CLOSER THAN CLOSE: CAN YOU EVER GET TOO CLOSE TO GOD?

We are told in John 15:9,

“As the father hath loved me, so have i loved you: continue ye in my love.”

John 15:9 (kjv)

Jesus promised in John 13:34 – 35,

34  a new commandment i give unto you, that ye love one another; as i have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35  by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35

And in John 14:23, we are given hope that such a transformation is even possible:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man love me, he will keep my words: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 14:23

Like Abby (p. 130), all I want is a real, vibrant, closer than close relationship with my Heavenly Father (who  created me), my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (who redeemed me), and the Holy Spirit (who leads, guides, comforts, corrects, and empowers me.) 

Is that too much to ask?  Author Dave Hickman doesn’t seem to think so.  That’s why he wrote this book.

While the book could be considered short (only 177 pages), the ground it covers is extensive.  First Dave addresses the problem (the gap between creator and creation).  He then outlines what happened, and why.  And finally, he offers a workable solution to the dilemma at hand. and / or our Heavenly father.

The last section of the book contains an overview and brief explanation of the spiritual disciplines which were an integral part of the early church, and have been re-discovered by such authors as Dallas Willard (“The Spirit Of The Disciplines”) and Stephen Foster (“Celebrating The Disciplines.)  Far from being an end in and of themselves, the disciplines are given their proper place, and their proper emphasis.  The disciplines serve to “position” the believer in their relationship with God, so that he can do his best work in our lives.  The discussion of each discipline, while brief, is nonetheless thorough and amply illustrated through the experiences of the saints throughout the ages, on up to Dave Hickman’s personal testimonies.

5 stars for a short book that’s deep enough to drown in

CLOSER THAN CLOSE

Dave Hickman

ISBN 978-1-63146-408-9

Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth

NavPress

177 pages, softcover

$14.99 U.S.

HAS ANYONE EVER SEEN GOD? 101 QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD, THE WORLD, AND THE BIBLE

Written in short, warm devotional style, HAS ANYONE EVER SEEN GOD (the title I will use throughout this review for the sake of brevity!) poses a question that may be on the mind of a skeptic, a brand-new believer, or perhaps an older saint who may need to re-visit a few “wells” along the way.  The author then provides a teaser.  It’s not a complete answer, because we are never going to get to the place where we “know it all,” anyhow.  Why do you think heaven is for all eternity?  Then there is a Bible passage for further consideration, tied to the discussion.

For that’s where it’s supposed to lead . . . a discussion.  I can readily see random strangers commenting on “that cute book” that you’re reading in the doctor’s office waiting room, in the park as your kids enjoy the playground, on that red-eye flight where no one seems to be sleeping anyhow.  And when that remark from the complete stranger lands on your side of the court . . . duh!  That’s God kicking doors in for you to tell others about him!  Go for it!

This hard-cover book is also delightfully illustrated throughout, has a ribbon marker to keep your place, and is small enough to fit into a purse or journal keeper, making it readily accessible. 

But don’t let the appearances fool you.  The questions have a way of sticking in your mind.  You might find yourself digging more into the Bible, and (gasp!) possibly growing in your faith because of the seed-thoughts that have been planted by this wonderful little book.  I know this from first-hand experience, and these books are in my “primary collection” of sermon resources, for that very reason.

5 stars for a fresh jump-start to a stalled faith

HAS ANYONE EVER SEEN GOD?  101 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT GOD, THE WORLD, AND THE BIBLE

Carolyn Larsen

Amy Weeks, illustrator

ISBN 978-1-4964-1174-7

Religion / Christian Life / Inspirational

Tyndale Momentum

106 pages, hardcover w/ ribbon marker

$9.99 U.S.

CAN I REALLY KNOW JESUS? 101 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT JESUS, SALVATION, AND PRAYER

Written in short, warm devotional style, CAN I REALLY KNOW JESUS (the title I will use throughout this review for the sake of brevity!) poses a question that may be on the mind of a skeptic, a brand-new believer, or perhaps an older saint who may need to re-visit a few “wells” along the way.  We are never going to get to the place where we “know it all.”  Why do you think heaven is for all eternity?

This hard-cover book is also delightfully illustrated throughout, has a ribbon marker to keep your place, and is small enough to fit into a purse or journal keeper, making it readily accessible. 

