Starfire by Stuart Vaugh Stockton

Starfire

Stuart Vaughn Stockton

Marcher Lord Press

April 2009, 428 pages, $13.99

Get your copy on April 1, 2009!

Vist http://marcherlordpress.com/

Description:

Starfire is a non-Earth, non-human science fiction about Rathe, a member of
a race of talking, machine-using dinosaur people. (No, really.)

Rathe is trying to make his mark in his military unit while concealing
the secret of his quick advancement through the ranks.

The empire he serves is at war with an enemy that is on the brink of
discovering the secret of a lost civilization—a civilization whose Starfire
weapons system will assure victory to whichever side seizes it first.

A mysterious follower of an all but forgotten God warns Rathe not to
use the weapon as he has planned to.

Starfire is one of those books we created Marcher Lord Press to
publish. Because of Stuart’s genre and subject matter, the book is all but
unpublishable at traditional Christian houses. There's not a humanoid in the
bunch, after all.

But it’s terrific and needs to be published. If the regular houses
can’t publish books like this, we thought, let’s create a house that can. Oh,
wait, that’s what we’ve done! :D

Become a Herald of the Starfire

Help get the word out about my upcoming science fiction novel Starfire by becoming a Herald of the Starfire though distributing a flyer, posting banners, and telling all your friends to become Heralds as well! Everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing for some great prizes!

Plus if you sign up for the Marcher Lord Press Newsletter, or refer your friends, you will be entered into a bonus drawing. More Info »

This contest is presented in partnership with Marcher Lord Press, Brandilyn Collins and Jill Williamson.

Contest only valid for residents of the U.S.

This contest ends April 1, 2009 and winners will be notified via e-mail by April 10th.

Here's how you can become a Herald of the Starfire

Between February 1, 2009 and April 1, 2009:

Download and distribute the Starfire flyer below. Post one or more of the Starfire banners on your website, blog, and community page profiles (facebook, myspace, shoutlife, etc.) Then send an e-mail to mailto:contest@ritersbloc.com?subject=Herald telling us how you used the flyer and linking to where you posted the banners.

Also, if you post about Starfire and this contest on your blog/webpage/community site profile, and e-mail mailto:contest@ritersbloc.com?subject=Herald with a link to the post, you will receive another entry!

If Tomorrow Never Comes by Marlo Schalesky

Review:
"Brilliant! Thought provoking! Masterfully woven together! Stunning! Marlo has done it again with another, 'Love story with a twist'. If Tomorrow Never Comes is a great retelling of God's love for us and His power to change our lives. Through young love, married life, infertility, and trageties follow Kinna and Jimmy through their life's story. The ending will stun you and make you want to re-read the novel just to wollow in the brilliance of this story. My favorite part is 'Love believes all things Gen. 1:31', to figure out what this mean read the novel. Marlo is definately an author to keep your eye on and add to your 'most wanted list'. I can't wait for the next novel in this series, Shades of Morning."

~ Caleb Newell, ReviewsPlus+

Book:
If Tomorrow Never Comes

Summary:
Childhood sweethearts Kinna and Jimmy Henley had simple dreams—marriage, children, a house by the sea… Everything they needed for happily ever after. What they didn’t plan on was years of infertility, stealing those dreams, crushing their hopes.

Now, all that’s left is the memory of young love, and the desperate need for a child to erase the pain. Until…

When Kinna rescues an elderly woman from the sea, the threads of the past, present, and future weave together to reveal the wonder of one final hope. One final chance to follow not their dreams, but God’s plan.

Can they embrace the redemptive power of love before it’s too late? Or will their love be washed away like the castles they once built upon the sand?

Cover art:
Author Bio:
Marlo Schalesky is the author of several books, including Beyond the Night and Empty Womb, Aching Heart. A graduate of Stanford University , Marlo also has a masters of theology with an emphasis in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Married over twenty years, she lives with her husband, Bryan, and their five children in California.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601420242

Michal By Jill Eileen Smith

"A great story of redemption, and restoration of the heart. After I was finished reader, I had to force myself back to the 21st Century. A wonderful retelling of King David's first wife, Michal. I can't wait for the second book and I'm thinking it might be about Abigail or Beth-sheba. Great job, Jill, on research and writing this well crafted novel."

~ Caleb Newell, ReviewsPlus+

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Michal
Revell (March 1, 2009)
by
Jill Eileen Smith


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of several articles, poems, and stories, and her unpublished novels have placed in five writing contests in the past five years. A children’s story, which she wrote for her church led her youngest son to faith in Christ several years ago; much like a gospel tract led her to the Lord at a similar age.

That story, “Seeking Treasureland,” is now available. Jill is a member of several online writing groups and helps promote fellow authors’ works through monthly interviews on the "Spotlight" page of her website. She, along with her husband and children, are active members in their local church. A stay-at-home mom, she homeschooled the couple’s three sons for twelve years through high school, seeing them go on to higher education.

In her spare time, Jill teaches piano, reads, does picture scrap-booking, and enjoys trying out new recipes, especially those that include dark chocolate. Jill and her family make their home in Southeastern Lower Michigan.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Can their epic search for true love survive a father's fury?
The daughter of King Saul, Michal lives a life of privilege--but one that is haunted by her father's unpredictable moods and competition from her beautiful older sister.

As a girl, Michal quickly falls for the handsome young harpist David. But soon after their romance begins, David must flee for his life, leaving Michal at her father's mercy in the prison that is King Saul's palace.

Will Michal ever be reunited with David? Or is she doomed to remain separated from him forever?

Against the backdrop of opulent palace life, raging war, and daring desert escapes, Jill Eileen Smith takes you on an emotional journey as Michal deals with love, loss, and personal transformation as the first wife of King David. Jill Eileen Smith has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has gathered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of David's wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Michal, go HERE

Breach of Trust by DiAnna Mills

"A compelling story about Paige Rogers, a small-town libraian, who is actually an ex-CIA agent hidding from a great evil; the soon-to-be Governor of Oklahoma, also the man that sold her out on mission in Angola. As conflict builds, the two come head-to-head in a fight for survival and deception. The first half of the novel builds on the character of Paige and Miles, lacing the thriller with a tinge of romance. The beginning alse builds on the towns people of Split Creek, Keary, and various people that unfold more in the second half. About the midpoint of the book, it explodes into a full out cat-and-mouse game between Paige and Keary, drawing you deeper into the story. The character's are strongly built upon (and unforgettable) , and the story full of suspence, romance, and edge-of -you -seat-action; all coming together to make this one of the best books of 2009. All based on a simple queation, "Can a CIA agent have faith and still be commited to the goverment?". A great depiction of how your past will catch up with you no matter how hard you try to hide it, also "a man reaps what he sows". Pick up this book if you like all the themes, and I promise you the ride will not disappoint."

~Caleb Newell, ReviewsPlus+

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Breach Of Trust
Tyndale House Publishers (February 5, 2009)

by
DiAnn Mills


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Paige Rogers survived every CIA operative’s worst nightmare.

A covert mission gone terribly wrong.

A betrayal by the one man she thought she could trust.

Forced to disappear to protect the lives of her loved ones, Paige has spent the last several years building a quiet life as a small-town librarian. But the day a stranger comes to town and starts asking questions, Paige knows her careful existence has been shattered.

He is coming after her again. And this time, he intends to silence her for good...

Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader—Daniel Keary—whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a librarian in small town Split Creek, Oklahoma.

But her growing relationship with high school football coach Miles Laird and the political ambitions of her former boss threaten to unmask her. When Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won't ruin his bid for office by revealing his past misdeeds. He threatens everything she holds dear, and Paige must choose between the life of hiding that has become her refuge . . . or risking everything in one last, desperate attempt to right old wrongs.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Breach Of Trust, go HERE

Watch the Book Trailer:

Journey to the Well By Diana Wallis Taylor

"This novel take the story of the women at the well, the good Samaritan, and the ten lepers and combines them in a great story concept. As you dread through the pages, you wander how much Marah can take and how much more you can also. I thought at times how I would have just given up, if I were in her shoes. The ending was refreshing as a drink of water to a man wondering in the desert. The descriptions of Jesus was neat to see through a Samaritan's point-of-view. This jewel is a brave leap for a premier author. This book is greatly research and a wonderful telling of the landscape and life of Biblical times. Grand job on this great book, Diana!"

~ Caleb Newell, Reviewsplus+

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Journey To The Well
Revell (March 1, 2009)
by
Diana Wallis Taylor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Diana Wallis Taylor, San Diego resident, is an award-winning Christian author and speaker who shares her personal testimony to women’s groups. The Lord gave Diana a desire to write a book about the woman of Samaria who encountered Jesus at Jacob’s Well. It was at the edge of the well where the woman of Samaria found the living water of Jesus.

A native Californian, Diana Wallis Taylor graduated from San Diego State University. She has had many occupations; elementary and junior high school teacher, bookshop owner, and conference director for a Christian college. A poet since the age of 12, she published a book of poems, Wings Of The Wind, in 1994, now republished with watercolor illustrations in 2006. She has received awards in songwriting and poetry and her writing contributions appear in various books and magazines. The author speaks on the woman at the well in conjunction with her own testimony. She also speaks on A Walk in the Darkness, on her family involvement in the occult and how it affected her life.

Diana lives with her husband Frank in San Diego, California and between them they have six grown children and ten grandchildren. In addition to her speaking and writing, she serves on the board of the San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild and is active in Christian Women’s Fellowship.



ABOUT THE BOOK

She went to the well for water. What she found there would change her life forever.

Marah is a young girl in love with her childhood friend, Jesse. When she is forced to marry an older man, she must abandon her dreams of happiness. At the mercy of men who are often only interested in using her, Marah must fight for survival. Will she ever meet a man who can save her?

The story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well is one of hope, redemption, and a life changed in an instant through a remarkable encounter. Jesus told her "everything she'd ever done," but we are left to wonder at the circumstances that led her life on such a tragic path to begin with. Now from the creative mind of Diana Wallis Taylor comes the full story of the woman at the well.

This well-researched portrayal of a woman's life in the time of Jesus opens a window into a fascinating world. Taylor's rich descriptions of the landscapes, lifestyles, and rituals mesh easily with the emotional and very personal story of one woman who desperately seeks to rise above the difficult circumstances of her life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Journey To The Well, click HERE

The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson

"This book is astonishing! A great portrayal of Christ's love for the world. Some of the quotes throughout the book I will never forget! Follow MM (Mary-Margaret) through the story as she recounts her story. The writing is a broken or choppy (but you learn why throughout the novel) though it's done in a great way, right at a pivotal moment where it keeps you interested. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a great redemption story. The character still stick in my mind as I'm trying to pen the right words for this review, Jude sticks in mine more than anyother character. The words of Jesus stick in mind as well (He makes many appearances in this novel). If the rest of Lisa's books are like this one, I might have to venture into her collection. I would put a word of caution with this book if you are buying it for a younger teen or teenager, the book does have quite a few adult themes. This just depended on your personal preferences though. I must tell you that when I first read the synopsis of this book, I didn't want to read it (you're going to see some irony in this) until I thought about the Jude character mentioned in that synopsis. The cover also caught my attention, this cover is one of the best I've seen. Well, congratulations to Lisa Samson, on a spectacular job."

~ Caleb Newell, ReviewsPlus+

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Passion of Mary Margaret
Thomas Nelson (March 10, 2009)
by
Lisa Samson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Samson is a Christy Award-winning author of 19 books, including the Women of the Faith Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer. Lisa has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks."

Her novel Embrace Me has been named as one of Library Journal's books of the year.

She lives in Lexinton, Kentucky, with her husband and three kids.

She stays busy by writing, volunteering at Kentucky Refugee Ministries, raising children and trying to be supportive of a husband in seminary. (Trying...some days she's downright awful. It's a good thing he's such a fabulous cook!) She can tell you one thing, it's never dull around there.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mary-Margaret accepts a calling that surpasses her wildest dreams . . . and challenges her deep faith.

When Mary-Margaret Danaher met Jude Keller, the lightkeeper's son, she was studying at convent school on a small island in the Chesapeake Bay. Destined for a life as a religious sister, she nevertheless felt a pull toward Jude-rough and tumble, promiscuous Jude.

After sojourning as a medical missions sister in Swaziland, Mary-Margaret returns to the island to prepare for her final vows. Jude, too, returns to the island, dissolute and hardened. Mary-Margaret can hardly believe it when the Spirit tells her she must marry the troubled boy who befriended her all those years ago, forsaking the only life she ever wanted for a man she knows she'll never love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Passion of Mary Margaret , go HERE

The Perfect Stanger and Dinner With A Perfect Stanger

Dinner With A Perfect Stranger By David Gregory:

My Review:

"The perfect combination of theology and fiction. The dinner sets the mood for this perfect conversation. Who wouldn't except a dinner invitation to dine with Jesus of Nazareth? Though the question and the answers be enlighten along with Nick. As you read these novels, you quickly say, "Hey, I've heard that question posed, and wished I had the answers to it" or "Wow, I never thought of it this way." The perfect stranger is a great light reading tool to get knowledge or updated on Biblical Theological truths. Follow Nick on his adventure from disbelief to belief and be amazed. This book is perfect."

