Cladach Publishing tour The Story of the Shelter Hostel in Eilat, Israel by Judith Galbulm Pex

COME, STAY, CELEBRATE!

The Story of the Shelter Hostel in Eilat, Israel

by Judith Galblum Pex

 

The Details

Memoir/ Evangelism/ Christian Life/ Messianic Faith/ Israel Paperback 5.5" x 8.5" / 264 Pages Illustrated: 26 photos ISBN: 9780989101448 $12.99 Full Cover Read Excerpt Meet the Author Other Books by Judith Galblum Pex: Walk the Land: A Journey on Foot through Israel A People Tall and Smooth: Stories of Escape from Sudan to Israel

The True Story

Make yourself available to God, and He will use you in ways you can't imagine!
You will be convinced of this as you read the story of John and Judy Pex and their conversions as hippies roaming the world in the 1970s to their immigration to Israel, and how the door opened for them to start a hostel near the Red Sea.In the volatile and highly-charged atmosphere of the Middle East, the Shelter is a point of reconciliation between believers and non-believers, Jews and non-Jews, Israelis and Arabs, all staying together under one roof. For people from over ninety countries the Shelter Hostel has provided a beacon of light and a welcoming home for thirty years, as the Pexes use their gifts of hospitality and evangelism.Enjoy these touching and humorous stories that reveal how the Lord uses ordinary people to participate in His extraordinary work. TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Who Wants to Run a Hostel, Anyway?2. From Igloos to Palm Trees3. The Blond Dutchman4. The House on Poor House Lane5. Down the Gangplank6. Melon Box Crib & Sandstorm Solutions7. Beginning and End of a Hostel8. Flee to the Refuge9. Sorry, We're Full10. Dutch Wall Climber, Russian Coffee Seller & Egyptian Doctor11. Pee Mattresses, Snotty & Other Encounters12. Elvis & Pilgrims13. Next-Door Strangers14. Lebanese Fugitive & Jordanian Aristocrat15. Scuds, Sirens & Sealed Rooms16. The Russians Are Coming17. Seeking Culture, Finding Yeshua18. God Exists In Romania19. Chicken Feet & Dog Liver20. Visits to Court & to China21. Trail Angels22. From Sudan to Zion23. Trouble In Zion24. EPILOGUE: Musings and Memory25. POSTSCRIPT: Best News in a Zillion Years

The Praise

"Judy Pex loves the Lord and she loves Israel. My wife and I have wholeheartedly enjoyed her compelling and wonderfully-written stories about all that God has been accomplishing through her and John and their team. Their fascinating vantage point on Israel and the Jewish people and the spiritual awakening that is happening here provides unique insights that will encourage your faith!" ~ Joel C. Rosenberg, New York Times best-selling author of Epicenter and The Last Jihad"The Shelter Hostel in Eilat, Israel, lies at the crossroads of a troubled world. Located on the borders of the Sinai Desert, its doors are always open to refugees, world travelers, and many others who seek the love and encouragement offered there. Its proprietors, John and Judy Pex, have the greatest combination of gifts of spontaneous evangelism and loving hospitality that I have seen in extensive travels around the world. Firmly grounded in the Word of God, Judy Pex recounts some of the deeply moving stories of people whose lives have been changed by the love shown to them there. For all who pessimistically see the troubles in today's world, it is a refreshing reminder that God is still on the throne. I heartily recommend this remarkable book." ~ David M. Howard, International Director Emeritus, World Evangelical Alliance"Jesus' final words to his disciples, 'But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,' is lived out daily at the Shelter Hostel. To hippies from Europe, the new immigrants from the former Soviet Union, foreign workers from Romania or China, Jordanian royalty, refugees from Sudan, Israel trail walkers or the ongoing flow of backpackers and students from every continent, John and Judy Pex have opened their hearts and home, as the 'ends of the earth' have come to them. Having run a similar hostel for nearly twenty years in the north of Israel, we can certify that these vignets of searching, discovery, and redemption are too wild to make up! Come, Stay, Celebrate! will encourage every sojourner at any stage of their journey for truth." ~ Paul and Traci Valerio, former managers, Bethel Hostel, Haifa, Israel"Come, Stay, Celebrate! is a breath of fresh air in a world full of strife. It's the story of a hostel in the southern reaches of Israel, a place where travelers, hikers, drug addicts, and refugees of various generations and wars gather to find hospitality and acceptance. Each world conflict of the past four decades leads to new waves of people coming through the Shelter Hostel, and Judith Galbrum Pex presents their stories with grace. Written in a no-frills style yet with a keen eye for detail, Come, Stay, Celebrate! is an honest account of the lives touched by the hostel. Some of the guests find healing and friendship, even love. Some turn to crime or commit suicide. Others discover new life through a relationship with Jesus. If you want to better understand the world around you, if you want to be encouraged to better care for those in need, this book is mandatory reading. It is a fast-paced easy read full of humor, insight, and emotion." ~ Eric Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of Fireproof, October Baby, and Field of Blood

