Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 63
February 1, 2013
Awestruck
We live in the midst of a culture that's no longer awestruck by Holy and Almighty God. He's been squeezed out of our schools, banished from our government, and shelved by our communities. Even in Christian circles, we've narrowly defined Him, reduced Him to neatly fit in a box of our own making, and made Him over in our image. No wonder our world is in such a mess.
In the book of Exodus, the nation and Pharoah of Egypt came face to face with Holy God through the signs and wonders He performed so they would know Him and let His chosen people go. Oddly enough, after all God's miraculous acts on their behalf, the Israelites had the audacity to grumble and complain. They profaned His name and His commandments by creating a golden calf and worshiping it instead of Him.
We are no different. Our gods may look a little different, but they all basically stem back to the god of self and a refusal to recognize God as holy--as wholly other than we are--higher than and greater than we can imagine.
It's important that we understand His holiness now, because one day we will all stand before Him in His holiness. We may brazenly think we're prepared, but are we really? In the sixth chapter of Isaiah, we see how the prophet (who, by the way, was probably one of the most godly people of his time) responded to God's holiness.
In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said,
“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts,
The whole earth is full of His glory.”
And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said,
“Woe is me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” ~Isaiah 6:1-5 (NASB)
And John, the beloved disciple, when he saw the risen Lord in his vision on the isle of Patmos, had this response:
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. ~Revelation 1:10-17a (NASB)
The only response to God's holiness is--like Isaiah and John--a realization of our sinful humanity in the Presence of Someone greater. Falling on our face, we take our rightful position at His feet and thereby proclaim He is holy.
I think this song expresses it well:
Free Christian Kindle eBooks For February 1, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. Happy reading!
They Shall See God
by Athol Dickson
Published to Kindle September 2012
Suspense: Little Katie was a Christian. Her very best friend Ruth was a Jew. The
girls’ eyewitness testimony sent a bad man to Louisiana's infamous
Angola prison. 25 years later, Ruth has become an embittered Rabbi, Kate
is a lonely widow, the bad man is out, and people are dying in the
strangest of ways. Torn apart in childhood by animosities beyond
their understanding, Kate and Ruth can no longer elude the past’s
unfinished business. To survive, these very different women must reach
out to each other in spite of the mayhem and mistrust that shrouds one
vital truth: sometimes the most dangerous of enemies crouches just
inside the human heart.
4.9 stars with 19 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Light
by Kari Patterson
Published December 2012
Devotional: Every single day, first thing in the morning, we must let light into our
world. We all must. Without His Light, we're lost. We're in darkness.
We must daily turn on the Light of God's Word, to allow us to see.
Without His light, we're lost. We'll see the world through a distorted
lens. We won't know which way to go. We won't have the wisdom we need
for decisions. We'll be stumbling along through life, groping in the
dark each day, desperate for guidance, starving for hope. He has
given us everything we need for life and godliness. But we must let His
light into our lives. Every single day. This little book helps you
establish this light-letting-in habit: His truth every morning for 31
days.
5 stars with 9 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Plenty
by Kari Patterson
Published December 2012
Devotional: For moms everywhere, there is plenty. Plenty to worry about. Plenty to
do. Plenty of people demanding your attention and needing your love.
But there is also plenty for you. There is plenty of grace to forgive
every fault. There is plenty of mercy to help in time of need. There is
plenty of love to cover a multitude of sins. There is plenty of courage
to make you brave for the battle. There is plenty of strength to help
you stand. There is plenty of power for life and godliness. There is plenty of joy in God's presence. This
inspiring and encouraging 31-day devotional book features words of
truth and stories of hope, practical advice and creative ideas for
putting faith to action. Above all, each day is a reminder that every
mom truly has been given plenty for whatever comes her way each day.
4.8 stars with 25 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Heroic Path
by David Kortje
Published June 2012
Nonfiction: Charting Your Course out of Failure and into Purposeful Living
In
The Heroic Path, David Kortje invites men on a journey our of a life of
failure and into one of truth, discovery, and restoration. Take a
candid, biblical look at how your failures influence your life. Discover
a new, Christ-centered identity that can overcome the life-crushing
lies of the Enemy. And find out how God calls and equips any man to step
out of failure into valor, purpose, and freedom.
5 stars with 7 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Reigning Cats and Dogs
by Jane McBride
Published November 2012
Romance: Ann, Kyle and Henry are getting ready for both big days-the wedding and
the Grand Opening of Ann's pet store. But a gang of car burglars is
throwing a monkey wrench in the works and some of the victims are Ann's
friends. To make things more complicated, relatives from far and wide
are coming for the wedding and not all of them play well with others.
Even peace loving Henry has his paws full getting along with Aunt Gert's
horrible little dog Molly, and Kyle has to remember his commitment to
his new faith when Ann's life is endangered.
5 stars with 8 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. Happy reading!
They Shall See God
by Athol Dickson
Published to Kindle September 2012
Suspense: Little Katie was a Christian. Her very best friend Ruth was a Jew. The
girls’ eyewitness testimony sent a bad man to Louisiana's infamous
Angola prison. 25 years later, Ruth has become an embittered Rabbi, Kate
is a lonely widow, the bad man is out, and people are dying in the
strangest of ways. Torn apart in childhood by animosities beyond
their understanding, Kate and Ruth can no longer elude the past’s
unfinished business. To survive, these very different women must reach
out to each other in spite of the mayhem and mistrust that shrouds one
vital truth: sometimes the most dangerous of enemies crouches just
inside the human heart.
4.9 stars with 19 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Light
by Kari Patterson
Published December 2012
Devotional: Every single day, first thing in the morning, we must let light into our
world. We all must. Without His Light, we're lost. We're in darkness.
We must daily turn on the Light of God's Word, to allow us to see.
Without His light, we're lost. We'll see the world through a distorted
lens. We won't know which way to go. We won't have the wisdom we need
for decisions. We'll be stumbling along through life, groping in the
dark each day, desperate for guidance, starving for hope. He has
given us everything we need for life and godliness. But we must let His
light into our lives. Every single day. This little book helps you
establish this light-letting-in habit: His truth every morning for 31
days.
5 stars with 9 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Plenty
by Kari Patterson
Published December 2012
Devotional: For moms everywhere, there is plenty. Plenty to worry about. Plenty to
do. Plenty of people demanding your attention and needing your love.
But there is also plenty for you. There is plenty of grace to forgive
every fault. There is plenty of mercy to help in time of need. There is
plenty of love to cover a multitude of sins. There is plenty of courage
to make you brave for the battle. There is plenty of strength to help
you stand. There is plenty of power for life and godliness. There is plenty of joy in God's presence. This
inspiring and encouraging 31-day devotional book features words of
truth and stories of hope, practical advice and creative ideas for
putting faith to action. Above all, each day is a reminder that every
mom truly has been given plenty for whatever comes her way each day.
4.8 stars with 25 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Heroic Path
by David Kortje
Published June 2012
Nonfiction: Charting Your Course out of Failure and into Purposeful Living
In
The Heroic Path, David Kortje invites men on a journey our of a life of
failure and into one of truth, discovery, and restoration. Take a
candid, biblical look at how your failures influence your life. Discover
a new, Christ-centered identity that can overcome the life-crushing
lies of the Enemy. And find out how God calls and equips any man to step
out of failure into valor, purpose, and freedom.
5 stars with 7 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Reigning Cats and Dogs
by Jane McBride
Published November 2012
Romance: Ann, Kyle and Henry are getting ready for both big days-the wedding and
the Grand Opening of Ann's pet store. But a gang of car burglars is
throwing a monkey wrench in the works and some of the victims are Ann's
friends. To make things more complicated, relatives from far and wide
are coming for the wedding and not all of them play well with others.
Even peace loving Henry has his paws full getting along with Aunt Gert's
horrible little dog Molly, and Kyle has to remember his commitment to
his new faith when Ann's life is endangered.
5 stars with 8 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
January 31, 2013
Frugal Friday: Worm Farming?
I never imagined keeping a bunch of slimy worms beneath my kitchen sink
or a bucket of rotting produce in a lower cabinet. But at one time that's exactly
what you would have found in my kitchen. Why? For the purpose of turning my
family's produce scraps into black gold (a.k.a. compost). (NOTE: I've since given the worms their freedom in my garden due to a lack of time!)
The name for using worms to produce compost from table scraps is called vermiculture.
It's an easy and organic process to enrich the soil in your garden or
potted plants. The worm castings and "compost tea" can take your garden
from "okay" to "wow," providing much-needed nutrients for your plants.
At first I was afraid the process would create unwanted odors and pests
in my house, but it never happened. Instead, it became one
more way for me to recycle and leave the earth a better place.
You can keep worm bins outside, but the worms require a pretty steady
temperature, which means some sort of insulating material to help
moderate the temp. The thought of having to traipse outside to feed the
worms and to check the temperature and moisture level didn't appeal to
me, so I opted to keep mine indoors.
