New Biblical fiction from Barbara Britton

Heavenly Lights: Noah’s Journey

Barbara M Britton

Pelican Book Group

Released February 2020

Biblical fiction

$5.99 eBook

$15.99 Print

210 pp

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Publisher site 

About the Book

Fiction from Joshua 5-8; the daughters of Zelophehad go forth with God into the book of Joshua.

Noah bat Zelophehad might have broken tradition by being able to inherit her father’s land, but her heart’s desire is to have the finest herds in all of Israel, something an orphaned and unmarried woman has never achieved.

Jeremiah ben Abishua cannot speak, nor hear. God has made his thoughts captive to his mind. But he can communicate with one shepherdess, a woman who sees his skill with animals and treats him like a man worthy of respect.

When their people disobey God and incur his wrath, Noah and Jeremiah must overcome tragedy in order to change perceptions in the tribes of Israel. Will their kinship desire to care for one another and the four-legged creatures God has placed in their care, be able to flourish in a land filled with enemies of the One True God?

God gave Noah bat Zelophehad four sisters, a way with four-legged creatures, and a strong spirit. She will need all three gifts to thrive in the Promised Land of God and find love with a special shepherd.

Coming in April 2020: Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey

My Review

The second installment of Britton’s well-researched and imaginative biblical fiction series is a delight. The author focuses on the little-told story of the daughters of Zelophehad who were bold enough to claim their rightful inheritance in the Promised Land after Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt.

Noah is specially gifted in animal husbandry and the story opens upon her assisting in a difficult birth and devising an innovative therapeutic approach to encouraging the offspring to thrive—a talent that will come in handy in the future. Although her clan of five women has been recognized in the world of men, it’s still an unusual and prejudicial struggling community of Israelites navigating and battling to follow God in an alien land and culture. The women must continually stay alert to protect their reputations and future. If the feisty Noah has any weak spot it’s for her fellow shepherd, the deaf-mute Jeremiah, strong and faithful and utterly devoted to her and their work. Neither dares entertain more than a passing fancy that they could join their lives; in fact, Noah is so dedicated to her work she would rather not marry anyone if it means she might not be able to care for her beloved herds.

Jeremiah knows he has to prove himself a man in the eyes of his clan before he can dream of marrying. Even if it means risking his life in battle…as well as with his crafty brothers.

Heavenly Lights is the story of Noah and Jeremiah’s devotion to the God who created the earth and all the stars of the sky; the God who listens and cares for His people and provides not only our needs but the desires of our hearts. Told through both Noah and Jeremiah’s viewpoints, readers of biblical fiction will appreciate Britton’s detail and faithful retelling of the story of these deserving women.

About the Author

Barbara M. Britton was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, but currently lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes romantic adventures for teens and adults. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Wisconsin Romance Writers of America, 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.

Mary Felkins debut fiction Call to Love

Call to Love

Mary A Felkins

Pelican Ventures LLC

Inspirational Romance

November 2019

3840 pp

$5.99 Ebook

$28.99 Print hardcover

$ Audible

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About the Book

Tracy Cassidy a self-reliant ER nurse has to choose between pursuing her dream job in another city or staying to help support her mother's faltering ministry...even if it means falling in love with the kind of man she said she'd never marry.

Tom Delaney a hyper-vigilant cop and single father to an adolescent son and is happy to keep his wounded heart protected behind his Kevlar. But he can no longer deny his growing love for Tracy. Problem is she's not looking to be the community's next cop widow. Like her mom.

In order to free his heart to answer God's call to love again he'll need to dump the years of bitterness he's carried toward his ex and offer her forgiveness. And should the call come to pursue Tracy's heart, will he answer?

My Review

Mary Felkins’ debut fiction is a romance filled with twists and turns. The story opens on a surprise and just keeps going through a maze of traps and walls blocking the path to the peaceful and joyous respite at the center.

