Fear Has A Name by Creston Mapes

My review of "Fear Has A Name" can also be found in the May issue of the Book Fun Magazine (www.bookfunmagazine.com)  If you haven't had a chance to check out this fabulous online magazine that is full of interesting articles, hop over and check it out.  Best part is it's FREE!

"Fear Has A Name" - by Creston Mapes

It was more than a break-in. More than a stalking. It was personal. When a stalker targets his family, journalist Jack Crittendon must uncover who the person is and what his motives are--if he is to protect the ones he loves. It will lead Crittendon into a world of behind-closed-door secrets and faith gone awry, as does his investigation of a missing pastor, whose apparent suicide is more than it appears.

 Each move Crittendon makes weaves him tighter and tighter into a web of lies, greed, hypocrisy, sin, and danger. He believed he'd never give in to fear. But that was before. And holding on to his faith won't be easy. Nor will keeping his family safe, and ending the terror. Because that might require him to step over lines he never dared to cross.

 Following his highly successful, “Nobody”, Creston Mapes brings us the first in a new series. Thanks to his earlier books, Mr. Mapes has been a finalist in both American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year awards and the Inspirational Readers Choice awards.

   Ace reporter Jack Crittendon has been handed a self-interest story about a local Senior Pastor, Evan, who has seemingly disappeared. All signs point to a mental breakdown or worse, that he’s run off with one of his congregants that he has been counseling after the death of her husband. As part of the story, Jack interviews the pastor’s wife who is sure that none of those are true, especially the last reason. While Jack is trying to track down the missing pastor, a stranger has been targeting his family. After several break-ins and searches by the police, they discover pornography hidden on Jack’s home computer. After some investigation, though, it turns out that whoever is stalking the family planted that on the computer in an attempt to discredit Jack. Cleared of those charges, Jack is now not only on the hunt for the stalker, but still trying to find the missing pastor. As the police continue their investigation into the stalker, they discover that he is a childhood friend of Pam, Jack’s wife. As the hunt continues, Pam takes her girls away to visit her folks to keep them out of the danger. While there, though, she runs smack into her stalker, Granger Meade. Granger kidnaps Pam and starts on a cross-country journey to “make the life he never had” with Pam by his side. Meanwhile, Jack has discovered evidence of the church elders skimming money from the tithes and offerings, something that Evan had found out too. Evan, we find out, has given up on himself and God and is on his way to end his failures to his wife and to his church. Jack is notified that his wife has been kidnapped, so he heads out to stop Granger from destroying all he loves. Where does Granger take Pam? Does he convince her to leave Jack and the kids behind and be with him? Will Jack find Pam and stop Granger before it’s too late? Where is Evan and what does he do with his life? Great questions and even better answers when you BUY THE BOOK!

 This book grabs you from the start and it never lets go. From Granger breaking into the house, the investigation into the missing pastor, the discovery of missing funds at the church, the cross-country chase to the explosive ending. You never have a chance to breathe with all of the excitement and you definitely will never want to put this book down. All along the way, too, we get to see how the characters rely on Him to help them in all of their times of trials and tribulations. We get to see faith in action of Pam and Jack. We get to see the feeling of hopelessness addressed by the “lost” pastor and we get to see the acceptance of God’s love in Granger.

 Is this a "guy's book"? This has the earmarks of a great guys book. The pace is quick and refreshing, the twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what more could happen. Any guy should pick up this book and be thoroughly entertained by the time the action is all over.

 Creston took a few minutes of his time and answered some interview questions for me in a chance to let us see a little about who he is and why he does what he does:

 What is your favorite bible verse and why?
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Jesus Christ now lives in me. The life I live in the flesh, I live with faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). It is so tempting to try to live this life in our own strength. This verse reminds me to die to that concept, to remember that when Christ went to the cross, I was there with him, dying to my old self and my old ways. Now, I live, not with faith in Creston, but with faith in Christ. It’s not me who’s living this life…it’s Him in me, the hope of glory.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
 In each book there has been a different “takeaway” factor for the reader. It’s not that I go into each book with a plan to get the reader to think a certain way. Each book simply reflects where I am in life, what I’m going through personally, mentally, spiritually, etc. I want readers to be thoroughly engrossed with my books and to have a lot of fun turning the pages, dying to find out what happens next! I also want them to be challenged to think about some of the major issues in each book and to really contemplate how those characters and stories might actually impact the way they live their lives on a day-to-day basis. But I don’t think about that as I’m writing…I think about writing thrilling stories that play like fantastic movies in the reader’s mind.

 Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
 We have a very close-knit family, so much of my time is spent with them, helping coach baseball, watching drama productions, teaching them to drive, visiting them at college, going to their events, and just hanging out as often as possible. I also love painting, reading, watching sports, photography, going on dates with my wife, watching movies, cooking a little bit, and being with friends.

 What advice would you give to a beginning writer?
 There is so much to learn about the craft of writing fiction. To do it well, there is a whole lot to understand before you really get serious about writing a manuscript. Things like ‘point of view,’ ‘telling not showing,’ pacing, premise, and other things really need to be understood if the author is going to write a fine book. I suggest reading all you can about the craft of writing fiction. There are some tremendous books out there by the likes of Donald Maass, Noah Lukeman, Stephen King, James Scott Bell, Penelope Stokes and others that will really help the beginning writer.

 Favorite memory from childhood?
Going across the street to the local pharmacy in our small Ohio town to buy candy and baseball cards. Being around my dad’s furniture store and hanging with friends/family.

 Favorite comfort food?
 Cheese and pretzels. A fine cup of coffee. (Not together.)


 About the Author 

 Creston Mapes has spent the past nineteen years writing in the freelance and marketing arenas for major corporations, colleges and ministries nationwide. A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a BA in magazine journalist, Mapes’ impressive list of clients includes Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, The Weather Channel, Focus on the Family, Bell South and The Urban Alternative. Mapes’
extensive work in marketing copywriting for higher education has led him to work with more than 120 colleges and universities. He also served cas creative director of Walk Thru The Bible, while under the leadership of New York Times bestselling “The Prayer of Jabez” author, Bruce Wilkinson. With an early background in newspaper reporting and photography, Mapes’ feature stories have appeared in numberous magazines including Private Colleges and Universities, In Touch, Leaders for Today, The Hockey News and Physician. He has authored three books, “Dark Star”, “Full Tilt” and “Nobody”.

 I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Stress Test by Dr. Richard Mabry

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life as a surgeon in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left the hospital at 2 a.m. have no such plans—they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt’s only thought is fleeing with his life. He does escape, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he’s being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors after her last relationship. But when Matt calls, she knows she can’t walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt’s career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he’s a killer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth—and the faith to keep going—will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

Ever since 2010 when Dr. Mabry released his first novel in the “Prescription for Trouble” series, I have waited patiently for each title to make its way to the bookstore so that I could read the newest novel all in one day.  At the end of the series, I was saddened, not sure what I was going to be reading next.  And then, “Stress Test” was released.  Nothing like a 5 hour car ride to put a dent in any great novel.

Dr. Matt Newman has finally taken the step to close one door in his medical profession and open a new one in the local teaching hospital.  His future plans include a more relaxed working routine and more time with his fiancé.  That is, until he is kidnapped from the hospital parking garage.  Keeping his wits about him, he is able to escape from his kidnappers.  Unfortunately, he ends up waking up in the very same hospital he’s set to begin work in.  Due to a head injury during the kidnapping, when he is brought into the hospital, no one knows who he is.  It doesn’t take long, though, for the police to track him down as his identification was found with a dead woman’s body.  Without being able to present good evidence of what happened to him during the kidnapping, Matt is forced to hire Sandra Murray to help him defend his case.  After turning to his fiancé, he finds that she is trying to distance herself from Matt and his troubles due to her job in the District Attorney’s office.  Matt and Sandra follow down every lead they can find in order to prove his innocence.  Who would want to kidnap Matt and for what reason?  Will Matt get to keep his job or will he be fired before he even starts due to his role in the murder?  Do they find the evidence they need to prove Matt didn’t commit this murder or will the District Attorney put him away for a long time?  Get in your car, drive to your local bookstore and BUY THE BOOK!