But don’t let the appearances fool you.  The questions have a way of sticking in your mind.  You might find yourself digging more into the Bible, and (gasp!) possibly growing in your faith because of the seed-thoughts that have been planted by this wonderful little book.  I know this from first-hand experience, and these books are in my “primary collection” of sermon resources, for that very reason.

5 stars for a fresh jump-start to a stalled faith

CAN I REALLY KNOW JESUS:  101 QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS, SALVATION, AND PRAYER

Carolyn Larsen

Amy Weeks, illustrator

ISBN 978-1-4964-1175-4

Religion / Christian Life / Inspirational

Tyndale Momentum

106 pages, hardcover w/ ribbon marker

$9.99 U.S.

UNION WITH CHRIST, or How To Know And Enjoy God by Pastor Rankin Wilbourne

The very first question in the Westminster Chatechism is, "What is the chief end of man."  And the answer is two-fold:  "Man's chief end is to know God, and to enjoy him forever."

Pastor Rankin Wilbourne sends forth this book with that aim in mind.

If you use your imagination, as the author suggests from the very beginning of this very challenging book, your life will never be the same again.

Rankin Wilbourne, commercial banker turned pastor of Pacific Crossroads Church in Los Angeles, California, recognizes the necessity of union with Christ.  In his own words, “As our understanding and appreciation of union with Christ has diminished, so too has our sense of what salvation means.  We may know what we have been saved from, but have we lost sight of what we have been saved for?”

1 Corinthians 1:9 declares, “God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”  And throughout scripture, we find example after example of individuals who recognized the necessity – and the joy – of this union. 

Taking readers gently by the hand, author and pastor Rankin Wilbourne explores four questions as he tries to close the gap between the Creator and His creation:  "Union With Christ:  What Is It, and Why Do We Need It?" "Where Did It Come From, and Where Did It Go?"  "What Problems Does It Solve?" and "Union With Christ Day By Day."

I’m writing this review, because the review is due today.  But my journey is not complete.  I haven’t finished the book.  While I have been a believer for over 30 years, have a B.A. and M.Div. in Pastoral Studies, and am called to minister the gospel, I can honestly say that I have never heard anyone speak about our union with Christ as Pastor Wilbourne does. 

He uses the illustration of the blind man from Bethsaida, who needed a second touch to completely cure his blindness.  That’s where I’m at with this book.  It’s long, 320 pages.  It’s challenging.  It’s not a coffee table book; it’s one that belongs in the “serious study” section of one’s library.  It’s not a devotional.  This is meat, and you are going to have to chew it. 

Having said that, when you consider the spiritual plight of our nation, it’s about time a few more Christians “grew up.”  The Apostle Paul lamented the fact that “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, because you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, because you are still fleshly." 1 Corinthians 3:2 – 3 (HCSB).

Please, purchase this book.  Purchase it for your church library; purchase it for your personal library.  Every believer needs to recognize the necessity of union with Christ.  And I haven’t come across a better introduction to the subject than this book by Pastor Rankin Wilbourne.

5 stars for a challenging read

UNION WITH CHRIST

Rankin Wilbourne

ISBN 978-1-4347-0938-7

Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth

David C. Cook

320 pages, hardback with jacket

$19.99 U.S.

VOICELESS Defending The Rights Of The Unborn via a New Movie Releasing In October

VOICELESS

AMERICAN HERO MOVIE, LLC

ARTAFFECTS ENTERTAINMENT

RATED PG-13 (For thematic material and some violence)

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Edmund Burke

Jesse is finding the truth of this statement first-hand.  Battling his own inner-demons, Jesse encounters a young, pregnant teen overcome with grief that, after an impulsive abortion, has her family blaming Jesse for more than just her final decision. Jesse’s wife Julia must come to terms with her own choices and decide if she can support her husband as opposition mounts against him.

‘Voiceless’ it is not a traditional theatrical run film. The producers are partnering with individuals, organizations, and movements to secure theater locations by guaranteeing ticket sales in order to have the film booked. Their prayer is that this movie will make it into EVERY American theater with a message that is needed, wanted, and timely.  The Supreme Court’s reversal of a Texas law requiring abortionists to have admitting privileges and abortion facilities to meet basic health standards is a signal to the pro-life movement to push for social change in other ways, says Jason Jones, co-executive producer of the new pro-life film VOICELESS.

