Come. Stay. Celebrate! by Judith Galblum Pex (The Story of the Shelter Hostel in Eilat, Israel)

I picked out this book only because I had read all her other books. Oh my goodness! Seriously, this book should be read FIRST then move on to the others. I really enjoyed this and I wasn't at all sure I would! I knew I should, but I wasn't sure. I am quite glad I read it and it makes the other two books click into place.  This is the real life story of Judith and her husband and their time in ministry, daily life, and people they came to love and impact while running a hostel in Israel! 

It's a very strong true story, and all the ups and downs and the over all plan of what God was doing come to light as you read this book that I didn't put down until the last page. Well worth reading. 

Carol :) 

COME, STAY, CELEBRATE!

The Story of the Shelter Hostel in Eilat, Israel

by Judith Galblum Pex

The True Story

Make yourself available to God, and He will use you in ways you can't imagine!

You will be convinced of this as you read the story of John and Judy Pex and their conversions as hippies roaming the world in the 1970s to their immigration to Israel, and how the door opened for them to start a hostel near the Red Sea.
In the volatile and highly-charged atmosphere of the Middle East, the Shelter is a point of reconciliation between believers and non-believers, Jews and non-Jews, Israelis and Arabs, all staying together under one roof. For people from over ninety countries the Shelter Hostel has provided a beacon of light and a welcoming home for thirty years, as the Pexes use their gifts of hospitality and evangelism.
Enjoy these touching and humorous stories that reveal how the Lord uses ordinary people to participate in His extraordinary work.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Who Wants to Run a Hostel, Anyway?
2. From Igloos to Palm Trees
3. The Blond Dutchman
4. The House on Poor House Lane
5. Down the Gangplank
6. Melon Box Crib & Sandstorm Solutions
7. Beginning and End of a Hostel
8. Flee to the Refuge
9. Sorry, We're Full
10. Dutch Wall Climber, Russian Coffee Seller & Egyptian Doctor
11. Pee Mattresses, Snotty & Other Encounters
12. Elvis & Pilgrims
13. Next-Door Strangers
14. Lebanese Fugitive & Jordanian Aristocrat
15. Scuds, Sirens & Sealed Rooms
16. The Russians Are Coming
17. Seeking Culture, Finding Yeshua
18. God Exists In Romania
19. Chicken Feet & Dog Liver
20. Visits to Court & to China
21. Trail Angels
22. From Sudan to Zion
23. Trouble In Zion
24. EPILOGUE: Musings and Memory
25. POSTSCRIPT: Best News in a Zillion Years

The Details Memoir/ Evangelism/ Christian Life/ Messianic Faith/ Israel Paperback 5.5" x 8.5" / 264 Pages Illustrated: 26 photos ISBN: 9780989101448 $12.99 Full Cover Read Excerpt Meet the Author Other Books by Judith Galblum Pex: Walk the Land: A Journey on Foot through Israel A People Tall and Smooth: Stories of Escape from Sudan to Israel The Praise "Judy Pex loves the Lord and she loves Israel. My wife and I have wholeheartedly enjoyed her compelling and wonderfully-written stories about all that God has been accomplishing through her and John and their team. Their fascinating vantage point on Israel and the Jewish people and the spiritual awakening that is happening here provides unique insights that will encourage your faith!" ~ Joel C. Rosenberg, New York Times best-selling author of Epicenter and The Last Jihad "The Shelter Hostel in Eilat, Israel, lies at the crossroads of a troubled world. Located on the borders of the Sinai Desert, its doors are always open to refugees, world travelers, and many others who seek the love and encouragement offered there. Its proprietors, John and Judy Pex, have the greatest combination of gifts of spontaneous evangelism and loving hospitality that I have seen in extensive travels around the world. Firmly grounded in the Word of God, Judy Pex recounts some of the deeply moving stories of people whose lives have been changed by the love shown to them there. For all who pessimistically see the troubles in today's world, it is a refreshing reminder that God is still on the throne. I heartily recommend this remarkable book." ~ David M. Howard, International Director Emeritus, World Evangelical Alliance "Jesus' final words to his disciples, 'But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,' is lived out daily at the Shelter Hostel. To hippies from Europe, the new immigrants from the former Soviet Union, foreign workers from Romania or China, Jordanian royalty, refugees from Sudan, Israel trail walkers or the ongoing flow of backpackers and students from every continent, John and Judy Pex have opened their hearts and home, as the 'ends of the earth' have come to them. Having run a similar hostel for nearly twenty years in the north of Israel, we can certify that these vignets of searching, discovery, and redemption are too wild to make up! Come, Stay, Celebrate! will encourage every sojourner at any stage of their journey for truth." ~ Paul and Traci Valerio, former managers, Bethel Hostel, Haifa, Israel "Come, Stay, Celebrate! is a breath of fresh air in a world full of strife. It's the story of a hostel in the southern reaches of Israel, a place where travelers, hikers, drug addicts, and refugees of various generations and wars gather to find hospitality and acceptance. Each world conflict of the past four decades leads to new waves of people coming through the Shelter Hostel, and Judith Galbrum Pex presents their stories with grace. Written in a no-frills style yet with a keen eye for detail,Come, Stay, Celebrate! is an honest account of the lives touched by the hostel. Some of the guests find healing and friendship, even love. Some turn to crime or commit suicide. Others discover new life through a relationship with Jesus. If you want to better understand the world around you, if you want to be encouraged to better care for those in need, this book is mandatory reading. It is a fast-paced easy read full of humor, insight, and emotion." ~ Eric Wilson, New York Timesbestselling author of Fireproof, October Baby, andField of Blood

Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven (Quilts of Love Series)

One witty smart Grandmother, or something else? Sarah is still hurting from her parent's death, and Grandma is harder for her to live and work with than her entire classroom of children that she teaches. Is she loosing her mind and memories, or cooking up a serious plan?

A man with a mystery... Andrew/Drew. It was just a craft fair where they met, but is this meeting is a game changer when Granny hires Drew to do handyman work? Sarah wants to know a bit more about Drew, so she starts reading his online journals!!!

Also, who here lacks a strong enough relationship with God? Would that be Drew, or Sarah, or both of them? This time in their lives is going to make or break this group. Can they really see God's love and learn to trust? Add in broom crafting and quilting and you could get swept away in it all quite easily!

Carol :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Swept Away

Abingdon Press (November 18, 2014)

by

Laura V. Hilton

and

Cindy Loven

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award winning author Laura V. Hilton has penned many novels, including the Amish of Seymour series, the Amish of Webster County series, and the forthcoming Amish of Jamesport series. A member of ACFW, Laura is also a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites. A pastor’s wife, stay-at-home mom, and home school teacher, Laura and her family make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.


A lifelong reader, Cindy Loven is an active church wife of a minister and mother to one son who is a home school graduate. Cindy and her family reside in Conway, Arkansas.

ABOUT THE BOOK


Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned.

Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but also as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between him and his new employer’s granddaughter.

Still, it doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts online researching him. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Swept Away, go HERE.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426773625 

Kellen's Hope by Danie Marie

Debut novel alert! Don't miss this one!!! 

Kellen is in a major life predicament. She is with child, and doesn't know how the man she loves will take the news since they aren't together at the moment. Thus launches us following a dramatic and realistic story of Kellen Bruce's life. I never give too much away, but right off the bat Kellen's in-laws are far less than pleased. Her parents, their reaction is shocking! It just keeps unfolding from there. Donny, the father of her child, the man she loves, will he stay in her life for the sake of their child? Can they make it as a couple with what is going on in their lives?

Then the major stuff starts! Sweet pregnant Kellen suffers a blow that has been fatal to some. Now she is being pranked, or stalked, or.... this could be way more serious than anyone suspected. As her life falls down even more around her, Kellen struggles to hold on to God and his plan for her life. She grasps for understanding and can't quite sort out forgiveness in some areas. Her best friend and a new friend who is her Dr. become her lifelines, and there is a glimmer of a chance at romance, something past the tragic events that have beset her life. 

This is a wonderful story, filled with hope, based in a reality that is tangible.  Kellen's Hope is well worth the read, and maybe we will get another book that is connected to this one later on. I can't wait for the next book by this author! 

My copy of this book came from Story Cartel in exchange for my honest review and nothing more. 

