UNSEEN 99 Cents Today

Life for Jake Paris is stable and ordinary--until a mysterious old woman pays him a visit and he begins to have encounters with unruly children everywhere he goes—children only he can see. 

When Jake's estranged sister, Holly, finds herself the target of a national serial killer who has chosen her son as his next victim, Jake begins to wonder if there is a connection. Could these children be the ghosts of the killer's victims?

As the kidnapper's plan unfolds, Jake uncovers a startling secret about the unseen children that will change his life forever--and Holly discovers just how far she is willing to go to save her son. Unseen is a riveting story of rescue, restoration, and romance that will leave you thinking long after the last page has been turned.



Find out why readers who hate this book read it all the way to the end. This is one pro life story you will never forget.


AMAZON REVIEWS

"Hileman is a marvelous storyteller with a perspective unlike any other author I've come across... Every life is precious. If you don't know that now, you will after reading this book."

"There is a spiritual edge to the book that is both subtle yet poignant, allowing you to hear truth without it being overbearing or offensive. In fact, its downright lovely... I read Unseen, and turned around and read it a second time..."

"Unseen has it all: a fascinating plot that grabbed my attention from page one, a great pace that kept the pages turning and a deep richness that still has me thinking."

"This is a must read! John has really captured my heart with this story."

"I do not normally read murder mysteries, but loved this one. No grisly, gruesome details, great character development, just a little bit of romance. Loved the ending."

"The cover caught my attention first, then the synopsis was intriguing but when I started this book it spoke for itself. Grabbing my interest immediately I became involved with the characters. Seeing ghost children, a kidnapped child, an unusual friend and a drama queen for a girlfriend...where would this story end? My first book by this author but I will be searching for others."

"Suddenly you are transported into a world of unborn babies and you realize the depth of the truth about abortion. This pro-life thriller is an excellent read and I highly recommend it."

"From beginning to end this book's characters, storyline and rich message kept me page turning all day. Beware: the dishes will just have to wait!"

"...read Unseen!! You'll find yourself clenching your teeth and staying up late, all while contemplating the way you view life and the importance of a mother's role to her children."

"This book powerfully touched every raw emotion within me..."

"John Hileman has done it again! His latest creation is riveting, page turning, and thought provoking."

"What more can I say!! This is the only book I have ever read in one day!!"

"A story with substance...well-scripted, emotionally challenging and fulfilling"

Todd Johnson: Suspense, Mystery

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson
Review by Nikole Hahn

When Jared Neaton left Missions Falls, he left behind the gossip and a father who spent time in prison for embezzlement. When Erin Larson picks up the pieces of her father’s estate after his death, she finds in her father’s safe deposit box a deposit slip dated 2008 for 10 million dollars.

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson is a story of legal intrigue. Suing the bank in Missions Falls proves dangerous. Erin’s first attorney backs down from the bullying tactics of the big law firm. Money is running out. With the bank pumping out a nasty public relations attack on Erin and her lawsuit, the town is divided. Erin must find a new lawyer in one week. Jared’s old mentor hands Jared the case with the promise of a big pay out, but his firm is struggling. The last big case that promised a big pay out became a financial disaster. Jared runs the firm alone with his assistant, Jesse. Jesse came over with him from the corrupt firm they left. Both sacrificed a lot and things haven’t improved. Jared hesitates to take it. Jesse adamantly disapproves of him taking this case. Through legal maneuverings Jared takes the case and finds it to be the most challenging legal case of his career. The law determines a deposit slip isn’t proof of the money. One must prove the bank took the deposit and the money wasn’t spent. The bank has covered up the deposit with the law firm having deep pockets and a certain Federal Reserve man in those pockets. The death threats didn’t just start with Erin when she pursued the deposit. It began with Erin’s father. A few shot out windowpanes sit in the barn on the property.

The Deposit Slip is a great novel of intrigue and the end hinted at other cases involving Jesse and Jared. I gave the novel five stars and look forward to more books in the series.


GRAB IT AT AMAZON

Love Inspired Mystery: Christy Barritt

Race Against Time by Christy Barritt
Review by Mary Hake

Tension and suspense grip the reader from the first sentence. The danger feels real and keeps the pages flipping as we Race Against Time with the characters. Madison Jacobs, a widow with a young son, is attacked in her own home. Her neighbor, police detective Brody Philips bolts to her rescue. This pattern of threats and attempts to save continue throughout the fast-paced novel.

Although I suspected the identity of the murderer early in the book, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment as I rooted for Brody to stop the serial killer. Christy Barritt weaves a web of the connections that prompt the Suicide Bandit’s choice of victims, all pointing to the guy he’s targeting.

Amidst the turmoil and fear, a longing to love and be loved surfaces. Madison thought she would never want another romantic relationship since losing the one you love hurts way too much. Brody has never found a woman he felt drawn to commit to for a long-term relationship. Could their mutual attraction turn into something substantial—do they want it to?

This story also deals with guilt and forgiveness for the past. The deeper issues enrich the tale and offer hope for the future. Race Against Time is more than a simple mystery thriller. Read it for escape. Read it to help you heal from the past. Read it to help you grow in trust.


