What Every Christian Should Know About The Jewish People

Matt 23:39 For I say to you, In no way shall you see Me from now on, until you say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Psa. 118:26


This is what Jesus said to the Jews after He had wept over Jerusalem crying out how He desired nothing less than to gather her children under His wings like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But the Sanhedrin was not willing for that to happen. How deeply Jesus desired them to be willing.

I watched a Day of Discovery program in 2009 which had a Messianic Jew featured. He explained that Jews are ingrained with so much of the Old Testament without the benefit of any knowledge of the New Testament. This is one reason why Jews cannot accept Jesus as the Son of God. He explained so much else as well. The Jews have a perception that the Messiah must be perfect and without sin, yet Jesus went to the cross and willingly accepted the sin of the world. This is a huge roadblock to their understanding.

Sheryl Young has written a book called What Every Christian Should Know About The Jewish People. It sounds so fascinating and is on my list of books to read. I am so excited about this book that I am posting this before I read it because I want you to read it, too.

Why is it imperative for every Christian to gain a fresh, love-filled perspective toward the Jewish people today? What makes a person consider him or herself Jewish? And the question usually on every Christian's mind: Do Jewish people really need to be “converted”? In Sheryl Young’s book, “What Every Christian Should Know About the Jewish People,” are answers to these questions and many more! Come discover the key to building bridges between the only two faiths who believe in the one true God.

Even if you don’t know any Jewish people, maybe you've wondered why it's so hard for them to accept the Gospel. Or you want to know how our two religions can work together in these times of renewed anti-Semitism and anti-Christianity. Who better to explain this than a Jewish person who has found Jesus as her Lord and Savior?

When Sheryl's husband gave his life to Jesus, she thought, "How can I, a girl from a Jewish family, be married to a Christian?" She set out to prove the Gospel wrong. But the moment she really studied the Old Testament and dared to compare it with the New, everything changed. She fell in love with “Yeshua,” saw her Jewish heritage with new appreciative eyes, and realized the two could fit perfectly together.

Sheryl has been a “Jewish believer in Jesus” since 1987. She wrote this book for Christians to answer the many questions Christians have asked her over the years about Judaism, the Jewish peoples’ culture, faith, and why Jewish people are hesitant to accept the Gospel message of Christ as their true Messiah.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin

I have just spent a delightful week with Jane and the editors of Bethany House. It is called the Insight Edition. It was with great anticipation that I opened the pages of this book for I had never read it before. I had only watched the movies which lent me great enjoyment. I knew, having read other Austin classics that the novel would be much better than the movies, and Jane (and her story) proved to be a most amiable companion.

What sets this edition apart from any other, except Pride and Prejudice, is the wealth of added information from a Regency historical aspect, tidbits of opinion which evidenced delightful humor, and movie trivia. I even learned there was a S&S under the sea movie which I had heretofore never heard.

Astoundingly, I was somewhat surprised at myself because I truly enjoyed someone else's pain and agony for a change of pace. For fully 30 chapters, Marianne was just as full of passion and sensibility at Willoughby's disgraceful treatment of her as any movie depicted. Elinor was just as full of suppressed passion and sense as the movies depicted her, and of course Mrs. Dashwood was so much more sensible than Mrs. Benton of P&P fame, which made for quite satisfying reading without the frustration of stupidity.

If you do not have a copy of Sense and Sensibility for your library, I suggest you pick up this copy. It is well worth the money and is quite a satisfying read. It is available for purchase here. Also at bookstores.

Jane Austen, daughter of a clergyman, is the beloved author of some of the most acclaimed fiction of all time. Though writing about provincial life in late-18th century England, she captured timeless themes that transcend centuries and languages. Almost as popular today as ever, Austen is undoubtedly the most influential female novelist ever.

A Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

This second in the Acts of Faith Series is truly a work of art. I love everything that T. Davis Bunn has written. He has a flow to his writing that draws the reader in and he paints the imagination with words and phrases which makes it so easy to read. Add his ability to that of Janette Oke's romantic largess and you have a wonderful read. This is well worth the money and it is a keeper.

