Thursday, March 27, 2025

"The Way Back to Eden" by Kurt Mahler -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: The Way Back to Eden: Book 2 of the Jaguar Oracle Series

Author: Kurt Mähler

Genre: Magical Realism

Release date: February 28, 2025

A Mystical Journey to Restore the Natural Order as Hope Guides the Way

In the lush wilderness of the Rio Grande Valley, a centuries-old prophecy is about to be fulfilled. The jaguars, once the revered rulers of the animal kingdom, have vanished—until a brave jaguar named Oracle begins a journey to summon the scattered tribes and restore their rightful place.

A captivating quest and an unforgettable journey home.

His quest intersects with young Paco and his extraordinary animal companions—a wise horse named Plod, a storytelling toad called Bog, and a clever raccoon named Patch—as they navigate the mystical landscapes of the Texas-Mexico borderlands and Brazos River bottomlands, a quest that weaves through ancient forests, mysterious towers, and sacred sanctuaries.

Guided by ancient wisdom and the enduring loyalty of his animal friends, Oracle’s epic journey leads him through a world on the brink of upheaval. As greedy developers encroach on the land and threaten the delicate balance of nature, Oracle must navigate a tangled web of human greed, betrayal, and violence to find the missing jaguarundi tribe and unite the warring factions of the animal realm.

The fate of the Valley rests on Oracle recovering lost memories and rediscovering the original harmony between man and beast. From vast Texan ranches to ancient palm forests, from well-ordered zoos to untamed wilderness, The Way Back to Eden weaves together a rich tapestry of cultures, legends, and the immutable power of the natural world.

Blending elements of magical realism, environmental advocacy, and pulse-pounding adventure, this sweeping tale transports readers into a vibrant, unforgettable world where Oracle’s quest is to preserve the ancient balance and the interconnectedness of all living things.

The Way Back to Eden, a deeply satisfying and thought-provoking fantasy epic, is the second installment in the six-volume Jaguar Oracle series. Discover the magic that awaits where ancient wildlife sanctuaries hold secrets, where ghosts and tree house hermits guide lost souls home, and where the path back to Eden might just be hidden in plain sight.

Follow the trail. Find the tree. Change the world.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
I use a Google Sheet called “Timetable of the Tale” to track the days and the nightly astronomical
patterns as shown by an app called Starry Night Enthusiast 8.
I use an internally hyperlinked Google Doc called “Faithfulness to the Tale” to remind myself of what
the characters intend to do later on; notes regarding style; and details about the plot. Along with this
Google Doc are the documents, “Characters,” “Animal Library,” and “Plant Library,” which help me
refine the accuracy, beauty, and unfolding of the tale.

2. What is your writing space like?
I sit at a solid wood desk with no drawers facing southeast. Two Gothic-arch windows are above it,
one of which has a perch for birds who feed on seeds just below the sill. Under a brass reading lamp is
an icon of the Holy Family, and with this my daytimer, called a Full Focus Planner, which I highly
recommend.
A toy raccoon “reminds” me to take courage and write. (The Jaguar Oracle series features a raccoon
named Patch.) And there is a desk fan, for it is quite hot where I live in Arabia. A plant sits beside the
desk whose leaves curve over the corner thereof. A map of the tale—which appears in the book—is
also before me, along with silhouettes of the four main cats: jaguar, ocelot, bobcat, and jaguarundi.

3. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
The idea for The Way Back to Eden and the whole Jaguar Oracle series came from a black-and-white
photo and a question.
The photo, dated January 1946, is of farmers and ranchers displaying what they believed to be the last
jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, which they had hunted down and killed. I saw it in a book
called El Valle: The Rio Grande River Delta by Seth Patterson.
A few hours after seeing this photo, during a time of prayer about some troublesome matter I no
longer remember, the question dropped into me: “What if a jaguar returned to the Rio Grande
Valley?”
In The Way Back to Eden, in the chapter called “The Photo,” a main human character sees the photo
in that book, and, as a result, is inspired in a dream that night.

4. What is your work schedule/routine when you write?
Insofar as love and wisdom allow, mornings are devoted to writing. I write pre-dawn for an hour or so,
then, after breakfast and morning chores, I write another two to four hours.
Afternoons and evenings tend to be devoted to everything else, i.e., matters that do not require the
generating of creative content and the solitude that lends itself to that endeavor.

5. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
A leading human character in my animal tale is named Travis Menefee III. He is named after a signer
of the Texas Declaration of Independence. I learned of this name from a friend of mine who bears it as
his middle name.
The main character in the Jaguar Oracle is a jaguar who, apparently, has spent time with a lion a lot
like Aslan. In Book 2, The Way Back to Eden, there is a hermit based on a long lost relative of mine,
and there is a cartel operative who is based on Cesar Romero, a Hollywood actor known for his role in
the original Batman TV series.
In the audiobook, narrator Zach Lazar Hoffman bases the voice of the jaguar on that of Liam Neeson,
and he bases the voice Patch raccoon on that of Tom Hanks.

About the Author

Kurt writes in the prophetic and poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation and the cultures of the nations. Guiding sources for his works include the Hebrew prophets, the Desert Fathers, Dante, Milton, George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, and Tolkien.

Kurt and his wife, Karen, married since 1993, raised five children in Afghanistan and have spent more than twenty years in forty nations as encouragers in the Christian faith. Their travels led to the discovery of the beauty and wisdom of storytelling. Their roots include the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Valley, and Heart of Texas.

Kurt writes to give readers courage for their faith journeys, as he believes that no disappointment, however profound, should prevent you from completing it.

More from Kurt

The Way Back to Eden expands the Jaguar Oracle epic into a full-fledged human drama alongside the animal one. Who among the animals do you enjoy? Who among the humans do you identify with? A clue to courage for your calling lies in that intersection.

Brazos Ben is based on a relative who built a three-story treehouse with running water and electricity. Just like we find in the story, he did so on sixty acres of bottomland beside a river, where he let most of his property go wild. It contained an old pecan orchard and an abandoned cabin.

Papá Eli, a member of the old-school “gentleman mafia” of Mexico, is based on the actor Cesar Romero.

Every plant, animal, moon phase, and constellation are the work of much research. I use an astronomy app called Starry Night Enthusiast 8, which I learned of from reading the profound scholarly work called The Great Christ Comet by Colin Nicholl, who used this app as a key aid in his attempt to determine the nature and trajectory of the Star of Bethlehem.

While the animal characters are on a journey to “remember their names”—what Adam spoke when he named them—the human characters are on a quest to get “back to Eden.” High-tech rancher Tripp is leveraging money. The hermit Brazos Ben is letting his land go wild. Papá Eli is creating a glass arboretum where he hopes to retire alongside the jaguar. Chase the zoologist is in touch with the omens of creation.

But the jaguar Oracle is on a deeper journey. He is trapped in a “mangarden” far from the Rio Grande Valley. He will need more than mere strength and skill to escape and return; he will need weakness and suffering. Can he drink the cup? Can he return to the Valley and restore the cats to their leadership (the ocelot, the bobcat, and the lost jaguarundi)? Can he bring the animal kingdom into a “final spring in their twilight days this side of Eden”?

Read and discover. Perhaps it will inspire you to drink the cup heaven has offered you, too. His grace is sufficient. His power rests in our weakness. His blood is enough. This is our way back to Eden.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, March 21 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Blossoms and Blessings, March 27 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, March 28 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, March 29 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, March 30

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 31 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain , April 1 (Author Interview)

Blogging with Carol, April 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a high-resolution digital map of the entire six-book tale, a high-resolution cover, and an audiobook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54180

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

"Intentional Fires" by Rebecca McLafferty -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Intentional Fires (Book Two in the Sunrise Crik Series)

Author: Rebecca McLafferty

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 10, 2024

A widowed Christmas tree farm owner and her fiancé, a forest service special agent, deal with fires, thefts, and a 90-year family feud—stretching them to the snapping point.

After experiencing an attack, theft, and arson on the family Christmas tree farm, newly engaged Toni Stevens searches for those responsible, including disputed historic records. With two boys and a mother to support, the pressure is on her to increase profitability of the tree farm. Who is trying to ruin her? Can she put a stop to the generational feud?

