Second Shot – A New Release by Unoma Nwankwor

05 Saturday Sep 2020
Posted Writing Christian Fiction
inSecond Shot – A New Release by Unoma Nwankwor
28 Friday Oct 2016
Posted Faith & You, Fiction, News & Updates
inTags
#QuidProQuills, amreading, amwriting, Conspiracies, intrigue, Moses, mystery, Susan J. Reinhardt, suspense, The Moses Conspiracy, trilogies
My first dip into the publication pool occurred in 2004 as a non-fiction writer. Devotionals, short articles, and contributions to anthologies followed in rapid succession. This soon gave way to a series of rejections. What??? My research yielded an answer: I needed to use some fiction techniques like dialogue, questions, and storytelling to catch the editors’ and readers’ attention.
As my acceptance rate increased, the thought of writing a book rolled around my mind. I shared the idea with my husband, and we prayed the Lord would direct me.
Around Christmas, my husband had a job near Gettysburg. Our supplier suggested I go along to see the seasonal decorations. As we stood in the historic town square, the combination of old and new melded together. I heard in my spirit the voices of the forefathers as fading echoes.
I shared the experience with my husband. When we arrived home, all efforts to write a poem, non-fiction article, or devotional failed to capture the essence of that moment. I tucked it away, and we sought the Lord for an answer.
On a steamy August day in 2005, we were discussing “the Gettysburg experience,” when my husband made a surprising declaration. “That’s it! That’s your book, and you’ll call it Ghosts of the Past and write it in four months.”
I was sure he’d lost his mind. The more I mulled over his words, the stronger they captivated me. Soon after, I sat down at the computer and started typing. In exactly four months, I had a 55,000-word manuscript.
The fairytale version would be immediate publication, but it took eight years to bring the manuscript to publishable quality. In early 2006, my husband was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. My work on the book, now called The Moses Conspiracy, came to a grinding halt as I cared for him.
After he passed away, the last thing I wanted to do was write. As the grief abated, I remembered how much he encouraged me and jumped back into the project. The Moses Conspiracy is dedicated to his memory.
The journey to publication is often long, requiring patience and persistence. Two more books followed the first one, as well as a Christmas novella. My fifth book is currently in the works.
If you’re walking down this road, don’t get discouraged. Learn your craft and produce a quality story for your readers. Someday, I’ll be reading about your debut novel. Happy writing!
To find out more about Susan J. Reinhardt and The Moses Conspiracy, click here. You can also purchase your copy now on Amazon.
A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops.
Kara writes layered suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category.
She’ll also continue to keep you updated on some of the best reads in Christian fiction suspense.
To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by clicking the below link:
@KaraHunt2016 on Twitter
14 Friday Oct 2016
Posted Book Showcase, Faith & You, Fiction
inTags
amreading, amwriting, Christian Fiction, must reads, mystery, Susan J. Reinhardt, suspense, The Moses Conspiracy, thriller
Good morning suspense fans and welcome to today’s Book Showcase!!! Our suspense feature for the month of October is The Moses Conspiracy by suspense novelist Susan J. Reinhardt.
In 2025, two seemingly unconnected events set a diabolical plan in motion. Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening investigation, fighting a shadowy enemy.
Several years after a terrorist attack on Washington, D.C., Ellie and her son, Peter, go on a field trip to the nation’s capital. Her greatest fear is realized when they become separated. Back home, John witnesses a buggy accident with unusual circumstances.
Caught between strained family relationships and ominous warnings from a faceless enemy, the couple rely on God for wisdom and protection. When the true nature of a past tragedy is revealed, will they survive the heartache it brings?
The Moses Conspiracy, as well as other books by Susan J. Reinhardt, are also available in print.
Susan J. Reinhardt began her journey as a non-fiction writer. After numerous devotionals, short articles, and several contributions to anthologies were published, she switched gears and entered the world of fiction. The Moses Conspiracy is the first book in The Moses Trilogy.