Fall Book Fling Creation of Calm by Mark Farley

PRESENTS:

 

CREATION OF CALM

A Cancer Survivor's Sketchbook Story

by Mark Fraley

 

Memoir/ Art/ Personal Growth/ Suffering/

Inspirational/ Gift Book

Paperback

6" x 8.25"

168 Pages

Illustrated:

black ink sketches color collages

ISBN: 9780989101424

View Sample Pages

Retail Price: $13.99

Available from:

Amazon.com

BN.com

Cladach.com

 

"When we are broken and thrown about, our God takes us ~ right where we are ~ and shapes us into His artwork."~From the BookAs a young husband and father, Mark learned he had cancer. Through two bouts of the disease that spanned four years, he chose "the posture of a seeker." Even when pain and treatments stole his ability to work or focus for periods of time, he captured moments of his journey ~ as images, thoughts, and prayers ~ in a growing collection of sketchbooks. Here is the result: honest art, wrenching emotions, a little humor, and authentic spirituality.In the author's own words: 'The act of seeking is essential to life. When faced with turmoil and struggle, I often take the posture of a seeker. In the pages of this book I have compiled a series of sketchbook entries that span six years and tell the story of my battles with cancer. I have re-drawn and re-worked them to fit this format; however, the message put forward is intact: This act of seeking was one that revealed a loving God at work when everything in my life appeared to be crumbling.'Enjoy this very personal, easy-to-read book and give it as a thoughtful, encouraging gift. REVIEWS:"A poignant and thought-provoking response to the kind of health crisis that can turn a life inside out and leave a person bitter and angry. Fraley never claims not to have been afraid, and he fought off misplaced guilt and shame on a regular basis. Yet he writes with compassion, characteristic honesty, and the kind of tender empathy that only someone who has walked the road of cancer can feel and extend to others. ... Whether for yourself or a loved one, and whether you've experienced cancer personally or not ... the directness with which he writes about his family, pain, faith, and discovery of art as a medium through which to filter and process all his experiences, will touch your heart and leave you encouraged." ~ Eleanore Trupkiewicz on Goodreads.com "Written from the perspective of a normal dude, who can draw dang good. He writes about the journey as if he's talking to us and finds some pretty cool deeper meaning behind life because of how cancer has made him look at it. It's an easy and thoughtful read. And the drawings are pretty much flawless." ~ Ross Boone, author and illustrator "A unique book that can be read on many levels. The drawings alone - touching, humorous, and professional - are reason enough to enjoy this book. Fraley's sparse prose complements the drawings and takes us through his double battle with cancer. Furthermore, Fraley shares in a personal way his experiences and feelings of balancing his life as a young father and husband with the trials of hospitalization and chemotherapy. Finally he leaves us with a message of hope and victory sustained by his deep faith in God. I highly recommend this book." ~ Judith Pex, author "I really enjoyed this unique book. I found it inspiring and thought provoking - made me want to start a sketchbook journal." ~ Nina Rattle on Amazon.com  Mark Fraley grew up in France as a child of Christian missionaries. From a young age he drew countless pictures, including cars, jets, and dogs. This passion for putting pen to paper came into full bloom when faced with the challenge of his life, cancer. His three kids and his wife brought the calm needed to face this battle with courage, and God placed a deep-rooted peace that remained beyond just the moment of fervent prayer. He works as an early-childhood educator in Colorado. More of his sketches and collages may be viewed at http://markfraley.blogspot.com/?view=snapshotMark will be showing his collages (and book) at the Broomfield (Colorado) Auditorium gallery from January 2 to February 10, 2015.Mark's collage art has been shown at the Bemis Spring Arts show in Seattle, Washington and at the Children's Museum in Everett, Washington.Prints of his collages may be purchased here:http://www.fulcrumgallery.com/a117163/Mark-Fraley.htmand here:http://www.greatbigcanvas.com/category/fraley-mark/  Samples of Art from the Book:

