I am so excited to be gearing up for my second ever public book signing. The people at Family Christian in Holland have been incredible to work with. This event is the result of an inquiry I made about stocking my book on their shelves. The request was met with great excitement about the possibilities both for book sales and a signing event. Because the genre of my books is well suited to both young readers, as well as male readers, they suggested hosting the event this coming weekend to line up with both graduation gift and Father's Day gift buying. It was also mentioned that there are other West Michigan stores, if the book does well here in Holland.

There are a myriad of thoughts that accompany a book signing event, at least for me. What if I don't have enough copies? (I know, wishful thinking.) What if no one shows up? What do I write? Then there's the dreaded, what if I spell someone's name wrong? And on, and on, and on... Most of all, I am just looking forward to meeting some of the awesome readers who've supported my writing and our mission of compassion. Which by the way, Family Christian is also a non-profit dedicated to supporting compassion ministries with their sales.

I know many of you, my faithful blog readers, are not from the area. So I probably won't see you there. But I would very much appreciate your thoughts and prayers on Saturday. As always, it is my desire that these stories would draw people closer to God, while at the same time providing much needed clean water for those around the globe.

'Til next time!

It's been awhile since our last update on the primary purpose of Hearts of Compassion. Our mission is to provide clean edifying stories in order to raise funds to provide clean water to those around the world without.
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​In the past few months, since the release of Restoration's Journey, book two in the Unseen Dominion series, we've been able to provide clean water for a year to a couple dozen more families.

​Imagine that mother in Ethiopia who spent hours every week carrying unsanitary water to her family, or a preteen daughter in Sierra Leone put at risk daily of assault because she had to fetch water by herself, or that young boy in Mexico who could have died from diarrhea due to waterborne parasites. Every person who receives clean water as a result of our stories is given a blessing beyond measure.

​The need is great and the task is daunting. We need your help. Here are some ways you can help:
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1. Pray - Nothing "we" do will bring about the momentum needed to get this project off the ground. We need God to lift it up. So, we need you to lift us up.
2. Read - If you've already read In The Image of Man, thank you. If not, your purchase will help provide clean water and will be a worthwhile investment of your time.
3. Rate - Click a star. It's that simple. Getting ratings on Amazon helps to put books in front of more readers.
4. Review - A quick honest blurb about why you liked the book can be so influential in someone's decision to purchase the book. Shout out on Amazon and Goodreads.
5. Discuss - Tell others about the book and our mission. Talk in person. Join discussions on Goodreads. Vote for our books in Listopia lists.
6. Follow - Follow me on Goodreads, this blog, Facebook, or Twitter, to stay up-to-date and help share the word.

It's been awhile since I've posted a book review. But after reading (actually, listening to) Blessed Child by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ), I couldn't wait to post a review. This novel is, without a doubt, one of the best stories I've read for quite some time. Is it because of the excellent storytelling prowess of Ted Dekker, the lovable characters, the fast pace, or the intriguing premise set forward by Bill Bright? Honestly, I don't know, probably all of the above. What I do know is that I couldn't wait to get back to the story, every time I put it down.

​If you are familiar with my work, you will know that I love speculative fiction that makes you rethink your understanding of the world around you. Blessed Child is definitely in that category. It seamlessly weaves together speculation about the spiritual world, fast-paced action, romance, and intrigue to keep your attention and pluck at your heartstrings.

​Caleb is a young child who was raised in a monastery in Ethiopia. When soldiers launch an unexplained attack to destroy the monastery, two relief workers from the west rescue young Caleb and bring him to Los Angeles. But it soon becomes evident that this is no ordinary child. Despite having never left the monastery, Caleb begins to change the world around him and leaves all involved scrambling to react. Likewise, his story will change the way you view the world.

​If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend doing so.

Till next time.