Books You Can Sink Your Mind Into
This is our catalog page by title. Just click on the cover to find out more about each book, listed in alphabetical order. If you can't find a particular title or author, we'll gladly assist you via email at koenisha@macatawa.org.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Baby Bun and the Littlest Tree
A Children's Christmas Poem
Elizabeth Leora McVay
ISBN 0-9759621-0-8 (children) 31 pages
retail price $12.95
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This is a Christmas story for all
time that you'll want to read as a yearly family tradition.
Click cover to read more about Baby Bun and the Littlest Tree by
Elizabeth Leora McVay
Beaver Village Adventures
A Beaver Village Read-Along Book
Linda Petty and Sharon Parrett
ISBN 0-9741685-1-3 (children) 226 pages
retail price $19.95
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This is the first in a series of Beaver Village read-along books sure to delight young and old alike.
Click cover to read more about Beaver Village Adventures by Linda Petty
and Sharon Parrett
The Bonsai Keeper
Nonfiction
Sharolett Koenig
ISBN 0-9759621-6-7 (record keeping
system) 140 pages
retail price $29.95
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A fun and easy, all-in-one organizing system that utilizes journaling and scrapbooking to store information and inspiration.
Click cover to read more about The Bonsai Keeper by Sharolett Koenig
Crucial Judgment
A Steve Asher Mystery
Al Blanchard
ISBN 0-9741685-3-X (mystery) 307 pages
retail price $19.95
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This is the third novel in Al Blanchard's first mystery series, and they just keep getting better.
"One of the best writers of mystery and dark fiction out there."
--Greg F. Gifune, author of Drago Descending and
Night Work
"Al Blanchard's numerous short stories are consistently clever and well-crafted, and now, with
Murder at Walden Pond, he has proven that his story telling talents translate
equally well to the novel length yarn. It's both a puzzling mystery and an insightful commentary on human nature."
--William G. Tapply, author of Muscle Memory and
First Light
"A great read. Blanchard has created a believable, reluctant hero in Steve Asher. I judge mysteries by how much fun it is to hang out with the detective. Asher joins Spencer, Scudder, Gunther, Kinsey and Carlotta as welcomed company."
--David R. Surette, author of
Malden
Click cover to read more about Crucial Judgment by Al
Blanchard
The Disappearance of Jenna Drago
A Lieutenant James Callahan Mystery
Al Blanchard
ISBN 0-9718758-8-X (mystery) 306 pages
retail price $19.95
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This is the second novel in Al Blanchard's second mystery series.
After fifteen years as a homicide cop, James Callahan has left that life behind to become a full-time artist. He lets his lawyer wife, Sally, deal with legal matters these days. When he gets a call from an old college friend, whose daughter is missing, asking for help he wants to say no. Callahan can't say no, as a father, since his own daughter was kidnapped, so he knows the pain his old friend, Frank Drago, is going through.
Once Callahan arrives in the small town of Northview, he realizes that Frank has been less than honest about his family situation and why he moved there. The law officers and other local residents are also less than forthcoming and seem to have their own issues and secrets. Callahan feels he needs help that he is not getting in Northview, so he calls in his old friend, B.J., who stood by him when he lost his job and after his daughter Mandy disappeared. They get pulled into a web that uncovers a murder and has Callahan in a possible frame-up.
The author's use of the wisecracking pal, B.J., and the topical references to music and other pop culture add humor and lift this book above the typical mystery. Hey, I never understood Neil Diamond song lyrics either. The use of sidekicks in mysteries adds so much fun and color to the plots. This is a polished, well-crafted story well worth the time of mystery lovers.
--reviewed by Roberta Austin at www.murderandmayhembookclub.com
Click cover to read more about The Disappearance of Jenna Drago by Al
Blanchard
Divine Appointments
The True Life Story of a Man's Quest to Do God's Will
Rev. Howard Koenig
ISBN 0-9700458-1-6 (inspirational) 164 pages
retail price $14.95
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Now in its third printing, this book will rekindle your desire to serve God to the fullest. God is still speaking to His people, who have an ear to hear. And for those who will hear, He has specific plans to bring glory and blessings into their lives and the people they touch.
This is a must read for every Christian. Buy extra copies for unsaved friends. It'll make a believer out of anyone.
"The book teaches us to pray for mission families so we may be led to intervene, to help support, to extend a hand and fulfill our own divine appointments," says Bonnie Stranahan at Myshelf.com. "These things have always been a part of God's plan for us; yesterday, today and tomorrow. A great book, a love story between a man and his creator."