From the moment that Matt is kidnapped, this book takes you on an adrenaline-laced ride.  Dr. Mabry has put together another great story that blends a subtle medical thriller with an intense whodunit.  His interactions that he creates between the characters make them come alive.  He is not only impressive with all of his medical knowledge and know-how, but he also shows how he can weave a storyline through all of the chaos that is created.  His storytelling is so genuine and smooth, to the point that I hate when I finally read the last word of the novel.

Is this a "guy's book"?  With the main character being a strong male, this is definitely a story that any man would enjoy reading.  Dr. Mabry does has a touch of romance, but not enough to keep this from being read and enjoyed by any man.  There’s a kidnapping, an escape, an ambush and more.  Who wouldn’t want to read a story like that?

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the Author:

In addition to the practice of medicine, my past includes a stint overseas in the US Air Force, several periods as an interim music minister, and an all-too-brief experience as a semi-pro baseball player. In other words, there’s more to me than “M.D.” covers. Let me share a little about myself.   I’ve been a Christian for six decades. For almost forty years, I was a Deacon in the Baptist church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and singing in the choir. After a recent move across the city, I’m proud to be a member of the Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, where I get to hear Dr. Chuck Swindoll preach regularly.  As for hobbies, I Primarily enjoy golfing, usually once a week with the same golf partner for the past ten years or so. We don’t keep score (heresy to purists, I suppose) and we enjoy the fellowship. I’m also a voracious reader, mainly fiction, although I do read non-fiction books.

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Read more: http://www.rmabry.com

Richard Mabry is celebrating the release of Stress Test with a Nook HD Giveaway! Enter today.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Nook HD
• A $15 gift certificate to BarnesandNoble.com

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 27th. Winner will be announced on 4/29/13 at Richard's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Avenged by Janice Cantore

Officer Carly Edwards finds three young gangbangers shot execution style. This alerts Carly and her husband, Sergeant Nick Anderson, head of the gang unit, fear Las Playas may be on the verge of a gang war. The Las Playas Police Department is put on high alert as tensions escalate between rival gangs, especially after Carly confiscates weapons from a gang leader and learns they were stolen from a military base along with explosive devices.

However, something doesn't add up, and Carly suspects there might be more going on than is on the surface. As she prepares to testify at a major trial, Carly’s reputation is shredded by a reporter apparently trying to discredit her professionally. Facing pressure on all fronts, Carly must rely on faith and trust God in a deeper way during one of the biggest struggles of her career.

This is the third book in the "Pacific Coast Justice" series by Janice Cantore.  I have already read the first book, "Accused" and already read and reviewed "Abducted", so grabbing this one from the store shelf was a no-brainer.  If you haven’t read the other books in this series, go buy them now.  Go read my other reviews too so that you can see what a great reviewer I am J

Carly is preparing for the upcoming Burke trial where she will be the star witness.  It’s because of her involvement that several corrupt officials have gone to jail, and hopefully Burke will be put away for murder.  Nick is now the sargent of the homicide division, so they are juggling their work life, personal life and spiritual life.  The atmosphere in their town of Las Playas is bristling with tension as environmental protestors have setup camp in Sandy Park to protest changes to the marina and new development along the shoreline.  As if that isn’t enough, a gang war appears imminent between the two biggest gang rivals in town.  On a chance encounter with the head of one of the gangs, Carly’s partner is sidelined with a knee injury.  Carly is offered a job with a Federal Taskforce, so maybe Joe getting hurt is a sign.  A recent parolee arrives on the scene along with a woman blogger who seem bent on discrediting Carly and her credibility.  Then there’s a bomb at the local coffee shop, a protestor killed along the water, Carly is involved in another shooting and Nick is kidnapped!  Do any of these things tie together?  Will Carly be thrown off the force for complaints lodged against her?  Where is Nick and will she find in him time?  Yep, you guess it….. Go buy the book!

