Night of the Cossack

A Review of this great novel will be featured at Reflections in Hindsight Sunday Book Review on December  11.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John 3:16 MARKETING NETWORK BOOK LAUNCH Thursday, December 8, 2011, Free eGifts Today Only When you purchase Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh ISBN-10: 0982902921 ISBN-13: 978-0982902929 Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield, faces many life or death situations during his saga. Join Nathan on his suspenseful journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss this entertaining and intriguing story, Night of the Cossack.

What Others Are Saying! 5.0 out of 5 stars night of the cossack, November 28, 2011 By jeaniet - See all my reviews This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) Loved this book I want another one from this author it has a little of everything, romance, mystery, wondering what is going to happen next. Enjoyed it very much! 5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Story!, November 22, 2011 By Lisa Tortorello "Author" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) Follow Nathan Hertzfield as he journeys physically, emotionally, and spiritually along the road of life. While historical fiction is not my first choice when reading a book, I found myself captivated by Nathan's struggles and the decisions he was forced to make. From the moment he was kidnapped, Nathan's life changed forever. You will find yourself cheering for him until the very last page. In Night of the Cossack Tom Blubaugh does a fine job weaving history and fiction into a gripping story. I was so intrigued I even looked on a map to follow Nathan on his journey! 5.0 out of 5 stars a must read!!, November 17, 2011 By mustlovetoread - See all my reviews This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh is a must read. This is a story about a Jewish boy whose father dies, then he is kidnapped by the Cossacks, and subsequently drafted into the Russian Army. You get drawn into the story from the start. Do you regret not knowing an ancestor who is gone now, and there is no one left to answer questions? Do you wish you knew their story? This is a historical fictional account of what might have happened to Blubaugh's grandfather. He knew his grandfather had been a Russian Cossack soldier and had immigrated to America in 1910. Blubaugh puts those pieces together--with the historical facts of the Cossacks--and weaves a believable fictional account of his grandfather's life. Night of the Cossack starts with Nathan waking up to the Cossacks attacking his village. He is kidnapped by Nikolai, a Cossack soldier. He takes him in as his son and teaches him the way of the Cossack. I enjoyed learning about the Cossack way of life. The story follows the adventures, betrayals, and challenges of Nathan and how he adapts to his surroundings to survive and make it to America. You will be amazed at Nathan's story--from changing his name a few times to escape capture to traveling the secret route set up to convey Jews to Bucharest. Nathan eventually gets a job on a ship and sails for America. If you love adventure, historical fiction, and suspense, I highly recommend this book, Night of the Cossack. 5.0 out of 5 stars Grabs your attention, November 10, 2011 By New Tribes Mission - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) I had a hard time putting down this book by Tom Blubaugh. This is a book about a young Jewish boy (Nathan) whose village was raided by Russian Cossacks. After being kiddnapped by this Cossak group, Nathan goes through much adventure, trial, sacrifice, and even love for his "Father-figure", a Cossak that taught and cared for him. This story caused me to do research on the Cossaks, as this is a part of history that I didn't know much about. This book was very enjoyable to read and I would recommend it to anyone pre-teen to adult. It would also be a good book to read together as a family. 5.0 out of 5 stars A good fall evening read., November 4, 2011 By prleg8s - See all my reviews This review is from: Night of the Cossack (Paperback) Night of the Cossack. What a joy to see someone put into words the family history that so many of us have, but really never completely understand. Using imagination, history and personal information an interesting and vivid description of what life was like for Tom's grandfather, he entertains and educates us on what that life must have been like as a Cossack. Night of the Cossack is an easy read, with clear concise descriptions and an interesting story line. I was captivated by the feelings of a young man suddenly forced into a different life than he ever imagined. His strength and determination to hold true to his roots made this story believeable and loveable. The ending of this book was particularly appealing and surprising. A wonderful story of the seed of a new life in America with the prospects of a new faith. Many of our ancestors began a new life in a new country in varied ways. This is a unique perspective of one of those stories. Tom Blubaugh is a freelance writer living in Southwest Missouri with Barbara, his wife. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Tom has written non-fiction most of his adult life, but has recently written a historical fiction titled Night of the Cossack, published by Bound by Faith Publishers. This is Tom's first novel. He co-wrote a devotional journal in 2009 for Barbour Publishing titled The Great Adventure. His other writings include articles for a denominational magazine and an insurance publication. He also self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry in 1974. Tom started writing poetry at the age of fourteen. His vision of turning them into lyrics for rock and roll songs for popular artists didn't develop. He considers writing to be a God-given talent and feels led to develop it. His first novel was published at his age of 69. Tom says it's never too late. He is now writing a sequel. Tom spent twelve years as an insurance agent and eleven years as a financial planner. He is the past president of Jericho Commission, Inc., and still serves on the board of directors.     BOOK TRAILER for The Night of the Cossack DON'T FORGET Thursday, December 8, is the official launch day for The Night of the Cossack by By Tom Blubaugh. If you buy The Night of the Cossack on the launch day, you will be eligible to receive free e-gfits. Visit Tom Blubaugh's author page on Facebook to learn more. Author Tom Blubaugh's Author Page on Facebook