Click cover to read more about Divine Appointments
by Rev. Howard Koenig
The Friend Factory
A Nonfiction Self-Help Chapter Book for Young Children
Gary Crow and Marissa Crow
ISBN 0-9718758-2-0 (children) 71 pages
retail price $9.95
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The Friend Factory is as informative as it is entertaining. Children need to be taught how to make good friends, the kind that will re-enforce positive character traits in each other. An uplifting reading experience written for kids with input from kids. This is the first in a character building series from the authors, Dr. Gary Crow and Marissa Crow.
Click cover to read more about The Friend Factory by Gary Crow and
Marissa Crow
The Haunted Hogan
A Native American Romantic Suspense novel
Leo DuLac
ISBN 0-9718758-3-9 (mystery) 299 pages
retail price $19.95
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A five-star review on Amazon.com says it all:
I actually have studied the Navajo culture and have a story with a Navajo
protagonist in the anthology Unholy Orders. But what Leo Du Lac offers
here are really incredible insights into contemporary Navajo society. He has a
terrific set of characters. The protagonist, Wassaja (an Osage Indian who lives
among the Navojo), is unique. He knows who he is and who he is not. He knows his
frailties and his failings--as well as his aims. The reader can only empathize
with him--he's so well drawn, and such an innocent for all his life's
experiences.
This is a very charming story. The relationships are very well drawn and realistic. The turning point--Wassaja inheriting a whole lot of money--serves as a catalyst for many unusual juxtapositions that we wouldn't be able to otherwise witness. The depictions here are a lot of fun and very wise. Du Lac examines everything in this rather interesting mix of people and motivations in a totally honestly, in-depth, unshrinking, but entertaining way. Good dialogue, good background, good characters, nice insights, and good writing.
----G. Miki Hayden from NYC, NY, author of Writing the Mystery, a Macavity winner and Agatha and Anthony nomination.
Click cover to read more about The Haunted Hogan by Leo Du Lac
His Spirit Within Me
A Collection of Poetry
Fannie Hawkins
ISBN 0-9700458-5-9 (poetry) 145 pages
retail price $14.95
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Arranged in alphabetical order, these poems chronicle the life of poet Fannie Hawkins and offer divine inspiration for every occasion and circumstance. These poems have been used in church worship, letters to convicts behind bars, gifts for loved ones, and now in an anthology, preserved for all to read.
Click cover to read more about His Spirit Within Me
by Fannie Hawkins
Ink On Her Nose
A Classic Locked-Room Whodunit
Sharolett Koenig
ISBN 0-9759621-3-2 (Mystery) 282 pages
retail price $19.95
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Shar Koenig switches writing gears with Ink On Her Nose, a classic locked-room whodunit that's sure to make your mouth water and your blood curdle, all at the same time. This uproarious side-splitting comedy will keep you guessing till the very end. Fraught with insider jokes and information, Ink On Her Nose is a must-read for all couch potatoes (whether you're a writer, reader, publisher, movie-goer, TV watcher, or all of the above).
Click cover to read more about Ink On Her Nose
by Sharolett Koenig
Intrigue In Italics
A Claire Gulliver Mystery
Gayle Wigglesworth
ISBN 978-0-9759621-8-3 (mystery) 282 pages
retail price $19.95
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Intrigue In Italics, the third novel in the Claire Gulliver mystery series, sweeps the reader away to Italy with twice the intrigue when Claire joins her mother and friend. Gayle Wigglesworth is at her best with more to come in this unique series that mixes spellbinding mysteries with travel.
Click cover to read more about Intrigue In Italics by Gayle Wigglesworth
The Iscariot Conspiracy
A Lieutenant James Callahan Mystery
Al Blanchard
ISBN 0-9700458-6-7 (mystery series) 278 pages
retail price $19.95
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From the author of Murder at Walden Pond and over 20 short stories published in various mystery magazines, comes the first in a new mystery series starring Police Lieutenant James Callahan. When he gets the call to investigate the scene of a car bombing, Callahan's personal life becomes the high stakes in this fast-paced riveting novel of suspense.
"Blanchard's characters are drawn with precise reality with all their flaws and foibles exposed. The characters are so believable that, at times, the reader will have a hard time remembering that
The Iscariot Conspiracy is only a work of fiction.
