A Portrait of Dawn

"The course of a person's life can be altered in just a day, sometimes in a matter of minutes.

The letter I received in the mail yesterday, carried me back to the day my life took a drastic turn. It began like every other day in my somewhat routine life, but this one ended with my life changed forever. It was sixteen years ago, but I haven't forgotten it. How could I? It will be stored in that one private alcove of my mind. The one reserved for the memories of those early years. Memories I don't want, but hey are mine and must be stored somewhere.

Unlike some people, I know the exact day I became pregnant. It was a Friday. One week before my sixteenth birthday."

What an incredible opening to introduce our reader to A Portrait of Dawn by author B.J. Young. We get the opportunity to journey back to the day when Bethany Braun's life took a dramatic change that would not only alter her life but every single life she would touch because of what happened that day. Beth grew up in an abusive household, not so much for her personally but watching her dad, Larry come home each night, and drink himself into another person she grew to fear. He would take out his bad days on her mother and Beth was forced to watch the horror of her mother being beaten. Even when she confronted her mother later, her mother continued to make excuses for his behavior. Soon Beth found that leaving the house when those times came, was better than sitting back and becoming a witness to what she was incapable of stopping. It was when she met Ryan, a boy from her high school that she found she could confide in. It was when she went looking for love in all the wrong places, that Ryan offered her more than what she needed.

Beth knew that if she told her parents she was pregnant, her dad would literally kill her and her mother. Her brother Joel, had left years ago and they lost contact with him, when her dad abused him for the last time. Beth wished she was able to find her brother so she could run away and deal with her pregnancy away from the abusive household she lived in. Ryan only wanted her to have an abortion, but at the last moment knew this was something she could never do, and never told Ryan. She would have to wait for the opportunity to tell her mother and hopefully between them, they could offer a solution to dealing with her father. But for now, they had to continue along with the same old routine, her father expected every time he went to work. It was how he was able to maintain a level of control that kept them both living in fear of ever hoping things might be different for them.

I received A Portrait of Dawn by author B.J. Young compliments of the author herself and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is a novel that needs to not only be read but shared with teen pregnancy on the rise and abortion at an all time high as the answer to this issue. I think B.J. Young did an exceptional job at enabling the reader to walk in Beth's shoes during every heart-rendering, emotionally-charged situation. I literally cried during so many stages of this book, because I could relate to Beth's situation. I did not make the right choice at that time, and have had to deal with my decision every single day of my life. But God can heal those broken places in our life and give us a new one, one of forgiveness, healing and hope. This is just the example of showing how God can take some of life's greatest painful moments and bring about goodness even though we may not see it for years. This one is truly unforgettable and one that will be remembered long after the final page is turned. For that very reason, this one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I look forward to the sequel which we get a sneak peek at the conclusion of this one, Dawn's new day.  Perhaps the most memorable quotes of the book is one I will leave you with:

"I woke at dawn and watched in awe as God used the sky for His canvas. He began to paint for me a picture of my coming day; it was a parade of resplendent color that took my breath away. Then the fog came and my hope was that tomorrow's dawn would bring new wonder."

I will never look at a sunrise again the same way.

For more information about A Portrait of Dawn, B.J. Young or where you can pick up a copy of this incredible novel today, please click on the links below:

A Portrait of Dawn by B.J. Young

You can follow Brenda Young on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

You can also visit her on her website by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: InspiringVoices (February 8, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1462405053
• ISBN-13: 978-1462405053
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches

Sitting Down with author Billy Coffey!

I've always loved great stories. In part, because they stay with you long after you have finished. Some in fact have embedded themselves in my mind that even now they seem like my own personal memories. Then one day something truly wonderful happened. I came across a blog titled simply, "What I Learned Today" from Billy Coffey. He shared these simple, but relevant true stories that resounded deep inside your soul and once there they have never left. I am thrilled for that because I've gotten the opportunity to watch him live a dream.

He began writing these incredible stories on his blog while waiting for his big break. It has taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears but in the end, Billy is living every writers dream, to see your book published. Not only that but well received, liked, talked about and in demand. 

If you're a firm follower of Billy Coffey, then you already know most of this, but if you have found your way here today, well I'd like to believe God brought you here for a purpose.When Mockingbirds Sing is Billy's third novel. His first, Snow Day, is an amazing novel that chronicles what happens when that inevitable snow day occurs to different people all over a wonderful city. There is truly something to be found for everyone who reads it and everyone definitely has their favorite parts of the book. 

