Today I seem to have discovered that contrary to what I was told, my posts will be published. Hoping this is true I'm sharing this while praising God!!!

5-Stars for Becky Villareal's "Broken Branches"!

This Fiction Reads Like a Tender Reality

5-Stars! "Becky Villareal's "Broken Branches" is a compelling short novella that all who aspire to understand love and those who wish to write amazing fictions should read!"

A school project begins a journey for Sarafina Garcia that will change her life forever. In an attempt to gain a scholarship to a prestigious school, she is thrown headfirst into a labyrinth of family history that will confuse and deepen her search. Don’t dig up old bones, was the response Sarafina received from her mother when she asked for help. What was it in the family history that was so horrible that she wouldn’t discuss it? Only by delving into historical records will she solve the lingering mystery of her parentage and mend the broken branches of her childhood one last time.

 https://amzn.to/2Tyz9Nt

About Becky Villareal

Becky Villareal was born in Dallas, Texas in 1954 to Missionary parents who traveled throughout the Southwest. Though her experiences as a child, she has learned the benefit of being multicultural in a diverse society. She loves working on her family history and incorporating her experiences in her writing. Becky travels throughout the country working with libraries and genealogical societies in order to encourage family participation in genealogical research.

She also loves to read, color, spend time with her family, and help other novice writers.

The Wonder of Books

When authors write from a place of wonder magical things happen. These things, which happen in their heart, are read and treasured by readers. 

That authors who tap into the wonder of God at work in our lives and share it with others may not have bestselling books is understandable in our fast-paced twenty first century. Yet, there are still those family and children's books that all ages love. I refer to the classic, which many who didn't read them, enjoyed when they watched the movie adaptation.

If you find yourself nodding your head, I hope you'll checkout the books by genre instead of author. I suggest this because reading books about Family Values, Friendship, and Social Issues can give you a sense of wonder of the rightness of things.

About Author Paula Rose Michelson

 

A writer of inspired Christian romances, Paula’s new passion is her soon to release first children's middle reader fiction "Gracie Gets Her Wish: The Save a Soul Prayer Team, Book 1.

A grandmother, God called Paula to write the 23 books in the Gracie series while praying with her church’s weekly prayer team. Follow her here and you will know when this faith story about a girl who touches many lives because of Jesus, her mom’s love, an angel, and her unique friendships is available. 

This author is married to Ron Michelson who is a Lutheran Pastor and Chosen People Ministries field missionary. The coupe has two married daughters and seven grandchildren.

Book News!

Dear Friends,

I started blogging because author friends suggested I do this. Over years, I've hosted a number of great Christian authors and enjoyed connecting with readers. With the soon to be launch of Gracie & The Save a Soul Prayer Team children's books that are about love, God, friendships and issues kids have, I need to step away from this blog so I put my time and energy into the writing and publication of these books.

From time to time, I will post when a new book or my website is available. Until then I wish you God's manifold blessings and ask that your pray for this work as I press ever onward towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

About Paula Rose Michelson

A writer of inspired Christian romances, Paula’s new passion is her soon to release first children's middle reader fiction "Gracie Gets Her Wish: The Save a Soul Prayer Team, Book 1.

A grandmother, God called Paula to write the 23 books in the Gracie series while praying with her church’s weekly prayer team. Follow her here and you will know when this faith story about a girl who touches many lives because of Jesus, her mom’s love, an angel, and her unique friendships is available. 

This author is married to Ron Michelson who is a Lutheran Pastor and Chosen People Ministries field missionary. The coupe has two married daughters and seven grandchildren.

I was blessed!!

Asked to read the Prayer Pledge Grace's mom has her repeat so she can become a member of God's Save a Soul Prayer Team, I was blessed to hear the kids at our church repeat them.  