"The Iscariot Conspiracy by Al Blanchard is a page-turning murder mystery with a dash of international intrigue. Its plot is as complicated and mind-twisting as the coils of a giant anaconda, making it fun, exciting, and well worth reading."
--Myshelf.com
Click cover to read more about The Iscariot Conspiracy
by Al Blanchard
Is This Really Good, Or Am I Just Starved? Rhonda Ghent's Camp Recipes
A Tim MacCulfsky Mystery Series Spin-off
Sharolett Koenig
ISBN 0-9700458-2-4 (cookbook and camp guide) 200 pages
retail price $17.95
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Take to the great outdoors and solve the mystery of planning great meals and fun activities to keep campers of all ages happy. This unique guidebook, full of tips and advice, is just what you need to turn any trip into a memorable adventure. Fourteen days of meals and activities make your camping trip an unforgettable learning experience. This is a "must have" cookbook that is a joy to read.
Click cover to try a recipe from Is This Really Good, Or Am I Just Starved? Rhonda Ghent's Camp Recipes
by Sharolett Koenig
JimJim Meets PosterGuy
A Chapter Book for Young Children
Gary Crow and Brock Crow
ISBN 978-0-9759621-5-2 (children) 106 pages
retail price $12.95
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JimJim Meets PosterGuy is a book that teaches making right choices is not always easy, but it's the right thing to do.
Click cover to read more about JimJim Meets PosterGuy by Gary Crow and
Brock Crow
Lake of Spies
A Chase Brandon Espionage Novel
Sherri Bigbee and Steve Hicok
ISBN 0-9700458-8-3 (Espionage series) 393 pages
retail price $21.95
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Lake of Spies is the first novel in the Chase Brandon Espionage series, a fast-paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This book is an informative, as well as fun, read with the latest anti-terrorism tactics and high-tech information.
Shawn Coyne, president of RuggedLand writes:
"Tense moments, a nice job. A timely topic, even more so in the past
weeks"
Click cover to read more about Lake of Spies by Sherri Bigbee and Steve
Hicok
The Leadership Shop
A Teacher's Guide
Patti-Jo Burtnett
ISBN 0-9741685-6-4 (education) 186 pages
retail price $29.95
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The Leadership Shop is the Teacher's Guide for using The Friend Factory, The Yes Bank and The Success Train in the classroom or with groups learning about character and interpersonal development. It contains vocabulary builders, lesson plans, activity guides, reproducibles, and enrichment activities for elementary classrooms.
Click cover to read more about The Leadership Shop by Patti-Jo burtnett
Lost and Found Love
Anne E. Skalitza
ISBN 0-9741685-0-5 (Young Adult Romance) 175 pages
retail price $17.95
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Comments:
I just finished reading Lost and Found Love by Anne Skalitza. As an adult
who was born and raised on the Jersey Shore, I loved the imagery and the feel of
her book. As a former teen-ager I could relate well to her main characters. She
is a promising writer!
--Bernadette Zagrodny, Atlanta
I just wanted to offer my praise to the offer of "Lost and Found
Love" written by Anne E. Skalitza. Her writing was lovely. A friend sent me
a copy and I couldn't set it down. Despite the text being written for a middle
school demographic, I found her plot lines and character development enjoyable
for all ages.
--Amanda Marie, Charleston
Click cover to read more about Lost and Found Love by Anne E. Skalitza
The Mad Season
A Steve Asher Mystery
Al Blanchard
ISBN 0-9718758-1-2 (mystery) 289 pages
retail price $19.95
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School teacher Steve Asher is at it again. Readers will enjoy this well-written mystery that touches a serious chord, but makes you laugh at the same time. Al Blanchard draws upon his wide range of experiences to make The Mad Season a must read for those who enjoy unforgettable talented storytelling.
Click cover to read more about The Mad Season by Al Blanchard
My Life In Bits 'N' Pieces
A Unique Life Story With an Unstoppable Southern Wit
Gene Key
ISBN 0-9700458-0-8 (autobiography) 378 pages
retail price $21.95
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This unique story is a joyous blend of genealogy, history, inspiration and philosophy written from a Christian perspective. The Civil War Era photographs make this book worth purchasing and reading. A nice addition to any library or collection.
Click cover to read more about My Life In Bits 'N' Pieces
by Gene Key
Not By Accident
Deb Den Herder
ISBN 0-9759621-1-6 (romance) 241 pages
retail price $19.95
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Deb DenHerder has done it again with this tantalizing Christian romance that makes you wonder if an average American girl from the north woods of Minnesota and a young sought-after corporate executive can find true love.