Pre-built worm bins* are available online, but we opted to build our own
to keep costs down. If you'd like to do the same, here's what you'll
need to build your budget-friendly worm bin.
2 plastic storage containers with lids (I purchased mine from Lowe's on sale for $3-4 each; they measure about 12" x 14")
shredded newspaper (black and white only)
a drill with 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch drill bits
a cup of dirt
corrugated cardboard
food processor or blender
4 plastic cups or blocks of scrap wood
table scraps
Red Wigglers
STEPS:
1. Evenly drill 1/4-inch holes in the bottoms of both containers.
2. Evenly drill 1/8-inch holes one to two inches below the top of each container all the way around for ventilation.
3. To start out, place the lid on one container and set it in your
chosen location. Set the four cups or wooden blocks on the lid for the
purpose of supporting the second container.
4. Wet the shredded newspaper and wring it out slightly. Fluff it up and
line the bottom of the second container to the depth of three- to
four-inches. This will serve as the worm's bedding. Sprinkle the cup of
dirt on top of the bedding.
5. Take your produce scraps--banana peels, egg shells, used coffee
filters and grounds, lettuce, etc.--and chop it into smaller pieces
using a food processor or blender. Spoon the mixture onto the bedding.
(NOTE: Do not feed the worms citrus--oranges, lemons, limes. There is a
chemical in these fruits that is poisonous to the worms. The purpose of
blending the food is to make the food particles smaller, therefore
helping the worms create compost more quickly.)
6. Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard to fit over the bedding. Wet it down.
7. Drop your earthworms onto the bedding and cover with the cardboard.
(Earthworms LOVE cardboard! They will eat it in addition to your food
scraps.)
8. Every few days check to make sure there is moisture in the bins and
also blend up your extra scraps for food. (I feed our worms about once a
week and they seem to do fine.)
9. Once the cardboard and bedding begin to deteriorate, it's time to put
your second bin into play. Follow steps 4-6 in the new container.
Remove the lid from the first container (and place it on the bottom of
your cabinet with the blocks/cups sitting on top of it to support both
bins) and set the second container directly over the worms in the first
container. (Don't worry about squishing them.) As the worms get hungry
they will crawl into the new bin in search of food. Within a couple of
weeks they will evacuate the first bin, leaving you the goodies to mix
in with the soil in your garden. Also you will notice a black liquid
accumulating in the lid which now sits on the bottom of the bin. This is
known as "compost tea," and is a great liquid fertilizer to use either
in your garden or with your houseplants. Once you've dumped the original
bin, you're ready to clean it and set it on bottom until you need it
again.
NOTE: Earthworms reproduce faster than rabbits, so be prepared to thin
out your "herd" occasionally. You can dump the extras in your outdoor
compost pile or garden, but realize that the worms might not live long
in these conditions. You can also sell them or give them away to other
people you know who are interested in vermiculture, or sell them to
fishermen for bait.
Here's a pic of my goopy "trash" in an active bin. You can see that the
cardboard is already starting to disintegrate, which means it won't be
long until I need to start a new bin.
Here's a pic of what the bottom bin looks like with the rich earthworm
castings. This bin is almost ready to be added to my garden.
If you have any advice or questions to share, please leave a comment! I love to hear from readers!
Happy worm farming! =)
or a bucket of rotting produce in a lower cabinet. But at one time that's exactly
what you would have found in my kitchen. Why? For the purpose of turning my
family's produce scraps into black gold (a.k.a. compost). (NOTE: I've since given the worms their freedom in my garden due to a lack of time!)
The name for using worms to produce compost from table scraps is called vermiculture.
It's an easy and organic process to enrich the soil in your garden or
potted plants. The worm castings and "compost tea" can take your garden
from "okay" to "wow," providing much-needed nutrients for your plants.
At first I was afraid the process would create unwanted odors and pests
in my house, but it never happened. Instead, it became one
more way for me to recycle and leave the earth a better place.
You can keep worm bins outside, but the worms require a pretty steady
temperature, which means some sort of insulating material to help
moderate the temp. The thought of having to traipse outside to feed the
worms and to check the temperature and moisture level didn't appeal to
me, so I opted to keep mine indoors.
Pre-built worm bins* are available online, but we opted to build our own
to keep costs down. If you'd like to do the same, here's what you'll
need to build your budget-friendly worm bin.
2 plastic storage containers with lids (I purchased mine from Lowe's on sale for $3-4 each; they measure about 12" x 14")
shredded newspaper (black and white only)
a drill with 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch drill bits
a cup of dirt
corrugated cardboard
food processor or blender
4 plastic cups or blocks of scrap wood
table scraps
Red Wigglers
STEPS:
1. Evenly drill 1/4-inch holes in the bottoms of both containers.
2. Evenly drill 1/8-inch holes one to two inches below the top of each container all the way around for ventilation.
3. To start out, place the lid on one container and set it in your
chosen location. Set the four cups or wooden blocks on the lid for the
purpose of supporting the second container.
4. Wet the shredded newspaper and wring it out slightly. Fluff it up and
line the bottom of the second container to the depth of three- to
four-inches. This will serve as the worm's bedding. Sprinkle the cup of
dirt on top of the bedding.
5. Take your produce scraps--banana peels, egg shells, used coffee
filters and grounds, lettuce, etc.--and chop it into smaller pieces
using a food processor or blender. Spoon the mixture onto the bedding.
(NOTE: Do not feed the worms citrus--oranges, lemons, limes. There is a
chemical in these fruits that is poisonous to the worms. The purpose of
blending the food is to make the food particles smaller, therefore
helping the worms create compost more quickly.)
6. Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard to fit over the bedding. Wet it down.
7. Drop your earthworms onto the bedding and cover with the cardboard.
(Earthworms LOVE cardboard! They will eat it in addition to your food
scraps.)
8. Every few days check to make sure there is moisture in the bins and
also blend up your extra scraps for food. (I feed our worms about once a
week and they seem to do fine.)
9. Once the cardboard and bedding begin to deteriorate, it's time to put
your second bin into play. Follow steps 4-6 in the new container.
Remove the lid from the first container (and place it on the bottom of
your cabinet with the blocks/cups sitting on top of it to support both
bins) and set the second container directly over the worms in the first
container. (Don't worry about squishing them.) As the worms get hungry
they will crawl into the new bin in search of food. Within a couple of
weeks they will evacuate the first bin, leaving you the goodies to mix
in with the soil in your garden. Also you will notice a black liquid
accumulating in the lid which now sits on the bottom of the bin. This is
known as "compost tea," and is a great liquid fertilizer to use either
in your garden or with your houseplants. Once you've dumped the original
bin, you're ready to clean it and set it on bottom until you need it
again.
NOTE: Earthworms reproduce faster than rabbits, so be prepared to thin
out your "herd" occasionally. You can dump the extras in your outdoor
compost pile or garden, but realize that the worms might not live long
in these conditions. You can also sell them or give them away to other
people you know who are interested in vermiculture, or sell them to
fishermen for bait.
Here's a pic of my goopy "trash" in an active bin. You can see that the
cardboard is already starting to disintegrate, which means it won't be
long until I need to start a new bin.
Here's a pic of what the bottom bin looks like with the rich earthworm
castings. This bin is almost ready to be added to my garden.
If you have any advice or questions to share, please leave a comment! I love to hear from readers!
Happy worm farming! =)
The Challenge, Comfort, and Companionship of Following Christ
Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ~Matthew 14:22-31 (NASB)
Though Christians are often criticized for their "crutch," a walk of faith clearly isn't for the faint of heart as this story from Matthew demonstrates. To give a little background, Jesus had just helped his disciples see Him and His power a little more clearly with the feeding of the five thousand. Then He immediately shipped them out while He disappeared for the first two watches of the night to spend time in prayer with His Father.
Sometime between three and six a.m. Jesus decided to join His weary friends with a little water-walking. As you can well imagine, they were terrified by what they believed to be an apparition and cried out in fear.
I love Jesus' response. He told them to take courage and not be afraid. His statement: "It is I" was His way of saying: "I AM!" (God's Yahweh name which He revealed to Moses in the burning bush encounter).
And you gotta love good old impetuous Peter and his big blustering "if." Ever have those kind of doubts where you wonder "if" when it comes to some personal encounter with God? If you do, you're in good company. The Bible is chock-full of warriors of the faith who expressed their doubts--Moses, Gideon, Ananias, Jacob--the list could go on and on. I take great comfort in the fact that we serve a God who is big enough to handle our fears and our ifs!!!
While we might shake our heads at Peter's bold brashness, it's important to remember he was also the only disciple with the guts to shimmy over the side of the storm-tossed boat. He managed the sea stroll just fine as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord, but once his faith got side-tracked by swelling waves and swooshing winds, he sank like a stone.
His cry is one we can all relate to: "Lord, save me!"
