The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer

Now Available…
The Last Plea Bargain
380 pages, $13.99
ISBN: 978-1-4143-3321-2

The Last Plea Bargain
Randy Singer Returns with Thriller Loosely Based on Real Case
(Carol Stream, IL)—In 2002, Donna Somerville was indicted for first-degree murder of her husband, Hamilton Somerville, Jr., in Virginia. The prosecution alleged that Donna Somerville had poisoned her husband with a lethal cocktail of hospice drugs and the case drew national media attention, including a multi-page story in Vanity Fair and a Lifetime movie, Widow on the Hill. Donna Somerville was found not guilty in the criminal case in 2004, but, in 2010, she was found legally responsible for her husband’s death in the civil case.

Attorney and best-selling author Randy Singer represented Hamilton Somerville’s daughters in the civil case, and in his latest legal thriller, The Last Plea Bargain (Tyndale House/March 2012), Singer loosely draws on the case as he looks at revenge, mercy, and the question of where the God of justice is when tragedy strikes. He also explores what would happen to the prison population—and the legal system overall—if plea bargaining was no longer an option.

Prosecutor Jamie Brock, first introduced in Singer’s book False Witness, is known in the legal world for her refusal to plea bargain with criminals, no matter the stakes. But despite her legal toughness, Brock is fighting her own demons as she awaits the execution of Antoine Marshall, who sits on death row convicted of murdering Brock’s mother and wounding her father. Marshall claims to have experienced a religious conversion while in jail but still holds fast to his claims of innocence.

Brock’s nemsis, powerful defense attorney Caleb Tate, represented Marshall in his intial trial, but now faces his own challenges as he’s indicted for the murder of his wife, Rikki, for allegedly poisoning her with a lethal cocktail of drugs. Tate maintains his innocence, claiming that Rikki, a former Las Vegas show girl, was an addict, and even takes an on-air lie detector test.

Brock leads the fight against Tate for the prosecution, wanting nothing more than to nail him on the charges. But things get crazy when Tate allegedly comes up with a way to logjam the system by convincing criminals not to plea bargain, overwhelming prosecutors and styming their ability to work effectively. Fueled even more by a desire for justice, Brock pushes on in her fight against Tate. But what she doesn’t realize is that things aren’t always what they seem and people aren’t always who they claim to be.

Randy Singer is a critically-acclaimed, award-winning author and veteran trial attorney. He was recently a finalist with John Grisham and Michael Connelly for the inaugural Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction sponsored by the University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal. He has authored ten legal thrillers, including the 2003 Christy Award-winning Directed Verdict, Irreparable Harm, Dying Declaration, Self Incrimination, The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney, False Witness, By Reason of Insanity (2009 Christy Nominee), The Justice Game (CBA Bestseller), and Fatal Convictions as well as the novella, The Judge Who Stole Christmas. He has also authored or co-authored three nonfiction titles. Randy runs his own law practice and was recently named to Virginia Business magazine’s select list of “Legal Elite” litigation attorneys. He also serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, VA. He calls it his “Jekyll and Hyde thing”—part lawyer, part pastor. He teaches classes in advocacy and civil litigation at Regent Law School Randy and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach and have two adult children. Visit his Web site at www.randysinger.net.
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What the Reviewers Say about Randy Singer

The Last Plea Bargain
Publishers Weekly
Veteran attorney Singer turns out another admirable legal thriller that will again draw comparisons to the inestimable John Grisham. . . . Singer skillfully loosens the strings and reweaves them into a tale that entertains, surprises, and challenges readers to rethink justice and mercy.

The Justice Game, CBA Best-Seller
Publishers Weekly
Christy-Award winning novelist and lawyer, Singer (Directed Verdict) lets the action sprint out of the gate with a murder in the first few pages. With murderer and victim dead, the moral issue of gun control takes center stage in the book, with a number of side dilemmas. … a book that will entertain readers and make them think—what more can one ask?