When a career medical woman is willing to leave her childhood home, her family, friends, and boyfriend since high school for a risky new position, you have to guess she’s running from something. Tracy is not only fed up with being passed by for a promotion at the hospital, she has a secret that she refuses to let interrupt her plans to stay independent. She’s never needed anyone or anything, to the point that she’s not interested in sharing her life or her house or her heart.

Career cop Texan Tom Delaney moved his teenaged son out of San Antonio for a new job in North Carolina. He’s out to prove himself the best of the best, even if it means butting heads with a fellow officer who already claimed the spot. But Tom has to wrestle with more than his self-determination when he crosses paths with a woman who refuses his help in his official capacity as a policeman. When her brother sets them up in the role of handyman and homeowner who needs repair work, sparks begin to fly. Even Tom’s son Stephen feels it and does all he can to help his dad find a new wife.

Both Tom and Tracy have issues of faith and ego to deal with during their lengthy, tantalizing warm and cool relationship. Tom has to decide how much he wants to help Tracy leave, and Tracy must come to terms with her pride when life throws her another curve.

Call to Love is a faith-filled tale on the old-fashioned side where adults are still referred to by Mr and Miss, and morality is taken seriously in spite of the mistakes we make. Second chances and forgiveness are at the heart of this love story.

Told through Tracy and Tom’s interweaving viewpoints, readers of chaste inspirational romance will enjoy following this contemporary love story between two hard-headed lovebirds. It’s a romance filled with a lot of internal quick choppy insider comments that may take a bit of time to adjust to reading. A favorite quote comes near the end: “Living alone on Tracy’s island…had lost its appeal. Courage to risk her heart in love breached her lead apron.”

About the Author

Mary A. Felkins is a contributor to writer’s blogs and on-line magazines. She also publishes a weekly story-style devo on her website. Call to Love is her debut inspirational romance. Raised in Houston, Texas – and forever a Lone Star girl – she and her husband Bruce moved to the foothills of North Carolina in 1997. They have four (adolescent to young adult-sized) arrows in her quiver. She can be lured from her writing cave if presented with a large, unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick, though she’d likely pass out.

Childrens Book Review of Fly Fly Away

Fly, Fly Again

By Katie Jaffe and Jennifer Lawson

32 pp

Children’s book

See an interview with the author here

Greenleaf Press, January 2020

Ebook $7.99

Print $15.95

Part of the proceeds go to UNICEF and Buzz Aldrin Ventures

Buy on

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Google Books

About the Book

Fly, Fly Again is a clever and charming story about Jenny, a child who dreams of flying. After years of tinkering in makeshift laboratories and studying the mechanics of flight with her pet Hawk, Jenny builds a plane—only to crash into the yard of her skateboarding neighbor, Jude, and his pet cheetah. Working with Jude, Jenny successfully learns how to control and fly her plane. This unique story includes lessons about problem solving, teamwork, and determination as well as family-friendly information about the basics of aeronautical engineering like lift, drift, and more!

My Review

This children’s picture book has a charming rhyme scheme to introduce concepts of flight in a fanciful manner. Jenny acts on her interest in flight by observing nature, learning facts, and teaming up with her friend to design and create a flying machine. The authors have used simple, memorable language and cooperative characters to promote the lessons described above. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and attractive and show the story along with the words.

Jenny watches a hawk to see how natural flight works in birds, and then experiments with craft materials and toys to devise a flying machine. As she continues to figure out what makes flight work, she “falls” into her neighbor boy Jude’s yard. Jude shares her interest and together they work on a controlled flight and even bigger dreams of space.

Charmingly illustrated with exotic animal friends, Fly, Fly Again is a good story to introduce basic flight vocabulary and teach young children the importance of dreaming big, teamwork, and persistence.

About the authors

Katie Jaffe: As Creative Director and Design Consultant of Aviation for Spectre Air Capital, Katie has aided in the design of several high profile aircraft.  Currently, she is leading the marketing and design effort of an overseas airline. She also has a passion for children's causes, and has committed herself to helping several charities for children around the world.  She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and three children.  

