Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 42

What's the Truth About the First Thanksgiving?

 Joining PragerU is free! Sign up now to get all our videos as soon as they're released. http://prageru.com/signup   Should Americans celebrate Thanksgiving as a day of gratitude? Or should they mourn it as a day of guilt? Michael Medved, author of The American Miracle, shares the fascinating story of the first Thanksgiving. Donate today to PragerU! http://l.prageru.com/2ylo1Yt

No Other Choice: The Naomi Chronicles (Inspirational Christian Romance)

An Illegal Immigrant. Bound by Secrets. Trapped by Choices. An Arranged Marriage. A Forbidden love...will Naomi and Chaz trust God? In her 5-Star rave of this Inspirational Christian Romance Tamie D. said,"This...Christian fiction...reads like a movie!"
Naomi fled Spain for America to escape living the lie generations of her people had lived. She planned to find her uncle and help him earn enough money to bring their family to this land of promise. About to be sent back, the teenager lets an old woman help her and when handcuffed and dragged to the woman's casa, discovers she must continue to live a lie. Will Naomi's coming-of-age journey be one of fear, freedom, or love?
Chaz met Naomi when she gave this drunken bum a few dollars and made him sign her pledge book while saying he would help others. Now an internationally well-known philanthropist, he will pretend to be less than he is to wed Naomi!
Lola was rescued from imigration by Naomi. Now this teenager wants to discredit her benefactor so she can have Chaz. And having discovered Naomi's secrets, she is bound to succeed!
Two people in love yet neither knows who their spouse really is. A teenage girl whose goal is to drive a wedge between this star-crossed couple. Can anyone get what they want before fear, longing, lies and secrets cause this triangle to unravel?
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The Naomi Chronicles were written to be read one after the other. However, each book is a stand-alone and can be read independently of each other. For the best reading experience, we suggest reading them in order:
Book #1:No Other Choice
Book #2: Choosing to Be
Book #3:Beginning Anew
And soon to release,Book #4: Commitment for Two Welcome! To be notified of author Paula Rose Michelson’s new releases, special sales, and get FREE Kindle eBooks when available click 'Follow' under her picture.
Writing great Inspirational Christian Romances, Thrillers, Nonfiction, Memoir, Self-help and works to encourage are author Paula Rose Michelson’s passion. Her desire to inspire others comes from being a late reader, who discovered books were her best friends! A lover of inspiring fictions where the heroine was one for her families’ sake, she writes about amazing women, and unique faith challenges. When asked about her idea for The Naomi Chronicles, Paula likes to say, "I cannot take all the credit for Naomi started telling me her story, and together we penned the six fictions." Having received so much from Messiah, Paula loves to bless others, and is excited that at least one of her Kindle eBooks are usually found in Amazon's Bestseller list for their categories.
When not involved in writing, speaking or helping other writers, Paula pursues other passions while supporting her husband Ron who is a Lutheran Pastor and Chosen People Ministries field missionary. At one point, both of them worked for the mission. However, when the Lord called Paula to write full-time, she gladly left to devote herself to this work.
This happy mother of two married daughters and grandmother of seven, has friends who often tell her that she weaves such wonderful tails they lose track of the time. Since both family and her ever-increasing reader family matter to Paula, she hopes to impart a blessing to those who read her books.
Some who first knew Paula as the founder, head, and facilitator of LAMB Ministries, have mentioned that a few of those biblical teachings are found within her books. Paula knows this to be true for her desire to faithfully depict Gods love, compassion, and forgiveness while showing her readers The Jewish Messiah of Israel and the world parallel her wish to see those who feel 'less than' restored to wholeness. Therefore, within each of her books, she includes a few of the teachings God gifted her so readers can overcome and feel good about themselves.
Email Paula at: Paula.Wordsmith@yahoo.comWordsmith@yahoo.com Facebook Author Page is at: https://goo.gl/t2a9mz  Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/paula.michelson Twitter:@PaulaWordsmith1