A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops.
You can find out more about Susan J. Reinhardt and The Moses Trilogies by connecting with her via:
Susan may also be contacted via Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.
Kara writes layered suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category.
She’ll also continue to keep you updated on some of the best reads in Christian fiction suspense.
To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by clicking the below link:
@KaraHunt2016 on Twitter
08 Friday Jul 2016
Posted Book Showcase, Faith & You, Fiction
inTags
#newreleases, amreading, amwriting, Crevice, geology, Janice Boekhoff, Lost Dutchman Mine, mustreads, mystery, Romance, suspense, thriller
Good morning suspense fans and welcome to today’s Book Showcase!!! This month you’re in for a special treat. Our suspense feature for the month of July will be a sneak-peak of Christian mystery novel, Crevice by suspense novelist Janice Boekhoff. This book is close to my heart for many reasons and after you’ve read it, it’ll be close to yours too. Save and pre-order your copy now for only $2.99!
Desperate to save her family’s gold mine, Elery Hearst gives an order that results in the tragic death of one of her men. But before she can come to terms with the guilt consuming her, her brother disappears. To find him, she must find the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine. And the one person who can help, Lucan Milner, has every reason to want her to fail; he’s the twin brother of the miner who died. He holds the secret to finding Elery’s brother, but sharing them with her not only rips open his grief-stricken heart, it puts both of them in the path of a killer.
Janice Boekhoff is a former Research Geologist who pours her love of science and the outdoors into her suspense novels. She is a three-time finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. She writes from Iowa, where she lives with her amazing husband and three feisty kids.
To contact Janice or to find out more about upcoming books in the Earth Hunters Series, click on one of the below links:
Email: Janice.boekhoff@gmail.com
Kara writes layered suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category.
She’ll also continue to keep you updated on some of the best reads in Christian fiction suspense.
To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by clicking the below link:
@KaraHunt2016 on Twitter
13 Friday May 2016
Posted Book Showcase, Faith & You, Fiction, Writing Christian Fiction
inTags
amreading, amwriting, Christian Fiction, Don Prichard, inspirational fiction, mystery, Stephanie Prichard, Stranded, suspense reads
April 29th’s suspense post showcased the Christian mystery novel, Stranded by co-authors Don and Stephanie Prichard. And now, here’s the story behind the story.
Don and I are often asked what it’s like to write as a husband and wife team (meaning, “and still stay married” HA!) You see, it’s not as if we decided over coffee one morning to write a novel together. Uh, no way.
It was more like oil and water defying odds to become a new substance.
Don, let’s say, is the “oil.” Stranded started off as his baby—a baby born of a man who was not inherently daddy material. First of all, he’s dyslexic, and, well, sad to say, simply can’t write. Secondly, because of that, he rarely indulged in reading as a form of entertainment. He read the Bible and the newspaper. Period. Given those credentials, how in the world could he aspire to be an author? If anyone would have been voted Least Likely to Write a Novel in high school, it would have been Don.
I, the “water,” am just the opposite. I love reading and majored in English/Lit at college, intending a career of writing novels. It wasn’t a passion, however—more of a daydream—and the reality and reward of marriage and motherhood easily replaced it. I forgot all about writing.
Imagine my shock then, when, at the age of 57, Don told me he wanted to write a novel. “Give me a few pointers,” he said. Okay, I admit to snickering behind my hand, but I gave him the basics and off he went, jolly as could be. For the next four years, he wrote, rewrote, and re-rewrote his novel. It got so long he finally divided it into three novels.
Then he invited me to join him as a co-author—by which he meant be his editor, clean up his spelling and grammar. Definitely NOT to rewrite anything. After all, this was his baby, and surgery was not an option. But I fell in love with his story, made a little suggestion here, a little suggestion there, and before long we were reading how-to books together and attending writing conferences. I needed the input as much as Don. Being an English/Lit major, I discovered, did not equal knowing how to write fiction.
