Alaina Stanford's Blog, page 2
July 2, 2014
Twenty-one Year Rule Release!
Book 3 of the Rule Series is out and doing great!
Bash sacrificed everything to save his sisters life, including his freedom. After three years of parole, he's finally ready to start over. When he meets a young ski instructor named Grace, falling in love was the last thing he expected. Bash can see his future in Grace's eyes, but his past won't let him go.
The story continues with the main characters delving deeper into Amy's past as her brother Bash appears on her doorstep. Having spent his teen years in juvy Bash arrives with baggage accompanied by a connection to a drug dealer who causes a heap of trouble. Bash is trying to cut ties with the past and meets a young ski instructor named Grace who is innocent and beautiful. Josh and Beth deal with his ex-wife's issues and learn sharing custody of the kids is not as easy as it seems.
Bash sacrificed everything to save his sisters life, including his freedom. After three years of parole, he's finally ready to start over. When he meets a young ski instructor named Grace, falling in love was the last thing he expected. Bash can see his future in Grace's eyes, but his past won't let him go.
The story continues with the main characters delving deeper into Amy's past as her brother Bash appears on her doorstep. Having spent his teen years in juvy Bash arrives with baggage accompanied by a connection to a drug dealer who causes a heap of trouble. Bash is trying to cut ties with the past and meets a young ski instructor named Grace who is innocent and beautiful. Josh and Beth deal with his ex-wife's issues and learn sharing custody of the kids is not as easy as it seems.
March 19, 2014
Faith
Do you believe your spouse is faithful to your marriage? You do? Well, my friend you have just experienced faith. Faith is defined as 'a firm belief in something for which there is no proof'. You can prove your spouse is being faithful. You can't be with them every moment of every day. You don't know what is in their heart or in their mind. You simply choose to believe they love you enough to remain faithful.
Every human being has experienced faith at some point in their lives. Faith is a choice. Faith is a decision you make with your heart AND your mind. There is nothing more exciting or frightening than taking a leap of faith.
We take leaps of faith every day. We have faith our military will protect us from foreign invaders. We believe our daycare center will keep our child safe. We believe our school district will give our children a good education. We believe the food in our grocery store is safe to eat.
I don't require proof that Jesus is the Son of God, I choose to believe it. I choose to take a leap of faith. Christians believe that choosing Christ as our Savior will grants us access to Heaven and afford us eternal salvation. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross so to give us this salvation.
Do Christians act/behave differently because they are Christians? Just as they are colors in the rainbow, stars in the sky, or pebbles of sand on the beach there are many interpretations of the Bible. So, I will answer this question based on my personal Christian beliefs.
Do I personally believe that being a good person will get me into Heaven? No. Do I believe acts of kindness and obeying the laws of men will assure me a BETTER place in Heaven? No. Do I believe that IF I am NOT a good person I will go to Hell? No. Am I a good person? Yes. Do I obey the laws of man? Yes.
Am I a good person because I'm scared of God's wrath? No. Why? Because I choose to be a good person. Because that's how I want to live my life. Because I believe in a kind, gentle, forgiving God.
Many Christians will state they are trying to live a Christ-like life. Jesus was a kind man who preached of love, kindness and respect for others. Sounds like a nice way to live your life if you ask me. Why would you criticize a person for trying to live like that?
Do all Christians love and respect each other as well as people of other religions, beliefs, race, creed or color? No. Why not? There are Christians wise enough to understand that being judgmental is a horrible way to live your life and do their best to live a life of tollerance and acceptance. However, Christians are human just like anyone else. We are flawed just like anyone else. Christians can make poor choices, just like everyone else. The gift of Free Will affords us the chance to live our lives as we see fit.
Sometimes even a Christian can make the wrong choice.
Are Christians superior? Should Christians force Christianity on everyone else? Should we frown at those who do not believe as we do? Should we turn our backs on non-believers who are suffering or are in need? No. We are all children of God no matter what our beliefs and Christians will reach out to anyone who needs assistance and do what we can to help.
Will we gladly explain our beliefs if asked? Will we defend our beliefs if attacked? Will we pray for salvation for those who choose to deny Christ? I certainly hope so.
So what is the point of all this?
Christians believe in God and Jesus Christ because we have made a conscious choice to do so. We don't require proof and yes, we believe everything written in the Bible.
Christians are flawed human beings just like everyone else. We are not perfect and as such are subject to making mistakes and using poor judgment at times. Christians may or may not choose to act Christ-like not because they are forced to or afraid not to act that way.
Lastly, I don't believe experiencing a tragic event in someone's life will turn them away from God. I've seen many who have found God in those moments of intense pain and sorrow. Guess what? He was waiting by their side to comfort them their entire life.
