A Whimsical Biblical Retelling

Totally Awesome, Super-Cool Bible Stories as drawn by Nerdy Ned
By Thomas Nelson
ISBN-13: 978-1400320257
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Hardcover (240 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon 
Book blurb:

Join Ned as he draws—and learns—his way through the Bible!

Combining International Children’s Bible® text with funny illustrations, this Bible storybook brings to life the most popular Bible stories with a humorous but respectful twist. Our narrator Ned will guide late elementary and middle-grade kids through the Bible—keeping them smiling the entire time. Even reluctant readers will engage with the Bible stories and come away with newfound Bible knowledge and clarity.

These funny sketches will grab kids’ attention—and keep it—as they see their favorite Bible stories relate to their lives in a whole new way!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.   

Totally Awesome, Super-Cool Bible Stories as drawn by Nerdy Ned is a whimsical retelling of various Bible Stories as seen through the eyes of a child. The stories are easy to read and understand with cute drawings (done by a child) accompanying each story. The author did an awesome job grabbing the reader's attention and keeping it. You can actually picture Nerdy Ned standing before you and telling you the story. The stories are well written and very descriptive.The author did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life while keeping the facts behind the Bible stories present in the stories.  The author was very creative in writing an unique story to entice not only children, but those new to the Bible, to spark an interest in reading God's word. 

I recommend this book for anyone who has children or grandchildren as this is an excellent way to entice them to want to learn more about God. I also recommend this book for someone who is new to the faith as an introduction to the Bible. While this book is catered towards young children, it will also be enjoyed by adults and teens.

I give this book 4 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

Angel City by Jon Steele

Angel City by Jon Steele
ISBN-13: 978-0399158759
Publisher: Blue Rider Press
Hardcover (528 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon
Book blurb:

Jon Steele’s electrifying new novel brings together his unforgettable characters from The Watchers in an action-packed romp that easily stands alone, even as it reveals more of the earthly—and cosmic—mysteries of the Angelus trilogy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.  

Sadly, Angel City did not capture my attention. I found the prologue to be extremely boring. It really did not seem to have anything to do with the rest of the book. Once past the prologue it did not get much better. While the book was well written, I felt that the author did not draw the reader into the story. A story should draw the reader into the story, captivate them if you will from the very beginning and keep them until the very end. If you are expecting that type of book, then you will be disappointed with this one. I must admit that I gave up completely on the book halfway through it. I just couldn't force myself to finish it.

Now while, I myself did not enjoy this book, you on the other hand may enjoy the book. 

I gave this book 2 stars out of a total of 5.

Fix-It and Forget-It 5-Ingredient One-Dish Dinners by Phyllis Pellman Good

Fix-It and Forget-It 5-Ingredient One-Dish Dinners
by Phyllis Pellman Good
ASIN: B00AYRI3F8
Publisher: Good Books
Kindle (86 pages)

Purchase the book: Barnes&Noble | Amazon
Book blurb:

Fifty crowd-pleasing and simple dishes, all easily prepared in your slow cooker

From Bacon-Feta Stuffed Chicken to Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, the tasty main dishes in this cookbook are all drawn from hundreds of time-tested favorites. They can be prepared in the slow cooker, saving valuable time and oven space, and all include no more than five ingredients. In this delicious recipe collection you’ll find meals such as:

· Cranberry Pork Roast
· Sweet and Sour Chicken
· Easy Crock Taco Filling
· Porcupine Meatballs

Complemented by tips on how to make the most of your slow cooker, Fix-It and Forget-It 5-Ingredient One-Dish Dinners is guaranteed to be both useful and satisfying.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.  

Fix-It and Forget-It 5-Ingredient One-Dish Dinners is a wonderfully written cookbook. The recipes are concise and easy to follow. The only thing that I did not like about the cookbook was the fact that there were very few illustrations included in the cookbook. More illustrations would have helped to grasp the reader's attention. It would also help them decide which recipes to try.

I give this book 3 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

A Wonderfully Creative Dessert Book by Dana Meachen Rau

Dessert Designer: Creations You Can Make and Eat!
By Dana Meachen Rau
ISBN-13: 978-1623700065
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Softcover (112 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Book blurb:

Turn your boring desserts into fantastic works of food art. Learn to make cupcakes into bunnies or candies into shining stars. The best part of this book is learning its OK to play with your food!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service. 