Ahhhh, oil and water didn’t just bond—we became one! We are amazed at how perfectly suited we are for each other as co-authors. Don is outstanding at coming up with “story” (he’s an avid movie fan and learned from the cinema), and he now loves it that I perform surgery on “our” baby. I take the draft he’s written and rewrite it, sometimes filling in plot holes, sometimes adding to the story, sometimes deleting (in all cases, talked over with Don first). I research everything to make sure it’s spot on, and he contributes all kinds of fascinating details (especially about survival in Stranded) that make the story all the more interesting.
For this, we credit God and thank Him with full hearts.
As for our marriage, co-authoring has raised our admiration and respect for each other. Having this project in common has given us great delight. We work on the same thing, aim for the same destination, and root for it outcome. There’s no conflict, just wonderful unity.
Okay, once in a while we squabble, but we always end up on the same page, happy with the final decision!
About the Authors
Don Prichard is a Viet Nam veteran who served in the Marine Corps Reserves for thirty-two years before retiring as a colonel. He is also a career architect, whose specialty in government work includes the design of prisons, courthouses, and military facilities.
Stephanie is an army brat who lived in many countries around the world and loved it. She met her husband at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she majored in English/Literature. She and Don have lived in Indianapolis, IN, for forty years, where they raised their three children and now enjoy eleven grandchildren. In retirement have turned to co-authoring novels.
Purchase your copy of Stranded now on Amazon! You can also find out more about Don & Stephanie via their website, Pinterest and Facebook.
Kara writes layered suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category.
She’ll also keep you updated on some of the best reads in Christian fiction suspense.
To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by clicking the below link:
@KaraHunt2016 on Twitter
01 Friday Apr 2016
Posted Book Showcase
inTags
#Colorblind, #racism, 1920s, amreading, amwriting, Amy C Blake, Christian Fiction, mustreads, suspense
Good morning suspense fans and welcome to today’s Book Showcase!!! Our suspense feature for the month of April is Christian mystery novel Colorblind, by Christian suspense author Amy C. Blake.
Eighteen-year-old Christy Kane has always been Daddy’s princess. But on the first day of her music internship at his mega-church, reporters shatter her world with terrible news: Daddy’s had an affair with the church preschool director. Christy feels as betrayed by God as the man she’s always considered Prince Charming.
When Mom sends her to Buckeye Lake to help with Aunt Jo’s School of Music and Dance in the restored Pier Ballroom, Christy’s problems only increase. First, the ballroom sits on Buckeye Lake, making her face her greatest fear—water. Second, she must help lead a handful of semi-talented volunteers, who harbor racial tensions and mysterious underlying antagonisms, in a professional quality performance for the Grand Reopening of the ballroom. The stakes are high—Aunt Jo will lose the place if they fail. Third, Christy discovers a diary written by Lillian, who lived near Buckeye Lake in the 1920s, and becomes intrigued by the stories of thousands coming to play at the amusement parks and dance in the ballrooms. But her interest soon turns to concern as tragic events from the diary happen in Christy’s world, ninety years to the date of their first occurrence.
Between her shattered past, her uncertain future, and her dangerous present, Christy doesn’t know where to turn. Does Daddy’s God really exist? If so, does He care enough to rescue her?
Award-winning author Amy C. Blake is a pastor’s wife and homeschooling mother of four. She has an M.A. in English from Mississippi College and has written articles, devotionals, and short stories for a number of publications. You can connect with her on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter. She’d love for you to visit her website at amycblake.com for tips on homeschooling, advice for the rookie pastor’s wife, and helps for the Christian life. You can also find more information on her website about her novels–Whitewashed, Colorblind, and The Trojan Horse Traitor.
Kara writes supernatural suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category.
She’ll also keep you updated on upcoming writing contests and some of the best reads in Christian suspense.