Every human being has experienced faith at some point in their lives. Faith is a choice. Faith is a decision you make with your heart AND your mind. There is nothing more exciting or frightening than taking a leap of faith.
We take leaps of faith every day. We have faith our military will protect us from foreign invaders. We believe our daycare center will keep our child safe. We believe our school district will give our children a good education. We believe the food in our grocery store is safe to eat.
I don't require proof that Jesus is the Son of God, I choose to believe it. I choose to take a leap of faith. Christians believe that choosing Christ as our Savior will grants us access to Heaven and afford us eternal salvation. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross so to give us this salvation.
Do Christians act/behave differently because they are Christians? Just as they are colors in the rainbow, stars in the sky, or pebbles of sand on the beach there are many interpretations of the Bible. So, I will answer this question based on my personal Christian beliefs.
Do I personally believe that being a good person will get me into Heaven? No. Do I believe acts of kindness and obeying the laws of men will assure me a BETTER place in Heaven? No. Do I believe that IF I am NOT a good person I will go to Hell? No. Am I a good person? Yes. Do I obey the laws of man? Yes.
Am I a good person because I'm scared of God's wrath? No. Why? Because I choose to be a good person. Because that's how I want to live my life. Because I believe in a kind, gentle, forgiving God.
Many Christians will state they are trying to live a Christ-like life. Jesus was a kind man who preached of love, kindness and respect for others. Sounds like a nice way to live your life if you ask me. Why would you criticize a person for trying to live like that?
Do all Christians love and respect each other as well as people of other religions, beliefs, race, creed or color? No. Why not? There are Christians wise enough to understand that being judgmental is a horrible way to live your life and do their best to live a life of tollerance and acceptance. However, Christians are human just like anyone else. We are flawed just like anyone else. Christians can make poor choices, just like everyone else. The gift of Free Will affords us the chance to live our lives as we see fit.
Sometimes even a Christian can make the wrong choice.
Are Christians superior? Should Christians force Christianity on everyone else? Should we frown at those who do not believe as we do? Should we turn our backs on non-believers who are suffering or are in need? No. We are all children of God no matter what our beliefs and Christians will reach out to anyone who needs assistance and do what we can to help.
Will we gladly explain our beliefs if asked? Will we defend our beliefs if attacked? Will we pray for salvation for those who choose to deny Christ? I certainly hope so.
So what is the point of all this?
Christians believe in God and Jesus Christ because we have made a conscious choice to do so. We don't require proof and yes, we believe everything written in the Bible.
Christians are flawed human beings just like everyone else. We are not perfect and as such are subject to making mistakes and using poor judgment at times. Christians may or may not choose to act Christ-like not because they are forced to or afraid not to act that way.
Lastly, I don't believe experiencing a tragic event in someone's life will turn them away from God. I've seen many who have found God in those moments of intense pain and sorrow. Guess what? He was waiting by their side to comfort them their entire life.
March 13, 2014
Giveaway!
I'm giving away two copies of my latest Paranormal Suspense The Light of His Sword!
Excerpt:
“Mommy,” Samantha’s voice trembled when she spoke.
Alyssa reached for her and pulled her near. Samantha’s eyes were wide and full of fear. Time seemed to slow as Alyssa followed her gaze, knowing what she was going to find. Her breath left her as three men walked inside. The first man was tall and thin with graying hair at his temples. It was Walton. He wore the same light gray shirt and black trousers all the elders wore. He stopped just inside the door waiting for the others to come to his side. The second man, Maxwell, was slightly shorter but more muscular with shoulder length mousy brown hair and black eyes. The third, Orson was a very large, stout man with no hair and just enough teeth to chew soft food.
Gabe sat facing Alyssa. He saw the stricken expression on her face and turned to watch the elders walk slowly toward her. Tension filled the air. Samantha slid from the booth to hide under the table. Alyssa forced the image of Walton writhing on top of her from her mind. She wasn’t in the compound now. She was free. He could not take her if she were strong.
Walton stopped at the edge of her table. He glared at her with open disgust. His eyes burned with anger. Alyssa felt a familiar intense fear rising up inside her. She could feel the evil emanating from him. It snaked up her nostrils. It left a metallic taste on her tongue. His very presence seemed to pull all the happiness out of the air.
Maxwell and Orson stood behind Walton as he whispered through clenched teeth, “I thought your first little jaunt would have taught you a lesson.”
Alyssa forced herself to hold his gaze and said, “It taught me everything I needed to know.”
Walton’s smile dripped with fury, “Then you understand the price you must pay.”
A whimper came from under the table as Samantha began to cry. “Make him go away mommy! Make him go away!”
The fear in her daughter’s voice fueled Alyssa’s ire. “Leave us alone.” She said loudly, glancing at Gabe to find he was on his feet and headed their way.