Dessert Designer: Creations You Can Make and Eat! is a very creative guide for making unique desserts. While this does give you the directions for creating the many creations inside it does not however, give you the recipes for the cupcakes, cakes or cookies used to make the creations. The author had some wonderful ideas of which I cannot wait to try. The author created step by step directions that are easily understood by someone who has never done anything like this before. There are tons of wonderful illustrations throughout the book in which you can use to reference your creation.

The included photos of the decorator's toolbox was a nice addition to the book as not every cook has used all of the tools that the author mentioned. It was nice to be able to look back to see what it was that she was referring to. Although the book was designed for young children, I think adults are more appealed to the book mainly because we as parents are always looking for new and unique ways to get our children to eat or try new things. This book certainly has new innovative ways of doing just that. Although the book creations are all for sweets, I think that the ideas would also do well with vegetable or fruit creations as well.

I give this book 4.5 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

Florida Theme Parks: A Guide by Alex Miller

Florida Theme Parks: A Guide by Alex Miller
ISBN-13: 978-0764343339
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
Softcover (160 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon |  Barnes&Noble
Book blurb:

Welcome to the Sunshine State—a white sand paradise that plays host to millions of vacation-goers every year. Discover 20 of the state’s unique venues and the attractions that make them famous in engaging text and 280 color photos. Whether you’re planning your family’s dream vacation, or just looking for your next big adventure, this guide offers a window into the state’s largest and most exciting industry!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

Florida Theme Parks: A Guide is a wonderful guide of the major theme parks in the state of Florida. The author has captured some wonderful information about each park and has beautiful illustrations throughout the book. The book is well written and makes a great companion or resource for those who are looking to venture to Florida. The book listed information about some parks that are not as well known as those in Orlando (i.e. Walt Disney World), which is wonderful if you want to see something new during your trip to Florida.

I give this book 4 stars out of a total of 5.

The Action Bible Handbook by David Cook

The Action Bible Handbook by Sergio Cariello
ISBN: 978-1434704832
Publisher: David C. Cook; Reprint edition
Hardcover (224 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon | Barnes&Noble
Book blurb:

What is a covenant? What animals are mentioned in the Bible? Who was Gideon? What kinds of jobs did Bible characters have?
Are you ready for some answers to the questions?
With vivid illustrations and kid-friendly explanations, The Action Bible Handbook gives you deeper insight into both familiar and challenging Bible words and names. Over 700 “whos”, “wheres”, and “whats” make it interesting and understandable. Learn about topics like:

· Animals and Insects
· Languages and Phrases
· Plants and Trees
· Places to Go
· Popular People
· Unnatural Disasters
· Weapons and Armor
And much more!

A complete index is included so you can find just the topic you’re looking for. And with the handy page number references, you’ll find this is the perfect companion to The Action Bible.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

The Action Bible Handbook is a wonderfully illustrated companion to not only The Action Bible, but for any Bible.  It gives detailed information on many names, places and terms that are found throughout the Bible. I liked how organized the information was. It also gave you the page number of where you could find the name, place or term in The Action Bible or scripture from The Bible. I found this to be extremely helpful.

This book was very well written and full of so much information that I did not know previously. I like how they added appropriate illustrations in just the right places to help keep your attention. The information was written plainly so that even a young child could understand it.

I recommend this book for anyone who is studying the Bible or who wants to learn more about the Bible. It is definitely a wonderful resource that every home should have a copy of.

I give this book 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Children's Bible Comic Book Kings and prophets by Toni Matas

Children's Bible Comic Book Kings and prophets
by Toni Matas
ASIN: B003VRZR98
Kindle (161 pages)



Purchase the book:  Amazon

Book blurb:

Children’s Bible is a collection of comic books telling the stories of the Old and New Testament.

The main features of this publication are:
 
THE SCRIPT
• The comic book’s script is a faithful transcription of the biblical texts. No script elements alien to the original text have been added.
• We have used the Good News Bible.
• Every episode takes up one or two double pages. They can be read and used separately or consecutively.