Forgiveness Formula Book Launch and Book Marketing Strategies

Forgiveness Formula Book Launch and Book Marketing Strategies

Today I’m hosting an interview with Shelley Hitz, the co-author of the book, “Forgiveness Formula:  Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ.”  In fact, the book launch for “Forgiveness Formula” is today, December 6^th!   When you get your copy of the book today, you’ll also get 19 bonuses worth over $100 and be entered to win the grand prize drawing of one Kindle Fire, Nook or iPod Touch.  You can get all the details here: www.theforgivenessformula.com/gifts/

(NOTE: if you don't have a Kindle or Nook, you get the free application for your smart phone or pc by clicking on the link.)

Shelley, how did you come up with your title, “Forgiveness Formula:  Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ?”

To be honest, we recognize that there is truly no “formula” for forgiveness.  It is something supernatural that God does within us.  But as far as the title goes, “Forgiveness Formula,” – the word formula refers to the teachings that Christ have given us in His Word, the Bible.  His teachings or His “mathematics” that truly do “add up” to a full life (John 10:10). 

Often time, we scratch our heads - like the image on our front cover of a boy scratching his head and looking at the chalkboard of all these mathematical equations.  I think sometimes we look at our lives and we’re scratching our heads because our circumstances don’t make “add up” in our eyes.  They just don’t make sense in our human “calculations.”

Yet, when we truly do apply the teaching of Jesus regarding forgiveness, it opens the way for God to bring healing into our lives.  I actually learned about this during a counseling session when I was going through some deep healing.  The counselor shared with me the illustration of the forgiveness cross that I will never forget. It contains three parts:  forgiving others, asking God’s forgiveness and then forgiving ourselves.  That’s the three-step process that we explain in more detail in our book and one of the main illustrations I use in my section on forgiveness. 

Share a few of the marketing strategiesyou used to promote “Forgiveness Formula.”

For the first time since I published my first book in the fall of 2008, I wrote out a book marketing plan.  To be honest, I wish I would have started this habit a lot sooner.  As they say, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”  And that’s also true with book marketing.

Since my husband and I co-authored this book, we sat down together and decided on a 4-month book marketing plan.  We didn’t have a huge marketing budget, so we chose options that were either free or low cost. 

Here is a list of what we put into place starting in September 2011.

• Book website
• Book blog with the theme of forgiveness
• Facebook business page
• Twitter account
• YouTube video marketing
• Press Releases

And I’m not going to lie….book marketing is a lot of work!  Not only did we start setting up our author platform through blogging and social media, but we also began planning a free online conference, book launch and virtual booktour.  Looking back I wonder, “What was I thinking?”  We don’t have a large staff, or any staff at all and so we’ve spent many hours investing into these book marketing strategies.

Is it worth it?  You bet! 

We are passionate about spreading the message of Christ’s forgiveness through our book and so if even one life is changed, it’s been worth it.  People have told us that they both laugh and cry as they read our book.  Ultimately, we pray that many lives are impacted by Christ through our book – through the testimonies we share and through the power of God’s Word.

Shelley Hitz is the co-author of Forgiveness Formula: Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ, along with her husband, CJ.  In this book they talks more about this topic of forgiveness as well as when bad things happen.  Visit their book website to check out their full virtual book tour schedule and special gifts with purchase at: www.TheForgivenessFormula.com 

And I, Lisa, have to say that having read this book and been completely blessed by it, it's a perfect gift for anyone who's married now, but especially for those contemplating marriage. Who we are is made up a lot of where we come from, and working out those things together before your lifelong commitment to each other is an incredible gift to your loved one.

Creek Country Saga

A bloody massacre and a merciless reprisal.

Survival comes at a cost.

About the first book in the series, Wounded Spirits:

When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, Adela McGirth’s life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory she’s challenged to keep her mother alive, her sister sane, and her new-found love from growing. A loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose goal is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate–and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.

Read my review below. And the Good News following!

