Spotlighting: Coach's Midnight Diner

Coach’s Midnight Diner: The Jesus Vs. Cthulhu Edition
A Hardboiled Genre Anthology with a Christian Slant

A hardboiled anthology of horror, mystery, and paranormal fiction, Coach's Midnight Diner is the faith-based anthology readers have been waiting for. With full allowance for artistic freedom, Diner authors pull no punches.

Entrees of Jesus Vs. Cthulhu Fiction by Chris Mikesell, Kevin Lucia, Neil A. Riebe, and Jens Rushing highlight the first edition of Coach's Midnight Diner, but there's so much more on the menu.

We'll server up horror fiction by Editor's Choice Award winner Robert N. Jennings, J. Mark Bertrand, Melody Graves, Nathan Knapp, and Caroline Misner.

Side orders of Crime, Mystery, and Detective Fiction by Charles Browning, Suzan Robertson, R.M. Oliver, S.J. Kessel, Michael Medina, and Mike Dellosso will have you trying to guess who the culprit is until the very end. We'll quench your thirst for Paranormal Fiction with stories from Mike Duran, Robert Garbacz, Matt Mikalatos, and Paul Luikart.

And for dessert, Jennifer J. Edwards and Linda Gilmore bring stories from That One That Happens in A Diner.

Coach's Midnight Diner will satisfy your appetite for thrills and quench your thirst for something a little deeper than your average fare.



“Long before the rise of Christian publishing, marketing departments, and book committees domesticating content to appeal to the sensibilities of evangelical audiences, Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote novels filled with profound Christian truths. However, his characters were a dark and colorful bunch including murderers, the mentally challenged, gamblers, seditionists, and prostitutes. Fyodor's painted his characters with such a dark brush that one wonders if "The Possessed", "Crime and Punishment", or "The Brothers Karamazov" would be publishable in today's Christian market.

Coach Culbertson and the creative minds at ccPublishing are hoping to change all that with COACH'S MIDNIGHT DINER, an anthology of "horror, mystery, crime, and paranormal goodness." Like Dostoevsky's universe, the pages of the diner are filled with murders, strippers, demons, debauched pastors, trolls, alcoholics and a host of other unlikely purveyors of divine truth.”
-Larry Shallenberger, Author of Divine Intention

Book Details:

Title: Coach’s Midnight Diner: The Jesus Vs. Cthulhu Edition
Editors: Coach Culbertson, Vennessa Ng
Category: Horror, Mystery,
ISBN: 978-0979228445
Format: Trade paperback
Publication Date: Aug 2007
Pages: 276
Cover Price: $20.00
Trim: 9.4 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
Available from: Ingram’s, Baker and Taylor

Buy The Book:

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: Try Dying by James Scott Bell

About The Book

On a wet Tuesday morning in December, Ernesto Bonilla, twenty-eight, shot his twenty-three-year-old wife, Alejandra, in the backyard of their West 45th Street home in South Los Angeles. As Alejandra lay bleeding to death, Ernesto drove their Ford Explorer to the westbound Century Freeway connector where it crossed over the Harbor Freeway and pulled to a stop on the shoulder.

Bonilla stepped around the back of the SUV, ignoring the rain and the afternoon drivers on their way to LAX and the west side, placed the barrel of his .38 caliber pistol into his mouth, and fired.

His body fell over the shoulder and plunged one hundred feet, hitting the roof of a Toyota Camry heading northbound on the harbor Freeway. The impact crushed the roof of the Camry. The driver, Jacqueline Dwyer, twenty-seven, an elementary schoolteacher from Reseda, died at the scene.

This would have been simply another dark and strange coincidence, the sort of thing that shows up for a two-minute report on the local news—with live remote from the scene—and maybe gets a follow-up the next day. Eventually the story would go away, fading from the city's collective memory.

But this story did not go away. Not for me. Because Jacqueline Dwyer was the woman I was going to marry.

In the fast-paced thriller Try Dying, lawyer Ty Buchanan must enter a world of evil to uncover the cause of his fiancée’s death—even if he has to kill for the truth.