THE DRAWINGS
• The realist drawings follow the tradition of the French Belgian clear-line school made popular by Hergé, creator of Tintin.
• The drawings are the result of an exhaustive work of graphical research, not only with regard to the landscapes of Israel, but also as for the characters’ attire (fabrics, colors, etc.), everyday objects (objects, food, etc.) and the architecture of the moment.
• As for the characters’ faces, we have worked with drawings from life. 

 I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

I liked the author's idea of creating a Comic Book of the Bible to get children and young adults interested in reading God's word. He chose some excellent portions of the Bible to portray, but did not tell enough of the stories to get the message across. While this book has wonderful illustrations to gain the reader's attention, I felt as though there were not enough illustrations to be deemed as a Comic Book or Graphic Novel. Unfortunately there were several misspelled words throughout the book which is a distraction. This book would do better with more illustration panels and more of a storyline. I felt that the author did not capture and keep the reader's attention.

I give this book 2 stars out of a total of 5.

The Tehran Initiative by Joel C. Rosenberg
ISBN: 978-1414319360
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Softcover (480 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon

Book blurb:

The world is on the brink of disaster and the clock is ticking. Iran has just conducted its first atomic weapons test. Millions of Muslims around the world are convinced their messiah--known as "the Twelfth Imam"--has just arrived on earth. Israeli leaders fear Tehran, under the Twelfth Imam's spell, will soon launch a nuclear attack that could bring about a second holocaust and the annihilation of Israel. The White House fears Jerusalem will strike first, launching a preemptive attack against Iran's nuclear facilities that could cause the entire Middle East to go up in flames, oil prices to skyrocket, and the global economy to collapse. With the stakes high and few viable options left, the president of the United States orders CIA operative David Shirazi and his team to track down and sabotage Iran's nuclear warheads before Iran or Israel can launch a devastating first strike.

This review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

The Tehran Initiative  was a captivating thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is one book that I could not put down as I had to know what was going to happen next. Reading this book like others written by Joel C Rosenberg makes you wonder if it is all possible. Many of the events that transpire in the book are also real live events going on in the world today. Although real life does not end in the way that it does in his books, they are very plausible in what could very well transpire one day.

The Tehran Initiative continues where The Twelfth Imam left off. Mr. Rosenberg's writing style allows you to pick up and read and still know what is going on without having read any of the others in the series. I like how Mr. Rosenberg pulls you into the story as though you are really there. His descriptive writing style allows the reader to be able to picture every moment of the story. He has wonderfully developed characters that Mr. Rosenberg allows the reader to fall in love with.Mr. Rosenberg's vast religious knowledge, current event knowledge and cultural knowledge helps to make the story not only enjoyable, but believable.This book will leave you not only thinking, but wanting more.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants not only a good read, but enjoys a fast-paced Christian thriller with tons of action.

I give this book 4 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

Today I Welcome Author Sarah Norkus

Hello Sarah, it's great to have you on my blog today. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to interview with me. Please tell me about yourself.

I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, the daughter of the editor of the horse racing magazine, The Horseman and Fair World. I like to say that writing is in my blood. My cousin, Stephen Ambrose wrote many historical military books including, Band ofBrothers.I have two published books, a memoir, The Eleventh Summer, and a literary fiction, Until the Wind Changes.

I now reside in Colonial Heights, Virginia with my retired military officer husband, Michael. When I am not writing, I volunteer with the American Red Cross, and in the children’s division at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Ienjoy speaking to groups and refines these skills through my TriCity Toastmasters Club. I am the current Regent of the Colonel John Banister Chapter, The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, an organization devoted to patriotism, education, historic preservation and community service.
 
When did you discover you were a writer? 

After finishing my first manuscript. I sent it off to a professional critique service and the positive feedback blew me away.

When did you begin writing and what or who influenced you?

 I didn’t start writing until I was forty-eight! Two people influenced my writing. My father, who was the editor of a horse racing magazine. And Stephen Ambrose, my cousin, who wrote “Band of Brothers” and other great historic military novels.

Do you have a job other than your writing activities? 

Chasing grandchildren.

What kind of writing do you do and why did you choose that topic or genre? 

