CFBA House of Wolves by Matt Bronleewe

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing House Of Wolves
Thomas Nelson (August 12, 2008)
by
Matt Bronleewe
Click the tag House of Wolves or August Adams Adventure to see my review. -MJ (FABULOUS BOOK!)

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. His first book Illuminated began 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.

ABOUT THE BOOK


A mysterious book with a dangerous secret.

An evil brotherhood out to conquer the world.

One man stands between them . . . with his family in the balance.

In the twelfth century, Henry the Lion collected the rarest relics in Christendom. And to protect his most precious acquisitions, he encoded the whereabouts in a gorgeous illuminated manuscript called The Gospels of Henry the Lion.

The manuscript has been showing up and disappearing ever since. No one knows where the relic has been hidden . . . or its ultimate power.

Only one man holds the key to the mystery.

He's carrying it in his briefcase at his son's school for show-and-tell, and he thinks it's a fake. But he's about to find out just how real it is.

Because the wolves are rapidly closing in. And if August Adams can't decode the secret in time, the world's balance of power will forever be altered.

If you would like to read anexcerpt of House Of Wolves, it will be HERE

Tuck by Stephen Lawhead COMING 2009!

Tuck by Stephen R. Lawhead

The story of Rhi Bran y Hud-Robin Hood-concludes as Abbot Hugo and the Norman invaders attempt to wipe out King Raven and his flock once and for all. Their merciless attack, the first of many to come, heralds a dark and desperate day for the realm of Elfael. Bran and his few stalwarts desperately need encouragement and reinforcement if they are to survive. But Friar Tuck, a most unconventional priest, has a daring solution to their dilemma that will radically alter all we've known about the legendary figure known as Robin Hood.

• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595540873
• ISBN-13: 978-1595540874

I cannot tell you how excited I am that this book finally has a date! I know that it's due Feby 2009, but if I weren't moving and had my permanent address already, I'd pre-order it now I kid you not. This is a book that I won't struggle paying full price for, I cannot wait to read it! The first two (check the archives for Hood and Scarlet) are on my glass door bookshelf with all the leatherbound classics. THEY ARE THAT FABULOUS!

If anyone knows more about this book as it is coming soon, please tell me!!

View all my reviews.

God Loves Me More Than That by Dandi Daley Mackall

God Loves Me More Than That by Dandi Daley Mackall

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
What wonderful rhythm! My favorite children's books are always the ones with great rhythm that are wonderful riddles full of giggles. This is a great addition of Rhymes to my children's book collection and what a great message. Such a wonderful way to show a child just how much they are loved. So much bigger, deeper, wider, and just plain more than that. Highly recommended.


View all my reviews.





It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book's FIRST chapter!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Dandi Daley Mackall

and her book:

God Loves Me More Than That

WaterBrook Press (August 19, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dandi Daley Mackall has published more than 400 books for children and adults, with more than 3 million combined copies sold. She is the author of WaterBrook’s two other delightful Dandilion Rhymes books, A Gaggle of Geese & A Clutter of Cats and The Blanket Show. A popular keynote speaker at conferences and Young Author events, Mackall lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, and a menagerie of horses, dogs, and cats.

Visit the author's website.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

David Hohn is an award-winning illustrator who graduated with honors from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He has worked as both a staff artist and an art director for a children’s software company in Portland, Oregon, a position which led to his art directing an award-winning project for Fisher-Price. Hohn’s recent projects include Lisa Tawn Bergren’s God Gave Us Christmas.

Visit the illustrator's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $9.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (August 19, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400073162
ISBN-13: 978-1400073160

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Chapter One

House of Wolves by Matt Bronleewe

House of Wolves by Matt Bronleewe

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This August Adams Adventure is a step up from the first one and I cannot wait for more! This is a book that will do well in all markets, Christian or not. Non-stop action all the way through, with just a hint of romance. The adventurous journey that one takes with the Adams family through this book is one of a kind with the excitement levels of Indiana Jones and think International- National Treasure. I really liked this one, I would get into details, but really I do not want to give anything away, so all I can say is just read it.


View all my reviews.

God Gave Us Heaven by Lisa Tawn Bergren

God Gave Us Heaven by Lisa Tawn Bergren

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars God Gave Us Heaven is one of the best children's book with the most important message that is often hard to explain. I love Lisa Tawn Bergren's adult fiction series and now I love her children's books as well and cannot wait to add others to my shelf. The pictures are wonderful and provide for much exploring and conversation. It is definitely a book I would recommend for my nieces and nephews.

View all my reviews.



It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book's FIRST chapter!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Lisa Tawn Bergren

and her book:

God Gave Us Heaven

WaterBrook Press (August 19, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the award-winning author of nearly thirty titles, totaling more than one million books in print. She writes in a broad range of genres, from adult fiction to devotional. God Gave Us Heaven is Lisa’s fourth children’s book, following in the tradition of the best-selling God Gave Us You. She makes her home in Colorado, with her husband, Tim, and their children, Olivia, Emma, and Jack.

Visit the author's website.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Laura J. Bryant studied painting, printmaking, and sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. She has illustrated numerous award-winning children’s books, including God Gave Us You, Smudge Bunny, and If You Were My Baby. Laura lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Visit the illustrator's website.



Poduct Details:

List Price: $10.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (August 19, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400074460
ISBN-13: 978-1400074464

AND NOW...THE FIRST TWO PAGES:

First Name
Blog
Adam
http://quilluponthepaper.blogspot.com/
Alexis
http://ajpr2.blogspot.com/
Ali
http://faith-walkin.blogspot.com/
Amanda
http://www.ohamanda.com/
Amara A
http://somewhatofficialwoodsidebible.blogspot.com/
Amy
http://peek-a-booicu.blogspot.com/
Amy
Http://homeschoolblogger.com/bowofbronze
Amy
www.scribblingsuit.blogspot.com
Amy
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com
Angela
http://neveradullmoment-angie.blogspot.com/
Angie
http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com
Ann
http://www.xanga.com/a_thousand_thoughts
April
http://blessfulwritings.blogspot.com/
Audra
http://www.audrasilva.com/blog/
Becky
http://womenathome.typepad.com/becky/
Becky
http://stand-firm-then.blogspot.com
Beth
http://andtheniwokeup.blogspot.com/
Caleb
www.missionalstudents.typepad.com
Caleb
http://reviewsplus.blogspot.com/
Camille

Cara
http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/2007/09/yippee.html
Casandra
www.xanga.com/spazzymommy
CeeCee
http://booksplurge.blogspot.com/
Chris
http://thehubbs.net/chris/
Chris
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/underdog
Chris
http://chrishobbsblog.blogspot.com
Christa
www.cballan.wordpress.com
Christina
http://daisycrazyliving.blogspot.com/
Christina
http://christina-everythingelse.blogspot.com
Christy
www.crittyjoy.wordpress.com
Christy
http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com
Daniel
http://www.danieliweaver.com/blog
Dave
www.daverhoades.com/wordpress
David
http://fauthclan.blogspot.com/
Dawn
http://www.bookjunkieconfessions.blogspot.com/
Deborah
http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/
Dee
http://christianfiction.blogspot.com/
Dee
http://christianfiction.blogpsot.com
Deena
http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/
De'Etta
http://not2many.blogspot.com
Denise
http://cottagekeeperdenise.blogspot.com
Derek
http://thrushblog.blogspot.com
Ed
http://www.hickorywithepc.org/Pastor/pastorblog/pastorblog.php
Edyth

