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"

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.

Day Two: Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour

Mike Duran: Resurrection


After the resurrection, there are two extreme reactions: misguided belief manifesting itself in iconic worship of Ruby, and even more disturbing, the hard-hearted unbelief of professing Christians, even the Board of Elders of Ruby’s church. They grapple with the best method of “damage-control” so their church doesn’t seem fanatical. These faithless elders control Pastor Clark making him an ineffective puppet.

The same day of the resurrection, Pastor Clark meets with Professor Keen, his mentor at seminary, who has since embraced syncretism and the exploration of pagan religions. Professor Keen actively recruits Ian to join his “secret” group, Orbis of Scientia which is Latin for Circle of Knowledge. Ian is now at a crossroads.

Meanwhile, Ruby’s life has been turned upside down. People are coming to her house in need of a miracle, protesting that she is a devil and even leaving a pagan idol on her front lawn. In a meeting with Pastor Clark, she also sees Mr. Cellophane. Both she and Pastor Clark begin their own research on this strange turn of events and eventually team up to investigate the Stonetree curse and what parts they play in reversing it. The ensuing spiritual battle to seize Stonetree from this evil domination begins!

While I don’t believe in cities being “under a curse,” there do seem to be ones that have spiritual oppression. Stonetree reminds me of a town I lived in that the spiritual oppression felt like a heavy blanket. Many people from outside of our area comment on the spiritual darkness in New England. This is an interesting idea to ponder.

Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy

Day One: Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour

For this review I received a copy of Resurrection from the publisher.


Resurrection by Mike Duran

One morning at church, Ruby, a loving mother, wife, and faithful servant of the Lord physically collapses under the weight of a vision. As she regains her composure, she ponders the meaning of this experience as she goes to the funeral of the young son of an acquaintance later that day. As she passes the casket, she lays her hand on the boy and prays for his family. Suddenly, pandemonium breaks out as she realizes that the boy has come back to life.

This is the gripping introduction to this book. As the story unfolds, the extreme reactions of her church and town are representative of the darkness that has enshrouded this community for years. Ruby finds out that this is not the first time a resurrection has taken place in Stonetree. Ninety years early, Aida Elston was revived and still lives in Stonetree. After talking to Aida, Ruby realizes that she is just a tiny part of a much larger story and that her pastor, Ian Clark, is also a major part of this spiritual drama.

Pastor Ian Clark is playing the hypocrite. After attending a liberal seminary, he experienced the devastating loss of his sister. Her death was the catalyst to a slow unraveling of his personal life and faith. His tenure as pastor has been frustrating and futile, and he has been holding on to his resignation letter waiting for the right time to submit it.

A frightening apparition that Pastor Clark calls Mr. Cellophane makes regular appearances in his church office. Not understanding what it wants, he tries to ignore it. When he comes upon the scene of the resurrection and sees this boy alive, he is further shaken.

I love books that immediately draw me in, and that is exactly what this story does. I didn’t have to work at getting into it at all. The characters were believable, and I was especially drawn to Ruby, who is a seemingly very ordinary person, but because of her love for the Lord, she was far from ordinary in God’s eyes.


Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy


Visit these sites to hear more about Resurrection by Mike Duran

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CSFF Blog Tour
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Tori Greene
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Katie Hart
Joleen Howell
Bruce Hennigan
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Mirtika
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Dave Wilson

Tom Pawlik: Thrillers

CFBR: Tell us about Valley of the Shadow?

Tom: It's the sequel to my first novel "Vanish" and continues the story of the main characters. I was hesitant to write a sequel because I really liked the way "Vanish" ended-- with a lack of resolution to Mitch's story. But it gave me a chance to develope the concepts introduced in "Vanish" and write some scenes I had originally planned.

CFBR: Can you give us a taste of what we can expect?

Tom: Sure.

Conner Hayden fought his way through the woods. Branches snapped at his passing, disintegrating into puffs of dust, as if every drop of moisture had been sucked out of them. Tendrils of mist curled around his legs like serpents seeking to pull him to the ground. He could feel their weight as he struggled to walk. But he had to press onward. He had to keep going.

He had been here before.

Darkness fell around him like a thick blanket, almost smothering him. His chest pounded as much from the strain of his movement as from the fear rising inside him.

He knew what was out there.

But he heard no voices this time. No ghostly whispers from the dark, save one. One single, moaning plea.

Help me!

His breath came in steamy puffs. The passing branches lashed at him like razors, slicing into his hands and face. The trees seemed to lean their gnarled limbs into his path, blocking his way and closing in again behind him. He would never find his way out.

Please, someone help me!

"Mitch!" Conner hissed through his teeth. For two months Mitch Kent's face had haunted his dreams. The thought of the young man he barely knew, trapped inside this place-trapped between life and death-gnawed at him day and night. Conner had to help him. This was his sole mission. This was the reason God had saved him. Brought him back from the dead. Back from the edge of the abyss.

A light flickered between the twisted branches. Conner lowered his head, threw his arm across his face, and plowed through. The trees seemed to claw at him like a swarm of angry cats. He almost thought he heard them hissing as if not wanting him to pass. Trying desperately to keep him from moving forward. It was the only way he could tell he was headed in the right direction. It seemed to be the one place they didn't want him to go.

