Charming Cat Adventure for a holiday read

 

My One Extraordinary Life: A Feline Memoir, TD Arkenberg
Outskirts Press, Denver, Colorado
c. December 2021, ebook, print, 268 pp
Fiction
 
Print paperback $18.95
Hardcover, $28.85

Ebook $8.99
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Barnes and Noble
 
About the Book:
“Few humans lead an extraordinary life. I’ve come to that conclusion from my years of scrutinizing the tribe of upright walkers. My credentials? I’m a cat.”
 

And with that bold assertion, Fluff invites readers into his exceptional feline world. We meet the outspoken tabby as a kitten. He lives with his mother and siblings in a cardboard box in the heart of Brussels. Charmed by exotic tales of a seasoned street cat called Grumps, Fluff dreams of adventure. But he can’t quite muster the courage to venture out on his own. His family’s disappearance forces his paw. He sets out with Siamese newcomers, Penelope and Odysseus. Once posh and pampered housecats, the brother and sister won’t survive the urban jungle without their new friend’s help. The trio encounters unexpected dangers: two- and four-legged villains; their own naiveté; and a city swarming with animal traffickers. Strays are disappearing from the streets, Fluff’s family among them. In their bid to save the catnapped felines, the three companions become targets themselves. Adventure turns into a harrowing game of intrigue where they’re both cat and mouse.

 

My Review:

Although titled a memoir, this marvelous tail, er tale, is really a fictional autobiographical adventure of one Dickens-quoting, Twain-reading homeless camp cat, Fluff, who learns the world is bigger than his slightly squashed cardboard container. He has a role to play, even if the first step is to venture outside of one’s…box, in the European city of Brussels, a place author TD Arkenberg knows well from living there once upon a time.

 

In the territory of temporaries, there exist tribal hierarchies, Fluff learns, where all manner of creatures exist side by side, and humans are known as “uprights.” When Fluff comes home from one of his romps, only brother Auguste welcomes him. It’s not long before Fluff is abandoned with the dismal advice that “it happens to us all. Time for you to stand on your own four paws.” Grumps, an older cat, has filled Fluff’s head with tales of adventure, and when Fluff believes he’s been orphaned, he decides, though hesitant and fearful, to dream big and explore the world and hopefully find his lost family. As he waits for the right moment to leave the camp, he reaches out to newcomers, domesticated castoffs Penelope and Odysseus, to help them adjust and survive the harsh reality of their new status. When bullying pushes Penelope and Odysseus into fleeing the camp, they ask to join Fluff on his quest. “Dogs travel in packs, cats don’t,” Fluff says, but when dangerous conditions arise, he relents, and comes to learn that loyalty comes in all forms from all sides. It’s not always easy to know who to trust, and sometimes one just has to get his paws dirty to achieve results.

 

Betrayal and misconceptions abound, clarify, twist, and shimmer as these friends get separated, run into old chums and make new ones, reunite only to be recaptured, find themselves embroiled in “turf issues,” uncover a dastardly international trafficking scheme, and an even greater horror of biological terrorism and research. There’s a lot going on in this page-turning story. Tempted to stay on in certain posh situations when they occasionally meet a human they think of adopting, the friends overhear rotten plans and resolve to rescue the victims.

 

Friends need friends. When Fluff and Penelope realize they’re in over their heads, they reach out to both known and new two and four-leggeds to assist them as they work to thwart the traffickers and restore not only their own families, but those of their formerly misunderstood friends.

 

The story is told in perspective through Fluff’s narration. Early on, he reminisces, “But most things in life, I’ve learned, shouldn’t be defined in absolute terms.” Filled with delicious cat-themed puns, Brussels street life, danger, adventure, and even romance, readers of Lillian Jackson Braun will love My One Extraordinary Life. As we’re encouraged in the author’s introduction to recognize and appreciate our lives, this story of using our wits, paying attention to the small things, networking, and taking a risk should spark introspection and conversation. Great holiday gift.

 
About the Author

T.D. Arkenberg left the world of global airline executive more than a decade ago to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. He is the author of novels, short stories, and memoir. T.D. has an MBA from The University of Chicago and a BA in Literature from Northwestern University. He also studied at the London Business School. He’s active in several professional groups including the Barrington Writers Workshop, Off Campus Writers Workshop, and the Brussels Writers Circle. In 2016, T.D. and his spouse repatriated from Belgium. They make their home in the Chicago area along with their favorite Belgian souvenir, Puhi, a precocious tiger cat.