About The Author

James Scott Bell is a former trial lawyer who now writes full time. He is also the fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine and adjunct professor of writing at Pepperdine University.

His book on writing, Plot and Structure, is one of the most popular writing books available today. The national bestselling author of several novels of suspense grew up and still lives in Los Angeles, where he is at work on his next Buchanan thriller.

Visit James Scott Bell’s Web site: http://www.jamesscottbell.com

Book Link

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1599956845

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: Deadfall by Robert Liparulo

Illuminating Fiction Review

Walk into a computer store, check out the software department, and what do you find?

Shelf upon shelf of computer games.

And it’s not just computer stores. With PlayStation, Xbox, and a range of other devices, gaming has become a huge part of today’s culture. Browse the shelves long enough and you will find games aimed at pre-school age right through to adults.

If you think gaming is regulated to a form of entertainment, you’d be mistaken. The US Military view life-like games and simulators vital in the training of new recruits and also regard video games as a way to interest teenagers into enlisting.

With some video games also being attributed to the increase in teen violence, it stands to reason a novel would soon surface looking at the reach of today’s gaming.

Deadfall, Robert Liparulo’s latest release, is a fast paced, action thriller which combines gaming and military technology into a storyline that will have readers enthralled from start to finish.

Fiddler Falls, population 242, is about as remote as towns get. Situated in the Canadian far north, the town has no mobile phone service, landlines, cable or satellite television, or Internet. Satellite phones provide the only form of communication to the outside world. During Fall, rain makes roads impassable and isolates the town, making it the ideal spot for those who simply want to get away from it all—and those looking for a place to test a top secret weapon.

Lead by Declan Page, six visitors arrive in Fiddler Falls, bringing with them a terror unlike any the town has seen before. Intent on proving that the future of warfare lies in the technology of video games, Declan brings with him “Slacker” (SLCR), a control unit for a top secret weapon created by his father’s company. Declan and his group, largely made up of teens, use the town and surrounding area to test SLCR’s capabilities, as well as shot real life footage for a new video game set to take gaming to the next level. Declan only has one rule. Leave no witnesses.

When John Hutchison, known as Hutch, and his three closest friends needed a vacation, Hutch planned a hunting trip in the Canadian wilderness. Four men, nature, and ten days of seclusion to decompress. On the first morning, keen to hunt caribou and bring back meat for his friends, Hutch sets out. Soon the hunter becomes the hunted.

A deadly game of cat and mouse begins as Hutch races to save innocent lives and remain out of the sight of an eye in the sky.

An explosive read, Deadfall will blast holes in any action fanatics sleep pattern. Intent on only reading a chapter or two each night, I often found myself struggling to keep my eyes open many hours and many chapters later.

Although more tightly written, Deadfall lacks the storyline complexity Robert’s previous two releases contained. Reader enjoyment is carried throughout the story by hard and fast action and well developed characters. Robert also refrains from using gory descriptions as he did in Comes A Horseman and Germ, thus leaving more to the imagination, which may suit many readers.

As well as pleasing Liparulo’s existing fan base, Deadfall is bound to attract new action thriller seekers to his readership.

About The Author

Robert is an award-winning author of over a thousand published articles and short stories. He is currently a contributing editor for New Man magazine. His work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Travel & Leisure, Modern Bride, Consumers Digest, Chief Executive, and The Arizona Daily Star, among other publications. In addition, he previously worked as a celebrity journalist, interviewing Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Charlton Heston, and others for magazines such as Rocky Road, Preview, and L.A. Weekly.

Robert is an avid scuba diver, swimmer, reader, traveler, and a law enforcement and military enthusiast. He lives in Colorado with his wife and four children.

Robert's first novel painted a scenario so frighteningly real that six Hollywood producers were bidding on movie rights before the novel was completed. His acclaimed debut novel, Comes A Horseman, is being made into a major motion picture by producer Mace Neufeld and his short story "Kill Zone" was featured in the anthology Thriller, edited by James Patterson.

Bob has sold the film rights to his second book, GERM. He is also writing the screenplay for a yet-to-be-written political thriller, which sold to Phoenix Pictures, for Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, The Guardian) to direct!

He is currently working on his fourth novel.