CURRENTLY ON SALE E-BOOK FOR $1.99; PRINT $6.58

About April:

April W Gardner resides in Georgia with her USAF husband and two sweet kiddos. She is the author of the historical romance series, the Creek Country Saga, as well as the children’s adventure series, the Channel Islands Resistance. She is the founder and senior editor of the fun literary website, Clash of the Titles. In her free time, April enjoys reading, organizing, and DIY. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, and speaking Italian.

Review Of Wounded Spirits:
April Gardner's debut novel Wounded Spirits is a heroic story about a little-documented era. In the early 1800s America was suffering. European and expanding white settlers and the native tribal people were at an impasse. Only the superior numbers and weapons of the whites, along with their dread diseases, forced the tribal peoples to give up their land and way of life. April tells the story of a Creek clan versus white settlers in what is now Georgia and Alabama.

Before you pick up this wonderfully-told debut novel, be warned that it is book one of a projected series and you will be left aching for more when you get to the last page.

Adela McGirth and her family farm near a small settlement that is at uneasy peace with a Creek tribe. In fact, Adela's father's first wife was a member of the tribe and he taught his second family to respect everyone. It's a respect that comes with a terrible price when an uprising of Creek warriors, the Red Sticks, battle the American settlers for their right to maintain their way of life and tribal territory. Adela's sister is killed and so, perhaps is her intended, a young soldier. Adela, a surviving sister, and their mother who is expecting a baby, are taken as slaves by one of the Creek, a man who had spent part of his childhood with the McGirths. Adela's father had been away while the skirmish took place and seeks revenge on his former friends when he presumes his family are all killed.

In the several months that Adela and her family live with the clan, strange things happen to sway her sympathies in directions she cannot understand, especially when a young Creek protector, Nokose, makes it clear he wants her as his wife. Adela's faith becomes a matter of survival and a means of coping with her sister's increasing hostility and grief and her mother's difficult and every-obvious mortal pregnancy.

Nothing is easy in Aprils' story. Life and loyalty mingle with death and revenge in blurry lines. I find myself replaying events and motivations, reliving the story long after I finished reading. A Reader's Discussion Guide is included. 

SO... The Great News is that WARRING SPIRITS IS soon to be yours too! Watch for the upcoming special release.

Intriguing new Bible Study! The Book of Ruth - A Story of Love and Redemption

John 3:16 MARKETING NETWORK BOOK LAUNCH Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Amazon EBook  The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption by Deborah H. Bateman Check out this LIMITED TIME Offer When you purchase The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption free bonus gifts will be available the day of the launch ONLY Link to see free egifts http://www.deborahhbateman.com    A Daily-Bible-Reading Study of The Book of Ruth By Deborah H. Bateman Published by Christian Daily Resources The Book of Ruth - A Story of Love and Redemption, is a Daily Bible Reading Devotional and love story from the Bible. Naomi and Ruth deal with unbelievable loss and one-of-a-kind romance. Through their many trials, they learn to lean on God and His sovereign will for their lives. Even though Ruth is a Moabite, she decides to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to her homeland of Judah, the Promised Land. The two ladies travel back to Judah with nothing and are not sure how they will survive, but they trust God to make a way for them. As you read The Book of Ruth, you will see the story unfold and see God's provision for these two ladies.Reading The Book of Ruth will help you recognize God's sovereignty and provision in your own life.