Elisa
ExtravagantGrace.net
Elisabeth
http://ekemerson.wordpress.com/
Eliza
http://www.elizatucker.com/journal
Eric
http://www.wordsfromtheway.com/between-the-trees/
Gina
http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com; http://writerinterrupted.com
Gretchen
www.dreamwriter07.blogspot.com
Heather
http://booksandbairns.blogspot.com
Heidi
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ReviewsbyHeidi
Jamie
http://mybandofboys.wordpress.com
Jamie
www.survivingthechaos.blogspot.com
Janis
http://www.janisrodgers.blogspot.com/
Janna
www.cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com
Jennifer
http://quiverfullfamily.com/blog
Jenny
mybucklingbookshelf.blogspot.com
Jenny
http://ausjenny.blogspot.com
Jessica
http://www.jessyferguson.blogspot.com
Jill
CWAHM.com; RadiantLit.com; Blogcritics.org
John
jmb3.blogspot.com
Julia
www.reviewzbyjewelz.blogspot.com
Karla
http://www.roadstoeverywhere.com/blog.html
Kathy
http://blog.myspace.com/the_real_rory_gilmore
Katie
www.myspace.com/soccercpk
Katrina
http://callapidderdays.blogspot.com
Kelly
http://rkvaughn.blogspot.com/
Kim
http://bookreviewstoday.blogspot.com/
Kim
berlysue.blogspot.com
Kristinia
http://kristiniac.blogspot.com
LaShaunda
http://lashaunda.blogspot.com/
Laura
http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/
Leah
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/friends4tea
Linda
http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com
Lisa
http://ourapplesofgold.blogspot.com
Lisa
http://qtpies7.com
Lori
http://web.mac.com/randypatterson/Site/Welcome.html
Margaret
www.homeschoolblogger.com/cappuccinosmom
Margaret
http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com
Matthew
JesusNeedsNewPR.blogspot.com
Melanie
www.MelanieWrites.blogspot.com
Michele
http://www.xanga.com/catzndogz9
Michelle
http://michellesfoodpage.blogspot.com/
Michelle
raisinglittlewomen.com
Michelle
www.raisinglittlewomen.com
Mimi
http://tagsandotherformsofmischief.blogspot.com/
Nancy
http://nanhann.blogspot.com/
Pam
http://www.hip2bhomeschooling.blogspot.com
Pattie
http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com
Rachel
doctorsmclaughlin.blogspot.com
Rachelle
http://zyphe.blogspot.com
Rebecca
http://lifeinthefarcountry.blogspot.com
Rel
www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com
Robert
http://www.robosborn.com/blog
Ron
http://www.moreron.com
Sarah
http://sassyfrazz.blogspot.com
Sarah
www.elizardbreath8.blogspot.com
Sean
http://seanslaglebookmarkcafe.blogspot.com/
Shannon
www.sands1198.blogspot.com
Sharla
http://thesnugglebunch.blogspot.com/
Sue
http://nymrsb.blogspot.com/
Susan
www.hismorningglory.blogspot.com
Susanne
http://susannesspace.blogspot.com
Takiela
www.HisBeauty4Ashes.org OR www.BooksaLatte.com
Taran (John)
http://cafespoon.blogspot.com/
Terra
http://terragarden.blogspot.com
Terri
http://www.myccm.org/txann21/blog
Tina
http://spaghettipie.wordpress.com
Travis
http://thehogshead.org, http://restlessreformer.com
Trina
www.wordpress.com/trinadaniels
Trish
http://joyfulheartblog.blogspot.com
Ty
http://www.cookieaisle.blogspot.com/
Vanessa
http://hittingthebooks.com/
Shera
www.froggyreviews.com
Wendy
http://canseegod.blogspot.com/
H&L
sparksoflava.blogspot.com

MOVING

Publicists and Influencer lists, PLEASE TAKE NOTE, we are in the process of buying a house. If all goes as planned in late September, early October I will have a new mailing address. Please e-mail me cherryblossommj (at) gmail [dot] com to make sure you have that correct mailing address! I do not want you to lose money shipping a book to a wrong address and having it returned to you! I also do not want to lose my chance to preview and review any fabulous books meant to come my way! Within the next two weeks I should know the final details.

Questions: email me cherryblossommj (at) gmail [dot] com

In Christ,

Margaret (MJ)

FIRST: I'm Not Crazy but I Might be a Carrier - comedy

It's the 15th, time for the Non~FIRST blog tour!(Join our alliance! Click the button!) Every 15th, we will featuring an author and his/her latest non~fiction book's FIRST chapter!

The feature author is:

Charles Marshall

and his book:

I’m Not Crazy, But I Might be a Carrier

Kregel Publications (April 17, 2008)

This book was not really my cup of tea, but for those who like comedy, it might be right up your alley!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charles Marshall began his career onstage as a singer/songwriter. When his singing voice gave out, he turned to stand-up comedy and was much more successful. He is now a nationally syndicated Christian humor columnist and has contributed to Focus on the Family magazine. He is the author of Shattering the Glass Slipper: Destroying Fairy Tale Thinking Before It Destroys You and has filmed two stand-up comedy videos, I'm Just Sayin' and Fully Animated.

Product Details

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (April 17, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 082543419X
ISBN-13: 978-0825434198

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Chapter 1 Going to the Dogs



My wife and I have been thinking about getting a dog, lately, and discussing what type we might get. For me, there is really only one possibility—and that, of course, is a real dog.

For the uninitiated, there are three basic types of dogs:

1] Real dogs. These are dogs as God originally made them—monstrous, made-for-the-outdoors hunting machines that are perfect for intimidating neighbors and attracting lawsuits.

The ownership rule for guys and dogs is simple: the bigger the dog, the cooler you look. Walk down the street with a Pekingese and you might as well be wearing a tutu.

When you observe a man walking down the street with a massive real-dog, his message to you is clear. “Yes, I’m overcompensating for my insecurities and lack of masculinity but I’ve got a really big dog.”

Now that’s the kind of attitude I can get behind.

2] Mutant rat-dogs, otherwise known as Chihuahuas. These poor creatures are the unintentional result of secret experiments conducted by the Mexican army in a failed attempt to create the ultimate weapon by cross-breeding bats and Great Danes. The only surviving result of these experiments is a group of nervous, angry little rat-dogs that decided to take their revenge on humanity by being annoying on just about every level known to mankind.



