Monday, October 21, 2013

Another Wonderful Tale By Jerry Jenkins

I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins
ISBN: 978-1617950063
Publisher: Worthy Publishing
Hardcover (400 pages)

Purchase the book:
Amazon

Book blurb:

A MURDERER who would change the WORLD

From multi-million copy best-selling novelist Jerry Jenkins comes a compelling international thriller that conveys you from present-day Texas to a dank Roman dungeon in A.D. 67, then down the dusty roads of ancient Israel, Asia, and back to Rome.

A young seminary professor, Augustine Knox, is drawn into a deadly race to save priceless parchments from antiquities thieves and discovers a two- thousand-year old connection with another who faced death for the sake of the truth. I, Saul consists of two riveting adventures in one, transporting you between the stories of Augustine Knox and Saul of Tarsus.

Filled with political intrigue, romance, and rich historical detail, I, Saul is a thrilling tale of loyal friendships tested by life-or-death quests, set two millennia apart, told by a master storyteller.


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

I, Saul was an incredible book that I just could not put down. Jerry Jenkins did an excellent job bringing you into the lives of the Apostle Paul and Augustine Knox. Jerry Jenkins did a wonderful job captivating me from the very first page and keeping my attention until the very end. While part of the story is in the present and part is in the past, the author wrote each section in a way that made you feel as though you were actually there. I could picture in my mind all that Saul, who was later named Paul, was going through. I could feel the excitement, the love, the tension and all that Auggie (Augustine Knox) was encountering. 

Jerry Jenkins has a descriptive and easy writing style that not only entertains the reader, but captivates the reader into a story that is not only well-written but exciting. The only thing that I did not like about the book was that the story was over before I was ready. It left me wanting to know more about the lives of the characters; perhaps the author will write more about them in another book.

I gave this book 5 stars out of a total of 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great read!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Please Welcome Author Deborah Brooks

This afternoon I have the pleasure of interviewing author Deborah Brooks. Please give her a warm welcome. Hello Deborah and thank you for joining us today. Please tell us a
little about yourself.

Pam, first I want to thank you for taking the time to interview me.. I am honored. I have been writing poems all my life. When I was in school I would write instead of listen and dream of different poems and stories. My passion is poetry. I love to write and if I don't write I feel very depressed. Writing my poetry and stories helps me emotionally. I was born in North Carolina, I am a military brat. We lived in Germany and Spain and Turkey. My father's side of the family comes from Cherokee North Carolina and my mother's families are English. I dedicated everything I do in the memory of my wonderful sweet mother and to Jesus Christ My Lord and Savior. I have written two poetry books. "My Heart I give"
"Silenced Hearts" My novel "Brooke" is being Edited again will be back on amazon shortly... I am writing the sequel to "Brooke" called "Brooke and Nick" And the third book in the series. "Brooke Forever"
Brooke in her young days I am working on children's books too. Nine in all..... Plus a cookbook......
I love working for our country. I am very passionate about that. I love working with the veterans. My father is a veteran from Pork chop in the Korean war and and two tours in Vietnam. I married my sweet husband from high school, He retired from the Navy.

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

Pam, my Novel Brooke, starts in 1969; a young woman in high school meets the love of her life. Her parents do not like this young man after he gets her pregnant, so he was forced to go away to have her baby. And after she was forced to give her baby away…she spends 40 years looking for her baby and the love of her life. She goes through a lot of hardships….

The inspiration behind this Novel was from parts of my life that happened to me but there is a lot of fiction in the book.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?

Pam, I love to read and write poetry. I always have. There is so much in a few little lines of poetry that can mean so much. Poetry speaks to me. I love anything by Jane Austin.. I love the Authors from England and I love historical novels.

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?
Pam that is some great questions, first of all the toughest criticism I have had was I need to stick with writing poetry. Or get deeper in my characters in my Novel. The greatest compliment is I write great poetry. I am very glad I was told this about my writing of my characters. I am going more in-depth of their lives. Sometimes Criticism might hurt but you can always go with it to help you.
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?

