Q&A: Terese Luikens, Author of A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness #Q&A #Interview #AHeartsJourneytoForgiveness

Terese Luikens has been married for forty-four years to the same man, although she is on her third wedding ring, having lost one and worn out another. She lives in Sandpoint, Idaho, enjoys being mother to three grown sons and grandmother to her much-loved grandchildren. She is the author of A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness, a Memoir of her inspiring journey of emotional healing from her father’s suicide. She facilitates retreats and workshops focusing on forgiveness, and publishes her own blog, Why Bother? 

You can visit her website at www.tereseluikens.com.

 

 

 

 

When did you first call yourself a writer?

That is a good question. I was always afraid to call myself a writer even after I’d published a few articles. But I’ve been a member of  a writer’s group for quite a long time and in identifying myself with that group, I identify myself as a writer. My writer’s group has turned me into a writer and they have supported my writing. 

How did you come up with the idea to write your book, A

Heart's Journey to Forgiveness?

My dad’s suicide was the most tragic event that ever happened to me. I could not believe that even though the tragedy happened to my family, we could not talk about it as a family. The story stayed in my head and one day I finally decided to write it down instead of letting it just simmer inside of me.  

Can you give us the first page out of your book?

Introduction 

When the COVID-19 pandemic invaded the US in the spring of 2020, it reminded me of the blizzards and ice storms that hit our region of North Idaho. During nearly every winter storm, people huddle in their homes waiting for the electricity to come back on. Schools close, and any kind of travel—car, bus, train, or plane—is canceled.

A similar phenomenon happened when COVID-19 arrived. But as of this writing, the pandemic has lasted longer than any winter storm. Social distancing, face coverings, and working from home remain the expected protocol.

When the pandemic first descended upon us, face-to-face interactions with others were limited to those who lived in the same household. Traveling even short distances to visit friends or relatives, especially across any state or county line, was prohibited.

I have six siblings living in five states: Minnesota, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. New restrictions put the kibosh on any plans we might have had to visit one another during the summer months.

But my sister Ella, who dubs herself the most “normal” one in the family because she is the middle child, came up with an idea. The seven of us could all stay connected despite travel restrictions if she were to set up weekly conference calls.

On April 15, 2020, an email arrived with details of the Macek Maverick calls, as Ella had named them. Each week, a sibling would take a turn as facilitator, coming up with a discussion-starting question and launching the call. The facilitator would also ensure everyone got a chance to answer the question, and would monitor the time. Each call would be limited to around seventy-five minutes.

What was the most difficult part of writing A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness?

The most difficult part of writing  A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness was making sure I got the facts right; dates, names and sequence of events. Thankfully, my siblings helped me. 

It’s so hard to forgive. What has writing your book taught you about forgiving people?

Forgiving people is a freeing experience. Forgiving showed me how to let go of grudges and make room in my heart to love others. 

Did you have a mentor while writing this book?

My writer’s group helped me to get started and then I hired one particular member, Jenny, to edit. 

Do you plan on writing more books?

Presently, I am writing a devotional book for suicide survivors. 

 

 

Watch Your Next Read: Book Trailer: Blazing Upheaval by Karen Charles #booktrailer #BlazingUpheaval #KarenCharles

 

 

 About the Book

 

 

In the heart of the tumultuous Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, a dedicated teacher finds herself thrust into a hazardous situation. Struggling to navigate the chaos and reach safety on the freeway, she faces dangerous obstacles that jeopardize her life. An unexpected rescue during a brutal attack plunges her, her family, and two other families into a chilling series of enigmatic events and escalating violence.

As the city grapples with unrest, they are entangled in a web of mysteries swiftly building in intensity. In the turmoil, their bonds of family, loyalty, and love are put to the ultimate test. The tension mounts relentlessly until an unforeseen revelation, coinciding with the cataclysmic Northridge earthquake, irrevocably changes their lives forever.

This gripping true-story thriller delivers suspenseful twists and heart-pounding moments, weaving a narrative of family resilience, solidarity, and enduring love in the face of daunting circumstances. It is a tale that illuminates the strength found within the human spirit when confronted with extraordinary challenges.

Blazing Upheaval is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMM6BXLG. 

Excerpt:

With renewed focus, her heart pounding against her ribcage, Tiffany emerged from the fray. She realized she was only a few blocks from the I-5 freeway, her haven of safety. She pressed the gas pedal, her car surging ahead with newfound urgency.

Tiffany came to an abrupt stop at the red light at the intersection where she would make a left turn onto the freeway entrance. Loud yelling frightened her. Three men surrounded her car. They bounced it up and down. Alarm gripped her racing heart as she understood the hatred in their eyes. They pulled on the locked doors. They pounded on the windows. She felt shock and disbelief as she realized the rioters wanted to harm her! She was helpless! She was trapped!

Karen Charles transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. An educator by profession, she is renowned for her thriller “Fateful Connections,” which unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11. “Blazing Upheaval” promises to deliver another chilling, heart-pounding experience. Karen and her husband reside on the serene shores of a beautiful bay in Washington, where she draws inspiration for her compelling narratives. Explore her insights and musings on the writer’s life through her blogs on “My Life As A Writer” at www.weaveofsuspense.com.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ http://weaveofsuspense.com 

Twitter ➜ http://www.twitter.com/karenra24229683 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/karen.rabe.7/

Book Watch: The Death of the Kremlin Czar by Jorg H. Trauboth #bookwatch

 

 

Title: The Death of the Kremlin Czar
Author: Jorg H. Trauboth
Pages: 443
Genre: Thriller

Russian President and new Czar Ivan Pavlenko suddenly shows his true colors during the war in Ukraine. He wants the old Soviet Union back. The world is on the brink. The influential oligarch Alexei Sokolov wants to prevent Ivan’s megalomaniacal plans and is planning a fundamental new beginning for Russia. To achieve this, the Russian president must die. How will the US President react to the CIA’s proposal to support the oligarch, who has a romantic relationship with the Russian President’s partner, Yulia? 

The poison attack is perfectly prepared, but the Boeing with the oligarch Alexei Sokolow, his lover and over 100 passengers on board is hijacked by a Ukrainian terrorist and is supposed to crash over Berlin after knocking out the crew by shooting. Former elite soldier Marc Anderson is on board with his family and takes over with Alexei. The two flight amateurs try to get control. Will the landing and the assassination succeed or will the Kremlin Czar strike back brutally after realizing the role of Yulia?

The Death of the Kremlin Czar is available at Amazon (U.S. edition) and Amazon (German edition).

“Watch out! High-voltage line at three hundred meters!“, shouted the co-pilot.
“In sight!“ the commander replied calmly, pulling up just before the obstacle and immediately pushing the helicopter down again. 