My first book was a memoir, written to help children of alcoholics because I was one. The second one was a literary fiction based on true events of my dysfunctional blended family. Now I am writing a Christian historical/fantasy fiction trilogy. I chose this topic because I love God, history and time travel.


Who is your favorite author or what is your favorite book? What are you currently reading? 

My favorite book is the Bible. Just love the author. I am currently reading “Dark Enough to see the Stars in a Jamestown Sky.”

 Explain your writing process? What tricks and techniques help you be both creative and productive? (not just what you do, but how you do it) 

I know this won’t be very helpful, but I believe I have been given a true gift from God. I don’t outline or do a storyboard, etc. I sit down at my laptop and my imagination just flows from my brain to my fingers. I do, however, do a lot of research on the historical settings in my books. I want it as close to the facts as possible.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite? 

My favorite has been the interaction with my readers. I love book signings and other social events. My least favorite is waiting for my books to be published. It is a loooog process.

What is the best thing that has happened in your writing career thus far? 

The best thing to happen in my writing career was when one of the executives at my publisher (AMG) told me that he is a fifty-five year old man and he couldn’t put my book down until he finished it. Unbelievable, considering that the book is a YA fiction for girls.

As an author, where do you hope to be in five years? 

Still writing books and telling stories that are a delight to my readers.

Do you have any parting words of wisdom for other aspiring authors? 

Try not to be discouraged with all the negativity you encounter. At my first writer’s conference, a hundred or more of us “hopeful” new writers were told that we would not get a contract with a traditional publisher without a platform. That was 95% of the audience. But I am proof that that statement is wrong. Writers have a dream and dreams do come true.

The Secret Diary of Sarah Chamberlain by Sarah Norkus
ISBN: 978-0899577708
Publisher: Living Ink Books
Softcover (320 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon |  Christianbook
Book blurb:

In the year 2008, fifteen year-old Emily Grace (Em) discovers a secret hiding place under a wooden plank in the attic of an old house in Petersburg. It conceals a 150 year-old-diary belonging to Sarah Chamberlain, the previous owner of the house. Carefully turning to the last entry, Em’s interest is piqued by the mention of missing confederate gold and a murder mystery. She slips the diary into the pocket of her capris.

As she reads the diary, Em is touched by Sarah’s deep love for her husband, Robert. Emotionally, Em’s life is spinning out of control and the diary is a welcome distraction. Each day her faith slips further and further away as she blames God for the many trials and tribulations she has had to endure. After rereading the last page and Robert’s senseless murder, she has one more reason to doubt God’s love for his creation.Em slips the diary back in her pocket planning to return it to the attic before helping her mother clean the old house in Petersburg. While scrubbing black scuffmarks off the kitchen floor, Em has an emotional meltdown airing her list of grievances, including Robert’s murder, before God. As she shouts that she doesn’t believe he really exists, vertigo suddenly hits with a vengeance and she passes out. Regaining consciousness, Em is dumbfounded; the kitchen has been replaced by a nineteenth century parlor.

Today I Welcome Author Mark Knight

Hello Mark and welcome to my blog. Thank you for taking the time out to interview with us today. Please tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Massachusetts, USA. Settling in the UK, I continued to write novels of differing genres, including horror and television scripts. I worked on scripts for Hollywood’s Little Slices of Death production company and one for Illusion Studios, for which I have recently signed an Option Acquisition Agreement. I have also won several short story competitions, and have had my work featured in published anthologies. My main concentration now is on Young Adult urban fantasy novels.

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from you to be read pile?

It depends on how busy I am with my own stuff! I read a lot of nonfiction, but I do like reading lots of YA – Hunger Games, I Am Number Four, Shiver – books like that. They are great.

Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?
I have certainly tightened up my writing style, and also often employ short chapters, which was inspired by Dan Brown’s novels. I figure if someone is interested in a book, but not sure, they can easily digest the first couple of chapters if they are quite short, and then decide if they want to read further. Not all of my books are like that, however. But I do like to have a book which moves along at a pace, along with being meaty and giving you plenty of insight into the characters and their motivations. It is a fine line but something I believe I have honed quite well over the years.

What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?