Jesus didn't hesitate, didn't check His wristwatch and say "I'll have to get back with you later, Peter" didn't walk on past him to those who hadn't jumped ship. Instead He immediately stretched out His hand, latched onto Peter, and lifted him from a watery grave. I can almost see the Savior's eyes sink with sorrow as He addressed the drenched disciple. "Peter, I've been with you all this time. You've seen me miraculously heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and just a few hours ago, feed five thousand, yet you still fear and doubt?"
We're all in the same boat. We get tossed around the wind-blown waves a few times and we're quick to cry out in sinking fear: "Lord, save me!"
And He does. It began when He stretched out His hands on a cruel cross, latched onto our ever-doubting hearts, and lifted us from the grave of sin and death. But He also still rescues us today from the storms of life that leave our shrimpy faith in sin-soaked shreds and our doubts and fears surfing higher than the waves.
His invitation to "Come!" challenges our faith as we step out of the boat into fanatical faith. His resounding "I AM!" comforts our doubting and fearful hearts. His everlasting grip on our souls in the midst of the storm proves He's so much more than just a fair-weather friend.
He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you...” ~Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)
Lord who silences the stormy sea and our small-faith doubts and fears, thank You for stretching out Your hands to save us. Grant us strength to accept the challenges of walking by faith, the ears to hear and remember the comforting truth of Who You are, the wisdom of resting in Your ever-constant companionship. Amen.
Though Christians are often criticized for their "crutch," a walk of faith clearly isn't for the faint of heart as this story from Matthew demonstrates. To give a little background, Jesus had just helped his disciples see Him and His power a little more clearly with the feeding of the five thousand. Then He immediately shipped them out while He disappeared for the first two watches of the night to spend time in prayer with His Father.
Sometime between three and six a.m. Jesus decided to join His weary friends with a little water-walking. As you can well imagine, they were terrified by what they believed to be an apparition and cried out in fear.
I love Jesus' response. He told them to take courage and not be afraid. His statement: "It is I" was His way of saying: "I AM!" (God's Yahweh name which He revealed to Moses in the burning bush encounter).
And you gotta love good old impetuous Peter and his big blustering "if." Ever have those kind of doubts where you wonder "if" when it comes to some personal encounter with God? If you do, you're in good company. The Bible is chock-full of warriors of the faith who expressed their doubts--Moses, Gideon, Ananias, Jacob--the list could go on and on. I take great comfort in the fact that we serve a God who is big enough to handle our fears and our ifs!!!
While we might shake our heads at Peter's bold brashness, it's important to remember he was also the only disciple with the guts to shimmy over the side of the storm-tossed boat. He managed the sea stroll just fine as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord, but once his faith got side-tracked by swelling waves and swooshing winds, he sank like a stone.
His cry is one we can all relate to: "Lord, save me!"
Jesus didn't hesitate, didn't check His wristwatch and say "I'll have to get back with you later, Peter" didn't walk on past him to those who hadn't jumped ship. Instead He immediately stretched out His hand, latched onto Peter, and lifted him from a watery grave. I can almost see the Savior's eyes sink with sorrow as He addressed the drenched disciple. "Peter, I've been with you all this time. You've seen me miraculously heal the sick, give sight to the blind, and just a few hours ago, feed five thousand, yet you still fear and doubt?"
We're all in the same boat. We get tossed around the wind-blown waves a few times and we're quick to cry out in sinking fear: "Lord, save me!"
And He does. It began when He stretched out His hands on a cruel cross, latched onto our ever-doubting hearts, and lifted us from the grave of sin and death. But He also still rescues us today from the storms of life that leave our shrimpy faith in sin-soaked shreds and our doubts and fears surfing higher than the waves.
His invitation to "Come!" challenges our faith as we step out of the boat into fanatical faith. His resounding "I AM!" comforts our doubting and fearful hearts. His everlasting grip on our souls in the midst of the storm proves He's so much more than just a fair-weather friend.
He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you...” ~Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)
Lord who silences the stormy sea and our small-faith doubts and fears, thank You for stretching out Your hands to save us. Grant us strength to accept the challenges of walking by faith, the ears to hear and remember the comforting truth of Who You are, the wisdom of resting in Your ever-constant companionship. Amen.
Free Christian Kindle eBooks for January 31, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. Happy reading!
Storm Clouds Rolling In
by Ginny Dye
Published April 2010
Historical: Carrie Cromwell comes of age as the dark clouds of the Civil War swallow
the country. Born with a fiery spirit and a strong mind, she finds
herself struggling between the common wisdom of the South and the truth
she has discovered. The activities of the Underground Railroad and her
close friendships with the Cromwell Plantation slaves create difficult
choices. But when her decisions put her at odds with her heritage, and
challenge her dreams, will she be able to give up all that is precious
to her?
4.9 stars with 10 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Montana Morning
by Sharon Flesch
Published March 2012
Romance: Life on the Kilbourne Cattle Ranch will never be the same. Nestled
in a remote Montana mountain valley, this has always been a peaceful
place. Jack, his dad, Will, and Andy have always kept it simple - hard
work and a feeling of contentment at the end of the day. They like it
that way. When Jack finds his long lost daughter, his life seems
complete until tragedy strikes leaving him to raise an injured grandson
he has never met. The men are definately going to need help. Jack
thinks he's found just what the doctor ordered. What he doesn't
realize is the 'sweet little lady' is going to turn their lives upside
down and inside out. Determined to turn the old ranch house into a home
and this bunch of contankerous men into a family, Adrianna Banks, armed
with her faith in God and a quiet sense of humor, sets out to just
that.
4.4 stars with 25 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Faith & Finance
by Melissa Schworer
Published August 2011
Non-fiction: Faith and Finance takes the fear out of financial management and making
ends meet by guiding the reader through God’s scriptural promises on
provision. It is a straightforward approach to looking at your
stewardship through God’s eyes, hitting key points like debt,
retirement, giving, lending, multiple incomes, peace in the home, and
much more.
4.8 stars with 5 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Top Ten Leadership Commandments
by Hans Finzel
Published March 2012
Non-fiction: Based on the life and legacy of
Moses, Hans presents ten scriptural principles that can revolutionize
your business, your ministry, even your life. The
life of Moses provides a master study on what it means to be an
effective leader. Consider his pedigree: Answered the call to do
something beyond his means; stood his ground before kings; led millions
of people on a journey across rivers and through deserts. Moses did this
all with a dogged persistence that would not give up. You will discover
a dynamic, effective tool for developing leadership skills, all built
on the solid foundation of God’s word.
4.6 stars with 13 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Shadow in the Garden
by Braden T. McElroy
Published January 2012
Young Adult Fiction: Luna couldn't stand it anymore, so she
escaped Grandfather's house and sought refuge in the backyard. And
that's where she discovered the mysterious hedge-fence gate... Step
with Luna into Spirithaven, a place between places where vibrant
emotions become colorful traveling companions, memories are carefully
sculpted--and fears grow into daring realities. There, a dreadful gnome
strives to fashion Luna's unhappiest moods into a prison, but several
extraordinary (or at least extraordinarily peculiar) new friends reveal
that such places can often be reshaped with perspective. Sometimes the gloomy, lonely place is truly...the shadow in the garden.
4.7 stars with 25 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
15 Simple Steps to Losing Your Salvation
by Rich Schworer
Published October 2011
Nonfiction: A new book to strengthen the believer's assurance of salvation by
showing just how impossible it would be to actually lose your salvation.
Inside are the 15 steps to losing your salvation, how to know for sure
you are saved, the 10 things a Christian really can lose, and the 7
point confusing verse checklist to use when you run into a difficult
passage!
4.5 stars with 12 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Athera's Dawn
by Christopher Hopper
Published February 2012
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Those in deepest darkness fight most valiantly for the light. Hard
pressed on every side, the Dibor struggle to overcome insurmountable
odds in an effort not just to regain territory, but to survive. In
addition to the growing ranks of the taken, Morgui has summoned the
powers of nature to search out and destroy the saviors of Dionia.
Tempests hunt those forced to flee by sea, while an otherworldly fire
storm chews up the ancient forest of Grandath, destroying anything - or
anyone - in its path. While most of the Dibor manage to
survive, the whereabouts of the ill-fated Princess Anorra continues to
be unknown. Her faithful friends are unaware of her suffering behind the
gates of Haides. The remaining Dibor soon discover that there
is more to Morgui's madness than simple mayhem, as the dwarves reveal
startling knowledge about the Two Trees, and worse still, about Morgui's
attempt to forever thwart the Most High's plan for victory. As
Creation itself endures death throes caused by mounting evil, one thing
is clear: Dionia and her champions will never be as they once were. Nor
will those in worlds beyond.
5 stars with 10 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Beside Two Rivers
by Rita Gerlach
Published October 2012
Historical: A tale of love won and love lost, and the faith to find it again.
From the banks of the Potomac to the misty moors of England, Darcy follows a path where the secrets of the past slowly rise to the surface in this dramatic saga that began in Before the Scarlet Dawn. She meets Ethan Brennan, an aspiring English horse breeder, who embraces her independent spirit and marvels at the simplicity of her faith. Ethan and Darcy fall in love, but are kept apart by a promise to another and a sworn oath to a dying woman whose long-hidden secret threatens Darcy’s and Ethan’s lives.