If you are approached by one of these aberrations of nature, know that it despises you with a hatred rarely seen outside the Middle East, and that it won’t hesitate to tear your ankles to shreds. These dogs are the piranhas of the canine world and would nuke


mankind tomorrow if they thought they could get away with it. Under no circumstance should one of these animals be allowed to run for public office.

3] Kitty-dogs, which is every kind of dog that does not fall into one of the first two categories. I’m all in favor of this type of dog because, hey, girls have to have dogs, too.

The curse of the kitty-dog is that there are those who take a warped delight in dressing them up like people. Most dogs would rather be subjected to Mexican weapons experiments than go through this type of torture.

I cannot say this in strong enough terms: You should never, ever dress up your dog for any reason whatsoever. Take it from me—even if it were thirty below outside, your dog would rather die with dignity in his own fur coat than live while being seen in a little poochie parka.

If you dress your dog, you need to know two things:

1] The rest of us are making fun of you behind your back.

2] Every day your dog prays for a heaven where he gets to dress you up in humiliating costumes while he and his doggie friends point at you and laugh for all eternity.

If you feel you absolutely must dress an animal, go dress one that at least has a chance of defending itself like a cougar or a wolverine or a Chihuahua.



One of the most amazing things about the three dog types is that for every one of them, there is someone that likes that kind of dog. At this very moment, there are people risking the loss of fingers and eyes while they stroke their vicious little rat-dogs, all for the sake of love.

That’s a mysterious kind of love, isn’t it—the kind that embraces the unlovely, that sees through the imperfect and loves without regard?

Let’s face it, the human heart isn’t very attractive either. Every thought we have is consumed with self. If you peel away the layers of even our most noble deeds and acts of kindness, you will find thoughts that circle back to ourselves like homing pigeons. In our hearts, we are all mutant rat-dogs.

And yet God loves us.

In the Bible, you find that same theme of an indefatigable, undefeatable love reaching out to a vicious, ungrateful humanity over and over again. I’ve found it’s a love well worth pursuing.

And so the great dog debate rages in my household, and I think my wife is coming around to my point of view. But, if by chance, you happen to see me in the neighborhood walking a Pekingese that is wearing a teeny hat and sundress, you may safely assume things did not go my way.

CFBA GIVEAWAY: That's (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing That's (Not Exactly) Amore
FaithWords (August 14, 2008)
by
Tracey Bateman
This week on my Creative Madness blog I'm giving away the entire Drama
Queen series (Catch a Rising Star, You Had Me at Goodbye & That's Not
Exactly Amore) by Tracey Bateman. To enter, leave a comment with
contact info on the contest entry. US and Canada addresses only. I'll
pick a winner on Saturday and let you know next week!

Creative Madness http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com

Best of Luck and have a Blessed day!

Click here to see my review of Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracey Bateman published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Drama Queen Series, Catch A Rising Star (#1) and You Had Me At Goodbye (#2)

She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years.
She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.


Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current storylines.

She has been married to her husband Rusty for 18 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.


ABOUT THE BOOK


When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.
Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way Bravo!"
~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

If you would like to read the first chapter of That's (Not Exactly) Amore, go HERE

CFBA The Jewel of Gresham Green by Lawana Blackwell

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Jewel of Gresham Green
(Bethany House - August 1, 2008)
by
Lawana Blackwell
There is something exciting and beautiful about the way that covers are being done in the last year or so in the Christian Fiction world, and this one is no shocker that it is just beautiful. I feel in love with a series from Lawana Blackwell a few years ago starting with The Maid of Mayfair and I have gone and gotten myself a copy of The Widow of Larkspur Inn so that I can start this series properly and let me tell you I'm excited!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A full-time author, Lawana Blackwell's books include her beloved Gresham Chronicles and Tales of London series.

"I had told myself long ago that three books in a series are enough for my attention span, and so after The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark, I devoted myself to the trio of books in the Tales of London series, then wrote A Table By the Window, my contemporary novel. All along, I received letters from readers asking me to continue the Gresham series. Many, many wrote that the dairying village of Gresham and its people sent them back to a more peaceful time in the midst of their busy days.

"Prayerfully, I decided to return to Gresham, setting the story fifteen years after Julia Hollis and her children first left London for abandoned coaching inn which became Larkspur Inn. I believe readers would like to see how the children—Philip, Aleda and Grace, Elizabeth and Laurel—turn out as adults. But I like to inject fresh faces into every book, hence Jewel Libby and her daughter Becky find Gresham a haven from a bad man. Writing the book was like coming home, visiting old friends."

Blackwell lives in Louisiana with her husband, Buddy, a supervisor at an oil refinery. They are empty nesters who love to visit their three grown sons, Joseph, Matthew, and Andrew, and three lovely daughters-in-law, Kristine, Penny and Heather, granddaughter Madelyn, and grandson Chandler.

Her other interests include visiting her parents and siblings in Mississippi, vegetarian cooking, and naturally, reading.



ABOUT THE BOOK
To protect her precious daughter from the danger nipping at their heels, Jewel Libby must flee the only home she's ever known. Caring friends direct her to the vicarage in the peaceful dairy village of Gresham, but she arrives there to find Vicar Andrew Phelps and his wife immersed in troubles of their own.

The children of Vicar Andrew Phelps and Julia Hollis from the popular Gresham Chronicles series have grown up and are dealing with their own challenges. Philip Hollis, now a successful London surgeon, has a controlling wife who resents his close family ties.

Aleda Hollis lives in a cottage on the outskirts of Gresham, where she enjoys her privacy and a writing career. When Andrew becomes ill and in need of Philip's skills, and Aleda's quest for privacy unwittingly advances an evil man's schemes, it's Jewel Libby, a newcomer to Gresham, who becomes an unexpected support and source of strength to the family. An unlikely romance adds to the intrigue of this jewel in their midst.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Jewel of Gresham Green, go HERE

Winner to Calico Canyon GIVEAWAY

And the winner is.... *drum roll*

ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com

Thank you to all of you ladies who commented! Stick around for more GIVEAWAYs to come!!!

MJ

ChristianBookwormReviews.com

Dear all,

So, this week I decided that I do not spend enough time on-line and have figured a way to get even more hours in by joining in on the team over at ChristianBookwormReviews.com a main page of Faithwebbin.net. If you have seen the site in the past, it is nothing as to what it is now. It's completely redesigned and just plain fabulous! Be sure to check out the main site Faithwebbin Online Magazine and all literary guides (ChristianBookwormReviews.com, aTeenzfaith.com and aKidzfaith.com. Here is my bio blurb: (and check out others on the team too!) Margaret Chind and her engineer husband live just east of Atlanta, Georgia where he does his engineer things and she reads books, lots of books, and quilts, and sometimes cross stitches. Margaret has an AS in Nursing and a BA in Religious Studies, she believes these have prepared her to have many an educated discussion. She has always been a book-a-holic and ever since she entered the book review world has completely fallen in head-over-hills and hopes to never leave her little library. As an attempt to show her mother and sisters what she was up to she created Creative Madness where she posts pictures of her current quilt project and many many book reviews. She thrives on Historical Fiction, but loves many others as well.

