Book Spotlight: Roar Like a Lion

Today, I'm shining the spotlight on Levi Lusko's NEW devotional book,

Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith.

This is what his book is about (blurb):

Kids are wrestling with tough issues these days—peer pressure, purpose, unexpected change or loss, and wondering where their faith fits in with it all. Roar Like a Lion encourages your kids to "run toward the roar" as they face their fears, knowing that God is with them every step of the way.

Pastor and bestselling author Levi Lusko is known for making tough topics accessible while drawing his readers toward a richer spiritual life. In his first children's devotional for ages 6 to 10, Levi tackles real issues our kids face with a lighthearted and approachable tone. 

Kids are equipped to approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God's faithfulness with the help of fascinating stories and facts, eye-catching art, Bible verses, prayers, and simple action steps.

This 90-day devotional covers highly relevant topics such as:

• facing fears about school and friendships 
• having courage to try something new 
• handling new challenges, past disappointments, and grief 
• dealing with peer pressure and bullying 
• understanding how we each fit into God's great story 

As a parent and pastor, Levi is able to address real-life situations with compassion, grace, and biblical authenticity. Roar Like a Lion is a great way to spark discussion with your kids on meaningful topics and get them in the habit of reading a biblically-based devotional.

Offering practical approaches to faith in everyday life, Roar Like a Lion will inspire your kids to nurture their personal faith in a God strong enough to protect and guide them as they run toward the roar during the challenges in their lives. 

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My Review:

This book has a beautiful cover. But the beauty doesn't stop there. When the reader opens the book they'll find a wealth of wonderful information inside and pretty graphic designs to illustrate every point.

Throughout this devotional book, the author (Levi Lusko) points people to the God of the Universe who loves humankind with all of His Heart. Lusko includes timeless wisdom, Bible stories, Scripture and real-life applications on every page of this 90-day devotional.

This read is worth your time even if you are an adult! However, it will speak most effectively to the younger audience for whom it was written and intended to reach.

Reading this devotional will encourage your heart and inspire your soul to seek God, read the Bible, soak up His Truth and follow Jesus Christ all the way to Heaven.

*Disclosure: Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

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Author Bio:

Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah.

He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War. 

Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya who is no longer living on this Earth. 

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In closing, I'd like to share the purchase link for Levi Lusko's book:

https://www.roarlikealionbook.com

Little Lamb Book Spotlight on Gracie Lou Wants a Zoo by Shelly Roark

Interview with Shelly Roark about her book, Gracie Lou Wants a Zoo:

Congratulations on writing this book, “Gracie Lou Wants a Zoo” for children! 

Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: What inspired this story?

Shelly: My daughter, Gracie, was the inspiration for Gracie Lou Wants a Zoo. She has always loved animals . . . and is just a tad headstrong and persistent. Bless her! We’ve never seen an animal that she didn’t ask to take home. Our home has been blessed with a hamster, cat and two dogs, but it isn’t enough. Gracie literally wants a house packed with critters!

I remember one day after saying ‘no’ for the thousandth time to a new pet, I said, “Gracie Lou you won’t be happy ‘til you have a zoo!” The phrase stuck in my head and I decided it was a great way to share a lesson on patience and trusting God’s timing.

I’ve often told Gracie that God created her for a purpose and that she would see her dreams come true in His timing. Gracie is a teen now and plans on becoming a veterinarian. So, the book concludes with a look into the future possibilities when you trust in God.

Alexis: When you were a child, did you want your own zoo just like Gracie Lou?

Shelly: I’ve always loved the zoo. Our local zoo was one of my favorite family outings as a child. We always visited the local zoo on our family vacations as well. As an adult, I continued to take my own children throughout their young years. However, I must admit that I’m not really an animal person. That’s why Gracie heard “no” so many times! I admire people who are animal people and was always fascinated by zookeepers who were never hesitant or unafraid among wild animals.

Alexis: Gracie Lou is the star of this story. Describe her personality. Share her dreams. Has she always had such a heart for animals?

Shelly: Gracie Lou is a headstrong gal with a soft, gooey inside—her tremendous love for animals. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it! However, she needs a little lesson in the value of patience and trusting God for her future. She also needs to understand that a “no” from Mom and Dad isn’t the end of the world!

Alexis: What does Gracie want to be when she grows up? Why?

Shelly: Gracie Lou most definitely wants to be a veterinarian or something that allows her to care for and love on animals of all sizes and shapes.

Alexis: How long has Gracie had her pet turtle, George, and why does she want him to have friends?