Pam I use my laptop. But if I am riding in a car and I get inspired I have pen and paper then and sometimes I will type it on my phone and send it to myself.

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


I have a full life. I am very active at church. I have grandkids I am involved with, I do read a lot. I like to interview other Christian authors like you do. I want to make sure to help out all new writers if I can.

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?
Oh Pam, I have to say yes, I have noticed such a big difference and I feel I have so much to learn. But it’s a journey and I have to say I have had so much fun.

After retiring from full time work, and when I first started writing full time, I was so green. I have to say I have learned so much.


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

Pam, I love romance and inspirational, and lots of poetry.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
Pam, my favorite part of being an author, I love just being able to write and write about our Lord, how so many different situations and hurts and loss and lead to our Lord. How He is always there for us if we only just reach out to Him.

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

Pam, I love the Christian historical books and the romance and of course the classics.. And any poetry I can find.

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?

Pam, I am retired… I started writing for therapy.. And then I couldn’t quit I loved it.. The more poems I wrote the more I had to write..
What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?
Pam, I have had writers to help them with titles of poems and books and help them make decisions on wording. Etc. That’s as strange that I remember..
What is your favorite junk food vice?

Pam, chocolate.. I love chocolate..

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
Pam, I love to travel.. Anywhere and everywhere..

Did you have any teacher in school that encouraged you to write? Did you take their advice?
Pam, my fifth grade teacher got me started reading the classics introduced me to Jane Austin.. I would write poetry but she was the only one that understood me.. And she did encourage me.

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?
Well Pam, I love the romance, but I hate to stay on one character so long that I get bored.

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

Pam, I love Italian guitar music love songs.. Always puts me in the mood.

On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing? Who are you with?
I am with my dear husband; we go to the lake if we are not working in the yard or if I do not have a deadline.

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

Pam, this did not start as a writing career.. I have so much to learn. I am always amazed that anyone would want to read anything by me.. I would want to get children’s books and cookbooks published.
Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?

Pam, all my books are dedicated To Jesus Christ and my family.. Without them I would have nothing to write about. And to my Father who just passed away on June 30th 2013.

What are you currently reading?

Pam, I am currently reading, Smoothwolf by Rolly Chabot.. Excellent writer.. He writes from his heart.
Who are your favorite authors?
Pam, my favorite Authors are Susan Joyner Stumpf, Rolly Chabot and Jane Austin

What authors inspired you to write this particular novel? Why?
Pam it was not an Author that inspired me to write. It was a very emotional time in my life. My husband and I were breaking up and I had my heart was broken. And there were things in my past I could not remember. Writing helped me remember.
What 7 words would you use to describe yourself.

Pam, gee what a question. Let’s see: Determined Loving Happy Busy Emotional Loyal Romantic

Which is your favorite character in your book and why?

Pam, I have to admit that Brooke is my favorite.. Although she makes so many mistakes she is always looking for the Lord to help her and although it takes her a long time to run into His arms she never gives up.



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

Pam, I would like to add, to those especially that are just starting out to never give up and always be happy and Work for the Lord God Jesus Christ, and that is for all of us.. It is so easy to get sidetracked. But if you feel like you are getting sidetrack step back and take a deep breath and ask Jesus to help you get back on track.

Contact the author: Lulu | Amazon | Website

The Sword of Hope by Christopher Bryant

The Sword of Hope by Christopher Bryant
ISBN-13: 978-0741465962
Publisher: Infinity Publishing
Softcover (138 pages)

Purchase the book:
Amazon

Book blurb:

My book is about two boys, one who is destined by the stars to walk a path laidout by destiny. The other, who is simply the help, will step out from the
shadows and prove he’s more than just the help. The Sword of Hope is a growing up tale for the two boys, Christian and Tiberius. As the story begins, both boys are completely inexperienced with the exception of the training provided by their teacher, Shino. Christian, who comes to find he’s destined to be this great hero, becomes overwhelmed by the thought of that responsibility after being thrust unwillingly into that role due to Gmonkis. Gmonkis is the boys first true enemy they’ll have to face in order to begin their path to the greater good. Tiberius, the axe wielding, energetic helper tags along once Christian passes his first test in the family safe, thus becoming more confident in his goal. He and Tiberius set out to the Forest of Lost Emotion to face Gmonkis, but find that their enemy is not quite what they expected. As they learn from this newfound ally, they realize the real danger. The real enemy, their mission, is beyond the borders of their small town surrounded by trees.