The two pilots of the Ukrainian armed forces guided the old Russian Mi-8 helicopter with their night vision devices on a zigzag course away from populated areas and Russian defense walls to the target. The destination was Luhansk. The mission: to free their own soldiers from Russian captivity. They had volunteered for the Ascension mission and trained for the flight intensively in the simulator supplied by the USA, including simulated enemy fire and evasive maneuvers. The simulator‘s current aerial photographs proved to be extremely helpful in the dimly lit night. A lot had changed in Donbass since the region was forcibly annexed by Russian President Ivan Pavlenko. Destroyed cities, abandoned villages, mined escape routes, deportations, rapes, mass graves, poverty, hunger, thirst and despair. 

Ivan Pavlenko was called “Czar Ivan II“ by the co-pilot, a former history teacher. But not only by him. The Ukrainian people hated this man who had brought so much suffering to their families with his megalomania and wanted to steal their country. Even those people whose thinking was shaped by Russian culture had turned their backs on this madman in Moscow. 

The co-pilot turned to Iris, the commander of the special forces, and signaled “30 minutes.“ 

Iris had been given his nickname because - like the German anti-aircraft missile of the same name - he was known for always hitting the bull‘s eye. Everything Iris tackled led to success. On a street in Kiev, the child-pushing, medium-sized, friendly man at his wife‘s side would not have been noticed. No one could have guessed that the man flirting with his young daughter was a rare mixture of analyst, combat soldier and leader with a stellar military career ahead of him. 

Iris looked at his men. The two teams sat opposite each other and remained completely relaxed despite the loud engine noise in the old transport helicopter with its fake Russian registration. 

Perhaps it was a kind of meditative calm before the dangerous mission. Or perhaps it was the awareness that they could be hit by a Russian missile at any time during this night-time low-level flight into the Luhansk Oblast without being able to do anything about it. There weren‘t even any parachutes on board, because every kilogram counted for the return flight, during which the aged and rattling Mi-8 would be fully occupied. 

The commander of the special forces fixed his gaze on the German opposite, who returned the look and nodded. Iris had received authorization for this rescue mission with a foreign team member from the highest authority. He had only agreed to it because the German Marc Anderson was considered a legend in the West despite being only thirty-five years old. Together with the US Navy SEALs, he had evacuated an American aircrew from the depths of Afghanistan and later served as a private security officer. 

The US president‘s family was rescued from the hands of Iranian terrorists on a luxury yacht by the security agent and his team. He and his team were personally honored by the US President. The Iranian terrorists took revenge and brutally murdered Marc‘s wife in front of their house in Hamburg.

 

 

Jörg H. Trauboth, born in 1943 near Berlin, logged over two thousand flight hours as a Weapon Systems Officer Instructor in the Luftwaffe, flying PHANTOM F-4F / RF-4E and TORNADO fighter jets, and over 3000 hours in light aircraft. At the age of fifty, he left the service with the rank of Colonel in the General Staff. He received training as a Special Risk Consultant from the English Control Risk Group and served as Managing Director Germany, dealing with extortion and kidnapping cases in South America and Eastern Europe. Shortly thereafter, he founded his own consulting firm, quickly establishing an outstanding international reputation. Trauboth protected his clients with a 24-hour task force during product extortions, product recalls, kidnappings, and image crises. He was the first President of the European Crisis Management Academy in Vienna and President of the American Yankee Association.

He is known as a respected expert in the media on security-related topics. He volunteers as an emergency counselor and is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team (KIT Bonn) of the German Foreign Office. He is a private pilot, married, with two sons and three grandchildren.

In 2002, Trauboth wrote the now out of print standard work “Crisis Management for Company Threats”.

In 2016 the follow-up work was published with Jörg H. Trauboth as editor in collaboration with five authors: “Crisis Management in Companies and Public Institutions”.

Terror expert J. H. Trauboth presented his debut novel in 2015 with the Germany thriller “Three Brothers”. (Available in English). In 2019 “Operation Jerusalem” followed and in 2020 “Omega”. The trilogy is about the former elite soldier Marc Anderson and his team. With these three self-contained thrillers, Trauboth is rated by many readers as the “German Tom Clancy.” The trilogy is available as a printed edition, eBook and audio book.

His first detective novel, “Jakobs Weg” (German), followed in 2021. The highly explosive topic of “sexual abuse of children” is processed sensitively in a scenario on the Way of Saint James and at the end offers contact options for those seeking help.

In 2022, the novella “Bonjour Saint-Ex” was published (German) in which the passionate pilot Jörg H. Trauboth turns the last flight of the legend Antoine de Saint Exupéry into an exciting literary event.

Readers wanted a sequel to the Marc Anderson series. In 2023, ZarenTod – Das Ende der Präsidenten was published, a highly topical political thriller. The Russian president and new tsar, Ivan Pavlenko, suddenly shows his true face during the war in Ukraine. He wants the old Soviet Union back. The world is on the brink. The influential oligarch, Alexei Sokolov, wants to prevent Ivan’s megalomaniac plans and is planning a fundamental new beginning for Russia. To achieve this, the Russian president must be removed. But the plan goes awry. Ex-elite soldier Marc Anderson intervenes. Will Czar Ivan die? What will become of Europe? The book 8/ 2024 in English „The Death of the Kremlin Czar” is the fourth political thriller in the Marc Anderson series.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜  https://trauboth-autor.de/english/

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/JorgTrauboth

Q&A: Paul Carnahan, Author of How Soon Is Now? #Q&A #Interview #HowSoonIsNow

Paul Carnahan was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and grew up in the new town of Cumbernauld. After studying journalism in Edinburgh, he began a decades-long career in local and national newspapers.

‘How Soon Is Now?’ is his first novel. The second, the Britpop-era romance ‘End of a Century’, will be released early in 2025, and a third is currently a work in progress.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ www.paulcarnahan.com 

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/pacarnahan  

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/paulcarnahan6/ 

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211423352-how-soon-is-now

Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regard to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing?  Can you tell us about your journey?

Writing ‘How Soon Is Now?’ took about five years, from start to finish, but the first few years involved a lot of false starts until I found the best story to fit the basic idea (‘What would you do if you could travel back to relive any part of your life?’).

With a large cast of characters, all with their own stories to tell, and a complicated time travel plot criss-crossing between the 1980s, 1990s and near-present, structuring the book for maximum pace and impact was quite a challenge, and involved long sessions of moving entire chunks of the book around until its shape was just right. It never seemed like hard work, though, because, from the moment I came up with the basic plot of the book and the idea of the Nostalgia Club, an eccentric group of time travellers who meet in the back room of an Edinburgh pub, I loved the story and characters so much it was always a joy to spend time with them.

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?

I love to read, of course, though I tend to stick to non-fiction when I’m writing, to make sure no one else’s style or ideas accidentally filters into my own work. I’m also a very keen – but distinctly untalented – guitar player. It will come as no surprise to readers of ‘How Soon Is Now?’ that 1980s and 1990s UK indie music figures strongly in my guitar repertoire (though rockabilly stuff is huge fun to play, too). Our household is also full of pets, so if I’m not to be found under a pile of cats, I’ll be out striding the muddy tracks of central Scotland with a dog at my side. 

What makes your book stand out from the rest?