Carol :) 

The book link: 

http://www.amazon.com/Kellens-Hope-Danie-Marie-ebook/dp/B00IB3ZCX8

About The Book: 

Kellen's Hope is Danie Marie's debut novel. 

“A well-written page turner for those who enjoy mystery, conflict, and ultimately faith overcoming tragedy. I highly recommend Kellen’s Hope by Danie Marie.” 
NY Times bestselling author of The Lost Valentine, James Michael Pratt 

Heartbreak upon heartbreak leaves Kellen Carmichael alone and pregnant, her soul stained so bitter even her best friend Marla can't breach her silent prison. Just when she thought life couldn't worsen, annoying pranks become menacing acts and Kellen fears the lives of her and her unborn baby are in danger. 

Dr. Brent Gordon does his best to provide calm amidst the storms raging both within and around Kellen, but he can only pray she will trust the One who cares for her more than he does. Can Kellen reach out, and let go of her bitterness and forgive before it's too late? 

About the Author: 

Danie Marie was born (1953) and raised in California. She and her husband now reside in N.CA., and love it there. 

Her debut novel Kellen's Hope (Romance/Tragedy/Mystery/Suspense) came out on Kindle February 2014. Her upcoming novel Where Darkness Dwells (Fantasy/Romance/Suspense) will soon be available on Amazon. 

Danie enjoys reading a variety of book types which is why her writing is eclectic. A historical novella set in Old Folsom California, will most likely follow Where Darkness Dwells. Join her author page: www.facebook.com/DanieMarie.Author

Danie Marie is also an inspirational speaker who loves laughter. Blessed with the gift of evangelism, she has discipled many over the years. Danie is a graduate of the 2012 Christian Communicators Conference, has attended writers conferences in Canada, Colorado, and the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in California a number of times. Her speaking page: www.speaking-hope-healing.com

Her goal as a writer is to engage her readers and draw them into her characters lives. To inspire, encourage, challenge and entertain. She hopes to enrich the lives of her readers, and imprint a lasting message of hope.

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

Six cats. Siz cats who need homes for Christmas because his Grandmother had passed. Garrison has his hands full, but the cats can not go just anywhere! They are each individuals, as are most pets, and they have to have the right new homes. Harry is a Main Coon. He looks and acts like a raccoon. Muzzy is a talker, she is quite vocal! Spooky, well he is easily spooked and not so social. Rusty is a clown, and very comical of course. Oreo, colored like the cookie, black and white, he has to have the right home too. Viola is all cat, she is moody. What on earth is Garrison going to do but play Santa while praying in the right homes for these felines. Of course there is romance, and a Purrrfect ending.

My copy came from Revell in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.

Carol :)

The Christmas Cat  He felt his face flushing as Cara opened the door. Wearing a garnet-colored knit dress and with her dark hair pinned up, she looked even prettier than he remembered. Suddenly he wished he'd thought to bring a hostess gift. Like a cat. After years abroad, Garrison Brown finds himself at the home of his beloved grandmother who has just passed away. He must sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While he hopes to dispense with the task quickly--especially since he is severely allergic to cats--his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends. Can he match the cats with the perfect new owners? And is it possible that he might meet his own match along the way? Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's, as well as The Christmas Pony and A Simple Christmas Wish. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

Trading Secrets by Melody Carlson

Micha has a major problem. For years she has been writing Zach, who is Amish, but because of her name, Zach thought she was a boy. Now it is time to meet, and Micha really, really wants to meet him! They have so much in common! A love of air planes, and animals, and so much more. But what will Zach or his family do when they meet Micah. I don't want to give too much away, but Micha is meeting them in the most unusual way and it just keeps getting better and better.

Wait till you meet Zach's, and his family, and find out his place, and about Micha's attempts to go home - or stay -and Molly the horse and her situation too! This is a wonderful fun read and I'm quite happy to have gotten to read it!

My copy came from Revell in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.

Carol :)

Trading Secrets 

The truth may set you free--but it might also land you in some uncomfortably hot water.

Over the years, Micah Knight has exchanged many letters--and many secrets--with her longtime Amish pen pal, Zach. But Micah's kept quiet on the biggest secret of all--the fact that despite her name, she's a girl.