To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by clicking the below link:
@KaraHunt2016 on Twitter
25 Saturday Jul 2015
Posted Book Recommendations, Faith & You
inChristian suspense fans, be sure to add this upcoming release to your calendar. It’s by Fine and Forensic Artist and author Carrie Stuart Parks. Her previous release, A Cry From The Dust, was a finalist in the Selah, Carol AND Christy Awards. Her latest novel, The Bones Will Speak is set to be released on August 21, 2015. Head on over now to pre-order your copy. I have a feeling this one won’t last long!
BOOK RECOMMENDATION:
Author – Carrie Stuart Parks
Publisher – Thomas Nelson / Harper Collins Christian
A killer with a penchant for torture has taken notice of forensic expert Gwen Marcey . . . and her daughter.
When Gwen Marcey’s dog comes home with a human skull and then leads her to a cabin in the woods near her Montana home, she realizes there’s a serial killer in her community. And when she finds a tortured young girl clinging to life on the cabin floor, she knows this killer is a lunatic.
Yet what unsettles Gwen most is that the victim looks uncannily like her daughter.
The search for the torturer leads back in time to a neo-Nazi bombing in Washington state—a bombing with only one connection to Montana: Gwen. The group has a race-not-grace model of salvation . . . and they’ve marked Gwen as a race traitor.
When it becomes clear that the killer has a score to settle, Gwen finds herself in a battle against time. She will have to use all of her forensic skills to find the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy her—and the only family she has left.
The Bones Will Speak will also be available August 11, 2015 via Amazon.
Kara writes supernatural suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category.
She’ll also keep you updated on upcoming writing contests and some of the best reads in Christian suspense.
To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by clicking the below link:
@KaraHunt2015 on Twitter
13 Wednesday May 2015
Posted Book Recommendations, Fiction, News & Updates
inTags
amreading, amwriting, camels, Christian suspense, espionage, Middle East, NLB Horton, When Camels Fly
If you love Christian suspense novels based in the Middle East, then you’re going to love this one. It covers everything from kidnapping’s to cuneiforms.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION:
Author: NLB Horton
A mother’s fatal shot. A daughter’s deadly choice.
When archaeologist Grace Madison’s adult daughter is kidnapped in Israel, Grace knows she’ll have to break almost all Ten Commandments to bring her home alive.
Seconds after Grace shoots Maggie’s abductor, a handsome shepherd drops from the sky to kill a second assassin. The women’s world crumbles in two blinks of an eye.
Running for their lives, they quickly unearth a global evil poised to sacrifice millions. Their pursuit of justice plunges them into a vortex of intrigue and espionage, endangering friends and family while the world teeters toward disaster. As they crisscross the “cradle of civilization,” they unexpectedly extinguish old flames and ignite new loves.
How far will they have to go to save everyone and everything they hold dear? From the shadowy alleyways of old Jerusalem to a congested caravanserai in Jordan, and from elderly operatives hiding under Masada to youthful rescuers disguised as snake charmers in Jericho, the mother-daughter team soon realizes that nothing is as it seems. Even each other.
Because sometimes, choosing what’s right is all that’s left.
Kara writes supernatural suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category.
Kara will share more books and thoughts about faith and God’s unending mercy in bi-monthly posts on this site.
She’ll also keep you updated on upcoming writing contests and some of the best reads in Christian suspense.
To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by clicking the below link:
@KaraHunt2015 on Twitter
–
28 Tuesday Apr 2015
Posted Faith & You, Fiction, Reviews
inTags
amreading, amwriting, angelic beings, demonic activity, Frederick Hurr, God's love, Light of the Damned, paranormal, repentance, supernatural suspense
An epic conflict between angels and demons.
