Encouraging and Uplifting Book Every Teen Girl Needs to Read

I was incredibly impressed with this very easy to read and very profound work of fiction which was based on a true event from history. These are the types of lessons, filled with emotion of which I was speaking in my last two blogs.

“A person, whether king or peasant, can surround himself with many, and still be lonely. He needs that one rare person, one to confide in and with whom he can be at ease.” Hadassah was that one rare person in whom King Ahasuerus found the answer to his loneliness and Jim Baumgardner tells the story of how she was brought to him, prepared for him and became his queen in “Esther Queen of Persia: A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time.” Being taken from the home of her cousin, Mordecai, who took her into his home and raised her since she was a child, Esther was placed in the care of Hegai who was tasked with preparing her along with hundreds of other virgins who were being prepared for the same purpose. Hadassah stood out beyond all of them and was given the name, Esther (which means star), because she was brighter and more lovely than all of the rest. Little did Esther know, as she spent her days being made ready to be presented before the king, that God was preparing to use her and her cousin to bring about great things on behalf of his people; Israel.

Jim Baumgardner has done a fantastic job in bringing the life and emotion to the characters and plots from his fictional account of a part of history in “Esther Queen of Persia: A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time.” The demonstration not only of the faith of the servants of the Lord in the characters of Esther and Mordecai first rate, but the demonstration of the power of God to prepare things years in advance to be used at the appointed time bears witness to his might. Inspiring, emotional and uplifting; “Esther Queen of Persia: A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time” will bless you in a real and profound way. Every man’s daughter ought to have a copy as a means of encouraging their faith and as a demonstration of what qualities inspire true beauty.

Blog Facelift... More Focused

I'm reworking my blog a little bit. Although I intend to post book reviews and odd things of interest on occasion, I am tightening my focus on encouraging reading, literacy and language development.

One of the things that worries me most about our world right now is the changes in society that have made reading a forgotten past time. What we are failing to understand and point out to our children and to society in general is that to maintain the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that were addressed in the Declaration of Independence, we must read. Not just reading books that advance our careers and keep us up to date on the newest trends and buzzwords, but fiction, poetry and other verbal artistic works. The privacy and intimacy of the conversation between reader and author is perhaps the most valuable form of communication given to man. Why else do you think that God chose to have his Word written down?

As I was teaching my English classes here in San Antonio de Prado, Colombia and also in Itagui, Colombia, I discovered that my students were ignorant not only of world history and the history of their own country, but of their culture as well. This is not a trend limited to Colombia, but is a world wide trend that is a result of social media, video games, wandering the streets, the rap/thug culture and a profound failure of the educational systems of across the globe to place reading in a premium position in their curriculum. Whether by plan or by ignorant error, our educational systems have put our world at risk for tyrannical leaders to easily take control of every facet of their lives.

Tyranny, in its complete history, has rarely walked in as the bold and overpowering thug that it is, but typically creeps in through much more subtle means. It typically preys upon the poor, the weak, the illiterate and then the uninformed. It makes promises that on the surface appear just and good, but behind them is a club posed to beat them back down and steal their freedom. Literacy and reading hold back tyranny, because those who read have also learned to think for themselves. However, merely reading text books and non-fiction books or literature related to one's career does not foster the clear thinking that I am discussing. It requires reading of fiction, poetry and other verbal artistic works in order to penetrate the thoughts and emotions of a person.

Television, movies and video games provide too much of the picture to be useful in expanding thought and imagination. Social media simply expands those things which the person already associates themselves and for the most part are mind killers just like the first three. Next to reading, music stimulates the emotions and imagination, but it lacks the necessary penetration into the mind which helps to form sounds, images, smells, tastes, thoughts and emotions that are necessary to transport someone to a place and time where the conversation begins with "What if..?" and a discussion unfolds between the author and the reader.

Because I value the principles of the Declaration of Independence; of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, I am refocusing my blog to encourage and promote reading, literacy and language development. I will focus most of my attention on reviewing smaller books and works in order to help encourage new readers or non-readers to get their feet wet. My own books are written in smaller chunks that adhere to the 1/4" rule (anything more than a 1/4" thick is intimidating), and my reviews will follow it as well. I ask you to not only subscribe, but to assist me in this task. If you know non-readers or new readers, send them my way and let's get them started into an adventure that will not only open their minds, but by the grace of God will help protect us against the loss of liberty.