Jones, founder of Movie to Movement, a non-profit organization that uses the medium of motion pictures to engage audiences on the nature and dignity of the human person, is working with the VOICELESS film team to add 100 screens to the release of new pro-life film VOICELESS which debuts in theaters nationwide on October 7 and sees the recent court ruling as a major catalyst which will prompt pro-life organizations, churches and individuals to action.

I did my best viewing the movie via a link provided by the publicists of this film, but my system kept having to buffer the content, which made for a somewhat blotchy playback.  In premise, the arguments remain much the same as when the pro-life movement first began.  There is no new science, per se.  So really, the catalyst for this film lies chiefly in the recent court-rulings mentioned above.  And while I support the rights of the unborn children, and do not wish to harm the pro-life movement, my task was to review the movie.

While there were some moments of comic relief (chiefly at the beginning of the movie), for the most part what I saw were a series of contrived situations in which the hero (Jesse) is placed in crisis situations, is almost at the end of his rope (in one scene, almost literally) and then things work out.  The most realistic message seemed to be coming from his wife, who is refreshingly authentic in dealing with life issues that aren’t neatly tied up in boxes with ribbons on them.

Filmed (I’m led to believe) on location in Philadelphia, there is a distinctive lack of color.  It’s a very bleak film, dealing with a very disturbing reality.  But the intentions of the media group, to bring this film out in light of  the recent court rulings, is a blessing in and of itself.

4 out of 5 stars for a movie dealing with a topic that needs to be understood.

REMEMBERING DRESDEN, by Dan Walsh, is FREE! Check it out!

Hey folks, I always let my newsletter friends know when I'm offering a great book deal. My newest suspense novel (released May 1st), Remembering Dresden, is TOTALLY FREE on Kindle today and will be through Tuesday, July 26th.

I'm sure many of you have already gotten a copy. If so, could you please do me A BIG FAVOR and forward this email to your friends (especially fiction lovers)?

Here's a little bit about the book:

A young history professor. An old lakeside cabin. A decades-old cold case that traces back to a horrific event in WW2. -- Only out since May 1st, already received 90 Amazon reviews, avg 4.8 Stars (FREE on Kindle Unlimited).

FLASH POINT . . . The Next Stop In Thomas Locke's FAULT LINES Techno-Thriller Series - You Could Get A Free Copy!

FLASH POINT, book #2 in the Fault Lines techno-thriller series, releases August 2. Revell, publisher for Thomas Locke, is giving away 5 copies on Goodreads.

The first book in the Fault Lines series is Trial Run. Several of the characters from Trial Run make a reappearance in the sequel, but the author will introduce you to new key characters and plot twists in Flash Point. It would be helpful to read (or re-read) Trial Run before diving in to Flash Point.

Be on the lookout for more giveaways, a Q&A series about the book, and cool, shareable graphics in the coming weeks on Thomas Locke's blog and social channels.

Here's how to find & follow Thomas Locke:

Website - http://tlocke.com/

Blog - Subscribe via your feed reader

Facebook Page (I'm most active on Facebook) - https://www.facebook.com/tlockebooks/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/tlockebooks

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/thomas_locke

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/tlockebooks/

I JUST SAW JESUS . . . The Making Of THE JESUS FILM

The JESUS film has been one of the most powerful evangelistic tools ever released upon an unsuspecting world.  This book takes the reader "behind the scenes," from the seeds of an idea through the final cut.

However, from this reviewer's perspective, unless producing movies is your bag, this book will probably leave you by the wayside.  Many of the "behind the scenes" production meetings, fund-raisers, etc. are presented in excruciating detail.

What bothered me more was how every set-back, every negative incident, was somehow enshrined as "well, this was God's will for this particular situation, so we give him the glory . . . and we know that he has even better plans in store for us!"  Think 700 Club, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, that sort of thing.  Even the worst thing that could possibly happen at the worst possible time is greeted with a smile and a hearty "Hallelujah!"

Maybe I'm not where I need to be with the Lord, but when someone hits me - I cry.  When someone frustrates me, it bothers me.  When someone says "No," I don't always grin and bear it.

And when people present negative encounters with a holy light surrounding it,  I'm skeptical.

This isn't a novel . . . it isn't a book of wisdom, or spiritual truths.  It's a book about how the JESUS film got made, "in spite of Satan's infernal schemes."

2 stars out of 5 for a book that tells how a film came to be

How Sound Is Your MEDICAL JUDGMENT? Another Medical Thriller from Dr. Richard L. Mabry

When life happens – and it does happen, to everyone – one of the first casualties seems to be that of judgment; the ability to assess a situation, consider all the parameters, and arrive at an understanding of the situation that will lead inexorably to an appropriate, decisive response.  The presence of clinical judgment in a physician is absolutely essential.

Through no fault of her own, Dr. Sarah Gordon, a skilled Emergency Room physician, is beginning to doubt her Medical Judgment.

The traumatic deaths of her husand and infant daughter were sufficient enough shock to cause her to lose her equilibrium.  Since then, someone has stalked her, set a fire in her home, and sent a warning shot within inches of her head.

As if that weren’t enough to cloud her judgment, Sarah has somehow managed to garner the attention of not one . . . not two . . . but three different men, without even trying.  Can life get anymore complicated?

But Sarah has good friends, one of whom reminds her that we are all living in a broken world . . . and there is One who is able to put it all back together again, turn mourning into dancing . . . and restore her Medical Judgment.

Dr. Mabry has a master’s touch, skillfully interweaving medical drama with that of life in a way that produces fiction that fairly crackles with tension and suspense, faith and passion.  His ability to “keep you guessing” results in a book that grabs your attention and refuses to let go until the final page.

5 stars for another page turner from Dr. Richard L. Mabry!

 MEDICAL JUDGMENT

RICHARD L. MABRY, M.D.

ISBN 978-1-6308-8120-7

Fiction/Christian/suspense

Abingdon Press

274 pages

$14.99 U.S.

Insights into the writing - and publishing - of author Dan Walsh! You'll love his passion for his craft, and his love for people!

Rescuing Finley Only 99 Cents Now

Wanted to make you aware of a major discount going on with 2 of my novels right now. I know hundreds of you might already have a copy of one or both of them. If you already have the books, feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who might enjoy them (especially thinking of Dog Lovers for the first one).

Rescuing Finley is on sale now on Kindle for only 99 CENTS (marked down from $3.99). The sale starts today and runs through Wednesday, the 15th. And, as always, it's FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

The book has been doing very well since its release last November, and it continues to get rave reviews. As of now, it has rec'd 189 Amazon reviews, 85% are 5 Stars (4.8 Avg). And it's reaching out beyond the Christian fiction crowd, connecting just as well with dog lovers and those who support our Wounded Warriors.

CLICK HERE to check it out on Amazon
 

The Homecoming - Only $1.99 

My publisher has reduced the price of my 2nd novel, The Homecoming, to $1.99 for the entire month of June. This book is actually the sequel to my 1st novel, The Unfinished Gift, although I wrote it so that it could stand alone. This is a reconciliation story and a love story set on the Homefront during WW2.

It was actually my first novel where critics began to compare my books to Nicholas Sparks (although, unlike Sparks, my books don't end in tragedy...you might reach for the tissues, but not because I've made you sad).

CLICK HERE to check it out on Amazon.
(This book also available on Nook)

 

Brief Explanation About My Publishing Status

I thought putting these 2 novels together in the same email might present an opportunity to briefly explain something some of my readers might not understand. You may have noticed with some of my books, I seem to be the one putting them on sale or offering some big discount, and with others I use the language, "My publisher..." (like I did for The Homecoming).

That's because my first 12 novels were published the traditional way, through a major publisher who had the responsibility to get my books in print and on the shelves. At the end of 2014, we parted ways (on friendly terms), and I decided to start publishing my own novels as an indie. 
The publisher still owns all the rights to those first 12 novels. I have no control over what price they set for them, when they offer them on sale, or for how much.

One of the main reasons for this change was that a "massive shift" in fiction readers' buying habits occurred. Most began buying their books online, rather than in the traditional stores. When about 90% of my audience began doing this, I realized I no longer needed my publisher to reach most of my readers. I also wanted more creative control with my writing career. For example, I wanted the freedom to ALSO write suspense novels (like When Night Comes) and the Forever Home series (Book 1 is Rescuing Finley). My publisher didn't want me to do either of these things (didn't think they'd work). I believed they would do just fine (and they have).

I also believed they charged WAY too much for the ebooks (they still do). Ebooks cost a lot less to produce and I wanted to pass that savings on to the reader (of which I am one). Some of you have asked why some of my ebooks are priced so high. This is why. If I had control of those first 12 books, I'd mark all of them down to $3.99 ($4.99 at the most).

Hope this explanation makes sense and clears up any confusion. Hope you have a GREAT SUMMER!

SWEET DEALS FOR DAN WALSH FANS! CHECK IT OUT!!!

Rescuing Finley Only 99 Cents Now

Wanted to make you aware of a major discount going on with 2 of my novels right now. I know hundreds of you might already have a copy of one or both of them. If you already have the books, feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who might enjoy them (especially thinking of Dog Lovers for the first one).

Rescuing Finley is on sale now on Kindle for only 99 CENTS (marked down from $3.99). The sale starts today and runs through Wednesday, the 15th. And, as always, it's FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

The book has been doing very well since its release last November, and it continues to get rave reviews. As of now, it has rec'd 189 Amazon reviews, 85% are 5 Stars (4.8 Avg). And it's reaching out beyond the Christian fiction crowd, connecting just as well with dog lovers and those who support our Wounded Warriors.

CLICK HERE to check it out on Amazon
 

The Homecoming - Only $1.99

My publisher has reduced the price of my 2nd novel, The Homecoming, to $1.99 for the entire month of June. This book is actually the sequel to my 1st novel, The Unfinished Gift, although I wrote it so that it could stand alone. This is a reconciliation story and a love story set on the Homefront during WW2.

It was actually my first novel where critics began to compare my books to Nicholas Sparks (although, unlike Sparks, my books don't end in tragedy...you might reach for the tissues, but not because I've made you sad).

CLICK HERE to check it out on Amazon.
(This book also available on Nook)

 

Brief Explanation About My Publishing Status

I thought putting these 2 novels together in the same email might present an opportunity to briefly explain something some of my readers might not understand. You may have noticed with some of my books, I seem to be the one putting them on sale or offering some big discount, and with others I use the language, "My publisher..." (like I did for The Homecoming).

That's because my first 12 novels were published the traditional way, through a major publisher who had the responsibility to get my books in print and on the shelves. At the end of 2014, we parted ways (on friendly terms), and I decided to start publishing my own novels as an indie. The publisher still owns all the rights to those first 12 novels. I have no control over what price they set for them, when they offer them on sale, or for how much.

One of the main reasons for this change was that a "massive shift" in fiction readers' buying habits occurred. Most began buying their books online, rather than in the traditional stores. When about 90% of my audience began doing this, I realized I no longer needed my publisher to reach most of my readers. I also wanted more creative control with my writing career. For example, I wanted the freedom to ALSO write suspense novels (likeWhen Night Comes) and the Forever Home series (Book 1 is Rescuing Finley). My publisher didn't want me to do either of these things (didn't think they'd work). I believed they would do just fine (and they have).

I also believed they charged WAY too much for the ebooks (they still do). Ebooks cost a lot less to produce and I wanted to pass that savings on to the reader (of which I am one). Some of you have asked why some of my ebooks are priced so high. This is why. If I had control of those first 12 books, I'd mark all of them down to $3.99 ($4.99 at the most).

Hope this explanation makes sense and clears up any confusion. Hope you have a GREAT SUMMER!

Have You Applied The Word Lately? Learn How With The NKJV APPLY THE WORD STUDY BIBLE!

The NKJV Apply The Word Study Bible addresses what I feel is the most overlooked, most underrated, and most crucial aspect of Bible study . . . actually applying the word to the lives of the reader.  Where the rubber meets the road.  As Howard Hendricks would have said, “What?” (the content of the Bible) needs to be followed by “So What?”  Without an application, the Bible is just another book.

The NKJV Apply The Word Study Bible comes in the Kindle edition ($14.99), a hardback edition ($25.21) and 4 imitation leather editions ($37.49 - $44.99.)  I received the EPub edition for review, so I am somewhat limited in what I can address in terms of functions on the Kindle.  The Kindle doesn’t read EPub files, but the Adobe Digital Editions reader does, so that’s what I’m basing my review on.

The first thing I noted was the intuitiveness of the EPub file.  If the program works half as good on Kindle as it does on the ADE platform, the customer will be more than pleased with the purchase.  I poked around, selecting links at random, and every one of them responded quickly and correctly.  There are cross-references clearly marked in a light-blue color, to either corresponding Bible passages or commentary, notes, or reference material.  And while there is a learning curve to getting back to the original passage under study, it’s very slight . . . and then again, one can always consult the Navigation Panel, which can be toggled on or off from a button at the top left-hand side of the page.

There is a wealth of reference material such as tables of weights and measures with their anticipated equivalent in today’s standards, as well as articles, maps and charts to help clarify the background of the passage and explain historical / cultural idiosyncrasies.  And while they are not in-depth discussions, they help smooth the way and shed some light on obscure passages.

The concordance is again modest, not exhaustive.  But the passages selected provide a “broad sweep” that covers the entire body of Scripture, and they serve as a topical Bible of sorts, as well. 

The articles related to applying the Bible are aimed more toward providing timeless truths and principles that can be used immediately, wherever one may be in life.  Again, they are brief, and provide more of an outline than an exhaustive compendium.  But when one considers the fact that one has a Bible which is consciously striving to provide just such an application, when there are many study Bibles on the market which are not . . . well, you do the math.

One aspect of the Bible which I might consider a bit of “overkill” is the textual criticisms noted in the text.  It just feels a bit odd to find references to critical Greek texts in an application study Bible.  Unless you are a Greek scholar, or seminary-trained, the fact that “this particular word is not in a particular Greek manuscript” is going to confuse you at best.  Worst-case scenario, the reader may feel that he’s got a high-falutin’ Greek Bible wannabe, instead of what he originally purchased the Apply The Word study Bible in the first place – to learn how to apply the word!  And if he feels that he’s bought a pig in a poke, it’s going back to the store he bought it from, pronto.

I’m still giving this Bible 5 stars, because all of its advantages far outweigh the one thing I found to quibble about.  As a seminary-trained lay pastor of a small church, I’ve already informed my wife that she is to ask me, when I’ve finished my sermon preparation, if I’ve consulted this Bible in my preparation.  If I have not, she is to send me back to my study to do so.

THE NKJV APPLY THE WORD STUDY BIBLE

THOMAS NELSON

ISBN 978-0-718-04258-5 (EPub Edition)

Bible / Reference Book / Religion and Spirituality

Thomas Nelson Publishers

4314 pages (Kindle Edition)

$14.99 U.S.

Remembering Dresden Is Now In Print!

For those who've been waiting... It's finally here (though almost a month late). For those who've been waiting for the print version of Remembering Dresden, it's finally available on Amazon. So sorry for the delay. We were having the hardest time getting the colors right (too dark to even see anything in the bottom half). The final version is still a little darker than the digital image, but I decided to go for it rather than delay its release any longer. One good thing about the wait...it's allowed some time for 24 Amazon reviews to come in (avg 4.7 Stars). Most people are saying they like it as much or more than When Night Comes (Book 1 in the series).  CLICK HERE to get your copy on Amazon. Some Fun News About Book 1 to Share To help promote Remembering Dresden, I've been offering When Night Comes(the first book in the series) for FREE from May 21-25th (Sat-Wed). As of this moment (mid-afternoon, Day 4) a whopping37,651 people have downloaded a copy. I put the first 2 chapters of Book 2 in the back, and a link to order it on Amazon. We'll see how many do. If you haven't gotten your FREE copy of When Night Comes, you still can until tomorrow (Wed) night. If you know of any friends who like suspense novels and want to check it out, feel free to forward this email to them. CLICK HERE to go to the Amazon page. Thanks to all those who've either ordered copies of the books or helped me to spread the word!

Understanding and Enjoying THE SENSE OF HUMOR by Max Elliot Anderson

“If you can find humor in a situation, you can survive it.”

Those are the words of an unnamed comedian in the book, THE SENSE OF HUMOR, and the emphasis on the word “sense” is intentional.  Think of humor as the “sixth sense” that everyone keeps talking about, but can never quite define.  But understand, as well, that humor needs to be elevated out of the relative obscurity it enjoys in stand-up comedy clubs and late-night talk shows.