Even though this is the second novel in the series, you do not feel like you've walked into the middle of a movie or that the story opens in the middle. Almost before you realize it the story of Ananias and Sapphira unfolds.  Peter, James, Stephen, and all the others have cameos and you find yourself smiling because the way they are depicted you think, "Ah, yes. That is how I pictured them."

I found the second one so much better than the first one was. This story runs smoothly like a well-tuned, high performance car. It is fresh and breezy as if you've let the top down and the sun is warmly caressing you as you speed down the storyline. You can purchase it here.

ABOUT the STORY...

In first-century Judea, the followers of the Way have burgeoned into a vibrant, growing community that cannot be ignored. Jerusalem is in turmoil as its religious leaders on one side, and their Roman rulers on the other, conspire to stamp out the fledgling Church. And Abigail, who thought she had finally found home and safety, is caught between the opposing forces.

Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. Ezra, a successful Hebrew merchant and widower with important connections among the Sanhedrin, is looking for a mother for his children. The Roman soldier Linux is fascinated by her winsome charm and possibly could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Will her faith and courage survive a heartbreak beyond comprehension as the followers face a gathering storm of persecution they never could have foreseen?

Mission Possible

Brief Author Bio

Deborah began her journey of creative writing soon after coming to know Jesus as her personal savior in 1989.  She uses her spiritual gifts of encouragement and teaching in her home church.  She also enjoys in-depth bible study in her personal time, and is a small business owner of over twenty years.  Her love of the Holy scripture and bible study are evident in her poetry and literary works.  She and her husband attend Hibernia Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, and reside in Fleming Island, Florida.  Her primary goal is to share her personal testimony with others while bringing hope and practical help through her books.

 Intro

           Mission Possible is a unique book in the Christian marketplace.  It addresses a subject that is often overlooked and misunderstood.  It is a candid look at my struggles and quest to reach my husband for Christ.  I became a believer seven years into our marriage.  It is written as I have lived it, and applies scripture and biblical context to each chapter.   The book has bible study application questions at the end of each section, as well as three self-reflection points to help the reader “digest” what they have read.  Mission Possible was nominated for Christian Small Publisher’s Assoc. Book of the Year Award for 2009.

Mini-Interview

Tell us a little about your background.

  I grew up in a Navy family and moved frequently as a child.  I married my first husband right out of high school.  That marriage ended in divorce four years later. I remarried in 1982 (to my current husband) and we’ll be married 28 years in January 2010.  Seven years into our marriage, I gave my life to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

What inspired you to write this influential book?

 

  I was involved with a local intercessory prayer group at the time, and was prompted by God during prayer to write down what He was conveying to me about my husband and his salvation.  It was quite literally written while inspired, and without much effort on my part.  I just typed on the computer as He led me to bible verses and topics to talk about.  I remember writing down the names of the (7) chapters during prayer time on a tablet - just looking at them afterwards in awe.  It was quite

a moving experience. 

What primary advice do you have for women who are married to "non-believing" husbands?

  I think the most important advice is to have faith in Who God Is and His sovereignty.  We can't "pre-package" our spouse's conversion experience, and God will always do what will bring Him the "most glory".  We also have to remember that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood.  Our spouse (if unsaved) isn't governed by God's Spirit - so we have to release them from that accountability.  We must have faith that rests in God and not in our own understanding, or by sight!

What kinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?

  I have had great reaction to my little book.  Some women love it because it is not lengthy, and they can read it quickly - yet refer back to it over & over again.  One woman emailed me a testimony that she was nearly ready to leave her husband, but after reading the book, felt that God was leading her to give her marriage another try.  That was very humbling and gratifying for me.  I just want to help women see that there is an alternative to being miserable in an unequally yoked marriage.

What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from it?

  I would love readers to discover that God has a plan for each marriage that is in spiritual disunity.  It involves us, but it is always done HIS WAY!  I want readers to know that it is a process that evolves over time, that we must not put Him (God) in a box, but give Him room to move in our spouse's life.  They need to know that because we are not perfect and continue to sin, that satan will harass us (women) and try to influence us to believe that our "mission" is not possible - but with God, all things are possible!

Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

  Just that I know how difficult it is to be married to a spouse who doesn't share your love and devotion to the Lord Jesus.  I, like many of my readers, get frustrated and disillusioned, but I know God has perfect timing and our best interests at heart overall.  He wants our spouses to come to a saving knowledge of Him and embrace a future together that brings glory to Him. 

How can our readers learn more about you and contact you directly?

 

  They can visit my website at www.Godmissionpossible.com or email me at deb@alabasterboxpublishing.com  They can also visit my Blog page at www.Godmissionpossible.blogspot.com.  My book is available on my website at www.Godmissionpossible.com or at www.Amazon.com , and several other online retailers.  I have my book available in (4) different forms:  as a trade paperback, audio book on CD, downloadable MP-3 format, and as an E-Book.

Connecting Peace, Purpose, and Prosperity by Rob Severson

Rob Severson's sage wisdom expressed in this compact book will help others to see how giving up manipulative control, forgiveness, and being others-centered leads to a life full of peace and purpose. (Paraphrase of the first paragraph.)

Severson says in the preface that he wrote this for his children not to tell them how to live their lives, but to pass along the fundamentals of survival. I believe he managed that purpose. Even though this isn't an epic by any stretch of imagination, it is packed with wisdom and examples of how choices we make affect our lives. I wish I'd had this book when I was twenty. I don't know that it would have made a drastic change in my choices and decisions, but learning from other's mistakes as well as successes is so much easier than the hard-knock experience.

This is not an in-your-face Christian book. He doesn't preach at you or beg to to "find Jesus". However, Severson does draw you closer to Biblical principles and this helps you to see how those principles can alter a life when applied to the decision making process.

There are two pages in this book than need to be expanded into a text book for employees and employers. Developing Transferable Skills, in my opinion, has the absolute best advice and is worth the whole cost of this Surviors Guide and Memoir. Managing and improving our skill sets yields an excellent payoff in our ever changing job market. If employers could just recognize that round pegs really do fit into square holes if the square is just a bit broader than the peg. I believe a lot more people would be at work today if employers would broaden the hole that needs to be filled with some creative thinking and application.

This is a keeper and needs to find a place on your bookshelf. To order go to Severson's book page.

Rob Severson has run a successful financial consulting business for more than 18 years. When not working or volunteering, Rob enjoys traveling with his family, playing golf, making new connections, and trying on new hats. He lives with his wife Judy in Deephaven, Minnesota.http://www.robseverson.com/book/

Setting the record straight

In the comments section of the post below this one, there is an exchange with Andi. (By the way, she has an excellent blog on divorce and healing). It is a very worthy point and I wanted to bring it out in the open.


Andi said...

Gina,

I find it interesting when you review a book that you have such negative things to say about the writing yet I don't see your book(s) being published and being toured. Maybe you need to tender your reviews with a little more grace. Just a thought.

~Andi

I take this criticism to heart. Andi is correct to chide me on the negative things I have to say about some Christian writings. However I am just one voice.

Gina Burgess said...
Just to set the record straight, Andi, I haven't really tried to get anything published. I have not had that 100th rejection, only 2.

However, I owned just less than 1,500 books and read twice as many more. I don't know any author as prolific a writer and I am a reader. I do know what works and what doesn't work. I do know what is good writing and what is poor editing.
I realize I am very opinionated when it comes to Christian fiction and that is because a Christian author should strive harder, longer and deeper than any secular writer to get the message out in such a way that unbelievers would want to read because of the literary value of the work, if not because they are searching for something they do not have.
These days publishers crank out 10,000 titles a year and each book is counted a success if it sells 15,000 copies! That barely pays for the printing costs with hardly anything for the author. My standards are not too high, they are too low and that means the editors and publishers are pouring out crappy product.
I want something not only CLEAN to read but something that is really GOOD to read. I know there is a great deal of talent out there that hasn't had the chance to be published and it is truly irksome that someone who is published several times over gets lazy in their work because they "have so much on their plate" they need to have someone help them write the book as in the case of Ms Walker. It is especially irksome when Ms Walker has written some excellent stories. I feel cheated, frankly.

