Into the Fire

Tuesday Tunes . . . at Christmas

 

A beautiful version of O Holy Night with true praise of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

 

Thank you, Jesus, for coming for us. We're still desperate for you. Always were, always will be while on this earth. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Author musings . . .

 

I love this picture, and I've made it my current favorite for posting my writing musings. 

So today I'm thinking about Epilogues. Here is the Webster official first definition of an epilogue: a concluding section that rounds out the design of a literary work.

How do readers perceive them? As a wrap up? As a future summary? As an "eventual" conclusion. By "eventual", I mean epilogues will often give a future picture as in "3 weeks later" or "6 months later" or even "one year later". Sometimes they're used to give the follow-up to a hard ending or an incomplete ending scene providing a more relieving conclusion to the story. 

Should they be short or long? Like a page or two or the length of a chapter? Does it matter? 

Do you have any opinions on Epilogues? 

 

Father, help all of us authors to do justice to the stories we write in every sense of the literary reference. You know who you designed us to be as writers. Keep perfecting us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday's Offerings

 

     Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." 

 

Isaiah 7:13-14 (NIV) 

A Black Friday Special!

   

Email, Message, or Direct Message me if you want this novel in print or for your e-reader, and I'll send it to you OR I'll send you any one of the others. Three of them are for e-readers only. If you're FIRST to email me, etc., you win one free copy of your choice. I'll need a suitable address and/or your email address. Merry Christmas! 

Amazon.com : Nicole Petrino-Salter 

 

Father, bless each one who's taken the time and made the effort to read any of my novels. My prayer is that any reader can get something from you from their pages. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

A Blessed Thanksgiving to You and Yours

                   

Give thanks to the One who gave you life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. "Land of the free because of the brave."

Have a truly blessed Thanksgiving and remember how, in spite of everything dark and dreary, the Light of the Lord still shines on this One Nation Under God. Thank you, Jesus. 

Some thoughts from an author . . .

 

I just finished a novel that I've chosen not to review or reveal the title and author. Having said that, you're probably thinking I hated it or couldn't find enough good things to say about it to warrant a review. It was actually a good story, and certainly not badly written, an interesting mystery with ample suspense. Within the body of the story there was a romantic thread that started out combative but eventually warmed up.

Here's the thing: as a female author I strive to get the male characters in my stories accurate - from their reactions, their thoughts, their words, to who they are as men. I've written many different kinds of protagonists and peripheral or secondary male characters. I've been told by males that I've done a pretty good job with them. 

Which leads me to the novel mentioned above. I could not equate the hero's thoughts with a real man. This character was a former Marine, in law enforcement. But, to me, his "romantic" thoughts about the heroine were too girly. At least, to me. 

Maybe it depends on the type of men a particular author has experienced in life. Of course there are "sensitive" men, even Type-A personalities have feelings, can be tender, but they don't generally think or respond to emotional situations like girls/women. And this character just did not think like a real man in my opinion. I wanted to slap him upside the head a couple of times and yell, "Man up, bud!" Maybe it's just me. 

Anyway, that's why I chose to not review or mention the story. 

 

Father, help all of us authors write the stories the way you want them told, to do our best, to be who you designed us to be. Thank you for it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Tuesday Tunes . . . at Christmas

   

Starting with the best and most beautiful version of this modern classic. It's all here in the song: Jesus is the Reason for the Season. 

 

Thank you, Jesus, for coming to rescue us. To live what we lived and showing us how powerful and wonderful you are. And for leaving us cleansed from all of our vile sins if just accept your sacrifice and turn our lives over to you. Thank you is never enough. You're still rescuing us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

When he's . . . Left to Prey

                                   

When DGSI Adele Sharp and her partner John Renee are called to Spain to investigate two grisly murders with a third cropping up while they're investigating the other two, Adele's mother's brutal murderer who escaped her grasp in Left to Fear turns up in Adele's past locale in the USA. Adele has no knowledge of this and must put him out of her mind while working this case with few clues or commonalities between the victims. 