4.5 stars with 24 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. Happy reading!
Storm Clouds Rolling In
by Ginny Dye
Published April 2010
Historical: Carrie Cromwell comes of age as the dark clouds of the Civil War swallow
the country. Born with a fiery spirit and a strong mind, she finds
herself struggling between the common wisdom of the South and the truth
she has discovered. The activities of the Underground Railroad and her
close friendships with the Cromwell Plantation slaves create difficult
choices. But when her decisions put her at odds with her heritage, and
challenge her dreams, will she be able to give up all that is precious
to her?
4.9 stars with 10 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Montana Morning
by Sharon Flesch
Published March 2012
Romance: Life on the Kilbourne Cattle Ranch will never be the same. Nestled
in a remote Montana mountain valley, this has always been a peaceful
place. Jack, his dad, Will, and Andy have always kept it simple - hard
work and a feeling of contentment at the end of the day. They like it
that way. When Jack finds his long lost daughter, his life seems
complete until tragedy strikes leaving him to raise an injured grandson
he has never met. The men are definately going to need help. Jack
thinks he's found just what the doctor ordered. What he doesn't
realize is the 'sweet little lady' is going to turn their lives upside
down and inside out. Determined to turn the old ranch house into a home
and this bunch of contankerous men into a family, Adrianna Banks, armed
with her faith in God and a quiet sense of humor, sets out to just
that.
4.4 stars with 25 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Faith & Finance
by Melissa Schworer
Published August 2011
Non-fiction: Faith and Finance takes the fear out of financial management and making
ends meet by guiding the reader through God’s scriptural promises on
provision. It is a straightforward approach to looking at your
stewardship through God’s eyes, hitting key points like debt,
retirement, giving, lending, multiple incomes, peace in the home, and
much more.
4.8 stars with 5 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Top Ten Leadership Commandments
by Hans Finzel
Published March 2012
Non-fiction: Based on the life and legacy of
Moses, Hans presents ten scriptural principles that can revolutionize
your business, your ministry, even your life. The
life of Moses provides a master study on what it means to be an
effective leader. Consider his pedigree: Answered the call to do
something beyond his means; stood his ground before kings; led millions
of people on a journey across rivers and through deserts. Moses did this
all with a dogged persistence that would not give up. You will discover
a dynamic, effective tool for developing leadership skills, all built
on the solid foundation of God’s word.
4.6 stars with 13 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Shadow in the Garden
by Braden T. McElroy
Published January 2012
Young Adult Fiction: Luna couldn't stand it anymore, so she
escaped Grandfather's house and sought refuge in the backyard. And
that's where she discovered the mysterious hedge-fence gate... Step
with Luna into Spirithaven, a place between places where vibrant
emotions become colorful traveling companions, memories are carefully
sculpted--and fears grow into daring realities. There, a dreadful gnome
strives to fashion Luna's unhappiest moods into a prison, but several
extraordinary (or at least extraordinarily peculiar) new friends reveal
that such places can often be reshaped with perspective. Sometimes the gloomy, lonely place is truly...the shadow in the garden.
4.7 stars with 25 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
15 Simple Steps to Losing Your Salvation
by Rich Schworer
Published October 2011
Nonfiction: A new book to strengthen the believer's assurance of salvation by
showing just how impossible it would be to actually lose your salvation.
Inside are the 15 steps to losing your salvation, how to know for sure
you are saved, the 10 things a Christian really can lose, and the 7
point confusing verse checklist to use when you run into a difficult
passage!
4.5 stars with 12 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Athera's Dawn
by Christopher Hopper
Published February 2012
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Those in deepest darkness fight most valiantly for the light. Hard
pressed on every side, the Dibor struggle to overcome insurmountable
odds in an effort not just to regain territory, but to survive. In
addition to the growing ranks of the taken, Morgui has summoned the
powers of nature to search out and destroy the saviors of Dionia.
Tempests hunt those forced to flee by sea, while an otherworldly fire
storm chews up the ancient forest of Grandath, destroying anything - or
anyone - in its path. While most of the Dibor manage to
survive, the whereabouts of the ill-fated Princess Anorra continues to
be unknown. Her faithful friends are unaware of her suffering behind the
gates of Haides. The remaining Dibor soon discover that there
is more to Morgui's madness than simple mayhem, as the dwarves reveal
startling knowledge about the Two Trees, and worse still, about Morgui's
attempt to forever thwart the Most High's plan for victory. As
Creation itself endures death throes caused by mounting evil, one thing
is clear: Dionia and her champions will never be as they once were. Nor
will those in worlds beyond.
5 stars with 10 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Beside Two Rivers
by Rita Gerlach
Published October 2012
Historical: A tale of love won and love lost, and the faith to find it again.
From the banks of the Potomac to the misty moors of England, Darcy follows a path where the secrets of the past slowly rise to the surface in this dramatic saga that began in Before the Scarlet Dawn. She meets Ethan Brennan, an aspiring English horse breeder, who embraces her independent spirit and marvels at the simplicity of her faith. Ethan and Darcy fall in love, but are kept apart by a promise to another and a sworn oath to a dying woman whose long-hidden secret threatens Darcy’s and Ethan’s lives.
4.5 stars with 24 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
January 30, 2013
Free Christian Kindle eBooks for January 30, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. Happy reading!
Secrets of the Heart
by Jillian Kent
Published May 2011
Historical Romance: Madeline Whittington, daughter of the deceased Earl of Richfield,
emerges from English society’s prescribed period of mourning in the
winter of 1815. Madeline believes that she no longer belongs in a world
of gossip and gowns; instead she wants to help the orphans living
within the walls of Ashcroft Insane Asylum. Once there, she discovers a
dark secret within the asylum walls. Because of his elder
brother’s unexpected death, Devlin Greyson becomes Earl of Ravensmoore
and struggles between two worlds: one of affluence and privilege and one
of poverty and disease. Torn between his desire to become a doctor and
the numerous responsibilities of his title, he wrestles with God’s will
for his future. Will he be able to honor this God-given gift and win the
woman he falls in love with in a society that does not value gentlemen
who work? And will Lady Madeline Whittington be able to honor her
father’s memory when she is attracted to the one man who could destroy
the promise she made to her father?
4.6 stars with 25 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Starlet's Run
by Carla J. Hanna
Published November 2012
Romance: Hollywood teen actress, Liana Marie, loves smart, religious jock,
Manuel. But when Lia's scripts speak for her and drama becomes her life,
can Lia and Manny find the strength to run their own lines and shape
their uncertain futures? In a world where an actress is a product and
everyone is a critic, can their love survive? Should it? STARLET'S
RUN is a triumphant story of Lia's determination to step forward into a
new and authentic life, taking on a role she has never before been
given the chance to play - her self.
5 stars with 7 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
God's Amazing Grace
by J. Bennett Collins
Published May 2011
Nonfiction: n this book Dr. Collins speaks of what remains to be the most amazing
thing that he or anyone else has encountered in a full lifetime. The
fact that God would save wicked men and forgive their sins is truly
amazing. But the grace of God does not stop there. Our whole life is
filled with the manifestation of God's grace to us. Here you will find
what grace is and how it affects us who know Christ as our Savior. If
you feel a little downhearted, or forsaken this is just the kind of
truth you need. If you are not saved these words will give you hope. If
you are saved they will make you rejoice in God's great love and grace.
4.4 stars with 111 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Big 5-Oh!
by Sandra D. Bricker
Published December 2009
Romance: Olivia Wallace has a birthday curse . . . or so she thinks. It was a broken heart on her 16th, a car accident on her 21st, pneumonia on her 30th, and a fall down a flight of stairs on her 35th. There were Ohio blizzards on her 38th, 39th, and 40th; and six days before her 45th,
she lost the love of her life to a heart attack. Numbing grief stole
that birthday and a couple more to follow and, on the morning of her 48th
birthday, she received the call she’d dreaded ever since losing her mom
so many years ago…she was diagnosed with stage-3 ovarian cancer. The
doctors didn’t hold out a lot of hope, but Liv survived and maintained
her faith. Months of surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments
followed. But now, as her 50th
birthday creeps up the icy Ohio path toward her, her hair has grown
back, her energy level is up, and she is officially cancer free. It
makes her nervous. After everything she’s gone through, Liv hates the
idea of driving on icy roads and returning to work as an O.R. nurse in a
local Cincinnati hospital. Her best friend Hallie knows just the
thing to break Liv out of the winter doldrums, while providing a safe
haven of warmth, sunshine, and a time to regroup: a holiday in the
Florida sunshine!
4 stars with 106 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. Happy reading!