Now Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. She wants nothing more than to experience life on Zach's Amish farm, but she's more than a little anxious. Will he be angry at her for deceiving him all these years? And will she risk losing his friendship to find something more?


Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books, including the Dating Games series, the Life at Kingston High series, Double Take, A Simple Song, and My Amish Boyfriend. She has received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

Creation Of Calm - A Cancer Survivor's Sketchbook Story by Mark Fraley

Fall Fling continues with Creation of Calm. This is the story of one man's journey through cancer, and reoccurring cancer. It is emotional and in some areas, beautiful, and amazing. The sketches are poignant and incredibly well worked into the real life story. I've dealt with cancer more closely than I care to have, though not like Mr. Fraley. This man went through so much, and brought so very very much out of it including his relationship with God. 

I think this book would be excellent for anyone with a friend or family member who has dealt with cancer. 

Carol :) 

The Details:
Memoir/ Art/ Personal Growth/ Suffering/ Inspirational/ Gift Book Paperback 6" x 8.25" 168 Pages Illustrated: black ink sketches color collages ISBN: 9780989101424 View Sample Pages Retail Price: $13.99 Available from: Amazon.com BN.com Cladach.com The Story: "When we are broken and thrown about, our God takes us ~ right where we are ~ and shapes us into His artwork."~From the Book As a young husband and father, Mark learned he had cancer. Through two bouts of the disease that spanned four years, he chose "the posture of a seeker." Even when pain and treatments stole his ability to work or focus for periods of time, he captured moments of his journey ~ as images, thoughts, and prayers ~ in a growing collection of sketchbooks. Here is the result: honest art, wrenching emotions, a little humor, and authentic spirituality. In the author's own words: 'The act of seeking is essential to life. When faced with turmoil and struggle, I often take the posture of a seeker. In the pages of this book I have compiled a series of sketchbook entries that span six years and tell the story of my battles with cancer. I have re-drawn and re-worked them to fit this format; however, the message put forward is intact: This act of seeking was one that revealed a loving God at work when everything in my life appeared to be crumbling.' Enjoy this very personal, easy-to-read book and give it as a thoughtful, encouraging gift. REVIEWS: "A poignant and thought-provoking response to the kind of health crisis that can turn a life inside out and leave a person bitter and angry. Fraley never claims not to have been afraid, and he fought off misplaced guilt and shame on a regular basis. Yet he writes with compassion, characteristic honesty, and the kind of tender empathy that only someone who has walked the road of cancer can feel and extend to others. ... Whether for yourself or a loved one, and whether you've experienced cancer personally or not ... the directness with which he writes about his family, pain, faith, and discovery of art as a medium through which to filter and process all his experiences, will touch your heart and leave you encouraged." ~ Eleanore Trupkiewicz on Goodreads.com "Written from the perspective of a normal dude, who can draw dang good. He writes about the journey as if he's talking to us and finds some pretty cool deeper meaning behind life because of how cancer has made him look at it. It's an easy and thoughtful read. And the drawings are pretty much flawless." ~ Ross Boone, author and illustrator "A unique book that can be read on many levels. The drawings alone - touching, humorous, and professional - are reason enough to enjoy this book. Fraley's sparse prose complements the drawings and takes us through his double battle with cancer. Furthermore, Fraley shares in a personal way his experiences and feelings of balancing his life as a young father and husband with the trials of hospitalization and chemotherapy. Finally he leaves us with a message of hope and victory sustained by his deep faith in God. I highly recommend this book." ~ Judith Pex, author "I really enjoyed this unique book. I found it inspiring and thought provoking - made me want to start a sketchbook journal." ~ Nina Rattle onAmazon.com The Author/Artist: Mark Fraley grew up in France as a child of Christian missionaries. From a young age he drew countless pictures, including cars, jets, and dogs. This passion for putting pen to paper came into full bloom when faced with the challenge of his life, cancer. His three kids and his wife brought the calm needed to face this battle with courage, and God placed a deep-rooted peace that remained beyond just the moment of fervent prayer. He works as an early-childhood educator in Colorado.More of his sketches and collages may be viewed at http://markfraley.blogspot.com/?view=snapshot Mark will be showing his collages (and book) at the Broomfield (Colorado) Auditorium gallery from January 2 to February 10, 2015. Mark's collage art has been shown at the Bemis Spring Arts show in Seattle, Washington and at the Children's Museum in Everett, Washington. Prints of his collages may be purchased here: http://www.fulcrumgallery.com/a117163/Mark-Fraley.htm and here: http://www.greatbigcanvas.com/category/fraley-mark/

Samples of Art from the Book:

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by ​Suzanne Woods Fisher

I have always liked roses well enough, but this book puts them up front and center in a wonderful light! God's love always reaches us if we listen. This long forgotten rose, tucked away in a rose house, is about to change lives.