Find out more about Robert by visiting his Web site: www.robertliparulo.com

Competitions!

A NOTE from Bob: I’d like to give away five signed copies of Deadfall to readers of CFBA blogs during my tour. All they have to do is sign up for my e-mailing list (they won’t be inundated!) by going to my website (www.robertliparulo.com) and going to the “Mailing List” page. Or email me with “CFBA giveaway” in the subject line.

And a second NOTE from Bob: I wanted to let you know that I’m holding a contest on my site:

**one winner a week till the end of the year for a signed Deadfall
**one winner a week till the end of the year for an unabridged audio MP3-CD of Deadfall
***and on Dec. 31, I’m giving away an iPod Nano, pre-loaded with an unabridged audio recording of Deadfall

Winners are selected from my e-mailing list—sign up at my site. If a winner has already purchased what he/she wins, I will reimburse them for the purchase price (or give them another—whichever they choose), so they don’t need to wait to see if they win before buying Deadfall.

Buy The Book

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785261796

The Kelli Standish Fund

Let me draw your attention to a great need, for a great person.

Kelli is one of my dearest friends; an amazing encourager, a huge supporter, with a generous, loving heart.

She is also a big supporter of Christian fiction. For a few years she ran the successful Focus on Fiction Web site. Now she works hard behind the scenes by creating amazing web sites. Kelli tirelessly works to promote authors and provide the support they need.

What many don't know is that Kelli is in need of support herself.

Kelli needs an urgent operation on her spine. Read her story at the links below, from top link to bottom link.

http://kellistandishwrites.blogspot.com/2007/10/view-from-here.html

http://kellistandishwrites.blogspot.com/2007/11/so-what-happened.html

http://kellistandishwrites.blogspot.com/2007/11/stumbling-onto-hope.html

http://kellistandishwrites.blogspot.com/2007/11/better-to-give-than-receive.html

For additional reading, check out:

http://faithatthefront.blogspot.com/2007/10/miracle-for-kelli.html

As stated in Kelli’s last blog entry, Better to Give Than Receive, literary agent Janet Kobobel Grant, has started a huge fundraising drive to help Kelli get the surgery she desperately needs. Here is what Janet writes:

Word has come of an anonymous matching grant of $10,000 for all monies raised on Kelli's behalf by November 15. If you would like to contribute, you are welcome to send checks made out to me, Janet Grant, at my address. I will collect the monies, apply the matching grant and give Kelli one check.

Books & Such Literary Agency

52 Mission Circle, Suite 122, PMB 170

Santa Rosa, CA 95409-5370

PayPal contributions now accepted. Please send PayPal payments to wlawton@mindspring.com. Please put "For Kelli" in the subject line.

So, there it is folks.

You may not know Kelli, but please help if you can. Even the smallest amount will add to the final balance.

Prayer is also greatly appreciated.

UPDATED:

Are you a writer? Are you looking for an editing service and hoping to pay a reasonable rate? Would you rather your money went to a good cause?

Well here is your chance!

Aotearoa Editorial Services have a limited amount of services available via auction, all proceeds going towards Kelli's operation.

Be in quick. Auctions close midnight 12 November 2007

http://kellistandishfundraiser.blogspot.com/

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter

About The Book

When Sam's estranged step-father dies, she inherits his ocean-front cottage in Nantucket--not because he kindly bequeathed it to her, but because he neglected to ever create a will. Sam returns to the island she left 11 years ago with her daughter Caden to fix up the house and sell it, but she isn't counting on is the fact that Landon Reed still lives two doors down from her childhood home. As their long-dormant romance begins to bud again, Sam must face the fact that Landon still doesn't know why she really left the island. Will the secrets she's hidden all these years tear them apart? Or is Landon's love really as unconditional as he claims?

"I've always thought Denise Hunter was an amazing writer but this wonderful story sets her firmly at the forefront of compelling love stories. How Landon breaks down Samantha's determination that she is unworthy of love kept me glued to the pages. An amazing story!" --Colleen Coble, author of Fire Dancer (Smoke Jumper Series)

About The Author

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped.

Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

In addition to Surrender Bay, the second Nantucket book releases in April 2008. The title is The Convenient Groom and features Kate Lawrence, a relationship advice columnist, whose groom dumps her on her wedding day. Denise is currently at work on the third Nantucket book (Oct 2008) which is untitled so far.

Book Link

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595542574

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: Illuminated by Matt Bronleewe

About The Book

IT'S BEEN 500 YEARS IN THE MAKING . . . PREPARE TO BE ILLUMINATED . . .

August Adams has failed his family before. He's sacrificed relationships in pursuit of adventure, fame, and money. Now the very lives of those he loves depend on his ability to decipher a centuries-old puzzle encrypted in the colorful hand-painted illuminations that adorn three rare Gutenberg Bibles.

It's a secret that could yield unimaginable wealth, undermine two major religions, and change the course of Western civilization. Two ruthless, ancient organizations are willing to do anything to get their hands on it. And August has the span of one transatlantic flight to figure it out.

If he fails, those he holds most dear will die. If he succeeds, he'll destroy a national treasure.

The clock ticks, the suspense mounts, and the body count rises as August pits his knowledge and his love for his family against the clock, secret societies, and even Johannes Gutenberg himself.

"...this rare breed of suspense thriller combines mysterious hidden clues, secret societies, buried treasure, double agents, and the Knights Templar . . . if you turned National Treasure into international treasure, traded DaVinci codes for Gutenberg Bibles, married it to Indiana Jones, and added the pacing of 24 you'd be in the neighborhood of Illuminated . . . on a scale of one to 10, this one goes to 11."
-Aspiring Retail Magazine

About The Author

Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter, and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, international pop singer Natalie Imbruglia, and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere. Born in Dallas, Texas Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally. To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. Illuminated, in stores now, begins the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within. Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food, and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design, and science.

To find out more about Matt, visit his Web site at http://www.mattbronleewe.com/

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Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: Crimson Eve by Brandilyn Collins

About The Book

Carla stared at the gun and David Thornby—or whatever his name was. Her mind split in two, one side pleading this was some sick joke, the other screaming it was all too real.

“Please. You must have the wrong person. There’s no reason for someone to want me dead. I don’t have any enemies.”

“Then you’d best rethink your friends.”

Realtor Carla Radling shows an “English gentleman” a lakeside estate—and finds herself facing a gun. Who has hired this assassin to kill her, and why?

Forced on the run, Carla must uncover the scathing secrets of her past. Secrets that could destroy some very powerful people . . .

Brandilyn Collins fans and reviewers are saying Crimson Eve is her best book yet:

“Collins tops herself by creating a suspenseful nonstop thrill ride . . . Truly the best Christian Fiction suspense title so far this year.”
– Library Journal, starred review

“Crimson Eve is Collins at her very best. It left me feeling as if I’d climbed Mount Everest without oxygen . . . I didn’t think Brandilyn could outdo herself after reading Coral Moon. She did.”
– TitleTrakk.com

“I’ve never edited a more tightly crafted, deftly woven, compellingly written book.” – a Crimson Eve editor, with 20 years experience

“This is your best book! I could not stop reading!” – one of many readers with similar responses

Read about Violet Dawn and Coral Moon, books one and two in the Kanner Lake series.

Do you know someone who’s never read a Brandilyn Collins novel? Surely no such person exists. However, should you scrounge up such a friend—someone who enjoys suspense—here’s a special offer from Brandilyn. Be among the first 50 people between now and October 21, 2007 to e-mail her assistant at gayle.brandilyncollins@gmail.com with the person’s name, e-mail address, and street address. (Due to exorbitant overseas mailing costs, United States residents only, please).

A signed copy of Crimson Eve will be sent to your friend—free—along with an e-mail from Brandilyn announcing the book is on its way, courtesy of you. (Don’t worry. Brandilyn won’t spam these email addresses. She just wants your friend to know who to thank.) No worries that this story is third in the Kanner Lake series. Each book stands alone. Brandilyn is convinced your friend will so love Crimson Eve, he/she will surely reciprocate with expensive chocolate.