 

Cladach Publishing Fall Book Fling Autumn Blog tour Seasons of Forgiveness

PRESENTS:

SEASON OF FORGIVENESS: A NOVEL

by Templa Melnick

Templa Melnick lives in Grand Junction, Colorado. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Chris. They have raised three sons and a menagerie of animals. Templa loves history, out of the way museums, and dusty attics filled with forgotten treasures. She's always ready to listen as old timers talk about how things were back in their day. Raised in the mountains of Colorado and influenced by colorful family memories, these elements naturally weave their way into her stories, creating rich, realistic details. Templa also draws from her varied experience as a business owner, a sales and marketing executive, and most recently, serving in Wake Up Ministries. Find her online ~ and enjoy her blog, "Templa's Trivia" ~ at TemplaMelnick.com.

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The Details II		The Story II		The PraiseII
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Western/Historical RomancePaperback, 5.5" x 8.5", 272 PagesISBN-13: 9780989101417Retail Price: $13.99Purchase at: Amazon.comBN.comAlso available in e-book formats:KindleNookKobo Excerpt:Read a Sample Chapter		Emma is a little woman with a big heart, who can to ride, shoot, love, and pray!Emma Johnson juggles family, friends, and pioneer chores, all the while dealing with threats to her own life, those she loves, and the safety of the ranch on the western slope of Colorado's Rocky Mountains in the early 1900s. The challenges of living in the shadow of gold fever bring opportunities to use the skills learned from her Indian stepmother while praying as if everything depends on the Lord. Families, schools, and churches are moving into Riverbend, where gold assessors, saloons, and brothels have prevailed. Conflicts arise between miners, ranchers, bankers, railroad tycoons, Indians, and lawmen. Emma finds herself involved in the rescue and restoration of three abandoned or abused women. As hope, beauty, and new life blossom, the four women help uncover an evil plot and learn the meaning of forgiveness.This Historical/Western/Romance novel shows us what women encountered in the West, especially in gold-rush boom towns. And it demonstrates the difference that faith, prayer, resourcefulness, and self-sacrifice can make in any hard situation.Season of Forgiveness offers a colorful cast of characters, pacing that lets you experience family life on a Western ranch and the flavor of life in those days, peppered with suspense, danger, and a little mystery. The drama and pathos in the stories of the three women ~ Sally, Daisy, and Dee ~ are eloquent and will touch your heart. Each of them begins to come into her own and each develops love interests by the end of this book that will form the bases of the plots in books 2 and 3 of the series. By the time you read to the end of Season of Forgiveness, these characters will be real to you and you will want to read about the next seasons of their lives.Get to know Emma Johnson, her cowboy husband, their seven rambunctious sons (the oldest ones becoming men), and Emma's young, rescued-women friends in Season of Forgiveness, first novel of the new series, Seasons in Riverbend.IIIIII		"Season of Forgiveness is written with depth, insight, passion, intrigue, suspense, and well formed characters & story line.... [Reading this book] was time well spent." ~ Pam Caylor"I highly recommend this Christian, historical romance. Easy to read, easy to love the characters, with a wonderful message and strong example of beautifully lived Christian lifestyle. I enjoyed the historical context and I can't wait for the next book in the series!" ~ Ileen White"Dramatic situations and historical accuracy make this story interesting and enjoyable. This is the kind of book that I like to read in front of a roaring fire in the winter. If you enjoy stimulating novels, the old west, and a good Christian story, this is a book for you." ~ Susan Bulanda

Back to Bookstore

Back to Templa Melnick

Back home: www.cladach.com

Fall Book Fling That was the Best Christmas by A.R. Cecil

THAT WAS THE BEST CHRISTMAS!