ENCOURAGING READERS FROM THE HEART

Most writers are bookworms. It is simply a part of what draws them toward their craft, however, I was not always that way. I was a high-octane child who had plenty of other things to do besides stick my nose in a book. It wasn’t until later in life that I developed my love of reading and consequently writing as well. My hope, as I continue with my craft, is that I will be able to encourage and develop non-readers into readers.

I never could understand how my sisters could spend an entire day with their nose stuffed in some romance novel. Living on a ranch in the mountains of Colorado I always had plenty of other things to do and 98% of them were outside. Reading any book beyond Dr. and the Berensteins was a waste of time and effort and I simply didn’t have the patience for anything much larger. I did develop a taste for “The Sugar Creek Gang” books, but that was pretty much the extent of my literary tastes until I was older and started reading Louis L’Amour westerns and I read the entire New Testament of the bible three times during my high school years. What I did learn from my younger years of sparse reading was that books allowed me to live in another place and time and enjoy things that were beyond my reach.

I fought reading all of the way through high school, in spite of the requirement for English classes. I was able to interview my classmates who willingly spilled the information that I needed to pass the tests and survived my English classes because even in high school I could write an impressive line of B.S. I did manage to read “Red Badge of Courage,” because it was only about a half inch thick and didn’t take a long time to read. When I had to write papers, I did them on Louis L’Amour books.

When I arrived in college, all of that changed in a hurry. I started reading like a man who had just left the desert desired water. A whole new world was suddenly opened up to me and I never looked back. Those dull and boring “classics” that I was supposed to read in high school came alive in the mind of an adult reader who was eager to learn and eager to explore. The high-octane with which I had pursued life as a non-reader was transformed into my new life as a reader. As a result I began to think more clearly and blend that with the practical knowledge which came from my non-reading youth. With that came my ability to see through the B.S. that comes out of people’s mouths, pens, typewriters and computers; especially those who think they are wise. “Believing that they are wise; they will become fools”… that’s from my bible reading days.

As a writer, I don’t write as a bookworm. I understand the mechanics and the tricks of the trade, but my thought process is to enjoy a conversation with my reader and tell a story. I have intentionally made my books small, because I understand the half-inch rule (if it’s more than a half-inch thick, it aint worth reading), not because I don’t enjoy larger books, but because I know how some readers think. Connected to that was the publishing of my first book with Senserial. Senserial’s main thrust is the serial novel which was the way that most people read books in the early 20th century. With Senserial, however, the weekly episodes also include graphics and a sound track. Read my book “Wolf of the Highlands” in all 12 episodes at Senserial.com. Read my two historical romance novels from the Belle of Colombia Series; “Zipaquirá” and “Rionegro” (each only 100 pages), by stopping by my website at www.bil-howard.net and encourage others to check it out as well.

I am not only practicing my art but I am encouraging others to read, including children. I will soon have two children’s picture books available as well. In the mean time, check out the link to this excellent reading program, Children Learning Reading (Click Here!), and learn how you also can help turn a non-reader into a reader and expand their world. This is an essential task if we are going to preserve our freedom and our future. I hope you don't mind if I make a little profit off of my efforts in both areas so that I can continue to do what I love.

NEW RELEASE!!! RIONEGRO BY BIL HOWARD

Here is a short excerpt from "RIONEGRO"