That Is How Things Are

 That Is How Things Are contains two connected stories:
“The Autumn Wind”—A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the callous autumn wind unleashes his power.
“The Kitten and the Sparrow”—A heartwarming story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learns about the power of nature. Olga D’Agostino (aka Mrs. D.), an award-winning children’s author, was born in western Ukraine. She lived in the historical city of Lviv, where she studied business in Lviv Business College. In 1992 she immigrated to the United States with her two small daughters and for years worked in her own business. In 2011 she began her career as a writer, focusing on writing children’s books that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Two of her children’s books, The Trees Have Hearts and Good Morning, World, won Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013, and three are winners in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite contest. She is a member of SCBWI and speaks a few languages fluently. She lives in the famous town of Smithville, N.J., with her husband Patrick and a meticulous old cat named Nyda.
Published children's books by Mrs. D. include Carlo the Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts (Twice Award-Winning Children's Book), The City Kittens and the Old House Cat, Good Morning, World! (Twice Award-Winning Children's Book), Runaway Clothes, The Royal Palm, The Little Girl Praying on the Hill (Gold Award-Winning Short Story) and Carlo the Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse.
The full series of Carlo the Mouse and her new books The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet, That Is How Things Are (two connected stories: The Autumn Wind and The Kitten and the Sparrow), and her new book, The Cat Who Wonders, by Itself, and three rhyming stories in Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? will be published in the near future. Her books are available in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as e-books for most popular e-devices.
She is presently working on her first novel, The Chinese Princess, and a short story, “A Taste of Bread.” For updates on Mrs. D.’s books, please visit her website: www.mrsdbooks.net.Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ybm392xo Twitter: @OllyGuseva

Imposter

 Inspired by the stylings of Ted Dekker, Imposter is a fictional twist on Jesus’ parable of the talents, imagining the servant’s buried talent gets stolen.Home on summer break following her junior year of college, Haley Jacobs is enjoying some time with her family while working at her mother's bakery. Life is good and all is well... until the doorbell rings one fateful afternoon, heralding a heartbreaking tragedy—a death in the family.
As if that weren't gut-wrenching enough, Linda, Haley's mother, receives a phone call the day after the funeral. The grave of the deceased has been violated. The casket has been unearthed and pried open. It appears as though nothing has been taken off of the departed, but... who would do such a vile thing? Some sick prankster looking to get their kicks? Could it be someone seeking revenge? They may never know the answer.
With the ugliness of that detestable act now behind them, Haley is hopeful that brighter days lie ahead. But everyone knows that tragedies always come in threes. She soon makes an unsettling discovery. A talent belonging to her late loved one is suddenly thrust into mainstream media by a complete stranger. The skill is too unique and its resemblance to this copycat is too uncanny to be coincidental. Who is this charlatan, and how was this ability acquired? Could it be as simple as a case of plagiarism, or is there something much darker and more sinister afoot? Can Haley catch this chameleon and put a stop to this defilement before it occurs again? Find out in Imposter! Nate Lee was born and raised in Oklahoma, where he graduated with a bachelor of science in manufacturing engineering technology from Oklahoma State University. Shortly thereafter he moved to Wichita, Kansas, where by day he works as an aircraft manufacturing engineer, but by night he is an avid player of video games, lover of music (he’s a mediocre drummer), and affectionate husband and father of four. He has always dabbled in writing to some extent (poetry and song lyrics), but Imposter is his first foray into the world of novels.Links Amazom: https://tinyurl.com/yd57kov3Twitter: @authornatelee  

The Merlon Murders: A Duncan Dewar Mystery (Duncan Dewar Mysteries Book 1)