About The Author

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense™. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline “Don’t forget to b r e a t h e…® ” She’s so well known in the industry, there’s actually a club for her non-readers. That’s right. The Big Honkin’ Chickens Club (BHCC) members are proud of the fact that they’re too wimpy to read Brandilyn’s intense fiction. Now and then one of them tries. Bribing works pretty well. (Just ask Deb Raney.) Somehow they live to tell the tale.

Brandilyn writes for Zondervan, the Christian division of HarperCollins Publishers, and is currently at work on her 17th book. Her first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows.

She’s also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons), and often teaches at writers conferences. Brandilyn blogs at Forensics and Faith.



To find out more about Brandilyn, and to read the first chapters of all her books, visit her Web site: http://www.brandilyncollins.com/

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Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: Nobody by Creston Mapes

About The Book

Not everything that happens in Vegas has to stay in Vegas!

They said, “He’s a nobody.”

They were dead wrong.

When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop.

His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation—and perhaps a chunk of the money—into his own hands?

With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious dead man, but about the lost soul lurking within himself.

Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out: who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise?

About The Author

Creston Mapes is a talented storyteller whose first two novels, Dark Star and Full Tilt, made him a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year awards and the Inspirational Readers Choice awards. Creston has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries, including Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Oracle, Focus on the Family, and In Touch Ministries. Committed to his craft and his family, Creston makes his home in Georgia with his wife, Patty, and their four children.

He's been married for twenty-one years to the girl he first loved way back in fourth grade. They have three lovely girls and a boy in a very close-knit family, spending a lot of time together—watching old classic movies, going on outings, and taking in various school and community events and activities. Creston loves to go for morning walks with his dog, read, paint watercolors, meet friends for coffee and Bible study, watch hockey, take his wife on dates, and spend time in God's Word.

Visit Creston’s Web site at http://www.crestonmapes.com/

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Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: Sushi For One? by Camy Tang

About The Book

Lex Sakai’s family, big, nosy, and marriage-minded, is ruled by a crafty grandmother. When her cousin Mariko gets married, Lex will become the OLDEST SINGLE COUSIN in the clan, a loathed position by all single female family members.

Lex has not dated for years.

Grandma homes in on this fact and demands, bribes, and threatens Lex to bring a boyfriend (not just a date) to her cousin’s wedding.

Lex does not want to date ... not since that terrible incident a few years back ... but, Grandma doesn't give her that choice.

Lex's options are slim because she has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the PERFECT man (and the more she dates, the more she adds to the list).

The one man she keeps running into (and is completely attracted to) doesn’t seem to have a single quality on her list. It’s only when the always-in-control Lex loses control and lets God take over that all the pieces of this hilarious romance finally fall into place.

About The Author

Camy Tang is a member of CFBA and is a loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick-lit. She grew up in Hawaii, but now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious poi-dog. In a previous life she was a biologist researcher, but these days she is surgically attached to her computer, writing full-time. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service.

Sushi for One? (Sushi Series, Book One is her first novel. Her second, Only Uni (Sushi Series, Book Two) comes out in February 2008!

To celebrate the launch of her debut novel, she's got a huge contest going on. Camy is giving away baskets of Christian novels and an iPod Nano! Only her newsletter YahooGroup subscribers are eligible to enter, so join today.

For more information about the contest, visit her Web site.

Contest ends October 31, 2007!

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Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: The Dead Whisper On by T.L. Hines

About The Book

Would You Run Into A Burning Building?

Candace "Canada Mac" MacHugh lives a ghost of her former life.

Once a proud Butte, Montana, miner who daily risked her life setting explosives, she's now a garbage collector in her dying hometown.

Her beloved father is dead and she doesn't speak to her mom. More than anything, Candace Mac misses her father. He promised to contact her from the "other side" if he could . . . but it's been eleven long years. And now even her beloved city of Butte, Montana, seems to be dying off.

Candace Mac is alone. Longing for the past. Dreaming of making a difference.

Until one night when her father's voice speaks to her from the shadows. Bud MacHugh's trademark growl. The dead, it seems, have messages they hunger to share with the world . . . warnings of impending disasters and grave danger. Of cities doomed to burn.

