Of Secrets and Sorcery (A Prince of Lynvia Book 1) by Chris Solaas

 Middle School is the least of Kyne Goodrum's problems. That is, it would be if he could take his dragon along. When Kyne moves to a sleepy little town in Tennessee, he has no idea the house his family is moving into is 'haunted'. He begins having dreams of a world where dragons live, where magic really works, and for some inexplicable reason, everyone he meets is trying to kill him! He spends each day dealing with bullies and burned-out teachers, and each night running for his life. When's a guy gonna get some sleep? His only friend is a sarcastic dragon who seems to know much more than he's saying. Wounds that Kyne receives in his dreams last into his waking world, and he begins to wonder which world is real... Or are they both?

 

Review:  

 Kyne Goodrum's middle school life is challenging, but it gets even stranger when his family moves to a supposedly haunted house in a quiet Tennessee town. What truly disturbs Kyne are his extraordinary dreams.

Kyne is transported to a dream world where dragons roam and magic is real, but his waking hours are filled with bullies and unenthused teachers.

In his dream world, Kyne's brash dragon companion hides many secrets. Strangely, Kyne suffers injuries that become real when he wakes up, blurring the line between the two worlds.

Author Chris Sollas skillfully combines adventure, suspense, and moral reflection in this gripping middle school mystery. It's a captivating journey that will enthrall both young readers and those young at heart, in the enchantment of storytelling and the wisdom of scriptures. Kyne's shift from an ordinary town to a dragon-filled world is an exciting adventure enriched with moral depth.

Rating

Drugs: There is no mention of drug or alcohol-related content, making it a suitable choice for a young audience. 

Violence: There are components like sword fighting, spears, arrows, and other combat scenarios typical of fantasy genres. These are portrayed in a manner appropriate for the book's target audience, generally pre-teens and young teens, and characterized as wholesome and suitable for young readers, with no emphasis on overtly violent or graphic material. 

Adult content: clean and age-appropriate book for a young audience, with a focus on fantasy and adventure themes rather than adult themes. 

Christian content: The story features scripture with moral reflections, prayer, and faith-inspired themes that may resonate with scripture, allowing readers to draw connections to religious themes without being strictly religious in content.

  Chris Solaas

About the author

Chris Solaas was born in Memphis, TN a half-century ago, the fourth child in a happy Norwegian/Italian family. He began writing stories at the tender age of 8. He was sure he was going to be a science fiction/fantasy novelist.

He graduated from the University of Memphis in Electrical Engineering, and began a career in Computer Programming. Things don't always work out the way you plan...

He still lives in the Greater Memphis area with a wonderful wife, four ADD children, and a bi-eyed snow-white monster dog that eats trees.

Somewhere in this mess, God took hold of him and shook him. Sort of like a terrier with a rat. Or a dad with His son. "What are you doing with the time and talent I gave you?"

"Uhhh... nuffin!" he said brightly.

Since then, he's been making up for lost time, writing songs and books for the glory of the King.

His passion is writing entertaining fantasy and Science Fiction stories with a Christian Worldview for kids like his four greatest fans.

You can visit his Author Website for news, contact information, and other cool stuff at www.lynvia.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Lynvia

Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/bzBlvG

OUT OF THE DARKNESS: Christmas Musical Drama by Rachel Jamerson

 Set in the time of Christ. A first hand report of events surrounding the arrival and earthly life of the promised Messiah. The story line of this presentation, is taken from information available in the Gospels. The events are framed as seen through the eyes of a devout family living in Judah at that time. The Hebrew people embraced many traditions and rituals which were a part of their religious worship. One such ritual was the celebration of the Passover Feast. In scripture, God uses many types and examples to interpret His message to mankind. This presentation uses the events of Passover to provide an understanding of the life and prophecy concerning God’s promised Messiah, the real Passover Lamb. This production can be used in ministry to both adults and children. It may also be presented to individuals who have never heard the gospel, as an evangelism tool. The story covers the birth, life, death, resurrection and return of Christ. And can be used as a musical presentation at Easter and/or Christmas.

 

About the author

I have been writing for twenty-five years. My favorite resource is scripture. A hunger for God’s Word took me to the campus of Precepts International in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There I learned the Inductive Bible Study method, which completely changed the way I view scripture.

I served for five plus years in a local chapter of CONTACT USA. While there I served on the board of directors and as a crisis line specialist. In addition I am certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors in Caring for People God’s Way. I remained an active member until 2005. I am currently retired.

After becoming a Christian, my desire to write and quest for answers were dedicated to understanding God’s message to man. What exactly was He saying and why were there so many different interpretations? As a result, I became an avid student of scripture. My book ‘Spiritual Compass’ contains excerpts from various articles written over the years. It also takes the reader on a simple walk through the Word of God and offers insights derived from the personal journey of others.

I am a widowed grandmother of eight, retired and living in Southwestern Virginia.

Amazon Review

This is a nice little musical drama set in the first century. It tells the story of Christ and there are some very poignant parts depicted in it, especially the scene when the young blind girl, Liora, gets separated from her father. Christ comes to her rescue and cures her of her blindness.

This play would make a great splash in a community theatre or a small playhouse somewhere. Rachel Jamerson does a great job with the dialogue and the play is very well written. I highly recommend this small book for anyone interested in putting together a production that is directed for a Christian audience. Well done!