By Reason of Insanity, Christy Award Nominee
Publishers Weekly
Inspirational suspense novelist Singer (Directed Verdict) hooks readers from the opening courtroom scene of this tasty thriller, then spurs them through a fast trot across a storyline that just keeps delivering.

Booklist
At the center of the heart-pounding action are the moral dilemmas that have become Singer’s stock-in-trade. In addition to scrutinizing the insanity defense from an ethical point of view, Singer offers similar appraisals of the death penalty and vigilante justice. This is inspirational fiction, but it isn’t didactic or preachy, and it’s an exciting thriller all on its own.

False Witness
Publishers Weekly
In this gripping, obsessively readable legal thriller, Singer proves himself to be the Christian John Grisham. The three students … are especially well-developed. Indeed, readers may want to meet them again in a sequel.

Booklist *Starred Review*
Great suspense; gritty, believable action; and unnerving scenes of torture make this entry Singer's best yet.

Directed Verdict, Christy Award Winner
Publishers Weekly
There is plenty of room in evangelical Christian fiction for fresh voices, and debut novelist Singer is a promising one.

Play it Again by Tracy Krauss

Tracy Krauss, author of ‘edgy inspirational fiction’, is launching her book PLAY IT AGAIN on Feb. 21. You can help her achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at amazon.com TODAY – and receive all kinds of cool free gifts while you’re at it!

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Landing Page on Tracy’s Website

2. Buy the book at amazon.

3. Go back to the Landing Page and fill in the form with your name, email and purchase number

It’s that easy! You’ll be directed to your free gifts and all you have to do is choose which ones you want.

About the book:

An unlikely duo meet in Play It Again, a story of love, life and faith. Sparks fly when an ex-rock and roll junkie and a stuffy accountant rendezvous at a local resort, but neither are prepared for the emotional entanglements, family complications, and threat from the past that unexpectedly resurfaces. Set in the 1980s, this story brings two opposing forces together in a clash of romance and danger, while its musical undertones highlight the theme that God can turn anything into beautiful music. Play It Again is the much anticipated prequel to Tracy’s debut novel And the Beat Goes On. Find out where Mark Graham’s journey began in this, the story of his parents.

What others are saying about PLAY IT AGAIN:

“This is one of the best contemporary novels I've read all year. . . Not only was it well-written, but it was edgy in that the story dared to be honest. . . I can see this touching a lot of people who have thought about God but have been afraid to move forward.”

- Michelle Sutton, author of more than a dozen inspirational novels

“This book is hot property, and grabs your interest from page one.”

- Yvonne Pat Wright, author of From Spice to Eternity

Author bio:

Tracy Krauss is a high school teacher by profession, and a prolific author, artist, playwright and director by choice. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has gone on to teach Art, Drama and English – all the things she is passionate about. After raising four children, she and her husband now reside in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, BC where she continues to pursue all of her creative interests. Her first two books were both nominated for the ‘Indie Excellence Book Awards’ for religious fiction in 2011.

FREE STUFF:

Here’s just a sampling of the FREE e-gifts from generous supporters:

- An e-copy of Lisa Lickel’s award winning novel Meander Scar

- Sample chapters from The Promise of Deer Run by Elaine Cooper, Warring Spirits by April Gardner, and The Right Person by Stacy Padula

- Beautiful downloadable art cards by author and artist Brenda Hendricks

- A free subscription to ‘PixApple’

- You copy of Frazzled No More by Shelley Hitz

- A cool ‘Daily Scheduler’ developed by author Janalyn Voigt

- And much more!

All if you buy your copy of PLAY IT AGAIN at amazon.com on Feb. 21! All links will be operational on the ‘Landing Page’ at www.tracykrauss.com/

DISCLAIMER: This ‘Best Seller book launch’ has been coordinated with the help of the ‘John 3:16 Marketing Network’ and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, amazon.com

Not In the Heart by Chris Fabry

What Would You Do to Save the Life of Your Child?