But they need Canada's help.

T.L. Hines' first novel, Waking Lazarus was named one of the Library Journal's Top 25 Genre novels of 2006. Now he's back with a gripping suspense that brings to light our fears and asks us if we still have the courage to fight for those around us. If we have the guts to be one of those who run into burning buildings.

About The Author

Tony is the author of the acclaimed Waking Lazarus. He has been an advertising agency owner/principal, a trade magazine editor, and now a novelist.

As a professional writer for more than 15 years, Tony has had articles appear in publications as varied as Log Homes, Conservative Theological Journal, and Travel & Leisure. He is also Creative Director at Montana's largest advertising agency.

His long list of past odd jobs includes trimming Christmas trees, sorting seed potatoes, working the graveyard shift at a convenience store, and cleaning cadaver storage rooms.

As a teen he was undefeated in air guitar competitions in which he performed songs by ZZ Top.

He lives in Montana with his wife and daughter.

Visit Tony’s Web site to learn more about him and his books: http://www.tlhines.com/

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Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Review: And If I Die by John Aubrey Anderson

About The Book

AND IF I DIE is the third book in the Black and White Chronicles. The first was Abiding Darkness (August, 2006), the second was Wedgewood Grey (February, 2007).

In 1945, a spirit voice told Mr. A. J. Mason to “Be ready.”

In 1960, the spirit drew near and said the same words to the same man. “Be ready.”

On both occasions Mason ended up in bloody battles with the forces of evil. On both occasions, he saved the life of a young girl named Missy Parker. And on both occasions good people died.

It’s 1968. Missy Parker has been married to Dr. Patrick Patterson for nine years; they live in Denton, Texas. Missy plays tennis and golf; Pat is chairman of the philosophy department at North Texas State University.

Mose Washington, a black man Missy refers to as her almost-daddy, is hiding behind a new name—Mose Mann. Mose and the young black man who poses as his grandson have spent eight years successfully evading the FBI, a murderous congresswoman, and creatures from the demonic realm. They now live in Pilot Hill, Texas—fifteen miles from Pat and Missy. Mose is committing the autumn of his life to the pursuit of the knowledge of God and the protection of his “grandson.” His “grandson” is interested in honing his skills as a bull rider.

Close friends see portents of danger in events of the early summer and converge on Pilot Hill to warn the two black men that yet another confrontation with malevolent beings may be looming.

In the pre-dawn hours, on the second day of the North Texas Rodeo, the voice of an invisible being speaks to Missy Parker Patterson. The voice warns her that it is now she, not A. J. Mason, who has been chosen as the person who needs to “Be ready” . . . and Missy doesn’t want the job.

About The Author

John grew up in Mississippi cotton country. After graduating from Mississippi State, he received an Air Force commission and has recently retired after flying twenty-eight years for a major airline. He lives in Texas with his wife, Nan.

Visit John’s Web site at http://www.johnaubreyanderson.com/

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Spotlighting: Going For Broke by Melanie Dobson

About The Book

Leia has it all; a husband who adores her, a successful career, and a chance to finally fly with a major carrier. Just as she is about to reach her pinnacle of fulfillment, it all crashes down around her when she is involved in an accident on the ski slopes of Colorado. An afternoon filling in time at a casino introduces Leia to a whole new level of excitement. When she finds herself unable to work and confined to her house for weeks on end, Leia surrenders to the excitement of beating the game, only to find herself falling deeper and deeper into its grip.

Ethan begins to worry when his ambitious, risk taking wife starts to dissolve into a reclusive shell. Showering and dressing have become optional daily activities for Leia. Ethan is at a loss as to how to help his wife, so when she offers to take over the finances, Ethan is pleased to give her something to occupy her mind. After all, she knows how important it is to pay the bills on time and keep to their tight budget as they save toward their goals.

Tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and her options almost at zero, Leia realizes she has gone too far. Revealing the truth to Ethan could be disastrous. Having witnessed the financial destruction of his sister’s family due to her husband’s gambling addiction, Ethan couldn’t understand anyone being so reckless with their hard earned finances. Would Ethan ever forgive her?

