Are you a Goodreads Member? Best-Selling Author Anne Baxter Campbell is! Drop by and say HELLO!!!!!!

Have you dropped by Anne Baxter Campbell's Goodreads page recently?

Are you one of her friends?

Take a look at the books Anne has rated and read. Compare lists. Have fun!

Here is the link to Anne's Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7409111.Anne_Baxter_Campbell

Read the 1st Chapter of Tony Hilling's soon to be released "The Voice of Aedistamen - Volume 6 - Leile"

Tony will be releasing "Leila" in May.

We hope that you enjoy the first Chapter of the story.If you do read it,please leave a comment at the bottom of the blogpost or use the "Contact Form" on the sidebar of the blog.Tony would love your feedback! Thank you and enjoy!

We almost forgot,here is the link to Tony's Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Tony-Hilling/e/B00Y3UFUFS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1461424139&sr=8-3

True to Banowan’s promise, his small holding in the Ma’apone Hills was the remains of a log shack set on a small, secluded plateau, cut between two wooded hills. Though it had been stoutly built, there was now twenty Seasons since anyone had lived in it. It was virtually a ruin. During the first Cycle of his exile in the Hills, Owa’en had to sleep in a rough lean-to he had constructed. He had made inquiries among the other tenants of his father’s property, styling himself as Banowan’s nephew and heir. Most were suspicious and refused to answer him. But one older man, an acquaintance of Banowan, gave him directions. The man mentioned that he had been in the army. Owa’en cringed quietly, fearing that he had been recognized. But the other said nothing, and Owa’en assumed that his beard and bedraggled state had disguised him yet again. Now fully into the cold Cycles of the Season when the weather vacillated between wet snow and freezing rain, most of the Ma’apone had left the fertile valleys in the west where they farmed for their Davarenge captors. Here in the Ma’apone Hills, they would gather root vegetables and live off the plentiful game.

Owa’en spent the first two Cycles of his exile working on the cabin; coating the roof with tree bark to staunch leaks and replacing rotting timbers. He also had to be creative in finding food. He had very quickly made a bow from strong flexible Davarenge Yew and had pleated thin dried grass and strips of sinew for a bowstring. He had been an expert with the bow, but not in making them. However, after some trial and error, the bow was serviceable, and invaluable in bringing down larger game. Later, he improved on the Yew bow by working a composite reflex bow of elk bone, wood and sinew. The final product was smaller than the previous bow but more powerful, and could even penetrate a shield of hide and wood that he had made.

Though this time was hard, he had enjoyed the challenge of improving the bow and of living off the land. The loneliness had been more difficult. He missed his former life in the army and his friends; even Vanus. During the Light, he would go over in his mind many times that meeting with Malengus and those frightful Cycles in the Mines. Asleep, he would dream almost feverishly, and then wake up to the stark darkness of his father’s shack. Gradually, almost imperceptibly he recognized a darkening in his attitudes once more. He noticed that he was not eating as much and caring less about his new place and even the recent success with the bow. He sensed that he was shutting down in his ability to relate to anything beyond him. This was especially puzzling and confusing. And he wondered if his ailment at the Mines was returning with renewed vigor. But there was a difference: earlier, his lucidity had been adversely affected, whereas now it seemed to be heightened. Then, in a moment of insight, it occurred to him that man could bear almost anything in company with others, where he had an identity. In this deep solitude, there were no markers to guide. He had lost his way. “Who am I?” he said once to a brazen sky, which returned to him as a dying echo.
After the second Cycle in the Hills, he became desperate for human company. But the other Ma’apone in the area did not seem to want him around. None came near, and they avoided him whenever possible. He assumed that they did not trust him because he had no grasp of their language. Despite his interior darkness he forced himself to continue to live beyond the cabin, and as his hunting prowess continued, he would approach some of the other shacks and trade meat for fruit and grain products. They grudgingly accepted these meetings of commerce, but refused any further social encounters. Owa’en had become a hermit.
The Voice was silent. He had tried innumerable times to reach out, to ask, beg even for a word, but there was nothing. He was alone: though, not quite. There was another voice that he had recently heard. But this voice left him agitated and anxious.

“He has abandoned you. You must accept it. You sinned and He has left you. You didn’t measure up, so He has forsaken you for someone else. Don’t you understand: you’re a failure. You are fated to fail. Accept it. Embrace it, even! You will find peace in that.”

Where is your favorite place/time to read or write?

Do you love to read during a thunderstorm?

What time of day and place do you do your best writing?

Share with everybody where your place and time to read and or write?

Laughter in Despair - Patti J. Smith

It was just recently a dear friend informed me her husband, who is also close to my husband and me, was diagnosed with early onset dementia. It was devastating news because we love them both so much and know what they will be facing in the coming years.

As one of the writers fortunate enough to be part of the Helping Hands Press family, I participated in a blog tour a while back on the topic of Dementia/Alzheimers. My post dealt with the challenges of being a caregiver for my mother who was afflicted. I addressed the mood swings, heartbreak, and the importance of reaching out for help … but left out the necessity of humor to temper the ever-present despair.

