Book Review and Author Interviews

Promoting: A Powerful Voice by Penelope Powell

Author Penelope Powell is a dear friend and we have been on the path to publication together.  I am so proud to introduce her new book to you on my blog.  Penelope writes contemporary romance novels that point her readers to the hope that there is in Jesus Christ.  I’m so excited for your accomplishment, Penelope!

Book Description:  Gloria Fielder is trying her best to live with sincere faith, but regret for a past decision makes it difficult to live with herself.

Justin Case knows first-hand the consequences of bad choices, but he doesn’t believe in burying past mistakes.  He openly shares his testimony with the purpose of showing there is hope and freedom for those who come to Christ.

Justin is the new worship leader for the church service Gloria attends, and he also leads a new Bible study she knows will help her.  To complicate matters, once Justin becomes aware of Gloria’s struggle, he seems intent on drawing her out of her self-imposed shell of guilt and regret.  If she trusts him with her secret and her heart, will their friendship evolve into something more, or will it smiply be her undoing?

Link to Amazon

Penelope’s website

Penelope on Twitter: @penpowell89

About Penelope:  Though her roots are buried deep in the hills of Middle Tennessee, she now lives in Indiana with her family and serves in her local church.  She loves to entertain, give life to old things, antiquing, reading and of course writing.

 PPowell

 “Like the things we experience, I believe good Christian fiction can inspire and change someone’s perspective, and hopefully point them to Christ.”

Book Review and Author Interviews

The Sparrow and the Tortoise

It is my honor to review a new picture book by Randal Gilmore entitled The Sparrow and the Tortoise.  It is a “thoughtful tale of a sparrow’s journey to discover what is real and what is just a reflection.”

From the beginning of the story, the reader is aware that there is a deeper meaning behind the tale and is challenged to think about his/her perception of reality and personal belief system.  Contrasting the giant Buddha statue in Kamakura and the God of Christianity, readers are invited to pause and think about what they believe and why they believe it.  

Having traveled to Japan, I loved all of the culture embedded into the pages of the book.  Japanese poetry, landmarks, and elements of nature give the book a unique flavor.  I think it will make an excellent discussion starter for ESL classes, or a springboard for discussing world views and spiritual beliefs.

You can purchase the book on Amazon:  The Sparrow and the Tortoise

About the author:
Randal Gilmore is the Pacific Rim Regional Director of Word of Life International and Field Director of Word of Life Japan.  Previously, Randal served as a Senior Pastor for 35 years.  Randal holds a M.A. in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University.  He is on track to complete a D.R.E. from Trinity Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana, in the summer of 2016.  Randal is the author of numerous books, magazine articles and blog posts, and serves as a frequent conference speaker.  Randal and his wife, Dale, are blessed to be the parents of five sons and two daughters-in-law, and grandparents of eight.

If you are interested in teaching ESL to Japanese people from a Christian perspective, check out this free resource that will transform your approach:  http://funneling.life

You can follow Randal Gilmore’s blog at:  Randal Gilmore’s blog

Book Review and Author Interviews

An Interview with Author Erin Keeley Marshall

Today’s guest author is a personal friend of mine…Erin Keeley Marshall.  We have been friends since college.  I am so amazed at all of her accomplishments in the writing world!  She is the author of several books and hundreds of devotions.  Her latest book is called The Hope of Heaven, and she co-wrote it with Alan Hallene Jr.
                                  

Today I did a short interview with her.  My next post will highlight her latest book, The Hope of Heaven.

 Me:  What is the process of co-writing like?


Erin Keeley Marshall: Co-writing, or collaborative writing, requires the art of balance because a collaborative writer often plays many roles, including serving as the link between the story and the publishing process. Whenever I’ve coauthored something, I’ve had to argue tactfully and proactively for my coauthor—who often has the heart of the story and needs me to put it in publishable words—as well as on behalf of the agent, the editorial team, and the marketing team. A professional collaborative writer needs to understand the process of publishing and what is worth pushing and what needs to remain in the hands of the publisher. 
The co-writer leads the way in writing the proposal and sample chapters and sending that document to the agent or editor at a publishing house. Once a publishing offer is extended, accepted, and the contract is signed, the co-writer then continues leading the way through writing the manuscript, scheduling due dates for back and forth revisions between writers, and working through the editing process with the editorial team. 
A collaborative writer needs to play a behind-the-scenes role with a great deal of proactive assertiveness, tact, and professionalism that carries over to the other writer.  
  Me:  What are a few of the highs and lows of your publishing journey?
Erin Keeley Marshall: Contract signing is always a highlight because it points to the future and holds so much potential for something new and exciting that is about to be born. The first offer I received to write my own book—Navigating Route 20-Something—was a thrill. Actually, whenever I get a phone call or email from my agent requesting me to work with someone on a story that touches my heart, I am encouraged to keep going in this challenging field that I’ve loved being part of for twenty-some years.