25 Short Stories from the Generations

by A.R. Cecil

Amazon Kindle Countdown Deal:

$1.99 (rather than $5.99) thru midnight on Saturday, Nov. 23^rd

Paperback price: $12.99

Buy now:

Cladach: www.cladach.com/Best-Christmas.html

Amazon: http://amzn.com/0989101401

BOOK DESCRIPTION: These heartwarming stories set during the holidays in the years between 1906 and today will rekindle the reader's own memories, giving perspective to the present and hope for the future. Each short story is set amidst historic events when people came together and found opportunities to exchange the true gifts of Christmas: kindness, encouragement, forgiveness, peace, hope, belonging, and more. The main character of each story is a boy or girl, man or woman whose heart opens to give or receive love, bringing personal transformation and causing them to always look back and say, "That was the best Christmas!" Each story is penned by A.R. Cecil with a gentle twinkle in her eye, giving the reader delightful twists of plot and humor and revealing Mrs. Cecil's warm understanding of human relationships--with each other and with the Creator who sent his Son that first Christmas Day. Just right for reading one-a-day during the Advent Season! Enter the Publisher's Free Book Drawing: AUTHOR BIO: A.R. (Alice) Cecil writes from her heart and experience as a mother, grandmother, teacher, and follower of Christ. She earned a MSFA (Master of Science in Fine Art) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. A former third-grade teacher, she has been writing for many years. Her published works include Journeys to Mother Love: Nine Women Tell their Stories of Forgiveness and Healing(contributing author) and In that Place Called Day: Poems and Reflections that Witness God's Love (a collection of poetry). Alice and her physician husband reside in Louisville, Kentucky. They enjoy traveling to visit their four children and four grandchildren where they live in various parts of the world. Q/A with A.R. CECIL:1. Have you always lived in the "Blue Grass" state of Kentucky? All my life except for the four years that my husband and I spent in Wisconsin, where Joe did his internship and residency, and then two years in Virginia. After that we returned to our home state of Kentucky and have lived here ever since. Kentucky suits us very well. It offers the four seasons, as well as rolling hills and trees. While not in the Deep South, there is a southern atmosphere; people are friendly and take time to relate to one another. 2. We understand you've been writing most of your life, and only recently began having your work published. What has been the impetus for this launching out? I believe this is God's timing. God has been (still is, of course) working in my life - preparing me, teaching me, and allowing experiences that mold me. 3. Your bio states that you earned a masters degree in fine arts. Are you a visual artist as well as an artist with words? All of my work to earn that degree was in studio painting (large canvases were dabbed with paint from a rag). But God had a plan. I have always been a person who enjoyed the arts. As a child, I put on plays in the basement. As a young adult, the visual arts were my way to express ideas and emotions, because I did not have enough life experience and maturity to be a writer. The journey from painter to Christian writer could have only been orchestrated by God. After receiving the degree in the visual arts, Joe and I started a family. When the children were very young children, I read children's books to them all the time (I would recommend reading children's books aloud to any aspiring author because it is a good way to develop the rhythm of writing). As a result, I came to appreciate children's literature. So, I wrote some of my own books and illustrated them. Soon, the small bits of text that ran across the pages of those picture books grew and grew. From those exercises, I grew as a writer, which led to writing a newspaper column. The desire to incorporate God's Word into my writing made me realize I needed to obtain a clearer understanding of theology. I was led to seek out mentors. And I found inspiration from Christian writers like Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Watchman Nee, Oswald Chambers, and C.S. Lewis. 4. We're curious to know where you get ideas for your many, varied story plots, settings, and characters. The ideas are a result of an interest in addressing some aspect of the human condition with God as the answer. The characters then flow out of that germ of an idea, and the setting is determined by the characters themselves. 5. In writing THAT WAS THE BEST CHRISTMAS!, which story came easiest? hardest? It was a blessing that most of the stories just flowed: "Christmas Reborn," "Two Plates Short," "The Button Jar," "Three Flights Up," and "Emma in the Middle" are examples. The hardest story to write was "The Vow." As I explained above, the story started with an idea. In this case, a watch that had stopped for many years, and then started again, represented someone whose relationship with God had "stopped" for many years and then also started again. For a long time I envisioned the main character as a woman. Then I decided the story would work better with a man as the main character. It was important that he isolate himself from his family, so there needed to be a reason for him to move away. To establish a fine balance regarding his character, I let him be self-absorbed but not unfeeling. The story required a deadline, a sense of urgency, in which the main character would need to make a decision to change or remain the same. Then, in order to show his changed heart, I let him communicate with his editor. Lastly, to keep the story from sounding preachy, an indirect approach was used. 6. Do you have any advice for young, aspiring authors? Work first on your relationship with Jesus Christ. We never "arrive"; the process is ongoing. Pray to know God's will for you as a writer. Find Christian authors who inspire your walk. Write every day, if at all possible; writing is a discipline that requires practice. Don't become discouraged. If you enjoy writing, then write. My husband has said to me many times, "If writing is just for building you up in the Lord, then it has served its God-intended purpose." Enter into fellowship with other writers. It's a joy when you can find kindred spirits. While writing is a solitary activity, it is best executed in an atmosphere in which we are able to share. For example, the poetry book that I just published had four Christian readers and a Christian proofreader. I cannot imagine writing that book in isolation. The input from those dear ladies was very meaningful, and I have had a great deal of enjoyment in fellowship with them. 7. Where can readers find you online? I can be found as a contributor on the blog,http://www.JourneysToMotherLove.com. To see all my published writings in one place, go tohttp://GreatFishBooks.com. I'd love to hear from my readers - email me at: inagreatfish(at)gmail(dot)(com).