Actually, to set the record even staighter, I have had more than 145 articles published on the internet (LiveAsIf.org), more than 100 feaures published in newspapers, and two articles picked up by Associated Press for national distribution. One article picked up by the National Social Workers Association and published on their website, and my blog was cited in a doctorate paper on Women's Issues. So, while I have not had a book published, my writings have had considerable local, national, and global recognition.

Becca by the Book by Laura Jenson Walker

Here is a good example of a successful novelist getting a bit lazy. Laura Jenson Walker has written some truly excellent prose. This isn't one of them.

The Getaway Girls Club is a group of bookworms who go on trips that illustrate the novels they read. Quite a wonderful concept. This novel focuses on one Becca Daniels who is not a Christian but belongs to the group anyway. Walker leads us on a merry chase of Becca and her commitment woes. The story starts out incredibly exciting. Jumping out of an airplane is exciting, but breaking an ankle is not so thrilling. This sets up a delightful scenario for a story that truly can go places. There is a lot of fun expected when she makes this wager with her group that she can maintain a relationship with the "next guy that asks her out" for a full three-months or 25 dates which ever comes first.

So, the set up gives the reader the hairy anticipation that this story could go literally anywhere and be fun. Unfortunately, it did not turn out to be very much fun. Wisecracks will only go so far before they get a bit annoying. I couldn't tell you if Becca learned anything or not, or even if she overcame her commitment phobia. But, there was one character that shined like a beacon and that was Lucy. She was more than a two-dimensional character in a book. She lit up the page in such a quiet way that you'll miss her if you aren't watching for her. She isn't a member of the Get Away Girls and is by far a minor character. Yet, she is worth reading the book for. Isn't that strange?

At least the reader is given hope that Becca will turn out well, but you must read to the very last page. I give this is a one star story.

This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



Becca By The Book



Zondervan (January 1, 2010)



by



Laura Jensen Walker

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sales clerk, barista, telemarketer, sign waver...



At twenty-five, free-spirited Becca Daniels is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. What Becca doesn’t want to be is bored. She craves the rush of a new experience, whether it’s an extreme sport, a shocking hair color, or a new guy. That’s why she quit her bookstore job, used her last bit of credit to go skydiving, and broke her leg.



And that’s why, grounded and grumpy, Becca bristles when teased by friends for being commitment-phobic. In response, Becca issues an outrageous wager—that she can sustain a three-month or twenty-five date relationship with the next guy who asks her out. When the guy turns out to be “churchy” Ben—definitely not Becca’s type—she gamely embarks on a hilarious series of dates that plunge her purple-haired, free-speaking, commitment-phobic self into the alien world of church potlucks and prayer meetings.



This irrepressible Getaway Girl will have you cheering her on as she “suffers” through her dates, gains perspective on her life’s purpose, and ultimately begins her greatest adventure of all.



If you'd like to read the first chapter of Becca By The Book, go HERE





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Jensen Walker is an award-winning writer, popular speaker, and breast-cancer survivor who loves to touch readers and audiences with the healing power of laughter.

Born in Racine, Wisconsin (home of Western Printing and Johnson’s Wax—maker of your favorite floor care products) Laura moved to Phoenix, Arizona when she was in high school. But not being a fan of blazing heat and knowing that Uncle Sam was looking for a few good women, she enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation and spent the next five years flying a typewriter through Europe.

Her lifelong dream of writing fiction came true in Spring 2005 with the release of her first chick lit novel, Dreaming in Black & White which won the Contemporary Fiction Book of the Year from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her sophomore novel, Dreaming in Technicolor was published in Fall 2005.

Laura’s third novel, Reconstructing Natalie, chosen as the Women of Faith Novel of the Year for 2006, is the funny and poignant story of a young, single woman who gets breast cancer and how her life is reconstructed as a result. This book was born out of Laura’s cancer speaking engagements where she started meeting younger and younger women stricken with this disease—some whose husbands had left them, and others who wondered what breast cancer would do to their dating life. She wanted to write a novel that would give voice to those women. Something real. And honest. And funny.