New encouragement for writers

 

Writers on Writing: Interviews with writers of faith
Kymberley Payne, editor
 
Non-fiction
Writing encouragement
c. August, 2021
 
134 pp.
Buy on Amazon or BN
Ebook $5.99, or print: $9.99
 
About the Book:
Writers on Writing is a compilation of 35 interviews from writers of faith exploring where they get their ideas, what they like best about writing, and what inspires them. The writers offer insight into who influenced them to write and how their faith is reflected in their writing. They give a little snapshot into their personal lives and share writing advice. Writers on Writing is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to be a writer who is Christian and how we may write differently but come together for the glory of God.
 
Whatever your background, you will be inspired by these incredible interviews that contain a unique look into the world of a faith writer.
 
My Review:
Writers on Writing is a nifty, sweet little book. For those writers who need a bit of a pick-me-up, a word of encouragement or even challenge, these interviews might just be a big help.
 
Compiler of this book, Kymberley Payne, interviewed several authors of inspirational fiction. Each gave a brief biography and responded to a series of ten questions. These authors approach and respond to the work and ministry of writing in unique ways. They come from diverse backgrounds and write mostly articles and stories and publish on a platform called Medium.com. They are pastors, teachers, journalists, veterans, tech experts, nurses and much more, from all over the world.
 
Some of the questions include where their ideas come from, influencers, writing goals, how their faith influences the work, and things they’ve learned. One of my favorites is about balancing professional and personal time for these authors. Regarding balancing time, some mentioned “negotiating” with partners or family for time; others set word count or number of hours for a weekly goal. All good advice. Their story ideas come from the news, people-watching, history, and Scripture.
 
Everyone has a different method, reason, and hope for their work. These stories in Writers on Writing: Interviews with writers of faith will offer writers at any stage solid guidance to meet their needs.
 
About Kymberley Payne:
Kimberley Payne is an award-winning author and writer on spiritual and physical health topics. Her devotional writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire people to live healthier lives that glorify God. She combines her teaching experience and love of writing to create educational materials for children about family, fitness, science, and faith. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com
 

New addition to the Uncharted series by Keely Keith add links

 

Uncharted Courage, #10 in the series
Keely Brooke Keith

c. Nov 1 2021, Edenbrooke Press

Eboook $4.99
Print $13.99

Buy on Amazon

About the book:

When Bailey accepts John Colburn’s offer for her to visit Good Springs, she leaves the Inn at Falls Creek expecting to spend the autumn relaxing in her favorite seaside village. Upon her arrival, Connor asks her to cover a shift of guard duty on the equinox, and her quiet vacation takes a shocking turn.

Revel Roberts works hard to keep his life commitment-free, making it easy to leave community decisions to men like Connor and John. But when the Land is threatened, Revel sees his chance to prove he is a man worthy of Bailey’s love. Amid the chaos in Good Springs, his unrequited feelings for her preoccupy him. One wrong choice could ruin everything.

As Bailey’s new life in the Land unravels and threats from the outside world loom, a yearning she can’t define surges within her. It distracts her from defending the hidden world she loves, and a tragedy reinforces her need for independence.

With the survival of the Land at stake and their hearts on the line, Bailey and Revel will need more courage than fighting ever required. They will need to find the courage to love.

My review:

Keith’s world of the Uncharted Land continues with familiar favorites of the large cast, focusing on two rebellious spirits in Revel and Bailey as they battle traditions and their growing feelings. A son of the Land, Revel had thrown off the mantle of expectation that he take over the family business of innkeeper, and devised a new business for himself. Still growing into his self-worth, he seeks to challenge himself with a large enough task to impress Bailey as well as the authority figures in his circle. Bailey, a newcomer, has found home in this strange throw-back place, and struggles to keep her hard-won independence as a woman beholden to no one and able to take care of herself and everyone around her.

When an old foe returns with dread news from the outer world, the men—and Bailey—rally around to protect the values they hold most dear, even if their lives are threatened. Bailey takes comfort in being able to provide expert advice in case of catastrophe, but Revel spirals into a funk of despair as his half-plotted hope of proving his capabilities runs aground. This episode in the series focused more on the challenges of living a life of faith in times of doubt. I appreciated how Bailey was encouraged to center her life in trusting God over people, but I was distracted by how fearful the other adult women appeared, and by Revel’s apparent belief that he could walk away from a serious situation for three weeks and expect it to resolve itself. Other than that, Uncharted Courage is a charming addition to the series, following the budding romance of two special people. Those who love dystopian with a twist, and who love romantic inspirational stories, will enjoy this book. With the other stories, readers can jump in at almost any place, but I recommend reading at least one previous story, Uncharted Destiny, #7, to understand how Bailey fits into the cycle.

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.

 

Epic Fantasy Queen of Crows

 

Queen of Crows
SL Wilton
Fantasy, 366 pp
August, 2021, Atmosphere Press

$7.99 ebook
$18.99 print
Buy on 
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble
Kobo 
 

About the Book
In a world of strange magic, dangerous creatures, and villainous wyverns, an ousted young queen struggles to regain her throne.