‘How Soon Is Now?’ is a complex, knotty, densely-plotted time travel story full of twists, turns, secrets and paradoxes, but, at its heart, it’s about people. The time travel ‘hook’ is a fantastic way to dig into some big issues that touch us all, such as the pull of the past, the perils of nostalgia, love, loss, guilt and predestination – all while telling a rattling good yarn. As a book, it doesn’t fit easily into a single pigeonhole, but if readers don’t fit into pigeonholes, why should books? Very few people read only one kind of book – so why not give them a book that does lots of great things, all at the same time? It’s a mystery, it’s a fantasy, it’s literary fiction, it’s funny, it’s sad, it’s not afraid to get metaphysical... It’s very much its own beast, and that seems to really connect with readers.

Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?

Of course!

 

Time tidies up after itself better than most of us realise, so I’ll be brief. I want to get everything down while I can still remember how it happened.

It started with a note: Blue ink on a slip of paper you might mistake for a Christmas cracker joke, with these words written in a plain and precise hand: ‘We know. We can help. Come to the Thrawn Laddie, Edinburgh, 7.30pm Wednesday.’

I was at the off-licence, digging for change in the outside pocket of my suit jacket, when I found the note. I was down to one suit that still fitted and wore it most days - I was, more or less, still

keeping up appearances - so the note might have been curled up there for hours, days or even months. I glanced at it without really reading it and stuffed it back into my pocket, where it stayed until I made it back to the flat with the evening’s beer supply.

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

Hallowe’en! Not so much for the spooks and scares, but for the autumnal atmosphere. It’s set in Scotland around the turn of September into October, so there’s lots of rain, wind and mist as our lead character, troubled ex-journalist Luke Seymour, makes his way between his home in Glasgow and his adventures in Edinburgh with the Nostalgia Club. It’s also autumnal in the sense of its focus on a character navigating later middle-age, and all the accumulated regrets that come with it.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?

My next book is a very different proposition - a sunny, light and breezy romantic comedy set in 1995. It’ll be out early next year, but after that comes a return to some of the themes and characters of ‘How Soon Is Now?’, probably for release in 2026.

When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?

I certainly did! After a brief spell during which I was sure I was going to be a zoo keeper, writing became my focus – and as soon as I became aware of its existence as a profession, journalism was my aim. So I studiend journalism at college and spent 30 years of my working life as a journalist, moving from local newspapers to national newspapers, with one eye always on writing my own projects.

What’s next on your to do list?

As I mentioned, my second novel, ‘End Of A Century’, will be out next year – I’m working on a final polish of that, adding pizzazz and sparkle wherever needed. As soon as that’s done, it’s back to work on book number three which – and here’s a scoop for you! – is provisionally titled ‘All Men Have Secrets'. Meanwhile, I’ve got a pile of notes for book number four, which looks like being a fun mash-up of some of my favourite ideas and concepts. Plenty to keep me going!

 

Q&A: Laurel C. Fox, Author of Braveing the Way #Q&A #Interview #BraveingtheWay

Laurel C. Fox was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in Aspen, Colorado from the age of nine, through high school. After graduating college with a BA in Liberal Arts, Laurel wound up living in Los Angeles for thirty five years, raising two daughters, and having several careers. Laurel worked for Neil Diamond in the music business for fifteen of those years and traveled the world. Laurel now lives back in Colorado with her husband, John. She works as a voice-over actor and can be heard in many popular television shows such as Lethal Weapon, Angie Tribeca, and Manifest, to name a few. Laurel enjoys being a substitute teacher for the public and private elementary schools in the Roaring Fork Valley. She also sings in a local band, and dabbles on the theater stage whenever she can.

Her latest book, Braveing the Way, is available at Amazon.

You can visit the author’s web page at www.braveingtheway.com and Instagram at https://instagram.com/laurelcarini.

When did you decide to write your book, 'braveing the way'? Did the inspiration come at a particular moment or had you been intending on writing the book for awhile?

In 2014 I got a phone call that no parent ever wants to receive. My daughter was in a horrible accident, and she was being transported to the biggest trauma center in Los Angeles. When I began writing and digging

into an on-line journal every day, not only to escape the madness, but to also communicate to everyone—I learned that it was comfort. Then slowly my comfort (and my cathartic writing process) became bigger than that and wound up turning into a BOOK.

Did you have to do any research while writing your book?

 I did no research at all before writing this book. I was catapulted into this extremely uncomfortable situation with my daughter and after six months to a year—I learned more than I ever wanted to know because I was forced to. I was her care-giver and her advocate (along with doctors and nurses) and I had to do a deep dive into brain injury whether I wanted to or not. I experienced what I think is the best way to learn and be knowledgeable about something to write about. First hand experience.

What are some of the positive results or responses you have received since publishing your book?

I have received amazing five star reviews (along with writings) on Amazon which of course I’m thrilled about. A few from people I don’t know and some that I do. From my personal people I have received great feedback and also a sincere love for braveing the way —which I’m also thrilled about.

List three interesting facts about yourself.

I'm a voice-over actor and I sing in a local band. I love to bake and tennis is my game of choice.

How can our readers reach out to you?

www.braveingtheway.com and Instagram: laurelcarini and email: laurelcfox@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Book Watch: Stele Prophecy Pentalogy Series by Randy C. Docken #bookwatch

 

Stele Prophecy Pentalogy Series Description

A series of five stories run the gamut of emotional themes: struggling with anger, the desire to belong, one seeking destiny, complicated love, and being blinded by pride. Each cleverly crafted story demonstrates unbelievable technology where the earthly and divine merge into an amazing and unforgettable future.

Kalem lives through the death of his brother by the hand of the King which occurred when he was very young. Now that he is older and can act, he is emotionally torn between his anger over his brother’s death and the love he is finding in someone who supports the King. Two prophecies stand before him. The one he wholeheartedly believes in places his life in danger just as it had for his brother. The other is safer but requires him to live a lie. How can he choose which direction to take? Yet he must choose before his fate is sealed.

Edvin experiences heartbreak during troubled times as his sister-in-law loses her unborn baby and his girlfriend dies from plane crash injuries. Yet he is not the only one. Thousands around the globe experience the same events happening in their lives and to their loved ones. How can he make sense of the apocalyptic world in which he now lives? Yet an unexpected destiny awaits him.

Ya’akov gets approved for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but he gets caught in a nightmare of manipulation and deceit, which ultimately leaves him abandoned at sea not remembering who he is or how he got there. Despite such a start, he finds a destiny greater than anything he had ever dreamed possible.

Princess Me’ira breaks protocol and falls in love with someone not vetted by prescribed law. Her decision will yield unpreventable heartache to either herself or to those closest to her. While unknown to her, the decision she makes sets a future in motion she could never have anticipated.

Janet discovers how to increase teleporter efficiency to an all-time high, but her work is rejected by the King. Her selfish pride sets in motion a plan of revenge that has devastating consequences far greater than she ever imagined.

Each story is stand-alone, yet they all intertwine into a unique whole that paints a picture of a future time in which we may all find ourselves one day.