I want the premise to be something that really snares me, and the main characters have to be real and interesting. The style of the writing is important, if it doesn’t pull me along effortlessly, I don't really continue. To me, you shouldn’t struggle to read a book. It has to be right for you.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?

The best part of being an author is when people finally get to read your work. The novel has been in your head for a long time, and has taken months to write. You get to hear other people’s reactions to it. Feedback for Blood Family has been really positive so far which is absolutely wonderful.

My least favorite part? I enjoy all the aspects of creating and promoting a book, but the problem is that there are just not enough hours in the day to do as much as you’d like. Today, with social networking, you have to be blogging and tweeting pretty much constantly. All of which I enjoy, but really, as a writer, I should be writing!

When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?

There don't seem to be many book stores anymore! I do love them, and so hope they make a comeback. I look at books that are promoted near the cashier, usually on a stand or table. Book covers can be very striking and there are some amazing covers out there these days. They do draw your eye, but don't necessarily mean you are going to get a great read!

Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

My day job does involve writing, but only in a commercial sense and not a storytelling sense. My goal is to write novels full time, however. You need the entire day just to get on and off of that social networking circuit and still have enough energy to write your current book project!

What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?
There hasn’t really been anything really strange, like ‘out there’ strange, though when people I know find out that I am writing a book they always ask ‘how many pages?’ I find that a bit odd because it is as though they are gauging how impressed they might be by the amount of pages I have completed! They also invariably think that I either am a millionaire or am on my way to being one. One can hope!

What is your favorite junk food vice?

I drink a lot of coffee when I write, and have to have couple of cookies to dunk. In fact, I am doing that right now! It actually helps me think!
Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

I like to travel and explore new places. I live on the outskirts of London and that is a fascinating city; most weekends I head on in to London and go to my favorite haunts or go to exhibitions. A lot of famous people come from London, from Dickens to Charlie Chaplin, and you can see where they lived and grew up. As English writer Samuel Johnson once said, ‘When a man is tired of London he is tired of life.’

Did you have any teacher in school that encouraged you to write? Did you take their advice?
I do remember an English teacher who encouraged me to write. Several, in fact. They knew I liked writing essays and stories. One in particular read out one of my 20 page ‘novels’ to the class. My classmates generally liked it, though there were harsh criticisms as well. All good preparation!

We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?

The books I put down are the ones where the characters are just cut-outs who spout dialogue. Your characters are the heart of the story and have to feel real, right down to their little foibles and bad habits.

What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?

When I write, it tends to be in silence. I need that to think. With my recently completed novel, The Powers, however, I wanted to incorporate some modern songs so listened to quite a few. That particular story has a strong romantic core. There is a High School prom scene as well, and I chose songs that I imagined would be played at the prom and had emotional significance.

On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing? Who are you with?
Sometimes my weekends are spent writing! But when not, I go out with friends and recharge my batteries, going to cafes or to the cinema, usually with friends I knew from previous jobs who I have stayed in touch with.

What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career? Why?

I am concentrating on Young Adult supernatural tales now because it interests me and I seem to have flare for it. Of course, there may be those who disagree! But, as mentioned before, my last novel had a strong romantic element. It is an action adventure, but the romantic core was very strong. I don't read paranormal romance but was a big fan of the television show, Roswell, which had a love story at its center. I wanted to create a story that revolved around a very deep emotional connection between two characters. Stories are all about emotions, whether they be fear, revenge, sadness, or love.

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?

Blood Family has quite a lengthy dedication at the front of the book. Included are friends who supported me and also people who helped me with the research. Without them, I might have written a lesser work, or might not have carried on at all.

What are you currently reading?
Quite often I read nonfiction as a change from fantasy fiction. I am reading a book on Pompeii at the moment. The story of how the Roman town was buried by the ash of Vesuvius in 79AD is a distressing but compelling one. I have been to two Pompeii artifact exhibitions. I must get around to reading Robert Harris’ novel about the disaster!

Who are your favorite authors?

I do love some of the older authors like Tolkien, John Christopher, and John Wyndham. Something about that older style of writing that really appeals to me. And you can’t beat Jules Verne and HG Wells! They are the fathers of wonderfully weird storytelling.