Go and check it out!

- MJ

Indigo Love of Reading

Have you seen this??

Q&A with Mary Connealy (GIVEAWAY)

Today is a special treat!

If you've been following me for even just a short while you've heard me mention one of my new favorite authors, that would be Mary Connealy. She won me over with Petticoat Ranch (February 1, 2007) and then kept me as a fan for life with Calico Canyon (July 1, 2008). I cannot wait to get my hands on her story Golden Days, lately re-released (August 1, 2008) in an anthology from Alaska Brides Heartsong Presents with stories from fellow authors Cathy Marie Hake and Kathleen Y'Barbo. On Sunday, June 22nd, I shared my review of Petticoat Ranch, as well as a blurb for Mary and Calico Canyon and a preview of the first chapter, click here to go back and see it if you missed it before. Wednesday, June 25th, I shared my review of Calico Canyon, also click here, to go back to see it. So, aside with all previous mentions of this fabulous book, now I bring you a fabulous Q&A with Mary (AND A GIVEAWAY!!!!!)!

Calico Canyon is the sequel to Petticoat Ranch, but could easily be read alone. It is a favorite of mine and on my keeper shelf for good. 4 1/2 Stars from Romantic Times and raved about all over the internet!

Let yourself be swept away by this fast-paced romance, featuring Grace Calhoun, an instructor of reading, writing, and arithmetic, who, in an attempt to escape the clutches of a relentless pursuer, runs smack dab into even more trouble with the 6R's - widower Daniel Reeves, along with his five rowdy sons. When a marriage is forced upon this hapless pair - two people who couldn't dislike each other more - an avalanche isn't the only potential danger lurking amid the shadows of Calico Canyon. Will they make it out alive? Or end up killing each other in the process?


And Now ... Please give a warm welcome to Mary Connealy at Creative Madness...


(Note: Normally, I'd write my initials and the author initials before the specific statements, but it's hard to decifer between MC and MC... so, I'll be using CB for CherryBlossomMJ, my alter-ego.)


CB: Upon writing Petticoat Ranch, Lassoed in Texas #1, did you know that you would continue the story of Grace Calhoun?
MC: Not at the beginning. IN fact, Petticoat Ranch was finished before I had the idea to make it a series by telling the flip side of Petticoat Ranch, a woman in an all male world. That seemed only fair.
So how do I come up with a woman who hasn’t been around men? I had to come up with the whole backstory, invent Grace, then invent the all boy family of the Reeves, then weave it into Petticoat Ranch. That all came after Petticoat Ranch was completely done. But the Hannah part of Calico Canyon was included in Calico Canyon from the beginning with an eye toward telling Hannah’s story.

CB: I'm so excited to read more about Hannah's story that I can hardly stand it, I'm not sure I can be patient about this one. I'm just too eager! *Sigh*
Sophie, Grace, Tillie, and Hannah are such strong examples of women in difficult situations. What strong women do you know that have influenced you to date?
MC: Well, I do know some strong women of course, lots of ’em, but I honestly don’t think of Sophie, Gracie, etc. as real people, instead I think of them as being how I WISH I was. I’m a really quiet person and I spend most of my time being the calm one, keeping peace in my home. My characters tend to be mouthy and say all the things I wish I could say.
Although, honestly, it’s probably best I don’t.

CB: *snicker* I know what you mean! Although for me it is so difficult not to think of characters in a book as not being real people, it's almost like I'm reading someone's letters I'm so drawn into their lives.
Well let me as you, this book, both books actually, capture so many real issues and do it in a wonderful fashion and light. In brief, there is the concept of slavery, and child abuse, and death, and love, and do not forget the idea of multiples (twins, triplets, etc)! How were you able to twist and turn and put all of these large issues in such a book?
MC: You know, when you say this I think yikes, there really is some heavy stuff in here. I didn’t exactly think of the book as tackling serious subjects, I just wanted my characters to be put into tight situations and the times lent them selves to these you mentioned. Slavery and the scars left by it were easy. And I found the Orphan Trains fascinating, they really piqued my interest. I read a book about young girls pressed into work at a carpet mill and it seemed like they’d have to come from troubled homes, at least poverty stricken if not orphaned, or they’d have never gone into those places. So the choices for orphaned children were orphanages, the street or forced work. Not any of them great choices.
I do think there were a lot of good hearted people trying to make an orphanage a decent place to the extend possible. But if you’ll look closely, the main references to the Orphan Trains are that children ‘vanish’. They’re sent away and never seen again. These are child-ish fears from young ones who don’t understand what’s really happening. So their fears drove them more than reality.

CB: I have never read much about Orphan Trains, but now I'm intrigued and think I should. My main exposure to orphans in history are probably through the story of Rose Hill and of course Anne of Green Gables. Now, I have something else to put on my research list. Oh, what strong people these times must have made...
What is your favorite verse of which emphasizes the virtue of strength?
MC: I’ve just finished a three book series for Heartsong Presents and each book begins with a verse about strength.
The one that came to mind when you asked is this:
Colossians 1:11 - We want you to be very strong, in keeping with His glorious power. We want you to be patient. Never give up. Be joyful.
This is the life verse claimed by my heroine who has a deep seated need to be a doormat and, not surprisingly, has married a tyrant. They both become Christians and are trying, trying, trying to have a healthier relationship. I had a lot of fun with this.

Hannah’s story is coming in Gingham Mountain in February 2009. I just saw it on Amazon and I’m so excited to have the whole series available really soon.

Here’s a bit about sweet, maternal Hannah, who is afraid of everything, but can’t turn her back on a child in need. A rancher runs head-on into the new school marm, who believes he's made slave labor out of eight orphaned children. Grant Cooper crowds too many orphans into his rickety house, just like Hannah Cartwright's cruel father. Grant's family of orphans have been mistreated too many times by judgmental school teachers. Now the new schoolmarm is the same except she's so pretty and she isn't really bad to his children, it's Grant she can't stand.

CB: Oooh, I look forward to reading that series! And you already know how excited I am about Gingham Mountain, but now even more so with that little piece! Oh, I will have to go find some other great books to read to pass the time before they all come out. Who are your favorite fiction authors? (Secular and Christian)
MC: Well, the ladies I’m on Seekerville with are my favorites right now. http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
Julie Lessman
Janet Dean
Cheryl Wyatt
Debbie Giusti
Missy Tippens and
Camy Tang.
And the rest of the Seekers are wonderful authors, too. Their day is coming.

CB: I just love Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure (January 1, 2008 Revell), she's a favorite of mine as well, I reviewed her debut novel here, and cannot wait for the sequel A Passion Redeemed (September 1, 2008 Revell)!! The others I have not yet read, but definitely are being put on my TBR list now. *sigh* I'm such a book-a-holic...
What is the book that you read when you realized that you just loved books?
MC: Hard to say this, I’m a life long compulsive reader. I think I was a writer from a very young age, too. I’ve always been very entertained by my made up stories.