Want to instill Christian values in your children? That’s why God called me to write the nine fruit of the Spirit books. To know when A Heartbroken Daughter: Gracie & The Save a Soul Prayer Team is released, follow me on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/35JhmHo

About the Author

Writing women's Christian fictions that inspire others is this authors passion. A late reader, books became Paula's friends. Since she enjoyed fictions where the heroine was one for her families’ sake, Paula writes about women like these who face unique faith challenges.

A grandmother, Paula looks forward to the release of her first children's book "A Heartbroken Daughter: Gracie & The Save a Soul Prayer Team, book 1". Follow her and you will know when this faith story about a girl who touches many lives because of Jesus, her mom’s love, an angel, and her unique friendships is available. 

The founder of LAMB Ministries, this author has shared some of the basic Christian recovery methods she successfully employed.

Paula is married to Ron Michelson who is a Lutheran Pastor and Chosen People Ministries field missionary. They have two married daughters and seven grandchildren.

★NO OTHER CHOICE★ IS ★FREE★ so I hope you enjoy reading the opening!

Chapter 1: What Now

As they entered the building and turned down a dark corridor all Naomi could think was, Now what will I do? The man pointed to a chair in a stark office. Steeling her resolve, she entered, sat down, and clutched the old, brown, leather suitcase to her chest. Seeing an official take a man into a room, she heard his interview begin. The door shut. Her mind raced, Now what…what now, demanding an answer. She closed her eyes and tried to think of one but there were none. No answers for immigration, and she had known there would be none even before she ran away from home in the middle of the night without a goodbye or a note explaining. Aware that running away from the reality of being a Jew in a country that allowed only those of one faith, and that one not hers, to live there, she had planned to find her uncle once she was allowed into America and help him bring their family here. Tears formed. She blinked them back, certain that if she cried, she would never be allowed to enter America.  

      Seeking oblivion, she closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them, she would find this was a horrid nightmare. Her mind brought her back to the moment fear had taken control of her life once more. She heard herself screaming, “Abuela Sosa, please do not be dead!” Her mamá’s training took over because she heard her say, Mi hija, think of something else. She tried, but as if things could not get any worse, the image of the old woman’s daughter-in-law packing her meager belongings into her suitcase flashed before her, and she heard herself demand, “You have no need of me anymore? I gave you a year of my life! Your esposo…your husband promised he would help me enter America and search for my uncle if I took care of his madre!” 

      Aware that the kindhearted old woman had treated her as if she were her very own kin, her sorrow increased. Yet knowing that her daughter-in-law had never visited the old woman during their voyage, and was only there now because it was necessary, Naomi was not surprised that this woman appeared unfazed by her charge’s death as she dispassionately closed the lid to the teenager’s suitcase and stared at her. Instead of demanding that the woman fetch a doctor, as Naomi had insisted an hour ago when she fetched the woman, all she could think of was, What do I do, now what do I do? Then she corrected herself, Naomi, it is not what do you do…it is what can I do to convince them to let me stay? She watched the woman eyeing her and wondered, Why is she in a hurry to rid herself of me before the doctor examines Abuela Sosa and declares her dead? Only then did she remember the woman’s secretive responses to an odd phone call that came moments after she followed Naomi into the stateroom. Maybe the family discovered the last name I gave was not…she felt a knot in her stomach and knew her worst fears were going to come true. 

        Opening her eyes to see who was sitting beside her, Naomi was not surprised to find no one there, for fear, she had learned, does funny tricks to one’s mind. She closed her eyes again, certain that at one point there had been an official sitting next to her. At least that is what she… Her mind drifted back to the moment they had met, that is if being taken off the grand ship awaiting entry to New York harbor by an immigration official could be called a meeting. Reliving the moment that culminated when she sat where she was, Naomi knew it was all true. She was on Ellis Island and would be deported. She knew that because it being her first-time sailing, she had listened to the other servants talking among themselves and learned many things…among them, the fact that no immigrants had disembarked at Ellis Island since the end of World War I unless… When she questioned those who spoke, she learned that immigration would remove a passenger from a ship because of a problem with their paperwork, though when she sat where the man pointed, she refused to believe her situation was as dire as it appeared. However, her heart told her otherwise.