Bess is about to marry Amos and she can't get Billy out of her mind. Working in the rose house, Bess finds a rose she can't identify. She has to have this strange rose identified, and Billy has to come and do it. He didn't want to go back to the Amish life he left, but one rose and Bess, with God's promoting are going to change things. 

Love, hope, pain, and romance are all in this fast sweet read. Find a fire, or a warm blanket and your favorite area with a cup of hot coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate or hot tea and settle in for a lovely story that will leave you smiling. Carol :) 

My copy of this book came from Revell in exchange for my honest review and nothing more. 

Join bestselling, award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher for an Amish Christmas to remember.

Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler for Penn State and wants nothing to do with Stoney Ridge. And that suits Bess Riehl just fine. Why should she think twice about a man who left without a word of explanation? It's time she moved on with her life, and that meant saying yes when Billy's cousin Amos proposed--for the third time--and beginning to plan for her Christmas wedding.

When a "lost" rose is discovered in a forgotten corner of the greenhouse at Rose Hill Farm, Billy is sent to track down its origins. His plan is to get in, identify the rose, and get out. The only catch is that he's having a hard time narrowing down the identity of the lost rose --and he can't get Bess Riehl out of his mind.

As the history of the lost rose is pieced together, it reminds Bess and Billy--and Amos too--that Christmas truly is the season of miracles.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

The book link:
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Rose-Hill-Farm-Amish-ebook/dp/B00KDN87T0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416076508&sr=8-1&keywords=Christmas+at+rose+hill

Dr Who: The Blood Cell

A man, or is this guy a man, called "The Governor" has trapped the Doctor! Well, we know that is always a mistake, but in watching him work to escape The Governed has become quite intrigued by our Doctor. After all, he runs this prison that is on/in an asteroid. It is home to mega horrific criminals. Why is our Doctor, Prisoner 428 in there? What are the charges against him now? The Doctor has knowledge, there are about to be a lot of folks dead if this Governor doesn't listen to him. Clara is trying to help, but this is a big situation that is a wee bit confusing. 

This book does need a bit of work, it isn't as well put together as the last book I read, but it is still Dr. Who and with a bit of help it could be a stronger book! 

My copy of this book came from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review, nothing more. 

Carol :) 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

"Release the Doctor - or the killing will start." 

An asteroid in the furthest reaches of space - the most secure prison for the most dangerous of criminals. The Governor is responsible for the worst fraudsters and the cruellest murderers. So he's certainly not impressed by the arrival of the man they're calling the most dangerous criminal in the quadrant. Or, as he prefers to be known, the Doctor. 

What does impress the Governor is the way the new prisoner immediately sets about trying to escape. And keeps trying. Finally, he sends for the Doctor and asks him why? But the answer surprises even the Governor. And then there's the threat - unless the Governor listens to the Doctor, a lot of people will die. 

Who is the Doctor and what's he really doing here? Why does he want to help the Governor? And who is the young woman who comes every day to visit him, only to be turned away by the guards?  

When the killing finally starts, the Governor begins to get his answers...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

He is a mystery! I checked his page on Amazon, but he doesn't have a profile up yet. This is his only book listed, so this could be a debute novel! 

THE BOOK LINK: 
http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Blood-James-Goss-ebook/dp/B00KUQITJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416001076&sr=8-1&keywords=Dr.+Who+The+Blood+Cell&pebp=1416001079689

Dr Who: The Crawling Terror

I loved this fast, fun Dr. Who read! Clara and the Doctor are brought to a tiny town by the TARDIS. Here they find horrific, massive huge giant insects who are deadly. But where have they come from? There are these rumors of a "bug farm" or something like that. Did this massive insects come from there? Can bug spray work, is anything EVER that simple?!