CB: If the market were to stay strong and you could continue the Lassoed in Texas books for as long as you desired, how many books would there be and how many stories would we learn to love?
MC: I’m right now beginning a series that’s going to feature Sophie’s daughters. Now, I could do that for all of the Reeves boys too, couldn’t I? So I could write for a really long time.

CB: What is your favorite scene from Calico Canyon, Lassoed in Texas #2?
MC: I love the scene where they get married, pure mayhem. That’s what I like to write best, mayhem.

CB: I was completely and literally laughing out loud at that time. I received some pretty quizzical looks from my hubby then too. *giggles* Where can readers find you on the web? In real life?
http://www.maryconnealy.com/
http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
http://petticoatsandpistols.com/

And now, *drum roll* you all have the chance (US and Canada Only please) have a chance to enter to win a copy of this wonderful book Calico Canyon!! Leave a comment on this post telling why you would like to read the book and state how you are thinking that Mary just might make it on to your favorite author lists. I will pick a winner on Saturday, August 9th, 2008 and contact the winner via e-mail to get their info. Please leave your information as such to avoid spammers cherryblossommj (at) gmail [dot] com. Good luck to all!!!

God Bless your day!

- MJ




To Order Petticoat Ranch from Christian Books Click Here
To Order Calico Canyon from Christian Books Click Here
To Order Alaska Brides from Christian Books Click Here



Petticoat Ranch; Calico Canyon--July '08
Of Mice...and Murder--September '08
FOUR FREE BOOKS at Heartsong Mysteries http://www.heartsongmysteries.com/

New Birth or Rebirth? -- press

See my previous post for a preview of the first chapter...

As Americans, what do we really know about Hinduism?
Authority on comparative religions introduces readers to the basics of Hindu beliefs

Hinduism is the world’s third-largest religion, behind Christianity and Islam. Depending on whose statistics you believe, there are anywhere from 837 million to 1.2 billion people in the world who practice this faith. Though Hindus currently make up only 0.5% of the U.S. population (approximately 76% of the population considers itself Christian), their number and influence on Western society are growing, as notions of Karma and reincarnation, the practice of yoga and books on topics like tantric sex have been co-opted by popular culture. In recent years, much has been made of a supposed Krishna-Christ connection, leading many to wonder if, aside from the obvious differences in dietary practices (Hindus revere cows, while most Christians enjoy them grilled to perfection and served with a baked potato), these faiths are, in essence, preaching the same message.

In his new book, New Birth or Rebirth? Jesus Talks with Krishna (Multnomah, 2008), world-renowned speaker and author Ravi Zacharias takes readers on a journey into India's holy city of Mathura. This is the birthplace of Krishna, the name revered and worshiped by millions of Hindus. The teachings of Krishna in the Gita are often referred to as being closest to those of Jesus. But as you walk through the streets and visit the temples, you will be a witness to an imaginary conversation between Jesus and Krishna you will soon see where the message comes close but where the differences lie.

Questions of human dignity, Karma, and reincarnation are faced head-on. What is the teaching of this most popular of Hindu books? How does the Gospel differ? New Birth or Rebirth? gets to the heart through the mind of these two, both of whom claimed to give the ultimate answers. Jesus and Krishna will engage your intellect and emotions in life's soul- searching struggles.

“My premise is that the popular aphorism that ‘all religions are fundamentally the same and only superficially different’ is simply not true. It is more correct to say that all religions are, at best, superficially similar but fundamentally different,” Zacharias reflects. “Both Christianity and Hinduism claim to be true and legitimate. This rationally implies, then, that it does matter what you believe.”

With three doctoral degrees under his belt, Zacharias is clearly qualified to teach on comparative religion, particularly the Christian faith he practices and Hinduism, the majority religion of his native India. His creative approach to the topic is far more user-friendly than any textbook. A gifted writer, Zacharias peppers the philosophical intricacies of the discussion with moments of wit and humor.

New Birth or Rebirth? is an excellent evangelistic tool. As the characters converse, Zacharias presents the truth and beauty of the gospel of Christ against the backdrop of Hinduism’s complexity. The book is also a helpful resource for Christians who have asked questions like: Who do Hindus worship? Why do they revere cows? Why do they believe in reincarnation? Most importantly, readers will find the answer to this question: Who should I believe?

New Birth or Rebirth? is the fourth installment in the Great Conversations series, an innovative line of apologetics that includes previously released titles The Lotus and the Cross: Jesus Talks with Buddha, The Lamb and the Fuhrer: Jesus Talks with Hitler, and Sense and Sensuality: Jesus Talks to Oscar Wilde on the Pursuit of Pleasure.

New Birth or Rebirth? Jesus Talks with Krishna by Ravi Zacharias
Multnomah Books/June 2008/ISBN-13: 978-1-59052-725-2/hardcover/90 pages/$11.99

For more information, contact:

Audra Jennings
Media Specialist
The B&B Media Group
1-800-927-0517 Ext. 104
ajennings@tbbmedia.com
Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com
“A Media Communications Company”

Experimentation on Books

Becky over at A Christian Worldview of Fiction tagged me for a meme. This will be my first attempt at this, so let's see how it goes, shall we?

Here’s how it will work.

I’m going to list five MUST Read novels and five Keep Your Eyes on These novels, then tag five bloggers who I’m asking to post my list on their site. They may then add one book to each list but must also subtract one book. Finally they should tag five other bloggers, link here at A Christian Worldview of Fiction, and comment to this post so visitors here know to check out how they may have changed the list.

If you aren’t tagged but want to play, copy the how to paragraph above, make your own list of MUST Reads and Keep Your Eyes on These, and tag away. It will be fun to see if we can generate some book wars … uh, I mean, discussions … good, healthy, respectful discussions!

My five MUST Reads:
Demon: a Memoir by Tosca Lee (NavPress)*
Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer (WaterBrook)
A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman (Bethany House)
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (NavPress)*
Beyond the Reflection's Edge by Bryan Davis (Zondervan)

My five Keep Your Eyes On These:
Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead (Thomas Nelson)*
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook)
Auralia’s Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet (WaterBrook)
The Legend of the FireFish by George Bryan Polivka (Harvest House)
The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann (Bethany)

FIVE BOOKS TO LOOK FOR SOON:
Shade by John Olson (B&H)
Field of Blood by Eric Wilson (Thomas Nelson)
Conspiracy in Kiev by Noel Hynd (Zondervan)
Stepping into Sunlight by Sharon Hinck (Bethany)*
Eternity's Edge by Bryan Davis (Zondervan)

The bloggers I’m asking to post the lists (and make one book-for-book change to each list if they wish):

Bryan Davis

Christopher Hopper

Magma

Deena

M.C. Pearson

CFBA: All Through The Night by Davis Bunn

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
All Through The Night
(Bethany House - July 1, 2008)
by
Davis Bunn


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Davis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than six million books in fifteen languages. His audiences spans reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings.

Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include My Soul To Keep, and Full Circle . A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was named Novelist in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.