Since this is the last book in the series, it’s rather bittersweet.  Carly and Nick have been such great role-models for not only top notch police officers, but as a great example of what communication should look like in a marriage.  These two characters provide time for themselves together, separately and for Christ.  I read a review that said her characters aren’t very believable because they appear to always be on a honeymoon.  Well, if we turn it ALL over to Him, I believe that that is exactly what He wants us to look like as we go through out day to day lives.  The constant theme I found through this book is that we must always remember the He is in charge and that if we turn it over to Him we have a better outlook on our lives.  Will we have a perfect life to lead with no struggles or problems or cares?  Not a chance.  But we will know that He is there to protect us and to care for us through all those times.

Is this a "guy's book"?  Most certainly!  This book again is littered with police chases, bomb threats, gang killings and more.  This was a very fitting end to two great characters that Ms. Cantore has been gracious enough to introduce us all to.

Interview with Janice Cantore:

What is your favorite bible verse and why? 

This changes depending on what I am going through. Right now it is Jer 29:11-13 I need to remember that God has good plans for my life, nothing is haphazard.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

That there is hope in life. No one is here by accident. We have a Creator and a Savior who are concerned about us and no matter what mistakes we make God can and does redeem. 

Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies? 

Reading, hiking with my dogs, cross stitch and crocheting. (And a bad habit of wasting time playing computer games.)

What advice would you give to a beginning writer?

Be sure it's your calling even if you never make a penny at it. Be prepared to learn, to listen to criticism, and to never stop learning.

Favorite memory from childhood?

We always had Thanksgiving dinner at our house. The rest of the the family would start arriving around noon. Some of my best memories are of the wonderful smells of my mother's cooking, of aunts and uncles arriving with flowers and then everyone gathering around a huge table eating wonderful food and hearing many conversations going on everywhere. 

Favorite comfort food?

Anything Italian. Lasagna, ravioli, smothered in cheese with thick, crunchy toasted French bread. 

Thanks, Ms. Cantore, for taking the time to chat with us today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

A retired Long Beach California police officer of 22 years (16 in uniform and 6 as a non-career officer), Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, patrol, administration, juvenile investigations and training. During the course of her career in uniform Janice found that faith was indispensable to every aspect of the job and published articles on faith at work, one for a quarterly newspaper called “Cop and Christ”, and another for the monthly magazine “Today’s Christian Woman”.

With retirement Janice began to write longer pieces and several novels were born. She has a two book suspense series in print she calls Brinna’s Heart Series, The Kevlar Heart and A Heart of Justice (Oaktara Publishing). Janice is excited and honored to now be a part of the Tyndale Publishing House family. Accused, the first installment in her new suspense offering, The Pacific Coast Justice Series, is set to be released February 1, 2012 and will kick off a brand new chapter in her writing career. In addition to suspense and action, her books feature strong female leads. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep you engrossed and leave you inspired.

Janice has bachelor’s degrees in Biology (University of California at Irvine) and Physical Education (California State University at Long Beach).  She also completed graduate coursework in Criminal Justice (University of Southern California) and is currently a member of American Christian Fiction Writer’s and Sisters in Crime.  She attends Crescenta Valley Community Church in La Crescenta California and while a few years ago she retired to a house in the mountains of Southern California, she currently resides in Glendale California in order to help care for her aging parents. Janice is single and has three Labrador Retrievers, Jake, Maggie and Abbie. Janice’s hobbies are reading, cross-stitching, kayaking, hiking, walking the dogs and trying to stay fit.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

     

Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years.  But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood.  A fellow snowboarder has been killed - but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent.  And piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth.  Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most.  With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry - and unexpected complications.  Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

If you haven’t heard of this amazing new author, you are definitely missing out.  This is the second book in the “Alaskan Courage” series, with “Submerged” being the first book in the series.  Her first book, “Submerged” actually garnered the First Place award in the first “Book of the Year” contest held by the Book Club Network.  That sets the bar very high for this sequel, but she more than rises to the task.  This book was provided to me by the publisher in the hopes that I would provide them and you with an honest review.  It makes it very easy to do that when the book is written as well as this one is.  I would recommend that you include “Submerged” to your list of “Need To Be Read” books before you start on this story.  Although this can be read alone, it’s better to know the backstory to these characters before you start with “Shattered”.

                                                                                                                                                                 

There’s nothing better in this small town Sheriff’s department then to have an open and shut murder case.  Sheriff Slidell is up for re-election and having an open murder case would be the end of his campaign.  Throw in a town full of spectators for the latest leg of the Circuit and the pressure is on.  It always helps to have the alleged murderer caught in the act.  Or so they think.  Piper McKenna, though, isn’t as acceptable to the fact that her brother is a murderer.  With the history between Piper and Deputy Sheriff Landon Grainger, Piper is sure that her brother will be out soon, it must be all a misunderstanding.  As Landon tries to investigate, he is blocked at every path by Sheriff Slidell.  Unable to get any further due to the sheriff’s interference, Landon takes a leave of absence.  During his time, Landon teams up with Piper to form their own investigation and get to the bottom of the murder.  As the McKenna family circles the wagons in order to save their own, older brother Gage is introduced to Darcy, a reporter looking to write her own story on the murder.  Darcy agrees to use her reporter influence to track down the truth in exchange for the scoop on the story.  The trail leads throughout the Alaska slopes as they track down the dead girl’s background.  Will they be able to find out who the real killer is before it’s too late?  What will become of this pairing between Landon and Piper? Can this family come together an save their brother and keep him out of jail?  Great questions, now go BUY THE BOOK!!!!

I don’t like comparing authors to each other as each and every author has their own voice and does a great job of using it to tell us great stories.  This time, though, I just have to draw a connection between this great new author and one of my most favorite authors, Dee Henderson.  Dani creates an ensemble of cast members that all have integral and important roles in each other’s life.  Dani weaves the storyline through the different characters and their interactions with each other in a way that makes you interested in each and every one of them.  I remember reading the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson and always felt the same way.  I can’t wait to read the stories that Dani has ready to be published about the other McKenna family members.  This series will be a treat for anyone reading it.

 

Is this a "man's book"?  The storyline has murder, intrigue and a traipse across beautiful Alaska.  Even with a little bit of romance thrown in, this is a must read for any guy that I know.  We could learn a lot from the characterization that Dani uses in describing the men in this story, and especially in their relationship with Him.

I had a chance to chat with Dani a bit and get some additional insight into her.  Here are her responses to my questions:

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV.  I love it because it explains why death is so hard for us to deal with. It is because God has set eternity into our hearts. We know He has created us for more than this life, this world.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

That we find wholeness and fulfillment in Christ alone. Only He can take what is broken and make it whole again. Only He can bring the healing we need when we are hurting. Only He can bring us the grace we need to live each day.

Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies? 

I love hiking, spending time at the beach, rock climbing, traveling and reading.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer?

Keep writing. It very easy to become discouraged. Writing can be a solitary endeavor and there are many obstacles along the path to publication, but if God has placed the love of story on your heart then write for Him. You just may be amazed what He does with it J

Favorite memory from childhood?

Sunday afternoons with my mom. We would grab lunch at one of our favorite restaurants and then we’d go for a long drive. I loved spending that time with her, loved the time to daydream, and loved visiting fun little towns along the way.

Favorite comfort food?

Dark chocolate in any form J

About the Author:

 Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series “Alaskan Courage”, which includes her bestselling debut novel “Submerged” and latest release “Shattered”.  She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves – the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith and plenty of romance.  She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

This copy was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.  At no time was I required to write a glowing review, just to provide my honest opinion.

Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of Shattered with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party {3/14}. 

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Nook HD
• Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the "Shattered" Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!

Buckle up for intrigue and adventure in scenic Depression-era America. George Hall, a draftsman, buys a 1936 Packard sedan from the estate of spinster Abigale Watling in Oakwood, Illinois. At first, the car brings George, his wife Jean, and their daughter Rose an unexpected boon. But tragedy follows when Rose is kidnapped. The auto then comes into the possession of salesman William Landers, FBI agent Helen Meeker, and serviceman James Coffman’s family. As clues to the kidnapping caper come to light, more than one life is in jeopardy. Will Agent Meeker catch the culprit before it’s too late?

It just seems like two months ago that I was nose-deep into a new Ace Collins book (so maybe it was more than two months, but who’s counting).  Today, excitedly so, I get to tell you about another book that he has published.  There is another one that I saw on the bookshelves just this past weekend called “The Christmas Star”, so we are definitely getting our fulfillment of Ace here at the end of the year!

Cursed, Possessed, Nothing but Trouble!  These are just a few of the terms used to describe this beautiful 1936 Packard.  The fact that it was Canary Yellow didn’t help it go unnoticed either.  George Hall is a proud new papa, so proud that he couldn’t stand to think of taking his new princess home in his dilapidated old car.  At a local auction he sees the Packard and knows that it’s the perfect car for his family.  Undeterred with all of the negative talk surrounding the car with those at the auction, George winds up being the high bidder for the car.  A close collision with the car and a runaway dump truck puts George and his family on the road to the high life, so there can’t be any truth to these rumors of the car.  George is riding high with a promotion, his wife has just bought a floral shop and then the unthinkable happens.  Their daughter is kidnapped!  And so begins a wild ride with this Packard.  FBI Agent Helen Meeker is hot on the trail of the car and the kidnappers.  From the aluminum salesman who bought the car and saw his job prospects increase tenfold, to the airplane pilot with a daughter with an inoperable brain tumor who saves the life of a doctor who just so happens to be able to operate on his daughter.  The car seems to run from good to bad and back again.  What do all of these people have to do with the car?  Will George and his wife ever find their daughter?  What secret is Agent Helen Meeker keeping and will she ever find a resolution?  Good luck getting those answers out of me or Ace, READ THE BOOK!

The thread that Ace has woven through this entire book is astonishing.  For someone as simple as me, it’s sometime difficult to remember what letter comes after “N” if I haven’t sung the whole song first.  Ace, though, can throw these characters together in such a way that you believe in them, you follow their every step because you don’t want anything bad to happen.  As each individual or couple interacts with this car, he brings into play scenarios that not only are realistic, but help with the overall plot of the story.  There seem to be several mini-stories within this whole book and each of them is as exciting as the whole.  I will readily admit that I’m more interested in books in the current era, but this book would not have been the same if it had been written that way.  Having this set in the late 30’s and early 40’s made this story pop!

So is this a "man's book"?  This book has cars, intrigue, police chases, airplane wrecks and more.  This book would be on my list of “must be read” by anybody, not just men!

I got a special chance to ask Ace some questions so that we can get to know him a little better!

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Matthew 25:35-40. It is really what I try to embrace as the theme for my life. If we just live these few verses we have taken our salvation to another level and become more like Christ. Also, if you live these five verses you have a much better chance to truly finding your true calling.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

Well, in truth, the readers must be entertained. If you don’t entertain the reader then you have lost your chance to really make an impact in other ways. Past the entertainment part, my characters struggle with finding callings. They are not strong, they have their doubts and fear, and thus I feel that readers will identify with them in a way that they would identify with a friend. When the reader is finished with the book, I hope they have an urge to look around and find someone who needs to be lifted up. I also hope they realize that the “least of these” are not just in developing nations, but are really all around us.

Besides writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies? 

I restore and drive pre World War II cars. I currently have two Indiana built autos; 1934 Auburn 652Y and 1936 Cord 810 Westchester. I love all kinds of college sports and am even the play-by-play voice of Ouachita Tiger basketball. And I love to run sprints. I try to do a mile of 110 yard uphill sprints five days a week. Finally I am a classic film nut who loves most movies from the major studios in the 1930s.

What advice would you give to a beginning writer?

The best way to get better is to keep writing and work with editors who aren't afraid to be tough on you. That is how you grow.  And get used to rejection while never giving up on what you know is a great idea. My bestselling book was rejected 27 times over a decade before finding an editor willing to take a chance on it. 

Favorite memory from childhood?

Every Christmas at my Grandparents' house on Shell's Hill in Salem, Arkansas. 

Favorite comfort food?

Peanut Butter, it should be at the top of everyone food pyramid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ace Collins has authored more than sixty titles in the past two and half decades. Zondervan launched Ace's career in fiction, releasing two books in 2009 and another two in 2010. Ace has won numerous awards for his writing including three Golden Quills, an America's Writing Award, and the Angel of Excellence Award. He has written for a wide variety of publishers including St. Martin's Press, Viking-Penguin, Putnam, Harper-Collins, Thomas Nelson, Word, Zondervan, and the Chicago Review Press. In the course of his writing, he has also penned more than 2,000 magazine features for the likes of People, Us, Texas Monthly, Plus Magazine, and Guideposts. He has made scores of television guest appearances including Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox and Friends, The NBC Nightly News, and Entertainment Tonight. Two of his books have been made into network TV specials.

Ace has always been a car lover, he has owned several Mustangs, including a 65 Fastback that he still drives, as well as cars from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. On the right at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum, Ace is shown with a famous SJ Desenberg. The oldest car he has ever owned and driven is a 1917 Model T Speedster.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Still Life In Shadows by Alice Wisler

It's been fifteen years since Gideon Miller ran away from his Amish community in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as a boy of fifteen.  Gideon arrives in the Smoky Mountains town of Twin Branches and settles in at the local auto mechanic's garage. He meets a host of interesting characters -the most recent acquaintances are Kiki, an autistic teen, and her sister Mari. Known as the "Getaway Savior" he helps other Amish boys and girls relocate to life in modern America.

One day the phone rings. On the other end is his brother Moriah calling from Florida. Of course Gideon welcomes his brother to stay with him and offers him a job. But Moriah is caught in a web which ends in his death and forces Gideon to return to the town of his youth, with his brother's body in the back of a hearse and Mari and Kiki at his side. He must face not only the community he ran away from years ago but also his own web of bitterness. Will he be able to give his anger over to God and forgive his father?

This is the first book that I have read by Alice Wisler.  Alice was nice enough to provide this copy to me to give me a chance to see if her books would be welcomed by men readers.

Gideon has run long and hard away from his past, but he still manages to hang on to a piece of it by helping Amish kids relocate from their Amish world to modern America.  Gideon becomes involved in the life of autistic Kiki due to damage she had done to his gas station.  In the process, he becomes involved in her sister, Mari.  Out of the blue he gets a call from his brother, Moriah, who wants to come live with him.  Gideon learns that Moriah's reasons for moving in weren't clear and honest, as he finds Moriah is into drugs.  As the tension between them grows, we find out the reason Gideon has run away from his family for so long.  When Moriah is found dead, Gideon now must return to the Amish life that he had left behind.  What happens when he confronts his dad over issues from their past?  Is forgiveness in his future?  Take the time to buy this book and find out!

Ms. Wisler has created a very mysterious, yet likable character in Gideon.  He has so much hidden  in his past, but yet he appears to be open to sharing his experiences with Mari.  The story that Ms. Wisler has created is very believable and one that keeps you interested from the start.  There is so much depth to her characters, that you end up rooting for them as the story progresses.  This book is heavy on forgiveness, it was to me, the main theme that ran throughout this book.  The forgiveness that Gideon had for Kiki, for his brother, his father and even himself.  As he notices later in the book, "the Almighty's arms are wide and merciful enough to forgive even the most guilty of creatures".

Is this a "guy's book"?  There isn't alot of "action" in the book, but this is a story that all men need to read.  Between the emotions that Gideon is trying to hide, and the history that we find out between him and his dad, this story reminds us that we need to be more open with our communications.  As I read this book, I reflected on my own relationship with my dad.  I have been blessed to have a very close relationship with him and I know that I am who I am because of my relationship with him.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alice was born in Osaka, Japan in the sixties.  Her parents were Presbyterian career missionaries. As a young child, Alice loved to walk down to the local stationer's store to buy notebooks, pencils and scented erasers.  In her room, she created stories.  The desire to be a published famous author has never left her.  Well, two out of three isn't bad. She's the author of Rain Song, How Sweet It Is, Hatteras Girl and A Wedding Invitation (all published by Bethany House).

Alice went to Eastern Mennonite University after graduating from Canadian Academy, an international high school in Kobe, Japan. She majored in social work and has worked across the U.S. in that field.  She taught ESL (English as a Second Language) in Japan and at a refugee camp in the Philippines.  She also studied Spanish at a language institute in San Jose, Costa Rica.

She has four children--Rachel, Daniel, Benjamin and Elizabeth.  Daniel died on 2/2/97 from cancer treatments at the age of four. Since then, Alice founded Daniel's House Publications in her son's memory.  This organization reaches out to others who have also lost a child to death. In 2000 and 2003, Alice compiled recipes and memories of children across the world to publish two memorial cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle.

The Judge by Randy Singer

When a brilliant billionaire is diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, he realizes that all his considerable wealth cannot prepare him to meet his Maker. But he has an idea that might: he will stage the ultimate reality show. With his true agenda hidden, he auditions followers from all the world’s major religions, inviting them to the trial of their lives on a remote island, where they must defend their beliefs against spiritual challenges. 

Oliver Finney, a feisty old judge with his own secrets, is chosen to defend Christianity. As the program takes a strange twist, he quickly realizes he is trapped in a game of deadly agendas that may cost him his life. With Internet access monitored, Finney sends coded messages to his law clerk, Nikki Moreno. Aided by a teen crypto-geek, Nikki soon discovers the key to understanding Finney’s clues in an apologetics book Finney wrote and must race against time to decipher the mysteries contained in the ancient words of Christ before her boss dies defending them.

What would happen if you took a selection of people from all of the world's religions and put them into a "Survivor" like setting?  You would get the makings of a book by Randy Singer, of course! So this billionaire is getting ready to die and he's found out that being rich doesn't provide him with any additional insight into what happens after we die.  In the search for this information, he comes up with the ideal to bring together people from all different religions to a remote island where they will "battle" it out against each other to see who has the best answers for the afterlife.  For the Christian perspective, we have Judge Oliver Finney.  Judge Finney is a cigar-smoking curmudgeon who never dreamed in a minute he would be picked for the show, but we know that demographic studies can't be wrong!  As the show progresses, Judge Finney starts noticing that things may not be exactly as they seem.  The judge begins passing crypted notes back and forth with his law clerk, thanks to a book on cryptology  that he had written.  As the stakes appear to be getting higher and higher for the contestants, Judge Finney begins to feel a sense darkness and dread.  Will this be the end of Judge Finney?  Does he help the billionaire with his thoughts of the afterlife?  Buy a copy and see how this one ends!

I have been a fan of Randy Singer for a long time.  I even hosted Mr. Singer for a book signing / discussion several years ago.  Anybody that reads John Grisham would love any of Randy Singer's books, and this one is no different.  Randy always shares his knowledge of the judicial system through his books.  This book, though, allows us to not only see the inner workings of a case against Christ, but he rolls in the whole reality tv show craze that the entertainment world is abuzz about.  I always come away from his books feeling like I have a little bit more knowledge of the judicial system, and that isn't always a good thing.

Is this a "guy's book"?  If you're into law and justice and reality TV, then you would enjoy this book.  Do you have to be a "guy" to like it?  Nope, this book would be enjoyed by everyone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Randy graduated from Houghton College in 1978, married Rhonda Pursifull that same year, and began teaching and coaching at Houghton Academy, a local Christian boarding school. After five years of teaching and coaching, he left the front of the classroom to take a seat in the back, pursing his dream of going to law school. Three years later, he graduated second in his class from William and Mary School of Law. 

Following law school, Randy began an active trial practice at Willcox and Savage, a sixty lawyer firm in Norfolk, Virginia, eventually becoming head of the firm's litigation section. After thirteen years with the firm, and several more years working with a mission board and cable television network, Randy decided that a recession was a good time to start a new business. He formed his own firm—the Singer Legal Group—in 2009, specializing in civil litigation and business/ministry consulting.

About ten years ago, Randy began pursuing a passion to write. Tapping into his courtroom and ministry experience, Randy pens legal thrillers designed to entertain his readers while confronting them with biblical truths on controversial issues. His first novel, Directed Verdict, was published by WaterBrook Press in October 2002, and won the prestigious Christy award for the best Christian suspense novel that year. Just last year, Randy was named a finalist, along with John Grisham and Michael Connelly, for the inaugural Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction sponsored by the American Bar Association and the University of Alabama Law School.