Because although cancer isn’t funny, humor is healing.

To learn more about Laura’s latest novels, please check out her Books page.

A popular speaker and teacher at writing conferences, Laura has also been a guest on hundreds of radio and TV shows around the country including the ABC Weekend News, The 700 Club, and The Jay Thomas Morning Show.

She lives in Northern California with her Renaissance-man husband Michael, and Gracie, their piano playing dog.

A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

This romance was a most satisfying offering, and was absolutely time well spent while reading. It has all the elements of romance without any fancy footwork of the author trying desparately to get the characters to "act" in a certain way. These are extremely well-developed characters, interesting, funny, believable with no contrivance. I said that twice, and I meant it.

While Sarah is just a little bit saucy, it isn't at all in a tiresome way. Just enough to keep it light, but not so much that you feel like she's annoying.

What a delightful plot, to put a young preacher (with a bit of history) with a woman outlaw (who's only real fault is being born into a family of brothers who want to teach Wells Fargo a lesson by stealing from the outfit.) The plot is only a little bit predictable in that you know the two will "git hitched", but how that comes about is what is so much fun. I do think the brothers came around rather abruptly, but all's well that ends well. This is a charming piece of Light Romance fiction. I highly recommend it!

This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing



A Lady Like SarahThomas Nelson; Original edition (December 22, 2009) byMargaret Brownley

Sarah Prescott has never known a respectable life; just a hardscrabble childhood and brothers who taught her to shoot straight.

Justin Wells left Boston in disgrace, heading out alone on the dusty trail to Texas. But when the once-respected clergyman encounters a feisty redhead in handcuffs with a dying US Marshall at her side, their journey takes a dramatic turn.

His high society expectations and Sarah's outlaw habits clash from the start. With a price on her head and a sweet orphan in tow, Justin and Sarah make the difficult journey toward Rocky Creek. There justice will be meted out hopefully with a portion of grace.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Lady Like Sarah, go HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."



It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she's written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. "I love writing about characters at different stages of faith," she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, "and I'm here to stay."

Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California.


Watch the Book Trailer:

Holy Spirit Made Me Do It by Laurie Webb

In my group on LinkedIn called Christian Authors, Editors, Publishers, and Bloggers, I met a lovely lady named Laurie Webb. She has always been upbeat and has stimulated some pretty good discussions. The purpose of our group is to help motivate excellent Christian writing and to encourage each other in our writing.

Laurie gave me this book to review and it is a hum-dinger. Who ever thought we as Christians would need to be taught Spiriual Etiquette? In these latter days' daze we need it more than ever.

Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit, understanding who He really is, and then utilizing the gifts manifested by the Holy Spirit  are essential to the Christian lifestyle. Without those critical factors, we do not have what it takes to survive this sojourn.

I have been preaching for years that unity of the body is essential for our Spiritual health. Regardless of our views on doctrine issues, we must be unified in minds with one Spirit, not uniformity of souls and thoughts. Laurie tells us in her book that this is a picture of harmony within the body. Yes! That is so true. She also notes that the Holy Spirit told her that a picture of harmony is a well-oiled machine, a smooth transference, working together as one such as a fluid relay team. It takes the whole team to get the job done. What excellent word pictures.

This is not a book you can skim through in an afternoon. There are lots of hard kernels and lots of profound thoughts. There are some excellent points to discuss, too. This book is small but it packs a punch that the Body of Christ should take on the chin as a timely wake up call to perfection. We should all want as much of the Holy Spirit as we can hold, and to never quench His holy work within and around us.

This would be an excellent study book for discipleship training, or for a Sunday School class. Frankly, I do not agree with everything I read, but that does not mean that we should throw out the baby with the bath water. We should glean all the good stuff and study the things that we don’t agree with to see how those things can be understood with godly understanding, and reconciled with what we understand of scripture.

There are great truths in this little bombshell. It is well worth the money and I do recommend it.