Fall Book Fling Blog Tour Goodies.

BLOG TOUR GOODIES

for Nov. 1 - 12, 2013

featuring:

FAITHFUL FRIENDS: Holocaust Survivors' Stories of the Pets who Gave Them Comfort, Suffered Alongside Them, and Waited for Their Return
Author/Compiler: Susan Bulanda
Read by: Katie Leigh
Length: 3 hrs. 36 min.
Story Synopsis:

Never-before-told stories of the pets (dogs and cats) that were left behind during World War II in Hungary, Poland, Belgium, Holland, Romania, France, and Yugoslavia when Jewish families were torn from their homes and taken to ghettos and concentration camps. Most of these accounts are told by men and women who were children during the Holocaust. Their beloved pets provided comfort and courage, gave them a connection to happier times, and helped them to never give up hope.

Listen to Excerpt: Here
Buy/Download at: Amazon.com, Audible.com, iTunes.com
Find More About the Book
Enter the Publisher's Drawing for a Free Audio Book

WHITE AS SNOW: A Christmas Story (Mysterious Ways #1)
Author: Donna Westover Gallup
Read by: Graydon Schlichter
Length: 3 hrs. 47 min.
Story Synopsis:

COLORADO TERRITORY 1864 ~ Young Charlie is alone on the ranch that sits between the empty prairie and the Rocky Mountains. As he cares for his dying grandpa and tries to figure out how to survive the winter, he keeps remembering the old man's words: "Failure is not an option, son."

As the first storm of the season hits, a mysterious mountain man shows up at the isolated ranch and good things start to happen. But can Charlie trust the giant stranger with his one terrible secret? Then, on Christmas Day, he learns what trust really means.

An entertaining and heartwarming story for the entire family to enjoy during the holiday season and all year.

Listen to Excerpt: Here
Buy/Download at: Amazon.com, Audible.com, iTunes.com
Find More About the Book
Enter the Publisher's Drawing for a Free Audio Book
Author Video:

THE DANGEROUS JOURNEY OF SHERMAN THE SHEEP: An Allegory for KidsAuthor: Dean Davis
Read by: Katie Leigh
Length: 2 hrs. 48 min.
Story Synopsis:

Sherman, a young ram in the Good Shepherd's flock, longs for adventure and acceptance by his peers. Heedless of his father's warnings, Sherman heads up the mysterious mountain only to encounter strange new enticements and dangers on its slopes. Like "Pilgrim's Progress," this exciting allegory chronicles a young soul's awakening.

For youth striving to discover their own beliefs and values, the adventure of Sherman and his friends is an unforgettable journey to God's Country!

An excellent recording for a young child to listen to, or for a family, class, or small group.