What Others Are Saying The story of Ruth as highlighted in this book opens a new revelation of God's hand at work. His grace is active in the life of those who choose to obey in humility and commitment. The prayer at the end of each lesson brings a challenge for all and ushers relevance to us today. -- Janet Perez Eckles, author, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God's Fiesta Deborah sheds light on the truths in this inspiring book in the Bible. I love that she showed the connection between Ruth and Boaz and Christ and the church. Even though I've studied Ruth before, Deborah pointed out several details that I hadn't known. It's amazing how God speaks through His children. Deborah has a loving, humble heart for the Lord. You can see her heart throughout the book. I am so happy for her first release. I look forward to more books from Deborah in the future. -- Amanda Beth, author, You Can Have a Happy Family I appreciated the attention to detail, the explanation of the Hebrew customs, and making the story relevant to my life so I could relate to Naomi and Ruth. Each chapter ends with a rendering of the passage in the King James Translation with a short, heart-felt prayer and study questions for further reflection. I also appreciated that the book is Biblically sound and concise and written in a style that is easy to understand. The Book of Ruth - a Story of Love and Redemption, would serve as a helpful study guide for women of all ages. -- Lorilyn Roberts, author, Children of Dreams, The Donkey and the King, How to Launch a Christian Best-Seller Book, and founder of the John 3:16 Marketing Network Author Deborah Bateman does a great job of explaining the role of the kinsman-redeemer in reclaiming the family of one who has died. She also explains the relationships that are key in the story: 1) Ruth who loves her mother-in-law so much that she leaves her own family and homeland to care for Naomi in Bethlehem; 2) Boaz who marries Ruth as the kinsman-redeemer; 3) God who honors the lineage of Boaz & Ruth by becoming the ancestors of King David and eventually the Lord Jesus Christ. The Book of Ruth by Bateman is a tender and valuable study for a week of looking into your own family relationships as well as your relationship with God. -- Diane Tatum, author, Gold Earrings The author of this handy, easy-to-read volume, Deborah Bateman, has captured the essence of this love in her first publication, The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption. Bateman begins each chapter with a simple expository, followed by the Scripture verses to which it refers. Writing it thus makes it easy for the reader to remain in the book and not have to move from book to Bible. This format also makes it easy to follow the Biblical record and use it as a daily Bible reading. The prayer and thought for the day, which concludes the chapter, enabled me to reinforce what I had just read. -- Yvonne Pat Wright, author, From Spice to Eternity The Book of Ruth-A Story of Redemption by Deborah Bateman is a daily Bible reading study of the book of Ruth. It is broken up into eight chapters beginning with the loss of Naomi's husband and sons. Deborah relates the story of Ruth in modern language and the reader is invited to travel with Naomi and Ruth on their journey to Bethlehem. --Theresa Franklin, author, Triumph Through Trial, Don't Forget Daddy, Journey to Fulfillment, From Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones, and A Sunny Tomorrow This Bible study of the Book of Ruth is more of a reading guide, breaking the book into bite-size pieces for adults "on the fly" who have time to read a bit but not do an in-depth study. It is simply written, easy to read and follow. --Carol Brown, author, The Mystery of Spiritual Sensitivity      About the Author The Author, Deborah H. Bateman, loves studying the Bible and is dedicated to Sharing God's Word. She is the Founder of Christian Daily Resources, a Christian Online Ministry. Deborah has a Daily Bible Reading Blog where she does a Daily Bible Study. This is where The Book of Ruth was started. Deborah has learned to trust God through the many trials of her life. She can relate to Naomi and Ruth's dependence on God to see them through their life's experiences. What Are the Benefits of Reading The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption You will be studying The Book of Ruth from the Bible. You will enjoy a beautiful love story. You will be reminded of God's provision in our lives. You will see God's ultimate plan of salvation come into being. You will see how God leads, guides and directs in our lives. You will be encouraged in your walk with God. You will see God's grace at work. Your faith will increase from reading this book. You will see God's hand of provision throughout this story. You will get a clearer picture of God's sovereignty. You will see how God brings different people into our lives. You will learn about what a kinsman-redeemer is. You will see God's blessings in Ruth's life. You will be encouraged by reading The Book of Ruth. You will learn how God provided for the salvation of humankind through the genealogy of Ruth.   Again, for a sneak peek at all the free e-gifts you will receive if you purchase The Book of Ruth-A Story of Love and Redemption from Amazon.com on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, go to http://deborahhbateman.com/

Gold Earrings by Diane E. Tatum Daughter of a bordello madame and an Italian captain of the seas, Angelina Mercy longs for a new life, free from the condemnation associated with her mother's home in Boston. A former navy man, Jonathan Thomson, has accepted God's call and become a minister of a small congregation. Adrift from his Yankee heritage in the Missouri plains, Jonathan longs for a family of his own. Pursuing Alice, the daughter of the town's wealthy patron, Jonathan believes he can tame her wild ways. Can Jonathan ignore Angelina's Gold Earrings, a constant reminder of the implications of her less than pristine parentage? The resilient heroine will inspire you in this touching tale of love against the odds.