       Trying to convince herself that her situation was not as bad as it seemed, she silently insisted, This is a mistake! My entry into America should have been easy. I took care of everything at the American Consulate before we left Spain. My documents, medical history… I filled each paper out very carefully!

       Agitated, she opened her eyes. She was alone. Aware of the stories of the chosen few allowed to enter the country; she tried to think of anything but the future she feared. Now what? Now what? her mind repeated, demanding an immediate answer. Think of something else, her mamá had often told her when she worried too much. And now just as she had when her mother told her what to do, Naomi nodded and whispered, “Sí, mi mamá.” Scanning the room, she remembered reading that a fire had reduced the original buildings to cinders and nonflammable materials were used when the facility was rebuilt. It must have been an awful fire…still…

       She heard the door to the office open, looked at the wall clock, and realized an hour had passed. An official took the man they had interviewed away. The door was left open at another man’s request. She leaned forward in her chair hoping to hear the men she assumed would decide her fate.

       “Sad that the grandmother died,” the large man said, his voice filled with what she prayed was sympathy for her plight.

       The smaller man nodded. “And just before the boat she was on was to enter the harbor.”

       “The girl has no sponsor. We must send her back to Spain.”

       “But she says she has no people,” replied a man she could not see.

       “Sad yes, very sad…. but it’s not our—”

       Naomi thought it odd when the small man stepped between the two who were speaking and blurted, “I tried to call the lady but was told she was out!”

       The large man waited while the man she had not seen left the office. Then he turned to his associate. “I told you not to speak about that!”

       “It doesn’t make any difference. I left a message, but there’s no one to help the girl.” He looked at his watch. “It’s already five thirty. The office should have closed half an hour ago.”

       The large man sighed. “We can’t wait any longer. Ask her to come in.”

       Aware that she would be sent back, the teenager muttered, “Oh, Adonai, I cannot go back there!” When she heard her own words, she thought, Perhaps in America I should speak with Adonai in English, so she pled, “Oh, God, please help me … I cannot go back there!”

       The old woman who sat down while Naomi was speaking asked, “Would you like to stay in America?”

       “Si!” Fearing the woman might not understand her, she switched to English. “I mean, yes…yes, I would. I would love to stay.”

       “I will arrange it for you.” Naomi gasped. Maybe God is watching out for me after all!

       The small man leaving the office caught Naomi’s eye, and motioned for her to enter. When she stood, the old woman whispered as she rose. “Say nothing. Let me talk.”

Glad to have someone who offered to help her by her side, Naomi knew everything would be all right, for she could even breathe again. Yet, upon facing the man, she saw him frown. She noticed the lines on his face were deeply etched and feared he had never heard of the word smile. Try as she might to loosen the knot in her gut, fear raised its ugly head again, for she knew, this man has the power to send me back to a life I wish never to see again. She forced a smile.

       The man pointed toward the chairs facing his desk. “Sit. We have very little time.”

       He fixed his dark eyes on the old woman. “Since you did not answer your phone, I thought you might be done with this business.”

       “You know how it is with me,” Reaching into her oversized purse, she handed him a sheaf of papers.

       “Sí, claro.” Victor replaced the girl’s official papers with the ones the woman handed him. He seemed to smile with relief. “Still looking for that special one, eh, Tía?”

       “Of course.”

       He reviewed the documents. “You still use the same lawyer.”

       “He helps me in my work.”

       Victor turned toward Naomi. “This lady will vouch for you so you can stay here.”

       Naomi smiled at the old woman.  “Gracias.”

       “So, you would you like to stay in America?”

       “Sí, that is why I came here.” She looked at the old woman. She looks just like mi tía Rosa, the same stark white hair, the same small frame, the same dignity of bearing, the same edge to her voice, and, I am certain, the same caring heart. Turning her attention back to Victor, relief welled up in her chest. “Thank you” was all she could say because she feared if she said more a slip might cause him to send her away.

