Patriots saga is a thrill ride. Marzec’s story of a citizen of the new United States of America traveling to enemy territory, England, to learn of her inheritance, is an exciting story. From the start of the perilous sea voyage, to the death of an emotionally disturbed passenger, to a marauding British ship and highwaymen and murder, poor Margaret hardly stands a chance to get to her late grandfather’s manor to hear the reading of the will, much less claim anything of value. When she reaches the manor to see it virtually empty and the solicitor dead, facing the hostile local constable is a laugh. Help comes from a surprise source—the mournful, proud young surgeon who matched skill and wits, and occasionally temper, on the voyage from America. Derrick has crossed the ocean to study with a famed doctor, but once he learns Margaret is in trouble, rushes to her aid.

During the turn of events, Margaret realizes that the pride she accuses Derrick of flaunting is only an echo of her own behavior. Both must come to terms with matters of faith, lifestyle, and prejudices which threaten any chance of future happiness.

Told through the eyes of both Margaret and Derrick, Patriot’s Pride is well-told historical adventure looking at rebel colonists from the eyes of the British, a humbling experience all around. Well done historic details makes this adventure a great read. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction with aa little humor amidst matching wits, peril, and romance.

About the Author:

Penelope Marzec started reading romances at a young age even though her mother told her they would ruin her mind, which they did. She became hopelessly hooked on happy endings. She is a member of the New Jersey Romance Writers, the Liberty States Fiction Writers, and EPIC. Winning the EPPIE award twice for inspirational fiction, she has also been a finalist in the same contest. Her paranormal, Irons In The Fire, was a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award.

Book Review - the Last Princess of Meigen by Rachel James

The Last Princess of Meigen

Rachel James

Prism Book Group

c. May 2015

ISBN 978-1512263534

Buy on Amazon

Ebook $3.99

Print $12.99

About the Book:

She must choose between love and duty...

A captivating tale of love and duty as the last princess of Meigen searches for her true purpose amidst conflict and betrayal.

It is 626AD, and the ancient Kingdom of Meigen is left vulnerable to neighboring Saxons. To unite the kingdoms and bring peace, Princess Alena must enter into a royal marital alliance. But when the handsome physician, Sherwin, befalls her, matters become complicated. Torn between obligations to her young son and country, she faces a difficult decision. Will Alena obey the king’s orders, or choose to follow her heart? 

My Review:

The second in a series of medieval tales, Rachel James’s stories have continued to unfold with enough detail and richness to take the reader back fifteen hundred years. Knights, kings, betrayal, spies, a baby religion and courtly romance adds up to a fine tale that will enchant those who enjoy some shiny armor with their everyday castle living.

With the loss of her husband, commoner Alena, married into the royal family and mother of the prince, is ill-treated by her father-in-law. When danger in the form of an invasion looms, she is tasked with marrying again to forge an alliance with a nearby kingdom, as well as find and delivery any kind of valuable information…if she wants to see her son again. The couriers are none other than heroes from the first book in the series, the now-married Ryce, and his friend Sherwin, former physician held to blame for the King Niall’s loss of wife in childbirth.

Poor Sherwin finds his soulmate, a woman not only on a mission that involves marriage to another, but also one who does not share his faith.

Old friends pop up once the group reaches Niall’s kingdom of Angularem. There, Alena realizes her true purpose in life, if only she wasn’t in such a dubious unwanted position as a member of royalty. At the price of her son’s life and future, Alena and Sherwin must act in truth and dignity.

Told from multiple viewpoints, James’s story is for those who enjoy inspirational fiction with an ageless message of faith and truth.

About the Author:

Rachel A. James grew fascinated with the medieval time period as a child. Dubbed a bookworm from a young age, Rachel found herself surrounded by places steeped in history and adventure. She enjoyed trips with her family to visit nearby derelict castles and Roman ruins, and that coupled with a zealous imagination and love for stories, sparked her interest in knights, fortresses and ancient kingdoms.