Paper Angels was Billy's second novel debut and chronicles the life of Andy Sommerville, who has been visited throughout his life by one he deems, the Old Man, who instructs him to keep a box of mementos that share special memories of people who have impacted his life. This is where we get to know just what the purpose in the collecting means and how he shares it with a woman named Elizabeth, he believes is a counselor in the hospital. What happens along the way touches you long after you finish the novel. 

Now in When Mockingbirds Sing, by far for me, his best novel yet, we are taken back to the town of Mattingly and we meet the Norcross family who has just moved there from a place simply known by the locals as Away. The story revolves around their nine-year-old daughter Leah who feels isolated partly because of her stutter. She finds solace in her conversations with the Rainbow Man who is only visible to Leah. The story builds as Leah finds herself painting pictures based on instructions from the Rainbow Man who appeal specifically to those she paints them for. It soon draws a line in the sand between the people of Mattingly who believe Leah and those that don't. You'll have to pick this one up to see the climatic ending of just what happens when people can't find explanations for what is going on in their small town. 

Now the fun part. I got to take some time and ask Billy some questions not only about the novel When Mockingbirds Sing but also about life in general. So without further delay, here goes!

1.Where did the idea to introduce mockingbirds to the novel stem from? In other words, why mockingbirds and not another species of bird?

My grandmother loved birds. I remember being just a kid and going to work up the garden with her. She’d start calling birds, one after the other—robins, sparrows, cardinals, anything. She’d whistle and sound just like them, and after a while I’d look up at the telephone line that ran the length of their yard and see it covered with birds. But she loved mockingbirds most of all. She passed on when I was just a boy. But for years after, every summer there would be a mockingbird singing every night in the big maple in our backyard. It just stuck with me, I guess.

2. Will there be another novel coming as a sequel to When Mockingbirds Sing? I know you are working on the companion book to Paper Angels involving the town of Mattingly again, but will there be one that continues the story of some of the characters in When Mockingbirds Sing like Allie, Tom or Ellen Norcross or even the Sheriff Jake since we never quite got to hear about his story of Happy Hollow.

The next novel will focus on Sheriff Jake. The one after that will be Allie’s. I think all the characters but Allie found some sort of closure by the end of When Mockingbirds Sing. That was by design. Allie’s my favorite, so I’m not done with her quite yet. Unfortunately, that also means she’s going to be hurting quite a bit.

3. What do you hope people take away from reading When Mockingbirds Sing?

I think there’s a prevalence in today’s society to fit everything we can into a single tiny box, whether it’s politics or social concerns or religion. That’s one of the main points the story ends up making—life is too full of mystery to be neatly fit into either/or. It’s oftentimes more and/both.

4. What made you decide to take a darker spin to your writing style? There is obviously a darker element that we see at play in this novel with a suspense side that is created when the painting Leah creates begin to have a prophetic vision to them.

I spent my first two books trying to get a feel for writing fiction. Mockingbirds is the result of that. Thomas Nelson gave me the freedom to produce the kind of books I really wanted to write. Mockingbirds really is darker than my other two novels. In some ways, the next one is even darker than Mockingbirds. But you know what? I think real life can be pretty dark as well, and I’m a big believer in the notion that we’re all surrounded by the unseen. So I don’t mind using a little darkness. It makes the light brighter.

5. Do you think the Rainbow Man will be returning in any of your future novels?

You never know. My gut reaction is no. But I’ll qualify that by saying the Rainbow Man was an instance of God stepping into the world for a brief moment, and that’s something you’ll always see in my books.

6. What do you think are the earmarks of a great storyteller?

An ear for dialogue, an eye for setting, and a good dose of honesty. And I think the best stories—the ones that stand the test of time—are those who don’t just tell what happens, but also speak to the deepest parts of us and what it means to be human.

7. How do you stay true to your faith in your novels without going overly religious that might turn some readers off?

I always think of the book of Esther in the Old Testament. God’s never mentioned once in those ten chapters, and yet He’s everywhere—just behind the scenes. That’s what I try to keep in mind when I write.

8. You say you wanted to be a baseball player growing up, have you considered the possibility of writing a book about a baseball player?