Jennifer Lawson: Lifelong educator and advocate of the Childrens Literacy Program, Jennifer seeks to bring knowledge to students through creative curriculum and technology on a global level.  As Owner and President of Decision Tree she is currently endeavoring to teach using technologically advanced solutions that excite today's students. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her family.

Good Old Summertime in the Gilded Age by Tam May

Photo Credit: Terrasse à Sainte-Adresse, Claude Monet, 1866-1867, oil on canvas, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY: Crisco 1492/Wikimedia Common/PD old 80

Much of my historical family saga, the Waxwood Series, takes place during the summer months. Our modern mentality regarding summer is not only about hot weather, swimming pools, and summer camp, but it’s also about fun, leisure, and rest. 

But this wasn’t always the case. In the 19^th century, only the privileged (like my Alderdice family) could afford both the time and the money to go away on vacation. In fact, up until the middle of the 19^th century, taking time off during the summer was only for the affluent, teachers and kids. Working people did not take time off in the summer and certainly not for fun and leisure. There were several reasons for this. First, a tension existed between work and play in America then, as it does to some extent now (though we’re much more appreciative of the fact that taking time off from work when the kids are out of school is necessary to recharge our batteries). Second, doctors and ministers and other authorities were suspicious of vacation time, believing it led people into vice and unhealthy behaviors. And, also, most people just couldn’t afford to take time off and go somewhere for the summer.

What changed? Our awareness that being the constant workhorse was, in fact, unhealthy, more so than the sort of vices vacation destinations could offer, for one. Another thing was a rising middle class in the Gilded Age that could finally afford to take the time off from work during the summer to have a good time. And, too, as with much of American life in the Gilded Age, there was the question of commerce. The travel and hospitality industries (like hotels and restaurants) figured out they could make a lot of money by encouraging Americans to take time off and play.

In my Waxwood series, the affluent Alderdice family and other characters end up in the resort town of Waxwood during the summer months. Resort life was growing in the Gilded Age among the wealthy and upper middle class, as evidenced in Charles Dudley Warner’s book, Their Pilgrimage. These wealthy people used to take summer vacation very seriously, spending months lounging in resorts, meeting new people, and participating in all sorts of summer activities and events. Such is the case with the Alderdices, the Paynes (a niece and aunt who appear in Book 3 of the series), and Harland Stevens ( a father figure to Jake in Book 2, False Fathers, and who makes another appearance in Book 4). 

To find out more about my series, you can go to this page. Book 1, The Specter, is available here. 

Sometimes no father is better than a false father.

In 1898 California, Jake Alderdice comes of age as a shy and contemplative youth who is passionate about art. On vacation in Waxwood, now a fashionable resort town, he meets Harland Stevens, who takes an interest in the young man's artistic ambitions. Stevens seizes upon the fatherless young man to counsel him toward a path to manhood inspired by Teddy Roosevelt and Thoreau. He introduces Jake to The Order of Actaeon, a secret society built upon Roosevelt’s ideals of masculine virility and virtue.

But the path to maturity is a complex thing in the Gilded Age. Will his journey free him from the Alderdice family illusions, half-truths, and lies that have kept him a child? Or will it lead him into the world of Actaeon, where the hunter becomes the hunted?

Available at the following online retailers:

Amazon Universal Link

B&N

Apple iBooks (iTunes)

Kobo

Tam May grew up in the United States and earned her B.A. and M.A in English. She worked as an English college instructor and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher before she became a full-time writer. She started writing when she was 14, and writing became her voice. She writes fiction characters who examine their past in order to move into their future and are influenced by the time in which they live.