He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write.



ABOUT THE BOOK


A loner, trying to forget. A community--and a woman--who need for him to remember...
Broken relationships and unfulfilled promises scatter themselves across Wayne's past like burned-out craters. His background in military special-ops is something he's trying to forget. But when he gets himself sweet-talked into helping a quirky group of seniors who've been scammed, he discovers it will take a lot more than muscle and nerve. Breach a conman's high-security estate to recover stolen money? No problem. Become part of community? Love again? Not on your life.

A lawyer with her own painful past is intrigued by Wayne and asks him to take on another unusual case--Tatanya's wealthy employer believes he's been visited by...an angel? Did a messenger from God in a pinstripe suit truly bring a divine warning, or is this merely another cruel hoax? Tatanya is willing to trust Wayne with her boss's life, but she's not sure she's ready to trust him with her own wounded heart.

With a financial analyst's skills and a warrior's tenacity, Wayne races to unmask dangerous forces hiding behind a corporate veil. But he will need all his resources--and then some--against an unseen enemy bent on destroying his fragile bid for a second chance at life...and love.

All he wanted was to put his past behind him. But now it's the only thing that will save them...

If you would like to read the first chapter of All Through The Night, go HERE

New Birth or Rebirth? by Ravi Zacharias: a preview

It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book's FIRST chapter!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Ravi Zacharias

and his book:

New Birth or Rebirth?: Jesus Talks with Krishna

Multnomah Books (June 17, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in India, Ravi Zacharias earned a master of divinity degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School before he began an international speaking ministry as a recognized authority on comparative religions, cults, and philosophy. Zacharias holds three doctoral degrees and is the author of numerous award-winning books, including Can Man Live without God? He also hosts a weekly international radio program called Let My People Think. Zacharias lives with his wife, Margaret, in Atlanta. They have three grown children.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $11.99
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Books (June 17, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590527259
ISBN-13: 978-1590527252

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Chapter One

Excerpt used with permission of Multnomah Books © 2008


PROLOGUE


Richard: Subra—look out! That car is coming straight at us!


Subramaniam: Relax, my friend. This is how people here drive all the time.


Richard: Ooooh! Here comes another one—watch out! Is that guy drunk or something?


Subra: Just hang on. We will be there shortly.


Richard: I thought this was a divided highway… Where did all these cars come from all of a sudden? There are more coming!


Subra: It is a divided highway. I’m sure that guy is just dropping off workers who live on this side of the village. To drive another several kilometers to turn around is a waste of money and time. You see, in England they drive on the left, in America on the right. But here in India we drive in the shade…or wherever else is convenient.


Richard: I don’t believe it! I simply don’t believe it! This could kill a fellow…


Subra: [Laughing] Now you know why we don’t need a Disneyland in India. Driving provides all the scary rides we could ever want. What were we talking about a few minutes ago anyway?


Richard: Uh…let me unclench my fists first. You were telling me about your background. It’s hard to pray and listen at the same time, but I’ll try. Please carry on with what you were saying…


Subra: Ah yes, now I remember. It was the hardest thing I ever did, Richard—to question what was so deeply ingrained in my family’s faith. Everything in my family was built around our faith. On the most important day of my childhood, it was hard to see my mother absent from the ceremony.


Richard: The most important day of your childhood? I think in such Western terms that I hesitate to even ask what you mean. What day are you talking about? You certainly don’t mean the day you were

born.


Subra: Well almost, but not quite. Let me explain…


As you know, society in India is built on the caste system. There are four main castes: Brahmans (priests); Kshatriyas (warriors); Vaisyas (merchants); and Sudras (servants). Beyond these four castes is actually a fifth, the Panchamas, the outcasts.


I was born in the south of India into the highest caste, the Brahmans. But until the defining day I am referring to, I was considered the lowest caste, a Sudra. On this day—a day that is as auspicious as auspicious can be—an initiation ceremony called the Upanayana was performed with the investiture of the sacred thread. It was only at this point that I formally became a Brahman.


Richard: Sacred thread? Why would a piece of string be considered sacred?


Subra: Hmm. This might be tougher than I thought. Let me back up for a moment. How much do you really want to know?


Richard: Well, everything, Subra. How am I ever going to understand Hinduism unless we go deeper?


Subra: Ah, wisely spoken.


You see, Richard, it’s like this: every Brahman longs for a son. We believe that unless there is a son to perform the annual ceremonies in honor of our ancestors, all six previous generations will fall into infernal misery, or hell. That’s what I had always been taught anyway.


So when I was born, my father was very happy. But my mother, like every Hindu woman who gives birth, was considered defiled.


On the eleventh day after my birth, a time of purification began for my mother. She was allowed to bathe for the first time since I was born, and at a formal ceremony I was given a name.


It is a very important ceremony. In it, an object is brought to the ceremony that symbolizes the boy’s future. In my case, it was a silver plate holding some palm leaves. This was to suggest that my life was to be devoted to sacred studies. My mother couldn’t even attend the ceremony because she was considered unclean for another thirty days.


I had been considered impure also until this eleventh day. And it was not until this ceremony that my father could hold or touch me for the first time.


Richard: You know, I’m fascinated by custom and ceremony. Sometimes I think that we in the West have lost out by having so little ceremony and custom in our culture. At the same time, these customs create a lot of questions. But that’s an aside.


You didn’t have a name until you were eleven days old? What did they call you until then? And your mother wasn’t even present at your naming? That seems quite chauvinistic…


Subra: Please, Richard. Let me finish before you jump to conclusions. Few things are ever as straightforward as they first appear.


According to tradition, my name was actually chosen by my aunt, my father’s eldest sister. It had to include the name of a god, and the first letter needed to belong to the constellation under which I was born. The ceremony itself was performed by a priest who had the power to change my name if he felt the astrological charts indicated that he should do so.


Richard: Wow! That’s quite a process.


Subra: Indeed—it’s quite a ceremony. Relatives brought me gifts and sweets, and we had a big celebration.


Richard: Does every family follow that?


Subra: The devout do. Anyway, the ceremony was to commemorate my first birth. Then I had my second birth. Or actually…let me correct that. Really it was considered my first and second birth in this incarnation…


Richard: First and second birth in this incarnation? This conversation is beginning to sound a bit like a Hindu version of the American “Who’s on First?” comedy routine. Hey, there’s a shop up ahead. Let’s stop and have a cup of coffee, Subra.


Subra: Sounds good. [Slowing car down] Would you like American coffee, Richard, South Indian coffee, or masala tea?


Richard: Mmm, it’s hard to decide. You’ve spoiled me here on my visit to your country, Subra. Coffee and tea back home lack imagination unless you’re willing to pay three dollars for something foreign sounding. You know what sounds good is some chai tea—would they have that here?


Subra: Funny you should ask, Richard.


Chai tea is really only a term marketers have chosen to make tea sound fancy. Chai is actually the Hindi word for “tea.” So saying chai tea is like saying tea tea.