Born and bred in England, Rachel now writes adventure driven historical romance, she is also a pastor's wife and has three beautiful little princesses. She minored in creative writing at university and strives to entertain, inspire and encourage others in their own spiritual journey. She's also insanely addicted to romantic tales... combine it with a little history and a hot cup of tea, and she's smitten! Find her at www.rachelajames.com for more information.

Nike Chillemi's Deadly Designs

Deadly Designs is available on Amazon in ebook format

$3.99 Buy on Amazon

About the Book:

Private investigator Veronica "Ronnie" Ingels teams up with Deputy Dawson Hughes to find a geeky radio broadcaster's missing wife and young daughter. They fear the woman and child were taken by Islamic terrorists as revenge against the husband's pro-Israel, conspiracy theory broadcasts. The investigation takes Ronnie and Hughes from a manicured Connecticut estate, to interviews with an elitist A-List society crowd, and run-ins with cranky local police detectives. Then they plunge deep into the seamy, drug-riddled underbelly of the fashion world, with the specter of international terrorism hovering.

Hughes has recently been promoted to lieutenant in the Taylor County, Texas Sheriff's Department. He's on leave on a special assignment with Authorized Operations (AO), a clandestine, quasi-government agency operating out of a sea-side mansion in Hither Hills, NY. The only thing is, many powerful politicians, and government big-wigs claim Authorized Operations doesn't exist.

Ronnie is furious at both Hughes and the broadcaster for waiting thirty-six hours to start the search. She knows the longer it takes, the less chance there is of finding the child alive. The problem is, radio talk-show host Ed Harper has been hoping-against-hope that his pot-smoking, model wife is on one of her 'esoteric experiences' and has simply taken the child while she romps for a few days. He doesn't want to seriously consider the other, more hazardous possibility… that his radio broadcasts have angered some very dangerous people.

Nike, what do you love about this book?

I loved building tension, and creating plot twists in this one…and there were quite a number of conundrums. I thoroughly enjoyed dishing out turmoil, not to mention mayhem to Ronnie and Dawson. Keeping them on their toes was such fun for me.

Introduce us to the character you had the most trouble with.

I had the most trouble with Ronnie. I had to reveal something deep and dark from her past. To do this I had to lead up to it in a natural way and then set up a circumstance whereby it would be plausible for it to come out.

What do you hope readers will tell other readers when they’ve finished the book?

I hope readers will tell other others it was an exciting detective story. I'd also like for readers to mention that although there were a few dark moments in the novel, there was also wry humor, and overall it was uplifting.

About the Author:

Like so many writers, Nike Chillemi started writing at a very young age. She still has the Crayola,

fully illustrated book she penned (colored might be more accurate) as a little girl about her then off-the-chart love of horses. Today, you might call her a crime fictionista. Her passion is crime fiction. She likes her bad guys really bad and her good guys smarter and better.

Nike is the founding board member of the Grace Awards and is its Chair, a reader's choice awards for excellence in Christian fiction. She has been a judge in the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Carol Awards in the suspense, mystery, and romantic suspense categories; and an Inspy Awards 2010 judge in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category. Her four novel Sanctuary Point series, set in the mid-1940s has finaled, won an award, and garnered critical acclaim. HARMFUL INTENT released under the auspices of her own publishing company, Crime Fictionista Press, won in the Grace Awards 2014 Mystery/Thriller/Romantic Suspense/Historic Suspense category. Her new release is DEADLY DESIGNS. She has written book reviews for The Christian Pulse online magazine. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and John 3:16 Marketing Network.  

http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/

Intriguing new Chrisitian allegory by Jwyan C Johnson

From the author:

Tip-toe with Tom as he sneaks past Lady Luck. He holds a map, ready to discover someone else, somewhere else on a higher yet deeper level called Faith. It is here where one remarkable blindfold unlocks Tom's other "senses." Find out why "patience" and "patients" sound the same only at his "old place." Will Tom leave Lady Luck for Faith? And will anyone else? Take the Test-Your-Faith Challenge and journey along inside a biblically attractive mystery with morals, symbolism, discussion questions, a hyperlinked bible index, and even a bonus family skit version!