Fatigue and exhaustion play a role in this investigation as Adele and John try to determine the reason(s) for the three murders while working round the clock. The first murder was a priest and took place within a spiritual commune at the Catholic church on the premises. The second victim was a young woman who was traveling, and the third victim which occurred during their investigation of the other two was a young man staying at a hostel with two friends.

During this time, John is acting suspicious with phone calls and when Adele discovers why, she's angry, shocked, and hurt, but there's no time to resolve the issue because the case demands their attention. With little sleep, disappointing suspects, and pointless interviews, Adele finally finds something she can use and takes off quickly by herself. 

During her discovery, she also learns some things about herself that leave her self-respect absent. It's a self-loathing process in the form of a defiant confession and at its root lies true pain and a real look at her humanity perhaps in its worst form.

When she least expects it, she hears from the Paris police about a shocking matter and quickly realizes after traveling to that precinct that she will be forced to "play" the Spade Killer's "game" his way. 

Blake Pierce's Left to Prey  is an enticing read, leading up to Book 12.

Blake writes fascinating mysteries with unusual and diabolical antagonists. John Renee and Adele Sharp make a great team of likable characters with their own idiosyncracies and demands. The lack of their spiritual understanding is at times a frustration for me.

(Some profanity.) 

 

Father, only you know hearts and souls. Only you can reach out to save those who want forgiveness. Please bless Blake and keep providing stories to add to the abundant collections already done. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Sunday's Offerings

 

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he  has recsued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

 

Colossians 1:10-14 (NIV)

Merry Early Christmas! Part Seven . . .

 

We're going to wrap this up today before it's not so early anymore! 

                           

An Adele Sharp Mystery Series by Blake Pierce is a fascinating tour of Europe via Interpol investigations into heinous murders. Adele Sharp is the daughter of a French mother and a German father - her mother brutally murdered and unsolved, her father a cop. Adele worked for the FBI in America before becoming a liasison to Interpol. She's always hoped to catch her mom's killer and whenever she can she searches for whoever it is. There are 13 novels in this series (the last 2 available for pre-order). You can find the up to date reviews on this blog. Highly recommend this series. (General Market; some profanity)

                       

Authors L. T. Ryan and Brian Shea combine their efforts in creating the almost indestructible character of Rachel Hatch. She's one tough former M. P. until severe burns to her right arm forced her out of the service and created a void in her life. She's compelled to rescue and assist those in need even when the odds are severely stacked against her. She's a compelling character who learned most of what she applies to her missions from her dad who was murdered. These are exciting stories with a unique heroine. (General Market; profanity present) Up to date reviews on this blog. 

                                   

Her primary weapon is an axe, but she can use anything. She's for hire and doesn't ask too many questions. One of the most interesting characters you might ever read. Pictured above is Book 1 in A Ham Novel Series by Dustin Stevens. This can easily be a gift for a man. It's action-oriented, virtually no romance. And again, it's a woman doing all the action. (General Market; profanity present) All of the Ham novels are reviewed on this blog. 

This concludes our Merry Early Christmas Shopping posts. I concede there are some genres missing, but I've given you an eclectic collection of several popular genres to choose from for the avid readers on your Christmas list. Some excellent authors and great stories. Happy Shopping! 

 

Father, please continue to bless the authors who've written some amazing stories with the talent you've given them. May they each seek after you for the things they need the most to do what you've designed for them to do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Throwback Thursday . . . at Christmastime

                   

So many years ago. So innocent. This girl always loved Christmas! 

 

Father, thank you for my blessed childhood, wonderful parents and brother. Best friends and lots of fun days. Horse crazy early and stayed that way. Love you, Lord. Thank you for protecting me even before I knew Jesus. The best gift of all: Jesus. Christmas. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Merry Early Christmas! Part Six . . .

 

Okay. Time for a little romance because we all know there are plenty of those readers. 

                                     

Becky Wade was an accomplished author in the general market before she began her Christian Fiction writing. This was her first effort that preceded many others in the romance genre. I loved this novel, but there are many more irresistible series novels by this lady who "gets" romance. (This is the original cover which I prefer.) 

                                   

This begins a trilogy by Kristen Heitzmann. Secrets and the second novel in the series Unforgotten are the first two books I ever read more than once. These two are my favorites of hers, but there are many more I loved. Like Becky, Kristen does romance right! Her stories are innovative and unique with striking characters. 

                                      

I realize this novel is twice mentioned, but this story captures every aspect of romance. It's a flawless love story with characters you won't ever forget. Francine can do romance in a spectacular way capturing the spiritual need for real love. 

I'm sure you have your favorite romance authors, but these are mine. Once again, I'm going to suggest if you want real romance, try these and/or try mine. 

 

Father, you know our hearts. May we always honor you with our writing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

                                       
 

Tuesday Tunes

     

I confess I never listened much to Lynrd Skynrd except for a couple of their well-known hits such as this one. It's a good one.

(This is the last tune of this kind before we're on to Christmas Songs!) 

 

Father, you know our births and deaths. We have that time in between to find and embrace Jesus. Without Him, we perish. May all of your artists seek Him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Merry Early Christmas! Part Five

 

Today's wide open for genres and potential gift choices. Some readers stick to particular genres. Others are very adventurous and game for almost any genre. Today we're going back in time a little bit to feature some of my favorite reads. Here goes:

                                   

One of my all-time favorite novels. The Masterpiece truly is. 

                                 

This supernatural contemporary novel by Karin Kaufman is an amazing creation. I loved it. And don't forget your Cozy Mystery lovers because Karin has a fabulous series of those. 

                               

Speaking of Cozy Mystery readers, Heather Day Gilbert also has two wonderful series in that genre plus other mystery series. 

                               

If you've never read James Scott Bell's work, you're missing out. The Mike Romeo Series is terrific. Bell is one of the most clever, witty, and innovative authors in the market today. 

                             

We cannot neglect Women's Fiction, and this particular cover pictured above on one of Brenda S. Anderson's collections is one of my all-time favorite covers. It's a good story, but there are many more by this author for your Women's Fiction lovers. 

                               

You want real entertainment and vivid characters, you must read the two novels by Joseph Courtemanche. They're unique and mesmerizing. I loved them both. 

 

Father, please bless these authors with refreshing, new inspirations, and provide all they need to continue the great work they've already done. Please. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday's Offerings

 

An oracle is within my heart

   concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:

There is no fear of God 

   before his eyes.

For in his own eyes he flatters himself

   too much to detect or hate his sin.

The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;

   he has ceased to be wise and to do good.

Even on his bed he plots evil;

   he commits himself to a sinful course

   and does not reject what is wrong.

 

Psalm 36:1-4 (NIV)

Merry Early Christmas! Part Four . . .

 

If you have thriller lovers on your list, we've already covered the Mitch Rapp Series by the late Vince Flynn continued by Kyle Mills in Part 3. There are now 20 novels in the series as of this year. You can't beat it if you love espionage, assassins, politics, and current events. 

But, there are other authors who've given us excellent thrillers for those readers like me, so let's start with Mark Dawson and his John Milton Series. Having recently released his 20th novel in the series, there are plenty to choose from and to keep those readers seeking more. Here's a great place to start:

                       

The Jon Reznick Series is another thriller creation from J.B. Turner. Reznick is unique as are most of those who worked in the elite forces of any kind. Jon doesn't play by the rules but always gets things done with a little "help". He's likable, tough of course, and doesn't play games. You don't want to get in his way. 