How on Earth (or is it not from Earth) are stone ruins involved with giant bugs. Might not be connected at all, but it will take the Doctor and Clara to save this town, and perhaps our planet from being taken over by the forces behind the giant bugs.

Well written, page turning, and everything you would long for or expect from giant bugs and the Doctor.

My copy came from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

"Well, I doubt you'll ever see a bigger insect."
Gabby Nichols is putting her son to bed when she hears her daughter cry out. 'Mummy there's a daddy longlegs in my room!' Then the screaming starts... Alan Travers is heading home from the pub when something rushes his face - a  spider's web. Then something huge and deadly lumbers from the shadows... Kevin Alperton is on his way to school when he is attacked by a mosquito. A big one. Then things get dangerous.

But it isn't the dead man cocooned inside a huge mass of web that worries the Doctor. It isn't the swarming, mutated insects that make him nervous. It isn't an old man's garbled memories of past dangers that intrigue him.

With the village cut off from the outside world, and the insects becoming more and more dangerous, the Doctor knows that no one is safe. Not unless he can decode the strange symbols engraved on an ancient stone circle, and unravel a mystery dating back to the Second World War.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

MIKE TUCKER is an Emmy nominated, BAFTA winning visual effects  designer. He spent 20 years as part of the BBC's in-house Visual Effects  Department before setting up his own company, The Model Unit, in 2005.  As a writer he has contributed to the 'Doctor Who' ranges, novelised several scripts for the 'Merlin'  range, and co-authored a history of the BBC VFX Department.

The book link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KUQITIY

Season of Forgiveness by Templa Melnick - Cladach Fall Fling!

It is time! Fall Book Fling time! So the first book is Season of Forgiveness. This book was not at all what I was expecting. It started out easy going. Soon, it was shocking and a bit scary! Then, about the time I wasn't sure if I should just by pass some major trauma, it all started changing.  I'm normally very bold with my reading, but what Daisy was going through, oh my goodness. I just almost wasn't able to read. You will not want to miss a page! God is moving in the lives of these vividly shared people in the Old West. Everything that makes "The Old West" be what movies make it out to be, it is all in this book with nothing left out. What is in this book that isn't in many of the movies is following one Christian family as they make a difference in the lives of those around them. Emma and her husband, and their large group of children impact lives, while their lives are impacted as well. That is what makes this book real. This is a historically placed book, that focuses on Forgiveness while dealing with real life situations. This is a very good book to read, but I would not recommended it for under 16-18 with out some guidance with a few situations. If your interested in a real life take of how a Christian family could have lived (and probably did!) in this time frame, this book is for you! 

Carol :) 

Thank you Cladach for my e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! 

It was well worth my time reading it! 

SEASON OF FORGIVENESS: A NOVEL

by Templa Melnick

Templa Melnick lives in Grand Junction, Colorado. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Chris. They have raised three sons and a menagerie of animals. Templa loves history, out of the way museums, and dusty attics filled with forgotten treasures. She's always ready to listen as old timers talk about how things were back in their day. Raised in the mountains of Colorado and influenced by colorful family memories, these elements naturally weave their way into her stories, creating rich, realistic details. Templa also draws from her varied experience as a business owner, a sales and marketing executive, and most recently, serving in Wake Up Ministries. Find her online ~ and enjoy her blog, "Templa's Trivia" ~ at TemplaMelnick.com.

The Story Emma is a little woman with a big heart, who can to ride, shoot, love, and pray! Emma Johnson juggles family, friends, and pioneer chores, all the while dealing with threats to her own life, those she loves, and the safety of the ranch on the western slope of Colorado's Rocky Mountains in the early 1900s. The challenges of living in the shadow of gold fever bring opportunities to use the skills learned from her Indian stepmother while praying as if everything depends on the Lord. Families, schools, and churches are moving into Riverbend, where gold assessors, saloons, and brothels have prevailed. Conflicts arise between miners, ranchers, bankers, railroad tycoons, Indians, and lawmen. Emma finds herself involved in the rescue and restoration of three abandoned or abused women. As hope, beauty, and new life blossom, the four women help uncover an evil plot and learn the meaning of forgiveness. This Historical/Western/Romance novel shows us what women encountered in the West, especially in gold-rush boom towns. And it demonstrates the difference that faith, prayer, resourcefulness, and self-sacrifice can make in any hard situation. Season of Forgiveness offers a colorful cast of characters, pacing that lets you experience family life on a Western ranch and the flavor of life in those days, peppered with suspense, danger, and a little mystery. The drama and pathos in the stories of the three women ~ Sally, Daisy, and Dee ~ are eloquent and will touch your heart. Each of them begins to come into her own and each develops love interests by the end of this book that will form the bases of the plots in books 2 and 3 of the series. By the time you read to the end of Season of Forgiveness, these characters will be real to you and you will want to read about the next seasons of their lives. Get to know Emma Johnson, her cowboy husband, their seven rambunctious sons (the oldest ones becoming men), and Emma's young, rescued-women friends in Season of Forgiveness, first novel of the new series, Seasons in Riverbend.   The Praise

"Season of Forgiveness is written with depth, insight, passion, intrigue, suspense, and well formed characters & story line.... [Reading this book] was time well spent." ~ Pam Caylor" I highly recommend this Christian, historical romance. Easy to read, easy to love the characters, with a wonderful message and strong example of beautifully lived Christian lifestyle. I enjoyed the historical context and I can't wait for the next book in the series!" ~ Ileen White  "Dramatic situations and historical accuracy make this story interesting and enjoyable. This is the kind of book that I like to read in front of a roaring fire in the winter. If you enjoy stimulating novels, the old west, and a good Christian story, this is a book for you." ~ Susan Bulanda Back to Bookstore Back to Templa Melnick Back home: www.cladach.com

Western/Historical Romance Purchase at: Amazon.com BN.com Also available in e-book formats: Kindle Nook Kobo Excerpt: Read a Sample Chapter

Sanctuary by Pauline Creeden

Here went part of my book ideas, but I so enjoyed reading it! It is the end of of the world, or is it? Aliens have hovered aka landed, and the first few waves have unleashed Shisa's in droves, a zombie viruses, and so so much more! 

Jennie, and her brother Mickey are in major, major trouble. The aliens have torn her family into, and their lives will never be the same. Running from the alien aggressors, and the virus zombies, Jennie and her brother have only a few friends they can trust. Hugh has been trying to help them survive. Hugh's brother Brad has lived so far, but is he really safe to trust? 

Jennie is developing into a strong woman, and Hugh is simply amazing. Sure they can make some dumb, dumb mistakes at times, but then, most movies or books in this genera do tend to do that. However, this book has other redeeming qualities. 

In a post apolitical environment, the end has not yet arrived, but for the survivors the entire world has changed. Mixed with pertinent verses from Revelation, this book was quite a page turner that I didn't want to put down. I'm hoping I get to review the next installment in this series! 

My copy of this book came from Story Cartel in exchange for my honest review and nothing more. 

Carol :) 

Book Description

First Place Winner of 2014 Gold Award Readers Favorite YA Horror
First Place Winner of 2013 Dante Rosetti Award in YA Fiction

What if the Biblical End Times unfolded in a way no one told you about and the rapture didn't happen before the tribulation began...

"Makes you afraid of the end times again." - D. M. Dutcher for Sword Cross Rocket

"Sanctuary crosses boundaries and borders and incorporates elements of all kinds of action and intrigue, from thriller-like adventure to a post-apocalyptic tale of life after aliens invade. Thus it will delight readers seeking something truly different, while disappointing those who anticipated a shallow, one-dimensional subject and story line." - Midwest Book Review

Left Behind for the Hunger Games generation

In a heart-racing thriller described as Falling Skies meet The Walking Dead, Jennie struggles to find a safe place for what’s left of her family. But it seems as though there is no place sacred, no place secure. First the aliens attacked the sun, making it dimmer, weaker, and half what it used to be. Then they attacked the water supply, killing one-third of Earth’s population with a bitter contaminate. And when they unleash a new terror on humankind, the victims will wish for death, but will not find it…

When the world shatters to pieces around her, will Jennie find the strength she needs to keep going?

From the Author

Look for Survivor and Silence ~ The companion novels to Sanctuary coming in 2015!

http://paulinecreeden.com