Oh, I’m sure sooner or later the subject of baseball will come up in a book. Or two. There are already a couple of ideas floating around.

9. What would the local people around your small town have to say about Billy Coffey?

I’m not sure a lot of them know I write books, or if they do, they don’t much care. I’m just Billy to all of them, and I like that just fine.

10. What is the biggest compliment/reward you’ve received since having your books published?

I think every writer wants to hear from readers who say this story was great or that character was riveting, but the best rewards to me are those who say a book or a blog post has really helped them through a rough time in their lives. That’s what I live for.

So there you have it in a nutshell! I want to personally thank Billy Coffey for taking some time out of his day to answer these questions. If you haven't already done so you can find more about Billy Coffey by visiting his website and while your there you can even get 30% off When Mockingbirds Sing by clicking here.

You can also follow Billy Coffey on Facebook so you don't miss out on any of his novels or short stories.

You can find his latest novel at your favorite book retailer or on Amazon by clicking here.

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 4, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401688217
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688219
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches

When Mockingbirds Sing

The best part of a great book is when you can take a few moments after the final page has been turned, you close your eyes, sigh, and remember just how great a story that was you just read. One that will live long in your soul like a priceless memory. In fact for as far back as I can recall, almost anything that author Billy Coffey has written has lingered in my mind and touched my heart in profound ways. In his latest novel, When Mockingbirds Sing is definitely not like anything I had ever read from him before. This one gripped me from the first chapter and wouldn't let me go. I quite literally couldn't do anything else until I uncovered the magic that was taking place in the small town of Mattingly, Virginia. Think of it like your personal Mayberry of sorts. The kind of town where everyone knows one another, where often times they can rally together for the good of the community. It's also a place where when things can't be explained that people can assume to worst in others. But all that is about to change when one little girl, Leah Norcross came to town and brought the magic with her.

Leah is the only child of Tom and Ellen Norcross. Your average family from the looks on the outside. Tom is a full-time psychologist in town and has cut back his hours to spend more time with his family. Something he promised them before they moved here. But something in Tom's past won't let him go and he'll have to decide where his true priorities lie when no matter what he tries, he can't seem to heal his own daughter, Leah of her ability to stutter. What's even worse is the divide it has been causing in his own marriage to Ellen. They are more like room mates than husband and wife lately and he is struggling to find a way to create bridge to bring his family back together. Will Leah's magic be enough to heal her family as well?

Leah's only goal in life to to have friends, but she has learned long ago that when you are different like she is, people will often go to great lengths to be mean and stay away from you. So she is more than thrilled when the Rainbow Man appears and offers to work with Leah to help what is ailing this small town. The only problem with the Rainbow Man is that no one can see him but Leah. Leah and the Rainbow Man are about to change the lives of the people living in Mattingly like they had never imagined and all those prayers to God are about to point to what Leah can paint in her remarkable pictures handcrafted just for each one of them. What is really going on with Leah and her paintings? Just what is the Rainbow Man? Is he sent from God or somewhere else?

For that answer to the mystery of the magic in Mattingly, you'll have to pick up a copy of When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey. After picking up a copy of this novel, you'll want to carve out a good portion of time to sit back and watch the real storytelling magic of Billy Coffey's writing transport you as a silent observer into the lives of the people in Mattingly. The interesting note I found when I began my own journey is that the voice in the story reminded me of the narrator from the movie Charlotte's Web (1973), Rex Allen, whose gentle and warm voice lulls you into a magical world that only Billy Coffey can create through his words. This is one not to be missed and will change how you see things in the world today. There is magic alive all around us if we are only willing to look for it.

 It's been a true pleasure to review When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and the down to earth author Billy Coffey, himself. I received no monetary compensation for a favorable review on this novel and easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars. I've had the distinguished pleasure of adding so many of Billy Coffey's short stories to my personal library through his novels but also through his blog, What I Learned Today.  Make sure you grab a comfy spot on the porch swing, make a tall glass of some Southern Sweet Tea and prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable journey into the world of Billy Coffey today! To wrap up this novel in one word would simply be "Awesome Sauce!"

For more information about When Mockingbirds Sing, Billy Coffey or where to pick up a copy of this inspirational novel today, please click on the links below:

When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey

You can follow Billy Coffey on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 4, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401688217
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688219
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches 

You can find When Mockingbirds Sing in paperback and eBook Formats at your local book retailer.