Listen to Excerpt: Here
Buy/Download at: Amazon.com, Audible.com, iTunes.com. Also available on CD from the Publisher
Find More About the Book
Enter the Publisher's Drawing for a Free Audio Book

CLADACH Fall Book Fling Unwrapping Wonder: Finding Hope in the Gift of nature by Carol O'Casey

UNWRAPPING WONDER: Finding Hope in the Gift of Nature by Carol O'Casey Trade Paperback 224 pgs / 6" x 9" Illustrated: original drawings by Matthew Kondratieff ISBN 9780981892986 Excerpt Full size cover About the Author Sell Sheet

Categories: Nature Studies/ God & Creation/ Spiritual Growth

Price: $17.99

BACK COVER

Heeding technology's cry to "get connected" can result in overloaded circuits of the mind. Frenetic connections can cause frazzled lives.Step outside to cultivate a connection with creation and deepen your relationship with the Creator. Unwrapping Wonder offers a delightful mix of natural history, human story, and God's glory. Each chapter "unwraps" one object of nature such as the barnacle, the honey bee, the tiniest seed. As readers peer within these gifts, they discover more of nature, God, and themselves. This book is for individuals, families and groups who enjoy learning about creation and getting to know the Creator better through the wonders he has made, and those looking for hope in a hectic world. It will help restore the reader's soul. Each chapter includes: The Wonder Introduced - through anecdote, natural history, or life story. The Wonder Unwrapped - minute hidden details revealed and explained in everyday terms. The Wonder Applied - Practical, spiritual lessons for daily living. Promise of Hope: Relevant Scripture to inspire hope. "Wondercise": A short, hands-on nature activity designed to awaken heart, mind and soul to the wonder of creation and give praise to the Creator. Carol O'Casey writes from her rich and varied background as a field biologist, teacher, pastor's wife, friend, mother, and child of God. She teaches "Wonder Workshops" and speaks at retreats. Find out more and follow Carol at her "Divine Nature Project" blog and Facebook page.

CLADACH Fall Book Fling Gadly Plain by J. Michael Dew

GADLY PLAIN

A Novel

by J. Michael Dew

BOOK INFO:

Trade Paperback
224 pgs / 5.5" x 8.5"
Illustrated: original drawings by Raw Spoon
ISBN: 9780981892993
Category: Christian Fiction/ Literature
Price: $14.00

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Q/A WITH THE AUTHOR:

1. This story is remarkably creative yet feels warmly authentic. One would think you have experienced it yourself.

Dew: I suppose I could say that Gadly Plain began for me the day, at age nine, when I found out my father had passed away. It is, I suppose, a working out of that sadness. The story is based on conclusions I reached after years of introspection. I will admit, however: The German woman in the beginning is not a made up character. She was real. I met her as did my sister. But nobody else remembers her presence.

2. Some authors take years to write a book while others take only months. What was your process for writing Gadly Plain, and how long did it take?

Dew: To give readers a practical answer, one afternoon, I went out and purchased a large piece of cardstock paper on which I began to diagram plot points. The diagram grew to include characters, biblical references, and other details I felt were important to the story. I used this diagram of sorts as an outline, keeping it in front of me each time I sat down to move the story along. All in all, it took a year to complete a first draft. Copies of that draft then went to professionals in the fields of theology, speech pathology, and creative writing. Once I got their very valuable feedback, I revised the manuscript then sent that version to another set of readers. It took a dogged effort, but it was worth it.

3. Tell us about the title of your novel. Why did you choose such an enigmatic title as Gadly Plain and what is its significance?

Dew: The title was discovered on a Pennsylvania back road somewhere between Interstate 80 and Warren. I was driving home from graduate school under a cloud-splotched sky, and I happened to pass one of those roads that was probably a driveway but was nevertheless given the distinction of a name: Gadly Plain. It was a rutted dirt road that more than likely led to a simple hunting camp or some far-flung place of retreat and rest. I didn't stop to inspect. Instead, I made a mental note of the catchy name, and when I pulled off the road to fish for trout further into my journey (as was my happy custom), I jotted down the name in my journal, thinking this would make a great title for a book. This was years ago. It took a lot of time since to construct my own getaway. Much of that time was spent learning why I needed to do so in the first place.

"Gadly Plain" could be "way away" or "heaven" or "paradise" or "across the rainbow bridge" or "in the bosom of God" or "Narnia." I didn't want to be too specific, thereby robbing the reader of his/her ability to imagine Gadly Plain, and I wanted to be (in my humble way) poetic. Gadly almost sounds like Godly, and the existence of heaven is a "plain" truth - nothing complicated, something a child can understand, no need for an advanced degree in theology, etc.