       Victor pulled out the necessary forms and picked up his pen. “March twentieth, nineteen fifty-two is an auspicious day for such a niña to come to America and all by herself at that. What is your name, child?”

       “Naomi Baruh.” He nodded and wrote her name on the form. Watching his every move, Naomi was surprised when the official did not question her about her last name, for she assumed that was why she was there.

       Victor asked the old woman some questions and when the forms were completed, he used his official stamp to legalize her documents. Once all was completed, he smiled at her and buzzed for his secretary. When she arrived, he said, “Make copies for La Señora.” Turning toward Naomi, the official smiled at her. “Now, Naomi, I would like to introduce you to your sponsor. Your Tía, or as we Americans say, your auntie. You are a fortunate girl. Do what she tells you and we will be happy that you are staying with her.”

       Aware that she had never owned a promise as bright as the one America offered, Naomi exclaimed, “Sí…yes, I will!”

       The copies returned, Naomi watched the man check them over, place them in a legal binder, and handed it to the old woman. “Here you are. Do not to lose them on your way home.” He nodded toward Naomi.

       When Tía nodded, Naomi wondered if the two of them were speaking in some sort of secret language. Before she could puzzle out what their exchange meant, Tía placed the binder in her bag, stood, and motioned for her to do the same. “Do not worry; I will take the precautions I always do.” Tía shook Victor’s hand and smiled at her. Victor’s sigh sounded like a sigh of relief, and Naomi found herself wondering why both of them seemed so…but before she could find out what was going on, Tía led her out of the office.

        Once outside, the old tía glanced at her watch. “Hurry or we will miss our boat!” Grabbing Naomi’s hand, they ran toward the ferry.

       The captain saw them, blew the ferry’s whistle, and hollered, “Hurry up and get aboard!”

       The old woman paid their fare, thrust their tickets into the attendant’s hands, and rushed Naomi up the gangplank. She pointed to the top deck. “Up there, you will be able to see where you are coming from and where you are going to.” Scurrying up two flights of stairs, Naomi waited for Tía, who joined her, and pointed toward Ellis Island. “This was the port of entry for all who sought freedom. Now it is the last hope for those the system will not let in. No matter what happens to you, remember that this system did not win; at least not as far as you are concerned.”

       The horror of Ellis Island diminished, as did Naomi’s fears. Entering the famed New York Harbor her uncle had written about, Naomi turned, saw the city of New York with its skyscrapers, and smiled. Though the wind whipped her hair into her face, nothing could mar her joy, for this fifteen-year-old had traveled halfway around the world as a servant, leaving all she loved, to fulfill her vow, which was about to be realized. Clutching the rail, Naomi looked upon America, the land of freedom and opportunity, for the first time.        When the boat docked, all sorts of sights and sounds assailed her, but she closed her eyes and took a deep breath of free air. “Thank you, Adonai,” she whispered. The wind blew her prayer of gratitude past her sponsor’s ear and out to sea.

       With a wide grin on her face, she opened her eyes. Before she could see much of the goings-on at dockside, the old woman grabbed her hand. “Look…look,” she called as she pulled the girl along, “if we do not hurry, we will need to wait an hour and…” Naomi saw the bus doors close while they ran toward it. She thought the old woman would slow her pace. Instead, she doubled it, and upon reaching the bus, Tía pounded on the doors with her umbrella. “Stop! Open the door and let us in!”

       “Sorry,” the bus driver drawled as he opened the door. “I was about to leave. With the motor going, I couldn’t hear you.” He nodded toward an elderly woman who sat on the bench seat behind him. “If it hadn’t been for this lady here, I would’ve driven off without you and the girl.”

        "It is lucky for me that you have a passenger who pays attention!” Tía’s voice was so strident that Naomi looked at her. Noticing the withering gaze, she unleashed upon the man, she was grateful her sponsor was not angry with her. The coins made a clanking sound as the old woman took her hand. When they walked past the woman the bus driver had mentioned, Naomi heard the old tía say, “Thank you, Teresa, mi amiga.” Those tenderly spoken words calmed Naomi’s fears. 

       Hurrying them to the back of the bus, Naomi sat where the old tía pointed and asked, “Where are we going?”

       “Home to mi casa.” She fiddled with something under the dolman sleeve of her coat as she coaxed, “Relax, I will let you know when we are there.” Naomi watched the bus weave in and out of dense traffic. The old tía noticed her curiosity. “I am taking you to Spanish Harlem. Most of the people who live in New York shorten the name. They call it Harlem, but we Spanish settled and named the place, so we call it by its full name that honors us and our presence there. Although other groups settled there and many Spanish people have moved, it is still, in my opinion, the center of Spanish life.” Since she did not understand how each ethnic group in the city differentiated themselves, nor did she care, Naomi said nothing. Her only concern was to see where they were going should she need to flee, so she watched the road. As the miles ticked by, she thought about the procedure at immigration and realized the man had given her no card of any sort. Since her uncle had written that everyone needed one, Naomi began to worry. The old woman pointed to a building. “See, there is Zabar’s, my favorite place for sweets.” Naomi looked where her sponsor pointed and told herself, She is nice. No reason to worry. She turned to look at the road and tried to get her bearings as the city rushed by. At each stop, she looked at the old woman questioningly. “We are almost there.”

       “Good.” Naomi smiled, eager to forget the events that forced her to accept the old woman’s help. “I want to begin my life here as soon as possible.”

       “You all say that.”

       “What do you mean? And what was that man at immigration referring to when he asked you if you were not done with this business yet?” Being stared at by the woman she thought of as her heroine, Naomi’s concerns about her lack of a card and the mysterious discussion between Victor and the old tía escalated.

       “We can talk of this once we get to mi casa.” When Naomi did not respond, her sponsor turned to pat her hand. Glimpsing a manacle around Tía’s wrist, Naomi knew she must flee and began to stand. Aware of what the girl was doing, the old woman grabbed her hand in a vice-like grip, pulled her into her seat, and handcuffed their wrists together. Fear sized her. Naomi froze. Her heartbeat so fast, Naomi feared she would pass out. Yet she knew she could not give into that, for she had to do something before it was…                        Opening her mouth to scream, Naomi realized, No one would do this to someone who is here legally. If you scream, you will end up back at immigration and you will be deported. Trapped, she clamped her mouth shut lest by uttering a word… When the lady sitting behind her asked her a question, she shook her head, and tried to look relaxed. 

 .... To continue reading this book, click http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp 

★NO OTHER CHOICE★ IS ★FREE★ so Grab your copy!

5-Stars! “Once I started reading No Other Choice, I couldn’t put this wonderful book down!”   http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp

5-Stars! "No Other Choice is one of most interesting Inspirational Christian Romances I've read!"  http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp

5-Stars! “Full of intrigue and suspense, the strong thread of inspiration woven throughout No Other Choice kept me reading. I can't wait to start book two!” http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp

Naomi fled Spain for America to escape living the lie generations of her people had lived. She planned to find her uncle and help him earn enough money to bring their family to this land of promise. About to be sent back, the teenager lets an old woman help her and when handcuffed and dragged to the woman's casa, discovers she must continue to live a lie. Will Naomi's coming-of-age journey be one of fear, freedom, or love?

Chaz met Naomi when she gave this drunken bum a few dollars and made him sign her pledge book while saying he would help others. Now an internationally well-known philanthropist, he will pretend to be less than he is to wed Naomi!

Lola was rescued from immigration by Naomi. Now this teenager wants to discredit her benefactor so she can have Chaz. And having discovered Naomi's secrets, she is bound to succeed!

Two people in love yet neither knows who their spouse really is. A teenage girl whose goal is to drive a wedge between this star-crossed couple. Can anyone get what they want before fear, longing, lies and secrets cause this triangle to unravel? http://amzn.to/1tN7hEp

5-Stars! “A beautiful, intriguing story!  This book and the series are highly recommended.”  http://amzn.to/1zK3rPC

5-Stars "What an imagination God has given Paula Rose Michelson!" ~ Barbara Shelton, Book Reviewer, The Wordsmith Journal      http://amzn.to/1zK3rPC

5-Stars! “An enduring and captivating story of redemption as told through the lives of Chaz and Naomi."  http://amzn.to/1zK3rPC

5-Stars! "The drama that left us hanging in the first book is only compounded as we move into the second and on into the third ...an outstanding read!" GABixlerReviews   http://amzn.to/1g4WSvF

5-Stars! "This is far more than just the romantic story of two star-crossed newlyweds...and there are other books coming, so I recommend getting started on them now!" Kitty Muse Book Reviews  http://amzn.to/1g4WSvF

5-Stars! "Newlyweds Naomi and Chaz have already lost and restored their recent marriage. Still waiting on the physical, secrets threaten to separate what God has drawn together." ~ Shelia Deeth, Reviewer at Vine Voice  http://amzn.to/1g4WSvF

5-Stars! "Naomi and Chaz's story is truly remarkable.... You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five-star review if I could."   https://goo.gl/mbii4W

5-Stars! "This is an awesome book!! Once you start reading it, you can't put it down. I highly recommend this book and the whole series." https://goo.gl/mbii4W

5-Stars! "Wow, faith, trials, love, blessings, romance, and history what a fantastic continuation of the story of Naomi's life! This fast-moving story takes the reader on the journey with the characters. This is a wonderful book and series to read."   https://goo.gl/mbii4W

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! 

Sorrow Season: The Naomi Chronicles, Book 5 to release this time next year!

With their arrival on the high plateau above the White Plains Indian Reservation, in Arizona so Beca can be restored to her family, Chaz, Naomi and Beca are refused entry into the women’s family’s home. Told to restore the casa across the patio so they would have a place to live, they began the work with the help of Naomi’s uncle Arturo, his wife Preta, family and other members of the White Plains Indian tribe who live on the reservation with her uncle and his wife who is the Chiefs daughter.  

Thinking she has escaped Ralph Martinez’s vendetta; Naomi agrees to attend the annual Indian pow-wow.  Ralph sees her there and knows he can fulfill his promise to ruin her reputation and life. An odd set of circumstances lets him accomplish more than he hoped.

With her reputation ruined reputation, Naomi runs away from all who love and care about her. Fearful, ashamed and believing no one cares, she takes a job as the local brothels live-in housekeeper. Though Chaz wants to bring her home, Naomi will not return until Chaz has restored her reputation.

Befriend by the cook whose husband is a pastor, on Sundays Naomi goes home with her and is confronted with a reality that sets things in motion.

Meanwhile, Chaz realizes the wisdom of Chief Mangus and Uncle Arturo's ideas. The men put plans in place that will discredit the once proud attorney of El Barrio in New York City and allow Chaz to bring Naomi home where she belongs.

Notification of the book's released is as easy as Clicking Follow the Author At: https://amzn.to/2xIvQZ0

About author Paula Rose Michelson

Writing women's Christian fictions that inspire others is Paula Rose Michelson’s passion. Her desire to do that comes from being a late reader, who discovered books were her best friends! A lover of fictions where the heroine was one for her families’ sake, she writes about amazing women who have unique faith challenges. When asked about her idea for The Naomi Chronicles, Paula said, "Naomi and I penned these fictions together."

Paula writes other fictions, non-fictions and LAMB Ministries recovery books all from a Christian perspective.

The author is married to Ron Michelson who is a Lutheran Pastor and Chosen People Ministries field missionary. They have two married daughters and seven grandchildren.