~Caleb Newell, ReviewsPlus+

A Day With A Perfect Stranger By David Gregory:

My Review:

"Though the first and second novel do focus on disbelief, this one focuses more on emotional hurt and evil in the world. Follow Nick's wife as she is wondering why her husband went from being a workaholic to churchaholic. Another great theology session with in this book. The only thing different at the end of this book there's a surprise awaiting you."

~Caleb Newell, ReviewsPlus+

Coming Soon: The review for The Perfect Stranger, Another Perfect Stranger, and The Stranger DVD's by Kelly's Filmworks; all of which are based on these two novels.

Also coming soon: Clancey's, another work by Kelly's Filmworks, review; also it's coming soon to theatres!!!

Double Minds By Terri Blackstock

"Don't pass up on reading this excellent novel. I could barily stop reading it, and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking, I wonder what's going to happen next. I only wished the book came with a ablum, to hear some of the song in the book. Though Double Minds is more then a song or a book title. It's a call to find your calling and follow it no matter how hard it gets along the way. While, enjoying this great calling you will also be engolfed in mystery and encounter a small portion of the music industry. If you enjoyed this book, I recommend trying out Eric Wilson's A Shred of Truth, the novel has about the same story line. The only regret that I have is that I haven't picked up a Terri Blackstock book before now! Congratulation on a book well written Terri Blackstock. Thanks for the great adventure and I can't wait to see what Intervention holds!"
~Caleb Newell, ReviewsPlus+

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Double Minds
Zondervan (February 1, 2009)

by
Terri Blackstock


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Blackstock hasn’t always written for the Lord. Just over a decade ago she was an award-winning secular novelist writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Silhouette. With thirty-two titles published and 3.5 million books in print, she found that she was miserable. The compromises she had made in her career had taken their toll on her spiritual life, and she yearned to renew her relationship with Christ.

After much soul-searching and wrestling with God, she finally told the Lord that she would never write another thing that didn’t glorify Him. Thinking she might never be published again, she began planning ways to supplement her income, while she worked on her first idea for a Christian novel.

Because she enjoyed reading suspense novels, she tried weaving a faith message into a fast-paced page-turner with ordinary people in jeopardy. When Christian publishers expressed great interest, she realized that a secondary job would not be necessary. God was paving the way for her to enter the Christian publishing world.

Since that time, she’s sold 2 million Christian novels. She has over thirty Christian titles, many of which have been number one best-sellers. Her latest book, Dawn's Light is part of her popular Restoration Series. True Light, reached number one on the Top 50 of all Christian books the first full month it was in stores. Night Light was the winner of the 2007 Retailer’s Choice Award for General Fiction. Other reader favorites include her Cape Refuge Series, her Newpointe 911 Series, her SunCoast Chronicles Series and her “Seasons” books written with co-author Beverly LaHaye.

Terri is literally a native of nowhere since she was raised in the Air Force, She makes her home in Mississippi. Terri and her husband are the parents of three adult children--a blended family which she considers one more of God's provisions.

Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Struggling to succeed in the Nashville music scene, talented singer/songwriter Parker James finds the competition fierce – even deadly. A young woman’s murder, industry corruption, and a menacing stalker draw Parker into danger and intrigue. Nothing is as it appears, and unraveling the truth challenges everything Parker believes about her talent, her future, and her faith.

The young girl with the Bohemian style was on the floor where she’d fallen, between Parker's computer case and her file cabinet. She wore a long, flowing skirt—lavender, the color of calm—and camel-colored Uggs. She lay on her back, her long, wavy blonde hair matted with blood.

For struggling singer/songwriter Parker James, the music business has just turned deadly. Her desk in the reception area of a busy recording studio has become a crime scene, and Parker finds herself drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems.

Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith.

Double Minds is a double treat—combining a compelling suspense novel with an inside look at the world of the Christian music industry in Nashville. Terri Blackstock grabs readers at page one and keeps them riveted until the final plot twist is untangled.

You can preview a Book Trailer on her site HERE

If you would like to read the first chapter of Double Minds, go HERE