                            

Most readers are familiar with Brad Thor's Scot Harvath, and his series, much like Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, keeps in step with, or ahead of, the current situations with the enemies and plots against America. Although all of these series provide stand alone novels within the series, it's far better to start at the beginning of each and move quickly through them. But to do it a little differently this time, I'm going to show you the latest in the Scot Harvath Series:

                           

These are more than enough choices for your thriller readers to start with and binge read through the days of Christmas. 

One warning: in all of the thriller series shown here, there is profanity within the pages. Sometimes very little and sometimes quite a bit more. I know this is a factor for some readers so I wanted to make that clear. 

 

Father, please minister to your authors as only you can do. Keep meeting their specific needs and please keep inspiring them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

                              
 

                        

We Honor You.

                           

       Land of the free because of the brave.

                 Thank you is not enough. 

 

Thank you, Lord, for the warriors, for those who serve your righteousness. Keep them safe and watch over them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Merry Early Christmas! Part Three . . .

Here are some brilliant series novels for those readers on your list who love to see a character continue to find themselves in new and startling venues and adventures, often in danger and sometimes immersed in contemporary dilemmas depicting current chaos. 

 

This is my favorite series by Barbara Ellen Brink, but there are more! Be sure to check them out for the variety of mystery novels. The things your readers will find in Barbara's work are entertaining writing, strong characters, a little snark, some humor, and more serious underlying topics. Great options for gifts. 

                                                 

This is where the amazing Raleigh Harmon Series by Sibella Giorello began, but added to the series are four prequels from Raleigh's youth. You don't want to miss these compelling mysteries with an exceptional female protagonist. You absolutely want to consider these novels for your mystery lovers. 

             

 

Add the continued legacy of the premium and unequaled male protagonist Mitch Rapp created by Vince Flynn and carried on by Kyle Mills in his additions (not shown above) to this incredible espionage series for your thriller readers. 

 

 

 

These two mysteries feature former cop Atticus Priest, now a private investigator who consults with a cop, by the creator of thriller series author Mark Dawson. His other work will be featured in a future post. Atticus Priest is one of the most unique characters in literature today, and his uncanny ability to observe and figure out bizarre circumstances is sure to capture the interest of your mystery lovers. There are more books coming in this series. 

 

Father, you've gifted so many with so much. May each one be thankful for the talents and gifts you've given them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

 

            

                                                 

 

Tuesday Tunes

 

This song captures so many hearts through so many eras. Loneliness is a powerful thing. And wanting to connect on several levels even if it's just for those present moments often drives people to do things they might not plan to do. Particularly poignant in the 60s and 70s for those lost days without a moral compass . . . 

 

Father, only you save us from the things our flesh leans toward. We're always desperate for you whether we know it or not. Thank you for rescuing me from my lost days. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Merry Early Christmas! Part Two . . .

 

Before we get into "series" suggestions, we'll do some random choices in different genres for your reader gift list. 

                             

For the Young Adult genre: I wholeheartedly recommend Gypsy by Shelley M. Headley. This is a wonderful story for horse-crazy girls. I loved this story. 

                      

Chris Fabry is one of the more literary authors in Christian fiction. The Promise of Jesse Woods is an older novel of his, but like most of his books, it lingers. His unique characters and plots touch the soul. I'm not sure where this story or others of his belong genre-wise. I just know they're worth the time it takes to read them. 

                  

This novel with the gorgeous cover tells a wonderful story of its own. I'd probably categorize The Sea Prayers as a gift for your lovers of Women's Fiction. Another touching story by an author who's literally traveled "the seas" and writes from the heart. A very good story from Normandie Fischer. 

                 

Charles Martin always captures the utter depths of emotion in high quality writing. Long Way Gone is just one of the amazing stories from this contemporary author. 

These are just a few of the incredible choices of fine literature waiting to be read by lovers of these genres. Add them to your list of choices for meaningful gifts. 

Merry Early Christmas! 

 

Father, giving is so fun and rewarding, meaningful and fulfilling. May we do it right to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.