Tag: Christian Fiction

The Good Shepherd by Saulius Arbocius Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Saulius Arbocius takes readers on a personal journey through the lens of a parable involving a sheep and his relationship with his shepherd in the book “The Good Shepherd”. 

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The Synopsis

This story draws inspiration from Jesus’ powerful parable of the lost sheep. Just as the sheep in the parable was lost and in need of rescue, so too are we often lost in the storms of life, desperately searching for comfort and a safe haven.

Just as the Good Shepherd came to the rescue of the lost sheep, so too does Jesus come to our aid in our times of need. His love and grace are always available to us, even in our darkest moments.

Throughout the narrative, we witness scenes where the lost sheep, wandering aimlessly and feeling adrift in the world. But through her journey, she discovers the power of faith and redemption, finding solace in the loving arms of the Good Shepherd.

This story is not merely a tale of a lost sheep, but a meditation on the nature of God’s love and the transformative power of faith. It is a reminder that no matter how lost or alone we may feel, we are never truly beyond the reach of the Good Shepherd’s mercy.

Come and join this tale, and journey together to uncover the depths of a life lived in faith. Allow the beauty and wonder of the divine to envelop you as the story unfolds, and feel the transformative power of its message reverberate within your heart and soul.

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The Review 

This was a creative and inspiring read. The author’s use of allegory in retelling this classic Christian parable was great to see come alive. The insights that readers can gain from this small sheep and his journey of discovery make this book feel more connected than most others in this genre. 

Although not religious, this book’s inspiration within the reader allows readers from all walks of life to resonate and engage with the narrative. The hopeful undertones of the story and the sense of identity and love that the narrative explores will be profoundly felt throughout this book.

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and inspiring author Saulius Arbocius’s “The Good Shepherd” is a must-read book. The touching moments as the narrator communes both with nature and the shepherd and the engaging moments of the story will sit with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hello, I’m Saulius Arbocius, born on June 6, 1978, in the heart of Lithuania’s summer. My journey began with an innate curiosity to understand the divine. Growing up in a serene countryside, I sensed the presence of God through nature, igniting a lifelong quest for deeper knowledge.

Embracing my passion, I embarked on a path that led me to the Catholic priesthood. Theology, with its profound intricacies, captured my heart and mind, and I remain enamored by its depth. My formative years were marked by transformative seminars, evangelization, and enlightening mission schools.

After completing my theological studies and becoming a deacon, I decided to embark on a new chapter, opting to shift my focus to family life. After getting dispensation from Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, me and my cherished wife and two children, found a different yet equally profound way to serve God and the Church. Since 2013, we’ve made our home in the UK.

In service to my faith, I guide adults in sacramental preparation, lead seminars, and am currently devoted to the art of writing. My passion for theological exploration continues unabated, and my current endeavor involves sharing my insights through the pages of books. Each word I write is a testament to my unwavering commitment to understanding and illuminating the spiritual journey we all undertake.

Sheli: A Shepherd and his Sheep by Deanna Danielle Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A sheep frustrated by the fact her shepherd seemingly ignores her at the back of her herd showcases to younger readers the plans and mindset of God and humanity itself in author Deanna Danielle’s “Sheli: A Shepherd and his Sheep”.

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The Synopsis

We may wonder at times why God allows brokenness to enter our heart. It has been my experience that when this happens, I am drawn closer to the Lord-our true shepherd-for strength, hope and joy. Sheli is the story of a faithful sheep who can not understand why her shepherd has put her in the back of her fold. As she notices and starts to help the sheep around her, she forgets her own worries and realizes her greater purpose. As you turn the pages of Sheli, may you experience the healing truth of God’s awesome grace and knowledge of the awe inspiring love that He so desperately awaits to give us all!

The Review

This was the best possible read for young children who are being raised in a Christian household and parents who wish to share their faith with their children at an early age. The unique narrative of the sheep and the shepherd is the perfect mirroring of the relationship between God and his believers, and the introspective tone the author strikes with this story for the children and parents reading it was quite insightful.

Two things that stood out to me were the author’s ability to showcase the need for us to find our own footing in life and help others as a theme in this story and the one-of-a-kind artwork that the story utilizes. The art itself reminded me of iconic faith-based art, almost mirroring the style of a Thomas Kincaid piece. Yet it was the theme the author utilized that made this story shine. While I am not particularly religious, the theme of helping and guiding others and finding the strength to stand on our own two feet, whether or not that is in an effort to gain the trust and guidance of God or to be self-sufficient, this theme works for a multitude of different readers.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, emotional, and engaging, author Deanna Danielle’s “Sheli: A Shepherd and his Sheep” is a must-read children’s book and Christian fiction read. The fast-paced narrative and the emotional pull of the sheep to his Shepherd will have younger readers clamoring for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

With over twenty years of Christian teaching background, Deanna Danielle has found that the best way to engage her students is through taking scripture and making it relatable in today’s context. She believes that a teacher is not so much responsible for what their students know, but more so for the seeds they plant to help them grow. She wrote Sheli to inspire and help readers discover the hidden treasures within themselves by using modern-day examples of faith.

Deanna Danielle’s previous books include An Ordinary Person, An Extraordinary Gift (recipient of a Mom’s Choice Award), and Christmas Morn. Her greatest joy comes from spending time in prayer and scripture and walking through life with her high-school sweetheart and the wonderful family and friends that God has so graciously blessed them with.

As co-founder and board-member of the non-profit Care Coalition, she has a strong belief in the power of Connecting those in NEED with those who CARE. You can find her blogs, books, video productions, coiffure work and Community outreach information at: https://deannadanielle.com

Accidental Anomalies: Book One of the Mutant Fellowship Series by J. Traveler Pelton

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Two brothers and world-renowned doctors in a world devastated after a meteorite strike leaves some of the population suffering from mutations work at the Center for Genetic Research, but soon questions arise after the two brothers have a string of wives mysteriously disappear months into their marriages in author J. Traveler Pelton’s “Accidental Anomalies”, book one in the Mutant Fellowship Series. 

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The Synopsis

Ever since the meteorite holocaust, mutations have been showing up in the population. Drs. David and Michael Simmons are highly regarded and successful researchers, wealthy philanthropists, and directors of the Center for Genetic Research. They have terrible luck with women, however. When Aspen and Diem, sisters, marry the brothers, like all the other wives, they disappear. What is hidden in the lowest basement of the Center?

The Review

A great blend of YA Dystopian thriller with mystery and suspense, this was a truly unique read. The author blends sci-fi and fantasy elements into a harsh world where the progress made in our modern world was undone after the tragic disaster of the mutant meteorite that devastated the world. Much like in The Handmaid’s Tale, the world is suffering from mutations in births and women with healthy wombs are asked to help repopulate the Earth, no matter their sexual orientation or preferences regarding children. 

Yet the author takes this narrative in a whole new element, adding a domestic suspense and thriller element to the novel with the inclusion of the brothers David and Michael, doctors and researchers who have used sinister means of acquiring test subjects. The story focuses on great themes of good vs evil, facing prejudices in society and justice in a world where money can buy freedom despite the crimes one commits. The pacing of the novel adds the level of suspense this narrative deserves, and the character development really adds depth to the mythology of this dystopian world.

The Verdict

A memorable, engaging and mind-bending read, author J. Traveler Pelton’s “Accidental Anomalies” is a must-read sci-fi and dystopian thriller. A gripping tale of heartbreaking relationships gone wrong and cruelty in the name of progress, the author explores a haunting world that keeps the reader invested and entertained throughout. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J. Traveler Pelton was born in West Virginia in the last century. She is active in her home church and was the Nation’s Mother for her tribe for several years. She is still wife to Dan after 47 years (He is so long-suffering!), mother of six adults, a grandmother of nine, a Clinically Licensed Independent Social worker in private practice, a retired adjunct professor of social work at her local university, and an avid reader. She lives on a mini-farm with her husband, seven alpaca, a flock of spoiled chickens, five Siamese cats, four Pomeranians, a talkative Amazon parrot named Gizmo, and her aviary of canaries. Traveler enjoys the intersection of fantasy, possibility, creativity, and speculation. Join her on the other side of the imagination tree. She’ll be sitting there waiting for your visit.