Ark of Rest ~ An Amazing LIterary Accomplishment! by Paula Rose Michelson

I love reviewing books written by believers! I'm delighted and at times find it hard to chose what to read because of the vast array of fiction that espouses our Christian/Messianic beliefs. Equally compelling has been my realization that none of the novels I've read were written with a hidden message. This is important to me because as both a Pastors' and missionaries wife who writes faith stories, I take umbrage with faith tracks masquerading as literature. I share this sentiment with you today so when you read my 5 Star Review of This Modern Masterpiece, you will understand that the author, Pastor Jimmy Garland is telling a story not preaching a salvation message.


Ark of Rest is a Must Read for any who wonder what might precede the end times spoken of in Scripture. Beginning with the times we are living in, the author shows us how the rapture might occur as he weaves in 21st century technologies and way of life, the reality or rural America, the FBI Special Cult Unit, science fiction, biblical prophesy, and personal choices made by those who believe in themselves and those who know and trust God. This astounding wordsmith takes the reader on a never imagined journey where people chose to either believe in themselves or Gods only anointed Messiah, Jesus Christ.


Where other authors have shown a possible fulfillment of end time prophetic Scriptures in such notable work as The Left Behind Series, Pastor Garland's masterpiece not only shows a unique spirit-filled view of the rapture, but looking back in anguish, the non-believer experiences ever increasing agony over choices he wished he could undo, the Pastor looks back at his life and faith failures in horror but instead of hearing condemnation, he sees how God used those situations to draw people to Himself.

http://www.amazon.com/Ark-of-Rest-ebook/dp/B00DQJP3T0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377901485&sr=1-1&keywords=ark+of+rest

Pastors Praise! by Paula Rose Michelson

Having grown up Jewish, I longed for but seldom received praise. At forty I became a believer in Messiah and soon discovered that in Him my longing vanished! Twenty-five years later, I still look heavenward whenever someone ascribes to me what belongs to God. It is only because of the work God gifted to me and Naomi deciding to tell me her story that my desire to serve Messiah as a writer happened. If I had not heard Naomi's story from her, I could never have written anything that mattered for the Kingdom!


The journey that began in March of 2007 has been wonderful, difficult, and all consuming. I have given up a job, some security, and lost some friends. I become somewhat isolated, hurt when Naomi did, and all of this I would gladly do again. I say that because the journey crystallized for me what matters and what does not.


Today I am sharing two reviews written by two Pastors. Before reading them, I must tell you that being married to Pastor, Missionary Ron Michelson who also writes his weekly Messianic Bible studies and is currently writing both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, it is rare for a Pastor to be able to carve time out of their overflowing schedules to read or review.


Pastor Jimmy's 5 Star Review posted on Amazon today says, "I found Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book 1 a rich and enticing story. I have enjoyed reading most of my life and it has been very rare that I was taken into a story so completely as I was with this one. They say what makes a story worth reading is the personal crisis. In Casa de Naomi, I found myself identifying with the main character early on. Not that I was raised in a Jewish family or faced the extreme persecution they face but as a human, who does not feel that they must hide some part of who they really are? This is a work of amazing insight that can bless anyone who ever felt out of place in their life. Thanks for a marvelous book of Blessings."  http://amzn.to/11ADn6G

Pastor Jim Hughes in his 5 Star Review wrote, "Casa de Naomi : The House of Blessing, Book 2 by Paula Rose Michelson is an enduring and captivating story of redemption as told thorough the eyes of Chaz and Naomi who we meet in volume one. You will discover an insightful look at the agony of being someone you are not in order to survive in a hostile world that is antagonistic towards you. How could two people, Jewish by birth, hidden within the Catholic Church unbeknownst to each other, run from each other, rediscover themselves and become the couple they both want to be? Can they do it? Can their marriage be saved? Will it survive their betrayal? You will have to read Casa de Naomi, Book 2 to find out.

Paula masterfully shows how God pursues those who try to leave Him out of their lives. You will perhaps discover some things about your own journey with God that you have tried to bury or ignore. I am pleased to recommend both volumes of  "Casa de Naomi" to you. amzn.to/15nYeId

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What's the Difference? by Paula Rose Michelson

Many refer to me as a wordsmith, and I am! Because I do have a way with words and love to encourage other writers to use the most uniquely appropriate word instead of just any word, today I'm blogging about one of my pet peeves. Since I seldom mention this except to my husband, you might think I'm making a mountain of a mole hill. However, as all authors do, I enjoy reading reviews of my books that is unless said review is really a synopsis.

Since you might be scratching your head or wondering why I should need to vent, let me ask you, "Would you pay to see the same move at a theater that you already saw at home?" If you're like me probably not unless you're going to be people that make the outing a must! Applying this rational to book synopsis parading as reviews and we authors face a dilemma. Do we tell the writer that they've shared so much people might not buy the book? Do we appalled them because writing the more time consuming synopsis means they've fallen in love with the book and desire to mention all that enthralled them so others would be too? We may think about telling these wonderful bookish advocates of our work but it might be best to...

Thinking of all the possible options, I'm reminded...and thankfully so, that recently we heard Hillary Clinton exclaim during what some call her Benghazi meltdown, "What difference does it make!" And I'm grateful that she provided me and many others a role model of WHAT NOT to do!

So where do I go for help? I go to the one who is higher than I. Messiah said in Mathew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!"

Do we authors know Him? We do if we rejoice in every blessing freely given, applaud others success, and continue to encourage and nurture those in need with the Word of God because God's Word is active and accomplishes His purpose!

When I remember that I write for God and about the things He cares about all worry is cast off. When I am hampered and ensnared, I am grateful and praise God for my husband Ron, and friends like Heather Randall, Jewels Boaz, Bethany Mourty, Katie Mettner, Kim Justice, Nicole Clies Anderson, Tina Britt, Dr. Glen Hepker, my wonderful daughter Cheryl Michelson Henrikson, and so many others who keep me grounded. These dear readers are my reasons for never saying "What's the Difference?" because having lived life on both sides of the faith equation, I know what matters most! Therefore, I strive to make my thoughts, deeds, actions and reactions a blessing to the lover of my soul.

Maureen's Pen at the Il Gelato Cafe, by Paula Rose Michelson

Never before have, I felt compelled to write a follow up blog to a book signing. But today was no ordinary beach day, and this was no ordinary signing. You see, I've been signing books at the Il Gelato Cafe since Book 1 of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing was released. Perhaps you might be thinking it's because Domminico, who owns the place is a dear...and he is. Or maybe you envision the blue ocean and white sands... and they were. However, with fog so thick and liquid sunshine creating a less than perfect beach day, what made this day memorable, and I must add sweetly so were the people!

I've done events at many unusual places including an outdoor produce market and the 100th celebration of Watson's Pharmacy, Drugstore & Soda Fountain. I've signed books at conferences, an art gallery, at espresso places, BIOLA Christian University Library, and everything in-between including three books signings that took place at used bookstores! Every event was as unique as the people who stopped by were.

Weeks before each signing press announcements were sent out, and I expected a nice turnout. Very quickly I learned signings that aren't held in book stores can be more interesting for me and more enjoyable for those strolling by. For example, this morning after saying "Hi" to the Cafe staff at 10 am, I set up my table and sat down expecting to just take in the scenery until someone walked by. Instead, a woman came up to see what I was doing. Unlike my usual spiel, I just said I was an author doing a signing. I spent probably 3 minutes telling her about the two books, mentioned that the price was reduced if she bought both books, and she did! Rummaging in my purse for a pen so I could sign her books, I was amazed when she handed me her's, and even more amazed a few moments later to discover that she'd forgotten her pen!

Now you might be thinking I'm dramatizing this because that's what we authors do, and you're right! However, this is NO ORDINARY PEN! This slim, brown, cylinder that must be turned before you begin to write says "Sheraton.com" on it, and has a unique loop design in a lovely subdued shade of Juniper, I'd not seen before. And Sheraton.com when entered into a search engine takes me to a resort as lovely as Maureen was. So dear bibliophile, it you decide to visit my blog and stumble upon this entry please know your pen is safe and waiting for you here.

Interested in The Casa Saga Book's? Please watch these trailers:

Book One of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing

Book Two of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing 

Book Signing Today at the Il Gelato Cafe, 2110 W Oceanfront Newport Beach, CA 92663

Once again, I'm blessed to be at the  Il Gelato Cafe, 2110 W Oceanfront Newport Beach, CA 92663 signing Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing at this wonderful eatery! I'll b outside on the boardwalk soaking up the sun, and enjoying the day why people walk by and say, "Hi!" If you're looking for a great getaway, and live in OC, I recommend this spot!


From 10:30 to 4 today, I'm signing books at the well known eatery, Il Gelato Cafe, which faces beach. Please drop by fro a visit, and enjoy Dominic's amazing gelato, sandwiches to die for and much more all made fresh daily. 2110 W Oceanfront Newport Beach, CA 92663

"A Dangled Web," quote from "Reviews by SweetReadz, article by Paula Rose Michelson

Recently I've posted my reviews of other author's books. I must admit that until recently I was concerned that reading other books would negatively impact my writing. I worried that I might find myself inadvertently writing another author's character's cadence or mannerisms into my books. Most writers probably don't think of such things. However, having lived two doors down from a friend with a slight stutter whom I like to spend time with I found that every time I was with her my family asked me if I had been. Upon questioning them I discovered that I am a mimic. Don't get me wrong, patterning cadence or using similar words when counseling, which in my role as a Chemical Dependency  - Life Style Councilor was something I did daily, was a good thing. But it is not advisable for an author to mimic. So I abstained from reading other authors books.


A few years into my publishing journey, I thought about self-publishing through Amazon. Wanting to know all I could about them before I self-published The Naomi Chronicles, Book One, Beginning Anew, I bought a Kindle. Noting that another self-published author friend of mine had used BookBub to promote her book, which quickly became an Amazon Best Seller, I signed up for BookBub so I could see what type of books they were promoting. Daily I receive information about free or very discounted books. Having heard and read some negative comments about authors who don't publish using the traditionally accepted means, I was delighted to discover that the books I was reading were in almost all instances better than those I'd been asked to judge for the most highly esteemed award in Christian Historical Fiction. In fact those five books were either so poorly written, edited, or the endings were so contrived that when asked to advance to the next round of judging, I not only declined, I sent a detailed explanation of why I did that, and strongly suggested that the award committee have two categories for entries: one traditional publishing, the other self-published. I suggested that once the top five of each category was selected the books covers would be removed and the novels sent out for the final round of judging. 


Obviously I never heard back, which brings me to the topic of today's blog, "A Dangled Web." I choose that title because that's the title of "SweetReadz Mag" review of Casa de Naomi: The House off Blessing, Book Two used. I've tweeted that title, posted it, and thanked the magazine!  


While all of this was going on I was devouring amazing Indie Authors books! Each of these creative, committed individuals wrote from their heart, some dug into their guts. Their stories mattered so very much to me that though we'd never meet we became great friends! These, I am proud to say, are my peers! They've taught me more about writing than any class, seminar, or book ever did, and I wanted to give something back. God is so good that He knew I would so without my knowing I was added to a Facebook page where authors swap book reviews, and my life hasn't been the same since! I love reading my fellow authors work! I no longer worry about how their books will influence my writing because reading the creative works of people that are called to write, God has removed my worry and replaced it with joy! In the process, I've become a better writer, and I believe a better follower of Messiah, for He did not count the cost and neither will I! I say that because along the way I have had to let go of some illusions and a few people. I've been emotionally bounced from here to the moon and back, or so it felt. But each time I landed with a smile more resolute to do what I was called to do and knowing as I never did before that God is being lifted up every day in every way by the authors I've reviewed. 

Tonight, I'm not posting my review about another author, but, an amazing review from SweetReadz "Reviews by SweetReadz Mag" that says, "Inspirational! This is a great book...What a dangled web this. I won't give the details away but just know that there's a lot of he wants her, she wants him, he wants the money and everyone is deep in sin... 

A wonderful inspirational faith based read about love, life, and forgiveness. There are things we are commissioned to do in our Christian walk, but life choices can make these things seem to push far back and our fleshly desires forefront..." 

http://www.amazon.com/Casa-Naomi-House-Blessing-Book/dp/1622951069/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376076193&sr=8-2&keywords=casa+de+naomi+the+house+of+blessing

5* Delores Ayotte's Book "Up The "Down" Ladder - Simple Ideas to Overcome Depression" is a Breakthrough Masterpiece! by Paula Rose Michelson

Delores Ayotte's nonfiction "Up The "Down" Ladder - Simple Ideas to Overcome Depression is a Breakthrough Masterpiece! As a Chemical Dependency - Lifestyle Disorder Councilor who interned at Woodview Calabasas Psychiatric Hospital's dually diagnosed Chemical Dependency Unit, I can attest that usually in every generation there is new information that points to new theories. However, having worked in the system and then as a lay councilor for Freemont Community Church, I know that the most valuable information is dispensed by those caring individuals who having overcome reach out a hand, say a word, show the way while sharing their personal experiences. Where once people did this as a natural and right thing to do more and more today's mind set of `suck it up' and `look good at all times not  matter what it costs' has created an environment where the norm is to look good no matter what!

Into this dismal abyss steps a women who sees herself as an ordinary person, who has had some experiences others might learn from. Delores Ayotte does not tell us how to avoid life issues, she celebrates them! In reading her take we see that choices shape our world. This is clearly illustrated by the bank that wanted people to progress. Management meet with each employee to map out a year by year strategy so each employee could become self-actualizing. And a curious thing happened! Many who claimed to want to advance left. Why? Because for some...or in some situations it's easier to `want' than `do.'

Up The "Down" Staircase is a small book loaded with life changes examples gleaned from the author's experiences, and I for one, found them affirming, and if implemented when ready, you might perhaps view them to be as, or even more, valuable than seeing a therapist who might prescribe medication so you don't have to do the work, tell you that what you're going through is Normal, or suggest that it's someone else's fault. All of these options have been tried and not worked. If they had we would be feeling better not worse.

No! What is needed is a Truthsayer who has nothing to prove or gain from telling it like `it' is...if that's what you're looking for this book is a must read. But before you begin, I must suggest that you read a little and be kind to yourself as if you were your own best friend. For this is not a book to be rushed through because change that last's takes time. It took you a while to get where you are... a while to realize that it's not where you want to be. Now gift yourself the time to become the you, you wish to be.

Just as some of those who groused because they wanted to advance discovered, when the opportunity was available, that they didn't really want to, your voyage of discovery may take you to places you never imagined and show you things about yourself you never knew. Yet, I can promise you this after reading this amazing book, you will always be in charge, you will be respected and affirmed. And in the end you will be able to say with happy conviction, "You get to be you, and I get to be me!" Although this simple statement might sound ludicrous, true health is achieved when one knows and likes themself, and supports others as they strive to become who they want to be for it is in moving from wanting to becoming that we arrive! 

http://www.amazon.com/Up-The-Down-Ladder-ebook/dp/B007K8QO28/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376965350&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=up+the+down+staircase+by+dolores+ayotte