Toni’s fiancé, U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan is hunting down a potential arsonist turned murderer. His rugged paths uncover Montana drug runners, feudal secrets—and a host of emotions that were buried alive.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I’m definitely a hybrid! I’ve learned over the years to outline—even though I
resisted terribly at first. I’ve hopped down more bunny trails than the
Energizer Bunny! While writing scenes that were fun, I ended up with lots of
unused material.
In recent years, my husband and I do a lot of brainstorming together,
especially with plotting. He comes up with creative ideas that I would never
think of. That’s his military and recreation director backgrounds.
I buy a large three-fold presentation board and set it on an easel in front of
my desk. It keeps my characters’ faces in front of me. I pin up important
building photos and blueprints, and regional maps.
In a binder, I place printouts of character types and personal characteristics
(everything from ages and likes/dislikes to eye color). That keeps me
focused (like a plotter), organized and on track.
I love my characters to free reign—to an extent—but I need to keep the
story plot and goals in mind.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
My favorite part of writing is absolutely contrary to what I just said about
outlining. ��
Every time I sit down to write, I pray over my keyboard, computer, and the
whole process. Getting stories that show God’s love, forgiveness, and
salvation, to people who will read them is my ultimate purpose. Each book
has themes which are relayed through circumstances, such as hardships
or problems (like a 90-year feud).
When I’m writing, a character’s dialogue may go in a direction that I never
expected. I’ve actually sat up straight and asked, “What are you doing?” or
exclaimed, “Oh, that’s so good!” In those moments, I feel God’s hand not
only bringing my characters to life, but meshing scenes in such a way that I
couldn’t have expected. It shouldn’t surprise me, but it always leaves me in
awe. I’m writing these stories for God, and He likes to surprise me now and
then.
So, I’m a plotter most of the time, with a penchant for pantsering.

3. When did you become a writer?
I’ve been a voracious reader since a young age. In elementary school, we
received Scholastic book order forms. Those were the best days of the
whole school year! My family lived very modestly, but I was allowed to
choose two or three books with each order. Those were the best books!
The more I read, it came naturally that I wanted to write.
In the 60s, a history class assignment charged us to enter a “Voice of
Democracy” contest sponsored by the VFW. We wrote papers on a
corresponding topic. As a winner, I read my speech on the radio. My dad
listened to it while he was working—that was a pretty big deal! And, for me,
it was the beginning of something bigger.
Christmas came shortly after that. I received a red typewriter that typed all
capital letters. I was off and running. I wrote letters and stories, anything
that gave me reason to type. In high school, I became editor of The Spirit.
Writing was in my blood! I read the Little House books by Laura Ingalls
Wilder, and later series’ by Janette Oke. I wanted to write like they did.
My husband’s military career led us to move a lot. I took college courses
here and there. Unfortunately, quarter-hour credits spread over many years
were barely transferrable.
So—last year, in July 2023, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in English and
Creative Writing from Liberty University (online), cum laude. Liberty’s motto
is, “Training Champions for Christ.” When I received my diploma, I felt like I
was finally qualified to be an author. Since then, I’ve written a lot and done
considerable freelance editing.

4. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
During my youth, my parents owned a resort on a lake, and later a small
mom-and-pop motel. Watching and meeting some of the people, and
(overhearing) their stories lend themselves to unlimited plots. My parents’
strict work ethic was instilled in me, as well as some of my characters.
During our military life, we moved a lot. Consequently, I changed jobs a lot.
When I retired, some of the jobs I’d held include Human Resources
(personnel); Legal Secretary (legal); Executive Secretary to a City Manager
and City Assessor (politics and real estate); Police Department Secretary
(policemen, the process, and criminals); and Confidential Secretary to a
Superintendent of Schools (education/politics). Great story ideas!
In Germany, I became a certified cake decorator. Later, I taught Basic and
Intermediate Cake Decorating, and classes on baking breads. It’s no
surprise that recipes and a passion for baking resonate through my stories.
And . . . for 9 years, my husband and I owned a farm. We grew crops and
planted Christmas trees. We owned alpacas and a plethora of farm
animals. I operated a country store, located in the barn. (Christmas-All-
Year-Long was my favorite corner of the store.) We hosted many free fun-
filled community events. Great story material.
And . . . in a conference center that adjoined the barn, I held annual
Christian Writers Conferences. The participants loved looking up and
seeing alpacas watching them.
I wondered why God blessed me with such an assortment of jobs. He was
preparing me to write!
We also love Montana, and created our part-real/part-fiction book setting.
Story ideas abound everywhere!

5. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
On the front of a favorite tee-shirt, it states, “Be careful or you’ll end up in
my novel.” How true! ��
I’m always looking for quirky characters or characteristics, and intriguing
stories. Somebody might make a comment which will trigger a “what if” or
“how?”
Sometimes, a famous actor or actress will inspire a character: how they
speak or look, or perhaps their relationship with a spouse or co-worker.
In my novels, situations and characters were inspired in real life, as well as
movies or books.
I always love hearing from readers. They can email me at
mclaffertyenterprises@gmail.com or visit our website at
https://www.mclaffertyenterprises.com/author-rebecca.
Thank you so much for graciously offering this interview. It was a pleasure!
Rebecca McLafferty

About the Author

Wisconsin resident Rebecca McLafferty began her writing career by co-creating a writers’ group and hosting writing conferences on her alpaca farm. Married for 51 years, mother of two, grandmother to five, and an Aussiedoodle mom, Rebecca cherishes writing, reading, and fellowshipping. Author of Intentional Fires, Intentional Heirs, and Devotions for Country Living: Prayer-Enriched Fields, she loves getting to know readers

More from Rebecca

There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is.” Rebecca McLafferty totally agrees!

Rebecca is the author of the Sunrise Crik Series, which consists of action-packed romantic suspense novels set in current-day Montana. She and her husband have vacationed and explored the Livingston to Bozeman area where this series takes place. The town of Woodridge is fictious, but a number of area establishments mentioned within her stories are real.

The phrase “The Big Sky” was coined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author A.B. Guthrie in his 1947 novel of that name. In addition to the obvious vision of unobstructed sky, Big Sky Country—to Rebecca—represents big dreams and big faith. It symbolizes the backbone of Montana!

Are you wondering how Rebecca can authentically write about growing Christmas trees? It’s because she and her husband owned Country Memories Farm in Wisconsin where they raised alpacas, and planted and grew Christmas trees! She also operated Country Memories Mercantile (now downsized to an online store). Their love of educating others evolved into an operation that hosted school, family, and community events. That’s why she loves to interact personally with people from all walks of life!

And are you wondering how Rebecca knows about police department operations—even drug smugglers? She worked for a tourist-town’s police department—a fascinating place to get ideas!

Rebecca admits to having worked dozens of unusual jobs (great discussion material for another time). She wondered why she experienced such diverse occupations before God revealed to her that she needed authenticity for her novel writing. What she hasn’t experienced herself, she has visited or thoroughly researched.

The title, Intentional Fires implies forest fires. That’s obvious. But there are other types of fires that burn intentionally. Internal fires can sustain a 90-year feud and lifetimes of unforgiveness, resentment, and broken dreams. Do you suffer from an internal fire?

Whether you live in Montana or dream of visiting the west . . .
Whether you have an entrepreneurial spirit that wants you to succeed . . .
Whether you want to fall in love, rekindle your faith, or root for an underdog . . .

Come and experience the heartfelt struggles that Montanans fight with all their might to protect.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 23

Stories By Gina, March 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24

Blossoms and Blessings, March 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 26

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 27 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28

A Reader’s Brain, March 29 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Guild Master, March 31

For Him and My Family, April 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 2 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 2

Holly’s Book Corner, April 3

Vicky Sluiter, April 4 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rebecca is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54181

Sunday, March 23, 2025

"Jesus Can . . .Give You Purpose" by Stephanie Reynolds/Christian Writers Collective, LLC -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Jesus Can . . .Give You Purpose (Jesus Can... Book Three)

Author: Stephanie Reynolds/Christian Writers Collective, LLC

Genre: Inspirational, Christian, Self-help

Release date: December 5, 2024

Can Jesus give you purpose?

He most certainly can! You’ll find plenty of proof in the pages of this book. Its 46 testimonies display Jesus’ power to give purpose to people all over the world, whether they were shot and left for dead during a political revolution in Africa or struggling with loneliness and suicidal thoughts in small town America. Jesus Christ brought a unique purpose to every writer featured in this book. And He can do the same for anyone who reads it. We dare you to put Jesus to the test today!

Whether you’re looking for God’s truth yourself or want to share the gospel with family, friends or acquaintances, books from the Jesus Can … series may be the perfect solution.

Give You Purpose is the 3rd volume in this inspirational series published by the Christian Writers Collective, LLC.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

Question: Why did you choose to write nonfiction?
Answer: The Lord made that choice for me when he called me to write what we’ve nicknamed, “the
Christian version of the Chicken Soup for the Soul ® series.” Testimonies of how Jesus came into a
person's life and saved them, are true stories rather than fiction.

Question: Why did you choose to write about this particular topic?
Answer: I have to go back to 2020, during the start-up phase of the Christian Writers Collective, LLC
and Jesus Can™ books to answer that question. We used to have regular zoom meetings with
writers from around the world. One of our most fun and productive meetings was when we
brainstormed titles for our first 8 books. Because everyone's first article in a Jesus Can book is their
salvation testimony, the first book was all testimonies. It is titled, Jesus Can . . . Give You a New Life!
The following year, 2022, we released Book 2, Jesus Can . . . Heal Your Hurts. We recently released
Book 3 of our series, Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose. We are now accepting testimonies for Book 4
of our series, Jesus Can . . . Show You the Truth. You can visit the "Share Your Story" page of our
website, www.christianwriterscollective.com, for more information. Now that we've already used half
of our supply of book titles, we probably need to hold another title brainstorming session!

Question: What types of research do you do?
Answer: Because our books contain authentic Christian testimonies, our research consists primarily
of soul-searching. Personally, I spend a lot of time praying and asking the Lord to show me what He
wants me to write for my next Jesus Can article. I will also study passages from the Bible related to
the topic of the Jesus Can book I'm writing for. This gives me the opportunity to hear directly from the Lord by reading His word.

Question: How long does the researching stage usually take?
Answer: There is an old saying that goes, “A task always expands to occupy that amount of time
made available for it.” That's certainly true in my writing process. If I have a lot of time, it takes a lot of
time. If I'm short on time, I'll use whatever time is available.

Question: What is different about writing nonfiction versus fiction?
Answer: Nonfiction requires the writer to tell the truth creatively, while fiction allows a writer to create
the entire story. I think both require skill that can be increased in proportion to the amount of time
spent practicing the art of writing.

About the Author

The Christian Writers Collective, LLC

Founded in 2020 by Stephanie Reynolds of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the CWC is a growing organization with writers worldwide. Our ultimate goal is to feature 100 members/writers in each Jesus Can book and to publish 10-12 books each year, equivalent to the publication pace of the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul® series. We want to reach millions each year with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray that you’ll join this fast-growing moment as a reader, a writer, or by giving Jesus Can books to others. Thanks in advance for your participation!

More from Stephanie

Hi, my name is Stephanie Reynolds. I am the founder of the Christian Writers Collective, LLC, which publishes the Jesus Can book series. I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I’ve lived here most of my life. Like many Baby Boomers and only sisters from a family with three children, I have had the privilege of caring for both of my parents during the last months and/or years of their lives. What an honor it was to be present when my mom received Jesus as her savior just a few months before she passed in 2014. It was the Homegoing of my spiritual mom, Mrs. Naomi Walker, on October 8, 2019, that inspired me to publish Books 1 and 2 of this series on October 8 in 2021 and 2022. That’s because God gave me the courage to share my calling to publish books “to help spread the gospel far and wide,” for the first time at Mrs. Walker’s Homegoing Service. I believe God confirmed His calling by taking Mrs. Walker home to Heaven on October 8, my 61st birthday. I’m excited by the release of Book 3 of our series, Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose.

It was my privilege to care for my dad during the last five years of his life. He went home to Heaven in February 2024. This book is dedicated to him.

The Jesus Can . . . Give A Helping Hand Fund

For every copy that you purchase, a portion of this book’s net profits for two years will be given to an organization or individual that shares our primary mission: To spread the Gospel far and wide.

Our first honoree for this grant was an easy and obvious choice: Literacy & Evangelism International (LEI), located near Atlanta, GA, and staffed by missionaries Bob & Mary Mulloy.

The selection of LEI was easy because 29 of the 46 articles in this book are testimonies from individuals served by or affiliated with LEI. Bob and Mary’s testimonies are counted among the 29.

Atlanta is the ideal location for LEI because it is the home to the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL), the world’s busiest airport. Many of the people arriving at ATL from over 150 nations choose to make metro Atlanta their new home. As evidenced by the writers in Jesus Can Book 3, Bob & Mary have had the opportunity for 16 years to minister to many individuals, including three writers in Book 3 who are victims of violence in Africa, escapees from the killing fields of Cambodia, and a Haitian woman that was buried alive for three days.

It is our prayer that this grant will help them serve the diverse mission field in Atlanta for many more years, for it’s in Jesus’s name that we pray, Amen.

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13

Fiction Book Lover, March 14 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 15 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 15

Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 18

For the Love of Literature, March 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22

Blossoms and Blessings, March 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 24

Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Stephanie is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54171

Friday, March 21, 2025

"Mary the Missionary" by Yvonne M. Morgan -- Epic Book Launch

About the Book

Book Title: Mary the Missionary

Author Name: Yvonne M. Morgan

Genre: Children’s Early Reader

Release Date: February 1, 2025

A Kenya Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing "Jesus Loves the Little Children" in

Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents

learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary

encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new

friends aren't different, and Jesus loves all children.

Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, "Mary the Missionary" teaches

important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different

cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the

unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and

how it transcends all barriers.

Book Excerpt

1. Why is it important for our children to learn about other cultures?

a. Learning about diverse cultures helps children develop empathy, respect,

and understanding, building confidence to navigate our diverse world with

open minds and a strong sense of global citizenship

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Come back after April 3 to get the rest of the links

About the Author

Yvonne M Morgan takes readers of all ages on a journey of faith, hope, and love with

encouraging words. Her captivating storytelling will inspire readers to trust in the Lord and give

them hope. Yvonne’s insightful reflections will resonate with anyone who wants a deeper

relationship with God. Find out more at https://yvonne-morgan.com

Sunday, March 16, 2025

"CAST: 1 Peter 5:7" by Richard Nilsen -- Author Interview

About the Book

Book: CAST: 1 Peter 5:7

Author: Richard Nilsen

Genre: Christian non-fiction

Release date: November 14, 2023

Book: CAST: 1 Peter 5:7

Author: Richard Nilsen

Genre: Christian non-fiction

Release date: November 14, 2023

Discover the profound art of casting your cares to God and surrendering your problems to the Creator of the universe. We are thrilled to introduce you to CAST – 1 Peter 5:7, a life-changing new book from author Richard Nilsen.

Based on the popular verse, “Cast all your cares on God for He cares about you,” CAST offers practical and spiritual guidance on how to overcome worry, fear, anxiety and stress in your life.

You will learn how to trust God with your problems, how to find peace in His presence, and how to experience His love and care for you. CAST is more than just a book, it’s a journey of faith, freedom, and personal transformation. Whether you are facing personal, relational, or global challenges, this book will give you an entirely new perspective on how to cast your cares on the One who can handle them all.

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

1. Why did you choose to write about this particular topic?
However, my goal has always been to help other people by writing about my experiences
and what I learned. I want the reader to learn the skill of casting their cares, all their
cares, to the Lord. There is an art to surrendering your problems to God, and I go into
detail how to do this successfully in CAST.

2. How do you balance writing time with other things?
My main job is managing a website, BreedAdvisor.com, that provides resources for dog
owners. I spent a lot time optimizing and improving that site, so for other tasks, such as
writing, I have to set aside time and be disciplined with my schedule.

3. How long does the researching stage usually take?
Typically, I would have an idea in my head and then start researching that subject
online. Most of the time I would spend about an hour doing research, but of course, that
can vary based on ‘how successful’ my research is!

4. Do you think reading helps you with writing?
Definitely. I was very good in math growing up and won multiple math bees at school.
However, I would be an early “out” in the spelling bees. I read a lot, though, and, over
time, that helped my tremendously with writing, grammar, and spelling.

5. What is different about writing non-fiction vs fiction?
For me, writing non-fiction is so much easier. You are providing information or stating
facts and you have to make it interesting for the readers. Fiction writers, in my opinion,
have a harder job because, in many cases, they are starting from a blank slate. I have
tremendous respect for them!

About the Author

Richard Nilsen is the author of several self-help books in the Christian market, including “The Road to Recovery,” “Sleep Great for Life,” and now “CAST – 1 Peter 5:7.” He lives in Tarpon Springs, Florida with his wife of 25 years and three beautiful daughters.

More from Richard

If you had told me I would write a 168-page book based on one verse in the Holy Bible, I would have said you were crazy. God works in mysterious ways, and I believe He inspired me to write this book, a project that took three years to complete, in order to help others who are struggling.

During the process of battling earth-crushing anxiety and depression, I learned how to cast my cares to the Lord and leave them with Him. The result: He would take care of all my cares and handle my problems for me. What I discovered is that casting your cares is a skill that one has to learn. It is not something that you just do without any practice and without the correct foundation. Learning to cast your cares on God can be a struggle at first, but it is a pathway to a God-fearing and eternal mindset. Once you learn the art of casting your cares to the Creator of the universe, your life will never the same.

I have always felt compelled to help others, and writing has always been for me the best way to convey my thoughts. When my college sweetheart and wife of 4 ½ years died in a tragic accident, I wrote the free grief guide “The Road to Recovery” specifically for the victims of the September 11th tragedy. I later converted that work into an e-book for distribution online and through Amazon. CAST – 1 Peter 5:7 is another book based a difficult time in my life and how God pulled me through.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I promise that discovering how to cast your cares to our Lord is a skill you will not regret learning! Join me on this adventure.