There was no hurry to be moving. They were far away from the danger near the Plain of Bogota and it was likely any Spanish troop movements using the river had already taken place shortly after the conflict. Santiago maintained, however, that it was very likely that the Spanish army was still busy hunting for rebels in the mountains around Bogota and reestablishing themselves in the town which had rebelled all around Bogota and would not likely be venturing back toward Cartagena and Barranquilla. With that little bit of information, he gave them leave to rest for a few days and saddled Ganador for a ride to the settlement to buy supplies and make inquiries. He knew a little bit about the settlement, having ridden through it a few times and had even stayed the night there after he first left Rionegro. Esteban and Maribel took advantage of the situation and stretched out in the shade of the trees using the extra saddle and the rolled up pack of the silleta to lean against as they watched the lazy flowing river pass by. “He’s a very good man,” Esteban said. “Yes,” she said. “I am lucky to have him.” “It’s not all luck Maribel,” he said. “You deserve him.” “Thank you,” she said. She was a bit confused by the direction of the conversation, but she could tell that Esteban wanted to talk. There was a look of contemplation on his face that told her that he had something deeper to tell her. When he finally spoke, it wasn’t at all what she expected to hear. “You are a very good woman too,” he began. “You always have been. You’ve always had a stubborn strength which defied all of the harsh things that were thrown at you. It must have been hell losing your mother and for the most part never having a father. The rest of the family was horrible in the way that they treated you and regretfully, I was maybe the worst. I don’t know how I became so lucky to get a second chance, but I did and I’m not going to screw it up.” “What do you mean by a second chance?” she said. “It seems you have the one who has been through all of this completely unscathed.” “That’s something that I don’t understand at all,” he replied. “I’m not sure I deserve it. I treated you horribly and you weren’t the only one. Saint Patrick has sustained me for some reason and the only possible reason that I can come up with is that he wants me to serve you.” She was silent. How could she possibly respond to this confession? She was a little bit uncomfortable with the fact that Esteban felt that he had to serve her. She didn’t want anyone to serve her. She could take care of herself. She was very grateful that Esteban had been there to take care of Santiago and bring him back to her. In some ways, perhaps that was a sort of service to her, but she wasn’t sure why Esteban had the idea in his head that he ought to serve her. “Why would you need to serve me?” she asked. “To set things right,” he replied, staring at the design that he was drawing in the grass with a stick. “Haven’t you already set things right?” she said. “You repented and apologized. I accepted your apology and you brought me to Santiago. I think that you have done enough.” “I don’t,” he said. “I’m the only family you’ve got.” “Yes,” she said. “You’re my only tie to my old family, but Santiago and I are going to start a new family. I am grateful for your company and for your help. You have been a God send to us, but please don’t feel like you have to serve me.” He looked directly into her eyes and she saw something very deep in them that made her trust his words. “I don’t think that you, I or anyone else can make that decision,” he said. “It’s the lot I’ve been given and the recompense for being saved on the battle field. Maribel, there is no logical reason that I can come up with that one of those musket balls did not kill me and God knows the Spanish were certainly more powerful and seasoned than I. In the exact moment when I ought to have perished, I was delivered and when I was on my feet again, I had the strength of Samson. I will never forget that for as long as I live and I will never shirk the duty that God has given me.” There was nothing more for her to say. She leaned back against the saddle, closed her eyes and listened to the sounds around her. She could hear the birds moving about through the grass, trees and shrubs around them. There was a soft breeze rustling the leaves in the trees and its gentle fingers reached beneath her hair to cool her while she rested. Centella was cropping grass nearby, once again content after raising a fuss when Santiago rode away on Ganador. She thought it was amazing how her ability to rationalize the situation made her completely comfortable with Santiago riding away to obtain supplies for them in contrast to the reaction that Centella had. The only companionship of the horse species that the mare had was Ganador and it must have been something of a moment of panic for her to have that companionship leave her. She was content with human’s a trusted them, but it wasn’t exactly the same. Could Centella rationalize that Ganador would return? Horses certainly didn’t have that rational ability. The conclusion that she reached before she drifted off for a mid morning nap was that an enormous amount of trust existed between her and the mare in order for Centella to calmly crop grass next to her without any understanding of what the future would hold. Her nap was interrupted by the very same mare raising her head from cropping grass and calling in a shrill whistle to a horse and rider approaching from down river. Startled awake, she felt her heart pounding and sat up abruptly, looking at Centella’s face pointed toward the newcomer with both of her ears focused in on the location of the sound of the hoof beats. “It’s probably