My review:

Johnson's skit on showing faith in a contemporary allegorical format is a great idea for youth and Sunday school groups. It's quick, rich with symbols, and provides lots of backup with complementary Scripture. Presented in two formats, a text and skit, readers and group facilitators will be able to share how faith can be challenged, its true power, and its origin. A chart of Scripture, discussion guide, and break down of the symbols is included.

Buy on Amazon: Faith & the Parable of the Blindfold
Jwyan C. Johnson


Second in a series
Wordplay 2: Biblical Tales of a Lawyer's Lullabye
see on Amazon

Mystery book for young people by Dana Rongione

Another Great Mystery Novel by Christian author and speaker, Dana Rongione

  

My Fears Relieved:  A Delaware Detectives Mystery

Book Three

About the book:  

It all began with a pocket knife which led to a mysterious inscription which led to a wolf. But there are no wolves in Delaware...or are there? It's up to the Delaware Detectives to find out.

·       In book one, Abby and Jamie, along with their friends Scott and Phyllis, followed a trail of tantalizing clues to uncover a hidden fortune.

·       In book two, the curious siblings embarked on a nearly-impossible mission to find a missing man.

·       Book three thrusts the detective team into a new mystery they are determined to solve no matter where the clues may lead. But are the kids prepared to discover what's really lurking in the woods of Beaver Valley?

While this book is appropriate for readers of all ages, gender and educational status, it was designed with the homeschool student in mind. To that end, the book contains a Glossary of Terms that can be used in the subject of Spelling and Vocabulary. The author has also included a Science Center, a History Hideout and a special Art Academy—all of which provide valuable insight and activities based on information from within the story itself. Could this be the perfect addition to your homeschool curriculum?

For the entire month of October, your can pick up a Kindle copy of My Fears Relieved

for only 99 cents.  Haven't read the rest of the series?  No problem. 

They're all on sale this month only!  Click here for more information.

About the author:

Dana Rongione is a Christian author and speaker living in Greenville, SC with her husband, Jason, and her two spoiled dogs, Tippy and Mitchell.

For a living, she writes quality Christian books for audiences of all ages and speaks to women on a variety of inspirational and encouraging topics. For fun, Dana devours more books than she does chocolate (though not by much).  She also enjoys hiking, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.

To find out more about Dana and her ministry, visit her website at www.DanaRongione.com.  

Children's Book Review of Nana's Three Jars series, by Carol Round

Giving Generously, the third book in the delightful children's series of stories with a moral, is now available in time for Christmas from Author Carol Round. 

Nana’s Jars series

Children’s Fiction

Carol Round

ISBN 978-0692532423

September, 2015

$12.95 paperback only at this time

Buy on US Amazon

From the publisher:

Charlie has a dilemma. Christmas is approaching and he wants to give his teacher a special gift. He’s been saving his money to purchase a present for Miss James but until he and Emma make a trip to visit Nana, he isn’t quite sure what he will do. Join Charlie and Emma as they learn more about the third jar — spending wisely — and why it’s just as important as the giving and saving jars. “Nana’s 3 Jars: Spending Wisely” is an interactive book for adults to read and then make hot chocolate mix with children using the recipe in the back of the book. It is the third and final book in the “Nana’s 3 Jars” series.

My review:

Carol Round’s delightful third book of her series of children’s stories with a moral is a great read with sweet illustrations to subtly teach children about giving gifts with a purpose. Gifts are personal and meaningful when they come from the heart and are created with thought, based on affordability. The stories are based on a lesson Charlie and Emma’s grandmother teaches about earning and saving money, when to give, and when to spend it. Charlie visits his grandmother on the farm and sees the perfect holiday gift for his teacher. His grandmother and mother help him create the gift using donations and purchased items from his savings for him to give.