The Stele Prophecy Pentalogy Series is available at Amazon.

Title: Mercy of the Iron Scepter (Book 1)
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: 01-Feb-2019
Pages: 450
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Kalem lives through the death of his brother by the hand of the King which occurred over a decade ago, he is now torn. Two prophecies stand before him. The one he wholeheartedly believes in places his life in danger just as it had for his brother. The other is safer but requires him to live a lie.
Kalem, an archaeologist, has unearthed steles which tell of a prophecy about a coming Overtaker who will oust the current king and bring everyone total freedom avoiding a coming apocalypse. He becomes close to Angela, the woman supposedly the key to fulfilling this stele prophecy, desires a romantic relationship with her, but is hesitant to act on his feelings. Her belief in the current king takes Kalem down an alternative view of the prophecy where the current king will bring everyone into an even better future home after saving all from annihilation. Can Kalem exonerate his brother and bring the justice he had always dreamed of? Or will he find his life is being manipulated to prevent the true prophecy from being fulfilled? Unfortunately, he finds deception in places he never would have suspected.
Mercy of the Iron Scepter is the first book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction novel about biblical end times prophecy as it combines bible prophecy with futuristic advances in science to describe a future home that is agrarian but also technologically advanced, like citizens using a teleporter. Plus, it provides a romantic read with a little tension added in to make it interesting.  

Mercy of the Iron Scepter is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 20: 

 After dessert, Melana excused herself, and Peter offered to escort her home. Shortly after, Ilana and Robert left together. Kalem and Angela stayed a little longer, but after a short time, Angela said she had to return home; Kalem offered to walk her. They said their goodbyes.
Kalem and Angela walked in silence. Kalem could tell something was on her mind, but didn’t know what or how to ask.
“Kalem, can we go somewhere and talk?”
“We can talk as we walk, can’t we?”
“Yes, but I have a feeling this may take a while. Ilana and Robert may be at the apartment. Why don’t we go to the Overlook?”
Kalem looked at her with furrowed brow. “OK.” They turned at the next block, toward the temple complex, and then turned south toward the Overlook. “Is something wrong, Angela?”
“No. But I feel we dance around our feelings for each other, and I would like to clear the air.”

Kalem swallowed—hard. He hoped this wouldn’t mean an end to their relationship. His palms became clammy.
“I’m sorry, Kalem. If I sound like I’m defensive or hurt, I’m not. We see each other so infrequently. When we do, it seems we start to make a connection and, once again, you’re off on another adventure. We don’t communicate beyond surface stuff until we see each other again, and then it all starts over. I would like to know how you feel and where we stand. I don’t have any expectations. Your friendship is important to me.”
They turned the corner and arrived at the Overlook. Kalem motioned for Angela to sit next to him. He gazed at her. My, she is so beautiful. Why can’t I commit? After a while, she said, in a soft tone, “What?”
“The night lights make your hair glisten—and you look almost angelic.”
Angela smiled. “Well, that’s a nice start.”
Kalem smiled back and cleared his throat. “Angela, to be honest, I’ve been attracted to you from day one. I felt guilty, you being younger. Also, you’re so tight with Peter, who’s my nephew. It all felt . . . a little uncomfortable.”
“Well, I can understand that. But I’m only four years younger. Yes, it made a difference when we first met, but I’m now twenty, which makes both of us in our twenties. Is that too far apart? I don’t think Mom and Mik’kel would complain over our age difference when their ages are so, so . . . so much wider.”
Kalem laughed. “In comparison to Raina and Mik’kel, our birthdays are identical.” Kalem paused and became more serious. “I get that, but you’re part of the family—”
“Kalem, I’m not part of the family. Yes, I love them . . . desperately. Raina is the only mom I remember. From an emotional standpoint, we are family, but not by blood. There’s nothing taboo about us having feelings for each other, if that’s where you’re going.”
“But the perception is there.”
“Don’t confuse perception with reality. I don’t think anyone, or anyone who matters, would care if we became serious. But there’s another issue we need to discuss.”
“Oh?” Kalem’s voice got softer. “There’s something else I need to overcome?”
“No.” Angela matched his softer tone. “It’s something I have to decide how to deal with. Kalem, I really, really like you. I know that makes you uncomfortable, but I want to put it all on the line here. There’s a bigger issue than feeling you’re falling for your nephew’s sister.”

Kalem looked at Angela. She didn’t hold his gaze. He could now feel every thud of his heartbeat—knowing he was about to hear something he didn’t want to hear.
“Kalem, I’ve accepted our King as both my Lord and my future hope. You may have accepted him as your Lord, but not as the one to secure your future. That’s a big deal to me.”
She looked back into his eyes; he continued to stare into hers.
“Kalem, please say something.”
She reached out and put her hand on his. He didn’t move—couldn’t move. He finally took a deep breath, took Angela’s hand, and spoke while running his fingers over hers. “Angela, I don’t know what to say. I also really, really like you.”
He looked up and gave a weak smile. “I admit I did feel weird about that. So many things have proven strange for me. When I met the King, he turned out to be totally different from what I expected. Actually . . . ” Kalem gave a short laugh. “Very different from what I expected. I’ve been involved with the steles for so long, maybe it’s all scrambled my brain. I don’t know.”
He gave a short shrug. “I’ve thought many times about why I can’t accept the King as the hope for my future. But there’s something there. I can’t explain it or put my finger on it.”
Kalem forced another smile. “Robert told me once how I have to know the outcome before I’m willing to commit to something. Robert said I can never know what it’s like being connected to the King in the special way he’s connected to those who accept him, until I put my trust in him. I want to commit to him and to you, but I can’t—not yet, anyway.”
Angela’s eyes grew wet with tears.
Kalem felt so guilty, but at the same time, he needed to be honest. “Angela, I’m so sorry. I don’t want to hurt you.”
He let go of her hand, and didn’t know what to do next.
“Sorry, Kalem. I didn’t mean to cry. I don’t understand.” Angela choked up again.
“I don’t know how to explain it, Angela. I hope I can, one day. I have to know about the prophecy on these steles first. Once I know their message, I think I can understand . . . things.”
Angela became teary again. “And what if you never understand?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to lose you as a friend, though.”
Tears trickled down Angela’s cheeks. “You only want to be friends?”
“No. No, that’s not what I meant.” 
Kalem looked at her, his heart almost breaking, knowing he was causing her pain. He took her hands in his again and rubbed his fingers over hers. His voice became low and hushed. “Angela, you said accepting the King as my future hope is important to you. I understand that, but I can’t make such a step—yet. I can’t disrespect you and pretend so we can be together. That wouldn’t be fair.”
Angela nodded, but the tears kept flowing. “Can I at least have a hug?”
“Oh, Angela, yes. Yes, of course.” Kalem held her in his arms; she sobbed and his eyes watered. “I’m sorry, Angela. I’m so sorry.”
He hoped she felt his love for her in his embrace. He knew she wouldn’t give in, and he wouldn’t want her to, but neither could he. Not yet. After several minutes, she stopped sobbing and pulled away from his shoulder.
“I think I’m better now.” She gave a weak smile and sniffled between words. “Can you walk me home?”
Kalem helped her up and held her close. This was odd. They had essentially broken up—or had they, if they were never officially together? At the same time, he felt closer to her than ever. He continued to hold her close to him as they walked to her apartment.
Along the way, he said, “Angela, I do care for you.”
“I know,” was all Angela whispered in return.