Illuminating Fiction Comments

Melanie Dobson takes a very real look at the addiction and financial ruin gambling can cause in her latest release, Going for Broke. Although readers may want to shake Leia at times, Melanie creates enough empathy for her lead character to keep readers hooked on her destructive plight. Leia goes through the traits many addiction victims develop, including rationalizing thoughts and withdrawal. When Leia finally hits rock bottom, she soon discovers there are no quick fixes for the mess she finds herself in. Although she must be held accountable for her mistakes, Leia discovers God’s endless grace and forgiveness.

Melanie also did a great job of surrounding Leia with a cast of memorable characters. There’s Ethan’s friend, Derek, the womanizer, who discovers Leia’s secret and offers help, with strings attached, of course. Living next door is flirty Misty, who is prone to gossip and behind-the-back cutting remarks. And then there is faithful Jenny, forgiving, loving, and committed to helping people through their weaknesses.

I only had one concern within the book. Several characters lacked a balance of good and bad traits, which made them appear one dimensional. Although characterized well, I found it hard to connect with them on a personal level.

Going for Broke is an addictive read laced with tension from start to finish. Leia’s story remained in my heart long after I closed the book.

About The Author

The former corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family, Melanie Dobson has worked in the fields of journalism and publicity for more than twelve years. As the daughter of a commercial pilot, Melanie is no stranger to travel and adventure. She and her husband, Jon, currently live in Oregon with their two daughters, Karly and Kinzel.

Visit Melanie's Web site at: http://www.melaniedobson.com/html/main.html

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Spotlighting: Coach's Midnight Diner

There's a new kid on the Christian anthology block.

This kid has edge. So hang on to your chair, turn on the floodlights, and try not to get spooked.

Story Blurbs

Jesus Vs. Cthulhu

In R'lyeh, Jesus Walks--Chris Mikesell--Winner of the Jesus Vs. Cthulhu Category - Take a romp through space and time with Jesus and Lucifer to the sunken city of R'lyeh by way of a comic book convention. Filled with humor and poignancy, Mikesell puts a fascinating twist on the Cthulhu mythos that will keep you laughing and thinking the whole way through.

Work and Worship--Neil Riebe--Paul Carter's parents are so keen on making sure he grows up to be a devout man they abandon the harmful influences of city life to set up a wholesome homestead out west. What Paul and his parents don't realize is that this action has attracted the attention of forces from the Mythos universe, both good and evil. An authentic Lovecraftian tale, Riebe exposes conflicts within Christianity in a unique and graceful fashion, and adds a new facet to a familiar Dream Cycle hero.

Bavel--Jens Rushing--In the near future, asteroid mining becomes big business. A crew of miners discovers a peculiar asteroid that starts to affect them in strange and odd ways. Told through ship logs and transcriptions, Rushing's amazing prose will keep you guessing all the way to a shocking ending.

That One That Happens In A Diner

The Way Station--Kevin Lucia--Winner of the That One That Happens In A Diner - Author Andrew Slater has a problem- he's about to be dumped by his publisher. But problems he doesn't know about force him to make a choice that will determine his destiny. Featuring a cameo by everyone's favorite tentacled dreamer, Lucia's lucid storytelling brings out the choices that so often happen in those little out of the way places that have a reality all their own.

Sanctuary--Linda Gilmore--Ned has a favorite diner, but one night he discovers that this diner isn't what it seems to be on the surface. A story that could have very easily been showcased on the original Twilight Zone, Gilmore beautifully examines the synchronicity that can only happen in an all-night diner.

Elvis Lives--Jennifer Edwards--On her way back to Iowa, Celine just stopped in to grab a cup of coffee. But a conversation with an Elvis impersonator may change the course of history. Edwards dips into Rod Serling's sugar bowl of the possibilities and probabilities in life, and shows how easily we might alter the vectors a life may take.

Horror/Weird Fiction

Gargoyle--J. Mark Bertrand-- College students and professors start to behave strangely when a stone gargoyle shows up under mysterious circumstances at a campus art exhibit. A classic horror tale, Bertrand walks you right up to the edge-- and then gives a little push.