Included in the book are the directions for this gift—hot chocolate mix in a jar, directions, as well as labels to create readers’ own Saving, Giving, Spending jars. Beautifully illustrated, not too long for a good sit-down read, and easily read.

Volumes One and Two, Giving Generously, and Saving Pennies, are available as well.
See Carol Round's Amazon Page, US, for more information.

About the Author, Carol Round

I am a transplanted Okie. I was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. However, my parents, who were originally from the Sooner State, decided to return to their roots in 1969 when I was 16-years-old. Although I have only returned to my birth state three times, Oklahoma people still detect a bit of Cajun accent. I think that’s funny because they don’t think they have an accent.

No matter where I’m living—I’ve moved ten times since I graduated from high school—I love being outdoors any time of the year. Whether it is raining, snowing or the sun is shining or hiding behind a cloud, I prefer the beautiful landscape of God’s creation anytime. Being outdoors, even when I’m weeding my flowerbeds, helps me to reconnect with God.

Visit Carol's website.

Deanna Nowadnick returns with Signs in Life

·  

·        Book Description

$12.95 Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Rhododendron Books

ISBN: 978-0983589754

Sellers:

§  Amazon Print

§  Barnes & Noble 

$1.99 EBook: 3382 KB

Publisher: Rhododendron Books

ISBN: 978-0983589761

Sellers:

§  All major digital retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble

·        Tell us what you love about this book

As you’ll learn from Signs in Life, I’m not the best driver. Imagine having a book’s worth of driving antics! Your followers will be glad they’re states away!

I’ve always felt God’s direction. I’ve always believed in His guidance. Have I always listened? Have I always seen the signs? No! But looking back, I’ve learned that God not only directs, but redirects. He’s connected my own silliness and misadventures to bigger, more important lessons in life.

In the book, we travel with Moses. Never did I expect to be strapping on a pair of sandals to journey together, but what a journey we take, that we all take. Remembering the Israelites’ trek to the Promised Land, let me add that I’ve never known the brutality of slavery or been forced from my home. I’ve never had to walk through a desert, never been nomadic. I don’t camp for goodness sakes! Still God’s traveled with all of us, meeting us wherever we are and wherever we’re going.

·        Can you share something unique that you learned during the writing and publishing of this book?

After writing my first book, Fruit of My Spirit, I expected this second book to come even easier. In many ways it was harder. Wanting to get better and better as a writer, I connected with a new editor. She took one look at an early draft and groaned, “I don’t know where to begin!” We began chapter by chapter, paragraph by paragraph, sentence by sentence. It was hard. At times it was miserably hard. But together we slogged through rewrites.

·        What's coming down the road for you?

My third writing adventure is a Christmas book. I’m putting together another inspirational memoir, this time sharing stories about the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Not only did the Christ child receive unique gifts, but we have also—throughout life. 

·        About Deanna:

Signs in Life is my second book. My “day job” is with The Planner’s Edge, an investment advisory firm in Washington State. The boss and I have been together for 25 years. Today I’m his Client Service Coordinator. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of his practice and working with his clients. And since I telecommute, I have even more time to write! I live in Monroe, Washington in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I’m the mother of two delightful young men, one who has read the books and one who has decided they’re just way more information about Mom than he needs at this point in life. I’m active in my church, serving on the Leadership Team and playing the violin during worship services. I love to knit, I adore chocolate, and most important I enjoy a blessed marriage to my best friend, Kurt.

·        Want to connect with Deanna?

·        Facebook

·        Twitter: @DeannaNowadnick

·        LinkedIn: Deanna Nowadnick

·        Blog

Carla McDougal's new book, Sold Out: Live for Jesus releases

About the Book: Do you sometimes feel like you live to exist? Does one day seem to run into the next without much meaning? Do you want more out of life? 

God desires for us to live each day with meaning. From the moment we wake up, God waits for us to connect with Him. His voice calls, but do we listen? 