 

Title: Promised Kingdom
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
Pages: 379
Genre: Christian Fiction

As Edvin discovers his sister-in-law losing her unborn baby and his girlfriend dying from plane crash injuries, he learns the exact same experience is happening to others around the globe. 

Edvin’s deepest desires crumble before him: wanting to get into Swedish Special Forces and marry the girl of his dreams. All that seems hopeless now amid all the Revelation times chaos happening around him. A new type of leader emerges who has great personal skills and ideas in how to bring the world together again, better than ever. Edvin's future begins to look up as he is recruited into the new elite world forces unit under this leader and becomes his trusted ally. Edvin even has a romantic encounter again, which turns serious but must remain hidden as he finds she is part of a targeted group of people this new leader turns against. Edvin finds his new leader darker in personality than he realized and soon finds himself on this leader's enemy list. Can Edvin, his family, and friends survive through all the continuing chaos happening around them and against this leader he once called a friend? Or will heartache find him once again?

Promised Kingdom, the first prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the second book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction novel about Christian end times fiction as described in Revelation depicting a future home as it also combines other Bible prophecies presenting a cohesive chronological view of biblical prophecy that feels realistic in its presentation. Plus, it presents a romantic read showing how love gives strength to persevere through chaotic times.

Promised Kingdom is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 24:

Edvin looked around. He saw the Ziggurat of Knowledge in the distance. How did I get here? He walked toward the ziggurat but came to a pit with smoke coming out of it. He peeked over the edge but could see no bottom. More and more smoke came from the pit and rose into the sky. He heard a noise coming from the pit which grew louder and louder, sounding like an advancing army. Edvin saw a swarm of something rising. As they exited the pit, Edvin stumbled and fell backwards. Lopions—thousands of them—flew from the pit into the sky. He heard a voice coming from somewhere, but nowhere. Go. Possess your counterpart. Target those without my seal. Harm not the earth—only those who refuse the truth.
Edvin stared in amazement as so many exited the pit. One flew out of the pit, turned, and headed straight toward him. He stood back up and walked backwards. The lopion kept coming towards him. He turned and ran. He could hear the lopion gaining ground on him. Edvin knew the pain which awaited him. His heart raced with the adrenaline surge, and sweat from the anxiety bled through his shirt. He glanced back. It was almost on him. He ran with all his might. He glanced back again. It was landing on his shoulder. He waved his hand over his shoulder frantically trying to prevent it from landing. When he looked ahead, he came to an abrupt stop. The lopion touched him and vanished.
Before him stood one of the most hideous creatures he had ever seen. It appeared black as midnight with highlights of deep purple. The body looked like a horse but had a lion’s head breathing out dark smoke. Its tail seemed to have a mind of its own. It moved more like a snake rather than the tail of a horse. The smell of sulfur coming from the creature was pungent and thick. It became difficult to breathe. Is this what Ranata had seen?

 The veins in Edvin’s neck were throbbing with the beat of his heart. He wanted to run, but his body seemed to be transfixed in place. The creature slowly turned towards him. Its deep black eyes locked with his and it slowly advanced toward him. Although his feet felt like stone, he backed away from the advancing creature. He heard the voice again. Go. Kill. Target those who refuse the truth.
The creature kept advancing toward Edvin more and more quickly. Edvin didn’t know what to do except try and run even though he knew escape was impossible. He turned, but again stopped short. There stood Ranata. Her pale complexion, expressionless face, and empty stare made Edvin shudder. The index finger of her outstretch hand pointed directly at him.
“You, Edvin. You knew the truth and didn’t tell me. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Edvin’s voice caught in his throat; regret sinking into his soul. “I . . . uh . . . Ranata. I’m . . . I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Tears formed and trickled down his cheeks. He reached out to her, but she remained resolute in her hard stare and pointing finger.
“You killed me, Edvin.”

Edvin shook his head; his vision blurred with tears. “No, Ranata. No.”
“You knew the truth but didn’t tell me. You. It was you who killed me.”
Edvin’s heart sank and he felt as heavy as concrete. Is she right? Is it my fault?
“Edvin. Edvin.”

 The voice was not coming from Ranata. It also wasn’t the looming voice from before. It seemed to be from far away. He felt his body being shaken.

“Edvin. Wake up. You’re dreaming. Can you hear me?”
Edvin opened his eyes. Slowly the form of Elsbeth came into focus. He grabbed her and hugged her tightly.
“Edvin, are you OK?”
Edvin released his grip. “I’ve never had such a horrible nightmare.”

Title: Hope Renewed
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: September 17, 2019
Pages: 265
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Ya’akov gets approval for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, he gets caught in a nightmare of manipulation and deceit, ultimately leaving him abandoned at sea not remembering who he is or how he got there.
Ya'akov has forgotten he is the first person born into this once future home, now called the King’s Promised Kingdom, and is destined to become the first priest of the kingdom. His dissatisfaction and disillusionment with his prescribed destiny are what puts him on this adventure encouraged by the King for him to gain perspective. He is rescued by a family who takes care of him while he recovers. As he rediscovers himself, he gains a new perspective on his life and on what true love means. Yet, if his memory returns, will he remember his bitter outlook on life, or keep his renewed perspective and the hope he has gained? Will he now embrace his destiny or abandon it all together?
Hope Renewed, the second prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the third book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction in a biblical end times novel as it combines prophecy of biblical future worship practices with advances in science to describe a future home that is technologically advanced providing a science fiction feel to the story. Plus, it presents a romantic read as it shows how love needs truth to make it grow and have purpose.
Hope Renewed is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 18:

As they walked on, they passed Kowhai trees with their beautiful golden yellow flowers as well as rata trees with their flowers showing off a brilliant crimson. They also passed meadows sprinkled with a variety of colorful wildflowers, such as verbena, which in some places were a sea of purple amid green grass. Other colors were the vibrant orange of Indian cress, the soft blue of periwinkle, and the sparkling white of white clover. Hadassah picked several flowers along the way. Each had an exotic fragrance, especially when mixed in a bouquet.
After a while, Hadassah left the narrow path and headed across a meadow, through some lemonwood, and settled next to a stream. Before them in the valley below was the city of New Auckland. It was a lovely spot for a picnic, but Ya’akov would have considered anywhere a lovely spot as long as Hadassah was present.
Hadassah spread a red ocher blanket with specs of blue and green throughout on the grass and sat facing the city below. Ya’akov sat next to her. She pulled some glasses and sparkling cider from her basket and poured them each a glass. Next she took out some bread, cheese, pears, and kiwifruit. They ate casually while they talked and took in the scenery.
“You mentioned Jerusalem,” Ya’akov said. “Do you go there often?”
Hadassah nodded and took a sip of cider. “My dad operates out of the Jerusalem Science Center and assists various Shepherds in their teaching, helping keep them up to date on new technology and how to teach people more effectively. I assist him and the Shepherds—mainly teaching children.” She smiled. “They’re so adorable.” She pointed to the city below. “My uncle is a Shepherd here in New Auckland, but he travels throughout New Zealand.”
“Is everything here preceded by the word new?” Ya’akov asked with a smile.
Hadassah almost choked on a piece of bread as she laughed at the same time.
Ya’akov patted her on her back as she recovered from coughing. He bent over to get her attention with his eyes. “Are you all right? Sorry. I guess that was bad timing on my part.”
Hadassah waved her hands. “No, no. I’m fine. It just struck me as funny.” She pointed back to the city. “From the way it’s been explained to me, this part of New Zealand, the North Island, was shaped somewhat like a boot. Auckland was on the toe of that boot. But during the pre-Refreshing time of geologic upheaval, the rise in ocean levels and the activity of the volcanoes here buried the city. After the King initiated the Refreshing, people here built this city again and named it New Auckland.”
Ya’akov nodded.
“But to fully answer your question . . . ” She smiled. “No, not all cities begin with the word new.”
Ya’akov leaned back on his elbows and sighed.
“What’s wrong?”
Ya’akov looked at her and then toward the city. “You know so much about everything. I know nothing about anything. I feel like I’m a blank-page journal sitting next to an encyclopedia.”
Hadassah laughed but then quickly put her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
Ya’akov chuckled. “I wasn’t offended. In a sad way, it is kind of funny.”
“So, no memories at all have come back?” She passed him more cheese.
Ya’akov shook his head as he took a bite. He looked at Hadassah and smiled. “I’ve greatly enjoyed the company, though.”
Hadassah’s gaze met his. “So have I.”
Ya’akov grinned. “So you like blank pages, do you?”
“Of course. You can turn them into anything you want.”
Ya’akov gave a look of mock shock with mouth open. Hadassah laughed again.
“You think I’m going to let you get away with that?” he asked.
Hadassah looked at him sternly. “I do.” She couldn’t keep a straight face, and it quickly turned into a smile.
Ya’akov reached for her, but she quickly rolled away from him and jumped to her feet. Ya’akov reacted and also bounded to his feet. She was already several meters ahead, running toward the stream, giggling the whole way.
Ya’akov gained on her, but before he could reach her, she leapt across a few stones, turned, bent down, and splashed Ya’akov with water as he arrived at the stream’s edge.
He yelped in a bit of shock. The water was cold, and it took him off guard, forcing him to stop dead in his tracks, arms outstretched.
Hadassah laughed. Ya’akov got a wicked grin on his face. He bent down and splashed her back. She gave a little squeal, laughed, and ran away. Ya’akov stood to run after her. He attempted to leap across the same stones as Hadassah had, but his foot slipped, and he fell headlong into the stream at the same moment he saw Hadassah turn.
Ya’akov stood up sputtering, spraying water out of his mouth, and slinging his hands. Hadassah fell on the grass laughing. Ya’akov looked at her and also laughed. He waded from the water and plopped down next to her. “You win.”
She laughed even more. She took her sleeve and wiped his forehead and cheeks. “That will teach you.” Her eyes met his and they both froze. He leaned in. She didn’t move. His lips touched hers, and he tasted kiwi. He leaned in further and she kissed him back. He made the kiss last longer and then pulled his lips from hers. Her gaze darted between his eyes and over his face. He pulled back a bit and whispered. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
She ran her hands over his temples. “I wasn’t exactly resisting.”
Ya’akov smiled, put his hands on hers, and pulled them down. He stood and reached for her hand. He helped her up.
“Hadassah, I don’t know anything about myself. It’s unfair to you.” He flailed his arms. “I could be anything. I could even be a bad person who—”
“No.” Hadassah cut him off sternly and put her hand on his chest. Her voice softened. “You could be anything but that.”
Ya’akov looked down and then back into her eyes. “How do you know that?”
She didn’t remove her hand from its position just over his heart. “Because of what’s in here. You may not know who you are, but I know what you are.”
“And what is that?”
“A gentle soul. Someone the King loves and has saved. That’s good enough for me.”
Ya’akov felt a blush coming on. He took her hand that was on his chest. “That’s sweet of you, Hadassah. I’m not sure your father would say the same.” Hadassah smiled. “You’re probably right.”
Ya’akov looked at her and they both broke into laughter.
“Come on. Let me help you get your basket packed.”
They walked back across the stream holding hands. He didn’t want to impose himself on her, but he definitely wanted to keep the possibility there once he—if he—rediscovered himself.
He helped her get everything in the basket, and they walked back to the house. He wanted to continue to hold her hand but didn’t want to rush anything. There was something about being with her. He felt alive, refreshed. For some reason, he didn’t care if he ever got his memory back—as long as she was part of his new existence.

Title: Darkness in the Light
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Pages: 272
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Princess Me’ira breaks protocol and falls in love with someone not vetted by prescribed law, heartache seems unpreventable for either herself or someone she loves. 

Me’ira discovers the man for whom she has romantic feelings is tied to a prophecy that may put her father, the Prince who leads the world in worship of the King, in grave danger. Her father forbids her to marry the man of her dreams. Me'ira tries to circumvent the demand by devising a plan of her own to both protect her father as well as preserve her happiness. Yet, she finds her plan becomes harder to implement than she envisioned. Will it accomplish what she wants for both herself and her father, or will it just enhance the fulfillment of the prophecy she is trying so desperately to prevent? And can heartache be avoided, or will it consume them all? 

Darkness in the Light, the third prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the fourth book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction in a biblical end times novel as, above all, it is a love story. This unique speculative fiction story combines biblical end times events of prophetic worship under the leadership of one called the Prince with advances in science to produce a future home that is technologically advanced while at the same time yielding a romantic read unlike any other Christian romance story you may have read. This book links many story threads together for that special aha moment.    

Darkness in the Light is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 7:

Jeremiah’s office door opened, and he stepped outside to ask everyone in. This time, Elsbeth and Liam were in the office as well. Adelina stood to one side.
Jeremiah gestured for Me’ira and Galen to have a seat. They found the two empty chairs in front of the floor to ceiling bookcases. Me’ira felt like this was an inquisition; everyone else took seats to face them.

Galen had a worried look on his face. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and Me’ira felt his hands getting clammy. She patted his forearm to give him assurance, as if to say she was on his side.
“Dad, what’s going on? Are we in trouble or something?”
“No, Me’ira. We just have some questions to clear up.”
Galen glanced from Me’ira to each of the others. “What type of questions? What did I do?”
Elsbeth responded. “Galen, I don’t know that you did anything, but . . . ”
“But what?”
Elsbeth crossed her legs, placing her hands on her knee. “Let me explain some things about the teleporter.”
Me’ira felt Galen’s hand start to tremble just a bit. She rubbed it to help him remain calm.
“The teleporter reads your genetic makeup as it dematerializes you and then rematerializes you. It needs to do that to ensure the machine does its job correctly on the other end. That gives a type of blueprint of the person traveling through it. Now, the teleportation department does several things with all of those data.”
“Aunt Elsbeth, surely you don’t use that information against people?” Me’ira asked.
Elsbeth shook her head. “Quite the contrary, I assure you. We compare each blueprint over time to ensure there is no tissue or genetic damage.” She smiled. “I can assure you, I have never seen a single case where harm came to anyone using a teleporter.”
Me’ira heard a small sigh come from Galen. She whispered in his direction, “See, I told you.”
Elsbeth turned to face Galen directly. “Because you and Me’ira used the teleporter several times today, we were able to verify your genetic patterns and compare them to the only other time you had ever been in the teleporter.”
Galen’s head jerked back slightly. He looked at Me’ira and back to Elsbeth. “But . . . I’ve never used the teleporter before yesterday.”
Elsbeth smiled. “Yes, I know. But your mother did before you were born—likely before she even knew she was pregnant.”
“I guess that makes sense.” He shook his head. “But I don’t understand. What’s the issue?”
Elsbeth looked at Jeremiah and Adelina and then back to Galen. “Galen, the genetic pattern produced by the fetus your mother carried . . . was not you.”
Galen sat stonelike for several seconds. Me’ira couldn’t tell if he was even breathing.
“What?” he said in a hushed tone, shaking his head. “That’s . . . that’s impossible. What are you implying? Are you trying to say I’m . . . I’m . . . ” He choked up. His eyes began to tear. “So, what are you really saying?”
Me’ira interlocked her fingers in his and held tight.
Elsbeth continued. “Galen, I know this doesn’t make sense. We’re still trying to understand it ourselves. But it seems the truth of the matter is, you are not your parents’ biological son. As crazy as that sounds, that is what the evidence suggests.”
Galen wiped his free hand down across his face in shock.
“Aunt Elsbeth, has this ever happened before?” Me’ira asked.
Elsbeth shook her head. “No. Never.”
Me’ira let go of Galen’s hand and quickly held it with her other; she rubbed his back gently with her just-freed hand. She turned to face him directly. “Do you have any siblings?”
Galen shook his head as his eyes glistened. “Me’ira, I’m an only child.” He looked at Elsbeth. “My parents love me.” Galen sat up straighter and wiped a few tears away. “They do,” he said, nodding as if to convince himself.
Elsbeth put her hand on his knee. “Galen, we’re not implying they don’t. I’m sure they do. But there is a mystery here that seems . . . unexplainable at the moment.”
Liam walked over and knelt next to Galen. “Hey, buddy, do you mind staying with us a few more days?”
Galen looked up, puzzled.
“I have some friends looking for your mom and dad,” Liam said. “We want to bring them here so we can get all of this straightened out. OK? There’s probably some logical explanation, and if anyone can explain it, it would be your mom and dad. Don’t you agree?”
Galen nodded slightly. “Yeah, I guess.” He began to fidget. “Uh, I really need to get some air. I feel . . . kind of sick. Even worse than the first teleporter ride.”
Me’ira rubbed his back. “Come on, Galen. I’ll take you out to the gardens.”
They stood. Adelina held out her hand. “Me’ira, here, let me take him.”
She looked at her dad, who nodded. “OK. I’ll be right out. OK, Galen?”
He nodded but didn’t really seem to comprehend. He and Adelina left the office.
Me’ira sat with a thud. Liam sat next to her. He put his arm around her shoulders and rubbed her back.
She looked at all three of them. “Can someone tell me what’s going on?” She stood and paced the length of the office. “None of this is making any sense.”
“Sis, it’s not making any sense to us either. We won’t know anything until we find his parents. Maybe they can shed some light on this.”
“Me’ira, please sit, sweetie,” her dad said, speaking for the first time in several minutes. “Your pacing is giving me motion sickness.”
She returned a weak smile knowing her dad was trying to add a little levity to the situation. She returned to sit next to Liam.
Her eyes were wet. “I just want everyone to like him,” she said softly.
“We do, sis. We do,” Liam said.
Elsbeth gave Me’ira a handkerchief. She wiped her eyes.
She leaned back, sighed, and looked at her father. “Are there any protocols for this?”

Title: Iron in the Scepter
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: April 12, 2020
Pages: 260
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Janet’s proposal for increasing teleporter efficiency to an all-time high is rejected by the King, she sets in motion a plan of revenge that has devastating consequences far greater than she ever imagined.
A co-worker puts Janet on the path to a prophecy that supposedly states the King will one day be deposed by a coming Overtaker who will bring true freedom to everyone. She puts her efforts, and those of her family, into the fulfillment of this prophecy. She marries a romantic who cherishes her for who she is, not wishing to change her, but doesn’t realize Janet also sees having children as a means to a greater end. Will she allow her animosity for the King and her pride to put herself, and her whole family, in harm’s way to fulfill her desire to see the King deposed? Her coercive efforts propel her into the fulfillment of a prophecy she could never have envisioned.

Iron in the Scepter, the fourth prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the fifth and final book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction novel as it combines prophecy of biblical end times events with advances in science to describe a future home that is technologically advanced to produce a unique science fiction feel to this story. Plus, it provides a romantic read with a twist to the typical love story because pride gets in the way of true joy. 

Iron in the Scepter is available at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 4:

“Administrator Billingsley sat right there in the chair you’re sitting in and said not to get discouraged because my idea was rejected.”
“So, your boss talked to her without you being present to give a rebuttal?”
Janet shook her head.
“Your boss didn’t talk to her?”
“According to him.”
“So, the administrator received a message from the King through his Spirit, Ruach HaKadosh?”
Janet’s eyes narrowed. “Do you believe in that myth?”
Bruce raised an eyebrow. “According to Shepherd Morgan, it happens all the time. He says Scripture supports the idea.”
Have I gone too far?, Janet wondered. Well, there was only one way to find out. “Is that what you believe?” she asked.
Bruce shrugged. “I try not to get involved in debates. But . . . ” He let the sentence hang.
“But what?”
“Well, from how Shepherd Morgan explained it in one of his lessons some time ago, it explains why Administrators have glorified bodies and appear to glow somehow—because they died before the Refreshing and came back with the King when he returned.”
Janet pointed. “There. Did you hear what you just said?”
Bruce shook his head slightly. “What? What did I say?”
“Death. I just don’t get that. Have you ever heard of anyone dying?”
Bruce shook his head. “Except—”
Janet waved a hand quickly. “Yes, yes, I know. Not since the Refreshing.” She looked at Bruce with lips pursed. “And who controls all those records explaining how death used to happen? The King and his Administrators. That’s who.” Janet became even more emphatic. “We both have relatives who are centuries old. How do we know the Refreshing, where ‘all was made new,’ is an actual event, or one that was made up to explain the King’s legitimacy?” Bruce laughed. “I’m sorry, Janet. I see this topic gets you worked up.”
“Well, I choose to look at reality and use my senses. My senses tell me death is a myth.”
Bruce smiled. He pantomimed taking off a hat. “To each his own.”
That made Janet chuckle. “Sorry. I guess I get a little passionate sometimes.” She pointed to the monitor. “So, what about my proposal?”
Bruce sat back. “Oh, I think you have a remarkable brain.” He smiled. “Among other things.”
Janet felt her cheeks warm once more. She smiled and placed a stray hair behind her ear. “But . . . did I miss anything? In my proposal?”
“Well, I can understand why people wouldn’t want to go on a safari and see people farming when they would see that at most places around the world.”
Janet’s shoulders drooped. She had hoped Bruce would be more supportive.
“Yet there is one other variable that might need considering.”
Janet sat up. “Oh. What’s that?”
“Farm equipment.”
Janet froze for a second while trying to process the statement. She let out a sigh, shaking her head. “Farm equipment. Why didn’t I think of that? If I put farm equipment in my model, the soil can be repurposed better without necessarily having to go elsewhere for a different crop.” She stood and walked to the side of her desk. “I’m impressed.”
Bruce grinned and stood. “I said I was simple. Not a simpleton.”
She slapped his shoulder lightly and stood eye to eye with him. “I never implied that.”
Bruce smiled. “No. No, you didn’t.” Their eyes locked. Janet remained motionless. Bruce wrapped his arms around her as he leaned in for a kiss. Their lips touched and her body went weak. His strong arms held her steady, however, and this caused her to go even weaker. No man had ever affected her like this. After a few seconds, their lips parted.
Bruce whispered. “Janet, I’ve known you only a short time, but I think I’m falling for you.”
“But how can we make this work?”
Bruce gave a small grin. “Teleporters make a lot of things possible.”
“Maybe.” Janet asked herself why she was so hesitant about this. What’s holding me back?
“Well, just think about it this week. Can I come back and see you next weekend?”
Janet nodded. “I’ll meet you in the hotel lobby. Say, for brunch around ten thirty?”
Bruce turned up an eyebrow. “I thought you were going back home.”
“Oh, I am. But this gives me another reason to come back to the city.”
Bruce laughed and shook his head. “You’re definitely a city girl.” He suddenly stopped as though a realization had hit him, let his arms fall to his side, and let his shoulders droop. “Oh, I see.”
“See what?”
“Why you hesitated. You can’t see a relationship developing.”
“I . . . uh . . . don’t know.” She turned and took a couple of steps toward her desk and turned back, making circles on the desk with her index finger. “I just don’t want to get my hopes up.”
Bruce walked back to Janet and took her hands in his. “You take your time and leave the rest to me.” He kissed her forehead.
She gave him a hug. This should be an easy decision. Why am I making it so hard? Maybe he’s right. Time. That’s what she needed.
“Just be cautious, Janet.”
“What do you mean?”
“Not everyone will accept negative comments about the King.” Bruce paused. “Some . . . some have been taken.”
“Taken?” She shook her head slightly. “I don’t understand.”
 “Shepherd Morgan tells us that is part of the King’s iron scepter. Rebellion will be dealt with swiftly. I’ve heard of some being called rebellious and just disappearing. No one has seen them since.”
Janet’s eyes widened. “What? They were taken for just having a different opinion?”
“For various reasons, I’ve heard.” He paused. “Just be careful.”
Janet turned and paced. “That’s what makes me so upset with the King. Why is he allowed to be the one who defines what anyone can do?” Bruce grabbed her and stopped her from pacing. He rubbed her shoulders. “Calm down, Janet. If I knew you would get so upset, I wouldn’t have said anything. But I care about you and don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Janet gave a weak smile. “I’m sorry. I guess I get a little too independent sometimes.”
He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “I don’t mind a spirit of independence.” He smiled. “Of course, not everyone is like me.”
He had a point there. Not many men she had met was anything like him.
“I have to leave, Janet. You think about us this week, and we’ll pick up where we left off next weekend. OK?”
She nodded. He kissed her on the cheek and walked from her office.
She sat at her desk and watched him leave. Uh-oh. She knew she was in trouble.
He wasn’t even at the elevator and she missed him already.

About the Author

Dr. Randy C. Dockens has a fascination with science and with the Bible, holds Ph.D. degrees in both areas, and is a man not only of faith and science, but also of creativity. He believes that faith and science go hand in hand without being enemies of each other.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Auburn University he went on to graduate school at Auburn and completed his first doctorate degree in Pharmaceutics. He began his scientific career as a pharmacokinetic reviewer for the Food and Drug Administration and later joined a leading pharmaceutical company as a pharmacokineticist, which is a scientist who analyzes how the human body affects drugs after they have been administered (i.e, absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted).

Through the years, he has worked on potential medicines within several disease areas, including cardiovascular, fibrosis, and immunoscience to seek and develop new and novel medicines in these therapy areas.

He has also had his attention on the academic study of the Bible. He earned a second doctorate in Biblical Prophecy from Louisiana Baptist University after receiving a master’s degree in Jewish Studies from the Internet Bible Institute under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Congdon.

Randy has recently retired from his pharmaceutical career and is spending even more time on his writing efforts. He has written several books that span dystopian (The Coded Message Trilogy), end-time prophecy (Stele Prophecy Pentalogy), science fiction (Erabon Prophecy Trilogy), and uniquely told Bible stories (The Adversary Chronicles). All his books, while fun to read, are futuristic, filled with science to give them an authentic feel, have a science fiction feel to them, and allows one to learn some aspect of Biblical truth one may not have thought about before. This is all done in a fast-paced action format that is both entertaining and provides a fun read for his readers.

He has also written some nonfiction books as well. One is to show how all humans are connected from God’s viewpoint by looking at biblical prophecy (Why is a Gentile World Tied to a Jewish Timeline?: The Question Everyone Should Ask). This book shows how all scripture is connected and inclusive of everyone. In addition, he and his editor have written two books about writing. The first is on writing techniques themselves and is entitled Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Writing: Creating Vivid and Colorful Stories that Readers Want to Read. This book not only addresses the techniques of writing, but what makes writing unique to each author. It conveys not only how to better hone one’s craft of writing but also the brand an author wants to portray. This helps an author make their writing unique as well as captivating for his/her audience. The second is a companion book to this one entitled Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Self-Editing: Framing Your Colorful Masterpiece to Keep Readers Engaged in Your Story. This is best used in conjunction with the first one. Yet, self-editing, though intricately connected to writing, is a distinct event. The better the quality of a writer’s draft manuscript when it is delivered to one’s editor, the higher the final quality of the manuscript will be for readers, and that is extremely important.

Dr Dockens is still not done. He has other creative ideas he is bringing forward as he is currently working on two new futuristic series. So, stay turned!

Website ➜ https://www.randydockens.com/   
X ➜ https://x.com/RandyCDockens 
Facebook ➜  www.facebook.com/Randy.C.Dockens
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/randydockens 
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16453941

Sponsored By: