Blog Archives
Award Winner WHY GOD MATTERS
Why God Matters
In June 2010, I had the pleasure of reviewing a book written by a father-daughter team of authors. The book, Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life, was probably not something that I would have picked off a shelf to read. However, it is one that I am glad I read. Though this book was written by two Catholics, it is a good book for any Christian to read. It is a great guide of how to see God in the small moments of life. You can read my review of the book here.
Recently, I received the following note from one of the authors, Karina Fabian. I’m so excited to hear about the award this amazing little book received. Hope you are too!
Dear Friends,
We just found out that Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life won the Christian Small Publisher Association Book of the Year under the Christian Living category. We’re very excited that our little devotional is touching lives so well that people cared enough to take time to vote for us. However, since this is a popular award, it depends as much on publicity as quality of the book—and that came from your efforts!
My dad, Deacon Steve, and I wanted to thank you for hosting us on tours, 
reviewing the book, and letting folks know about Why God Matters. We would not have won this award without your help.
I’ve attached the press release along with the award icon and book cover in case you want to share the news. Regardless, you have already done so much for us, and we are very grateful. May God bless you and yours in the big things and in the everyday.
Blessings,
Karina Fabian
www.whygodmatters.com
Karina and Deacon Steve, I am so happy for your success. I pray that God continues to bless you as you follow the path he has laid out for your lives.
F.M. Meredith’s ANGEL LOST
Mar 15
Synopsis of ANGEL LOST
ANGEL LOST by F. M. Meredith
As plans for her perfect wedding fill her mind, Officer Stacey Wilbur is sent out to trap a flasher, the new hire realizes Rocky Bluff P.D. is not the answer to his problems, Abel Navarro’s can’t concentrate on the job because of worry about his mother, Officer Gordon Butler has his usual upsets, the sudden appearance of an angel in the window of a furniture store captures everyone’s imagination and causes problems for RBPD, and then the worst possible happens—will Stacey and Doug’s wedding take place?
Biography of F.M. Meredith
F.M. Meredith, also known as Marilyn Meredith, is the author of nearly thirty published novels. Her latest in the
Author F.M. Meredith
Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series, from Oak Tree Press, is Angel Lost. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, including the Internet chapter, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com
Angel Lost Missed the Mark
Mar 15
Image via Wikipedia
Angel Lost is the story of the police department of Rocky Bluff, California. The story focuses on Detective Doug Milligan and his fiancée Officer Stacey Wilbur and takes place in the weeks leading up to their wedding. They are by far the only members of the police department who have interesting happenings in their lives. The troubles range from facing a long-term illness of a mother to dealing with the aftermath of shooting a young suspect to tracking an exhibitionist appearing on the beach.
The author of this book, F. M. Meredith, shows thorough knowledge of what can happen between members of a police department. Her characters are very well connected to one another.
The problem with the book , at least for me, is that there are just too many characters involved in this book. It was not easy to keep them all straight. Some of the subplots didn’t seem to flow well, didn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the story. Perhaps if these subplots had been more well-developed, the story would have been easier to follow.
There are other places in the book—two in particular—where the storyline seemed to be dropped too soon. They left far too many questions in the mind of the reader. One involves the exhibitionist on the beach—when he is finally found, comments about his past are made and then he is forgotten. In another section, a crime that is very important to the rest of the story just falls flat. The possibility that this criminal could have been connected to other similar crime is mentioned, but never really explored. The identity of the criminal isn’t even revealed.
Perhaps it is just me, but I think the title of a book should have something to do with the story. I still am not sure what Angel Lost has to do with the story. I suppose it could have to do with a kidnapping that occurs in the book or to an angel that appears in the lit window of a furniture store. It’s just something that didn’t make much sense to me.
Though this was not one of my favorite books to read, it did have potential. If the subplots had been developed more, it would have been easier to keep track of the characters and to care about what was happening with them.
Robert G. Pielke’s A New Birth of Freedom
My love of reading came from my mother. My love of history–and my tolerance for science fiction–came from my
Click here for an excerpt from the book
father. These passions–and that said tolerance!–collided for me when I read Robert G. Pielke’s book A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor.
I LOVED this book! And that is unusual for me. OK, so it’s not unusual that I would love a book. It is just unusual that I would love a book that doesn’t have a romance in it. In fact, now that I think of it, I am not sure there were any female characters in the book. Not that it’s a bad thing. This book was just about perfect, even without a woman’s touch.