Content Rating 

Drug: none 

Language: PG 

Violence: Examples in scripture – such as crucifixion 

Adult: none 

Moral: The story of Christ’s life, as seen through the eyes of a devout family in Judah, teaches us that God’s promises are fulfilled through love, sacrifice, and redemption. Just as the Passover Lamb symbolized deliverance in ancient times, Christ, the true Passover Lamb, offers eternal salvation. Through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, we learn that faith in God's plan brings hope and new life to all. This message of love and sacrifice can inspire both believers and those unfamiliar with the Gospel to embrace the power of God's promise.  

Link: Amazon

 

The Secrets She Learns: A Better Late Romance (Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances Book 4) by Jacqueline Diamond

Shocking secrets, unexpected love, a cold-case mystery—and a nosy beagle!

At the age of 50, nurse Anni discovers she has two half sisters, both of whom were hurt by a con man who has disappeared. Determined to bring her new family together and unravel the past, she hires a handsome P.I., and gets more than she bargained for. That includes his newly adopted dog, who isn’t shy about fostering a romance or digging up evidence.

Former police detective Jon, now in business for himself, is frustrated by the one who got away, a swindler who tricked folks including Jon’s own mother out of their savings. His new neighbor, appealingly warm-spirited Anni, is more than the perfect client. She’s also a woman who sends the barriers around his heart crashing to the ground.

 

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond writes romantic comedies, medical romances, Regency romances and mysteries—more than 100 titles!

A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie is known for her Safe Harbor Medical romance and mystery series, her Downhome Doctors series, and her Regency romances. Jackie earned a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.

Her newest exciting venture is the Forgotten Village Magical Mystery series, beginning with A Cat's Garden of Secrets. Other recent works include the Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances series, featuring couples over age 50.

Jackie has been married for more than 40 years and lives in Southern California.

Please visit her Jacqueline Diamond Author page on Facebook. You can learn more about her books and audiobooks at jacquelinediamond dot net, and you can follow Jackie here at Author Central.

Jackie appreciates her readers and hopes you enjoy her books!

Review

The Secrets She Learns is book 4 in Jacqueline Diamond’s romantic series, A Better Late Romance (Sisters, Lovers, and Second Chances). In the previous three books we meet Gavin Everly, a narcissistic misogynist who vanishes from Rancho Allegro without a trace. For four year the police, headed by Jonathan Trimbel, searches for the man for cheating his elderly victims of their life savings. The man has no conscience. He impregnates Anni Leffler’s friend Sara and refuses to admit paternity. On top of that, on his wedding day to her friend Kiri, he seduces the maid of honor, Eden. They get caught, so he marries Eden instead, and the poor woman struggles for years in an abusive marriage.

Anni wants more than anything else for Gavin Everly to be brought to justice. When she realizes her new neighbor is Jon Trimbel, she hires the retired detective turned private eye, to uncover Everly’s whereabouts. She wants to help free her Southern California community of the pain Everly has caused so many people she loves.

Content Rating

Drug use: There are a few references to characters (off-stage) who used drugs or might be vulnerable to drug use.

Language: no swearing

Violence: discussions of past violence including a murder.

Adult: no sex scenes

Moral: exposing sins of the past can be painful, but ultimately lead to healing.

X: @JacqueDiamond

Amazom:https://books2read.com/u/mdA5Nl

When the Sun Sets: A New Day Will Dawn

 

 

It was the aftermath of WWI and the Spanish influenza pandemic, and everyone seemed to be suffering from a loss from one or both. Daisy Malone, after losing her pa who worked at the Willard Estate in Chicago, was invited by her recently widowed Aunt Sally in Kansas to live with her on the farm.

Daisy was a pretty nineteen-year-old who suffered from ‘word blindness’ (dyslexia) that hindered her ability at finding a job with some labeling her as ‘slow’. However, her talents surrounded the ability to fix and repair items taught to her by her pa and the gift of being able to play music by ear.
Upon arriving in Glenbrook, she found her aunt in a disabled state following a fall and nursed her back to health. In the meantime, she soon became involved in the small town while attempting to hide her limitations, wanting to start over again. In doing so, she came upon many other families who also suffered recent misfortune and heartbreak with the need to heal.
In the meantime, their local church reopened again with a new pastor, who was a chaplain during the war. As handsome and charming as he was, all the young ladies flocked around him. However, Daisy knew she didn’t have the qualifications to be a good pastor’s wife. Despite initially attracting prospective beaus, would they maintain an interest once her limitations became known? Would she ever truly be accepted and fit in? Follow Daisy in her adventures to remain safe while attempting to overcome adversity in her search for acceptance and love. (This is a sweet and clean CF novel for all ages to enjoy.)

 

Amazon Review 

In the aftermath of WWI and the Spanish flu, Daisy Malone, a dyslexic yet gifted young woman, moves to her aunt's farm in Kansas. Navigating small-town challenges and nursing her disabled aunt back to health, Daisy's journey unfolds against the backdrop of a reopened local church and a charismatic new pastor.

Despite facing initial hurdles, Daisy's determination to overcome adversity shines through, offering a heartwarming exploration of healing and rebuilding lives after trauma.

Suitable for all ages, When the Sun Sets delivers a positive message of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of love. This beautifully crafted tale is both uplifting and impactful.

 Content:

Drug Content:
PG – None - Alcohol- mafia/prohibition although main character doesn't imbibe but gets caught up in unexpected scenario...
 

Violence:
G – None
 

Language:
G – None
 
Adult Content:
G – None
 
Christian content: Themes of resilience, compassion, community, and acceptance as Daisy Malone, facing challenges such as dyslexia and loss, strives to build a new life and contribute positively to her small town. It underscores the importance of honesty, authenticity, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships amidst adversity and the search for acceptance and love.

Link: https://books2read.com/u/496OWJ