Into the Fire

Today is the last Thursday before Christmas. Yes, that's me. I've always loved Christmas even way back then. 

Thank you, Lord, for watching over me even when I was so far away from you. Thank you for rescuing me. You've been so gracious to me. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Jesus Is The Reason for The Season. 

The season where the Light shines in the darkness.

Jesus Is The Reason for The Season. 

Thank you is never enough, Lord Jesus. 

The wonderful smooth voice of Bing Crosby singing this wonderful classic Christmas song. The lyrics are always heartwarming. 

Thank you, Jesus. 

I've tried to decide how to market my books, but marketing is not my gift. I appreciate my readers beyond words. They vary in age, tastes, and preferred genres. Not all of them "fancy" love stories/romance. The competition for novels is unlimited. Literally millions of love stories and romance novels have been written and are published regularly. 

Those who've reviewed my work have been wonderful for the most part with a few exceptions. 

Although I would sincerely enjoy an increased audience for my novels, I have zero control over that. 

Why this is my topic on this particular Monday, I have no idea. Just my thoughts after thinking about the "book shopping" posts. 

If you know someone who loves Christian Fiction in the love story/romance genre, someone who doesn't need a series to keep them interested, someone who isn't easily offended by Raw Romantic Redemptive and an author who writes love stories with a passion, you might mention my novels to them . . . Thank you!

Father, thank you for every word, character, story, and finished book. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger. 

     Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

                     "Glory to God in the highest,

                         and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests."

     When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 

Luke 2:8-15 (NIV)

Some sadly abhor the holidays for various reasons, most consistent with the loss of something very meaningful or important to them which they associate with Christmastime.

This is especially sad to imagine since the reason for the season is the greatest gift to every person, rich or poor, male or female, big or small. An unequaled gift of salvation, of God coming to earth as a person to sacrifice his life for the sins of mankind. Everyone and anyone who accepts His gift to them in repentance for sins will eventually be ushered into the heavenly realm where there will be no more tears or suffering and best of all: no more evil. 

Jesus is Lord to all, His love everlasting, His forgiveness divine. Jesus Is the Reason for the Season. Rejoice! We have been set free in Him. In the Name of Jesus. Amen. 

Going back to my second novel written as a fictional biography, the life of one Joey Parr. 

Father, you gave me this story, the research, the inspiration. Thank you is never enough. Please help me to keep writing as you supply. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

So. Day 3 of shopping for novels.

Variety is the wonder of novels. I don't stray too far in genres, but I love unique and meaningful characters. Today's selections will focus on a couple of them:

      1. Mike Romeo in James Scott Bell's Mike Romeo Thriller Series. These are no ordinary "thrillers." And Mike Romeo is no ordinary character. Incredibly witty, intelligent to the point where many he comes in contact with have no idea what he's talking about or referring to, and tough to the point of almost being indestructible, having been a cage fighter for a while. This series is truly enticing to those readers who long for something different but exciting and intriguing. James Scott Bell is an amazing writer. Highly recommend this series.

       2. Atticus Priest in Mark Dawson's Atticus Priest Murder, Mystery, and Crime Thrillers Series is next in the not-the-ordinary but fascinating character category. With both of these entries, readers will see protagonists with unusual personalities and talents, high intellects that can confound those around them but are profoundly accurate in discovering things others miss or ignore. Truly amazing characters. Highly recommend this series. 

If you are in the market for yourself or know someone who can truly appreciate unique characters, buy the first books in these series or all of them for that reader on your list.

Merry Book Shopping! 

Father, you know exactly what your authors need to keep writing their novels. Please provide them with all they need and keep those stories coming. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

A little off the beaten path of Christmas Carols but with such great lyrics. Hope you enjoy it. 

Never enough thanks, Jesus, for your coming to earth to save us from Satan's power. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Back at the shopping for novels. Let's face it. The most convenient way to shop for them is through Amazon or directly through the author if they have their bookselling business on their websites.

Another female protagonist I must mention is Candace Irving's Kate Holland in the Hidden Valor Series with her K-9 Ruger. Exceptional, complex mystery/thriller/suspense combos with past military and present law enforcement experiences. A heroine who's seen the worst of wartime, with the assistance of her dog and the Sheriff she works for, she's making progress. An excellent series. You will see from her website Candace has more series novels to offer. Can't miss with this author. 

Slipping into the Cozy Mystery Genre: 

You know it's not my favorite genre, but when your author friends write superb examples of genres, you make exceptions. And Karin Kaufman's Juniper Grove Series and her new Kelsie Butler Series typify Cozy Mysteries that are well worth the investment of time and money. But don't stop there. Karin has multiple genre novels to choose from. 

Another familiar author of multiple genres is Heather Day Gilbert. From Viking novels to the beginning of her new psychological thriller series, you Cozy Mystery lovers will very much enjoy her selections in that genre. 

That should give you multiple choices in several genres from some truly worthy female authors in different genres. Great gifts await! Merry Book Shopping! 

Father, thank you for these terrific authors. Please bless them with all that they personally need to flourish body, soul, and spirit which includes their creativity. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.