Award-winning author and popular radio host Chris Fabry explores ethical dilemmas in his latest release, Not in the Heart

Dallas/Ft. Worth – If your child needed a life-saving heart transplant, how far would you go to make it happen? How would you feel if a man convicted of murder offered his heart to your child? What if you discovered the man was innocent, but the only way your child could live was to hide the truth? “I’ve found the only thing I can control is how well I tell the story and follow the truth. . . . The truth will always lead you to a good place,” reflects Truman Wiley, the main character in Chris Fabry’s newest novel, Not in the Heart. Fabry passionately delves into hot topics such as capital punishment, gambling addiction and organ donation, leaving readers to examine their own lives and views.

Chris Fabry has had an impressive career. He has written more than seventy books for children and adults. Last year, his novel Almost Heaven won the ECPA Fiction Book of the Year Award and a Christy Award for Outstanding Standalone Contemporary Novel. He has spent decades as a radio talk show host for Moody Radio and in 2008 was named “Talk Show Host of the Year.” In his latest book, Not in the Heart,Fabry tells the story of a father that faces an impossible situation while his world is falling apart.

Not in the Heart explores the life of Truman Wiley. Wiley once reported news stories from around the world, but now the only troubling headlines are his own. He’s out of work, separated from his family and buried in debt. His gambling addiction is out of control, but, above all else, his son needs a heart. When his estranged wife presents the opportunity to write the story of a death row inmate willing to donate his heart to Truman’s son, he takes the bait. And as the execution clock ticks, he will uncover disturbing evidence that may point to a different killer. For his son to live, will an innocent man die? As the investigation escalates, Truman will be forced to face his failures and make a choice that will change his life, his family and the destinies of two men forever.

Not in the Heart is a story of redemption—the story of two men’s lives who bear the consequences of their addictions and receive a second chance. Unfortunately, addiction has become commonplace in our culture, with the effects not only impacting the individuals but also those around them. This story will encourage anyone who has a loved one battling addiction.
Fabry has been praised by reviewers for being a compelling storyteller. He uses that gift to get inside the head of a father who has failed his family and himself—a man who has grown so numb from life’s experiences that the only way he knows how to cope is through gambling. Yet this broken man is called to save another’s life in a way that will shock readers.

Chris Fabry draws his readers into the lives of his characters, and as a result they face themselves. While acknowledging their frustration with Truman, readers will be forced to examine their own mistakes and weaknesses. The book also explores the controversy over organ donation by prisoners. Murder, suspense and broken relationships will keep readers peeling back the layers to discover the truth that lies deep within the heart.

The release date in February coincides with observances that create a greater awareness of the issues brought forward in the book. National Organ Donor Day, as designated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is set for February 14. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) will be observing Problem Gambling Awareness Week March 4-10, 2012

www.chrisfabry.com

Nearing Home by Billy Graham

I remember the first time I saw Billy Graham on television, preaching in a large stadium somewhere in the U.S. I remember listening intently and then thinking, wow, his message is so simple, so clear. There was no complicated theology, just simple Biblical truth. And thousands responded.

Mr. Graham's latest, and most likely last book is exactly that. The evangelist talks simply and openly about his journey into old age, the surprises, the difficulties, the joys, and then he outlines a recipe for aging well that is both Biblical and straightforward.

But this is not just a book for those moving into the twilight years. It's a book that should be read by everyone who wants to 'finish well.' Highly recommended.

Book Review of The Third Grace by Deb Elkink

This is a debut novel by Canadian author Deb Elkink. And it is well worth the read.

The novel captivated me from the beginning as Ms. Elkink spins the tale of Mary Grace, aka Aglaia Klassen, a young woman with an identity crisis. The story is spun expertly as we learn more and more of Aglaia's background and her struggle to discover who she really is. Her journey is wrapped up in an old romance and a tragic death, her struggle exacerbated by a university professor who wants to use Algaia's talents for her own ends.

I found myself wanting to cheer for Aglaia when she moves in the right direction and wanting to hiss at Lou, the professor whose agenda is dangerously close to becoming reality. The characters are well drawn and the skillful writing kept me wondering to the very end who would triump

h.