As the boys go along, facing evil at every turn, meeting allies, and forming bonds unbreakable, they begin to grow into they men they were both destined to become. Christian steps into the shoes of his destiny and embraces it full heartedly. Tiberius learns to step out of the shadows and show he’s more than just the help.Christian and Tiberius will encounter many different types of creatures, both good and evil along their path. They will find friends, who will see into their hearts and help them bring out their inner destined soul. The boys will encounter their worst enemy, whom they are subjected to torture by several times. The black knight, Chingon, who was once one of the royal guard of the flying city, is the first and most powerful of Sephiran’s generals. It is by his hand, a dear friend of Christian and Tiberius is slain. The black knight appears almost everywhere there is trouble, pulling the strings. Tiberius grows mad with rage at the death of his friend, and swears a blood mission. He is to destroy this black knight, but not before Chingon leaves his mark. Tiberius will carry a constant reminder of what happened. The boys will have to use everything they have in order to get through the hell on earth  caused by Sephiran and his minions….and they will…Destiny has written it in the stars. 

 Meet author Christopher Bryant

My name is Chris Bryant. I’m 27, born raised in Lexington, Ky. I love to write. I have been writing since I was little, always short stories about action or adventures I’d have liked to have been on. The Sword of Hope is my first of many books to come. My dream has always been to be able to get one of my stories published. This is my first full length story. Let me know what you think!!

Contact the author: Facebook | Twitter

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Calastan by Cheryllynn Dyess

Calastan (Jein's Journey) by Cheryllynn Dyess
ISBN-13: 978-1491206119
Publisher: CreateSpace
Softcover (130 pages)

Purchase the book:
Amazon

Blurb:



Follow Jein Kyominias, a girl who does not entertain the established roles other females of the upper class take in her land. Her rearing in a matriarchal society has certain paths laid out. She has chosen to be an elite hunter instead of a mere matron. She is unique in her fondness for activities that are specifically bequeathed for men. She decides she will be different---strong and different that is.


Each person has a distinct trait that's either held in reserve or pursued without inhibitions. For reasons that vary, the latter may seem an egotistic act. However, not for Jein. Taking a path other than the one she believes is right is like betraying her own soul. This book features a young girl who deals with her individuality in admirably different ways. It tell a story of how she accomplishes exceptional feats in a world that draws an unyielding line between men and women. Follow Jein Kyominias, a girl who does not entertain the established roles other females of the upper class take in her land. Her rearing in a matriarchal society has certain paths laid out. She has chosen to be an elite hunter instead of a mere matron. She is unique in her fondness for activities that are specifically bequeathed for men. She decides she will be different---strong and different that is.


Excerpt:

“My people are an ancient one, with a history as long as our worlds. Our world is one of beauty and mystery known only to a few humanoid races, Euphasia. We are the fifth world in our galaxy of twelve. The other planets are Arouyura, Kylia, Qalitinym, Talinusia, Sedariaum, Perutiuous, Remjein, Anastasinay, Makyli, Cajostan and Aliyaminum. My home is known as Calastan, the capital of all Euphasia.”


About the Author

Cheryllynn’s vivid imagination comes through in all she does in life. Her writing started in junior high and although she never truly shared her work until recently she kept them hidden away in an old tattered orange folder. Original works she wrote from 1984 still holding ink on the pages may one day be shared, but for now she shares her newer creations. Science Fiction and Fantasy are her favorite genres with mystery and thrillers in close running.

Born in Northwest Florida and raised in Southeast Georgia she gained a love for nature and the outdoors. Currently living in Central Texas with two of her four children, she has begun a new chapter in life that has opened her heart and soul to many great adventures. Her dreams are to one day return to her native homes and settle in for life with her kids and all her family and to continue writing.
Contact the author: Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Website | Goodreads | Email