The Looking Glass--Melody Graves-- An Episcopal priest's obsession with an opera diva leads him to a dark realization after indulging in absinthe. An eerie, moody work, Graves' prose will command your senses and lead you straight into darkness and redemption.

The Water Rises--Nathan Knapp-- A man trapped in a white room experiences a series of beautiful and strange events, but is terrorized by an unseen tormentor. Knapp's surreal narrative will entrance you as he moves towards the horrific conclusion.

The Demon--Robert Jennings-- Otis starts visiting the town whore who moonlights as an exorcist when his wife Billie starts to become abusive. But when Otis leaves her, Billie decides to confront her nemesis. A twisted tale of failed redemption and horror, Jennings' gut-level writing style and unrelenting commitment to authentic dialog will thrill and surprise even the most jaded critic.

The Thief at the Altar--Caroline Misner-- A thief who has the intention of stealing from a church is apprehended by a most unusual guardian. Misner will delight fans of the mystical morality tale with her subtle prose and carefully placed twists.

Suspense/Intrigue

Night Train to Berlin--Suzan Robertson--Just prior to World War II, a reporter-turned-spy is assigned to follow a beautiful woman in order to discover her connection to the Nazis. But is she what she appears? Robertson's wonderfully voiced writing will call you back to the days of Bogart and Bacall in this romantic and suspenseful work.

Hardboiled/Mystery/Crime

Last Trip to Crystal Moon--R.M. Olivier--In the pursuit of an acquaintance who raped one of the dancers in his charge, a bouncer at a strip club finds a much bigger quarry. Blending hardboiled fiction with sensibility, Oliver's fiction helped to inspire the inception of Coach's Midnight Diner when it was first submitted to Relief.

Door to Door--Charles Browning-- When an evangelist falls off the edge of sanity, hilarity ensues as he accosts a random citizen with the gospel- and a gun. Browning will have you laughing and crying as he walks you through the mind of a misguided zealot in this first-person narrative.

Blind Dog Detective--S.J. Kessel--When two hottie sorority girls walk into P.I. Ace Jackson's office, he hoped they would just go away. But he needed the work, and they were willing to pay, and like always, the case is more complex than the hotties first let on. Kessel's debut work will keep you wondering who the real culprit is from start to finish.

Almost a Hero--Mike Dellosso--A young gas station attendant begins dreaming of a girl's demise, and is completely wrecked by the experience. But when he sees the girl show up at the gas station, he is faced with a choice that alters his destiny. Dellosso's terrific craft will keep you on the edge of your seat as he rockets you through a harsh reality.

American Angel--Mike Medina--In the near future, bounty hunter James Vega takes on a tough case- find the head of a child porn and trafficking operation. But this case hits closer to home than he realizes. Medina's hardboiled edge comes through in this satisfying tale that makes Dirty Harry look like Strawberry Shortcake.

The Paranormal/Archetypal Exploration

Polly's Muse--Mike Duran--What’s a demon gotta do for a promotion? For Brichard and his band of bumbling imps, it’s as simple as keeping a lid on Polly. With her muse imprisoned, this assignment should be a cakewalk. But little do they know, Inspiration is everywhere … and so is the Adversary. Duran's brilliant writing takes us back to the days of Screwtape as he illustrates some surprising truths.

The Salvation of Sancho--Robert Garbacz--In the pub in a place called the Abyss, where stories outlive their authors, a young man with a bullet wound stumbles in to tell his tale. With cameos by Lewis, Chesterton, and Chandler, Garbacz's wonderfully textured storytelling will suck you in to a reality just next to our own.

The Deluge--Matt Mikalatos--A missionary comes into contact with a reality outside of his belief, and is forced to confront a truth he is not ready to accept. Mikalatos weaves a tale of spiritual warfare that is both surprising and realistic in its scope.

The Gift of the Magi If The Magi Had Been Big Idiots--Paul Luikart--What would happen if a young, poor couple so stupidly in love took what each other had and made something completely- useless? A twist on the O'Henry classic, Luikart will have you laughing and banging your head against the table at the same time.

To read a sample edition and order your copy, click here: http://www.reliefjournal.com/SampleSizeCDiner.pdf