Into the Fire

As an author, I marvel at other authors who throw out multiple series novels. I've never been compelled to write a series even though I've seen the possibility for one or two with a couple of my books. All of mine are stand-alone stories – maybe that's why it's so difficult to write "The End" when it's finally time to do so. 

I will be reviewing a book soon that I must say is the most unusual "novel" I've ever read – and that's saying something. The Preface for the story sets the tone and in some ways says it all. Wow. 

Do you, as the reader of novels, prefer stand-alones or series novels? Or does it matter to you? 

Do you, as the reader of novels, have a drop-dead favorite? Or do you have a few favorites in each of the genres you've read? 

That's about it for this Monday's meanderings from an author . . . 

Father, thank you for your authors and stories, for inspiration and characters, for all the words . . . Apart from you, we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

"Turn to me and be saved,

  all you ends of the earth;

  for I am God, and there is no other.

By myself I have sworn, 

  my mouth has uttered in all integrity

  a word that will not be revoked:

Before me every knee will bow;

  by me every tongue will swear.

They will say of me, 'In the Lord alone

  are righteousness and strength.'"

All you have raged against Him

  will come to Him and be put to shame.

But in the Lord all the descendants of Israel

  will be found righteous and will exult.

Isaiah: 45:22-25 (NIV)

Available for e-readers only. Destination: An unlikely felon returns to friendship with a fiery old widow, real love, ministry to youth, and the unusual burden for his new love’s ex-fiancé.

"I cannot put into words how good this book was. I have never read a fiction book that was as true to life as this book is. You will see yourself somewhere in this story. I highly recommend this book to everyone."  Ann F. 

Father, thank you for the words, characters, stories. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

One of the best. Bryan Duncan has some of the best Christian songs on the market and is on a par with Mylon LeFevre as far as great music. Incredible. 

Father, please continue to shine your face upon Bryan and let his testimony be heard by many. Encourage him and continue to give him that great voice with which you blessed him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

You who are far away, hear what I have done;

   you who are near, acknowledge my power!

The sinners in Zion are terrified;

   trembling grips the godless:

  "Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?

   Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?"

He who walks righteously

   and speaks what is right,

who rejects gain from extortion

   and keeps his hand from accepting bribes,

who stops his ears against plots of murder

   and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil —

this is the man who will dwell on the heights,

   whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.

His bread will be supplied,

   and water will not fail him. 

Isaiah 33:13-16 (NIV) 

No Safe Place is Barbara Ellen Brink's latest release available in paperback or as an ebook.  

Agoraphobiac and bestselling mystery novelist L. E. Stanfield, whose real name is Liya Sharapova, lives alone in her amazing smart home where AI "Nikita" makes Liya's every whim happen. When Liya gazes out the sliding glass doors into her back yard that borders a lake, she yearns for the courage to walk down to the small pier at the edge of her property, knowing it won't happen. She's been paralyzed with fear since the tragic murder of her fiancé and has lived alone within the confines of her stately gated home and property for some time when she receives a call from her new editor named Carson assigned to her after another tragic death of her former editor Mary.  

While actually enjoying her conversation with Carson after the shocking news of her editor's death, a friendship forms between them. Shortly afterward, Carson is approached with an unusual "request" he can't refuse but wishes he could. 

As the story moves along, we learn the history of Liya and her family, who are all gone, and how much she misses them. We can feel the intensity of her fear with each new thing that challenges her. Carson turns out to be a brief respite from her normal/abnormal life, and she's able to respond favorably to his editing and repartee and gets her manuscript to her publisher on time as promised. But then weird glitches start occurring within her home, an injured young dog turns up outside on the patio, and she briefly loses Nikita to a British AI. It's all disturbing, but she tries hard not to add any additional fear to her "safe" domain when she experiences something from her latest novel that shocks her to her core. 

Meanwhile, Carson is struggling to right his wrong, to have the courage to make things right for Liya, and he knows he desperately needs to live out his faith in the process. His prayers for Liya, who's estranged from the Lord, become the impetus to dare to confront the danger head-on. 

Barbara writes a compelling story with some terrific insights into agoraphobia, making Liya very real in the process. The "twist" works well in this context, and Barbara provides a worthy ending to the tale. 

Good story, definitely recommend this one. 

Father, thank you for Barbara and her writing. Please keep giving her those stories you have just for her to tell. Bless her with all she needs to do just that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

      Images from a long time ago – some of my favorites. 

Father, you kept me safe in spite of me until I was ready to hear and respond to your Truth. I can never thank you enough for your patience and redemption. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.