Me: What aspect of your career do you enjoy the most and why?

Erin Keeley Marshall: I love the freedom to dream and put words to those dreams. Through writing I can organize my thoughts, as well as learn more about myself and what drives me. I can inspire others to think in new ways about life and faith and truths that extend to eternity past and into forever. I also enjoy working from home because of the flexibility. Writing is freeing because I can form thoughts in my head no matter what else is going on during the day. I love the unending wonder of what God will place on my heart next.

On the web: Erin’s website
Twitter: @EKMarshall
Facebook: Erin Keeley Marshall, Author
Linked In: Erin Keeley Marshall
Pinterest: Erin Marshall

For Speaking Events and Media Opportunities: ekmarshall@marshallgroup.net

Book Review and Author Interviews

Guest author–Linh Nguyen-Ng–MOMMY’S LITTLE WORDLINGS

Today I am highlighting author Linh Nguyen-Ng.  Her book Mommy’s Little Wordlings was released on April 7 by the Adventures Imprint of Anaiah Press.  I am very thrilled for her.  Congratulations, Linh!

Title: Mommy’s Little Wordlings
Author: Linh Nguyen-Ng
Imprint: Adventures
Release Date: April 7, 2015

The Little Wordlings are children who use their simple words to express their feelings for loved ones. No one is more adored than the first person who made them smile. No one is more cherished than the person who gave them life. There is no one like Mommy. Join the Little Wordlings as they show Mommy how much she is appreciated and loved.


Author Bio:
I live with my family in Massachusetts where I get to enjoy the four seasons. I love unique and interesting things—things that make a lasting impression. I am constantly looking for inspiration that I can use in my writing. Everything has a story to tell.

Twitter: @linhnguyenng




Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?   Amazon link


Quotes from book:  

“How do I love you, Mommy? Let me count the ways…” 

“Mommy, because of you, my life is like a garden that continues to flourish.” 
Book Review and Author Interviews

My First Guest Blogger–Donna Martin

Today I am highlighting author Donna Martin.  Her book The Storybook Catcher is being released on January 20 by the Adventures Imprint of Anaiah Press.  I am very thrilled for her.  Congratulations, Donna!

Title: The Story Catcher
Author: Donna L. Martin
Imprint: Adventures
Release Date: January 20, 2015

Addie comes from a long line of readers, or “story catchers,” as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own, though, the words play tricks on her. Addie tries everything she can think of to corral those wiggly letters, but it  will take a little faith to become the next STORY CATCHER.
BUY LINKS:Amazon Kindle
                        Amazon Paperback
                        Barnes & Noble
                        Smashwords
THE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB: 
Fan club membership includes: 
Membership Certificate
Bi-monthly Newsletter full of mazes, puzzles, games, news and other goodies
Reading log for earning Story Catcher Award
Short story starring YOU! 

Link to Story Catcher Fan Club
Would you like to see a trailer?

Who is Donna Martin?

AUTHOR BIO:
By day, Donna L. Martin is a Fourth Degree TaeKwonDo Black Belt; by night, she is a self-proclaimed “ninja author” of picture books, middle grade chapter books, and young adult novels. Somewhere amidst all this excitement, she also created the Free Author Promotion event that takes place every May during the Children’s Festival of Reading. Donna loves laughter, snuggling with her cat, and reading good books. To get a sneak peak of what it was like growing up among the swamps of southern Louisiana, check out Tales from the Bayou on her blog at www.DonnaLMartin.com.
Special GIVEAWAY:
Anaiah Press will give away a $20 iTunes Gift Card to one lucky winner.
Donna L. Martin will give away a beautiful journal.