In "Sold Out: Live for Jesus," Carla McDougal encourages readers to find purpose in life by drawing nearer to Jesus in real and practical ways. As in "My Prayer Chair," her heartfelt messages and analogies bring laughter, tears, and understanding to God's Word. Be inspired to live in victory and sold out to Jesus through your thoughts, words, and actions. "Sold Out" not only nourishes the soul but also ignites a purpose for living. 

Lucid Books, Publisher
September, 2015
Paperback $15.99
Kindle $7.99
Barnes and Noble

About the Author: Author. Speaker. Film producer. Carla McDougal founded Reflective Life Ministries in Author. Speaker. Film producer. Carla McDougal founded Reflective Life Ministries in 2008. Her true passion is her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It humbles her to realize His love, grace, and mercy go beyond her understanding. She truly believes laughter is medicine from the Lord that breaks down walls and removes the masks in our lives. As a result, God has taken her around the world to encourage others to live every day for Him. Her latest book, SOLD OUT Live for Jesus, released September 2015. And her book My Prayer Chair won multiple awards in 2013 and is now available in Spanish and as an audiobook through Audible. Carla and her husband, Fred, live in the Houston, TX area and have three sons, one daughter, and two daughters-in-"love." She smiles to think of the experiences God has allowed in her life to teach and remind her "He is in control."2008. Her true passion is her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It humbles her to realize His love, grace, and mercy go beyond her understanding.

Book Review of historical American hisorical fiction Cassia by Susan F Craft

Buy Cassia by Susan F. Craft on Amazon Kindle $1.99
Amazon Print
Barnes and Noble

September 2015

Lighthouse publishing of the Carolinas

Historical fiction

From the publisher

The Xanthakos family’s voyage from South Carolina turns ugly when the ship’s captain maroons Lilyan and her family on an island along North Carolina's Outer Banks. There, the family is captured by pirates and taken to a secret island hideout where they witness a mock trial and a hanging.

Forced to rebuff the advances of the murderous pirate, Captain Galeo (The Shark), and fearful that her children will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, Lilyan forges an escape plan. Meanwhile, her husband, Nicholas, calls upon his skills as a captain in Brigadier General Francis Marion’s militia to devise a battle plan to save his family.

Will the couple’s faith be enough to see them through? Or will their declaration to rescue the infant slave girl, Cassia, from the pirates prove too high a price?

My review

This third story of the early American historical family saga starting with The Chamomile wraps of the story of the Greek Xanthakos family. Plenty of references to their past adventures didn’t interfere with the telling of this adventure. If you like pirates, ships at sea, family love and sacrifice, you’ll love this gentle, faith-based tale of strong women who are willing to do what they must to save not only their own family but the lives of strangers.

Lilyan’s life is an adventure as one experience builds upon another. Her daughter has reached marriageable age, and Lilyan and Nicholas wonder if they’ve done well enough as parents. She’s attracted to men of valor in their own way, and both have declared their intentions. Both are capable men who would be a good match, both could save her, but only one can hold her heart. On the ship, the family witnesses a dreadful event when a slave ship dumps its dead and dying. She demands they care for one of the dying at the risk of the entire ship and ends up put ashore on a pirate island. Deciding reluctantly to separate, Lilyan waits while Nicholas goes for help, but neither realize the danger that waits when the pirates see who’s been set ashore on the other side of their island.

The title of this story refers to a promise as much as a character who plays a subtle, circular role rather than an overt one. Lilyan is a good judge of character and proves it when her life and that of her children are at stake.

An epilogue wraps up the family saga. Told from Lilyan’s point of view throughout, This novel is recommended for those who are fans of early American history and love the references to everyday objects, the lifestyle, and costuming. Those who read Cassia before the others will find their interest piqued and want to pick up the other stories. 

Cassia follows The Chamomile, currently available only in Print
and the second book in the series, Laurel, available on Kindle, sale, .99, and Amazon Print

Muse It Young Special All Month - Kiddy Lit!