The therapeutic effects of humor have been analyzed, scrutinized, contemplated, collated, and annotated ad nauseam, but are usually hidden by a forest of mathematical, medical, psychological and statistical tables so dense that the subject dies from lack of oxygen.

Max Elliot Anderson has taken all of the data and put it in the language of the man on the street.  Finally, whoever has an interest in the art and science of humor has a resource that will help them put a name on the positive effects of humor.

But we are living in the 21^st Century, and the average consumer demands more!  So . . . Anderson delivers.

The book is divided into two roughly equal parts.  The first part is “How Humor Does What It Does.”

The second part of the book allows one to fully experience everything talked about in the first half, by providing a collection of humorous jokes, anecdotes, gaffs and giggles that will keep one in stitches – and out of the hospital – for the better portion of the remainder of one’s natural life. 

5 stars for a book that delivers everything promised in the title!

THE SENSE OF HUMOR

Max Elliot Anderson

ISBN: 978-1-942513-97-1

Humor / Entertainment

Elk Lake Publishing

$15.95 paperback

The Real Life Horatio Alger - L.K. Wood - As Everyone Should!

"We're gonna see better days."

It's what his father always told  him.  Even after his mother abandoned the family.  Even after his father died a few years later from pluerisy.  Even after Lowell Kenneth Wood and his little brother ended up living in an orphanage.

"We're gonna see better days."  It's what L.K. Wood told his brother, right before he lit out to live a life that turned out to be larger than life itself.  Right before he left the orphanage to begin keeping a promise to his dying father, a promise to his younger brother . . . a promise to himself.

But the saying . . . and the doing . . . are sometimes further apart than one can ever anticipate.  And while he was too young to express it, burning at the very core of his being was an unforgiving spirit which tinted every position, every conversation, every relationship that he ever entered into.

It wasn't until he met Patty Ogden, who would soon become Wife Number Six for L.K., that the concepts of healing and forgiveness began to make sense to  the man who had taught Clark Gable how to knife fight in boot camp, flew B17 bombers over "The Hump" in World War II, served as a spy for the OSS, and helped bring The Arch to St. Louis, while building a multi-million dollar real estate business.  He even went on a blind date with Shirley Temple before entering the military.

How do you like them apples?

You will not WANT to put this book down, once you open the covers.  Collaborating with Robert J. Scudieri, close friend, pastor, and a legend in his own right, the prose flows like poetry, the poetry flows like music, and the memories flow like a fine wine.  And that's not a bad analogy.  This is a book that needs to be savored, not merely read.  The adventure is breathtaking . . . and the hard lessons learned throughout this odyssey are timeless.

5 stars for a literary work of art

L.K. WOOD AS EVERYONE SHOULD

L.K. Wood with Robert J. Scudieri

ISBN: 978-0-9970642-0-9

Business / Religion / Biography & History

The Spirit of Naples & Southwest Florida

$29.99 hardcover w/ jacket

WHERE THERE'S SMOKE . . . THERE'S FIRE! THE AMISH FIREFIGHTER BY LAURA HILTON

It's a lesson that is taught to us from the time we are born; if you play with fire, you're going to get burned.

Unfortunately, Sam Miller hasn't quite gotten the message.  And when his job as a volunteer firefighter brings him into the investigation of several barn fires that are suspicious in nature, the heat gets kicked up a notch.  Because the barns aren't the only thing burning.

Abigail thought it was bad enough being dropped off at the nearest bus station, kicked to the curb by her own family and left to live with relatives she'd never even heard of, much less met.  Her defensive posture is on high alert, and she is giving everything, and everyone, a second glance.

The problem is, she can't keep her eyes off of Sam.  And while she is at the top of everyone's list of possible suspects for the suspicious fires, Sam is drawn to the warmth that seems to be coming from deep inside of Abigail.  The warmth of her heart.

The Amish Firefighter is Book One of the New Beginning In Jamesport series by author Laura Hilton.  And while I admit to some bias (as her husband), I also believe that I can be fairly objective in calling The Amish Firefigher a real barn-burner!  The suspense grabs you from page one, and doesn't let up until the warm-hearted conclusion.

The Amish Firefighter has been positively reviewed in the latest issue of The Library Journal.