BOOKS BY CHRISTY BARRITT AT AMAZON

Erin Healy: Supernatural Mystery

Review By Lisa Norsworthy
The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy



Chase is a 30-year-old autistic man with a savant-like talent for drawing, and a knowledge of trees. He awakes to the voice of his father--who has been missing in action for over ten years--telling him to draw a certain tree.

Porta Cerrato, an aging woman adept at witchcraft, opens an art gallery in Chase’s hometown, and uses her evil craft to influence people, while searching for a person she believes has the key to eternal life.

When Chelsea, Chases’s devoted twin sister, brings Chase on his usual walk over the same route one Saturday, she is shocked to see him deviate from his usual routine and enter Porta’s gallery. The pictures he is being told to draw all have recipients and Chase eerily knows who they are and why they need them.

In the meantime, Porta’s son, Zac, comes to know a young woman with cystic fibrosis. Because she knows her lifetime is limited, she is obsessed with becoming famous so she will not be forgotten.

All of these lives converge into a suspenseful, supernatural story of evil, greed, and the quest for eternal life. But, ultimately, it is child-like love, perception, and loyalty that are victorious. It can be difficult to find a story with supernatural elements that are not contrary to scripture but this tale unfolds in a way that doesn’t leave the Christian reader uncomfortable. Because a main theme of this story was the desire for eternal life, I was left wishing the author had emphasized that Jesus was the only true answer especially in Promise’s quest.

Erin Healy developed the characters nicely, and the uniqueness of this thriller was engaging. I look forward to Healy’s next work.



Book at Amazon by Erin Healy, alone and with Ted Dekker.

        

Supernatural Christian Thriller

Review by Teisha Priest
Visit Teisha's blog at http://www.teishknits.com/

David chance sees messages. They tell him what will happen. One of the messages saved his life, but now they are directing him to take action that could end up costing him his life. Are these messages from the dead? Is it some genetic mutation? Or, could it possibly be God speaking to him? David is just an ordinary guy with a family, but these messages have landed him in the middle of a conspiracy. Will David follow them regardless of the cost? I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give the story away! If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, drama, intrigue and action then Messages is right up your alley.

In the very first chapter, David begins seeing messages in the words around him. The story takes off from there and continues its fast pace through to the end. There are enough clues to give us a hint of what’s really going on, but enough twists to still keep us guessing. I stayed up late two nights because I was so intrigued by the story that I couldn’t put it down! The main character is the type of “average-Joe” that most of us can identify with. David is not a believer, but the messages that have embroiled him in extraordinary circumstances also lead him to search for answers.

The book is as much about his spiritual journey as it is about his quest to unravel a terrorist plot. Messages fits into the “speculative fiction” genre, as does John’s first novel, VRIN: ten mortal gods. Even so, it will appeal to those who enjoy dramatic thrillers as well. Messages is a solid second novel for John, and we’ll definitely be watching for his third! If you missed John’s first book, VRIN: ten mortal gods, then you can read my review here. Both of his novels are available through Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. To keep up with what John is writing, visit his blog.


Interview with Teisha Priest for CFBR

Christian Fiction Book Reviews: You’ve written two novels that have been published so far. Was the writing process pretty much the same for both books, or did you find it different the second time?

John Michael Hileman: Most of VRIN took place in a Fantasy world of my own creation. It's pretty easy to write about a world that doesn't exist. No one can say, "Hey! There aren't any stairs in front of the Blah Blah Blah museum!" When you're writing about a man hunting for a dirty bomb in the streets of Boston, you need to have a working knowledge of Boston and the surrounding area. Since part of my childhood was in the suburbs of Boston, I have a good idea of how things work. The internet filled in the blanks.

CFBR: What drew you to the speculative fiction genre as a writer?JMH: I like being able to create scenes no one has ever created before. Speculative fiction offers a canvas for that kind of out of the box thinking. Plus, alternate realities allow you to examine the principles and precepts of God from another perspective.

CFBR: What has the publishing process been like for you?JMH: Lots and lots of waiting. Writing a book is merely the beginning of a vast journey. If you set foot on the road, prepare your heart to enjoy the walk, because there aren't' many rest stops on the way.

CFBR: What’s been the most difficult part of the writing/publishing process for you?JMH: Overcoming doubt. When I started as a writer, I wanted success, and I feared failure. God has shown me that success is not in the quantity of people who love you, but in the quality of people who love you. It is fair to say, my readers have given me more than I could ever give them. I no longer wonder if I was meant to write, because I have a stack of e-mails from dear friends, who remind me how important what I do is.

Just last night I got a letter from a concerned mother who asked whether or not my latest novel would transform the heart of her Atheist son. I shared this insight. A stonecutter was once asked, "which strike of the hammer broke the stone?" The stonecutter replied, "The first. The last. And every one in between." I don't know if my book will be the strike that breaks her sons hard heart, but knowing that I am partnering with someone of such great character, gives value to the work I put in to writing it.　