Shelly: George is Gracie Lou’s sidekick. He’s really the only pet that her parents feel can be kept in their small apartment. George loves Gracie Lou and she loves George!

Alexis: Why won’t Gracie’s parents allow her to have more pets?

Shelly: Gracie Lou and her parents live in the city in a small apartment. Her parents don’t think there is enough room for her to have any other pet but George.

Alexis: How does the real-life lesson of learning how to trust God’s plan, apply to this story?

Shelly: In the story, you see that Gracie Lou’s dream and passion for animals will be fulfilled when she discovers God’s plan for her life as an adult. She becomes a veterinarian. Our current circumstances are not the end of our story. God has a great plan for your life and you can often glimpse it when you consider your passions and talents. However, you must be patient and understand that you still have a lot of growing to do before you get there. God loves you and will guide you.

Alexis: What is one of the faith lessons that Gracie learns in this story and how does it help her in life?

Shelly: Gracie learns the importance of patience and trusting God. She learns that we don’t always get what we want immediately and that’s OK. It’s not the end of the story.

Alexis: What role does your real-life faith in God play in your storytelling?

Shelly: I’m a simple girl and love simple faith lessons. Childlike faith is a very powerful thing! I’m so blessed when God turns the light bulb on during real-life interactions that allow me to explain principles of faith from Scripture to children. I’m blessed and strengthened with these simple stories that God speaks into my heart!

I also think stories are such a great way to explain eternal concepts. Jesus used parables so effectively. My favorite parts of Scripture are the stories! I still get new inspiration from biblical stories no matter how many times I read them.

Alexis: What message from this story do you hope resonates with the children who read it? 

Shelly: My hope is that God will use this story to give parents the opportunity to discuss faith with their children. There are a few different aspects of faith and life in the story that might open the door to a deeper discussion between parents and children—patience, obedience, trust, God’s plan and purpose.

Alexis: What life lessons have you learned about faith in God and trusting His plan over your own?

Shelly: Gracie Lou’s passion is animals. Mine has always been writing and storytelling.

I’ve seen how God has worked throughout my life to grow and nurture that talent and desire for his purposes. I went to college to earn a degree in journalism and worked for a decade in the newspaper business. God then opened the door to work for ministries using the skills I had gained through my early career.

Now, I am blessed to tell the real-life stories of people whose lives have been transformed through different ministries across the country. I’ve told the stories of ministries that provide Bibles to those who have no Scripture in their own heart language. I’ve been able to shine a light on the plight of orphans and victims of tragedy.

The stories God has given me to share has even saved the lives of preborn babies. I’ve been blessed for more than 20 years to write these inspiring stories and raise funds for the ministries that make all these efforts possible. Today, I write for Focus on the Family. God knows the future and we can trust him to shape and mold our talents and passions for his purposes.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview!

~*~
Author Bio:

Award-winning author Shelly Roark has been writing professionally for almost 30 years—from early years as a newspaper reporter to ghost writer for ministries and non-profits. Today, she is a senior copywriter for Focus on the Family. 

Her debut children’s picture book—The Bubble Who Would Not POP!—received four national awards, including Gold in IBPA’s 2018 Benjamin Franklin/Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book (Children’s/YA) and the 2018 Silver Medal Illumination Book Award. Shelly’s second children’s book, Gracie Lou Wants a Zoo, received the 2020 Silver Medal Illumination Book Award.

Shelly and her husband Geoff live in Texas with their three teens.

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Blurb for Shelly’s book:

What kid wouldn't want her own personal zoo?

Gracie Lou wants nothing more for her pet turtle, George, than for him to have friends. But Mom and Dad insist that their city apartment is too small to house a monkey, or a duck, or a giraffe, or an elephant. They say she needs to be patient and trust in God's plan, except Gracie Lou's not sure she can wait that long.

After a wild night spent with a houseful of rowdy zoo animals give her a lesson in the value of patience and God's perfect timing, Gracie Lou learns that God has a great plan for her . . . if she can just wait for it!

Written by Shelly Roark, award-winning author of The Bubble Who Would Not POP!, Gracie Lou Wants A Zoo is a delightful message of God's love for all of His children, especially those who have ever wondered about His plan for them.

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Connect with Shelly:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shelly-Roark-Author-263783447351979/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyroark_author/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Shelly_Roark/_saved/
Website: http://shellyroarkauthor.com/

Little Lamb Book Spotlight on "Good Night, Fireflies"

Interview with Janet L. Christensen about her book 

“Good Night, Fireflies”:

Congratulations on writing this book “Good Night, Fireflies” for publication! 

Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book with a focus on fireflies?