I had called my friend one day, telling her it was tempting to carry around a tape recorder that repeated, “You’re right, mom, I’m wrong, and I’m sorry.” (I learned early on, when my mom was having one of her bad spells and accused me of something off the wall, it was easier to just agree with her and move on instead of arguing because ten minutes later she would forget all about it.) After I had vented there was a moment of silence then all of a sudden we both burst out into laughter.

Roles have reversed … now my friend is calling me. She told me their cat is gaining quite a bit of weight. It took some time to notice that her husband would feed the cat, forget that he did and feed him again, and again … much to the pleasure of their now flabby furbaby. It also solved the mystery of the canned cat food supply that was disappearing at an alarming rate. Once again, we ended up in hysterics.
Dementia is not something to joke about – it’s a cruel disease … I saw what it did to my mother and now what it’s doing to my friend’s husband. Yes, some might think we’re heartless to find any part of this tragedy humorous but in the long run, it’s those moments that shed light into the darkness and provides strength for another day.

Bob Hope wisely said, “I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful.”

P.S. One of my favorite memories was when our hospice nurse arrived one day. She always determined my mom’s state of mind by posing a question, i.e., what year it was. About a week before mom passed away we were having a particularly tough morning. The nurse asked the name of our current president. My mom frowned and with a sigh of disgust said, “Obama, and he’s an idiot.” I rushed out of the room before I cracked up in front of her and picked up the phone .

Patti J. Smith was born in Wimpole Park, England. She lived in England and Morocco as well as several state-side Air Force Bases and considers her father's last assignment, Moses Lake, Washington, her hometown. She audited for the Dept. of Labor and Veteran's Administration Offices of Inspector General, served in the U.S. Army Reserve (Transit Control Unit and Criminal Investigation Division) and recently retired as a background investigator.

Patti lives in Vista, CA with her husband and is a full-time caregiver to her uncle. She is a member of the Association of Christian Therapists, serves as a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign and leads Rachel's Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats.

Her writing includes devotionals, light romance and suspense, and her strong faith is reflected in each genre. She is currently working on Series II – Volume One of her Grave Obsessions series tentatively titled, “Precious Garden”. She is a prolific blogger and reader, and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states - including Hawaii and Alaska.

Follow her blog: http://www.gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7306825.Patti_J_Smith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny
Pinterest: http://wwwpinterest.com/gridirongranny

Coming Soon! Tony Hilling's Biblical Fantasy series "The Voice of Aedistamen - Volume 6 - Leila"!

Tony Hilling will be releasing the 6th story in his Biblical Fantasy series "The Voice of Aedistamen-Leila" in early May.

Here is a brief synopsis of the story and the link to Tony's Amazon Author Page:

“Now alone in the wilderness of the Ma’apone Hills, Owa’en endures a frightening isolation. However, just as he looks over the edge into the Darkness, a former acquaintance comes back into his life and rescues him from the Abyss.”

http://www.amazon.com/Tony-Hilling/e/B00Y3UFUFS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1461262327&sr=8-3

Become REFRESHED with this reading sample from Patti J. Smith's Devotional " Embrace The Morning - Rosary Meditations To Calm The Storm"

Patti J. Smith is the author of a number of Devotionals.

Each one of her Devotionals has a specific theme and intent.

"Embrace The Morning - Rosary Meditations To Calm The Storm" presents meditations and prayers that will speak to our daily struggles. We need to remember, God is our safe harbor. Cultivating a deep-rooted relationship with Him is essential if we are to weather the storm.

Below you will find the Amazon Kindle link, the Devotionals Introduction and a reading sample.The Devotional is $0.99.:http://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Morning-Rosary-Meditations-Storm-ebook/dp/B00GJ0YHBI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461260355&sr=8-2&keywords=patti+j.+smith

Introduction
Life is teeming with obligations and activities. At times we become overwhelmed; we lose track of priorities.
The foremost priority, our relationship with God, unfortunately gets lost in the chaos. We put off praying for a quieter time, we miss church in order to relax and that cycle continues.
Curiously, what we don't realize is that if we maintain our daily relationship with God, all things will fall into place. Psalms 107:29-30 makes it perfectly clear, “He hushed the storm to silence; the waves of the sea were stilled. They rejoiced that the sea grew calm, that God brought them to the harbor they longed for.”
Regardless of how busy we are, if we start the day conversing with God, he will still the storm before it begins or give us the strength to withstand it. If we end the day thanking God, we will retire serenely, becoming refreshed to Embrace the Morning.

THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES

I. The Annunciation
Luke 1:38: Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Being open to God's will is sometimes quite difficult. In our hearts we want to; however, our minds manipulate us into going the opposite direction. We need to be cognizant that Satan is always close by and is waiting for self-will to take control. Once that happens, he is free to create havoc and discontent in our lives.
To differentiate between God's will and our own, we are given subtle clues. These clues can appear as an uneasy feeling in the pit of our stomach or an odd feeling of impending disaster.
Jesus, self-will runs riot in my life. It is so easy to take the reins myself thinking I am in control. Keep me ever mindful that you would never lead me astray; that you love me and want only what is best for my life.
My Precious Savior, guide me to follow your word in my thoughts, words and deeds. At day's end may I count my blessings with love and gratitude.