This book is a triumph and I look forward to more from Deb Elkink. She is a skilled writer and powerful

story-teller.

For information on ordering A Third Grace see Deb's website

Read Deb's bio here

Interview with Author Theresa Franklin

Journey to Fulfillment

Join Author, Theresa Franklin, in her tender and delightful memoir, Journey to Fulfillment, as she shares her life experiences that have molded her character into the woman God intended her to be. Theresa, honestly and brazenly discusses heartaches, tragedies and triumphs from childhood through adulthood. With an open and compassionate heart, the Author lays bare the adversity she has faced through life to include the loss of her first love to marrying and the challenges one can face in being a wife and a mother, and notably her struggles in teaching special needs children. Throughout all, there has been one constant in her life, the unconditional love of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Welcome, Theresa - Please introduce yourself, then tell us how you got started writing.

My name is Theresa Franklin. My husband and I live in Beaumont, TX where we raised our three children. I taught school for 12 years and then went into administration for 12 years. I retired in the spring of 2010. I have always loved writing and reading. I taught both in my classes. Even my first graders were taught to write stories. Every Wednesday was Creative Writing Day and the students looked forward to it. I had always dreamed of writing books, but didn’t have the time while my children were growing up and I was teaching school. The last year I, the Lord brought me through an emotionally charged situation. He laid it on my heart to write a book about it. He also gave me the title Journey to Fulfillment.

Did you begin with Journey to Fulfillment?

No, I began writing children’s books. Most of which I consulted the school psychologist about the subject matter. Children with disabilities have my heart, so a lot of my stories are about living with a disability. I also write about such things as death, divorce, and remarriage for children. The reality is that our children must deal with these adult issues and few books give them the necessary tools. I try to do that in my stories. I also write stories just for fun. Some stories were taken from my children’s adventures when they were growing up.

What have you published and what is your current project?

I have published the children’s books A Sunny Tomorrow, an e-format book which is a collection of 19 Christian-based stories. Don’t Forget Daddy is a children’s book about a little girl who must learn to accept a step-father. Journey to Fulfillment is the testimony of my emotional struggle to come to grips with some painful events in my life. In the book, I also help the adult reader to understand or turn the stumbling blocks into stepping stones. My latest book is titled Triumph Through Trials. It is an adult fiction about a family whose private life is much different than their public life.

As a writer of faith, what is your philosophy on marketing?

I have mixed feelings about marketing. I do understand that the story is mine and no one can sell it like me, but I do believe that publishers should help market it. It is frustrating for an author, especially a new one, to receive an email from the publisher with a list of ‘contacts you might want to connect with’. I believe a contact from a publisher gives the author much more status than a personal contact. Imagine yourself as the owner of a bookstore. You receive two calls in one day. First call, “Hi, I wrote a book and I wanted to know if you will let me come to your bookstore and sell it.” Second call, “Hi, I am from ABC Publisher and I have an author that I think you would be interested in hosting for a book signing.” Which author would you want in your store?

Tell us about a "God incident" related to your writing.

My adult book Journey to Fulfillment was precipitated by an emotional crisis that I experienced. After the initial shock, God impressed upon me that these painful events in my life had helped to shape my principles and convictions. In essence, they helped make me who I am today. Then He gave me the title Journey to Fulfillment.

What are your hopes/dreams for the future?

I hope to continue writing and helping children and adults navigate this rough terrain we call life. My husband hopes for grandchildren, but we will see.

What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write and wanting to publish?

I write what I know and from my heart. So that is what I would say to anyone beginning to write. On getting published? After I had written Journey to Fulfillment, let others read and edit it, edited it myself, and rewrote it for what seemed like the 14^th time, I was ready to submit it. I opened the website of my preferred publisher, but fear gripped me and I could not click ‘submit’. I called my husband into the room and asked him to pray with me. He got down on his knees, held my hand and prayed for God to bless this book and use it for His honor and glory. So I would say: pray, pray, pray.

Any last words?

Thanks for hosting me. I enjoyed spending the time with you. I would love to have you and your readers join me on my blog and website. I write on a variety of subjects. I have started writing and posting short stories occasionally. I am anxious to see how my readers like them. Readers can find me at:

http://www.theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com

http://www.storiesforchrist.com

To find Theresa's books follow the links below -

http://www.amazon.com/Journey-to-Fulfillment-ebook/dp/B004Z1672A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1326934380&sr=8-4

http://theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com

http://www.storiesforchrist.com

Warring Spirits by April Gardner

There’s a party going on!!


Historical fiction author April W Gardner is celebrating the release of Warring Spirits, the second book in her Creek Country Saga! Everyone who purchases Warring Spirits on Amazon today, December 15, 2011, will be entered into SIX different drawings for some cool and unique prizes. That’s right—ONE purchase. SIX chances to win. 


CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.


She’s also giving away personalized, signed book plates (labels for the inside cover). One for every book you purchase. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. Order today and cross a few names off your Christmas list!


So what’s this book about? Warring Spirits is the sequel to Wounded Spirits, April’s Grace Award winning debut novel. Here’s a bit about today’s featured novel: 


Where blood is spilt, unexpected love may bloom.


In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome.


Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle.  But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.


Sound intriguing? Head over to APRIL'S PLACE to learn more! Or go straight to AMAZON to get your copy.



I’ve invited the her to visit with us today, so we can get to know her a bit better.


April, welcome!


Hi! Thanks for having me and for being such a vital part of this special day.


Does your faith influence your writing? If so, in what way?
In the past, I’ve been deeply touched by Christian fiction, so I know that God can use it to reach lives. If He chose me as a vessel to do the same for others, I would be honored. I want every word that I write to glorify Him, but I also want to write realistically—no hokey, everyone-gets-saved-in-the-end Christianity for me. Life is tough. People reject Christ. Christians make mistakes—big ones. That’s the kind of reality in my writing that I strive for.


What made you choose to write about the Creek Indians?
My genealogy and the belief that Chief Red Eagle Weatherford is one of my greats prompted my research. It hasn’t been proven that he's family, but I don’t need proof to know that his life and that of his people are fascinating, inspiring, and sadly tragic.


What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
 Does plotting in the shower count? I really do my best plotting in the morning under a steaming hot shower. Our water bill doesn’t appreciate it, but my heroes do! 


Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I backed into my husband’s car, crunching the bumpers of both vehicles. Twice. In three months.
I can solve a Rubik Cube. Takes me ten minutes, but I can do it. It’s my only claim to braininess.
I collect antiquarian books.


If you could open your own retail store, what type of merchandise would you sell?
Is it cheating to say books? LOL I’d love to open a coffee shop/used book store. As an author, I’m supposed to loath used books, but I can’t help myself. Used books are the best! Used books plus coffee…utopia.


If you had to describe your personality using a Native American name, what would it be?
Butterfly Woman. Because my mind constantly flits from one subject to another.


What themes do you like to write about?
I get a thrill at finding an intriguing bit of history buried by time and lost to most. Any setting will do, although I prefer it be American. It’s important to know where we’ve come from and who carved our country into what it is.


What other books do you have in the works?
Next up is the release of the first book my children’s historical adventure series, Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang. It takes kids 9+ back to 1940 and the Nazi invasion of Guernsey Island, UK. The book is based on the events in the life of Ruth Davies, my friend and sister in Christ. It’s a history lesson and story of faith wrapped up in an enticing adventure, and I can’t wait to share it!


Head over to April's site to see what all the hoopla's about!

About April:
April W Gardner resides in Georgia with her USAF husband and two sweet kiddos. She is the author of the historical romance series, the Creek Country Saga, as well as the children’s adventure series, the Channel Islands Resistance. She is the founder and senior editor of the fun literary website, Clash of the Titles. In her free time, April enjoys reading, organizing, and DIY. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, and speaking Italian.