Santiago,” Esteban said, slipping into cover with the musket and pistol just in case it wasn’t. Maribel wasn’t certain what she should do. She was horribly exposed. The only thing that she could think to do was to stand beside the mare and stroke her softly while she waited. In another moment, the mare nickered softly at the approaching horse and rider and not long after, she recognized the figure of Santiago on Ganador as they emerged through the brush. She heard and felt Esteban step out of his cover behind her and come up beside her. “Did you rest?” he asked, grinning broadly as he stepped from the saddle and came straight to her with his arms open for an embrace and a quick kiss. “I slept for a little while,” she said. “I don’t know about Esteban.” “I dozed off a few times,” he smiled. “It’s impossible not to with the sound of the river to keep you company.” His face suddenly fell. “No supplies?” Maribel hadn’t noticed that he was not carrying any supplies until Esteban asked the question. She wrinkled her brow at the thought that he was unable to find anything in the settlement. Perhaps there had been trouble. “Plenty of supplies,” he answered. Seeing the confused look on both of their faces, he explained. “I left them in a little house in the settlement.” He looked directly at Maribel. “How would you like to sleep in a bed tonight?” “Oh my God,” she replied. “You can’t be serious.” “I am,” he said. “I made an arrangement.” “So, when do we go?” she asked. She hadn’t noticed that Esteban had already taken up the saddle to put on Centella’s back. “Knowing how long it takes Esteban to saddle a horse,” he grinned. “I’d say right away.” It was only a few minutes before the saddle was ready and the bridle was in Centella’s mouth. Maribel scrambled up into her seat eager to actually be in a house with a bed and food cooked on a stove. It might be okay for men to sleep on the ground and eat the way they had been eating, but for Maribel a house and a bed were like heaven after haven’t not been in one for several weeks. With the silleta strapped onto his back, Esteban stepped out to head down river toward the settlement which Santiago had informed them was called Puerto Triunfo. There wasn’t much of a need for Santiago to be in the lead. If a person followed the river, it was impossible for him to miss the settlement, so Santiago mounted and stayed back with Maribel to take a leisurely ride along behind Esteban. “I’m so excited to get to sleep in a real bed,” she beamed. “Only the best for my love,” he smiled. “How did you do it?” she asked. “Someone recognized the horse,” he said. “What does that have to with anything?” she asked, once again wrinkling her brow. “It seems, Sir Ganador is quite famous,” he replied. “One of the patriots had returned home to his family here in the settlements and a woman saw me in the streets and brought me to her home.” “Do you always follow strange women home?” she asked, a little bit concerned about how he had been led home by a woman. “An old woman,” he said, knowing where Maribel’s mind had already wandered off to. “She is the boy’s grandmother. She had heard her grandson talking about a silver stallion on the Plain of Bogota and how that very stallion had defended its master as the Spanish soldiers were surrounding him. He also told her how a man who most certainly must have been possessed was fighting right beside the stallion. The two of them together had completely eliminated at least a dozen Spanish soldiers before the demon possessed man put the Spanish Lieutenant on the silver stallion and led him off of the battlefield. They disappeared in the smoke and though he had tracked them, he was never able to catch up with them. The way he had told the story, the three of them simply disappeared and no one knew where they went or if they were even real.” “That’s almost the story that Esteban tells,” she said. “Only, he never said how many surrounded you.” After hearing the story and after hearing what Esteban had told her earlier about feeling like he had been delivered by Saint Patrick, she fell silent, contemplating what really happened when Esteban rescued Santiago. “Do you think it’s true?” she finally asked. “I have no idea,” he replied. “I don’t remember much about it. I have a feeling that our young sillatero isn’t telling all of the story. Or at least he’s certainly holding back his part in it.” “Do you think something happened out there?” she asked. She paused a moment trying to put together the right words. “Something… from God?” “Something extraordinary must have happened,” Santiago replied. “The truth may have gotten stretched a bit in the telling. Most things like that are, but something profound happened to turn that event into a legend. What do you think?” “Esteban and I had a talk while you were gone,” she said. “He said that he believed that Saint Patrick had sustained him and kept him alive in spite of all of the odds in order to serve me.” “He had certainly served us both,” he replied. “He is a very good man. I’m glad he was there. There must be some special blessing running through your family.” “Why would you say that?” she asked. She could only think of how dark and horrible her youth had been and how her family had treated her. Her grandparents had been good people, but her aunts, uncles and cousins hadn’t impressed her very much; with the exception of Esteban as of late. “Because you are both strong and your hearts are good,” he answered simply. They both fell silent as they continued to follow the meandering Magdalena River toward Puerto Triunfo where she would sleep in a real bed under a roof.
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COMING JANUARY 21ST... RIONEGRO: BOOK TWO OF THE BELLE OF COLOMBIA SERIES