 The Merlon Murders I (part one of a two part mystery):When hot shot investigator and math genius Duncan Dewar decides to head a life insurance inquiry, he has no idea what he's soon to encounter. Hoping to learn more about his ancestry, Duncan is drawn to the village of Taye, Scotland, where his past and future are about to collide, altering the trajectory of his life forever. Was the laird of Castle Taye accidently crushed by a merlon from his own battlement, or are more sinister forces at work? Is the alluring widow and beneficiary of eleven million pounds to blame, or innocent? Is a ghost seeking vengeance against members of Clan MacNab for the slaughter of her loved one hundreds of years ago? Will Duncan be the next victim of the merlon murders? Follow Duncan on a culinary tour of breathtaking Scotland as he navigates through relationships with the villagers of Taye in his quest for answers. The Merlon Murders I is part one of a two part mystery.
Books by Victoria Benchley include:
The Snail Man at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O97FE9W
The Merlon Murders I
The Merlon Murders II
The Crime at the Bakery (A short story) - Coming Soon
Join my exclusive mailing list at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-J-Benchley/1556785297872222 and click on the sign up button, near the top. By doing so, you'll receive the latest news about upcoming novels and free offers available only to my mailing list.
Follow Victoria Benchley because I enjoy connecting with fans.
On Twitter @vbenchley On Facebook: Victoria J Benchley Victoria Benchley  lives with her husband of over twenty years and their two children on the West Coast of the United States. She grew up reading the classics and counts Dickens and the Bronte Sisters as her favorite authors. After a career in corporate America spanning public accounting, cash management, and real estate investments, at national and international firms, she chose to become a stay-at-home mom and full time taxi cab driver for her children. She is a Christian and enjoys quilting, cooking, and traveling (road trips included!), as well as reading and writing. Come football season, she can be found most Sunday afternoons enjoying an NFL game.
To join Victoria's exclusive mailing list please go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-J-Benchley/1556785297872222 and click on the Sign Up button, near the top. By doing so, you will receive the latest information about my new releases and free offers available only to my mailing list.Amazon:https://tinyurl.com/ya22qd99

The Messenger: Origins (The Messenger Series)

 What if the major conspiracy theories were true? The Order of the Dragon is a secret organization founded in the ashes of the Knights Templar; their goal is a one world government. Tuttle, a shady operative within The Secret Army of Northern Virginia, has been ordered to assist Jim Wallace, a Delta Force operator, in hunting the heads of Islamic terrorists. However, Tuttle intends to use the search and destroy mission as a cover while he plans to destroy the secret Order. Whilst the unlikely duo prepares to journey across the Middle East, the Order learns of Tuttle’s plan and initiates a reclassification of the pair’s status from hunters to hunted. Thus begins a chase from Israel to Turkey that forms new and rekindles old alliances.
JW Harrelson is a fiction writer and the author of the Jim Wallace Series and the Messenger Series. His stories are meant to intrigue and entertain, yet also give food for thought on personal growth and responsibility to our fellow human beings.
JW Harrelson grew up in the South Eastern United States and served in the U.S. Army. His interest are reading, writing, graphic design, and carpentry.LinksAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/y6wczyq8
https://www.facebook.com/TheJimWallaceMessengerSeries/
https://jwharrelsonblog.wordpress.com
Twitter@jwharrelson1