Her first book, a collection of contemporary short stories titled Gnarled Bones And Other Stories, was nominated for a 2017 Summer Indie Book Award. She is currently working on a Gilded Age family saga. The first book, The Specter, came out in June of 2019, and the second book, False Fathers, is also now available. Book 3 (The Claustrophobic Heart) and Book 4 (Dandelion Children) will be out in 2020. She is also working on a historical mystery series featuring a turn-of-the-century New Woman sleuth. Both series take place in Northern California.

She lives in Texas but calls San Francisco and the Bay Area “home”. When she’s not writing, she’s reading classic literature and historical fiction, watching classic films, or cooking up awesome vegetarian dishes.


For more information on Tam May and her work, feel free to check out her website at www.tammayauthor.com.

Brooke Williams and Mamarazzi

Mamarazzi

Brooke Williams

Audio book

Print: 171 pp

Romance

Pelican Book Group, 2015

Ebook $3.99

Audio $19.99

Print $12.99

Buy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Audible, Publisher

About the Book

Danica Bennett isn't sure what she hates more...her job or the fact that she's good at it. As one of the many Hollywood paparazzi, she lives her life incognito and sneaks around trying to get the best shot of the latest star. When she is mistaken for an extra on a new, up and coming TV show, her own star rises and she becomes the one in the photographs. Add that to the fact that she's falling for her co-star, Eliot Lane, and Danica is in a whole heap of trouble.

My Review

Secrets layered on secrets layered on rumors and the glitter of Hollywood greed frame this story of a young woman trying to make her way in the world. As a photographer after her mother's fame, Danica Bennett bides her time and talent while building an undercover reputation as a paparazzi, one of the insidious interlopers who would do anything to get a candid photo to sell to the public. When she wandered onto the backstage of a new television show, she's mistaken for an extra, and one thing leads to another, including a mutual attraction and growing relationship with the megastar of the show. Danica's agent is the only one who knows the truth of her identity as the popular paparazzi nicknamed Mamarazzi and demands a photograph that would rock even Hollywood. When Danica learns a dearly-held secret, misunderstandings begin to weave a cruel web.

Danica's naiveté and innocence is the only thing that keeps her from falling into the depravity she abhors. As Danica's star rises and even her cousin crawls out of the woodwork to ask for favors, Danica comes under pressure from her agent who will spill her secret if Danica doesn't come through. As Danica learns what it’s like to be the one who's stalked by paparazzi, she realizes the enormity of the damage paparazzi can do. Coming clean has a high price. She wonders what could be left if she tells the truth.

About the Author

Brooke Williams is a former radio announcer/producer and script writer turned freelance writer and author. When Brooke's first daughter was born in 2009 she left her full time radio career to stay home. Eventually, she realized she could fulfill her lifelong desire to write while her daughter napped and she then entered into the freelance writing world. As her business grew, she took on clients from all over the world and began to dabble in fiction writing once again. Brooke has several books on the market including romance, thrillers, and romantic comedies. Get details on all of Brooke's releases on her website: AuthorBrookeWilliams.com

Fly Fly Again new childrens book

Fly, Fly Again

by Katie Jaffe, Jennifer Lawson

Childrens book

Ebook $7.99

Print; $15.95

Greenleaf Book Press

32 pp

Buy on

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Google Books

About the Book

Fly, Fly Again is a clever and charming story about Jenny, a child who dreams of flying. After years of tinkering in makeshift laboratories and studying the mechanics of flight with her pet Hawk, Jenny builds a plane—only to crash into the yard of her skateboarding neighbor, Jude, and his pet cheetah. Working with Jude, Jenny successfully learns how to control and fly her plane. This unique story includes lessons about problem solving, teamwork, and determination as well as family-friendly information about the basics of aeronautical engineering like lift, drift, and more!

A brief interview with the author

Where did you grow up /live now?

I grew up in El Paso, Texas and moved to Austin to attend UT.  I currently live in Austin with my husband and three children.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Since I was very young, I have always loved to write.  I have also had a passion for children’s causes from a very young age, and writing this book was a great way to give back to children’s education with our proceeds benefiting UNICEF and Buzz Aldrin Ventures.