Richard: Oh. Well, maybe we should have some masala chai then…I love the spicy taste. And, oh… Let’s have some of that…what do you call that dessert we had awhile back? Pukey?


Subra: [Laughing] Not pukey, Richard! But close. It’s called barfi ! Remember? I can’t tell you exactly why it is named as it is, but it’s delicious—delicately made with milk, sugar, saffron, pistachios, and silver paper.


Richard: Sorry, I tried to remember it by making a word association. Barfi it is, but why don’t they change the name? Barfi just doesn’t sound appetizing.


Subra: You’re right. But think about it, my friend. I could list all the American food that does not sound appetizing to an Indian—hot dogs, chicken fingers, hush puppies.


Richard: Okay, I get your point. Let’s just keep this conversation to names and customs. So back to the second birth of your first incarnation…


Subra: Yes, the second birth of the… You know, Richard, this really is very good pukey… Ah, now you’ve got me saying it! Honestly! So we come to my second birth, called Upanayana, which is really the thread investiture ceremony. It is a very sacred ritual, even more so

than the naming ceremony. Indeed, no Brahman can get married without this installation.


Richard: Upanayana, is it? An American would have a hard time even pronouncing that word.


Subra: It’s not easy for a twelve-year-old Indian boy either.


You see, the night before the ceremony, total silence is in effect. The young boy has to be absolutely, totally silent. Have you ever tried to be completely silent for any length of time?


Richard: Not really. But come to think of it, total silence sounds like a good thing for some of the kids I know…


Subra: It was very hard for me. I could not utter a sound.


In the morning my parents took me to a special booth prepared for the occasion. A sacrificial fire was burning on an altar. I was completely clean-shaven—totally bald—which is never fun for a young boy. Then I was bathed. Then they gave me some sweet food to eat—I liked that part just fine—rice, clarified butter (we call it ghee), sugar, milk, and fruit.


Richard: Hmm, butter, sugar, milk—a real cholesterol booster shot.


Subra: It is considered food in its very purest form. My mother ate with me, which is an important point to note because this was the last time I would ever eat with her.


Richard: You mean she died shortly after?


Subra: No, no, no—nothing like that. In my strict orthodox upbringing, I was considered a man from this point on. As such, I would only eat with the men of the family, separate from all women, even my mother.


After we ate, the formal ceremony commenced. A teacher who conducted the ceremony called on the nine planets to be witnesses then questioned me as to my desire to become an initiate.


Once the teacher was satisfied with my answers, he entrusted me to the gods of water, herbs, sky, and earth. Then he prayed to all the gods and demons to protect me from every kind of evil. He then commanded me to walk as a Brahman from then on. That was now my new identity.


Richard: That ceremony sounds amazing! It’s almost like an Indian version of a bar mitzvah, when a Jewish boy officially becomes a “son of the commandment.”


Subra: Yes, it is, isn’t it?


The climax of my ceremony involved a liturgical spell, or prayer, that was whispered by the priest to my father, who whispered it into my right ear. This prayer was so sacred that my right ear, into which it was breathed, was now considered sacred. And whenever I repeated that prayer, I was cleansed from sin. No woman and no low-caste person were ever to hear it. I repeated this mantra to myself every day. I was instructed to do so for the rest of my life.


Richard: So do you still?


Subra: Do I what?


Richard: Do you repeat your mantra every day?


Subra: Oh, Richard… It’s a long story. Yes, I did. For quite some time anyway. But I don’t anymore. But I am ahead of myself in the story. Look, we are finished with our tea. Let’s get back in the car and keep driving. We are almost at Mathura, the holy city. Sometimes I think all of this is too complicated to understand…


Richard: I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how emotional a subject this is to you.


Subra: It is. It has always been, Richard. Hinduism used to be my life. The memories and emotional attachments of Indian family life are very strong. It’s what keeps us together. It’s part of our rich heritage…


[The two fall silent for some time as the car hurtles down the road.]


Subra: Ah…here we are at last in Mathura, Richard. Let me just pay a few rupees to this fellow to keep an eye on the car while we are gone. If we don’t, I fear the hubcaps will be gone by the time we return.


Richard: Stolen hubcaps here? Even in a sacred city—the birthplace of Krishna?


Subra: Yes, and then down the road they will be sold back to us by the fellow’s father. Indians are born capitalists!


Richard: Sounds to me like exploitation. That seems to happen quite a bit in any religious city. Have you ever seen all the haggling that goes on in Rome or Jerusalem?


Subra: Never been there myself. Mathura was always held out to me as the place to be. “Mathura, Mathura, fair Mathura.” Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna, so it is believed.


Before Mathura was regarded as Krishna’s birthplace, it was sacred to the Buddhists also. It was actually a Buddhist monastic center at one time, comprised of twenty Buddhist monasteries and about three thousand monks who resided here. But as Buddhism declined in India, Mathura became a sacred spot to the Hindus.


Richard: You don’t see many traces of Buddhism here today?


Subra: Funny you should ask. Courtesy of an Afghan warlord, most all of the Buddhist and Hindu shrines were leveled sometime around AD 1018. Within the next few centuries, the city was determined to be Krishna’s birthplace, and then the Muslim Mughal Aurangzeb flattened the Hindu temple that had been built here and put up a mosque in its place.


So over the actual birthplace, there is now a mosque. A parcel of ground protruding from the barrier of the mosque is now revered as the spot of Krishna’s birth. It is a situation a little similar to the mosque that exists on the site of the temple in Jerusalem—the only place the Jews have to worship is at the Western Wall of the temple.


And like Jerusalem, this has not been a place of peace. Even now, we will be searched as we enter the main temple. And by the way, there are over five thousand temples in this small city.


Richard: Human nature is the same everywhere, isn’t it? Who are these women here chanting?


Subra: This is a worship center for widows. There are about two thousand widows who come here every day to chant “Hare Ram, Hare Krishna” for four hours each morning and four hours each evening. In exchange, they are given a cup of rice at noon with some lentils and two rupees, which is about five cents, and a cup of rice and lentils at dinner. If they also chant in the evening, they are paid five rupees. Four times a year they are given a change of clothes.


Richard: Sounds like quite a life. Where do these widows live?

Subra: They have a threadbare existence, Richard. But that’s considered their karmic debt being paid. You know about karma, yes? It’s the belief that all of one’s actions in life, both good and bad, determine one’s next rebirth after death. It’s too much to go into in depth right now.


Richard: Yes, I’ve heard of karma before. Hey…what the…? Stop that!


Subra: Watch out, Richard! I warned you not to pull out your sunglasses!


Richard: Holy cow! That monkey just snatched the sunglasses right off my face. Oh, I’m sorry…maybe I shouldn’t have said “holy cow.”


Subra: Well, I suppose this is the right place to say those words. Here’s my handkerchief—the monkey scratched you.


Richard: Any chance of getting my sunglasses back?


Subra: I doubt it. Your glasses are probably on the roof of the temple now. The monkey is looking at his reflection in the lenses. You just have to be careful here. There are monkeys by the hundreds, cows by the thousands, and, as you see, donkeys as well. They all wander freely.