Janet: When my youngest son was little, he used to be afraid of the dark. I remember one trip away from home that we forgot to pack his nightlight. We were all ready for bed, and I had to get dressed again and go out and purchase a nightlight before we could go to sleep. So, writing a book that spoke to kiddos about their fears had always been important to me. The fireflies? That was all God.

Alexis: How did you receive the inspiration for this story?

Janet: I run pretty fast and furious most days. Between working full-time, raising a family, helping out with different ministry projects, and writing, my mind is constantly working through one project or another. I bet you, and a lot of your readers, can relate. Getting my mind to quiet so that I can just listen to God is sometimes a challenge. Well, God found a way around that. He always does. How did He catch my mind completely quiet and ready to listen? He woke me up at 3 o’clock one morning. I found myself wide awake with the most beautiful story about fireflies dancing in my head. Then, of course, I was too excited to go back to sleep.

Alexis: The hero of your story is a boy named Landon. Tell me about him. What does he look and sound like? What are his hobbies? What does Landon want to be when he grows up?

Janet: Landon is sweet little boy, with a big heart and a glint of adventure in his eyes. He is fearless in all things by day, but when the lights go out, his fears of monsters chase him. He likes dinosaurs and superheroes and playing with his cat. And he loves spending time with his daddy. What does he want to be when he grows up? That is a good question. We haven’t really talked about that one. But I think Landon would be a great entomologist. He came up with some great observations on those fireflies.

Alexis: Why does Landon want to do anything but sleep?

Janet: Landon is afraid of the shadow monsters that hide in his room after the lights go out. He will do anything to delay going to bed, even brush his teeth twice! Landon knows that as soon as his daddy turns off the lights and walks out of the room, the monsters will once again sneak out of their daytime hiding places to scare him.

Alexis: How does Landon’s daddy use faith in God to ease his fears about bedtime?

Janet: When Landon can’t quite picture how God can be with him since he can’t see Him, Landon’s daddy takes him outside into the summer night to catch fireflies. When they finally catch one, Landon’s daddy asks him if the firefly disappears when its light goes out. When Landon discovers that the firefly is still there, even when its light goes out, his daddy tells him that God is just like that firefly. Even though we can’t see Him, He is always with us and is there to help us when we are afraid.

Alexis: What role does your real-life faith in God play in your storytelling?

Janet: I think it plays a huge role. I really believe that He wants to use my storytelling talent to encourage others in their own personal faith journey. I enjoy writing for all ages, but the fun part of writing for kids, is the challenge of taking the abstract concepts of faith, love, and hope, and making them visual and relatable for young ones. I am blessed and humbled that He has allowed me to pen the beautiful stories He has given me for this purpose.

Alexis: What do you want readers to receive from reading this book?

Janet: I want readers to know that God is with them through all of the challenges they are facing. We are living in a turbulent time right now. It bothers me, even with my strong faith, to watch what is happening in the world. But God is still on His throne and no matter what happens down here, He will never leave us. He loves each and every one of us too much for that.

Alexis: If you could step into this story as Landon’s mommy, what would you do to comfort him?

Janet: I am not sure I would have done anything differently from Daddy. He hit it out of the proverbial park on this one. I would have hugged Landon, of course, and reiterated Daddy’s message. Then I would have probably baked him some cookies the next day, and we could have talked about it over cookies and milk. I would love to hear Landon retell what happened the night before in his own words.

Alexis: Do you (the author) like fireflies? Why or why not?

Janet: I absolutely love fireflies! Where I grew up, we didn’t have fireflies. But when I was a young girl, we would visit my dad’s cousin every summer on the way back east to see my grandparents. I remember giggling as my sisters, cousins and I tried to catch these elusive glowing bugs. It is a memory that brings a smile to my face every single time.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Janet! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Janet: I wrote Good Night, Fireflies six years ago, but God’s perfect timing released it right before all the chaos of this year. He knew this was the perfect time to share this story of overcoming fear with the world. While I was fretting and stewing over failed publishers and other publication challenges and setbacks, He had it all worked out. All that to say, even though the times we are living in feel so out of control, God is here with us every step of the way. And He will work it out for His glory in His perfect time.

Alexis: Thanks so much for inviting me to visit with you for a bit.

Janet: It has been a pleasure! May God bless you and your readers, today and always.

~*~
Author Bio:

Janet L. Christensen is an award-winning writer, speaker and encourager who loves to captivate audiences with inspiring stories. 

Whether it is with the stories she writes or with the stories she tells with the help of one of her puppet friends, Janet is sure to deliver an entertaining message of hope and love.

Janet was born and raised in rural South Dakota and after spending some time living and adventuring in Idaho and Wyoming, she and her family have returned to the place of their roots. 

When she is not writing, she enjoys living the life of a pastor’s wife and leading children’s or women’s ministry projects. 

She is the proud mother of two teenage sons and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sully.

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About the Book:

What do God and fireflies have in common?

Landon will do just about anything to avoid bedtime. He can't sleep when the shadows turn ordinary things in his room into spookies and creepies! His fears are put to rest one memorable evening when his daddy teaches him an important lesson about God's everlasting, ever-present love: just like the fireflies, God doesn't disappear when the lights go out.

Through the power of prayer, Landon learns that he can call on God whenever he's scared and find comfort in the love of his Father. Children will find lasting comfort in relating this familiar image to our ever-present and loving Father.

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Connect with Janet:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetlchristensen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janet_l_christensen_author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/j_l_christensen

Little Lamb Books Spotlight features coming soon this month!

There's a new feature coming to my blog this October!

I've partnered with Rachel Pellegrino, founder and publisher of Little Lamb Books, in order to provide book spotlights for stories written by her awesome authors! These are all faith-based books written with parents and young children in mind. 

Reading these books are a wonderful way to connect with your child and teach them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rachel and her publishing company are on a mission to fill the gap in the publishing industry with books for children that tell stories from a faith in God perspective. 

Every Sunday for this entire month of October, you can expect to see a new spotlight. 

Before I go, here's a bit about Rachel Pellegrino:

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Connect with Rachel:
Website: https://www.rachelpellegrino.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaePelleTX/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raepelletx/

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Follow Little Lamb Books:
Website: https://littlelambbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlelambbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_lamb_books/

Little Lamb Books: Company Spotlight

Writing Books for Kids from a Faith Perspective
A guest post by Rachel Pellegrino

As a faith-based children’s publisher, I can tell you without hesitation that there is a hole in the market for faith-based fiction for young readers. There are numerous devotionals, journals, coloring books, and other non-fiction titles to choose from, but what families are looking for are entertaining books to rival what kids are learning about from friends, finding at school book fairs, or picking up in local bookstores.

In fact, walk into any major bookstore, and you will find shelves of interesting books for kids that tell stories of dystopian worlds, royal contests, and magical mutants. There are wonderful board books about the alphabet and counting and picture books and early readers that are seasonal or solve mysteries or teach new recipes. And, all these books are well-written and encourage the reading habits of children.

But, for families longing for more stories founded on biblical principles, it can be challenging to find even one shelf in a local bookstore where they can find wholesome, clean, and faith-oriented books that they don’t have to scan first, especially as children become tweens and teens.

The count is even less for those books that tell children it’s okay to lean on Christ, okay to love the Lord who made them, and okay to pray when they are afraid, lonely, or worried…far less that offer biblical references for encouragement, strength, joy, and love.

Why is this?

I don’t have all the answers. But, I do know that this is why I launched Little Lamb Books. As a premiere publishing company, our mission is to shepherd the next generation of faithful readers by striving to produce three to five fiction titles a year for elementary, middle grade, and young adult readers. We want to put picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels that weave engaging plots with interesting characters in the hands of kids and encourage conversations about an almighty God that loves them and made them unique.

There is a hunger for stories that affirm a biblical worldview and celebrate God’s presence in our world as well as for stories that answer the need for colorful, entertaining, and yes, even humorous examples of characters overcoming obstacles, engaging in positive family relationships, and shining a light in a dark world, especially now, when nothing feels “normal” around us.

We need more writers wanting to grow in their God-given talent and build on their calling to write by creating wonderful fiction that enriches the imagination for the readers and inspires their love for reading while incorporating scripture, values, and salvation.

Our children read books to be entertained, to see themselves in the characters, to travel to new places, and to laugh and not feel alone. We need to give them those kinds of stories while encouraging discussions about challenging situations and believing in a God they cannot see or cannot touch.

As writers, we need to write stories for the elementary readers forming their own opinions and viewpoints with grace and dignity, integrity and kindness.

We need to write stories for middle grade girls and guys learning to stand up for themselves among their peers and how to value truth amidst the onslaught of virtual messages that distort the truth on a daily basis.

We need to create stories for high schoolers longing to be seen and heard, those young adults who value new worlds where love is real, friendships are valued, and diversity is accepted.

We need more faith-based fiction for elementary, middle grade, and young adult readers, and I know that at Little Lamb Books we are doing everything we can to make those books a reality. If you’d like to help us by contributing to our Kickstarter campaign, please visit here.

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Author Bio:

Rachel Pellegrino is the owner and publisher of Little Lamb Books, an award-winning publisher of children’s books. 

Launched in 2015, Little Lamb Books has produced almost a dozen titles, all of which have won national awards, including two golds in the Benjamin Franklin Awards.

Rachel is passionate about collaborating with fellow publishers as well as empowering authors to be successful. Based in Texas, Rachel talks with her hands, offers individual author coaching, prefers Pepsi to coffee, and has a growing plush lamb collection much to her daughter’s delight.

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Connect with Rachel:
Website: https://www.rachelpellegrino.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaePelleTX/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raepelletx/

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Follow Little Lamb Books:
Website: https://littlelambbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlelambbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_lamb_books/

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Support Little Lamb Books:

Kickstarter Campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/littlelambbooks/little-lamb-books-publisher-of-childrens-books

Devotionals for the Heart: Fruit

The Fruit of the Spirit
A devotional by Susan Lindstrom

I’ve been working on a series of books for children about that amazing gift from the Holy Spirit, the Fruit of the Spirit. The main character is a spunky little girl named Emmie Jane. She’s learning about living life with a loving Jesus through real-life situations. Her Sunday school class is studying the Fruit of the Spirit and each week they practice applying it to real life. Which she finds out, is not as easy as she thought it should be.

When she asks her daddy if he and mommy need help too, he tells her, “It doesn’t matter how old you are. It’s not always easy to act how God wants, but the Holy Spirit helps us, and that’s the best thing. We don’t have to do it on our own!”

Paul teaches us in the book of Galatians about the freedom we have with Christ and to embrace that freedom by living in the Spirit. He explains in Galatians 5:22-25 (NLT), “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

I found out the Greek word used here for is karpós. It’s in the singular so loosely translated, the single fruit of the Spirit is one unit, they all go together because that’s who the Holy Spirit is.

I can’t remember the last time I heard this from the pulpit! I’d love to hear it often and be encouraged to live out my life this way. So, I thought I would share a kid-friendly understanding of what I’ve learned while studying for this series.

The Fruit of the Spirit is a free gift with nine attributes we as Christians should strive to, with the Holy Spirit, work into our personalities. 

Here's a breakdown of this amazing fruit:

Joy

Knowing that true happiness comes from knowing and following Christ, not material things

Love
Unselfish devotion to God and others

Peace

That is inner peace, free from worrying about anything. Jesus gives us a peace that surpasses our understanding.

Patience

Treating others with thoughtfulness and tolerance.

Kindness

The golden rule! Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Self-control

We know we can overcome the temptations of this world because God is always with us.

Gentleness

Acting calmly and avoiding actions that lead others to anger or resentment

Faithfulness

Living out our commitment to the teachings of Jesus and the scriptures.

Goodness

Trying to honor God by avoiding sin and always trying to do what is right.

Wow, can we ever get this right in a lifetime? 

Ms. Jubilee, Emmie Jane’s Sunday school teacher, tells the class that God gives us free will and how the Holy Spirit helps us, but we can also choose how we act. We can choose to love others, regardless of how they treat us.

In fact, Jesus tells us in John 13:34-35 (NLT), “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

Such an important and powerful message from our Savior. Whether it’s in our own homes or out in the world, what a way to witness His love to everyone on this earth. A six-year-old girl named Nikki spoke words about love that touched my heart. She said, “If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.”

I know I’m going to be more conscious about using the Spiritual Fruit that lives inside me.

I hope you’ll join me.

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Author Bio:

Susan Lindstrom is NOT an award-winning writer yet unless you count that ‘best story’ award in third grade but stay tuned to see what God has planned!

Writing has always been a passion but raising a family, running her sewing and design business, involvement in Women’s Ministry and teaching Sunday School kept her plenty busy.

Now a retired empty-nester, she trusts in God’s amazing timing and has jumped in to embrace this new adventure of writing.

Her first book, Emmie Jane and the Yellow Fuzz, is for children and is now available for purchase on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. It's the first in a series of real-life adventures focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit.

Susan grew up on both the East and West coasts and now calls the beautiful state of Wisconsin home. She is a wife, mom, and grandma to 10 children.

She enjoys a wide variety of music, loves live performance and believes that laughter is the best medicine.

When she is not indoors writing, reading or pretending to clean the house, she’s outdoors enjoying the beauty of God’s Creation.

Susan is a proud member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

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Connect with Susan:
Website - www.susanlindstrombooks.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/susanlindstrombooks/