Sophia Pendergast’s quest is complicated by deep-rooted misogyny embedded in her culture and religion. Her lover, a dashing young knight, offers her a life in obscure comfort, but she refuses to abandon her people to the usurper’s whims. To retake her throne and set prophecy on its path, she must embrace a long-denied secret and discover a prophecy’s hidden meaning.

In S. L. Wilton’s Queen of Crows, we discover simple truths may not exactly be simple. 

My Review:

Wilton has created a wonderful new realm of epic fantasy in his debut novel. Warriors and magic, when it works, and wondrous deeds of valor and sacrifice combine with wyverns and even a little romance to right the wrongs caused by all greedy throne-stealers.

Sophia is a spoiled young princess who thinks she has plenty of time to grow up and step into her father’s kingly slippers and, with his guidance, lead her people with justice and dignity. But stuff happens, and that time is now, and without her papa. Who can she trust?

 

Follow Sophia and her ragtag band of faithfuls, ousted and abandoned knights, and the downtrodden “crows,” commoners, as she learns how to fight for freedom and her rightful throne while having her eyes opened to the plight of everyday folks. “Why can’t the people rule themselves?” Sophia’s young ward asks at one point when Sophia tries to explain their quest. A thoughtful question indeed.

 

Told mostly through Sophia’s point of view but with a healthy sprinkling of other colorful characters, readers of fantasy slanted less toward magical creatures and more toward occasional magic and plenty of sword-fighting and things soldiers do will find much to love about Queen of Crows.

 
About the Author:
S.L. is a retired Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army. He and his wife live in rural central Wisconsin with their Chihuahua, Willie.

Write Now Literary Tour giveaway with Eurita Taylor and surviving abuse

 Write Now Literary is pleased to be organizing a two-week book tour and $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway for His Strength In My Weakness by Dr. Eurita Taylor. 

The book tour will run Sept 20- Oct 1, 2021. 

 
Genre: Inspirational Nonfiction, Memoir

ISBN-978-1545663172    

                                                           

 

Dr. Eurita Taylor is gifted to understand the unique struggles of single mothers. As a survivor of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, she penetrates their pain, frees them from binding insecurities, and directs them to His glory. Accountant by day and counselor by night, Dr. Eurita uses her personal experiences, professional skills, and Ph.D. in Christian counseling to empower women struggling with low self-esteem, homelessness, and financial stewardship.

 

 

 

 

 

What happens when children can’t trust the adults who are supposed to protect them?

With childhood innocence snatched from her, Dr. Eurita Taylor questioned God. For years, she ran from Him and into the arms of abuse, hunger, and depression. With her personal prodigal son experience, she released the hurt, betrayal, and abandonment to make her way back to the lover of her soul. His Strength in My Weakness chronicles her journey from wallowing in pity, doubt, and unbelief to reconnecting with Her Father. Showered with grace, mercy, and an abundance of love, she understood that the power to overcome was always in reach.

 

In this book, you will discover:

 

• Why God wants to turn your self-hatred into self-love

• Strategies to boost your confidence and faith 

• How to shift your perspective to see failures as steps toward success

• Scriptures, prayers, and inspirations affirming that He is always with you

• Forgiveness as a tool to bless others and yourself

 

 

 

Praise for His Strength In My Weakness

 

“Dr. Taylor’s story told in her book, His Strength in My Weakness, is powerful, compelling, and at times, raw. She provides a roadmap which shows that no matter how difficult life can be, you can experience hope, breakthrough, and triumph with God.”

—Pastor Michael Kelly, Grace Fellowship Church Columbus, Ohio

 

“As I laid in the hospital bed and heard the doctor say, ‘You should have been dead,’ I thought about how reading His Strength in My Weakness comforted me. I am not a spiritual person and had limited understanding of the Bible references, but I read them over and over. Now I believe that He has a reason for keeping me alive.”

—Cheryl Kaiser, Manager at Speedway

 

 

 

Website          Facebook          Twitter

 

 

 

Amazon            Barnes & Noble

 

 

$25 Visa Gift Card

 

Answering the question below will enter the reader in a chance to win the Visa Gift Card. 

In my book, His Strength in My Weakness (http://hisstrengththebook.com), I mentioned that my ex-husband left me to birth our son alone. Was it our first, second, or third son?

I am giving away a $25 Visa card to the reader who correctly answers that question and posts it at Facebook.com/DrEuritaTaylor.

 

Tour organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours

  

Write Now Literary Tour for the Hard Conversations novel

 

Write Now Literary is pleased to be organizing a two-month book tour and $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway For Hard Conversations: Book 1: Breadcrumbs To The Past by BJ Communicates. The book tour will run Sept 6-October 29, 2021.  