**** four stars for worth of study.

About the author - Laurie L Webb is Director/Instructor at Spirit Life School of Ministry  Spirit Life School in Macon, Georgia. She began attending church at the age of six and accepted Jesus as her personal Savior as a pre-teen but did not become serious about her relationship with God until her early twenties. Since then, she has attended Family Bible Institute and become an Ordained Minister. Along with her husband, Buddy, she was a youth minister for several years and taught Bible studies in her local church and community. Presently she teaches and is Director of SLSM in Macon. She and Buddy have been married for 24 years and have two beautiful daughters, Lindsay and Katie.

Going Rogue by Sarah Palin

I have a new hero after reading this book. Condalisa Rice was my hero for so very long and now I've added Sarah Palin to my short list. I greatly admire Todd Palin for his tremendous graciousness, I can see why Sarah loves him so.

Sarah opens the doors to her home and her life in living color with this book, part memoirs and part autobiography. The difference is that in memoirs, you can spin free of hard facts and let go with your opinion. Sarah, lets some folks have it right between the eyes with her frank and, in my opinion, on target opinions. This is a must read for every patriotic citizen of the U.S.

She gives us an insight into the smoky back rooms where the "face" of the politician is put on. The Alaskans should be thanking the good LORD Almighty for Sarah Palin an the work she did in Alaska. The truth is, politicians would shake in their boots if Sarah made it to the White House. She knows how to clean house and she'd do it, too.

The sad truth is, there are far too many so-called news hounds who are yellow journalists. If you are not familiar with that particular breed, they are the ones who love sensationalism rather than truth. Dan Rather comes to mind. That breed has no ethics, Connie Chung comes to mind... and Katie Couric... and too many others to name. When did the news industry dump ethics in the rubbish and head down the sleasy path? I have been lamenting this for years. That Cambell Brown person did not get even one half of the Katrina story correct, yet there it was in blazing glory and accepted as truth. Ah, well...

Going Rogue is one of the best non-fiction books of 2009. She is explicit about work ethics, the American people, about politics, about family and about the news media (not all are bad, mind you!) It is five stars and very much worth the money. Get to know her. You'll really like her.

Bear with me while I do some housekeeping

I am a Glass Road book reviewer. You can be too, just click here.

The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis

While I enjoy an excellent mystery and most excellent character developments which make we care deeply what happens to them, this novel didn't quite hit that mark. Don't get me wrong. This was a rather fun read, but was not up to par. It wasn't exactly gripping. While reading it, it really does keep your interest. However, after you've put it down, you are not really motivated to pick it back up again because there are parts which could have been really funny or sweetly tear-jerking, but didn't quite make it.

On the other hand, when the saloon owner and local Madame made friends with the members of the ladies shooting club, I did sit up and cheer a bit. That did leave open the question of a person's lifestyle and belief in Jesus and how it meshes with Biblical teaching. It is GREAT that a church opens its arms to the sinner, but what is the church doing about helping the sinner make that 180 degree turn of repentence into the lifestyle that Jesus would have us live for Him?

I am not saying that Christian Fiction should be the preaching tool of the 21st century. I am saying that as Christians no matter what we do, we should keep our eyes on the goal Jesus set for us in the Great Commission. That is one of our purposes here on earth, and it is one way we bring glory to God which is our ultimate purpose. It pushed a lot of my reading buttons, but not all of them, therefore this is only about two stars.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Sheriff’s Surrender

Barbour Books (December 1, 2009)

by

Susan Page Davis


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, Sarah's Long Ride, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor's degree in history. I don't shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books.

Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters

For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I've also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.

My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We're so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!



ABOUT THE BOOK


Gert Dooley can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards, but she wants Ethan Chapman to see she's more than a crack shot with a firearm. When the sheriff of Fergus, Idaho, is murdered and Ethan is named his replacement, Gert decides she has to do whatever she can to help him protect the citizenry. So she starts the Ladies Shooting Club. But when one of their numbers is murdered, these ladies are called on for more than target shooting and praying. Can Gert and the ladies of Fergus find the murderer before he strikes again?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Sheriff’s Surrender , go HERE