Cambodian Cooking, Southeast Asian-Style Recipes

 Experience all the exotic flavors of a far off land in Kelly C. Chan’s Cambodian Cooking: South East Asian Style.All of Cambodia’s robust flavors, fresh ingredients, and inventive dishes are right at your fingertips. Whether you’re a new cook just learning the ropes or a seasoned pro, Chan’s helpful hints and time saving shortcuts make cooking Asian style meals easier than ever.
From stir fried rice noodles with chicken to a peanut vinaigrette lime sauce that can be used on virtually everything, Cambodian Cooking: South East Asian Style is a delicious way to explore your world.
All of the recipes in Chan’s inventive cookbook are grouped together by ingredients. This means you won’t have to buy dozens of different items that can only be used for one dish, guaranteeing that you’ll never waste food—or fridge space—again.
While all the ingredients are easily available at your nearest Asian grocery store, each recipe welcomes substitutions to conform to your own family’s specific dietary needs.
Discover how to create flavorful soups, appetizers, mains, and more in a fresh new cookbook that is sure to become a classic. Kelly ChanI was born May 2, 1968, in Battambang, Cambodia. As a child, I spent many happy hours helping my mom and dad prepare dinner for our family. So by the ages of six and eight years old, I was able to prepare many different types of Cambodian meals. Yes, I was able to learn how to prepare meals at this very young age, mostly by helping and observing my parents. As a farmer daughter, back then, it wasn’t very important for me to attend school, so I spend many hours with my parent learning how to cook. Culturally, it is important for Cambodian women to be able to prepare meals for their family. As the result of cultural influences, this is how the recipes passed on from generations to generations to young children.
By 1975 the communist regime had taken control over Cambodia, and not long after I was removed from my home to live in group housing, where all the children my own age resided. Between 1975 and 1979, I had lived as slaves, unable to have the freedom to be with my family. Instead was forced to perform hard labor at least twelve hours a day, nonstop, seven day a week performing agriculture duties.
By 1979, the Vietnamese liberation had begun, and it was the start of many years of civil war. As the result, our country had many years of famine, and we lived in dangerous conditions. Through the grape-vine, my parents heard that Thailand had been taking in Cambodian refugees. So my parents made the decision to leave Cambodia in a hopes of finding a better life for us.
Therefore, the journey started, and after several days of walking, we arrived at the Thai border. We stayed there a month or so, then we crossed the Cambodian border into Thailand, and settled in a camp for Cambodian refugees.
After a few years in Thai camp, we were sponsored to go to the United State of America; we arrived in San Jose, California, in January 1982. Here in San Jose, where I have resided most of my life. I have a career working full time as a registered dental assistant, which I have had for at least twenty-three years. And for the last few years, I worked as a hair stylist as well.
In June, I attended my brother’s graduation from San Jose State University, and my brother and I had conversations regarding food, Cambodian cuisines, and aging parents general. And eventually when they passed, we won’t be able to make the food that we love to eat. A few seconds later, the light-bulb went off. I can write a recipe book, I thought to myself; this way it will always be remembered, and passed on; so that is how the idea came to me about writing down our recipes.
It is my pleasure to share with you my family’s special recipes that have been passed on from generation to generations. Some dishes have also become fusions, influenced by our neighboring countries, and many countries that brought spices to our people, such as India, China, etc.LinksAmazon:https://tinyurl.com/y8fu9h6zTwitter:  @KellyCCookbook

Juniper's Journey: the story of the first Christmas tree

Juniper's Journey captures the story of Juniper, a humble tree, on his way to becoming the world's very first Christmas tree. Along the journey, Juniper meets lovable characters like Mona the Butterfly and Shrike the Bird, and they encourage him to keep believing - all the way until he meets the newborn Jesus in the manger. It's a beautiful Christian classic for children and parents alike, and will inspire to you to believe that we all have a grand purpose in this lifetime. Fred Dziedzic Hailing from the historic City of Warren in Ohio, Fred grew up with a passion for literature and English. It was there that he met his beautiful wife Delores, and it was there that they had their family and two children. There, for the past 40 years, he's been a leader in his family, church, and local community. In the Christian Education arena, Fred has been educating children in Northeast Ohio for decades. From leading Sunday School to creating his own Children's curriculum to writing his first book, the beloved Juniper's Journey , Fred has always had a knack for distilling life lessons into simple, beautiful readings. He creates opportunities for meaningful conversations between parents and children, all while delighting children with the whimsical characters he weaves throughout his writing. We think you'll love Fred's writing. Don't hesitate to reach out with feedback, comments, and questions.Enjoy!LinksAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/y9yx23h7 Twitter: @freddziedzic

October 31, 1517: Martin Luther and the Day that Changed the World

In this commemorative year, the Reformation is the subject of movies such as the American Public Television seriesThe Reformation: This Changed Everything, museum exhibits at The Morgan Library and Museum, and the Minneapolis Museum of Art and many other festivals and programs across the country. This book by Martin Marty is a wonderful companion resource for the year.