II. The Visitation
Luke 1:41-44: When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy”.
The visitation shares the message of Mary's unselfishness by traveling a great distance while pregnant to see Elizabeth; however, it also shares the message that we need to rejoice in the Lord. It is our calling as Christians to spread His word. The current atmosphere in our world makes us reluctant to discuss faith at school, the workplace or other arenas; however, we can do it and God wants us to. If we don't share our joy in Christ we have lost the wonderful opportunity to bring others to Him.
Jesus, I love you and want others to love you as well. Bless me with opportunities to open your door to non-believers.
My Precious Savior, guide me to follow your word in my thoughts, words and deeds. At day's end may I count my blessings with love and gratitude.


III. The Nativity
Luke 2: 8-14: Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Can you imagine what life would be like if Jesus had not been born? We would be like lost sheep, with no direction. Through Him we found our Father … through Him we know how to live righteously … through Him we can have eternal life.
Blessed Mother, your faithfulness to God brought us a savior and I am filled with gratitude. Without Him, I would be adrift in a world void of purpose and filled with hopelessness. Heavenly Father, through Your son I have been saved and pray I can follow his path of righteousness.

My Precious Savior, guide me to follow your word in my thoughts, words and deeds. At day's end may I count my blessings with love and gratitude.

Sue Badeau's culmination of a decades-long dream fulfilled with "Building Bridges of Hope: A Coloring Book for Adults Caring for Children who have Experienced Trauma"

For Michelangelo, it may have been the Sistine Chapel. For Don Larsen, it was probably pitching a perfect game in the 1956 World Series. For Alex Haley, most likely it was Roots: The Saga of an American Family.

Creative, mission-driven people pursue their vision with purpose and passion.

Most of us aren’t in the same league with Michelangelo, Larson or Haley, yet we too dream big dreams and pursue them with vigor. Our legacies may be found in the minds of students well-taught, gardens well-grown, highways well-built and other ordinary but invaluable contributions to our families and communities.

For me, Building Bridges of Hope: A Coloring Book for Adults Caring for Children who have Experienced Trauma, with my daughter Chelsea Badeau as the artist, being released this spring by Helping Hands Press is a legacy product and a culmination of a decades-long dream.

“A coloring book?” you might ask, “How can something as simple as a coloring book be a legacy product?”

I developed a passion for children with special needs when I was no more than a child myself. Reading the book, “The Family Nobody Wanted,” by Helen Doss at the age of ten was life-changing. From that moment forward, I’ve been lit internally by an unquenchable fire, burning with the desire to bring a message of healing and hope to every child who is hurting, perceived as different or alone. I’ve devoted my life to learning about, practicing and teaching others how to “build bridges of hope” for such children.

I am not a brilliant researcher, academic or clinician. But God has gifted me with the ability to learn at their feet and then to translate this knowledge into practical, usable tools for parents and others living with, loving and caring for children.

A coloring-book format makes it useable and accessible for the people who need it most – busy, often overwhelmed, parents and caregivers. I am passionate about getting this information and these tools into the hands of every parent, foster parent, relative, kinship caregiver, school teacher, social worker, lawyer, pastor, Sunday School teacher, coach and babysitter who ever spends time with a child who has experienced trauma.

I can’t wait to share it with you and I look forward to your feedback!

Pretend you are the Casting Director. Who are you going to cast in the movie adaptation of Joseph Max Lewis Thriller Suspense novel "The Diaries of Pontius Pilate"?

As reported here on the HHP blog Joseph Max Lewis Thriller Suspense novel "The Diaries of Pontius Pilate" will be made into a movie by the same folks that have produced "God's Not Dead".

One of the many questions that come to mind is: "Who is going to play what character?".

Pretend you are the Casting Director. Who are you going to cast?

Here is the Amazon link for the ebook and paperback. Did you know that the story now has 60 reviews on Amazon and more on Goodreads?
http://www.amazon.com/Diaries-Pontius-Pilate-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00C6OY7JS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1461252636&sr=8-1

The Diaries of Pontius Pilate opens when a member of an archeological team is murdered along the shores of the Dead Sea. We learn that the murderer and victim are both spies, observing the expedition and grappling with the fact that the team has just discovered some controversial artifacts.
In fact, Archeologist Kevin Elliot and his Deputy, Jill Gates have unearthed twenty copper scrolls etched with the results of Pontius Pilate’s year long criminal investigation into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They manage to open one scroll far enough to take a series of digital photographs of the writings and email them to a Professor of Ancient Latin for translation. Unaware of the scrolls content, Kevin and Jill are unprepared when they’re caught between an ancient conspiracy of global power that’s determined to destroy the scrolls along with everyone connected to them, and a small, fledgling volunteer group, the only force on earth that stands between Kevin, Jill and certain death.

"Lewis has written a nail-biting thriller that jumps into action on page 1 and doesn't stop until you reach the back cover. Don't open this book unless you're sitting in a comfortable chair with good reading light, because you won't want to move." - Thom Lemmons, Christy award winning author of Jabez: A Novel, and Blameless.
“Pontius Pilate’s diaries . . . would rock the world if discovered today . . . Lewis’s characters are muscular, violent, dedicated . . . and faithful . . . Good and evil remain at war . . . while an archaeologist possessing Pilate’s scrolls is hunted down - Denny Bonavita, Editor and Publisher, Courier-Express / Tri – County Sunday (McLean Publishing Co. - Pennsylvania).
“Joe Lewis and The Diaries of Pontius Pilate tantalize . . . as did “Raiders of The Lost Ark”. . . The archaeologists who discovered the Diaries travel through a gauntlet . . . to bring those records to the public. Don’t wait: . . . follow them in their quest!” – Major Anthony F. Milavic, U.S.M.C. (Retired) and founder of MILINET.

Joseph Max Lewis served as a member of an Operational Detachment in the U.S. Army's Seventh Special Forces Group, the storied Green Berets. During his service Lewis received antiterrorist training and his detachment was tasked to "Special Projects." Afterward, he served as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course. Lewis attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the University of Tel Aviv in Israel, and the University of Pittsburgh, receiving degrees in International Politics and Law while being certified in Middle East Studies.
After living and studying abroad, first in the Middle East and then Southeast Asia, Lewis returned home to practice law. He’s a columnist in the New Bethlehem Leader-Vindicator and currently lives, writes, and practices law in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

What kind of stories are YOU looking to read this Summer?

The authors of the Helping Hands Press community would like to know what you are looking to read this summer as you bury your feet in the sand.

Not just what genre, but the types of characters and locales.

Please leave a comment here on the post or use the "Contact Form" on the sidebar.

Larry Peterson's YA Paranomal Suspense series "The Demons of Abadon" is now available in PAPERBACK!

Larry Peterson's YA Paranormal Suspense series "The Demons of Abadon - The Complete Series" is now available everywhere incredible paperbacks are sold!</b>

It is also available as an ebook. Here is the Amazon link for both ebook and paperback and the synopsis:http://www.amazon.com/Demons-Abadon-Larry-Peterson/dp/1622085906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461248333&sr=8-1&keywords=larry+peterson+the+demons+of+abadon

Joey insisted he kept seeing and talking to his dad. He had told his brothers and sister and they thought he just did not understand Pops’ passing. But then Beeker and Joey went to stay with Charlie and Eleanor Winters for the summer. They lived on an old farm in the Abadon Forest . But so did the “Darkened”. They did not want Joey anywhere near the Abadon. Why? They feared his innocence. The Peach kids were city kids and were used to the streets of the Bronx with the noises and smells and everyday hustle and bustle that was part of city life. When Pops died they were officially “orphaned” and Teddy,18, took over as head of the family. Plans had been made by Father Sullivan for the two youngest, Beeker and Joey, to stay with his friends, Charlie and Eleanor Winters, for the summer.

Their first night there, a knock on the door introduces them to Jacob Lightfoot, a boy that no one knows anything about. They befriend Jacob and soon discover that his world is surrounded by darkness and evil. A girl named Lily constantly appears to help Jacob as the attacks on him increase. A hundred years have passed and it is time for The Great Festival of Torment to take place again. Unknown to anyone, Jacob is to be the Sacrificium Humani Agnus, (The Sacrificial Human Lamb), an offering honoring Satan. The Peach kids from the city are about to have a most memorable summer in the country.


Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former metal lather/reinforcing ironworker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida over 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984. His first children's picture book, "Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes" was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, "The Priest and the Peaches" was released. His latest novel, "The Demons of Abadon", began being published in Volume form (ebook format) in the fall of 2015. The complete novel will be available in the spring of 2016. Larry is a Catholic/Christian blogger and posts weekly commentary at http:// www.slipperywillie.blogspot.com. He has been published in such places as Zenit from Rome, Aleteia, New Evangelists, Top Catholic Blogs, Big Pulpit and others. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other. His first wife died of cancer in 2003. He remarried four years later and is now the primary caregiver for his wife, Martha, who came down with Alzheimer's Disease in 2012. He says, "God has me where he needs me and its all GOOD."

God's Covenant Love - Part II - Tony Hilling

The answer to this is covenant love. Orpah leaves to seek better fortune in Moab, but Ruth cannot bear to. She clings to Naomi. This Jewish woman must have been quite a lady to have such and effect on these Moabite daughters-in-law. Ruth, in making her wonderful declaration of love and faith, places herself squarely under the spiritual protection of the Lord, the God of Israel. So they come back to Bethlehem and Naomi causes quite a stir. Not only is she back, but probably in rags, penniless (or Sheckeless). And she has a foreigner with her: a Moabitess. In addition she is broken in spirit because she feels God’s hand is against her. However, the barley harvest was beginning. So, Ruth goes ‘agleaning’ and is noticed by Boaz. He lavishes his attentions on her and she wonders why aloud. Boaz explains how her reputation has risen in the estimation of the locals because of her covenant love of Naomi.

In the rest of the chapter, Boaz gives her lunch and makes sure she gets more grain than she could glean. When she goes home she has an ephah (about a bushel) of barley. Naomi says, “Blessed be the man who took notice of you!” When she hears that it is Boaz, their relation, she says “God has not stopped showing his covenant love to the living and the dead.” Naomi has just had a spiritual awakening. God’s hand is not against her, but working out His covenant love to save His people from disaster. And Naomi sees another way of using the Levirate Law to advance their cause. She concocts a plan to have Ruth confront Boaz at the threshing floor and invite him to “...spread his cloak over her.” For he is clearly the Kinsman Redeemer.

Boaz, himself, sees this as one more example of Ruth’s virtue. She does not go after other men, but only the one who can help her and her family. She is looking for a marriage that will give Mahlon an heir, and Naomi and herself a home. She is not thinking of herself, but her new family. Boaz agrees to do this but there’s a fly in the ointment. There is someone else who has a prior claim to Noami’s estate. Fortunately, he is no Boaz and is easily persuaded to abandon his claim when his own estate is threatened. Covenant love involves sacrifice, and this nameless man is far too devoted to his own interests.

The end of this beautiful short story of the Bible shows Naomi with the child, Obed (servant), on her lap, the fruit of the union of Boaz and Ruth. One writer (J. Hardee Kennedy) commented that this book witnessed “…the overruling providence of God in seemingly unimportant people and their unimportant affairs.” Perhaps it is part of God’s providence to bring importance from the unimportant, because this child, Obed, would be the grandfather of King David.

In volumes 4 and 5 of my book, “The Voice of Aedistamen”, Owa’en finds himself at one of the lowest points of his life. Not only does this former general and celebrated hero find that he was born of a slave people, but his enemies at the court condemn him to spend the rest of his life in deeper bondage at the Silver Mines. Like the biblical characters, Naomi and her great grandson, David, he wonders if the Ghaedesh-Mor (the God of Aedistamen) has abandoned him because of his unfaithfulness. However, events unfold revealing that the Ghaedesh-Mor has a suspicious similarity to the God of the Bible, and continues to show His steadfast covenant love for His people in the midst of their difficult circumstances.

Have you ever found yourself in such a place: a deep pit where hope is a fading echo, drowned out perhaps by demonic laughter? Have you gone through a death-experience that you feel no one can fix? Has despair begun to knock at the door and there is no one to help? Return to the God of the Bible. His covenant love is inexhaustible. No matter how high the pile of sin or failures we have created, He will not cast us out. The Scriptures show that even when the greatest of scoundrels turned to Him in repentance, he was received with mercy and covenant love. That is our God. He uses even the sin and failures of our lives to bring us closer to Him and fulfil our destiny. As the great Augustine wrote, “Our hearts will find no rest, ‘til they find their rest in thee.”

Stop by Tony's Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Tony-Hilling/e/B00Y3UFUFS/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1460064227&sr=1-2-ent

https://twitter.com/TonyHilling?lang=en Do U LUV #Fantasy #BiblicalFiction ? #Follow #author Tony Hilling@TonyHilling ! #Followback #Inspirational

http://ow.ly/ZfEdg #NewRelease Tony Hilling @TonyHilling "The Voice of Aedistamen-V4-The Silver Mines" #Amazon #Fantasy #Biblical

http://ow.ly/ZDa3o #NewRelease #Amazon Tony Hilling@TonyHilling #BiblicalFantasy "The Voice of Aedistamen-V5-Escape"! #Inspirational

Cindy Koepp discusses the Christian themes in the Western Steampunk series "The Posse"!

In The Posse, the characters travel around the South during The Reconstruction under the direction of West Point to find those who are afflicting the innocent. With enough evidence, The Posse comes to a verdict and takes care of justice.

Unlike a typical vigilante, these people regard their duties with care and great diligence. These aren't the sorts who swoop in with guns blazing to lay waste to all present. Their purpose is not revenge or wealth or power, but the protection of the innocent and helpless.

The Bible is full of admonitions to take care of the powerless. The first few books of the Old Testament admonish Israel to meet the needs of the widow, the stranger, and the fatherless, three classes of very disadvantaged people during that era. Israel is instructed to rule justly, without regard for someone's wealth or social standing. This gives God's perspective on corruption, but it also gives us responsibility to look after those who can't properly look after themselves. Later on, prophets take Israel to task for failing to do this.

Lest we be tempted to think it was a Old Testament phenomenon that doesn't apply to modern life, Jesus provides us with examples and instructions along those same lines. He told a tale about The Good Samaritan, who tended to a wounded stranger. Two religious sorts walked on by without stopping, and yet the third man stopped, tended to the wounded man's needs, and made sure he would be properly cared for.

If that weren't enough, apparently, there will also be some manner of judgment handed down about how well or how poorly we take care of the weaker members of our society. Jesus speaks of a judgment that separates the "sheep" and the "goats" by how well they took care of those who couldn't care for themselves.

That gives us some responsibilities to go forth and do likewise. Fortunately, we can do it without forming a posse to track down and deal with bad men.

Cindy Koepp is originally from Michigan. She moved to Texas as a child and later received a degree in Wildlife Sciences and teaching certification in Elementary Education from rival universities. Her recently concluded adventures in education involved pursuing a master's degree in Adult Learning with a specialization in Training and Performance Improvement. Cindy has four published science fiction and fantasy novels, a serial published online, short stories in five anthologies, and a few self-published teacher resource books. When she isn't reading or writing, Cindy spends time whistling with a crazy African Grey. Cindy is currently an editor with PDMI Publishing and Barking Rain Press as well as an optician at monster-sized retail store.

The Amazon Kindle link for "The Posse - Volume 1 - Visions": http://www.amazon.com/Posse-1-Visions-C-Q-Scafidi-ebook/dp/B01BWU8KVC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460061365&sr=1-1&keywords=the+posse+-+volume+1-+visions

Anne Baxter Campbell - Book Review - THE ROSE OF LANCASTER COUNTY by Murray Pura

This review originally appeared on Anne's blog.
Fiction is cyclic, normally, but Amish fiction has hung in there for a bunch of years longer than most publishers ever expected. Why? Maybe because people are drawn to the simple faith, clothing, and attitudes of the plain religions. This one focuses on the beginning of their faith in the early 1700s, and I have no doubt but what you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Rose Lantz is an unassuming, quiet, pretty young woman who loves to quilt, has a handsome fiance', and is the much-loved granddaughter of Jakob Amman, the leader of their community. She has nothing to worry about in this world, and spends her time chatting and sewing with her best friend Libby.

Libby is a beautiful girl--black hair and stunning blue eyes, and many of the English (non-Amish) thing she is a witch, beguiling innocent men, flying around on a broomstick, making the children sick, and killing the calves. When Rose is injured defending her friend from an attack, a mountain man in buckskins fights off the five attackers, brings her to her parent's house, and sets her heart to racing.




To read the rest of the review go right to Anne's blog: http://pewperspective.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-rose-of-lancaster-county-by.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+APewPerspective+%28A+Pew+Perspective%29

Larry Peterson's YA Fantasy "The Demons of Abadon-The Complete Series" is available RIGHT NOW as a Pre-Order until 4/28!

Available as a pre-order until April 28th, "The Demons of Abadon - The Complete Series" on Amazon Kindle for $2.99!

Here is the buy link and the synopsis: http://www.amazon.com/Demons-Abadon-Complete-Larry-Peterson-ebook/dp/B01DYR4SSK/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460060237&sr=1-5&keywords=larry+peterson+the+demons+of+abadon

Joey insisted he kept seeing and talking to his dad. He had told his brothers and sister and they thought he just did not understand Pops’ passing. But then Beeker and Joey went to stay with Charlie and Eleanor Winters for the summer. They lived on an old farm in the Abadon Forest . But so did the “Darkened”. They did not want Joey anywhere near the Abadon. Why? They feared his innocence.
The Peach kids were city kids and were used to the streets of the Bronx with the noises and smells and everyday hustle and bustle that was part of city life. When Pops died they were officially “orphaned” and Teddy,18, took over as head of the family. Plans had been made by Father Sullivan for the two youngest, Beeker and Joey, to stay with his friends, Charlie and Eleanor Winters, for the summer. Their first night there, a knock on the door introduces them to Jacob Lightfoot, a boy that no one knows anything about. They befriend Jacob and soon discover that his world is surrounded by darkness and evil. A girl named Lily constantly appears to help Jacob as the attacks on him increase. A hundred years have passed and it is time for The Great Festival of Torment to take place again. Unknown to anyone, Jacob is to be the Sacrificium Humani Agnus, (The Sacrificial Human Lamb), an offering honoring Satan. The Peach kids from the city are about to have a most memorable summer in the country.

In Your Dreams - Flora Reigada

Imagine you have won a week of being catered to at the classy Casa Martin bed & breakfast in sunny St. Augustine, Florida. I say imagine because the elegant, Queen Anne Victorian-style home exists only in the pages of my Castle in the Sun romance series.

The series follows its renovation from abandoned and run-down into a community jewel, much like its inspiration, the Pritchard House in Titusville, Florida. See this elegant home and you will see how I envision the Casa Martin. But while the Pritchard House serves as a community museum, the Casa Martin serves guests generous helpings of fine food and southern hospitality.

In your mind's eye, step onto that welcoming porch to unload your luggage and cares. Admire the ornate, antique furnishings and framed artwork as the owner escorts you upstairs to the master suite. Its shaded veranda, comfortable four-poster bed and soothing Jacuzzi, offer you renewal.
The owner fluffs your pillows, leaves a chocolate and says, "The staff and I are at your service."
Later, you might wander to the parlor to relax on plush furniture and chat with other guests, while being served an appetizing array of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Maybe you would rather be out and about seeing the sights. If so, there's plenty to do in Florida and yours is an all-expenses paid vacation. St. Augustine has its landmark castle, the Castillo de San Marcos. Built by the Spanish in the 17th century, its massive bastions crowned with watchtowers rise from the shores of the Matanzas Bay. A stroll along the Castillo roof provides a panorama of bay and city.
Walk across the street to the city's pedestrian mall with its galleries, restaurants and shops. Rather not walk in Florida's heat? From the comfort of a trolley car, you can admire the city's grand and historic buildings, its colonial quarter, old jail, the Fountain of Youth and more.
Farther down the coast, you might tour the Kennedy Space Center. You can even tour the Pritchard House in Titusville.
And who can visit Florida without immersing themselves in the warm ocean?

In this dream vacation, you can fly on the wings of imagination. The characters in my series invite you to join them in romance and adventure, as they journey from New York State's lush forests, to Florida's sunny shores.

The first book in the series, "Love's Sweetest Revenge," was recently released.
Find out more: http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweetest-Revenge-Flora-Reigada/dp/1622085884/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Flora invites you to visit her blog: http://florareigada.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flora.reigada
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FloraReigada
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/florarei/

Coming Soon - Sue Badeau's Coloring Book "Building Bridges of Hope"

Coloring is not only relaxing and fun, it has been shown to increase focus, reduce anxiety and stress and support well-being. For children who have experienced trauma, and the adults who care for them, simple everyday tools that enhance healing are worth their weight in gold. In this unique coloring book, nationally known child welfare and trauma expert Sue Badeau pairs tips and strategies for parents and caregivers with whimsical artwork created by her daughter, artist Chelsea Badeau. With over fifty unique images to color, and an equal number of proven activities, this book provides a rich resource for anyone on the road to healing and wholeness. “No matter how deep the trauma, there is always hope. Children can heal,” Badeau teaches, “and caring adults equipped with meaningful tools create those bridges of hope.”

Stop by Sue's website: http://www.suebadeau.com/

God's Covenant Love - Part I - Tony Hilling

I have a confession to make!

In June 1998, I gate crashed a women’s conference. Let me explain. I didn’t change my mode of dress or anything like that. My wife, Brenda went to a conference in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and it was my job to look after my daughter, Christina. She was nine months old at that time but was an early toddler, so I needed to watch her carefully. But I strategically positioned myself at the front door to better hear the goings-on of the women-folk, and I really enjoyed a super conference. In fact, I became so noticeable that at the end of the talks, they sensed that they should pray over the men. Since I was the only one around, I was shanghaied into being the lone surrogate for all the males of the species. And I had all these women laying hands on me and prophesying. There were words for signs and wonders and miracles and breakthrough. I hit the deck so hard that I must have made a landmark.

I say all this because I have been blessed by the women in my life: My mother, my five sisters, my wonderful wife, and my smart, brave daughter. One of my favourite stories of the Bible is about two heroic women: the Book of Ruth. The story follows the experience of Elimelech, his wife, Naomi, and sons (Mahlon & Chilion) who leave for Moab because of famine in Judah. They were from Bethlehem. It seems that their original intention was a temporary stay in this sister country to Israel. Then Elimelech dies in Moab. The two sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Ten years goes by and tragedy strikes again: Both Mahlon and Chilion also die (go figure! Mahlon’s name means sickly; and Chilion means failing).

It is difficult for us today to understand just how much of a disaster this would be for the women of the Middle East in those days. Every woman in that time in Israel was identified in their relationship with a male figure: some brother’s sister, some father’s daughter, some husband’s wife. The sacred writer of Ruth tells us how devastating this loss was: “Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.”(1:5). With all the males in their family gone, Naomi and Ruth were without protection or support. Their prospects would have been bleak. Who could fix such a hopeless situation?

But before the end of the first chapter of the story, Naomi, in her attempt to dismiss her two daughters-in-law, brings up the subject of the Levirate Law. This provided some relief in such situations, where the scriptures commanded a brother-in-law (or the nearest living male relative) to marry his dead brother’s widow (Deut 25:5). The first male child of the union would be considered the son of the dead brother, so his lineage would be protected and his property would stay in the family. Not inconsequentially, the dead man’s living mother and his widow would also be protected by this near relative, who was called the Kinsman Redeemer. However, the only way Naomi can see that working is for her to marry again and have sons. She knows only too well that this is not going to happen and so insists that Orpah and Ruth return to their respective families. There was little chance of them finding rest in another husband’s home in Israel. Where could they find a relative (as the story later shows) who would sacrifice his first born son to selflessly preserve his dead brother’s lineage?

https://twitter.com/TonyHilling?lang=en Do U LUV #Fantasy #BiblicalFiction ? #Follow #author Tony Hilling@TonyHilling ! #Followback #Inspirational

Joseph Max Lewis announces a Movie Deal for his Thriller Novel "Diaries of Pontius Pilate"!

Friends, I’ve got big news. In 2014 the Christian movie "God’s Not Dead" amazed people by shooting almost to the top of the box office during its opening weeks. Made for about 1 million dollars, "GND" grossed over 100 million dollars the last time I checked. Opening April 1, 2016, "God’s Not Dead 2" is if anything, even better. Check out this link for a very cool preview and forward this mail to your friends:

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=god%27s+not+dead+2+youtube&view=detail&mid=3D952799E0ED49B2C11D3D952799E0ED49B2C11D&FORM=VIRE

For the last 11 months I’ve been in discussions with the co-producers, co-writers, and in my layman’s opinion, driving creative force behind God’s Not Dead and God’s Not Dead 2, Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon of Believe Entertainment. They thought my first novel, The Diaries of Pontius Pilate, would make a great movie. Check out this link for a description and reviews of "Diaries":

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=joseph%20max%20lewis&sprefix=joseph max lewis%2Caps%2C292&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ajoseph%20max%20lewis

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/joseph+max+lewis?_requestid=220262

In February we reached a verbal understanding and on March 24, 2016, we exchanged "Comfort Letters" or letters of intent memorializing our agreement in principle for the film rights to The Diaries of Pontius Pilate.

When I asked Believe for permission to announce, Cary mailed back and said to tell you, "we bought Diaries and are excited about it and want to make it."

Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon are writing partners, producers, and directors in Los Angeles, California. Together they have over 45 years of experience working in Hollywood. In 2006, they moved over to the Christian Movie Industry, where they wrote and co-produced "God’s Not Dead 2," "God’s Not Dead," "Do you believe?," "The Book of Daniel", "Finding Normal" (TV movie), and "What If…" Other writing credits include "Point Blank," "Race Against Time" (TV movie.), "The Insatiable" and "The Dollhouse." Mr. Solomon is married with a wife and a son. Both live in Los Angeles.

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;" 1 Corinthians 1:27

Thanks for playing along,

Max

josephmaxlewis.com

Social Media GPS - Tony Hilling

Tony (Anthony John) Hilling was born in Glasgow, Scotland of Scots/Irish parentage. He has spent time as a lawyer, priest, non-denominational pastor, and most recently as a writer. His first work, "The Voice of Aedistamen", tells the story of an enslaved people in a fantasy world who struggle for freedom. In their quest they rediscover an ancient faith in a forgotten God who calls forth a deliverer from among them. Tony is also working on another fantasy novel, "The Caves of the Kananaskis", and has written a biblical play called, "Imwas". He and his family now make their home in Western Canada.

Please stop by Tony's Amazon Author Page:http://www.amazon.com/Tony-Hilling/e/B00Y3UFUFS/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1460044564&sr=1-2-ent

or follow Tony on Twitter:https://twitter.com/TonyHilling?lang=en Do U LUV #Fantasy #BiblicalFiction ? #Follow #author Tony Hilling@TonyHilling ! #Followback #Inspirational

Social Media GPS - William Tasch

William Tasch (1962-present) was raised in a small town in Wisconsin and was the youngest of five children. After graduating high school and working for a while, he joined the army and his world travels began. He also married his wife Deena and raised a family of three kids while traveling around the world. He finally settled down in Southern California where he works in law enforcement and enjoys writing in his spare time. He enjoys writing Christian fiction with everything a good book should have, suspense, love, action, twists, humor and a positive message.

Please stop by William's Amazon Author Page:http://www.amazon.com/William-Tasch/e/B007XTR0SG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1460043505&sr=1-2-ent

or follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/taschw Get all the latest Tweets from William Tasch@taschw ! #Western #InspiredRomance #Suspense #Thriller #USArmy

Feast among the Palms - Flora Reigada

In a scene from "Love's Sweetest Revenge" join Liz and Rosa in a luxurious oceanfront condominium, while waves crash onto Florida's sundrenched shore. The condo belongs to Carlos Martín, an international linguist who has worked with the President and flown aboard Air Force One.

Sipping wine from sparkling crystal, Liz and Rosa smile toward the open kitchen where Carlos and his brother Jack, are preparing Cuban cuisine for the foursome.

In their prime with rugged good looks, the brothers smile back, while romantic Spanish music plays in the background. Its castanets and guitars seem to dance in the fragrance of perfectly seasoned meat sizzling on the burner.
Seated on the plush sofa, Liz sways her well-proportioned form to the sensuous strains. Beside her, Rosa claps with the rhythm, its passion reflecting in her dark eyes.

It seemed almost pre-ordained that the attraction between Liz and Carlos would prove irresistible, as would the chemistry between Rosa and Jack, an Army hero.

Rosa smoothes back her velvet-black hair. "I wouldn't change a thing about this trip or this moment."
Soon the table is set, candles are lit and generous portions of food are served.
The meat is crowned with onions and accompanied by yellow rice, black beans and sweet plantains, all cooked to perfection.
"Delicious!" Liz exclaims, closing her eyes for a moment to focus her senses on the mouth-watering food.
Being Latina, Rosa has made similar dishes. Liz is more familiar with the Italian recipes her parents brought from their native Italy.
"Please tell me what everything is and how you prepared it, especially the meat," she asks the brothers. "I might just try making it at home."

Carlos and Jack explain in turn. "The meat is vaca frita, meaning literally, fried cow. It's shredded beef we cook in red wine, lemon and spices such as garlic, oregano and cumin."

The brothers make sure Liz has the recipe. It is similar to one posted as follows: http://icuban.com/food/vaca_frita.html
The complete meal would look like the mouth-watering spread I enjoyed at Roberto's Little Havana Cuban restaurant in Cocoa Beach, Florida. http://robertoslittlehavana.com//

Even if you can't go there, in "Love's Sweetest Revenge," the first in my "Castle in the Sun," romance series, you can join Liz and Carlos, Jack and Rosa on their romantic adventures. Fly away with them to visit a castle and lose your cares in the warm ocean, during a dream Florida vacation seasoned with a pinch of mystery.

Flora invites you to visit her blog: http://florareigada.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flora.reigada
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FloraReigada
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/florarei/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Your-Heart-Meets Gods/dp/1622085868/ref=sr_1_25?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450646558&sr=1-25&keywords=helping+hands+press