4. What themes are you interested in writing about next?

Dew: At least since the dawn of postmodernism, writers have largely been asserting, in various and sundry ways, the viewpoint that all values are relative, that everything is and should be deconstructed. I know I am generalizing here, but I feel this to be a safe assessment of modern literature. I believe in taking up the call issued by Wendell Berry who says that an author's duty today is to rescue some values from the dustbin of relativism and go about bravely building meaning and relevance in a world at direct odds with them both. The themes I'm interested in exploring are themes that do just that.

5. Reading this succinct but sweeping novel, one cannot doubt you believe in the over-arching story of the Bible and the final victory of good over evil. Will you share something of your personal faith?

Dew: I am deeply devoted to Christ and strive daily to be the man he wants me to be.

The author and illustrator at the book launch

REVIEWS:
"As a reader, it's not often I come across a small literary miracle, an unexpected gift. Gadly Plain is that type of book. It sweeps us up into the rich yet simple world of an orphaned girl and a mysterious donkey, a world both familiar and mystical, melancholic and full of hope. Do yourself a favor and open this gift.." ~ Eric Wilson, New York Times bestselling author ofFireproof and October Baby

"Splendidly written ... You will give yourself over to the girl, Spring-baby, and to her life of wonder with a donkey that does not die." ~Terry Kay, award-winning author of To Dance with the White Dog

"Gadly Plain is a book about sorrow, regret, and grief--but it is also about the fleeting spirit of childhood and the choices we make to believe in the stories that give us hope. Gentle and reflective, this is a story about stories and the incredible power they hold to heal and redeem broken hearts." ~ForeWord Reviews

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TO PURCHASE THE BOOK:
On Amazon
At BN.com
Kindle
Nook
From the Publisher

hyperlink: http://youtu.be/zA0t72ieG4s embedding code:

Fall Book Fling presents the Crimson River by Donna Westover Gallup

PRESENTS:

******** .	THE CRIMSON RIVER A Frontier Novel Book #4 of the	********
	Set in1872 Colorado Territory & 2010 Denver, Colorado
	BOOK DESCRIPTION: The first three books of the Mysterious Ways series followed the adventures of Charlie Smith in the late 1800s, as he came of age, sought - and sometimes fought for - his fortune, and learned who to trust and who not to trust. Now, The Crimson River fast forwards to 21st-Century Denver, with Charlie Smith's descendent as a main character, and with flashbacks to the late 19th Century. The plot involves a hunt for buried treasure based on clues found in Charlie's diary. Beloved characters from the first three books enter the picture again. They struggle against greedy antagonists and their own conflicted motives. The reader is kept guessing with plot twists that provide suspense and intrigue as well as romance and inspiration.
	Paperback: 288 pgs / 5.25" x 7.5" / $12.99Buy from Amazon.com or BN.com e-Book: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook
	ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna says she is "the mother of three grown daughters, the mother-in-law of two wonderful men, and the grandmother of three of the world's sweetest boys." She and her husband, Don, live in Pueblo, Colorado with their boxer, Cheyenne. Donna enjoys living in the area where "Charlie lived." She has dedicated her time to her writing ministry; but in her free time, she likes to golf, go boating, and explore the colorful state of Colorado. Her desire is to convey God's love through her writing.
	READ AN EXCERPT HERE. http://cladach.com/Crimson-excerpt.html
	OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES: #3: IN GREEN PASTURES: A FRONTIER NOVEL #2: ROCK OF REFUGE: A FRONTIER NOVEL #1: WHITE AS SNOW: A CHRISTMAS STORY As a gift to readers, the publisher is offering White As Snow: A Christmas Story FREE on Kindle Dec. 4-8 !