Diane was born in Louisville, KY, raised, married, and had 2 sons in north St. Louis County, MO. Her young family relocated to Newport News, VA, so her aerospace engineer husband could work at NASA-Langley. In 1997, Diane received her Masters and teaching certificate just a month before moving to Tullahoma, TN, when her husband began a new job at AEDC facilities. Diane has been a consultant for AP/College Board leading conferences for teachers with Pre-AP (middle school) students to prepare their students to take AP classes in high school. She has also been a consultant concerning youth Sunday School for the Southern Baptist Convention, the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the Baptist General Assembly of Virginia, and the Peninsula Baptist Association. Check out Gold Earrings Fan Page Website  Blog Twitter: @DianeTatum What Others Are Saying Diane your book is so good I truly believe that Hallmark should use it for one of there movies Thanks so much for sharing your story with us and I cannot wait for you next book to come out. --Juanita Petty Holmes, fan I really enjoyed this book. The characters are all real and struggle in their walk with God and his will for their lives. Plus, I really liked that the main character in this book overcame her family background. This book teaches tolerance and every person is responsible for their own walk with God. --Kristy Gaddis, fan Theme The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Meet SE GREGG on the John 316 Marketing Network summer tour

Book: The Christian Olympics: Going for the Gold Crowns, the unveiling of the Bible's comparison of the Christian race to the Olympic Games, is the spin-off from the newspaper article titled "The Christian Olympics are still going on!" written by the author. Today more than ever Christians are discouraged in their walk with God because of the multitudes of personal problems, suffering, and worldly events that have occurred. Some have given up, lost hope in their faith, and/or don't feel that living holy lives matters anymore. The Christian Olympics will stir up Christians, igniting their spiritual fires to look forward to what is ahead. When Christians see themselves as players in an Olympic game, it gives them a new understanding and exhilaration for the Christian life, as spiritual athletes. Readers will actually visualize themselves in a spiritual athletic competition which has never been done before in a Christian book.
http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Olympics-Going-Gold-Crowns/dp/1597815306

Bio: A marathon runner in the Christian Olympics for several decades, S. E. Gregg is a Bible school graduate and the founder of Sound Doctrine Christian Ministries. An award winning author, gifted Bible teacher and Bible curriculum writer, Gregg has authored the best-selling books,"Evangelism Counseling- How to Counsel People About Salvation," "The Christian Olympics-Going for the Gold Crowns," and the salvation tract,"God Became A Man." The salvation tract has been translated into the Burmese language and over 100,000 have been printed.

Gregg lives in the Philadelphia, PA area.
www.Christianolympics.org

Blog: The Christian Olympic blog is a list of articles about worldly events that are happening along with sports and how they relate to the Christian marathon.
http://christianolympics.blogspot.com

Rose McCauley, the Christmas Belles of Georgia, on the John 316 Summer tour

Bio: Rose Allen McCauleyis happy to live in the beautiful bluegrass region of Kentucky on a farm surrounded by God’s creation. She has been writing for over ten years and has been published in several non-fiction anthologies and devotionals. She is thrilled for this to be her first published fiction because Christmas books are her favorites. She has a growing collection of Christmas books, and this one will takes its rightful place among them.

A retired schoolteacher who has been happily married to her college sweetheart for over 43 years, she is also mother to three grown children and their spouses and Mimi to three lovely, lively grandkids! You can reach her through her website www.rosemccauley.com or blogsite at www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com

Rose says:  

I wrote this book because I liked the intriquing idea, and I love it because it is a Christmas book and also one that includes a tradition we did with our family when our kids were younger.

The book is published by Barbour Publishing, so can be bought through them or anywhere that carries their books--WalMart, most Christian bookstores and www.cbd.com or www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com It's release date is September 1, 2011. You can also pre-order by clicking on the links on the home page of my website.

CEnjoy the Back cover copy – Christmas Belles of Georgia

Surprised by Life—and Love—at Christmas

Four letters are mailed from Monticello, a small antebellum town in Georgia. Sisters once, now heirs to a historic plantation, each young woman must come to terms with the circumstances of her birth. . . .

When she learns in a letter she’s adopted, Holly feels betrayed by her parents—and she books a flight out of Missouri immediately. Will she ever be able to love again?

Raised in a wealthy, loveless home, Carol rushes to Monticello from college in Atlanta when she receives her letter. She’s searching for family, but finds instead a boy she once mistreated. Will he remember her? . . .forgive her?

In one year, Starr has lost her parents, boyfriend, and job, so she’s sure her letter is more bad news. When the attorney flies to California to offer proof, Starr takes a second look—at the message and the man.

Noelle always knew she was adopted—and she’s always loved the foreman on her father’s Texas ranch too. But he’s so distant. . .perhaps a trip to Georgia is the break in life she needs.

Will the sisters receive a traditional Christmas gift. . .of love?

Rose invites everyone to visit her blog, and she hopes they will become a follower. Since her first book releases on Sept. 1, 2011, she will do a drawing that day and choose one follower to receive a hot-off-the-press copy of Christmas Belles of Georgia. Please leave an email address so she can contact you for your mailing info.