Victoria Simcox's Blog, page 47

Field of Influence

 To change one’s field of influence is to change the course of one’s life.

"I have come to a point. If I move one more step in any direction, I have to acknowledge that I passed serious long ago. I pursue an ever-eluding precursor of death, and I'm never satisfied when I find it. The time I spend in pleasure does not outweigh the chase, and the reasons why I continue in this parody of life baffle me." - U.S. Marine Thurman Casey Shaw


With an honorable discharge and wounds more than surface deep, United States Marine Thurman Casey Shaw leaves one war zone to battle for a half-life existence in another. With a former brother as his only friend in New York, Casey loses himself inside of a world that he can’t escape.

Addiction and desperate times lead him to an unusual proposal; “Once you ingest the contents of this box, you must loosen its hold on your life forever.” Accepting the challenge out of pure hopelessness, Casey has no clue that when he wakes up, his life will change whether he wants it to or not.

“This novel is a step by step walk through of one of the most dangerous places one can be. While filled with strong emotional content, the array of feelings are broad and explained in a way only one who has been there knows and can. As a former prisoner, I was spared by the same grace offered to Casey. Redemption, sacrifice, faith, and love are all core elements found in this work. It begins serious and ends even more intense.
This Marine’s story is written for all who seek answers and my goal is that once read, those answers forge next steps.” - Jenny Reese Clark Jenny Reese Clark  is a living testimony of what true faith in Jesus Christ can bring. As a multiple felon of various drug charges including Unlawful Manufacturing of Methamphetamines, Jenny is no stranger to breaking the rules or suffering their consequences.

In April of 2010, Jenny’s life hit an all-time low as she turned her back on the home burning behind her. As a result of a chemical interaction, the clandestine laboratory that she brought secretly into her sister’s home exploded. As she took off shoeless, she ran as far as she could to escape the consequences. With her sister’s pet dead inside and her relationships destroyed through her own betrayals, Jenny woke up as a Jane Doe on a ventilator in an ICU 24 hours later knowing there was no way to come back from such destruction.

Growing up in a home that offered her as much encouragement as anyone could ask for, the path she chose didn't equal the opportunity given to her. On March 7th 1999, Jenny was in a serious car accident that left her with plates, screws, and in a wheelchair for months. It was then she discovered the benefits opiates could offer her, and within a few short years, she unintentionally claimed the title of full-blown drug addict.

It wasn’t until Jenny went to prison on a 15 year sentence and lost every relationship, possession, and privilege she ever had that she began to honestly understand her true need and dependency upon the Lord. She returned to her roots and picked up her biblical studies where they left off, this time clinging to every word knowing it meant her life or death.
After completing her first Christian fiction novel only a year and a half after her release, in her own words, she shares why she chooses to exploit her past weaknesses before the world.

“I’m not proud of how I’ve obtained the authority to write or speak on the subjects I do, but my incarceration and faith go hand in hand. Until I was still, I couldn't see past myself; once I surrendered my selfish ways, the haze lifted and life began. The many lessons achieved through a consequence so great, is what inspires me to share these stories that carry both warning and hope.”

Jenny’s love and dedication to both the Lord and people is clearly evident in her writing and outreach efforts. To learn more about Jenny and her mission to serve others, visit jennyreeseclark.com.Other LinksAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/y7vnmn6vTwitter:  @jlreeseclark

Passages Across Time

 Can the past help her find her future? CJ has lost her faith in God and in herself after a disastrous broken engagement. Returning to the country home where she grew up, she begins to find peace. She also rediscovers the love of her childhood crush. But an unexpected windfall gives her the opportunity for the adventure she has always dreamed about. While CJ is torn between her desire to travel and her growing love for Sam, she discovers a different treasure — letters written to her by her grandmother and journals written by her great-grandmother. Will she find her own answers in the choices these remarkable women made? Will she succumb to the temptation her new wealth affords? Will she be able to find her faith in God again? Bonnie HowellI love writing Christian romance with a twist - adventure and mystery tucked in with stories of finding love and renewing faith. I live on a beautiful river in Oregon, and when I'm not writing, I crochet, design jewelry, bake bread, and walk in the woods. You can find out more on my web page Links Website www.writingontheriver.comAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/yay955ls Twitter: @writingonriver