Genre: Urban Fiction 

ISBN-978-1098380953

     

BJ Communicates, aka Dr. Brad Johnson, LSSBB, CSM, is a Kingdom writer, a communication practitioner, and an influential Bible teacher. Given the assignments of assisting urban believers in articulating their stories, finding resolution, and gaining the language of the Kingdom, BJ continually creates and releases inspirational media content that highlights their stories and experiences. “The Holy Spirit is constantly giving me things to write; sometimes it’s a book, sometimes it’s an article for a Christian publication, sometimes it’s something for my blog site or social media, and sometimes it’s a song for me or another recording artist, I’m just the pen in His hand,” says BJ. In addition to faith-based media creator, he is the owner of Communic8 Life Consulting, a communication consulting firm that specializes in assisting couples, families, and business teams in improving their interpersonal communication skills; and is the co-pastor of the urban cafe church Transformed City in Richmond, VA.

Sometimes it’s the conversations not had that do the most damage to the people in our lives. Hard Conversations is a collection of short stories detailing the lives of five urban people who are standing at the intersection of their past and their potential. Sensing that something is still off in the lives that they have built, each has to make the crucial decision whether to address their secrets long buried, or to continue living in the uncomfortable matrix they created. Only they can decide what their future will bring.

Our gifting often becomes our prison. I wrote this book to pull back the mask on our experience in the hopes that it compels us to confront our learned ability to white wash our pain with our talent and giftings. We are often taught that the greatest value that we bring to the world is solely present in what we do, what we earn, or how well we play. In reality our greatest value is in the stories that we can articulate to those we influence once we have reached the other side of trauma. Trauma that tried to silence our voice, trauma that caused a part of us to die in the fight, and trauma that threatened us to stay silent after our experience with it because we should just be grateful that we made it to the other side.   

 

Website

Twitter

Facebook

 

Amazon Barnes & Noble

Faith based memoir on overcoming abuse from Frederick A Moore

Beyond Forgiveness 

Frederick A. Moore

Faith-based Memoir
July, 2021 

Paperback: $16.99 

Hardcover: $28.99 

Ebook: $2.99 - $3.99

Buy on:

XLibris

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

My review:

Moore’s account of a lifetime of learning to deal with abandonment issues and all the effects is a poignant testimony to the transforming love of Christ to the surrendered heart. A lovely cycle story, Moore takes his readers to the depths of depravity and back up to the mountains of joy. 

Beginning with the touchpoint of his father’s abandonment, Moore shares the ups and downs of childhood with a volatile father and an enabling mother. These qualities drove Moore to become a self-identified “nerd” who delved into escapism to endure the home and school bullies he encountered. Never tough enough, never good enough, he had resigned himself to a fate of blue-collar work to give his siblings a boost from the pit of life. A high school counselor stepped in. Moore was given the opportunity to attend college through a well-designed financial package.

“Mr. Alvarado changed all our lives, directly or indirectly. Why me? I was this world-weary, illegitimate white boy, who, when offered the opportunity of his life, ungratefully dragged his feet until he almost missed out,” Moore says.

In a bit of a jumpy bit of story-telling, Moore backtracks to another important event during high school. Moore was led to faith through a whimsical Bible gift and a Seventh-day Adventist. After studying the Bible, “This seventh-day Sabbath makes perfect sense to me,” Moore shares.

Though Moore made a sincere pledge of faith, it didn’t change the deep hurt of his father’s betrayal, and a resulting thirty-year vendetta. “As long as I dishonored my father in this fashion, I could never wholly be in Christ.” In college, Moore met and married his wife Susie, and after graduation followed his love of language with a career in media relations. The birth of his first child was a life-altering moment and showed him he could overcome the abusive parenting he’d suffered.

After years of perfectionism in his career and a downhill faith life, his life began to break down in emotional and physical illbeing. The deaths of his mother and boss/mentor put him into a tailspin, and by 1997, due to encouragement at work, he was on his way to the Weimar Institute for a three-week stay to put his life back into perspective.

A moving and thoughtful memoir, Moore challenges his readers to reach deep within and examine ourselves rightly before God.

 
About the Author
Frederick A. Moore has been an award-winning public relations professional, a teacher, a sales and marketing professional, a public address announcer at community events, as well as at high school and small-college sporting events, a guest relations representative for a West Coast League baseball team, and a photographer. He and his wife, Susie, have toured most of the United States and portions of eight countries – all the while capturing thousands of photographic images. They currently live with their daughter and son-in-law in Central Texas – along with the ‘K-9 Corps’ of four Dachshunds and a Shima.