“Are these men bothering you Miss?” Gabe’s voice held a commanding air.
Walton turned his iron gaze on Gabe. He recognized Gabe from the café. He hesitated only a moment as his face screwed into a knot of anger. Walton said in a seething tone, “This woman is my wife, and that is my child. Stay out of it.”
Gabe ignored Walton, his gaze never left Alyssa. It was clear he was waiting for her to respond. She felt a sudden surge of energy rush through her. Gabe’s presence gave her hope.
“I don’t want to go with them.” She said confidently reaching under the table to take hold of Samantha’s arm and pull her gently up onto the seat.
That was all he needed to know. Gabe moved closer, standing nose to nose with Walton. His whisper dripped with venom, “You heard the lady; you can leave now, or I can help you out the door.”
Excerpt:
“Mommy,” Samantha’s voice trembled when she spoke.
Alyssa reached for her and pulled her near. Samantha’s eyes were wide and full of fear. Time seemed to slow as Alyssa followed her gaze, knowing what she was going to find. Her breath left her as three men walked inside. The first man was tall and thin with graying hair at his temples. It was Walton. He wore the same light gray shirt and black trousers all the elders wore. He stopped just inside the door waiting for the others to come to his side. The second man, Maxwell, was slightly shorter but more muscular with shoulder length mousy brown hair and black eyes. The third, Orson was a very large, stout man with no hair and just enough teeth to chew soft food.
Gabe sat facing Alyssa. He saw the stricken expression on her face and turned to watch the elders walk slowly toward her. Tension filled the air. Samantha slid from the booth to hide under the table. Alyssa forced the image of Walton writhing on top of her from her mind. She wasn’t in the compound now. She was free. He could not take her if she were strong.
Walton stopped at the edge of her table. He glared at her with open disgust. His eyes burned with anger. Alyssa felt a familiar intense fear rising up inside her. She could feel the evil emanating from him. It snaked up her nostrils. It left a metallic taste on her tongue. His very presence seemed to pull all the happiness out of the air.
Maxwell and Orson stood behind Walton as he whispered through clenched teeth, “I thought your first little jaunt would have taught you a lesson.”
Alyssa forced herself to hold his gaze and said, “It taught me everything I needed to know.”
Walton’s smile dripped with fury, “Then you understand the price you must pay.”
A whimper came from under the table as Samantha began to cry. “Make him go away mommy! Make him go away!”
The fear in her daughter’s voice fueled Alyssa’s ire. “Leave us alone.” She said loudly, glancing at Gabe to find he was on his feet and headed their way.
“Are these men bothering you Miss?” Gabe’s voice held a commanding air.
Walton turned his iron gaze on Gabe. He recognized Gabe from the café. He hesitated only a moment as his face screwed into a knot of anger. Walton said in a seething tone, “This woman is my wife, and that is my child. Stay out of it.”
Gabe ignored Walton, his gaze never left Alyssa. It was clear he was waiting for her to respond. She felt a sudden surge of energy rush through her. Gabe’s presence gave her hope.
“I don’t want to go with them.” She said confidently reaching under the table to take hold of Samantha’s arm and pull her gently up onto the seat.
That was all he needed to know. Gabe moved closer, standing nose to nose with Walton. His whisper dripped with venom, “You heard the lady; you can leave now, or I can help you out the door.”
March 9, 2014
Hypnotic Journey Book 5!!
A Necromancer's Whisper
Book 5 is in progress. I'm so excited to be writing about my favorite characters again!
Everyone will be back and in a heap of trouble as usual. Cabal, Sarah and Nicole travel to the human realm across the sea in search of Jack who disappeared shortly after his arrival.
Ahmity cautions Sarah her magic will be of no use in the human world. Yet Sarah quickly finds herself facing a powerful necromancer who has discovered the secret to using magic in the human realm.
The renegade trolls return in mass determined to take control of the surface.
Tom must come to terms with his growing attraction to Pony, the shape shifter. Hopper races to alert the troll council of the renegades rise to the surface.
Will Sarah find the secret that will allow her to use her magic to save Jack and the others? Will Hopper convince the troll council to join forces with the elves against the renegades?
Book 5 is in progress. I'm so excited to be writing about my favorite characters again!
Everyone will be back and in a heap of trouble as usual. Cabal, Sarah and Nicole travel to the human realm across the sea in search of Jack who disappeared shortly after his arrival.
Ahmity cautions Sarah her magic will be of no use in the human world. Yet Sarah quickly finds herself facing a powerful necromancer who has discovered the secret to using magic in the human realm.
The renegade trolls return in mass determined to take control of the surface.
Tom must come to terms with his growing attraction to Pony, the shape shifter. Hopper races to alert the troll council of the renegades rise to the surface.