Mysterious Ways TRAILER:

Fall Book Fling Walking In Trust: Lessons Learned with my Blind Dog by Gayle M. Irwin

WALKING IN TRUST: Lessons Learned with my Blind Dog

	BOOK DATA:Paperback 208 pgs, 5.5" x 8.5" Illustrated with many Bl/Wh Photos $14.99 Available at: Amazon.com BN.com Cladach.com Kindle e-book format BOOK DESCRIPTION: Spending time in this book with Gayle and her dog, Sage, will help you listen more closely to what Creator God may be saying to you through your experience of the world around you. Gayle shares stories of her life with Sage, then draws out principles from the stories and from scriptures that apply to our daily lives. Chapter titles include: Patience, Wisdom, Obedience, Forgiveness, Purity, Friendship, Courage, Loyalty, Confidence, Joy, Compassion, Humility, Mystery, Goodness, Praise, Generosity, Love, Faithful, Respect, Self-Control, Contentment, Gentleness, Kindness, Hope, Peace, Reliable, Trust, Rest, Gratitude, Perseverance. Thirty topical chapters lend themselves to a month of daily readings. Each chapter closes with a prayer that makes the lesson personal. Photos of Sage and her escapades, interspersed through the book, illustrate the stories. Our Creator has many ways of walking with us and teaching us. He can even use a blind dog named Sage! READ EXCERPT		PRAISE for the BOOK:"Readers will laugh and cry - I certainly did! Mrs. Irwin's reflections are deep and always focus on glory to God. She shows how God interacts with us, how His instruction and His wisdom have such impact on our lives. She richly connects Sage's journey through life and God's path for us. I will be rereading and reflecting on each chapter to deepen my walk with God!" ~ Kari Nordahl, Bible Study Facilitator and Elementary School Educator, San Bernardino, CA "Readers will laugh and cry - I certainly did! Mrs. Irwin's reflections are deep and always focus on glory to God. She shows how God interacts with us, how His instruction and His wisdom have such impact on our lives. She richly connects Sage's journey through life and God's path for us. I will be rereading and reflecting on each chapter to deepen my walk with God!" ~ Susan Bulanda, author of God's Creatures and Faithful Friends AUTHOR BIO: Gayle Irwin has worked as a journalist, and as an educator in conservation and humane treatment of animals. She is the author of two children's books, and several of her stories appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Mrs. Irwin writes regularly for Our Town Casper, a monthly community magazine, and for The River Press, a newspaper in Fort Benton, Montana. Mrs. Irwin sees God's handiwork in his creation and believes great lessons can be learned by observing nature. She shares those lessons with students and others when she speaks. Mrs. Irwin was raised in Iowa. She and her husband, Greg, a videographer, currently reside in Casper, Wyoming. Get to know Mrs. Irwin better at http://www.cladach.com/Irwin.html AUTHOR INTERVIEW: We did something different this time, and we asked Gayle to fill in the blanks in the following statements: 1. My husband and I were looking to adopt a Springer Spaniel because we liked the size and personality of the breed. 2. Two years after we adopted Sage, she became fully blind. This presented many challenges. The hardest part for me was trying to not feel sorry for her, wondering if she missed being able to see. But, as we shared life together, I came to understand that dogs are very resilient and that her other senses helped her navigate her surroundings, even those with which she was not familiar (i.e., school buildings, hotels, etc.) . 3. One thing that triggers my memory of Sage is when we spend time at our cabin. Not only is this the area where we lost her for two days, but it's also a special place where we shared long walks in the forest, a cozy fire in the woodstove during spring and autumn, and evenings with friends and family. . 4. If I won a reality TV show where my winnings would go to a charity, I would choose Best Friends Animal Society of Utah because they do so much to help homeless pets, not only those that come to their sanctuary, but numerous others around the country, through workshops, conferences, and other guidance. They also respond to pets in need during a natural disaster. . 5. I feel like I'm really getting something done when I pray before my day begins and read my devotional, then focus on the goals I've set for the day and not let the phone or other potential interruptions distract me; that sometimes means closing my office door and letting the voicemail pick up the phone . 6. Outside of my own home, the place where I spend the most time is the cabin and property on Casper Mountain. Our acreage has become my sanctuary, a place of solitude, a place to write, a place to spend time with God. Because it's located only 20 minutes from our house, I'm able to go up there frequently, even if only for a few hours after work one evening. I am thankful for this lovely, quiet place! . 7. My favorite sport to watch is basketball, but I sometimes sit through a baseball game with my husband, as that is his favorite sport. . 8. If I had the time and money, I would donate to and volunteer more with children's charities and companion animal groups, and also start my own pet foundation and animal sanctuary, particularly for disabled pets. AUTHOR VIDEO: