A Bird, A Girl, And A Rescue

October 4th, 2016

A Bird, A Girl, And A Rescue

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By J.A. Myhre

Eleven-year-old Kiisa had no idea why her parents would send her away to boarding school. She wondered why they couldn’t all stay together in their beautiful African valley home. But no matter what she said they were firm: she must go, and she must go to this school.

As she said a tearful goodbye to her father, he whispered, “For such a time as this. . . . Remember that phrase, and try to open your trunk soon. You’ll find something unexpected inside.” When Kiisa opened the trunk, she was astonished to find a small heap of black and white feathers that quickly unfolded into a little bird, a wagtail to be exact. Her surprise only deepened when the bird started to speak, ”My name is Njili. I am one of the Messengers, though a small one. I have been sent to assist you with the Rescue.” Kiisa had no idea what she meant, but she would soon find out.

Join Kiisa on the adventure of a lifetime—a dangerous rescue mission that includes rebels, stolen girls, illegal logging, a hungry cobra, and more messengers who help in unexpected ways. Kiisa sets out to rescue others, but finds herself rescued from fear and bitterness as she learns that bravery is nothing more (or less) than being in the right place at the right time and taking action despite her fears.

This page-turning story, the second in The Rwendigo Tales (A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest is the first book), is an adventure that children, young adults, and even full-grown adults will not be able to put down. A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue creatively and convincingly explores universal themes like family, forgiveness, bullying, and courage by blending magical realism and compelling storytelling. Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa and featuring realistic pen and ink illustrations, it draws first-world readers into another (equally real) world—where young girls are captured by rebel soldiers, terrorism is a way of life, and environmental resources are exploited without a second thought. As Myhre’s characters deal with these real-life issues in the news, readers of all ages will gain a deeper interest in global human concerns.

ISLAND BREEZES

Kiisa’s only consolation to having to enroll in boarding school is her bird, Njili. The older girls are certainly not helpful with the new girls. They bully them instead.

Masasi was the leader of the bullies. She also was not one of the brightest bulbs in the pack. Because of her friendship with the wrong person, she was kidnapped and the girls dormitory was set on fire.

It seemed as though no one cared enough about her to rescue her. Only one girl dared to try.

I’ve certainly enjoyed Ms Myhre’s books. This is a good stand alone read, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest, the first book in The Rwendigo Tales series. And you, as well as I, will look forward to the next one.

Go here to read a sample of the book.

***I received this book without charge from New Growth Press.***

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J. A. Myhre, MD, serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom The Rwendigo Tales were written as Christmas presents. The first book in the series, A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest was published in 2015 and is available at newgrowthpress.com.

A Very Blessed Christmas

October 3rd, 2016

A Very Blessed Christmas
Coloring Book

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By Robin Mead

There is no better way to get into the full spirit of the holiday season than by coloring more than 85 uplifting illustrations in this special volume: frosty winter scenes, carolers in the snow, trees trimmed in nostalgic trappings, ornate churches, angels, nativities–all reminiscent of cozy moments with family and friends and the sweetest, simplest blessings of the holidays. Each artist can rejoice with a grateful heart and be reminded of the ultimate gift God gave the world. Also included are illustrated Scripture verses and fun, holiday craft cutouts that everyone can use to create their own ornaments, Christmas cards, gift tags, and more!

ISLAND BREEZES

Another Robin Mead adult coloring book. This one is Christmas themed with appropriate Scripture throughout.

Once again you will find varying degrees of intricacy in her designs.

And a bonus – holiday crafts. This book should definitely get you in the mood for the season. Thank you, Ms Mead.

***A special thank you to Canaan Byrd for supplying a review copy without charge.***

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Robin Mead is an artist who combines her background in social work, studies in Fine Art, and love of expression to create joyful depictions of life. Using insight and intuition she translates positive emotions onto paper, canvas, and the digital screen. A native of New York, Robin and her husband of 27 years now reside near Athens, Georgia, where she delights in seeking inspiration outdoors.

Like a Thief

October 1st, 2016

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But don’t forget this one thing, loved ones, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you – not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will melt and disintegrate, and the earth and everything done on it shall be exposed.

2 Peter 3:8-10

Your Adversary

September 24th, 2016

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Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time.

Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you.

Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour.

Stand up against him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being laid upon your brethren throughout the world.

1 Peter 5:6-9

All of You

September 17th, 2016

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Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, tenderhearted, humble-minded.

Do not repay evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead – it is for this reason you were called, so that you might inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:8-9

Scorched Earth

September 13th, 2016

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Scorched Earth
Restoring America after Obama
By Michael Savage

New York Times bestselling author Michael Savage reveals why we have a damaged political system and what we can now do to nurse the country back to health.

Top radio broadcaster Michael Savage is steaming mad about the past eight years. He diagnosed a retrovirus in the White House, and the last Presidential term has infected the body politic with hateful, anti-American views and the nation with destructive ideas. According to Savage, the entire Democratic Party, plus many Republicans, has been invaded by these ideas—they repeat them over and over to the detriment of the United States. And the worst part: it is very difficult to detect citizens have been infected until it’s too late. This virus may force us to learn to live with our currently contaminated political system indefinitely.

Savage gives readers a much needed call-to-action in order to put the government and country back in good health.

ISLAND BREEZES

This non-fiction book is as exciting as any novel I’ve read. I just couldn’t put it down. Everything he says is right on the money.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Our nation is a mess right now. This is our hope.

Mr. Savage lays it all out. What wee have now and how we can overcome it.

This book was my introduction to Mr. Savage. I will continue to read and listen to him. This man has both courage and insight.

***A special thank you to Caanan Byrd who provided a copy at no charge.***

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Dr. Michael Savage is a multimedia icon in the conservative movement. The Telegraph in the U.K. ranked Michael Savage as one of the most influential conservatives in the United States, and with ten million weekly listeners, the Berkeley Ph.D. is the third most listened-to conservative talk-show host. Recently featured in The New Yorker and Playboy, Dr. Savage is the author of twenty-five books, including four New York Times bestsellers. His media presence and profile earned him the coveted Freedom of Speech Award from Talkers magazine in 2007.

Dr. Savage holds a master’s degree in medical botany and a second in medical anthropology. Additionally, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley in epidemiology and nutrition sciences. He is an ardent conservationist, is dedicated to his family, and is a proud patriot of his country.

Never Forget

September 11th, 2016

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9/11

I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Husbands

September 10th, 2016

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In the same way, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way. Though they are weaker partners, honor them as equal heirs of the grace of life. In this way, your prayers will not be hindered.

1 Peter: 7

A Gathering in Hope

September 7th, 2016

A Gathering in Hope

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By Philip Gulley

Thanks to an unexpected windfall, Sam Gardner’s congregation (with the exception of a few malcontents) is eager to expand their meetinghouse. But before building can commence, the County Environmental Board and the Department of Natural Resources put the quietus on the plan.

A colony of endangered Indiana bats have made the tree beside the meetinghouse, and the meetinghouse attic, their place of hanging, mating, and living, which poses a big problem for the congregation. Aside from the fact that their fanged visitors are engaging in sinful acts on church property, until these bats leave for hibernation, Hope Friends Meeting is left without a gathering place. And when an over-zealous Leonard Fink takes matters into his own hands, he may even land himself–and Sam–in jail.

ISLAND BREEZES

More excitement in the small town of Hope. Why is it always the peace loving Friends who seem to stir up the trouble?

It’s always a pleasure to visit pastor Sam Gardner and his lovely wife, but someone has bats in the belfry. That can be a mess.

Especially if bat poop, an evangelist, a tandem bike, parents moving in, a huge inheritance and a DNR woman are in the mix.

Don’t ask. Just read.

I’m already looking forward to the next Hope book. Thank you, Mr. Gulley. This former small town Hoosier wishes she lived in Hope at the same time as Sam’s congregation.

***A special thank you to Caanan Byrd for providing a copy.***

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Phil Gulley is a pastor at Fairfield Friends Meeting in Camby, Indiana, near Indianapolis. He lives in the nearby town of Danville with his wife Joan and their two dogs, Ruby and Jack. They have two sons, and one granddaughter, Madeline, who rules the roost.

Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Father Christmas

September 7th, 2016

Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Father Christmas

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by Robin Jones Gunn

By beloved author Robin Jones Gunn, two timeless, heartwarming Christmas novellas bound together for the first time in an omnibus edition.

In FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS, Miranda Carson’s search for her father leads her unexpectedly to London with only a few feeble clues as to who he might be. Immediately welcomed into a family that doesn’t recognize her, and whom she’s quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision. Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can’t bear to leave.

In ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS Miranda Carson can’t wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she’s sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation. But Miranda’s high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian’s father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda’s mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost. And yet . . . maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

ISLAND BREEZES

This book is a double delight that will make you fall in love with Father Christmas.

In FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS Miranda is on a journey to find out more about her heritage. After both her mother and “aunt” died, she goes on a search for her father. Her only clue is a photography studio name stamped on the back of an old photo.

She ends up in a quaint little tea room in Carlton Heath, England after finding out that the studio is defunct.Thanks to the owner she ends up at a Christmas play and party which lead to the discovery of her father’s identity. Now the decision as to whether to reveal her identity or not has to be made.

Miranda’s story continues in ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS. If I say any more about this book I might give away the plot. Just know that I can’t get enough of Father Christmas.

***A special thank you to Canaan Byrd of Hachett Book Group for providing a review copy.***

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Robin Jones Gunn has written 82 books over the past 25 years, with almost 4.5 million copies sold worldwide. She received a Christy Award for her novel Sisterchicks in Gondolas, and speaks at events around the US and Canada as well as in South America, Africa, Europe, and Australia.