Into the Fire

     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. 

     In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. 

     So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Luke 2: 1-7 (NIV)

Okay. Some of you are done Christmas shopping and others of you can't even think about it right now. Many of you are somewhere in between. 

Well, this year I didn't do my "Christmas shopping in July" feature so we shall do our novel suggestions beginning today. For your readers of fiction, here we go.

The wonderful Thriller Genre:

You can never top introducing a new reader to the late Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp Saga. Truly the icon for thriller heroes. 

Those who fall closely behind are John Milton (by Mark Dawson), Scot Harvath (by Brad Thor), Jon Reznick (by J.B. Turner), Matt Drake (by Don Bentley), James Reece (by Jack Carr). 

For the high-powered lady thriller characters/heroines:

Raleigh Harmon, my personal favorite for depth of character and overall heroine by Sibella Giorello, a terrific series.

"Hatch" by L.T. Ryan and Brian Shea, a 12-book series. And Dustin Steven's "Ham" novels which can be brutal. Ham's favorite weapon of choice: an ax. 

Those are truly good ones to get you started with some ideas. Merry Christmas Book Shopping! 

Father, thank you for your amazing authors. May each one know from whom their talents/gifts are given. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

My solo mystery with a thread of romance. Christmas is coming . . .  Race is the only novel of mine that is available in print, e-book, and audio. 

Lord, you helped me get this one done after "suggesting" it to me for a long time before I attempted to get it written. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Where are you headed? Where is life taking you? Do you have a direction? Or are you meandering until the road leads you where you need to go? 

We all realize at some point that life is a journey. We're either constantly wandering or we're on a mission to somewhere.

Time ticks on, but our time will come to an end. Some will say, "That's it." You live, you die. It's over.

The end of our life here on earth is the beginning of eternity. It's never over. Where will you spend your eternity?

Father, thank you for rescuing me and allowing me to meet your Son, the Savior of the world, for making John 14:6 a reality in my life. I was desperate for you, Jesus. Still am. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.