What inspired your story?

Our story was inspired by my husband Jordan who has had a love of flight since he was a child.  Our family is in the aviation industry and our 3 children have also developed a love for flying.  We are constantly teaching them the basics of flight in our day to day life, and this book was the perfect way to do so for all kids that may be interested in flying.

About the Authors

Katie Jaffe:
As Creative Director and Design Consultant of Aviation for Spectre Air Capital, Katie has aided in

the design of several high profile aircraft.  Currently, she is leading the marketing and design effort of an overseas airline. She also has a passion for children's causes, and has committed herself to helping several charities for children around the world.  She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and three children.

Jennifer Lawson:
Lifelong educator and advocate of the Childrens' Literacy Program, Jennifer seeks to bring knowledge to students through creative curriculum and technology on a global level.  As Owner and President of Decision Tree 

Uncharted Promises by Keely Brooke Keith

Uncharted Promises, book 8 in the Uncharted series

Keely Brooke Keith

January 1, 2020

191 pages

Edenbrooke Press

Ebook $4.99

Print $13.95

Buy on Amazon 

Barnes and Noble - coming

About the Book

Sybil Roberts uses the warmth of delicious meals to lift the spirits of road-weary travelers at The Inn at Falls Creek. Her life at the inn would be perfect if she could just get her brothers and mother to move back home.

And if she could see Isaac Owens again.

He visited the inn once when he interviewed for the farm manager job, and she’s dreamed of his return to Falls Creek ever since.

Isaac Owens knows how to run a farm. His family might not have faith in him, but if he succeeds at Falls Creek, he’ll prove them wrong. He arrives at the inn thinking the job is his, but the inn’s senile owner offered the position to another man too. Isaac must spend the winter competing if he wants to win the job… and Sybil’s heart.

It will take more than warm meals on cold nights for Sybil and Isaac to find love while working at the isolated inn.

My Review

The more readers immerse themselves in Keith’s near future world, the more at home we feel. Returning to Falls Creek, not quite a community but more than a crossroads, is a comfortable place to be, even if the residents and guests sometimes cross over the lines between friend and foe. A parent sadly slipping further into dementia causes an uproar when he makes an apparent mistake in offering the same farm managerial position to two different people. This confusing order results in overriding his oldest daughter’s authority in running the family inn, and his youngest daughter Sybil’s future happiness, not to mention the young man in question, Isaac’s, sense of self-worth and desire to test his ability to make and stick to a plan for the future.

Guests both purposefully visionary and with criminal intent come and go to the inn at Falls Creek. One decision by the elders of the Land to declare the resident families a village and accept an overseer, a stranger to the area who will serve as leader and pastor, pushes many to face their anxieties as they defend their way of life.

Keith’s latest addition to her series explores the hopes and fears of the family of innkeepers in the Land; from the patriarch who must pass along the inheritance and break with tradition, to his youngest daughter who must grow out of her idyllic schemes to force everyone in her life to live up to her childish memories of perfect happiness. When Isaac must leave to attend to a family matter, he promises to return. But Sybil only knows that those who leave Falls Creek rarely return.

Told in alternating personal viewpoints between Sybil and Isaac, Uncharted Promises reunites old friends and new in this slice of life of people struggling to create and maintain a perfect, peaceable society. Fans of the series, and those who like a blend of near-future romantic inspirational tales with a twist will enjoy Uncharted Promises.

About the Author

Keely Brooke Keith writes inspirational frontier-style fiction with a futuristic twist, including The Land Uncharted (Shelf Unbound Notable Romance 2015) and Aboard Providence (2017 INSPY Awards Longlist).

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely was a tree-climbing, baseball-loving 80s kid. She grew up in a family who moved often, which fueled her dreams of faraway lands. When she isn’t writing, Keely enjoys teaching home school lessons and playing bass guitar. Keely, her husband, and their daughter live on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee.