–Robert Browning

http://www.amazon.com/Crowded-Deep-River-High-ebook/dp/B005HB1J7A/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1313454064&sr=1-2

Cole Martin is a new Christian and dating Emily Davis. He loses her trust after sexting another girl and is now trying to win her back. But it’s not easy with the competition. Enter the handsome Josh Summers.
Josh Summers is plagued by the demons of his past and struggles with controlling himself in order to be a stronger Christian. He thinks Emily would be the one to help him.

Emily is torn between them both. For a while she enjoys being fought over, but realizes how destructive the competition between Cole and Josh has become. Who will Emily choose?  Find out in “Crowded”

Reviews:

I enjoyed this book. It clearly raises some issues that are perhaps taboo. Male bulimia, abortion, therapy for the male after abortion, self harming, friendship and personal relationships with God. All themes woven in what is fundamentally about teenagers falling in love. Watching the character, Josh, fall into a spiral of self destruction was difficult. I wanted to scream out that no All loving God would want a man to feel so consumed and broken by guilt. A teenage perspective of abortion and some graphic scenes from the characters imagination are disturbing, it’s easy to see why anti abortionist sensational images have played havoc with his mind and almost sent him mad. It brings home to me how the label “Christian” is something you are, but Christianity is not always what you do…..a true christian follows the example of Christ and forgives, does not make judgement and loves and understands, something other characters in the book are perhaps unable to practice.

Thought provoking read.~Sarria

A devotional collection of short story and poetic musing geared to Women’s fiction.

Check it out at: http://authonomy.com/books/29889/-come-what-may-/read-book/#chapter

In life, we face a multitude of crossroads and choices.
Choices that leave in their path “what-if?” And once we choose a path, we can rarely go back to see where the other would have lead.

The story “Come What May” is the first in this timely collection. It introduces us to Cayla .
As a college student, Cayla met with a crossroad-choice that would haunt her and leave her wondering ‘what-if?’
And with ‘what-if’ dogging your steps like a tired pack mule, does anyone really get a ‘what-if-free’ happy ending this side of heaven?
This is one woman’s struggle with ‘what-if,’ and how she has dealt with it.
Or has she?

This whole collection is full to overflowing with moments that will make you laugh-out-loud and nod your head. It is topped off, like icing on a cake, with a poem that wraps up the whole ‘what-if’ theme and a concluding chapter that gives you a glimpse of the author’s take on this.

Reviews:

It is rare that something touches me this closely. I cried with Cayla, and laughed with Cayla, and felt the butterflies in my stomach as Cayla remembered everything her and Daniel had and then again as she saw him walking towards her. I was there I saw her and her granddaughter is beautiful. Bless young Kelly, I’m glad she didn’t succeed with the cord, but I can see why she thought of that. I hurt for her. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and tell her that it’s ok, but GOD did and he is so much better than I would have been. Tears come into my eyes as I write this. I have never before seen a book so very unique, and your talent for storytelling, I am in awe of. By the way– “It’s all good!!!”~ Bethany Anne

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I have tremendous admiration for (this) work, as well as a special fondness for (the author’s) story-telling gift. This is a story that is truly woven, not simply told. As Cayla and Art unravel bit-by-bit, I am drawn to them– even befriending them. (The) word pictures are amazing… and so outside the typical, usual descriptions (“cheetos-orange mug,” “bunny-slippered feet,” and “ever-unruly curly bob”). There is such an authenticity here as well, with REAL happenings that make me smile, such as: “junk click delete.” From the chapter titles like ‘Classy Ties and Oodles of Time,’ to the refreshing word choice, to the story line itself, this piece oozes with imagination, creativity, and love. This is the kind of story I would truly read from cover to cover… the kind of book I would undoubtedly purchase and put on my personal bookshelf one day. A lovely piece.~ Faith Rose, Now To Him

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Come What May I think taps into a thought that every single person on the planet has had at one point in their life, “What if I had taken the other path life set out for me?” Our lives are like branches on a tree, and once you choose to move down one, you almost never can go back and see where the other one would have lead. On that count, author Laura A. Diaz has brilliantly found a way to write a book that will appeal to everyone regardless of where they are on the road of life. While that alone makes this book extremely marketable, the style will make readers glad they picked it up.

It’s also interesting to make the main character 62-years old. It reminds us that the human animal is not that different from generation to generation. We all question what we’ve done with our lives, and the fantasy that someone in their sixties must be content and living with no regrets is an illusion crafted by people who aren’t likely that old. But Cayla Lysander’s concerns are the concerns of us all.

I can’t imagine this book not being successful… Very few titles can legitimately claim such a large potential reading pool. And anyone who picks it up won’t be disappointed.~John Breeden II, Old Number Seven

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I could not stop reading this! Cayla is such a lovable character. I love (the) attention to detail, and smiled when Daniel described her feet on the seat opposite her when they met. The love that she has for both Daniel and Arthur is heart breaking, endearing, and completely relatable! As I am reading I have this weird feeling in my tummy, almost as though I can feel how they are feeling.~Luciana House,Burning Angel

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I came to read the first chapter to give me an indication of how long it would take me to read your book–or even if I wanted to read past the first chapter. What happened was that I read all twenty-five chapters in one sitting. (well, I did get up a couple times.)  I can tell you what my experience and thoughts were with reading it. Chapter Seven was the break-through chapter for me and hit home. How close your feelings of wondering match my own and probably hosts of others. How few have the courage to confront and verbalize to the world their deepest thoughts. All I can say is ‘I know what you mean.’ Your poetry at the end made me think, made me smile, and made me laugh. Thank you for sharing your work.~Roy Belletete, In Search of a Memory

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Click the link and leave a comment!

The seat of knowledge is in the head, of wisdom,in the heart.
William Hazlitt

Another extremely talented, new Christian author has written a Christian, speculative fantasy fiction work that is a mus-read!   A tale of redemption and spiritual battles all wrapped up in an epic parallel world.  Sound intriguing?  Check it out at:

http://authonomy.com/books/18598/eden-s-guest/

What would the world be like today if no one had ever sinned?
Carter Friese is about to find out.

Euphonie is a song writer, or was, rather. In a world where everything is perfect, the loss of her gift makes her an enigma.

When Satan taunts Him, God permits an exchange between the parallel universes.

Just when Carter thinks life can’t get any better—it does. Carter is transported to Gomor, where he gets a taste of what his world (our world) would have looked like without the scourge of sin. Scene after scene unfolds to Carter’s amazement. As he grows in knowledge of God’s original plan for creation (utopian human society, harmony among all creatures, and the active part that heaven takes in each human life), he is satiated with joy and beauty. But Carter’s fallen condition opens the door to spiritual battle—an opportunity the powers of darkness have long awaited in this pristine realm. Only a close encounter with God prepares Carter for his perilous assignment: escorting Euphonie to his world.

An innocent realm hangs in the balance as the powers of darkness pit one realm against the other. They scheme for nothing short of a second fall.

But don’t  take our word for it!  Click that link and experience the epic adventure of speculative Christian fantasy for yourself!

This YA, Christian fantasy book is a must-read that is written by a highly talented new Christain author, Kathryn Fogleman .  Check out her work at:

http://authonomy.com/books/29916/the-dragon-s-son/read-book/#chapter

Keegan refuses to believe he is anyone significant. When a sorceress sets things into motion that cannot be undone, Keegan’s worldview must change.

His family was ripped from him, his home destroyed, & all that he loved taken away from him in a single day. The event changed his life, but only when he met a dragon was the change complete, as had been predicted.
Keegan is filled with hate, & resentment. He denies that he is important, or is meant to do something great, yet he searches for fulfillment in his life, and to fill an emptiness in his heart and soul.
A princess that’s thrust into his life only complicates matters, but when an evil sorceress starts to hunt him, everything he knows in life changes again. Suddenly his friends are in danger of suffering a terrible fate. His own life is at risk as he must learn to battle strange creatures of darkness, but more importantly, his mentor, a great dragon, is in mortal danger.
Things only get worse when Keegan learns that if he does not stop the sorceress, the woman he loves, and all the known world, will come to a most undesired end.
Thus, he is forced into truly becoming that which he has denied and avoided his whole life: the Dragon’s Son.

Review:

There is a medieval feel to this high fantasy tale of dragon slayers collecting wood for fires and wielding swords. The history, traditions and motivations of the ‘Wovlen’ are presented entertainingly. We are introduced to a number of characters and the warmth of the family/tribal trelationships is clear. it is a ‘Coming of Age’ saga with Keegan’s tale not dissimilar to that of Frodo Baggins or Luke Skywalker as he uncovers the truth about his Wovlen dragon slaying ancestors and the mystery of the dragon stone he has been given as a 12th birthday present by his father. The prolonged battle scene as the mysterious dark strangers and their accomplices attack the village is peresented in a thrilling manner and Keegans character is demonstrated in action as the desperate struggle and tragedy unfolds.Escaping by the skin of his teeth into the forest he encounters a dragon only to find that friendship ( as well as roast venison and cold showers) is offered him and that perhaps these creatures have been misunderstood by the Wovlen. Pharrgon the dragon is clearly going to offer him information and support as he follows the path to his currently hidden destiny. There is a tendency for too many adjectives in places and I think Keegans reflections on the battle when he reaches the forest could be reduced as there is some repetition which slows the pace. The action scenes are very good indeed in this and the authors created world is a convincing and intriguing one. I am not usually a fan of fantasy but this is a cut above~Brian Todd

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Check out this new talent for yourself and drop us a line!

“Stories of imagination tend to upset those without one.”
― Terry Pratchett

Christian children’s fiction!  Join the adventure and check out this book  by new author David Rempel:

http://authonomy.com/books/43841/the-case-of-thomas-crain-lost-and-found/

Werewolves! Vampires! Pharaohs?
Join our heroes as they try to rescue young Thomas, while moving through secret societies of monsters and men.

Centuries ago the Pharaohs saved humanity from a terrifying vamperic menace. Now when their home world is threatened from within, the son of their president is sent to earth to hide in a secret society of mutants and monsters.
Kyle is the prince of his home world the nation planet of the feared mutant race known as the Pharaohs. Jessica is his bodyguard, the most powerful Pharaoh alive. Both have lived for over a hundred years and have trained for battle with monsters and men. And both have the look and have the personalities of… well kids.
Jessica somehow convinces Kyle, the first son of the most advanced race in the galaxy, to come with her to find a lost kid that neither of them really knows. On their journey the two face monsters, crime rings and beings of power beyond even what they imagined possible. Can these two recover young Thomas before something terrible happens to him? What possessed Jessica to even want to try in the first place? Just what does a magical flying moth have to do with a school bus?… yes that to… read on and find out!

Review:

A bunch of stars for this unique, imaginative fantasy with lots of fascinating characters. Captivating prologue with Thomas (Joshua) tied to the chair! Exciting adventures for Kyle (son of the president of his home planet, Tri-ad), Jessica (Kyle’s beautiful bodyguard), and his co-earth buddies, Allen, Darius, and Xao. I also liked your dialogue (earlier on Tri-ad while sparring with Joseph and then on earth with his new friends and his bodyguard, Jessica). (This is) the makings of a really good young-adult science-fiction novel here!~Patricia A. Johnson-Laster, Break Free!

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You can read this at the above linka nd then drop the author a line and let him know what you think!

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly.”
Marcus Aurelius

This is a book that  will not only “crack-you-up” but as the mother of seven children myself, I found myself nodding in agreement in between my Laugh- Out-Loud snorting and giggling.  ( Yes, I tend to snort when I laugh.  For more on that read my Freelance article for  BlueSuitMom Magazine  http://www.bluesuitmom.com/family/parenting/slang.html )

Please check out this highly entertaining book by Kathleen Elizabeth at:

http://authonomy.com/books/43903/if-children-are-cheaper-by-the-dozen-can-i-get-a-discount-on-six-/

Need a laugh that brings sunshine and chases those storm clouds away? Open the cover of this book and start smiling!

And you thought your family was funny! Try being caught in an elevator with policeman afraid you’re about to deliver, riding in a vehicle with a dog who had rolled to his delight in another dog’s excrement, mistaking hemorrhoids for a baby in the delivery room, blow-drying a half naked toddler’s pants in the Smithsonian. In her quirky, lighthearted memoir, Elizabeth Kathleen shares the mayhem and fun of mothering a busy household. From clothing mishaps to outlandish pets, this family has seen it all. Things as simple as washing a dog turn into a comedy event when there are a dozen extra hands in the mix. Follow the fun-filled account of raising six children born within seven years! Shiloh, Abigail, Josiah, Elijah and twins Isaiah and Loru with their mom, Elizabeth Kathleen and guard dog, Mr. Fuzzy, will keep you entertained with their everday antics and leave you asking, If Children Are Cheaper by the Dozen, Can I Get a Discount on Six?

Please check it out and share your thoughts!

Check out this  edgy, YA Christian Comedy by an amazing new author, Alice Kim:

http://authonomy.com/books/37069/jane-redefined/read-book/#chapter

Jane believes God will forgive her for acting against her convictions in pursuing that dream guy, after all, she’s only seeking to save the lost.

High school senior, Jane Emerson, isn’t one to attract attention, especially from the male population. She was perfectly content with that until a humiliating incident catches the eye of her secret crush, Jeremy Jenkins. What’s a people-pleasing, melodramatic, overly-imaginative Christian girl to do? Make Jeremy a mission field, of course!

Go to parties every weekend? Done. Diss your most steadfast friends and pay no mind when one of them is about to drop kick a crowd of touchy, feely drunks? Easy peasy. Lie to the parents, get labeled a “Jesus-freak”, and drink that weird/awful concoction someone calls “orange soda”? Check, check, and check. Be so passionately kissed, it could only be labeled as epic? Absolutely. Being a missionary has its share of dangers and perks.

Despite being blind to the obvious, Jane is blessed with loyal friends. Isaac Martinez won’t let her out of his sight even though it’s his kisses that are mistakenly credited to Jeremy. And when Cora Friedman has a heart-to-heart “slut” talk with Jane, everything is poised to change.

Check this out at the link above and drop me a line!

Christian fantasy fiction so well written it could be classified as Literary fiction!  Check it out at:

http://authonomy.com/books/39531/the-purple-morrow-book-1/

Jeru’s quest for redemption leads him to seek the Purple Morrow. What he actually discovers will change more than just his life, forever.

Ten years have passed since the Rover army moved into the Southernlands, nearly decimating the peaceful people who live there. That day, Jeru was saved from certain death but his life would be changed. Unable to forgive himself for past mistakes, he decides to seek the Purple Morrow, a rare butterfly rumoured to have the power to change a man’s life.

Kelen, a Rover Commander, is on a quest of his own. Tasked with the duty of conquering the Southernlands, as well as a secondary mission from his father, he enters the South. But the foreign land is having a strange effect him, drudging up old memories and making him question his duty. The only thing guiding him along the dark road to truth, is the secret object he carries with him.

It is up to Jeru to save the Southernlands from the Rovers, but Kelen, his mortal enemy, stands in his way. As the tangled webs of their lives draw them together, Jeru’s connection to the Purple Morrow is revealed, unlocking his true destiny at last.

Review:

Wow. That might be the best first line I have ever read. I loved the first sentence. I think I read it three times! Everything that comes after does not disappoint either. You have a gift for making the reader fall in love with your characters within a very short time, making the tragedy that befalls them all the more heart wrenching. You have an amazing gift for imagery and your smooth style and genuine dialogue makes this story a great read. Thanks so much for the opportunity to take a look at it. High stars and the best of luck with this one.~ C.G. Harris

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Check this new and talented author out and share your thoughts!

“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.”
― Lloyd Alexander

This is cutting edge, speculative Christian fiction that you do not want to miss.  Check it out at:

http://authonomy.com/books/43815/the-smelting-refined-by-the-fire/

Using biblical fantasy to examine the destruction of families through suicide and abuse, angels and demons use teenage siblings to carry out spiritual warfare.

I was just trying to decide what I should do for mother when I heard her talking on the phone to her friend Charla. “Could you drive me to the hospital?” I heard her say. Now I was in shock all over again. The police officer had asked her several times if she felt she needed medical attention and she kept saying “no, she was fine.” I didn’t think I was capable of feeling worse and then my stomach flipped and threatened to spill whatever fluid it could summon as another shocking realization hit me: mother had lied to the officers about how badly she was hurt to protect Jason.
- Annette and her family are in the middle of a spiritual war involving angels and demons and her brother Jason is the pawn that the demons use to control them all. Because of their love for Jason, the demons are able to have unlimited access to the entire family. Is the help of an angel enough for Annette to help Jason or will she fall into the pit with him?

Review:

This is a unique, imaginative story which shows tremendous amount of work and has the makings of a very good novel. Your plot is complex but with a clear point of focus: light representing good and darkness representing evil (as it does in the Bible).

That is a captivating beginning: Annette in heaven at the age of 14. It makes the reader want to know more – much more – about what happend to Annette. Your imagery of heaven is marvelous! (It reminds me a lot of the way people who have life-after-death experiences describe heaven). And, when Annette choses to accept God’s mission for her by becoming light, you gave a delightful description of how Cory, Seth (also lights) and Annette communicated.

You develop very interesting characters: even though we don’t like Jason when he’s demon-possessed, we still recognize the love Annette has for him and for her parents (despite her depression sometimes and feelings that they didn’t care about her). I also enjoy the character, Uriel (angel) and the dialogues between Uriel and Annette were natural and well-written.

What a battle Annette had to fight in order to remove the demons from Jason! But you described the battle well – the drama, the agony of it.

All in all, this is a very involving, and, in the end, uplifting and inspirational story. ~ Patricia A. Johnson-Laster, Break Free!

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What a fantastic imagination you have! And you are able to write in a very clear way in order to express it – a powerful combination! I like your descriptions and the way you look at light and darkness – very original. I also like the way you describe Annette’s thoughts – was it an hallucination, was she going mad or did she have a brain tumour? The brother/sister relationship is also very interesting – and I love a happy ending!~Margaret Weston,How do I know I know God?

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Check this highly imaginative work by a very talented writer at the above link and let me know your thoughts.

“You are so… 11:59” ― Scott Westerfeld, The Secret Hour

Check out this New Christian historical fiction by a very talented new author, Jo Lynn:

http://authonomy.com/books/38214/who-killed-the-president-/

A story set against the background of President McKinley’s assassination at the 1901 Pan American Exposition.

It’s 1901 and the Pan American Exposition is in full swing. Before it ends, a president will be assassinated, the Secret Service will be born, surgery technique will change forever, and a young woman will fall in love.

Follow Elizabeth O’Moran as she’s accused of being responsible for the attempted assassination, has to fight to clear her name, and helping at his surgery, tries to save the President’s life.

The day of the William McKinley’s assassination was recently named one of the top ten days that unexpectedly changed America by the History Channel as the day brought Teddy Roosevelt into office and that began the green movement and conservation of natural resources so important in the world today.

Reviews:

I got hooked when the little girl tore her skirt and cut her leg, and then I thoroughly enjoyed the scene in the “surgery,” with all the entertaining details of the medical procedures of the time and the foolish figure of Doctor Kingdom. Harriet is a delightful, blustery character, and I was charmed right along with the MC by the new intern. I am into chapter five now, and I’m very much caught up in more than one story line. Great job! Excellent narrator’s voice and a wonderful sense of the times.~Elizabeth Buhmann, The Made-Up Man

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This is a terrific idea, and very well executed. Your writing is polished and I particularly like the active style – very engaging and gripping voice. The short sentences to create tension are especially well done – for instance in the second chapter with ‘Her skirt tore on a post…’ and again in chapter four when they bump foreheads! Characters are well developed and you handle the first person nicely.~ Cara Gold

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If Christian historical fiction is your genre, click the link above and let me know what you think.

“Life is like a library owned by the author.
In it are a few books which he wrote himself,
but most of them were written for him.”
Harry Emerson Fosdick

Check out this new  and compelling book that offers hope in the midst of  all too real hardships this life can hand out.

http://authonomy.com/books/35333/now-to-him/

He struggled to eat, to sleep, to crawl.
Then…to play, to imagine, to interact.
And then, as he grew, he even struggled to behave…

This collection of true short stories centers around the theme of raising a child on the Autism spectrum. Written in first person from a mother’s perspective, these stories are snapshots of a real family encountering the challenges and triumphs of a developmental disability.

The nine chapters showcase separate narratives, which are connected as Ephesians 3:20-21 (“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask…”) is gently woven throughout the book. A sense of raw humanity is revealed by encompassing moments of deep pain, isolation, and even despair. Yet the focus continually brings hope through an abiding faith in God’s presence and purpose.

The content of this piece is specific in nature, but its impact is intended to reach far beyond the Autism community to touch those experiencing hardships of all kinds, even the ones that cannot be easily remedied—the very hardships that tend to leave the fragile human soul with mere scraps of faith and the honest, humble plea: “Now to Him…”

Reviews:

Now To Him is the heart-felt account of one faith-filled mother’s love for her son. The book inspires the reader to a closer walk with the One who is able to keep us all from falling. It makes us look at our own circumstances with gratitude and gives a deeper perspective of what God is trying to accomplish in our daily struggling and stumbling. This is a book of hope, commitment and great, great love. By reading this, you will be encouraged and challenged to allow God to do his perfect work in you.~ Dianna Lanser, Nothing But The Blood

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Now to Him is written with such skill that you can feel the love coming off the pages. While this book could have been written in novel form, I think it reads a lot better as a collection of short stories centered on an autistic child growing up. There are moments in Now to Him that are so powerful, I think they might get lost within a novel. But this way the reader is able to get the setup, the main part of the short story, an emotional or teaching moment, and then the chapter’s conclusion within a few minutes. The stories are all linked of course, so there is no disconnect. Pacing is perfect, and I can see a lot of “just one more chapter before bed” moments until it’s very late into the night.

Author Faith Rose writes with authority and believability. It’s clear that she really went through these events, and readers will feel humbled to share her joys and pain.

There is also a religious theme to the book, but this is not over the top to the point that those who don’t believe will be turned away. Instead it shows the good that people of faith do, a subtle but important distinction from books that simply say that God is great. I would call Now to Him more inspirational than religious.

I was surprised to find such a gem so far outside what I normally read. A lot of that is attributable to the skill of the author, but also to the fine way the book is configured. Now to Him would be a success in both the Christian and mainstream markets once published. ~John Breeden II, Old Number Seven

Get a box of tissue and then click the link above to check it out for yourself.  Let me know what you think.

Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.~Jawaharal Nehru

A truly unique YA book that is long over-do and  ready for its audience.

Check it out at:  http://authonomy.com/books/44813/the-survival-guide-for-pastor-s-kids/

Parent a Pastor or Minister? Equip yourself with the basic tools that will help you survive ministry and the church without falling apart.

The Survival Guide for Pastor’s Kids, is a book written by a Pastor’s Kid for Pastor’s kids. Being a Minister is hard work and being the child of a minister is at times impossible. With the new responsibility of sharing your parents with an entire congregation and a pressure for perfection, the weight of your parents’ new position may cause you to question many things including your faith. This guide helps walk you through tips and secrets to what to expect and how to escape losing the family you once knew for the new calling in your life. While recommended for youth, this guide serves as an enlightening insight for Pastor’s and Ministers who want to relate better to their children and build stronger family ties.

Review:

This is a must read for all children of ministers, missionaries, and pastors! As a Christian whose field is child psychology, this would be required reading for my students, many of whom grew up as children of ministers, if I were still teaching! Actually, I think the guide is good for any child whose parents are leaders in their church. I recognize how it is directed to specific young people whose parents are ministers church: “unfortunately it also means people will place highexpectations on you that are unfair and unreasonable.” But the steps you outline and the Scripture you quote would answer a lot of the questions that many children in a Christian home ask.

This book is brilliant and it is written beautifully. I’ve no suggestions for improving your writing as I find no flaws.
The length of your sentences, paragraphs, and chapters should appeal to young people and the steps you suggest are well within their reach. You write in a clear, compelling way with obvious empathy that young folks will appreciate and to which they’ll be attracted. I do hope you go on to add more chapters – perhaps of a more general nature and directed to any child from parents who are leaders (deacons, elders, etc.) in their church.

This is a professional, inspired, informative book that should be in all of our churches and Christian homes! Excellent work! and prayers for its publication.~Patricia A. Johnson-Laster, Break Free!

Check it out for yourself at the above link and let me know what you think.

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“When I was your age, television was called books.” ― William Goldman, The Princess Bride

Yes it’s possible!  In fact there are many new authors out there struggling to get the voices and their stories heard because traditional secular publishers/agents will tell them: Awesome book!  If you take the Jesus-stuff out I can work with you.

On the other hand, traditional Christian publishers/agents will tell them: I love this!  If you take the time travel/fantasy whatever out, I can work with you!

So, what-to-do, what-to-do?  Many eventually give in and self publish. Some quite successfully, in fact.   However, one wonders whether more readers could be reached if  publishers/agents were willing to take that risk on these exceptional stories.

One such story, that contains the elements listed in the title of this post is, They Call Me Blanca.  This YA book meets you at the Cross-road where Faith and Diversity meet Reality and the Supernatural.

Check it out at this link and let me know what you think:

http://authonomy.com/books/36078/they-call-me-blanca/read-book/#chapter

The main character is Michelina DélaCruz.  She is a Latina teen living with her single mom in Stockton, California. Stockton is a place you won’t find on any tourist, hot spot list. But you’ll find it on the FBI’s list of top ten most dangerous cities to live in. Michelina gets involved with some wannabe ‘cholas,’ brutally beaten to a pulp, and then left like garbage on the Stockton railroad tracks. She blacks out only to awaken to the sound of what she perceives as her deliverance: a train.  All she ever wanted was to fit in somewhere! She gives up. God, no mas! So how did she wake up in the body of her teenage Abuela in 1954? Michelina is shot through space and time to experience life through the eyes of others. Can God save a chola?

Earning a gold medal for the Harper Collins Editors Desk Award this is an excerpt of their review:

“They Call Me Blanca” is the story of a white-Latina teenager named Michelina who endeavours to join a gang of girls in an attempt to establish her identity and finally gain a sense of belonging. Struggling to balance her two heritages, she chooses to undergo the deeply frightening and brutal gang initiation, at the hands of her new ‘friends’. Michelina, teasingly nicknamed as ‘Blanca’ due to her pale skin, is begged by her childhood friends to abandon the gang and join them in their local Christian church group. Ignoring the pleas of her friends and mother, Michelina is seriously injured in her final baptism into gang life and is transported to an out-of-body journey through the lives of her grandparents and parents – learning that violence mars her family at each tier, and that Christianity, Jesus and the real love of those closest to her can bring her peace.

I was drawn into this story from the first sentence. It was tense, and full of intrigue and I have no doubt the opening of this work would grip young adults instantly. The writer builds intensity quickly and strongly, young and old can identify with the feeling of sneaking in to your family home, hoping not to be spotted or questioned …(this is) akin with reading a thriller. Violence is introduced in the first few pages, as the reader learns of Michelina’s injuries, and is spurred on to discover the ‘whats’ and ‘whys’ of this poor girl’s predicament. This suspense, this interest which the reader follows vehemently, is rewarded with more than they would have bargained for…

This story has a very strong basis – Michelina’s near-death experience takes her on a journey of understanding and appreciation of her roots and her family history. It opens her eyes to the violence which simmers and erupts through generations and brings her closer to God and to those she loves…this book could be a success in the YA genre.”

Here are just a few more of the favorable author reviews this book as garnered:

They Call Me Blanca is one of the best examples of Young Adult fiction you are likely to find… Author Laura A. Diaz presents us with a perfect view of Hispanic culture that many readers are probably unfamiliar with, tells a vivid and gripping story, and ultimately helps to promote a positive message, which is pretty much everything YA should and could do in the right hands.

Michelina DélaCruz is an ideal main character. She’s tough and unapologetic, yet we as readers get to peek behind the curtain and see why she is that way. She’s a very sympathetic and real-seeming person who we instantly care about. When bad things happen to her, we feel it, sometimes painfully.

The plot moves forward from the typical themes of trying to fit in to the supernatural time-traveling part of the story where Michelina really begins to grow as a person. Readers won’t have a chance to get bored. The writing is crisp and literally dripping in culture, to the point that we are often introduced to both English and Spanish descriptions of people and places.

They Call Me Blanca should have no trouble at all finding an audience once published. And it’s a novel that wholly deserves to make it into print. Doing so would help to add credibility to the entire YA genre, and I believe could do a lot of good in the world too.
John Breeden II, Old Number Seven

Christian Critique and Review:

Finally, I have found the time to read this exceptional book. Actually its a WOW book. A book about survival, relationships, sacrifice and restoration. A girl who is not sorry for herself, who understands her neighborhood, her homegirls and the guys they hang out with. Already, we care for the quiet Blanca bruised and beaten in a hospital bed because we see a driven individual with great inner strength—a misfit desperate to fit in. One tough chola, she won’t stay down.

Her mother, a firm advocate for Jesus, is so giving, its hard not to feel her pain. She also has a friend in Pastor Mike. The tone of this book is unique; the reader not only reads the book but hears it spoken. I love the language, natural and distinctive. The Spanish overtones are just perfect the way they are, it couldn’t be written in any other way.

Chapter 2 had me grinning, make-up, fashion—the descriptions are skillfully crafted and entertaining. And bless little David for giving up his chocolate milk. I have to say, I did shed a tear of joy at this. Priceless. But the abuse in the classroom had me gasping. I was so glad when David’s mother comforted a little girl, confused over what she had done wrong. This shows the experience of an author with teaching experience and the love of children. Now David is 6ft 3ins and muscular. I’m not sure what is the matter with Blanca, I would go to church with him in a heartbeat! But she hurts him, a Ms. Sidakis type of hurt.

So many emotions run through this book, it’s hard to put it down. We root for Blanca and we want to know what happens. Each chapter has a hook of its own. Can God save a chola? Find out, you’ll be extremely glad you did. High stars for great storytelling. CMT Stibbe ~ Chasing Pharaohs

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Every now and again I pick up a book and, as I read through it, I feel as though I have died and got into heaven without having to go through the awful business of dying to get there. They Call Me Bianca is one of those books that transports the reader effortlessly to realms of literary enjoyment far beyond mere earthly pleasures.

I sense I will not be alone in according this story much praise. Indeed, praise unstinted: for the quality of writing, scene setting, reflective tone, ambiance and mood. Blanca’s character definition is outstanding… There is a distinct assured authorial touch to the narrative with a finessed command and control that holds the reader’s appreciative attention from the first paragraph onwards. Here is Spanish without tears for those none native to the language as it is never intrusive but always complimentary to the text. Seis estrellas – ****** Tony Brady – SCENES FROM AN EXAMINED LIFE – Books 1,2 & 3.

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This book reads like a Latino dance; catchy, fast-paced, and flowing with the beauty of all Diaz’s original and refreshing descriptions.

The book opens well, establishing the protagonist and weaving in background information without the reader even realizing. The school scenes are depicted in detail making the reader feel a part of them, and I particularly enjoyed the characterization of the different students. Michelina’s voice is also well handled, and the infusion of Spanish words adds a unique touch.

Some elements of this book reminded me of Margaret Atwood’s “Cat’s Eye” – particularly the ‘Whatever.’ lines, and the acute attention to detail in the descriptions of characters; like Diaz is conveying a vivid, colourful painting, through her words.

The brutal bullying scene was so realistic and we really feel like we are there with Michelina. Then, the cliff-hanger ending of chapter 5 after Michelina is beaten up and hears the voice “Not yet. You have much to learn.” is absolutely terrific.

I thoroughly enjoyed the twist of Michelina waking up in another body – and the transition is so smooth that I think even readers who aren’t a fan of supernatural ideas will thoroughly enjoy it.

I loved the delicate balance in this book; it is original and an excellent blend of many things. I have rated 6 stars and will keep on my watch-list for further reading. Well done and thank you for such an enjoyable read!~Cara Gold~The Awakening: Dawn of Destruction

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This is acutely accomplished and striking with  added commercial benefit beyond its genre. I say this as a screen writer and editor that has her fair share of material on a daily basis to read from. The social realism meets time travel is quite simply genius in its originality and scope.

( Although not someone who reads Christian books) I felt inspired by the Christian edict of walking in someone’s shoes in order to understand them more fully.  Hence we have Michelina experiencing life as several characters (not in control or actively participating but only along for the ride so to speak.) Hearing, feeling, and viewing life through the eyes of those she perhaps has never fully understood or related to …

This is an extremely powerful work that has touched me in a surprisingly deep way above and beyond whatever its particular philosphy may be.. ~Wiz Wharton Author of : A Small Death

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To read this for yourself and back  cutting edge Christian, multicultural books  go to: http://authonomy.com/books/36078/they-call-me-blanca/     You won’t be disappointed.

You can also read some more reviews of this unique YA work at : http://lauraadiaz.weebly.com/they-call-me-blanca.html

Happy reading!

Laura

Author, J. Updike, is quoted as saying,”I want to write books that will unblock the traffic jam in everyone’s mind.”

Well, I want to read those kind of books! ~

November 28, 2011…..I’ve been feeling rather heavy these days. Like there’s something weighing my body down. But I feel most of its’ force pressing downward against my chest. Such angst…..angst, that’s the perfect word to describe how I’ve been feeling, especially today. ANGST. That wretched feeling that all is not well with my soul. I’m clearly not living in alignment with God’s word. That must be it because I have no joy. Something is wrong; out of place in my life. I’m not satisfied. And the feeling is C O N S T A N T. For periods of time I have been able to bury it deep down to the point where I am convinced that I am happy. But it never lasts. It has always been able to creep back up to the surface. I don’t think I can ignore it anymore. Question is, what do I do about it?

November 29, 2011…..I feel like I’m just going through the motions of each day. It’s almost as though I am not even present. I’m really sad most of the time.

December 2, 2011…..After much pondering I think I’ve figured it out. It feels like I’m living in limbo. By that I mean it seems I can’t focus on what I should be doing for myself and for Rick because I don’t feel our marriage is well. I’m not sure if we’ll ever learn how to get along and live peacefully side by side. It’s not that I don’t have the desire for more, it’s just that I’m not sure I want more if this is how it’s always gonna be. I want to feel loved now, despite our circumstances. I’m losing myself in the everyday sadness of my life. I don’t know how to approach Ricky about this matter. I generally avoid talking to him for sanity’s sake. All I know is this….when we don’t get along (which is generally more than half the time) everything else is meaningless. I see no future when I feel hopeless.

December 4, 2011 1:39 am…..I flipped out again. Went all crazy on Rick, yelling and crying. I think I’ve lost myself and I don’t know how to get well. I’m always truthful in my “rants”. Everything that’s been crowding my head comes out in one big crazy spectacle of self-slapping and tears. I don’t feel loved. I know Rick loves me because of all that he does, but the one thing he almost NEVER does is hug me or even touch me for that matter. Days will go by without any affection. If I ask for a hug it’s as though I’m inconveniencing him and the hug is never a real, sincere hug. It’s robotic. He says it’s because I ask for a hug at the wrong times. I just don’t feel connected to him like I know I should be. I suppose I don’t really deserve such love because of all my shortcomings. I’m quite the burden. Maybe I should just live alone. That way I don’t have to live with the constant worry of how I’m failing him everyday. It’s a vicious rut of a cycle I’m in.

December 29, 2011…..Haven’t been feeling that horrible despair I spoke of in earlier entries. Life has been bearable. I’m determined to make it better and better with each day that passes. Rick has been really trying to be more careful about his negativity. Some days are better than others but, hey, if he can put up with me for the last seven years I can give him a chance, too.

January 18, 2012…..It’s starting up again. The continual snapping back and forth at each other. Tonight I was just misunderstood. He was misreading me so then I chose to react to that. He’s now back in the bedroom watching his TV. I don’t feel like we’re connected. I don’t even want hugs anymore. I don‘t think we‘re sexually compatible and I feel awful that I‘ve done this to him. This really isn’t fair to him. Is it at all possible that things could change, Lord? I do feel that there is hope. There are so many reasons I love him.