Will Sarah find the secret that will allow her to use her magic to save Jack and the others? Will Hopper convince the troll council to join forces with the elves against the renegades?
February 3, 2014
New Archangel Series!
Hey everyone check out my new Archangel Series. Good vs Evil with a touch of romance and a ton of adventure!
Book 1 is The Light of His Sword about the Archangel Gabriel who helps a young mother escape the clutches of a demon worshipping cult.
Gabriel is the mentor for many other archangel. His power of communication has afforded him a close relationship with mortals that other archangels lack. But has this close relationship opened a door for the enemy?
An archangel hasn't fallen from grace since the Great War when Satan and his followers were cast out of Heaven.
Will Gabriel be the first?
www.authoralainastanford.com
Book 1 is The Light of His Sword about the Archangel Gabriel who helps a young mother escape the clutches of a demon worshipping cult.
Gabriel is the mentor for many other archangel. His power of communication has afforded him a close relationship with mortals that other archangels lack. But has this close relationship opened a door for the enemy?
An archangel hasn't fallen from grace since the Great War when Satan and his followers were cast out of Heaven.
Will Gabriel be the first?
www.authoralainastanford.com
January 11, 2014
New Release!
The Light of His Sword is available!
Archangel vs Demon suspense thriller with a touch of romance.
Demon worship calls for sacrifice. Alyssa takes her little girl and escapes the clutches of the compound leader Walton. She races off into the night determined to keep her daughter from becoming his next victim.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Archangel vs Demon suspense thriller with a touch of romance.
Demon worship calls for sacrifice. Alyssa takes her little girl and escapes the clutches of the compound leader Walton. She races off into the night determined to keep her daughter from becoming his next victim.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
November 6, 2013
Holiday sale on Smashword and Amazon!
All my books have been marked down to $2.99 for the holidays!
Checkout my Website for more info
www.alainastanford.com
Checkout my Website for more info
www.alainastanford.com
October 31, 2013
Seven Year Rule released today!
From The Rule Series, Book 2, Seven Year Rule released Oct 31, 2013.
Beth and Josh befriend a young couple. Whitney and Mason's life was perfect. When Beth explained her Seven Year Theory. They scoffed at the idea of the seventh year of marriage being the make it or break it year for most couples. That theory didn't apply to them. They were the perfect couple. Their brand new house overlooked the lake. Their brand new cars were state of the art. Their careers were taking off at an accelerated rate. Their sex life was incredible. Their lives were exactly the way they intended. Perfect. When Whitney's widower brother-in-law dies, leaving them three small children, their perfect lives are torn apart. Raising children was never part of their plan. Raising children requires sacrifice. Sacrifice they never intended to make. Sacrifice that could bring an end to their perfect way of life. Sacrifice that could bring an end to their perfect marriage. Sacrifice, that if not done correctly could bring an end to a child's life.
Excerpt:
Mason ran swiftly over the rocks and brush that lined the rivers’ edge. ‘This can’t be happening!’ His mind screamed. He scanned the surface of the water. ‘I won’t let it happen.’ Forcing all thoughts of death from his mind, Mason concentrated on his search. His lungs screamed for air, his legs felt like jelly. How long had he been running? How far downstream had he gone? Mason shook his head, it didn't matter and it wasn’t far enough. He would not give up. Death was not going to hurt this family again, not this time.
Beth and Josh befriend a young couple. Whitney and Mason's life was perfect. When Beth explained her Seven Year Theory. They scoffed at the idea of the seventh year of marriage being the make it or break it year for most couples. That theory didn't apply to them. They were the perfect couple. Their brand new house overlooked the lake. Their brand new cars were state of the art. Their careers were taking off at an accelerated rate. Their sex life was incredible. Their lives were exactly the way they intended. Perfect. When Whitney's widower brother-in-law dies, leaving them three small children, their perfect lives are torn apart. Raising children was never part of their plan. Raising children requires sacrifice. Sacrifice they never intended to make. Sacrifice that could bring an end to their perfect way of life. Sacrifice that could bring an end to their perfect marriage. Sacrifice, that if not done correctly could bring an end to a child's life.
Excerpt:
Mason ran swiftly over the rocks and brush that lined the rivers’ edge. ‘This can’t be happening!’ His mind screamed. He scanned the surface of the water. ‘I won’t let it happen.’ Forcing all thoughts of death from his mind, Mason concentrated on his search. His lungs screamed for air, his legs felt like jelly. How long had he been running? How far downstream had he gone? Mason shook his head, it didn't matter and it wasn’t far enough. He would not give up. Death was not going to hurt this family again, not this time.
January 30, 2013
Authors Group
Hey all! I started an authors group:
Ask Alaina Stanford
If anyone wants to ask questions about my books.
Ask Alaina Stanford
If anyone wants to ask questions about my books.