CFBR: There has been the suggestion that Christian authors should not write any sort of fantasy/science fiction type novels. What are your thoughts on the topic?JMH: I don't think most Christian outright object to fantasy and science fiction. It is more of a cautious apprehension--at least towards science fiction. As Christians we must guard our minds against the enemy of our souls. He is continually pleading his case through all forms of media. He wants to sow seeds of doubt in our minds, and turn us away from the truth. Since truth is so important, most Christians stick to stories that are grounded in reality. Most science fiction starts with a premise that is a lie, like: in thousands of years mankind will take to the stars and meet other life forms. This premise is silly and fanciful as Gene Roddenberry wrote it. But Christian authors tend to put Biblical truths into everything they write. As soon as you turn Star Trek into an Allegory, you've lost your Christian readers. They cannot take the story as pure fiction, because you've injected the real God into it.

As for Fantasy, that is more of a witchcraft/magic issue. God tells us to avoid such things. And yet, most fantasy stories have some form of it mentioned.

I believe science fiction and fantasy are like firearms. They are only as dangerous as the person wielding them. I don't know about you, but I'm thankful police carry firearms.

CFBR: What are your favorite books? The ones you read over and over.JMH: I did most of my heavy reading before I was right with the Lord. The only books I read over and over--lately-- are mine.

CFBR: When you write, do you prefer background music or quiet?JMH: I like it quiet. I'm easily distracted.

CFBR: Any words of wisdom for aspiring speculative fiction authors?JMH: Tread carefully. You will be accountable for your actions.

CFBR: Do you have any other novels on the horizon that we should be watching for?JMH: Yes I do. But I can't tell you about it. It's super duper top level secret stuff. All I can say is, I've been working on it for the past eight years, and it has one overriding theme: the holiness of God.

CFBR: We will be looking forward to it! Thanks for the interview John!Both Messages and VRIN: ten mortal gods are available through amazon in Kindle and paperback format.

Interview: Julie Cave

Leave a comment for Julie Cave, after the interview, to win a copy of her novel Pieces of Light.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------

CFBR: Today we are speaking with Julie Cave about her Suspense Mystery novel "Pieces of Light". Thanks for being with us, Julie.

Julie: Thank you for having me, I really appreciate it!

CFBR: Tell us about Dinah Harris. What makes her tick?

Julie: Throughout the trilogy, readers will have come to know Dinah Harris firstly as a woman suffering from depression and alcoholism to one who has discovered hope and redemption in Christ. She is flawed in many ways - she loses her temper often and is sarcastic and impatient. However, she is genuinely growing in her walk as a Christian and learning how to re-define her life according to her faith. She is smart, funny and single-minded in her quest to find justice.

CFBR: She sounds like a lot of fun to write. What kind of mysteries will we unravel in "Pieces of Light"?

Julie: A serial bomber is determined to get rid of God from Washington D.C. by blowing up churches. Dinah's old FBI partner, Ferguson, asks her to consult on the case and they discover an intelligent, organised killer operating from a place of great rage. It all comes down to Dinah to reach out to the bomber and convince him to end his reign of terror over the city. Will she succeed before more lives are lost?

Readers will also meet Isabelle, a young woman dealing with the aftermath of a violent childhood and trapped in a loveless marriage. Will she escape her abusive husband and learn how to reconstruct her life? And what connection does she have to the bomber?

Finally, Dinah's nemesis Senator Winters is back, but for how long? This time he has met his match. Who could be powerful enough to bring down the evil Senator?

CFBR: What inspires your stories?

Julie: Anything that is currently happening in world current events. I get many story ideas from the news headlines. I try to research the issue behind the headline - such as euthanasia, atheism or domestic violence - with a view to explaining the impact on people's lives and what the Bible says about such issues.

CFBR: Who is your target audience and what do you hope readers will get from your books?

Julie: My books target both Christians and non-Christians who enjoy a thrilling, action-packed read. For non-Christians, I include a simple, accurate Gospel message in each book along with a reasoned defence of the Christian faith in the hope that their hearts are stirred into finding out more about God. For Christians, I hope to provide them with a non-threatening tool to evangelise to their friends and families, and to challenge their own understanding of Christianity and the controversial topics of our culture. All three Dinah Harris mysteries delve into some deep and shocking subjects, as I feel passionately about writing with authenticity about issues facing us all today - like alcoholism, racism, and domestic violence.

CFBR: What is the greatest obstacle to being a writer?

Julie: Having people know who you are and what you write about. Getting published is the first step - then the real work begins! It takes a lot of time, effort and hard work to build your profile. For anyone thinking of a writing career, I'd encourage them to build their platform now - work out who your audience is and how you will target them. If you have this platform in place and growing, it makes publishing and marketing your book more attractive to a publisher and easier on the writer in the long term.

CFBR: Are there more Dinah Harris stories in our future, or are you planning something else?

Julie: I could quite happily do either! There is so much character development I can still do on Dinah Harris and I have no shortage of ideas. However, the idea of doing something completely fresh appeals to me too. We'll have to see what the readers think I should do!

CFBR: Thanks for joining us, Julie.

Julie: Thanks again for having me.



Here are books by Julie Cave, available at Amazon.com