Martin Marty answers the question: Why is the Reformation relevant today?

Rather than a historical narrative of Reformation events, he explains in this accessible book the issues that led to Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses, their implications for the Church and world . . . and most importantly, how this impacts us devotionally as Christians of any denomination. As one of the world’s preeminent Luther scholars, Martin Marty also explores the concept of repentance as a central theme of the Theses. In a foreword, James Martin, SJ, offers context and a shared vision.

This year began with the joint ecumenical commemoration in Lund, Sweden, on October 31, 2016, attended by Pope Francis and members of the Lutheran World Federation and other Christian churches. Martin Marty explains how this event, and indeed all ecumenical dialogue that has happened over the past few hundred years and will happen in this coming year, represents a change of heart.

Includes the 95 Theses of Martin Luther

"Martin Marty is the most widely respected historian of Christianity in the United States today.  In this little book he with clarity, compassion, and a good dose of common sense shows how Luther's story is meaningful today." —Rev. John O'Malley, S.J., University Professor, Georgetown University

"Martin Marty's attention to October 31, 1517, the day that Martin Luther promulgated his 95 Theses, provides valuable insights for the past, the present, and the future--why Luther's articulation of"repentance" meant so much then, why his commitment to "justification" has now built a bridge for Catholics and Lutherans to work with each other, and why this great event of 500 years ago might herald a hopeful future for Christian believers and all others.  There is an awful lot packed readably into this one small book."
—Mark Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame

"I would not dream of preparing my mind and heart for the celebration of Luther's role in the Reformation without finding out what Martin Marty has to say on the subject. And he says it here  in this wonderful little book. The gifted historian that he is, Marty gives us much solid information. But he also writes eloquently about how best to prepare our souls for the kind of commemoration that also includes some prayers of repentance." —Richard MouwLinkAmazon https://tinyurl.com/y8jy45dt

Healing Ruby: A Novel: Healing Ruby Book 1

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen..."
Ruby Graves, a young girl in Depression-era Alabama, faces the hardships of poverty and loss with as much faith as she can muster. At only thirteen she’s already lost a younger brother, and now faces losing both her father and the boy who’s stealing her heart as well. Armed with her beloved Scriptures, she prays daily for their healing, only to have her tender faith shattered.
Through her pain, she’s able to connect with her long-lost Uncle Asa, whose mere presence at his brother’s funeral brings murmurs of a scandalous past involving her parents and a prominent local pastor. When Ruby discovers that one of Asa’s many secrets is an ability to heal, and that she may be next in line for the “gift,” she vows to find the faith that has eluded her so far--a faith that could mean never losing loved ones again.
But according to her father, faith and doubt can’t reside in the same heart, and doubt is Ruby’s constant companion. As she struggles to find the true meaning of faith, she’s opposed at every turn by the pastor who would see her family destroyed and a community that can’t see deeper than the color of one’s skin. Through her search for a faith that could move mountains and a true understanding of her gift, can Ruby trust in a God that may require the ultimate sacrifice? Jennifer Westall is the author of the beloved Healing Ruby series, an enduring love story spanning the Great Depression and World War II. She's also the author of Love's Providence (2012), a contemporary Christian romance novel that navigates the minefield of dating and temptation. Over her short publishing career, she has moved quite a bit and looks forward to one day settling down with her husband and two boys. She homeschools by day and writes by night, thus explaining those pesky bags under her eyes. Readers can connect with her at jenniferhwestall.com or find her on Facebook.Other LinksAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/yc6e2hgcTwitter: @jwest1122