Hailee: Frontier Fiction

We are giving away a copy of Hailee, by Penny Zeller. Leave a comment on this post, with your e-mail (if we don't have it yet), so we can let you know if you are the winner. Runs AUG29-SEP3


CFBR: We are excited to hear about your latest novel, Hailee. What is the hook?

Penny Zeller: Hello, thank you for allowing me to be a guest on Christian Fiction Book Reviews. It’s great to be here. Following is the blurb for Hailee, the third book in my Montana Skies Historical Romance Series:

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

CFBR: Who is your favorite Character and why?

Penny Zeller: My favorite character would be my heroine, Hailee Sophia Annigan. I love Hailee’s character for her fierce determination and her spunk. I love her compassionate heart, her strong faith, and her sweet spirit.

CFBR: What can Christian expect to get from the story?

Penny Zeller: My passion is to write books that impact lives for Christ. For the Christian reader, they can expect to share in Hailee’s pain and sorrow, as well as the joy she experiences. They will watch as her faith wavers and her heart breaks at the losses she experiences in life. They will share with Nate as he struggles to release to the Lord burdens he was never meant to carry. My books are character-driven, and as such, throughout the book and with a variety of characters, readers will catch a glimpse of struggles with forgiveness, Salvation, rededication to Christ, and the hope of a new life.

CFBR: How long does it take you to complete a novel? 

Penny Zeller: This is a great question. Actually, it really varies. Sometimes it can be as little as two months and sometimes as long as five or six months. I think my average would be about three months for the first draft. However, I give my books and my writing to the Lord, so I’m learning to write on His schedule.

CFBR: What advice would you give to a fledgling author?

Penny Zeller: I offer several writing helps on my blog, at http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/sticking-with-writing/ including how to stick with writing and information about how to prepare for a writer’s conference.

I am humbled how the Lord has placed me in a mentoring position for new writers through a Writer’s Bible Study. When I chat with a fledgling author, I ask what he/she envisions themselves doing for God’s Kingdom and how can I pray and encourage him/her in that pursuit. One of the most important things to remember in being a writer is that if God has called you to write, He will guide you, one step at a time.

In November of 2000, I gave my writing to the Lord. I quit my fulltime job with a social services governmental agency so I could stay home with my infant daughter. That was the start of my career, beginning with magazine articles. I would advise a new writer to give his/her writing to the Lord and to not give up! I speak from experience when I say that when He closes one door, He opens another (much better) one.

CFBR: If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?

Penny Zeller: Probably a television talk show host for a Christian TV show. I think that would be a lot of fun! 

Thank you again for having me as your guest!

I love to connect with my readers at my website www.pennyzeller.com,

My humor blog (A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author) www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/pennyzeller, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959?ref=ts where I post updates about new books, giveaways, events, and Just-for-Fun Fridays.

Book by Penny Zeller 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.

I have finally carved out enough time to get the video done for this giveaway. I'm sorry for the wait. Life has been a little hectic lately. If you would like to see who won, click the link below.

THE WINNER

Thanks for playing, and check back for more giveaways.


John Hileman
Managing Editor
Christian Fiction Book Reviews

Interview: Julie Cave

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


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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
    

Review: The Help

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Reviewed by Lisa Norsworthy

The Help is set in Jackson, Mississippi, the very epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement, in 1960. Apparently, any self-respecting middle to upper class family had a black maid in those days. The middle class could afford it, because even though there were minimum wage laws, no one abided by them and the black community has absolutely no ability to assert themselves without severe financial or physical retribution. Most black people could not even register to vote, because of severe intimidation.

We hear the story of Abileen and Minny- black maids- and Skeeter who, although white and privileged, is restless for a challenge and change. Skeeter begins to have an awakening to the degradation and humiliation these women endure, and with great risk to everyone, decides to document their stories.

As Christian readers, I am aware there is a difference in tolerance regarding questionable content. This book is not a Christian book. There is minor swearing and one of the main characters says she prayed to a God that she neither liked nor believed in. However, Abileen is someone who faithfully goes to church and prays every evening for hours, writing in her prayer journal.

I absolutely love this book. The writing and character development are superb. It is hard to believe this was a common practice only 50 years ago, and while I am sure there is still a lot of room for improvement, the progress that has developed through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is amazing. The irony that these white families would not let their “help” use their bathrooms, because they were “diseased”, and yet basically had them raise their children, is astounding.

Also, if you do read this book, make sure to read the notes by the author in the back. Her perspective of this somewhat autobiographical story is extremely interesting.

New Author Preview

We have a new Author Preview. Take a peek at the first three chapters of Ancient by K.T. Kimbrough, by clicking on the Author Preview link in the menu to the upper right of the screen. Go ahead. You know you want to.

Happy Reading

John Hileman
Managing Editor
Christian Fiction Book Reviews

Author Preview

There are only two days left to take a peek at our current Author Preview, Chasing Pharaohs by C.M.T. Stibbe. Click "Author Preview" in the menu to the upper right of the page, to get a free preview.

DiAnn Mills: Historical Fiction

The Fire in Ember

by DiAnn Mills

TAGS: Historical Fiction

Once again, DiAnn Mills demonstrates her ability to engage readers quickly.  Who is about to be hanged?  Why?  Does there seem to be something just a little bit strange about this?  Why on earth would a young girl—about to be hanged—keep her gender secret?  Why is she dressed as a boy?  Was the horse really stolen? 

Having become a fan of Mill’s suspense series, it was a treat to see if she could keep me interested in a genre I don’t particularly enjoy…and, dad gum it! She succeeded.  Somehow Mills has an innate ability to draw readers into her storyline.  As I found out, that innate ability transcends genres.  Quite frankly, a masterful writer is a masterful writer is a masterful writer.

Readers who enjoy Christian romance will certainly want to grab up this book, set in the late 1800’s.  While the main character, Bert/Ember, seems to be just a little bit too naïve at times, and a tad unable to make rational decisions or find logical solutions to her basic problems, Mills advances the plot line at a steady pace, with just the right number of twists and turns to keep readers interested.  I particularly enjoyed Mills skill in weaving in a spiritual message matter-of-factly and without contrivance.

So, bottom line…if you want to find your next “favorite” author and your next favorite read…and if you want to have your own faith strengthened by the book choices you make…grab “The Fire in Ember” up and move it to the top of your To Do list.

Reviewer: Janice E. Daku

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


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February Winner

And the winner of February's giveaway-- Brenda Novak's Heat series, is ... click here .

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John Hileman
Managing Editor
ChristianFictionBookReviews.com