A wise man once declared, ‘Demons exist whether we believe in them or not.’ Indeed, God and His angels exist whether we believe in them or not. In a morbid way, we all want the supernatural to exist. We crave stories of ghosts, hobgoblins, werewolves, vampires, and forest fairies. We delight in being frightened. We love the chills and thrills of a good ghost tale. But what we absolutely do not want is to encounter the paranormal in its raw evil form which may cause us harm. We desire supernatural experiences, but only on our own terms. Despite circumstantial evidence and extensive folklore, the creatures I’ve mentioned above probably do not exist, mainly because there are no universal origins from which their creation might ensue. But angels and demons? Well, that is a different matter altogether. – F. John Hurr, excerpted from the book, Light of the Damned.
OVERVIEW:
Bill Myers, best-selling author of ‘Eli’ and ‘The Face of God’ wrote…
“A great book! An imaginative and well-written story of suspense and intrigue set in the land of the Red Dragon. Hurr gives us the most convincing spiritual warfare between angels and demons since Frank Peretti’s classic This Present Darkness.
This book is perfect for those who want to descend into the spiritual and supernatural world of warring angels and demons. The author’s imaginative and graphic style of writing brings his characters to life so convincingly. So much so, that we should all give serious thought to the existence of an unseen spiritual realm. If you thought you knew all about the realm of angels and demons and the supernatural, then think again. Hurr’s book uniquely transports the reader into a totally convincing world where ordinary people, angels and demons enter into violent, life and death battles as evil forces attempt to usurp God’s kingdom on Earth.”
MY REVIEW
Nightmares. Murder. Greed. Deception.
The quaint village of Penrhos Bay has become a central point for spiritual activity. Wicked and saintly. Lucifer’s minions are on a mission to not only destroy the town but to desecrate it from the inside out. And it’s starts with the villages well-known but highly inept spiritual leader, the Reverend Stannard.
Light of the Damned is a supernatural suspense novel that not only gives depth to it’s human characters, but the spiritual ones as well. The first chapter will have you hooked. If you’re a fan of paranormal, speculative thrillers and suspense, then this is a must read.
MY RECOMMENDATION:
Highly Recommended.
Kara loves to read and write supernatural suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category. But Kara also loves to share stories about God’s love, mercy and faithfulness.
14 Tuesday Apr 2015
Posted Faith & You, Fiction, Reviews
inHope Is Dead.
That is the mantra that global communications expert and advertising guru Trent Cooper wants to get out to the world. But he has a problem. Five people, from different cultures and backgrounds, believe they have heard from God. And the message? Hope is anything but dead.
MY RECOMMENDATION
The Turning, by Davis Bunn is a refreshing read. You won’t find here an old familiar story plot repackaged. In depth characters and an intriguing plot line makes The Turning a very interesting and inspiring read. Recommended.
BOOK BLURB
The message was unexpected but instantly recognizable. A voice resonated from a distance and somehow from within. Against all earthly logic, it carried a divine command. And five very different people knew they were summoned to obey.
Their actions were demanding, but not particularly grand. Only later would they see a pattern emerge — one that links their tasks together and comes to challenge the cultural direction of the nation. They realize that one small personal response unveiled a new realm of moral responsibility. And this affirmation of everyday hope captures the attention of millions.
But power and money are at stake. Malicious elements soon align themselves to counter the trend. To succeed they must also undermine its source. Can we really believe that God speaks to people today? Surely this must be dismissed as superstition or delusion. These well-intentioned but misguided individuals should not be allowed to cast our society back into the Dark Ages. The public debate and media frenzy place an unprecedented spotlight on knowing and doing God’s will. The five encounter threats, but try to remain steadfast in their faith.
Had God indeed imparted wisdom on selected individuals? Is this sweep of events part of his divine purpose?
Please leave a comment below if you’d like to be entered into a drawing to receive a free copy of this book.
A copy of this book was supplied to me by the publisher.
Kara loves to read and write supernatural suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category. But Kara also loves to share stories about God’s love, mercy and faithfulness.