Secrets of the Heart
by Jillian Kent
Published May 2011
Historical Romance: Madeline Whittington, daughter of the deceased Earl of Richfield,
emerges from English society’s prescribed period of mourning in the
winter of 1815. Madeline believes that she no longer belongs in a world
of gossip and gowns; instead she wants to help the orphans living
within the walls of Ashcroft Insane Asylum. Once there, she discovers a
dark secret within the asylum walls. Because of his elder
brother’s unexpected death, Devlin Greyson becomes Earl of Ravensmoore
and struggles between two worlds: one of affluence and privilege and one
of poverty and disease. Torn between his desire to become a doctor and
the numerous responsibilities of his title, he wrestles with God’s will
for his future. Will he be able to honor this God-given gift and win the
woman he falls in love with in a society that does not value gentlemen
who work? And will Lady Madeline Whittington be able to honor her
father’s memory when she is attracted to the one man who could destroy
the promise she made to her father?
4.6 stars with 25 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Starlet's Run
by Carla J. Hanna
Published November 2012
Romance: Hollywood teen actress, Liana Marie, loves smart, religious jock,
Manuel. But when Lia's scripts speak for her and drama becomes her life,
can Lia and Manny find the strength to run their own lines and shape
their uncertain futures? In a world where an actress is a product and
everyone is a critic, can their love survive? Should it? STARLET'S
RUN is a triumphant story of Lia's determination to step forward into a
new and authentic life, taking on a role she has never before been
given the chance to play - her self.
5 stars with 7 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
God's Amazing Grace
by J. Bennett Collins
Published May 2011
Nonfiction: n this book Dr. Collins speaks of what remains to be the most amazing
thing that he or anyone else has encountered in a full lifetime. The
fact that God would save wicked men and forgive their sins is truly
amazing. But the grace of God does not stop there. Our whole life is
filled with the manifestation of God's grace to us. Here you will find
what grace is and how it affects us who know Christ as our Savior. If
you feel a little downhearted, or forsaken this is just the kind of
truth you need. If you are not saved these words will give you hope. If
you are saved they will make you rejoice in God's great love and grace.
4.4 stars with 111 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Big 5-Oh!
by Sandra D. Bricker
Published December 2009
Romance: Olivia Wallace has a birthday curse . . . or so she thinks. It was a broken heart on her 16th, a car accident on her 21st, pneumonia on her 30th, and a fall down a flight of stairs on her 35th. There were Ohio blizzards on her 38th, 39th, and 40th; and six days before her 45th,
she lost the love of her life to a heart attack. Numbing grief stole
that birthday and a couple more to follow and, on the morning of her 48th
birthday, she received the call she’d dreaded ever since losing her mom
so many years ago…she was diagnosed with stage-3 ovarian cancer. The
doctors didn’t hold out a lot of hope, but Liv survived and maintained
her faith. Months of surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments
followed. But now, as her 50th
birthday creeps up the icy Ohio path toward her, her hair has grown
back, her energy level is up, and she is officially cancer free. It
makes her nervous. After everything she’s gone through, Liv hates the
idea of driving on icy roads and returning to work as an O.R. nurse in a
local Cincinnati hospital. Her best friend Hallie knows just the
thing to break Liv out of the winter doldrums, while providing a safe
haven of warmth, sunshine, and a time to regroup: a holiday in the
Florida sunshine!
4 stars with 106 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
January 28, 2013
Free Christian Kindle eBooks for January 28, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy , but I have tried to be discerning in the books that I share on WordVessel . Happy reading!
Facing Redemption
by Kimberly McKay
Published January 2013
Fiction: What if you had done something so unimaginable in your
past that you felt you could never be forgiven? John Mikale, a man with a checkered reputation, can’t begin to shake his guilt for the hurt he’s caused his daughter, Chastity, and how its scarred so many people in its wake. Although an uphill battle, John diligently strives to make up for lost time by writing Chastity letters, hoping to bridge the gap.John, now married and expecting another child, is haunted by cryptic dreams, from which he awakes in terror. Driven to become a better man, he forces himself to face his nightmares and the reality they represent. Searching for decency within and hoping for a flicker of acceptance from Chastity is the only way he knows to release his past and heal both their wounds. But how can he expect forgiveness when he can’t begin to forgive himself for the hurt he’s caused? Chastity Wayne, finally free from her mother’s past, is ready to move on with life. On the verge of a great relationship and about to start her burgeoning art career, she’s sucked back into her family saga as she breaks her personal promise to never read her father’s letters. From the moment the first envelope is opened, the emotional freedom she’s tried so hard to find is slowly reclaimed word by word.
5 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
McKenzie
by Penny Zeller
Published April 2010
Historical Fiction: Desperate times call for desperate measures is the reasoning that
prompts McKenzie Worthington, a young lady of Boston's high society, to
respond to an ad for a mail-order bride for a man in the Montana
Territory. McKenzie is desperate, after all, to save her beloved younger
sister, Kaydie, from her evil, abusive husband, who robs banks for a
living. And so, it is with reckless determination that McKenzie runs
away from the comforts of home and hearth to head West and meet her new
husband-whom she'll divorce, of course, after she rescues her sister. Desperate
times call for desperate measures is the reasoning that also prompts
Zachary Sawyer, a rugged rancher after God's own heart, to post an ad
for a mail-order bride in various newspapers across the country.
Managing a ranch and caring for his adoptive son, Davey, has become more
than one man can handle alone, and Zach prays for God to send him a
wife with whom to build a life and share his dreams. When
McKenzie arrives at Zach's ranch, she immediately puts her plan in
motion, searching for her sister and doing all she can to keep her new
husband from forming an attachment. But his persistent kindness and
significant self-sacrifices begin to change her heart-and ruin her
plans. God has a way of working things out to the good of those who love
Him, though, as McKenzie and Kaydie will soon see.
4.6 stars with 50 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Man at the Door
by Elizabeth Carr
Published July 2012
Historical Fiction: The man at the door carries a vital message for the King of Caelius, but
he is mortally wounded and near death when he knocks at Elspeth's door.
The young woman, living alone in a ramshackle house, at the edge of
starvation is stunned by the arrival and death of the messenger.
Abandoned by her abusive father and left to care for her sickly mother
until her death, she struggles to survive both physically and
emotionally and fantasizes about rescue by the young Prince of Caelius
to ease her misery. Seizing the opportunity to chase her fantasy, she
sets out on the man’s horse to deliver the message herself. Arriving
at the castle, Elspeth delivers the message to King Fredric, who warmly
welcomes her, offering her acceptance and love. But trusting his
response is a difficult venture: she must reconcile it with her lowly,
abusive past, while facing her fears, and embracing the longings she has
denied for a lifetime. Struggling with her inability to trust, she
makes an astounding discovery and comes face-to-face with the depth of
the King’s love.
4.7 stars with 15 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Pelican Trees
by a Grateful Believer
Published July 2011
Fiction: Shelby McKinney thought she had it all—a great marriage, three wonderful
children and a beautiful life in Summerville, South Carolina. On the
surface everything seemed near-perfect, until her beloved grandfather
Luther Mellon died and purposely left her out of his will. Everything
quickly crumbles all around her, rendering her completely inconsolable. A
few days later, she mysteriously receives a post-dated hand written
letter from her late grandfather, stating that he hadn’t forgotten about
her after all. But if she wants her inheritance, she must find it
buried six-feet beneath the sand somewhere in the state of Florida. The
only available clues, limited as they are, were stored in a bank
safe-deposit box somewhere in the Sunshine State. Shelby is given
ninety-days in which to locate the bank, decipher all clues and find her
buried inheritance. If she doesn’t find it within the ninety-day time
frame, she’ll be forced to forfeit it altogether. Facing
insurmountable odds, she embarks on this exciting adventure which
quickly turns dangerous when she discovers she isn’t the only one
searching for the buried treasure chest. Six extremely dangerous, greedy
men are carefully monitoring her every move, fully determined to use
any and all necessary measures to steal it from her the moment she
unearths it. Not only does this tumultuous voyage of
self-discovery nearly cost Shelby her life, she is also confronted by
the ever-present spirit world like never before! But in the end, with
one-hundred and forty strangers constantly praying for her, she
ultimately realizes the adventure her beloved grandfather sent her on
was so much more than a personal quest to find her buried inheritance.
In the end, Shelby McKinney finds so much more than that underneath the
pelican trees....
4.7 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Exploring the Nicene Creed
by M. R. Hyde
Published March 2011
Nonfiction: The Nicene Creed is an ancient Christian statement of belief. It
encapsulates the core beliefs of Christianity and is a vibrant creed for
today. Walk with M.R. Hyde on this journey through what Christians
believe and how you can embrace this creed as your own.
4.6 stars with 5 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
In the Palace of Rygia
by L. Nicodemus Lyons
Published November 2012
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Only an act of extreme sacrifice can change one man’s heart and save an entire realm. In
a land of castles and kings, General Corden of Rygia has been warring
against a realm of God-fearing people for seven years. When a man he
kills says with his last breath, “I forgive you,” Corden must reassess
everything he’s believed in and worked for his entire life. Discovering
a captive enemy maiden in the palace, he’s faced with a struggle
between his own deeply-ingrained loyalties and his long-dormant heart,
finally beginning to reawaken. Yet when the two of them discover who it
was who forgave him in that crucial moment, their newfound hopes are
shattered. When Rygia is threatened by yet another force, the
realm they had just been warring with must choose between staying safe
behind their mountains or venturing out and risking everything in order
to help them.
Forgiving others is hard. Forgiving yourself is harder.
4.8 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
River Way Home
by Jason Wellnitz
Published December 2012
Fiction Novella: A boy, Halkeno, waits in a small orphanage in Beira, Mozambique for
someone to find him. A successful Iowa businessman realizes there’s a
space in his life and goes off searching to fill it. Amazingly, the boy
and the man meet and life is very happy for a time. But they never see
the tragedy moving toward them and suddenly Halkeno is on his own again.
This story of fathers and sons spans four generations and three
continents. It answers the question, “when we lose our fathers, do we
ever find them again?” and shows that true love lives forever.
4.8 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Fallen
by James Somers
Published July 2012
Science Fiction/Fantasy: A heavenly war rages among the Fallen that threatens to tear Victorian
era England asunder. As the Descendants of these angelic warriors take
sides in the escalating conflict, Brody West arrives with his father
from America, only to find that his role in this firestorm is far
greater than he ever could have imagined!
4.5 stars with 13 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy , but I have tried to be discerning in the books that I share on WordVessel . Happy reading!
Facing Redemption
by Kimberly McKay
Published January 2013
Fiction: What if you had done something so unimaginable in your
past that you felt you could never be forgiven? John Mikale, a man with a checkered reputation, can’t begin to shake his guilt for the hurt he’s caused his daughter, Chastity, and how its scarred so many people in its wake. Although an uphill battle, John diligently strives to make up for lost time by writing Chastity letters, hoping to bridge the gap.John, now married and expecting another child, is haunted by cryptic dreams, from which he awakes in terror. Driven to become a better man, he forces himself to face his nightmares and the reality they represent. Searching for decency within and hoping for a flicker of acceptance from Chastity is the only way he knows to release his past and heal both their wounds. But how can he expect forgiveness when he can’t begin to forgive himself for the hurt he’s caused? Chastity Wayne, finally free from her mother’s past, is ready to move on with life. On the verge of a great relationship and about to start her burgeoning art career, she’s sucked back into her family saga as she breaks her personal promise to never read her father’s letters. From the moment the first envelope is opened, the emotional freedom she’s tried so hard to find is slowly reclaimed word by word.
5 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
McKenzie
by Penny Zeller
Published April 2010
Historical Fiction: Desperate times call for desperate measures is the reasoning that
prompts McKenzie Worthington, a young lady of Boston's high society, to
respond to an ad for a mail-order bride for a man in the Montana
Territory. McKenzie is desperate, after all, to save her beloved younger
sister, Kaydie, from her evil, abusive husband, who robs banks for a
living. And so, it is with reckless determination that McKenzie runs
away from the comforts of home and hearth to head West and meet her new
husband-whom she'll divorce, of course, after she rescues her sister. Desperate
times call for desperate measures is the reasoning that also prompts
Zachary Sawyer, a rugged rancher after God's own heart, to post an ad
for a mail-order bride in various newspapers across the country.
Managing a ranch and caring for his adoptive son, Davey, has become more
than one man can handle alone, and Zach prays for God to send him a
wife with whom to build a life and share his dreams. When
McKenzie arrives at Zach's ranch, she immediately puts her plan in
motion, searching for her sister and doing all she can to keep her new
husband from forming an attachment. But his persistent kindness and
significant self-sacrifices begin to change her heart-and ruin her
plans. God has a way of working things out to the good of those who love
Him, though, as McKenzie and Kaydie will soon see.
4.6 stars with 50 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Man at the Door
by Elizabeth Carr
Published July 2012
Historical Fiction: The man at the door carries a vital message for the King of Caelius, but
he is mortally wounded and near death when he knocks at Elspeth's door.
The young woman, living alone in a ramshackle house, at the edge of
starvation is stunned by the arrival and death of the messenger.
Abandoned by her abusive father and left to care for her sickly mother
until her death, she struggles to survive both physically and
emotionally and fantasizes about rescue by the young Prince of Caelius
to ease her misery. Seizing the opportunity to chase her fantasy, she
sets out on the man’s horse to deliver the message herself. Arriving
at the castle, Elspeth delivers the message to King Fredric, who warmly
welcomes her, offering her acceptance and love. But trusting his
response is a difficult venture: she must reconcile it with her lowly,
abusive past, while facing her fears, and embracing the longings she has
denied for a lifetime. Struggling with her inability to trust, she
makes an astounding discovery and comes face-to-face with the depth of
the King’s love.
4.7 stars with 15 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Pelican Trees
by a Grateful Believer
Published July 2011
Fiction: Shelby McKinney thought she had it all—a great marriage, three wonderful
children and a beautiful life in Summerville, South Carolina. On the
surface everything seemed near-perfect, until her beloved grandfather
Luther Mellon died and purposely left her out of his will. Everything
quickly crumbles all around her, rendering her completely inconsolable. A
few days later, she mysteriously receives a post-dated hand written
letter from her late grandfather, stating that he hadn’t forgotten about
her after all. But if she wants her inheritance, she must find it
buried six-feet beneath the sand somewhere in the state of Florida. The
only available clues, limited as they are, were stored in a bank
safe-deposit box somewhere in the Sunshine State. Shelby is given
ninety-days in which to locate the bank, decipher all clues and find her
buried inheritance. If she doesn’t find it within the ninety-day time
frame, she’ll be forced to forfeit it altogether. Facing
insurmountable odds, she embarks on this exciting adventure which
quickly turns dangerous when she discovers she isn’t the only one
searching for the buried treasure chest. Six extremely dangerous, greedy
men are carefully monitoring her every move, fully determined to use
any and all necessary measures to steal it from her the moment she
unearths it. Not only does this tumultuous voyage of
self-discovery nearly cost Shelby her life, she is also confronted by
the ever-present spirit world like never before! But in the end, with
one-hundred and forty strangers constantly praying for her, she
ultimately realizes the adventure her beloved grandfather sent her on
was so much more than a personal quest to find her buried inheritance.
In the end, Shelby McKinney finds so much more than that underneath the
pelican trees....
4.7 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Exploring the Nicene Creed
by M. R. Hyde
Published March 2011
Nonfiction: The Nicene Creed is an ancient Christian statement of belief. It
encapsulates the core beliefs of Christianity and is a vibrant creed for
today. Walk with M.R. Hyde on this journey through what Christians
believe and how you can embrace this creed as your own.
4.6 stars with 5 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
In the Palace of Rygia
by L. Nicodemus Lyons
Published November 2012
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Only an act of extreme sacrifice can change one man’s heart and save an entire realm. In
a land of castles and kings, General Corden of Rygia has been warring
against a realm of God-fearing people for seven years. When a man he
kills says with his last breath, “I forgive you,” Corden must reassess
everything he’s believed in and worked for his entire life. Discovering
a captive enemy maiden in the palace, he’s faced with a struggle
between his own deeply-ingrained loyalties and his long-dormant heart,
finally beginning to reawaken. Yet when the two of them discover who it
was who forgave him in that crucial moment, their newfound hopes are
shattered. When Rygia is threatened by yet another force, the
realm they had just been warring with must choose between staying safe
behind their mountains or venturing out and risking everything in order
to help them.
Forgiving others is hard. Forgiving yourself is harder.
4.8 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
River Way Home
by Jason Wellnitz
Published December 2012
Fiction Novella: A boy, Halkeno, waits in a small orphanage in Beira, Mozambique for
someone to find him. A successful Iowa businessman realizes there’s a
space in his life and goes off searching to fill it. Amazingly, the boy
and the man meet and life is very happy for a time. But they never see
the tragedy moving toward them and suddenly Halkeno is on his own again.
This story of fathers and sons spans four generations and three
continents. It answers the question, “when we lose our fathers, do we
ever find them again?” and shows that true love lives forever.
4.8 stars with 6 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Fallen
by James Somers
Published July 2012
Science Fiction/Fantasy: A heavenly war rages among the Fallen that threatens to tear Victorian
era England asunder. As the Descendants of these angelic warriors take
sides in the escalating conflict, Brody West arrives with his father
from America, only to find that his role in this firestorm is far
greater than he ever could have imagined!
4.5 stars with 13 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
March Through HIStory - The Beginning
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. ~Hebrews 11:3 (NASB)
Read Genesis 1
The world and its ruler, the prince of darkness (Ephesians 6:12), would have us believe a pack of lies (John 8:44) and live our lives accordingly. Already many around us have succumbed to lies which say God is a figment of our imagination and a crutch for the weak-minded, that we evolved from primordial ooze to "recreate" ourselves into higher planes of existence, that we are in charge of our own individual destiny apart from everything and everyone else. These are not new lies; they've been around since the beginning.