The problem that I am having is giving you a description of the plot without giving anything away. The best that I can do is say that the book revolves around a visitor from America’s distant future trying to save humanity by traveling to 1860’s Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.
What I liked about the book was the attention to detail. Historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee are described just as history books portray them. And I don’t just mean in their looks. Pielke brings the men to life with their mannerisms and personality quirks. It was done in such a way that it both men seemed very real. It was wonderful.
Another great thing about the book is that while reading it I didn’t often feel like I was reading. It was more like watching a movie. I felt like I was transported to the scene, watching everything unfold as the story was told.
The one thing I didn’t like was the ending. AARRUUGGHH!!! Talk about a cliff-hanger! It did set up for the next book in the series. I can hardly wait to have that book in my hands.
Read the author's blog here
Robert G. Pielke’s Bio:
Robert G. Pielke, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, now lives in Claremont, California. He earned a B.A. in History at the University of Maryland, an M. Div. in Systematic Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and a Ph.D. in Social Ethics from the Claremont Graduate School.
He taught on ground and online for countless years at George Mason University in Virginia, El Camino College in California and online for the University of Phoenix. Now happily retired from “the job,” he is doing what he always wanted to do since he wrote his first novel at ten in elementary school. It was one paragraph, three pages long and, although he didn’t know it at the time, it was alternate history.
His academic writings have been in the area of ethics, including a boring academic treatise called Critiquing Moral Arguments, logic, and popular culture. Included in the latter is an analysis of rock music entitled You Say You Want a Revolution: Rock Music in American Culture. He has also published short stories, feature articles, film and restaurant reviews. His novels include a savagely satirical novel on America and its foibles, proclivities and propensities, Hitler the Cat Goes West, and an alternate history, science fiction novel, The Mission.
Most recently, he has updated and revised his book on rock music, which is being republished by McFarland & Co.
He swims daily, skis occasionally, cooks as an avocation, watches innumerable movies, collects rock and roll concert films, is an avid devotee of Maryland crabs and maintains a rarely visited blog filled with his social and political ravings. His favorite film is the original Hairspray; his favorite song is “A Day in the Life”; his favorite pizza is from the original Ledo Restaurant in College Park, MD; and he is a firm believer in the efficacy of “sex, drugs and rock and roll.” Somehow his family and friends put up with him.
Other helpful links—-
Paperback buy links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble.com
eBook buy links:
Altered Dimensions Press
Kindle
Robert G. Pielke’s web site:
http://www.robertgpielke.com/
Robert G. Pielke’s blog:
http://www.bobpielke.com/
Robert G. Pielke’s Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/robert.pielke
Altered Dimensions Press web site:
http://www.sciencefictionpaperbackbooks.com/a-birth-of-new-freedom
Second Chances
Jan 25
Everyone needs a second chance at some point in his or her life. Sometimes it happens as an adult, as a result of a bad decision. All too often, though, it happens as a young child through no fault of the child. And it happens to dogs, too.
Second chances are needed by everyone.
Purchase SECOND CHANCE here
Sandra J. Gerencher explores this idea in her book Second chances: How Adoption Saved A Boy with Autism and His Shelter Dog. As the title implies, this book is the story of what adoption means to one small family. This family is Mom, Ryan, and three dogs—PJ, Shelby, and Little Rascal. In the opening pages, the family adds Chance, a shelter dog, to their “pack.” As he sees the unconditional love Ryan has for him, Chance learns what adoption is.
This book is interesting in that it is told from the perspective of Chance the Dog. Ryan’s autism comes into play through his conversations with Chance—it is hinted at that Ryan rarely communicates vocally with people, yet he is able to communicate with Chance. Ryan teaches Chance that it doesn’t matter that he was unloved before, he is special to someone.
While I liked the message of this book—that everyone, no matter what the circumstance of their early life, is special—I found that I was really confused by the book. I looked at this as a book for elementary age children, but it seemed to be written for an older audience. I tried reading it to my 3-year-old and 7-year-old sons and they were both very bored with it. My 9-year-old, who doesn’t like me to read to him anymore, read the book himself. He said he liked the pictures in it, but had a hard time following the story. The book is nicely written; I am just not sure that it hits the intended target audience.