Becoming a Girl of Grace: A Bible Study for Tween Girls & Their Moms

 Moms and daughters will be empowered to embrace the girls of grace God designed them to be instead of conforming to society's mold of normal. As a mom of two daughters, Catherine understands how unique the mother/daughter bond truly is. A few years ago, she looked tirelessly for a Bible study to share with her tween daughter. Catherine found countless options for children and teens but very few for the tween age group--and none of these options were designed for moms and tween daughters to share together. Recognizing an unfulfilled need, Catherine wrote Becoming a Girl of Grace. Moms and daughters will take a closer look at some of the amazing ladies of the Bible and the character traits they model for modern tween girls. These women of yesterday have a lot to share with the girls of today! Dealing with mean girls and bullies, feeling left out, and learning to like oneself are not new social dilemmas. The Bible is full of examples of strong females who chose to follow God and pursue faith despite what was happening in their world and cultures. Catherine Bird  is an author, speaker and Bible teacher who is passionate about moms and tween girls and loves to encourage each—small and tall—in their own journey of faith. As a mom of two daughters, Catherine understands how unique the mother and daughter bond truly is. The hunger to strengthen this bond and develop a deeper relationship with Christ is what led Catherine to prayerfully pursue ministry with moms and tween girls.

Catherine is the author of Becoming a Girl of Grace: A Bible Study for Tween Girls & their Moms and Building Circles of Grace, A Girl of Grace Study (release date August 2017). Her first two Bible study books help mothers and tween daughters discover God’s truth in a new and engaging way, reinforcing how incredibly applicable the Bible is for their lives today.

Catherine and her family currently live near Austin, Texas, with one loyal Australian Shepherd and the quirkiest chocolate Labrador retriever ever. When Catherine is not at her desk writing, she can often be found in yoga class, scoping out some fun new hiking destination with her family, or jumping on the trampoline with her girls. She also believes whole- heartedly in yoga pants, Taco Tuesday and Texas Aggie football. Catherine holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.  Links  Amazon:https://tinyurl.com/y8wfjff7 Twitter: @catherinefbird

Letting Go: A Small Town Romance

 When Pastor Zackary Lawrence lost his wife and unborn child, he couldn't find the motivation to effectively pastor his church in Oak Mountain, Alabama. Now, six months later, the congregation has dwindled to less than a handful, and the bank forecloses on the building. Desperate, he takes a job at the local hardware store and reluctantly moves in with his parents.

Though Ella Russell has secretly been in love with Zack since high school, her hopes were shredded when he returned from seminary with a wife. Trying to forget the only guy she's ever loved, she throws herself into her profession as a high school counselor.

Can God resurrect Zack's life and allow him to finally discover the woman he's always loved? If Ella entrusts her heart to Zack, will he shatter her hopes once more? An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provided a rich source of information for her novels. In 2013, June's book Give Us This Day was a finalist in EPIC's eBook awards and in 2014 a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards for best first book. Ryan's Father won The Clash of the Titles book of the month for January 2014 and was one of three finalists in the published contemporary fiction category of the 2014 Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest and Awards. Deliver Us was a finalist in COTT's 2014 Laurel Awards. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day, As We Forgive, and Deliver Us, and Hometown Fourth of July. Ryan's Father is available from WhiteFire Publishing. Red and the Wolf, a modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, and For All Eternity are available from Amazon.com and Smashwords. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. LinksAmazon:https://tinyurl.com/ybqmnc2vTwitter: @vjifoster

Bible Characters Through The Ages Book One:: Adam in the Garden

 Two children, great imaginations, a refrigerator box time machine, and Yahweh’s Express is ready to travel. Journey with Daniel and Sarah as they are transported back to Bible times—and meet Adam in the Garden of Eden! What fun to meet Adam and see all the animals. Don’t you wish you could travel back to Bible times too? Jann W Martin was born in Detroit, Michigan. Attended Michigan State University earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education Then Trinity Seminary and commissioned as an Associate in Ministry.
In 2006 Jann received a call from God to write children's books through the eyes of a child. She currently has seven books published with many more to come.
She is also a public speaker and teacher to all ages.Links Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yb6hdmbv Twitter: @JannWMartin

You're the Cream in My Coffee

 YOU'RE THE CREAM IN MY COFFEE, a Christian historical set in 1920s Chicago.  2017 Selah Awards Nominee
Finalist for the 2016 Grace Award

In 1928, Chicago rocks to the rhythm of the Jazz Age, and Prohibition is in full swing. Small-town girl Marjorie Corrigan, visiting the city for the first time, has sworn that coffee's the strongest drink that will pass her lips. But her quiet, orderly life turns topsy-turvy when she spots her high school sweetheart--presumed killed in the Great War--alive and well in a train station. Suddenly everything is up for grabs.

Although the stranger insists he's not who she thinks he is, Marjorie becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. To the dismay of her fiancé and family, she moves to the city and takes a job at a department store so she can spy on him. Meanwhile, the glittering world of her roommate, Dot, begins to look awfully enticing--especially when the object of her obsession seems to be part of that world. Is it really so terrible to bob her hair and shorten her skirt? To visit a speakeasy? Just for a cup of coffee, of course.

But what about her scruples? What about the successful young doctor to whom she's engaged, who keeps begging her to come back home where she belongs? And what, exactly, is going on at the store's loading dock so late at night?

Amid a whirlwind of trials and temptations, Marjorie must make a choice. Will the mystery man prove to be the cream in her coffee--the missing ingredient to the life she yearns for? Or will he leave only bitterness in her heart? Jennifer Lamont Leo sometimes wishes she'd been born in an earlier era. So she does the next best thing: she reads and writes historical fiction. Her debut novel, You're the Cream in My Coffee, was published in September 2016 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. A sequel is in the works, as well as an anthology of 1920s-themed short stories.

She is also the co-author (with Nancy Gher) of Hanover Harvesters, a pictorial history about the former farming region northwest of Chicago, now occupied by the suburbs of Bartlett, Streamwood, and Hanover Park.

Jennifer writes from her home in the mountains of northern Idaho, where she lives with her husband, two cats, and as much wildlife as she can attract. Passionate about history, she volunteers at a local history museum and writes history-themed articles for regional publications. She is also an editor, marketing copywriter, playwright, and blogger. Links Amazon:https://tinyurl.com/y9d3hpqzTwitter:@JennLamontLeo

Demons Cannot Stand

 Jane was a college student from America. She had a seemingly normal life or so she thought? Then one day while doing research, Jane discovered the country of Bolok and found something that she wanted to change. Her friends warned her to stay out of it, and that it was too dangerous. Jane knew if she did this she would be leaving behind the only world she had ever known. She had to decide if her desire to change the world was bigger than her wishes of staying. Jane knew of the evil in the world for she could see in the spirit realm. She had seen the battles between good and evil. Her mission was to stand up for God and show the world the truth. What she didn't know was that standing up for God could cost her life. Would she be able to overcome this battle? Would she be able to overcome the darkness and succeed, or would the darkness take her into a world she could not escape from? Lynelle Skaggsis the author of Demons Cannot Stand which is Christian Fiction! This book is a trilogy and I'm currently working on part two and three. I love to write and I also write a lot of poetry which is a healing therapy for me. I love to meet new people and my goal is to travel the world and show the love of God. I do not like the term religious because I believe it can take away from the true love of God! I love being by the ocean and the peace of it!LinksAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/ydh664mbTwitter: @Skaggsl2017