Book Review Manila Marriage Ap by Jan Elder

Passport to Romance Series

April 2015

Pelican Ventures, White Rose Publishing

Romantic novella

115 pp

Ebook - $3.99

Buy on Amazon

About the Book

It all began as a lark. Shay Callahan’s life was just fine, thank you, but when the seemingly misogynistic missionary, Timothy Flynn, places an advertisement in a Christian magazine for a wife, Shay decides to give it a whirl. Why not? After all, she’s not currently seeing anyone, and this man truly needs to be taught a lesson. 

When Dr. Flynn picks Shay's application, she hops on a plane and flies to the Philippines. The strategy is to jet in, enjoy an exciting two-week vacation, and jet out again, all at his expense. Instead, her plan backfires. The handsome missionary man is not what he seems, and the foreign land has far more to offer than Shay could imagine. 

Embark on a tropical adventure with Shay that challenges everything she believes. 

My Review

For a sweet romantic novella, a lot of good reading and adventure is packed in. Shay’s character is never in doubt, even if she is, about her personality. From the moment she cheerfully but regretfully changes her ruined heels for too-big flip flops after being baby barfed on en route to meet her prospective fiancé with dried peas in her hair, the reader knows we’re in for a great tale. Timothy is nothing like Shay expects, and the author has fun unpeeling his tough outer hide.

The Philippines grow on Shay the more time she spends there; an accident, an unexpected visit, and a life-threatening illness draw this couple together. If anything, there is too much packed into this short little read and some clues could be drawn out. Told from Shay’s point of view in first person throughout, readers are treated to a whole lot of fun introspection, subjective cues, and tangled emotions. Nicely done. Those who like a quick and clean romantic read with a too good to be true hero will love Manila Marriage Ap. Check out the Passport to Romance series.

About the Author

Jan Elder is a Christian romance writer with a zeal for telling stories other women can relate to. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader's faith, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story. Pelican Book Group/White Rose is publishing her first novella, Manila Marriage App, one of many in their successful Passport to Romance series. 

Besides writing romance, she enjoys the occasional hazelnut cappuccino while watching Turner Classic Movies. Always an avid reader, she devours books voraciously, both Christian and secular. She was born a cat-lover and all future books will, no doubt, feature a feline in some way or another. 

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

Avalon by Vanessa Morgan

Non-fiction, memoir

105 pp

June, 2015

e-book: $3.89

p-book: $9.99

From the publisher:

Some cats need nine lives to make a difference. Avalon only needed one.

From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat.

With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. Avalon was so incorrigible that even her landlord ordered her to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon's demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline, and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion.

By turns jubilant and deeply moving, Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever been obsessively in love with a pet.

My review:

Vanessa Morgan is a Belgian and author and screen writer.

Anyone who quotes Dean Koontz as an epigraph gives you a certain expectation.

You’d think Europeans would have a different take on animal obsession, but apparently not. Even after visiting Greece and Turkey last summer where cats roam at will and become beloved but not possessed by locals, it’s apparent that kitty love exists on a different plane of reality.

Morgan writes the memoir of a twelve-year relationship with a found feline in her neighborhood in Belgium where she lives and works. Her cat love for the rare species of Turkish Van helps her see her life and career through different eyes. On one hand Morgan uses Avalon, the cat, to excuse difficult relationships with people, and on the other, she uses him to realize and bring out the qualities of love and self-fulfillment she has buried within her.

Told in first person, real time. Recommended for those who like true pet stories, from bringing the critter home, through antics, feeding, and all the difficult choices one makes regarding lifestyle and life end.

  

About the Author:

Vanessa Morgan is an author, screenwriter, and blogger. Two of her works, The Strangers Outside and A Good Man, have been turned into films. Her short film script Next to Her is currently in pre-production. When she's not working on her latest book, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, digging through flea markets, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats. http://travelling-cats.blogspot.com/ She lives in Belgium.