COMING JANUARY 21ST!
RIONEGRO
BOOK TWO OF THE BELLE OF COLOMBIA SERIES

For Excerpt go to www.bil-howard.net/excerpts

After the battle on the plain of Bogota, the revolutionary forces of New Granada scattered in every direction. Santiago, Maribel and Esteban are forced to flee Zipaquirá to avoid capture and execution; their destination is the mountains of the Central Range of the Andes and the town of Rionegro. Once settled into their new home, talk of the return of Bolivar and continuing the revolution fills the streets of Rionegro. Though they have began their new life and new family together, the fight for independence on the Plains around the Meta and Orinoco River draws Santiago back to the cause, leaving Maribel alone to deal with a precocious toddler, a yearly foal and a pregnant mare. The revolutionary forces, consisting primarily of llaneros (cowboys) and a British legion, defy all possible odds and pin the Spanish army in the valley north of Bogota. Independence for New Granada is at hand while Maribel waits for Santiago to return in order to reveal to him a brand new secret and to continue the life that they had begun together.

Profound Look Into Good and Evil in "Stan"

When Stan Foster washed up on the banks of the Hudson River, he had no recollection of jumping from the George Washington Bridge, only of falling and then of being alive. “Stan” by Richard Wold is the story of his search to rediscover who he is and why he had jumped from the bridge. He washed into Abigail’s office at the psychiatric ward at the Catholic hospital where she worked and she began to try to help him put the pieces of the puzzle together. Having feelings for him however caused her to send him to a different psychologist who leads him to believe that he is actually Satan inhabiting the body of a dark artist. As Stan struggles with the visions that he sees whenever he touches people and his overwhelming desire to bring out goodness and light, he is conflicted and surges to both extremes. Abigail simply can’t allow Stan to slip through the cracks; there is too much good in him. Along with the two therapists which seem to be coming from completely opposite sides of good and evil, Stan’s agent Lilith is pushing him to the darker side of his art and trying to wield her influence over him as well. Which force will win out? Will Stan discover who he is on his own or will he attempt to repeat the attempt at taking his life again?


The depth of exploration into the good and evil of the soul are expertly undertaken in Richard Wold’s novel “Stan.” As you turn the pages and explores deeper into the mysteries, the pain, joy, fear and confusion grip your own soul and you find yourself fighting right alongside Stan. The intriguing sideline to this is the affect that it has on Abigail as she too is struggling at first on behalf of Stan, but it is her own struggle as well. Deep, intriguing and full of soul searching; “Stan” will hold you captive up until the very last word and beyond.

Novel About Boxing is Both Tragic and Victorious

Doing what is right isn’t always the easy thing and sometimes it is costly. “The Favorite” by Franklyn C. Thomas brings that point home all too clearly. After having spent eighteen months in prison on a weapons charge, Michael Dane is given a chance at the IBF Light-Heavyweight Championship against an undefeated champion. That opportunity was given to him by his manager, Dante Alexander, whose dealings on the shady side of the law as a drug-runner have funded his fight promoting operation. As Michael trains for the fight of his life with his Dad’s best friend as his manager, Dutch, he is in another battle of his own. His former girlfriend, Selena, is pregnant with his child and she had thrown him out of her life. As Michael struggles to get straightened out for a family life that he has never known, he is training for a fight that he isn’t supposed to win. As he steps into the ring, he is taking his life into his own hands. Defying Dante could cost him his life, but not giving his best shot at the title would be worse than death. As the bell for each round sounds, Michael is fighting for his life.


Franklyn C. Thomas has written the kind of novel that makes a boxing enthusiast have salsa dancers in his gut. “The Favorite” does an excellent job of not only making the reader feel every punch and every ragged breath in the ring, but it mixes it and alternates it with the struggle that Michael is dealing with outside the ring. The character and honor to do what’s right in spite of what it might cost him, makes this sports thriller shout loudly with victory. Hard-hitting, inspiring and tragic; “The Favorite” will rattle you like a body to chin combination and keep your head reeling while you turn the page for the next blow to be delivered.

Excellent Historical Fiction from the Korean War... For the Cause

To predict any outcome where war is concerned is foolhardy and Alfred Wellnitz makes that point very clear in “For the Cause: The Cold War Gets Hot in Korea and Why Young Men Went to War.” When Pete Houser and Chris Engleson, schoolmates from a one room school house in South Dakota, left their family farms to join the Marines, they were looking for an adventure and something new in their lives. The adventure begins as they ship out to San Diego where they endure basic training together, but their lives take different paths thereafter as the Korean war breaks out. Chris is shipped out to Korea and is soon engaged in the worst of the fighting while Pete draws duty as a perimeter guard for Sangley Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines. Their lives become very different and they look toward what they will do when they are finally discharged. What twists of fate will be dealt to each of them as the unpredictability of the advance of communism is being held back by farm boys who love freedom, but are only just beginning to get a feel for what their futures will hold?


“For the Cause: The Cold War Gets Hot in Korea and Why Young Men Went to War” by Alfred Wellnitz brings the Korean War as well as the life of a Marine PFC to life in a way that will keep the reader fully engaged from beginning to end. Those things which one expects to see in war and duty are present, but there is also a profound look into the feelings and emotions of two farm boys learning to cope with that which fate has dealt them in the very practical and workman like thinking of someone from America’s mid-west. Real, engaging and enlightening; “For the Cause” is a very well written and personal chronicle of what it was like to be a marine in the 1950s, but it is more, it is a look into the ironic twists of fate and the depth of character necessary to survive them.

Two Novellas by Dominique Wilkins That Will Grab Your Attention

Theresa In Wonderland
Life has a way of coming full circle. Those things which we seemed to have left behind often times come back to haunt us. Dominique Wilkins brings this fact into view in “Theresa In Wonderland.” Having dealt with the disfigurement that had been dealt out to her by a knife in the hand of Lola Rush, Theresa had found her way through life with the help of her best friend Tina. As Theresa’s life continued forward with her four beautiful children, gorgeous and successful husband and a promising career, all of the pain and heartache from the past seemed to be far behind her. The only drawback to ideal life that she had built around herself was the constant attention which she had to direct toward the on again, off again relationships that continued to plague her friend Tina. The ideal life comes to a screeching halt one day when a blowout on her Enclave sends not only the truck, but her life spinning out of control. Will Theresa be able to navigate her way through the pain once more or will it simply be too much?

Dominique Wilkins has a way of grabbing a hold of the heart and squeezing it until it hurts. “Theresa In Wonderland” is another heart-wrenching story of how quickly the secure and ideal world that we think we live in can suddenly turn into a horrible nightmare. In the quiet gentle way that Dominique has mastered, “Theresa In Wonderland” sneaks up on you and grabs you be the throat threatening to strangle the life out of you and then she quietly rides in with the brightness of hope. Excellent! Another brilliant job by Dominique Wilkins.



Friends First
Even when one begins a relationship with the best intentions, it doesn’t always end in happily ever after. Dominique Wilkins illustrates exactly how messed up things can become in “Friends First.” Having been rescued by her boyfriend Cliff from an abusive alcoholic father, Fiona believed that everything was going to be just perfect. She gave everything to her rescuer, her life, her virginity and her love. When Cliff took a new job with an armored car company it seemed that everything was coming together very well, until Cliff falls in with Joe. Joe convinces Cliff that they could embezzle a little bit of money at a time and never get caught. After the third try, however, they did get caught. Worse than that, Joe began making sexual advances on Fiona whenever Cliff wasn’t around. Fiona puts their “happily ever after” marriage to the test when she decides to tell Cliff what his friend Joe has been doing. Will Cliff listen to his wife or side with his friend?

Even when it appears that everything has worked out, there is always a surprise. Dominique Wilkins warns the reader about putting their trust in another person in “Friends First.” The scripture reference that she uses gives the reader a warning about trusting a person instead of trusting God. In this poignant narrative of misplaced confidence, the reader will certainly learn why the scriptures offer that advice. Honest, subtle and enlightening; “Friends First” is another Wilkins novella with a deep spiritual lesson.