Prayers of A Stranger

I'm starting to sense God's presence in all things, especially in the latest books I've been writing and Prayers of A Stranger by one of my favorite authors, Davis Bunn is certainly no exception. In fact I've highlighted more passages that spoke to me personally than I think I ever had in a book before and to me, that means something.

"It's a shame that life does not give us a time free of other worries when we can heal."

In the novel, Prayers of A Stranger, Davis Bunn accomplishes something more than taking the reader along for a great story. He lets the presence of God speak to your own heart, if you are willing to listen and open yourself up to Him. In fact he does this so well, you feel as if the journey is designed especially with you in mind and I personally feel that is God's anointing on this wonderful novel without being heavy handed on religion that would put most people off when reading a Christian book.

Prayers of A Stranger is a story about healing and seeing the good that often accompanies difficult times we can not understand and may not this side of heaven in our walk on Earth. Amanda Vance works at the local hospital as the administrative assistant under a harsh director, Moira Campbell, who makes work a living hell for those working with her. In fact her day starts out like the ordinary but soon turns into something quite unexpected. All the hospital staff seem to be in good spirits and being close to Christmas is not the reason. It seems that Moira is about to be reassigned, and thus the need for the rejoicing of all the hospital staff. It even puts Amanda in better spirits.

She learns the new director will be starting in the coming days and she is advised to take a few weeks off to think about what direction she wants to take her career in. Seems some of the staff think she will return to her former job as a critical care nurse since she was seen waiting just outside the nursery of the critical care infants. But she can't go back to that. Not yet. It's still too soon and the pain is as fresh as the day it happened. The day she lost their only child, before it had a chance at life. This is the reason she stayed as far away as possible and taken the position of working as an administrative assistant. How will she ever move forward.

When Amanda is given a gift of a trip to Israel with her neighbor Emily, who can't take her husband Frank since he is waiting a double hip replacement and can't endure the trip. Rather than having the trip wasted, Emily invites Amanda to see the Holy Land with her. Amanda isn't sure she should go since her husband Chris is still trying to find a way to save his company Avery Electronics from going bankrupt in this tough economy. Yet even Chris knows that Amanda hasn't been the same wife he married since the loss of their child and thinks this might be the answer to restoring her faith and helping to heal her from this loss. Yet neither of them could prepare for what happens when Amanda places a simple prayer into the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. It's truly an inspirational story for cold hearts to make them whole again.

I received Prayers of A Stranger compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review. I have read several of Davis Bunn's books and remain amazed at how many different directions his writing has taken him. This is such a great book to share with those that may be questioning their own walk of faith through tough times. I know for me, it has truly been a huge walk up call and has melted my own hardness of heart and restored my prayer life. Thank you to Davis Bunn for sharing God's message to my own soul. For this reason, I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion, and I am sure that there is something for everyone is this one. It comes at the perfect time for those looking for a bit more than just a really good Christmas story. Perhaps one with just the perfect message in store to speak to your own heart. Are you will to listen and open your heart?

For more information about Prayers of A Stranger, Davis Bunn or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Prayers of A Stranger by Davis Bunn

You can also find Davis Bunn on Facebook to stay up with the latest on all his wonderful books.

You can also visit his website by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (September 11, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849944880
• ISBN-13: 978-0849944888
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches

The River

Every once in awhile you come across a book that really makes a difference in your life. One that makes an impact; one that makes a difference in how you move forward in your life. Such is the case in the inspirational fictional novel from Michael Neale, The River. I first saw an ad for this book and it was highly recommended by some of my favorite authors, one being Andy Andrews, who I have most of his books in my personal library. This one will definitely be joining them.

In the book, The River, it chronicles an encounter Michael Neale had with a mountain hiker he had met in a Denver airport when his plane was delayed. During a conversation, this man, Gabriel Clarke, shared with Michael his life story and in the end, this is the contents of that man's life and how he arrived to their chance encounter at the airport. It is nothing less than awe-inspiring and truly moving. You will not be the same after reading this.