In truth, we humans are given a choice in what we believe, but with that choice comes an eternal consequence. The critical decision lies in what and who we choose to put our faith in, and our actions then demonstrate the depth of what we say we profess. If for no other reason than the critical choice which lies before us, I pray that the readers of this post will prayerfully and carefully consider the following truth:
God Has Always Been (v. 1)
Before time began, God was. He was not created, but is transcendent, beyond human comprehension, time, and the material world.
Elohim (v. 1, 26)
In the very first sentence of the account of creation, God is called by His name, Elohim, a plural word. This is not to indicate that there are many "gods," but that God exists as three in one. In the act of creation we see transcendent God (v. 1), the Spirit of God (v. 2), and the Word of God, Jesus (v. 3; John 1:1) functioning as One to bring the universe into being. We also see Elohim in Genesis 1:26 when He says: "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..."
Created From Nothing--Order From Disorder (v. 2)
As supported by the Hebrews 11:3, the world was created from nothing. It was formless, empty, and dark. A chaos above the surface of the abyss, a nothingingness. With each act of creation, God brought more and more order from the disorder.
Hovering Spirit (v. 2)
The same Hebrew word used here for "hovering" is also used in Deuteronomy 32:11:
Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
That hovers over its young,
He spread His wings and caught them,
He carried them on His pinions.
Jesus expressed this same mother heart of God when He mourned over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37). God longs to protect us beneath His sheltering wings.
And God Said...And It Was So (v. 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 20, 24, 26, 29, 30)
It's easy to overlook the three simple words, "and God said," but to do so neglects important facts of creation. First, God's power is so great that all He has to do is speak to create a massive universe from nothing. Secondly, "said" indicates "word," and that powerful Word used in creation is Jesus (John 1:1-5).
Light (v. 3)
It's not insignificant that God's first act of creation was light. He is light (1 John 1:5) and the light of the world (John 8:12). As His children we are called to be light-bearers (Matthew 5:14-16).
God's Lordship Over Creation (v. 5, 8, 10)
By giving parts of His creation names--day, night, sky, land--God revealed His Lordship. The naming of things and people has been used throughout history to indicate ownership, not just in the spiritual realm, but also in the human realm (2 Kings 23:34). When it came to creation, God made it, so God owned it, and God named it.
Intricacy of Design (v. 11, 12, 14, 21, 24, 25)
God is no ordinary craftsmen. Each part of His creation was designed in detail. This is revealed when the seed-bearing plants, trees, water creatures, birds, and animal life were able to produce "according to their kind." The creation of the lights in the sky to show the seasons, days and years also reveal the scope and intricacy of a Master Designer.
It Was Good
As God's handiwork took shape, He saw that it was good. And good it was, for God provided, in advance, everything needed for the needs of the crowning event of His creation, mankind.
The First Blessings
On the fifth day of creation, God pronounces His first blessing by giving living creatures the ability to reproduce. He repeats this blessing for man on the sixth day.
Made in His Image
When God created man, He made Him in the image and likeness of God. God is spirit (John 4:24). No other part of God's creation has a spirit. In our existence on this planet, it is easy to believe by sight that we are human beings attempting to have a spiritual experience. But in reality--something we must accept by faith--we are spiritual beings in the midst of a human experience. One lie of Satan is that mankind is merely an evolved animal. God's Word defeats that lie. Though we are not divine (Psalm 8:5), we are made in His image, not in the image of animals.
God Communicates With Man
When God blessed mankind, He didn't just speak, He spoke "to" them. Here we see the grace of the Divine Elohim in His desire for a relationship with His creation.
Dominion
As the crown jewel of God's perfect creation, man was given dominion (rulership, lordship) over the rest of creation. This is also demonstrated later in the book of Genesis when God brings the animals to Adam (whose name literally means mankind) to name. With this dominion came the responsibility of stewardship. God owned it all, but graciously gave it to mankind to rule.
APPLICATION
What is our response in light of this account of creation?
Recognize Who made us--the all-powerful, self-existing, eternal, transcendent and three-in-One God, who since time began hovers over us like a mother bird over her young.
Reflect His light to a lost and dying world that has yet to recognize Who He is.
Realize our position in His eternal plan--lower than the heavenly beings, but made in His image and likeness to be stewards of His good world that He created for our benefit.
Respond to His desire to communicate and have a relationship with us.
Elohim, we recognize and honor You as all-powerful, self-existing, eternal, transcendent and triune Creator of Your universe. Lord, You own it all, and we thank You for the privilege You've bestowed on us as stewards of Your creation. Forgive us for how we've put our own slant on the mysteries of how we came to be and our purpose in this place. May we by faith accept Your Word and take ownership of the responsibilities You've ordained for us. Help us to reflect Your light, that light that existed from the first day of creation. Most importantly, Father, may we choose to respond to Your gracious invitation of a relationship with You, made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross to buy us back from sin. Amen.
Read Genesis 1
The world and its ruler, the prince of darkness (Ephesians 6:12), would have us believe a pack of lies (John 8:44) and live our lives accordingly. Already many around us have succumbed to lies which say God is a figment of our imagination and a crutch for the weak-minded, that we evolved from primordial ooze to "recreate" ourselves into higher planes of existence, that we are in charge of our own individual destiny apart from everything and everyone else. These are not new lies; they've been around since the beginning.
In truth, we humans are given a choice in what we believe, but with that choice comes an eternal consequence. The critical decision lies in what and who we choose to put our faith in, and our actions then demonstrate the depth of what we say we profess. If for no other reason than the critical choice which lies before us, I pray that the readers of this post will prayerfully and carefully consider the following truth:
God Has Always Been (v. 1)
Before time began, God was. He was not created, but is transcendent, beyond human comprehension, time, and the material world.
Elohim (v. 1, 26)
In the very first sentence of the account of creation, God is called by His name, Elohim, a plural word. This is not to indicate that there are many "gods," but that God exists as three in one. In the act of creation we see transcendent God (v. 1), the Spirit of God (v. 2), and the Word of God, Jesus (v. 3; John 1:1) functioning as One to bring the universe into being. We also see Elohim in Genesis 1:26 when He says: "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..."
Created From Nothing--Order From Disorder (v. 2)
As supported by the Hebrews 11:3, the world was created from nothing. It was formless, empty, and dark. A chaos above the surface of the abyss, a nothingingness. With each act of creation, God brought more and more order from the disorder.
Hovering Spirit (v. 2)
The same Hebrew word used here for "hovering" is also used in Deuteronomy 32:11:
Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
That hovers over its young,
He spread His wings and caught them,
He carried them on His pinions.
Jesus expressed this same mother heart of God when He mourned over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37). God longs to protect us beneath His sheltering wings.
And God Said...And It Was So (v. 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 20, 24, 26, 29, 30)
It's easy to overlook the three simple words, "and God said," but to do so neglects important facts of creation. First, God's power is so great that all He has to do is speak to create a massive universe from nothing. Secondly, "said" indicates "word," and that powerful Word used in creation is Jesus (John 1:1-5).
Light (v. 3)
It's not insignificant that God's first act of creation was light. He is light (1 John 1:5) and the light of the world (John 8:12). As His children we are called to be light-bearers (Matthew 5:14-16).
God's Lordship Over Creation (v. 5, 8, 10)
By giving parts of His creation names--day, night, sky, land--God revealed His Lordship. The naming of things and people has been used throughout history to indicate ownership, not just in the spiritual realm, but also in the human realm (2 Kings 23:34). When it came to creation, God made it, so God owned it, and God named it.
Intricacy of Design (v. 11, 12, 14, 21, 24, 25)
God is no ordinary craftsmen. Each part of His creation was designed in detail. This is revealed when the seed-bearing plants, trees, water creatures, birds, and animal life were able to produce "according to their kind." The creation of the lights in the sky to show the seasons, days and years also reveal the scope and intricacy of a Master Designer.
It Was Good
As God's handiwork took shape, He saw that it was good. And good it was, for God provided, in advance, everything needed for the needs of the crowning event of His creation, mankind.
The First Blessings
On the fifth day of creation, God pronounces His first blessing by giving living creatures the ability to reproduce. He repeats this blessing for man on the sixth day.
Made in His Image
When God created man, He made Him in the image and likeness of God. God is spirit (John 4:24). No other part of God's creation has a spirit. In our existence on this planet, it is easy to believe by sight that we are human beings attempting to have a spiritual experience. But in reality--something we must accept by faith--we are spiritual beings in the midst of a human experience. One lie of Satan is that mankind is merely an evolved animal. God's Word defeats that lie. Though we are not divine (Psalm 8:5), we are made in His image, not in the image of animals.
God Communicates With Man
When God blessed mankind, He didn't just speak, He spoke "to" them. Here we see the grace of the Divine Elohim in His desire for a relationship with His creation.
Dominion
As the crown jewel of God's perfect creation, man was given dominion (rulership, lordship) over the rest of creation. This is also demonstrated later in the book of Genesis when God brings the animals to Adam (whose name literally means mankind) to name. With this dominion came the responsibility of stewardship. God owned it all, but graciously gave it to mankind to rule.
APPLICATION
What is our response in light of this account of creation?
Recognize Who made us--the all-powerful, self-existing, eternal, transcendent and three-in-One God, who since time began hovers over us like a mother bird over her young.
Reflect His light to a lost and dying world that has yet to recognize Who He is.
Realize our position in His eternal plan--lower than the heavenly beings, but made in His image and likeness to be stewards of His good world that He created for our benefit.
Respond to His desire to communicate and have a relationship with us.
Elohim, we recognize and honor You as all-powerful, self-existing, eternal, transcendent and triune Creator of Your universe. Lord, You own it all, and we thank You for the privilege You've bestowed on us as stewards of Your creation. Forgive us for how we've put our own slant on the mysteries of how we came to be and our purpose in this place. May we by faith accept Your Word and take ownership of the responsibilities You've ordained for us. Help us to reflect Your light, that light that existed from the first day of creation. Most importantly, Father, may we choose to respond to Your gracious invitation of a relationship with You, made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross to buy us back from sin. Amen.
January 25, 2013
Free Christian Kindle eBooks for January 25, 2013
Want a way to read all these great Kindle freebies without purchasing a Kindle? Check out this post that tells you how. All the books listed
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. Happy reading!
A Path Less Traveled
by Cathy Bryant
Published October 2010
Romance: Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a
spooked horse claims her husband's life, she’s determined to blaze a
path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will
that mean leaving the place etched on her heart? Andy Tyler has
had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in
Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business
challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet
another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?
4.6 stars with 57 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Texas Roads
by Cathy Bryant
Published October 2010
Romance: City gal Dani Davis just wants a place to call home. With quirky
residents, quaint country charm, and loads of business potential,
Miller's Creek Texas seems like the perfect place to start over . . .
except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Dani secretly
finances renovations to downtown Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors
force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the
home for which she’s always longed. Then a devastating discovery propels
her down a road she never expected to travel. Steve Miller is
determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the
renovation, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has
become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a
higher cause, and in the process help Dani recognize the true meaning of
home?
4.5 stars with 88 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Margaret's Ark
by Daniel G. Keohane
Published July 2011
Suspense: On April ninth, thousands of people wake from the same dream, angels
instructing them to build a biblical ark in their front yard, or the
town square or little league field. Anywhere, to prepare for the worst
natural disaster to strike the world since the days of Noah. A widowed
California high school teacher risks everything to build a boat in the
sixty days she is given. A homeless and self-proclaimed prophet of God
preaches across Boston's waterfront, unaware that he is not alone in his
visions. A young priest is torn between the signs around him and the
skepticism of his Church. A physician’s plans for advancement are
threatened by her husband’s dreams of a coming flood. In the
end, only thirty people may board each boat. As the world slowly comes
to grips with events unfolding around them, they must weigh their own
faith in the exceptional and identical visions of so many people. The
skies are clear, without a hint of rain. But if the dreams are true,
something terrible is looming on the horizon.
4.2 stars with 38 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
here are free at the time of posting, but these free e-books change to
pay status very quickly. Always check to make sure the books are indeed
free before you click to buy. Also, I want to offer readers only the
most highly rated books, so all books listed are at least 4 out of 5
stars with at least 5 reviews. Just so you know, I have not read all
these books, so I can't testify to their content or spiritual accuracy. Happy reading!
A Path Less Traveled
by Cathy Bryant
Published October 2010
Romance: Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a
spooked horse claims her husband's life, she’s determined to blaze a
path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will
that mean leaving the place etched on her heart? Andy Tyler has
had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in
Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business
challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet
another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?
4.6 stars with 57 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Texas Roads
by Cathy Bryant
Published October 2010
Romance: City gal Dani Davis just wants a place to call home. With quirky
residents, quaint country charm, and loads of business potential,
Miller's Creek Texas seems like the perfect place to start over . . .
except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Dani secretly
finances renovations to downtown Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors
force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the
home for which she’s always longed. Then a devastating discovery propels
her down a road she never expected to travel. Steve Miller is
determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the
renovation, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has
become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a
higher cause, and in the process help Dani recognize the true meaning of
home?
4.5 stars with 88 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
Margaret's Ark
by Daniel G. Keohane
Published July 2011
Suspense: On April ninth, thousands of people wake from the same dream, angels
instructing them to build a biblical ark in their front yard, or the
town square or little league field. Anywhere, to prepare for the worst
natural disaster to strike the world since the days of Noah. A widowed
California high school teacher risks everything to build a boat in the
sixty days she is given. A homeless and self-proclaimed prophet of God
preaches across Boston's waterfront, unaware that he is not alone in his
visions. A young priest is torn between the signs around him and the
skepticism of his Church. A physician’s plans for advancement are
threatened by her husband’s dreams of a coming flood. In the
end, only thirty people may board each boat. As the world slowly comes
to grips with events unfolding around them, they must weigh their own
faith in the exceptional and identical visions of so many people. The
skies are clear, without a hint of rain. But if the dreams are true,
something terrible is looming on the horizon.
4.2 stars with 38 reviews
Free? Click HERE to see.
The Winning Names
Let me begin by saying how much fun I had last night's Grand Slam! Name-The-Characters party. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did, and I appreciate all the input on names and helping to get the word out about my next novel, Pilgrimage of Promise. Book promotion, while a very necessary part of my job as a writer, is one of my least favorite things to do, so I try to have fun with it and make it a prize-winning situation for those who are kind enough to help.
If you'll allow me, I would like to apologize for a few things before I announce the winner. After the book launch party for The Way of Grace was over I felt like I had worn everyone out with activity, so this time around I wanted to make it easier--just a matter of copy and paste. But I swung too far the other direction and gave too much to copy and paste. In the process, I feel like I came off as over-promotional. If I offended any of you, I humbly seek your forgiveness. I also think I made it too complicated with people not knowing where to paste what. I'm sooooo sorry!! Next time, I won't be so quick to rush through the process and will try to simplify even more. (I've always said that humans have the unique capacity to make everything more complicated than it has to be, and I certainly proved that in this case!)
Okay, I feel better with that off my chest, so let's move on to what we've all been waiting for--the winning names. There were so many good character names suggested last night that I have enough to last for at least five or six more stories! In the end, it came down to which names best fit the story, and I couldn't be more tickled with the names for my new characters. In fact, tickled doesn't even begin to describe it!!
Drum roll please....
The winning name for the new hero is Chance (and I've given him the last name of Johnson). I chose this name because our distrusting heroine is going to have to take a "chance" on trusting others again.
The winning name for the new heroine is Dakota (and I've given her the last name of Kelly). I chose this name because the name Dakota means "friend." In spite of her lack of trust in others, our female lead is loyal and a true-blue friend. (During my research last night, I learned that Kelly means "bright-headed." Dakota is a red-head, so I thought the last name fit really well, too.)
Both names were suggest by Facebook friend Cindy Gasaway! Yay, Cindy! Thank you!!! (I'll contact you about your prizes in a PM on Facebook.)
Thanks again for all the suggestions and the fun time! I feel extremely blessed to have friends like you!!!
If you'll allow me, I would like to apologize for a few things before I announce the winner. After the book launch party for The Way of Grace was over I felt like I had worn everyone out with activity, so this time around I wanted to make it easier--just a matter of copy and paste. But I swung too far the other direction and gave too much to copy and paste. In the process, I feel like I came off as over-promotional. If I offended any of you, I humbly seek your forgiveness. I also think I made it too complicated with people not knowing where to paste what. I'm sooooo sorry!! Next time, I won't be so quick to rush through the process and will try to simplify even more. (I've always said that humans have the unique capacity to make everything more complicated than it has to be, and I certainly proved that in this case!)
Okay, I feel better with that off my chest, so let's move on to what we've all been waiting for--the winning names. There were so many good character names suggested last night that I have enough to last for at least five or six more stories! In the end, it came down to which names best fit the story, and I couldn't be more tickled with the names for my new characters. In fact, tickled doesn't even begin to describe it!!
Drum roll please....
The winning name for the new hero is Chance (and I've given him the last name of Johnson). I chose this name because our distrusting heroine is going to have to take a "chance" on trusting others again.
The winning name for the new heroine is Dakota (and I've given her the last name of Kelly). I chose this name because the name Dakota means "friend." In spite of her lack of trust in others, our female lead is loyal and a true-blue friend. (During my research last night, I learned that Kelly means "bright-headed." Dakota is a red-head, so I thought the last name fit really well, too.)
Both names were suggest by Facebook friend Cindy Gasaway! Yay, Cindy! Thank you!!! (I'll contact you about your prizes in a PM on Facebook.)
Thanks again for all the suggestions and the fun time! I feel extremely blessed to have friends like you!!!
CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog
FREE digital copy of A PATH LESS TRAVELED (2nd stand-alone book in the Miller's Creek novels and an Amazon Kindle Best-Seller) when you subscribe to Cathy's FROM MY FRONT PORCH newsletter. On my blog
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