Anticipation

 Cassie Smith wasn't expecting to fall in love with her best friend, Mark Santos, or the emotional turmoil she encounters in the relationship. But, this newfound love has her questioning the only commitments she's ever made: to God and to leaving her hometown. Will she change her mind and stay with Mark? Or will she risk everything she's ever known and loved to continue with her original plan? FREE Bible Study Guide that corresponds with book is available via website www.sdthomas.net S.D. Thomas has a B.A. in Journalism from Penn State University, and has always enjoyed creative writing. It wasn’t until after heartbreak that she accepted God’s calling and began writing according to His Word. She’s the co-founder of Coffee With Christ, a bi-monthly blog regarding topics and stories from the Bible. She is an avid reader, coffee enthusiast and studies her Bible daily, doing her best to live her life as a disciple of Christ. She lives with her husband and their fur baby in West Virginia.LinksAmazon:  https://tinyurl.com/yaftpojl Twitter: @authorSDThomas

Wrapped in God's Grace: A Life Rediscovered

 The crushing pain of seven years of unanswered prayer for a child.  A miraculous adoption story, followed by unforeseen challenges and heartbreak.
Barbara Bras begins her memoir by sharing God's answer to her prayers and the difficult times that followed.  Although God does not provide an easy fix, the intricacies of God's plans reveal themselves to her, and she relives her life in a new light. 
Bras then recounts the stories of her grandfather Arshag and her grandmother Gulle, survivors of the atrocities of Armenia in 1915.  Arshag, sent to South America for his protection, returns as a soldier of the Armenian Legion to fight for his country.  Gulle is the only member of her family to survive the death march into the desert. Through God's grace they find each other, marry and move to America in 1921. Bras is their first grandchild. 
The final section of the memoir follows Bras as she marries and moves to Hawaii, only to return as a single mother to teach school in a small town.  It is there she finally realizes that God has provided her with protection and direction. Bras discovers that once we truly surrender our will to God, His plan always produces blessings beyond our wildest dreams!
In February 2015, Barbara Bras left the corporate world to pursue her dream of serving God. Unsure of exactly how to do so, she knew that her first step required sharing the amazing ways God blessed her life. 
In March 2015, she attended one of Tom Bird's Writing Seminars and experienced a life-changing event. As she wrote continuously during the three-day seminar, the story of her son's miraculous adoption and the challenging years that followed spilled onto the pages, ultimately leading her to rediscover her very existence. Following her grandparents' remarkable survival and immigration to the US led Bras to tell the rest of her story, concluding with her search for purpose and true love. 
During the months that followed the completion of her memoir, Barbara realized her life's new purpose. Captured by St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Barbara now views her writing first as a tribute to the God who comforts and strengthens us in hardships and trials, and second as her mission to encourage others. Her first novel, released in 2016, seeks to inspire and encourage. 
She calls Scottsdale, Arizona home, but spends as much time as possible visiting family in Wisconsin.
LinksAmazon: https://tinyurl.com/yd3zegrkTwitter: @AuthorBBras 

Whispers of a Faded Dreamer (Dreamshare Book 1)

 A love-starved young woman slips away every night to adventure with dragons, mermaids and even aliens but then she wakes up.In this unusual, Christian sci fi fantasy novel, Cara Peirce wants to help people. She wants love but making connections in real life just isn't something she's good at. Through an unsettling turn of events, Cara finds herself a mostly-willing participant in a bizarre life in which she only feels truly alive in her dreams. Her surreal adventures in other realms seem important, somehow. And, almost every night, she dreams of the same guy - Blaze Saxon. In the end, only whispers remain. But the end is only the beginning. This is the story of a faded dreamer.
I live in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada with my husband and two young daughters. We’re homeschoolers and entrepreneurs. My husband and I make iOS apps and I write stories. Being a writer is magical - spinning nothing into stories - stories that can light the way to a different world.You can connect with me on Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCelesta
Other linksAmazon:  https://tinyurl.com/ya6b3bmg Twitter: @CelestaThiessen