What authors inspired you to write this particular novel? Why?
I first conceived of the premise for Blood Family back in 2004, so my answer would be whichever authors I was reading at the time – because any book that I love will inspire me to write. If I get something from a book, thrills, surprises, emotional highs, then it compels me to create the same. But as to direct inspiration, I can site authors like Anne Rice, Darren Shan, and Phillip Pullman. I remember being lost in their worlds around about that time.

What 7 words would you use to describe yourself.

Persevering. Imaginative. Obsessive. Self-critical. Visual. Introspective. Particular.

Which is your favorite character in your book and why?

That's an easy one! And it applies to all my stories. The character who is my favorite is my main character, Daniel Dark. I think if an author isn’t totally into his protagonist, then why bother? He or she is who drives the story, pulls your reader along. It is the central character who is the story. For me, if I don't make the main character the most interesting and most dynamic person within the tale, then I shouldn’t be writing it. And plus, all writers, I think, take an aspect of themselves and mold their hero out of that. It can be a part of you that the public sees, or never sees. Or a facet of your personality you would like to cultivate; the person you wish you were. Daniel has the dynamic, forthright, and impetuous qualities I wish I had sometimes. And he definitely has the drive and perseverance that I know I have. Completing a novel certainly requires both!

Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

For any aspiring young authors I would say this: I have been writing since I was in my very early teens. I started with short stories, and then tried my hands at novels. I was 16 when I tried my first novel – a Star Wars sequel! Gosh, it was terrible. I think, really, I wanted to make my own Star Wars movie; I couldn’t really do that at 16, but I could write one down. My mother urged me to write original stories, and told me of an author she had read an interview with, who gave the simple advice ‘don't never give up!’. That deliberate double negative has stayed with me. If your first story isn’t published, or appreciated, it does not mean that it is no good. It means that you are still honing your talent. To be good at writing you have to write. But don't just consider your early work mere practice. Everything you write is—or should be—a fun experience. If you love what you're writing, your readers surely will, which is the best possible advice I could give.


Contact the Author: Amazon




 

In His Own Time: A Story of Family, Friends, and Courage by Tamara Pray Frazier

In His Own Time: A Story of Family, Friends, and Courage 
by Tamara Pray Frazier
ISBN: 978-1878853752
Publisher: Williams & Company, Publishers
Softcover (160 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon

Book blurb:

Faye Baker lay crumpled in the back of the overturned van, wondering why she had lost all feeling in her legs. She would soon find out. Rushed to Memorial Hospital in Savannah from the wreck site on I-95, Faye awoke from her sedative-induced slumber to hear her doctor utter the words she feared most: "Miss Baker, you will never walk again." But there is far more to man than mere flesh and blood. There is soul and spirit, iron will, and utterly unquestioning faith, qualities deeply rooted in Faye Baker and the family and friends who surrounded and supported her. In In His Own Time, Hinesville author Tamara Pray Frazier tells the inspiring story of this horrific event and of its final transformation into victory over misfortune. Far from accepting the doctor's desperate prognosis as anything more than a challenge, the Bakers decided to "claim" the healing of their daughter and, as they had always done, trust without reservation or hesitation that God would make the healing real. Tamara introduces the reader to an exceptional group of faith-filled people whose strength in adversity can serve as a model for us all.

Today I Welcome Author Margaret Millmore

Good evening, Margaret and welcome to my blog. Thank you for joining me this evening for an interview. Please tell me about yourself.


I am a native Californian, currently residing with my husband in San Francisco; I am the grandniece of Irish author Benedict Kiely and the second cousin of Irish author Sharon Owens. Current published works are: Doppelganger Experiment (World Castle Publishing, September 2011) and The Four Series – Book I, II and III (World Castle Publishing 2012/13).

Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

This is a series, so far there are 3 books, and I’m hoping to write a 4th in the near future. The series revolves around 5 friends, 4 of which discover that they come from a long line of vampires and werewolves and that the typical myths and stories revolving around V/WW are false, it’s genetic and soon they too will become vampires and werewolves. They also discover that they come from a long line of warriors, and they must fulfill their destiny as warriors too. A dark and powerful war is on the horizon and they must fight to save not just their kind, but mankind as well. The inspiration for this story comes from something simple: I and several friends were enjoying an afternoon on the patio in my Sierra Foothills home; we were joking and having fun. For reasons unknown to me this sparked an idea, which grew into The Four Series.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel? 

The toughest criticism came with my first novel, Doppelganger Experiment. The book was riddled with editing errors, those were of course my fault, but in my naiveté as a new author, I assumed the editor had caught all the mistakes and we were good to go, not true. We pulled the book and re-edited, it’s much better now. The biggest compliment came with my Four Series, one reviewer said “5 stars because I can’t give it 10”, needless to say that made my day, week and month! I am now overly cautious with all my writing, I think I edit to a fault, I also ask certain friends and family to read my work before submitting it (these people are either great with grammar and spelling or just great at snuffing out inaccuracies – but all of them are brutal and honest). It’s important to me that I produce the best work possible, I take every compliment and criticism seriously and try to learn from it.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other? 

I use a computer mostly; I’m a much better typist than I am at writing free hand. However if an idea comes to me and my computer isn’t nearby, I’ll either make several notes by hand, or if paper and pen are not available I’ll compose an email (via my smartphone) to myself with all those notes and ideas.

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from your to be read pile?

 I am an avid reader and that is my primary ‘free time’ activity. I have a humongous ‘to be read’ pile, it’s never ending. Since I started writing I’ve discovered a whole new world of fantastic Indie authors, that has just added to reading list, but that’s okay, I love to read.
What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?

 I want to be entertained, that’s why I read, to disappear into another world and step away from life for a while.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite? 

My favorite part is developing the story and watching it grow. My least favorite is the promotional aspects of being a new author, it’s not something I was prepared for or have training in and it’s quite overwhelming.

Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it? 

My writing career emerged by accident so to speak. I’d had a long career in the commercial real estate field, when the market crashed, so did the current position I held. My husband suggested I just take time off for a while (we did and still do a lot of traveling), but I soon became bored and just started playing around with story ideas, it went from there and I’m very fortunate that this is currently my full time job.

What is your favorite junk food vice?

 Milk and Milano cookies.

We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?

 I can’t stand stories that are politically one-sided. I think politics these days have become prejudice (‘if you don’t believe the way I do you’re an idiot and stupid’, that seems to be the general opinion these days) and that stirs hatred and ignorance, there’s already plenty of that in this world. 10. Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview? The Four Series was a great deal of fun to write, but I would love to hear from the readers as to what they would like to see in book 4.

The Beginning: The Four by Margaret Millmore

ISBN: 978-1938961090
Publisher: World Castle Publishing
Softcover (190 pages)
Purchase the book here: Amazon



Book Blurb:


Clare had an ideal life. She lived in the perfect little town, had a great family and four of the best friends in the world. She also had nightmares, nightmares that plagued her for almost a decade. But these are not ordinary nightmares; they are premonitions, warnings of what is to come and what she will become.

She discovers that she isn't alone in these vile dreams; her friends are having them too. They are dreaming of their ancestors and their own future... The discovery of their destiny and the future they must embrace is shocking and terrifying.

The Four Series - They do exist and they always have. They live, love, and work amongst us and they are part of us. But they are different too, they are stronger and they live longer. They are the topic of many books, movies and myths, but their existence remains a secret, not everyone would accept them. And like us, they have those that are simply evil. Keeping these evil ones under control is the price they must pay to continue the lives they love. They must protect their human brethren from the Dark Ones, those that would rather kill than preserve.

Century after century the good battled the Dark Ones, always prevailing and preserving the lives of their beloved humans. In the 17th century, two powerful Dark leaders emerged, they organized their forces and a bitter war ensued. It was a fight to the death and the good thought they'd won. Four warriors led the battle, four warriors whose strength was beyond anything they knew, four warriors whose legacy had to be protected...

The good formed a consortium and with the help of a powerful sorcerer, a spell was cast; a spell that would follow the warriors' lineage in case their power was needed again. The warriors are long dead, but their heirs are not, and now they must fight. The Dark Ones have re-emerged, they are more powerful, more resourceful and they want to control mankind and the world.


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More books by Margaret Millmore