Richard: Monkeys, cows, donkeys—without religion, there would be no businesses here.


Subra: [Laughing] You might be right about that. By the way, the tastiest barfis in the country are also made here. They are called pedas. It is the same basic recipe but just a little bit sweeter and richer. You can’t eat too many—it’s a sure mouthful on the road to diabetes. But I could think of worse ways to go!


Richard: Hmm, sounds inviting, but I think I’ll pass this time.


Back to what we were talking about. How was your religious thinking shaped, Subra? You seem to know so much about Hinduism from an insider’s point of view.


Subra: Richard, it’s hard to tell the whole story. It cost me so much. As you know, my family does not talk to me anymore, and it has been so painful.


When I was in college, I started to question what I had always believed. I asked simple questions at first: Why? Who said so? Where is it written?


But simple questions have a way of leading to much greater things. Religion is so important in our cultural experience—India is the most religious country in the world. And you don’t easily question what everybody around you believes.


Richard: Religion just seems to be everywhere here.


Subra: Yes. In more ways than you might think. We commonly use many words and expressions that come from our religion, seldom asking where they originated.


For example, the word avatar, which means a divine manifestation, is not even used in the Gita, one of the scriptures of Hinduism. Yet the idea of avatar is fondly believed throughout India because of its implications.


An avatar is a bodily manifestation of a higher being, even the supreme being, on planet Earth. The term is primarily used for incarnations of Vishnu, the preserver god, but it’s also used of highly influential teachers in other religions, including Jesus and Mohammed. Oh! I can say so much.


Richard: The Gita? I know I’ve heard of that before. What is it exactly, and how does it differ from the Vedas?


Subra: The Bhagavad Gita, or “Song of God,” is the most sacred book of the Hindus. It’s a long narrative poem, about seven hundred verses, that tells the story of a discussion between Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, who is about to fight his cousins. The flow of the Gita revolves around man’s duty, which if carried out will bring nothing but sorrow. But the poem also offers hope through the way of devotion.


The Vedas, or wisdom books, are the oldest scriptures we possess—they contain everything from teachings to ceremonial instructions in detail. The Vedas are actually a collection of four books. Each book has three parts: mantras, hymns of praise to the gods; Brahmanas, a guide for practicing rituals; and the Upanishads, the most important part, which deals with teaching on religious truth and doctrines.


In a different category to them are the Epics—two major tales of India. The principal one is the Mahabharata, which contains the famed Ramayana, and the Gita. Technically, these are not considered to be on the same philosophical plane as the Vedas, but practically, they are the books most loved by Hindus. It all sounds confusing at first. The Hindu scriptures are voluminous indeed.


Here, let’s sit down awhile in the shade and look at the temple.


Richard: Sounds complicated. I don’t know how you ever keep all the scriptures straight. Hey, did you see that?


Subra: What?


Richard: When that cow wandered into the temple, the pilgrim over there touched it and then touched his own forehead and his heart.


Subra: That practice comes right out of the Gita. From early times, the Hindus have revered cows because of their alleged great power. There’s also a verse in the Atharva Veda that identifies the cow with the entire visible universe:


Worship, O Cow, to thy tail-hair, and to thy hooves, and to thy form!… The Cow is Heaven, the Cow is Earth, the Cow is Vishnu, Lord of Life.


Anyhow, let me continue with my story. When I started to question what I had been taught, I decided to leave home. I had no money and no place to go, so I wandered for days and weeks, finally ending up in front of a cave.


I couldn’t see anything inside the cave—it was all dark and shadowy—but as I began to walk into the cave I could feel a presence there. I walked farther and farther. Some time later I was shocked to stumble upon an emaciated swami, a mystic clad in a saffron robe,

sitting in silence.


The swami had taken a vow of silence and had been there a long time. There was just enough light to see that his eyes were shut. He was reflecting. Seeing him there turned my heart toward the ultimate questions as nothing else had.


Richard: How did the swami survive inside the cave?


Subra: Barely. Every now and then the villagers who lived nearby brought him meager rations.


I stayed with the swami for several weeks, and we developed a close relationship. I kept his living quarters clean and spent many hours with him just sitting and meditating.


Finally, for my sake, he wrote a few brief words, telling me that I must leave him and that I would find the answers I was seeking elsewhere. I was devastated, but he was leaving to go on a trip himself, so I couldn’t stay with him.


Weeks later I returned to the cave, still seeking spiritual illumination, and I heard a voice in the night—but it wasn’t the swami’s voice this time.


The voice was clear and calm, breathtaking and true. It said simply, “Follow me.” I heard it, Richard. I really heard it.


I didn’t know exactly where to go after that, but somehow I knew that the same voice that spoke to me there in the cave would guide me along my way.


I left the cave and met a man walking down the road who shared with me the strange and beautiful story of a babe born in a straw manger. The babe was the incarnation of the true God and had come to connect us to the true Supreme Being.


It was the first time I had ever heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. I had always been taught that there is no such thing as sin against a holy God. I always thought that acts of wrongdoing were mainly a result of ignorance and that these evils could be overcome by following the guidelines of one’s caste and way of salvation.


But there on the road I saw my sin as a real act of rebellion against a perfect and holy God. And, surprisingly, I discovered who it was I was searching for—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. My life…has never been the same.


Richard: And your family?


Subra: They would have nothing to do with me after that. Neither would my community.


Richard: I’m so sorry for you.


Subra: Converting to another belief system is never easy—even when you convert to the truth. With my new faith, I had a deep and lasting joy I had never known before, but I was also troubled for my family and country—so many who had grown up believing exactly as I had believed.


I sometimes imagined what it would be like for Jesus to simply sit down with Krishna so they could hash it all out between them. Others would hear of the conversation and decide for themselves where truth lay.


It wouldn’t be that far-fetched, you know. What I heard in the cave was a real voice. If Jesus has a voice, perhaps the historic Krishna has a voice also.


Perhaps if I leaned hard enough—you know, leaned into the curtain behind time—I could hear what Jesus and Krishna would say to each other.


Can you imagine that, Richard—Jesus and Krishna talking? What would each say to the other?


The image of these two great figures deep in conversation stayed with me for some time. I could not shake the picture no matter how hard I tried.


So one day I gave in. I sat down in a cow pasture and leaned in.


Richard: You “leaned in”?


Subra: As I sat in the pasture and closed my eyes, it was like a new world became visible to me. Suddenly I could see things I had never seen before.


In the distance I saw a few saffron robes hanging from a tree and two figures standing in shadows talking. It was noon, already very hot and humid for the day—one of those steamy days you encounter only in India.


As I strained to glimpse the men’s faces, their identities became apparent. It was Jesus, clothed in a white robe, with sandaled feet and scars on his hands; and Krishna, the youthful prince with his ever-present flute. Can you see them, Richard, in your own mind’s eye?


Let me tell you in detail about the conversation. Listen! I strained to hear what was being said…