The adventure begins with the love of a river guide, John Clarke, Gabriel's father as they are planning a hiking trip when he was only 5-years-old, but well beyond those years on the inside. Gabriel looked up to his father like most, and truly saw only the hero in his father's eyes. When a tragic circumstance that Gabriel witnesses, his life is forever changed in a way that no one should ever have to face. Now left alone and facing his worst fears as he grows up, Gabriel often retreats inside himself to help cope on his bad days. It takes much encouragement from his mom, to get him to even attend a swimming trip to the local pond, in which one more Gabriel will be left feeling responsible. As the man grows, he knows he must come face to face with the tragedy and fear that has changed him, if he ever expects to be half the man his father knew he could be. It will only take the calling of the River and a return to a place where we must all face our greatest fears.

I received, The River by Michael Neale compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and was captivated by the story. It truly does keep the reader engaged from beginning to end and like most great inspirational books, it leaves you looking at your own life in introspect. Dark times in life are inescapable. They feel like a turn life wasn't supposed to take. It may be grief, shame and illness - financial, relational, or otherwise. We all have those times...it's part of the fabric of being broken people, living in a broken world. The good news is...it is not forever. The beauty and power of this story is not that The River pulled Gabriel out of the dark times forever and ever. It's that The River called to him and joined him in those hurtful dark places, much like God does in our own lives. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this amazing book and see if it doesn't inspire you in your own battles with fear. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information on The River, Michael Neale, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The River by Michael Neale

You can also find Michael Neale on Facebook.

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 18, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401688489
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688486
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1 x 8.3 inches

52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life

"It's full of romance, that old place. I'd like to live in it." ~ Mary, on the night she and George throw rocks and make wishes at the old Granville House.

This is the quote from Chapter 19, titled " Don't look for What is, but for What May Be" in the book, 52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch. In this chapter, the reader is reminded of how vastly different George and Mary view their world; for George at 12 years old working the soda fountain he informs Mary where Coconuts come from, "Tahiti, Fiji Islands, the Coral Sea!" Mary has no idea where they come from, she just wants chocolate ice cream while George wants to go exploring.

But here's the thing about Mary Hatch: She knows what matters. She has keen insight. Imagination. Initiative. Intuition. Perspective. And, when you boil it right down, wisdom. And what it all seems to tell her is this: the grass isn't necessarily greener somewhere else. Why not, instead, take what you have right now, right here, and make the most of it?

We first see that in the soda shop scene. Forget the ice cream. Forget the Fiji Islands. What Mary wants, among other things we can assume, is to grow up and marry George Bailey. It may only be puppy love, but when Mary whispers into George's bad ear, "I'll love you till the day I die," we're witnessing the initiative of a young woman who knows something good when she sees it. Never mind that this model comes with its deficiencies; the kid can't hear out of one ear since he jumped into that icy pond to save his brother. Despite George's weaknesses, Mary sees something special in him. Mary sees potential in things where most see only weaknesses, like God does with us. He doesn't care as much about where we've been as where we are going. About what we look like now as what we might look like in the future. About the defeats of yesterday as what might be our victories of tomorrow. With Him, all things are made new. Even decrepit folks like us." (pg, 74)



This book takes readers back to their favorite Christmas classic and teaches us through the movie, It's a Wonderful Life, how God wants us to learn things through His word to make us better people. I am so excited to share this treasure with you through my review and since there are 52 lessons captured in this book, there is one for each week, but I had to read them all. Such classic lines are quoted to open each of the chapters, and we are taken back to specific clips in the movie to see things we didn't know were there, little nuggets of pure Godly wisdom that when applied can change our perspective on things much like how Mary Hatch views the Granville House that is abandoned and in a state of complete disrepair. George doesn't even want to live in it as a ghost but Mary sees the potential of what good be.

We are reminded that it's far too easy to focus on how bad things look instead of simply changing our perspectives and seeing the greatness that is there instead. Mary's ability to take what life has given her and she makes the most of it. Quite simply, Mary teaches us that the best things in life are simple things that surround us, especially when coupled with our imaginations. Then we can exploit those things for goodness. And with God's help, to make it more than anyone else could have imagined.



I received 52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one to anyone who is a fan of It's A Wonderful Life. There are such amazing things tucked inside this wonderful book, fun movie facts, and life lessons that are bound to keep the Christmas spirit going inside us all year long. I easily rate this as a 5 out of 5 stars and will definitely keep this one near me all year long for reference and a constant reminder of what is good in our lives everyday if we are simply willing to find it.

For more information on this book, the author Bob Welch and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

52 Little Lessons from It's A Wonderful Life by Bob Welch

You can also visit Bob Welch's website by clicking here.

Become a follower of Bob's on Facebook as well.

Unconventional

The greatest and most inspiring achievements are not produced by those who conform to society’s idea of normal, but by those who courageously adopt the unconventional.

That is exactly what James Frost believes. He will strive to not be like the normal but will go for his dreams no matter what anyone else believes he should do instead. James feels his life’s calling is to write, starting with poetry and then on to fantasy novels where he can use his imagination through writing to give people a break from their otherwise mundane lives.

Will James have what it takes to see his dream come fulfilled or will the constant comments from family and friends around him wear him down to the point where he finally accepts their comments and falls into a conventional lifestyle?

In the novel Unconventional by J.J. Hebert, we meet James Frost, an aspiring hopeful writer who currently spends his days writing and working as a janitor. Despite what people say at times, James struggles to maintain a positive attitude and work hard at making his dream come true. Along the way, people judge him not only by his appearance, his current employment position, and even where his future is headed. Instead of not judging a book by it’s cover, it seems apparent at times that’s all most people will do. Will he have the drive to stay on his path towards his dream or will the voices of reason call him back to reality? Will his faith be enough to sustain him in the storms he will weather or will he simply give up and fall in line?

I received Unconventional compliments of J. J. Hebert and Pump Up Your Book for my honest review and believe that anyone who is looking to grab the proverbial brass ring, should read this book and go for it. This book will inspire us all to reach for our dreams once more and who knows what the future holds if we are only willing to try, no matter what. This book rates a full 5 out of 5 stars! This debut book is available in paperback and eReader formats.

For more information about this book, the author and even where to purchase a copy of this book, click on the link below:

Unconventional by J. J. Hebert

You can also find J. J. Herbert on Facebook by clicking here.

Paperback: 332 pages
Publisher: Mindstir Media (July 10, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 098196480X
ISBN-13: 978-0981964805
Price: $14.99 paperback / $2.99 for eBook

A Time To Embrace

Life-changing, miraculous, unbelievable! Not sure if I am using the words to describe my own personal discovery and change or describing the characters that Karen Kingsbury uses in her novel, A Time To Embrace.

John Reynolds stems from a family of football coaches. It's in his blood and each succession of his family grows, he sees wisdom in his father's words that you coach as long as the game remains unchanged. Yet in John's life it will change in many, unexpected ways.

Abby has been his faithful wife for almost 22 years, and just shy of a few weeks ago, her and John were prepared to tell their kids that their marriage was over. Yet when their oldest daughter Nicole announces her engagement, they decide to wait until they get married. Not much will change between them, while they wait.

Like most parents, Chuck Parker dreams of a professional football career for his son Casey. Now that Casey is a senior at Marion High, his only obstacle is the amount of play time the coach is giving his son. Since nothing seems to sway Coach Reynolds, Chuck begins to plan for taking the coach out, weaving lies of deceit to other parents that think maybe Coach Reynolds needs to be replaced. Perhaps his Christian methods of choosing players isn't so godly after all.

When an anonymous letter shows up on the Coach's car, threatening the coach of allowing his football players to drink and participate in street racing, John Reynolds realizes his days of coaching are numbered.

When Nathan Pike, a once well mannered high school student turns Goth and the football players begin to bully him, Coach Reynolds finds a drawing that concerns him. A skull and crossbones with the words, Death to Jocks! on it, he begins to wonder just how serious this threat is.

Yet when a life changing accident happens, it will change the lives of every single person living in the town forever, and nothing will be the same as it was for any of them.

In the novel A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury, we get to witness first hand the very power of God in every single situation presented in her wonderful book. This is the second novel in the Timeless Love Series and through the presentation of a fictional story, Karen Kingsbury weaves a message of hope, commitment, and faith in God that will forever change the way you view God and His message of forgiveness and redemption.

I received this life changing book compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who needs a shot of honest faith and restoration in God, or in saving a troubled relationship. THIS WILL DO IT! Trust me! It worked personally for me! So it comes as no surprise that I would rate this book a life changing 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information on this book, the talented and gifted author Karen Kingsbury, and where to purchase a copy for yourself, click on the title below:

A Time To Embrace by Karen Kingsbury