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Awards:
PBS Kids Recommended title
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/adoption/print_books.html
Book web site:
http://www.chancetheshelterdog.com
Sandra J. Gerencher Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1579236662
Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com
Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/ 171628704176
Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/ TributeBooks
Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher in the Bangor Area public school system. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas as counseling, Behavior Specialist Consultation, behavioral research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. Sandra graduated from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology (1999).
Sandra J. Gerencher and her son Terry
Sandra J. Gerencher Bio:
Christmas Twist
The night in history that fascinates me more than any other is the night when Jesus was born. While the Bible tells us certain things–that the birth happened in Bethlehem, in a stable, that three kings from the east followed a star to that stable and that the birth was announced to shepherds by a group of angels–but there is so much we don’t know. There are so many places where we can use our imaginations to fill in the blanks. Cheryl G. Malandrinos gives her take on what might have happened that night in her book Little Shepherd.
This book follows Obed, a young shepherd barely five years old, from the hills where the angels appeared to the Bethlehem stable and back to his sheep. Obed doesn’t quite understand everything that happens that night. He is especially confused about why the shepherds are more concerned with seeing the baby the angels spoke of than protecting their sheep.
I really enjoyed this book. Malandrinos did a wonderful job of capturing both the confusion and the wonder that Obed experienced that night. I could easily picture the wonder in his eyes by thinking of one of my sons in his position.
As I write this review, my sons are fighting over the book. The toddler loves the colorful illustrations. The nine-year-old and seven-year-old are arguing about who gets to read it first. Any book that captures the interest of all three of my sons has definitely earned its place on my bookshelf.
Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A regular contributor for Writer2Writer, her articles focus on increasing productivity through time management and organization. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens.
Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger. Little Shepherd is her first children’s book. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two young daughters. She also has a son who is married.
You can visit Cheryl online at http://ccmalandrinos.com or the Little Shepherd blog at http://littleshepherdchildrensbook.blogspot.com/.
Christy Baldwin’s CARE FOR CREATION
Nov 9
I will be the first to admit that I am not a very “green” person. As a work-from-home Mom, I like to do things the quick and easy way. That often means just tossing unneeded papers and empty cans and jars into the trash. If the trash removal company I use offered recycling pick up, I’d be more likely to do it. I just don’t have the time to sort everything and then make a trip to the recycling center every week. Sure, I like the idea of unplugging things that are not in use to save energy (more out of a desire to lower my own utility bill than out of a desire to help the planet, I’m afraid), but that takes extra time, too. Recently, we did switch to CFL light bulbs, though. They were on sale when the light bulb in our living room burned out. Even the sale price wasn’t enough to make me want to buy the bulbs. It was reading on the package that CFLs last so much longer than traditional bulbs that made me want them. The longer the bulb lasts, the less often I will need to change it.
CARE FOR CREATION, by Christy Baldwin
Now that you know all of this about me, you might be surprised to learn that I volunteered to review a children’s book called CARE FOR CREATION. I know I surprised myself that I volunteered! Yet I was intrigued by the idea behind the book. How could Christy Baldwin, or any other author for that matter, possibly back up green living with the Bible? To me, it didn’t seem possible. I just had to read the book to find out.
What I found was a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated book that not only gives tips on how to save energy and protect our planet, but a book that does give Biblical reasons for protecting the Earth. And it makes sense. When looking at this planet as God’s creation and a gift for our use, it really is hard to justify not doing all we can to protect the planet for future generations. What got to me most, I think, is the verse that Baldwin used to close her book: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, sins” (James 4:17).
At the very least, the book has given me a lot to think about. And I am sure as soon as my 9-year-old and 6-year-old get their hands on the book, I will have a couple of little guys telling me, “Mom, stop thinking and start DOING!”
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Writing has been a passion of Christy’s since she was very young. As a child, she loved to write stories for her grandfather and poems
Christy Baldwin
just for fun. She lives in Mason, Ohio with her family and is active in church, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and volunteering with various organizations. Christy has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Scranton. She is a stay at home mom who enjoys spending time with her kids and being involved in their schools. Her previous children’s titles include Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night and Remembering Wilma.
For more information on author Christy Baldwin and her work, please see the following links
Book web site:
http://www.CareForCreationBook.com
Christy Baldwin Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001044000739
Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com
Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176
Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks
Welcome Susie Hobson
Susie Hobson has heard over and over from people who want more out o life. In her new book, Loving God with All Your Heart, she gives some insight into how we can get more in our lives. I’m honored to have her visiting Lynn’s Corner today, sharing a little about her work.
Lynn
Author Susie Hobson
I Want More!
By Susie Hobson, Author of Loving God with All Your Heart
Are you one of those who want more? I worked as a counselor for sixteen years and I continually heard in many different ways “I Want MORE!” Another way to put this is, “Is this all there is for me in this world!?” There is a desire in us all for something that people, places, possessions, fame, and fortune cannot fill. What is that elusive need, that heart’s desire we all seem to crave? I am convinced that it is a real relationship with God—a powerful relationship!
In my book, Loving God with All Your Heart, I encourage everyone, women, men, young and old, believers and non-believers in Christ to re-think the Greatest Commandment and consider changing their everyday life to one more filled with love. God is love and when we love Him without limit that leads to the fulfillment of our heart’s desire—a relationship with the living God. A true two-way relationship—not church talk—a relationship that can transform your whole life!
One chapter around the end of the book brings us to the subject of happiness. Here is an excerpt from that chapter:
“All Christians have an abiding life-long joy in our hearts that cannot be removed by anything in or of this world. In good times and bad times Christians have the joy of Jesus Christ inside of us by way of the Holy Spirit. However, as a counselor, I know that when people start talking about having more, a part of the more that they want is to be happy. Yes, happy—an emotion that is situational, based on circumstances, and not an all-the-time-enduring feeling. Yet most people do want to live what could be considered a happy life.
Just a few years ago I sat in on a group of young adults and the question was asked, ‘Who is happy this morning?; One young man raised his hand. Then the question was asked, ‘Who wants to be happy?’ and everyone raised their hands. I think that today’s standard of what ‘happy’ is has become unrealistic. Happy is not fireworks, thrill rides, and entertainment. That’s excitement, not happy! Happy is . . . “
Now, if you are interested you will have to check out my book to see how keeping the Greatest Commandment could be a life-changing way of living for you and your family. In my book I deal with topics such as surrender, sin, the Bible, what pleases God, as well as my personal testimony (this book is not about my journey but I do share my testimony to show that God is real and He is in the people changing business!).
Are you one who wants more? This book is for you. It takes you deeper into your heart’s desire for a real relationship with God—a powerful and active relationship!
Thank you, Lynn’s Corner, for this opportunity to share about my book! I’ve enjoyed visiting with you.
Susie Hobson is the author of the newly released book, Loving God with All Your Heart. Her book was published by Nordskog Publishing and is available from amazon.com and through her publishing company (www.nordskogpublishing.com). 
Susie Hobson has a B.A. in Special Education and an M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from The University of Alabama. She worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Alabama Dept. of Rehabilitation Services for sixteen years managing a deaf/hearing-impaired and blind/vision-impaired caseload. She retired to spend more time with her family and to write as God has called her. She and her husband Rich have two daughters and live in Montgomery, Alabama.
Review of CLOSE TO HIS HEART
Aug 24
Close to his Heart, by Leonora Pruner
Life in 18th Century England, without the “benefit” of modern conveniences we rely on today, was much simpler. Love, however, was not. Leonora Pruner explores this in her latest novel, Close to His Heart.
Despite their deep love for one another, Grace Carstares and Lord Henry Buryhill face a rough road. Misunderstandings, anger, and hurt feelings keep them from enjoying the happy marriage both long for. When Grace loses her memory, Henry sees a chance for them to start over. Only she sees him as a complete stranger, and not one she is sure she wants to get to know.
This book was beautifully written, with wonderful detail. Ms. Pruner’s descriptions made me feel as if I was walking through the grounds of Westwood along with Grace. The love that both Grace and Henry have for the Lord was simply stated. It was a part of them, a part of what drew the two of them together, but never really preached. It was seen especially when Grace had an encounter with a beggar at a London party and then later when she came across an escaped slave. Many today could learn a lesson from the way she acted in both of these situations—showing God’s love through kindness to others is more meaningful and more powerful than any words we could use.
This is the first book by Leonora Pruner that I have read. With a new book scheduled to be published before Christmas, I know this will not be the last of her books to grace my bookshelves.
To learn more about Leonora Pruner or order this book, please see this website: http://nordskogpublishing.com/book-close-to-his-heart.shtml