Conner stumbled into the clearing and found himself staring at the old cabin. Again. It stood weathered and barren, the roof sagging under its own weight. A dull, orange light poured out from the crusted glass of the single window in the front.

He stepped closer. "Mitch?"

Help!

Conner peered through the window. The cabin was empty, just as he remembered it. He cracked the door open and slipped inside. And winced. The odor flooded his nostrils like an overflowing sewer. He turned toward the door, gagging. His head swam from the stench. This was not what he remembered.

Conner gathered himself and inspected the interior more closely. The wood-burning stove poured out a sickly orange light. But there was no heat.

"Mitch, where are you? It's me. It's Conner."

Something thumped against the wood. Conner spun around. The doorway stood open and empty. Nothing moved in the darkness outside.

There was a second thump and a sharp crack. The entire cabin shuddered. Then something burst through the floorboards directly in front of him, splintering the wood. An arm reached up. [short, wonderfully scary description omitted, for the sake of the kids reading] A skeletal hand gripped Conner's ankle like a bear trap. He couldn't move. The stench flowed up stronger now, overpowering him. His eyes rolled back, and the cabin seemed to sway beneath him. Conner tumbled backward onto the floor, but the hand kept its grip.

A second arm burst through the boards and clutched his hair. Then two more crashed through, pinning his shoulders to the floor. Conner screamed. . . .

He sat up straight. Chest heaving.

The cabin dissolved into the shadows of his bedroom as Conner gasped for breath. Cold sweat soaked his T-shirt. He felt something stir beside him.

Marta rolled over and reached for the nightstand lamp. "Connie?" Her voice was hoarse with sleep. She sat up and slipped her arm around him, pressing her hand lightly against his sternum. She held it there as she rested her cheek on his shoulder. "Was it the dream again?"

Conner could feel his heart pounding under her hand. He sucked air into his lungs, deep and slow. He had to control his breathing. He had to calm himself. Finally he nodded. "Yeah. The same one."

"Can I get you anything?"

"No." His heart rate began to slow. He rubbed his eyes and lay down again. "I'm all right."

He closed his eyes but could still feel Marta's stare. She was worried about him; he could tell. More so than usual. In the two months since his heart attack, he hadn't made it through more than three consecutive nights without having that dream. But he'd only described it to her in vague terms. He didn't want to give her the details. He didn't want her to press him with questions about his "experience" during the heart attack.

Because he hadn't told her everything.

CFBR: What inspirational message or messages can people draw from Valley of the Shadow?

Tom: Both books are about choices and how the decisions we make in life can have profound effects on the direction our lives take. It's also about letting go of the emotional baggage we sometimes carry with us through life-- about learning to forgive and ask for forgiveness. And how, if left unchecked, hate can grow inside our hearts and choke off  all of our other relationships.

CFBR: Can you tell us a little about your journey as a writer? I hear you won Operation First Novel. We would love to hear about that too.

Tom: I've always dreamed of being a writer, ever since the fourth grade. But I never pursued it seriously, because the chances of ever getting published just seemed so remote. I made my first attempt at a novel in 1997, from a short story I had written in college. I tried the usual routes to get it published for several years, but didn't have any luck. Finally in 2003 I stumbled across the Christian Writers Guild and the Operation 1st Novel Contest. I submitted that book and was pleasantly suprised to come in 2nd. That contest got the interest of my agent, Les Stobbe who shopped the book around for the next couple years--again with no luck. During that time I began working on my second novel, "Vanish" and shopped that to various publishers as well. Still no luck. Then, somewhat discouraged, I entered it in the 1st Novel contest in 2006 and went on to win. Needless to say, that was an awesome event.

"Vanish" was published in 2007 and even won a Christy Award that year. Tyndale has expressed an interest in further story ideas so I've been able to get the sequel published and I'm currently working on a third novel, due out in April 2011.

CFBR: Now that you are published through Tyndale House Publishing, what promotion do you do on your own?

Tom: I've done a few book signings on my own, and a couple radio interviews. It is definitely true that getting published is just the beginning of the work.

CFBR: Do you have any advice for aspiring Christian Fiction authors?

Tom: Check out the Christian Writers Guild. It's a first class ministry dedicated to helping aspiring Christian authors perfect the craft and get published. They also offer a critique service that will give you a good idea of how publishable your writing skills are. And their writing courses are top notch, pairing you up with mentors in the publishing industry who can offer professional feedback on your work. I heartily recommend them.

CFBR: We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do with your books. Keep 'em coming.

Tom Pawlik is a highly imaginative Christy Award-winning author from Tyndale House Publishers. His first novel, "Vanish" won the Operation First Novel Contest sponsored by the Christian Writers Guild and Tyndale House. Released in June 2008, "Vanish" went on to win a Christy Award in the Visionary category. His follow up sequel, "Valley of the Shadow" was released in June of 2009. His third novel, "Beckon" is due out in early 2011.

Available at Amazon