Click cover to read more about Not By Accident by Deb Den Herder
One On Nothing
A Tim MacCulfsky Mystery
Sharolett Koenig
ISBN 0-9700458-7-5 (YA Mystery series) 251 pages
retail price $19.95
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The third novel in the Tim MacCulfsky young adult mystery series introduces the reader and Tim to Rhonda Ghent's family. Tim and Rhonda team up again in this lively romp through family life as he investigates Rochelle's secret cyber affair and discovers that her husband's fatal car crash was no accident.
Click cover to read more about One On Nothing
by Sharolett Koenig
Pie Pantry
A Sunny Farnum Hometown Cozy
Flavia Crowner
ISBN 0-9700458-9-1 (cozy series) 268 pages
retail price $19.95
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Pie Pantry is written for readers who want a down-to-earth slightly romantic cozy. Protagonist Sunny Farnum is paraplegic and faced with many challenging situations that you'll enjoy exploring with her in this first book of the series.
Click cover to read more about Pie Pantry
by Flavia Crowner
Plight of the Children
A Tim MacCulfsky Mystery
Sharolett Koenig
ISBN 0-9700458-0-8 (YA mystery series) 288 pages
retail price $19.95
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What was eighteen-year-old Tim MacCulfsky thinking when he picked up fifteen-year-old Rhonda Ghent hitching a ride to New York? He certainly wasn't expecting a madcap run for his life as he and the funloving, obnoxious, uncooperative runaway flee from a ruthless killer whose cleanup agenda includes the elimination of anyone connected to his past.
Sharolett Koenig lovingly creates a cast of well-defined characters, who tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh as you travel with them in the suspense-filled search for the only person who has a clue to the identity of Tim's birth parents. But Tim and Rhonda must find this person before the killer does.
A real page-turner for young and old alike, PLIGHT OF THE CHILDREN will leave you begging for more from the Tim MacCulfsky mystery series. An impressive first novel by Sharolett Koenig.
"Plight of the Children catches your eye from the very first, mysterious paragraph," says Ashley Gamblin at Myshelf.com. "The suspense made this read a definite page-turner. The further I got, the more I wanted to find out what was going to happen. The storyline was well written and spellbinding. It's something I think other teenagers who like mysteries will consider a good read too."
Click cover to read more about Plight of the Children
by Sharolett Koenig
Right Up Your Alley
A Tim MacCulfsky Mystery
Sharolett Koenig
ISBN 0-9700458-3-2 (YA mystery series) 301 pages
retail price $19.95
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Nineteen-year-old Tim MacCulfsky decides to take on one more case before quitting the P.I. business, which has become too rough for him to handle after seeing the subject of one of his searches, a 12-year-old boy, killed. This last case should be simple--find the grand prize winner of a million dollar sweepstakes. And it's a chance to earn enough money to finish college and pursue a career in civil law--his fee is a percentage of the prize money. And no dead bodies in this one! WRONG!
Tim immediately gets a bad feeling about it when the trail leads to a dead roommate who's been cooking the books and ripping off clients. With the help of his partner, Brent Weaver, and his friend, Clarence Drib, Tim survives a valuable lesson in friendship and trust.
If you enjoyed Plight of the Children, you have to read Right Up
Your Alley.
Click cover to read
more about Right Up Your Alley
by Sharolett Koenig
Sin of Omission
David Evans Katz
ISBN 0-9718758-6-3 (mystery) 211 pages
retail price $19.95
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Sin of Omission paints a picture of an ethnic neighborhood in the early sixties, describing how its inhabitants' simmering prejudices have traveled from the old country and re-emerged through three generations. The characters are realistic, and the story draws the reader into their lives. This nostalgic read will bring back memories for anyone who lived during the tumultuous sixties.
Click cover to read more about Sin of Omission by David Evans Katz
The Spy and the Miracle
Deb Den Herder
ISBN 0-9718758-5-5 (romance) 247 pages
retail price $19.95
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This story has it all--intrigue, romance between interesting characters who grow and develop, plot twists that will keep you turning the pages and inspiration that will confirm your belief in God. This is a good read for young adults and older readers.
Click cover to read more about The Spy and the Miracle by Deb Den Herder
The Stalker
& Other Tales of Love & Murder
A Short Story Collection
Al Blanchard
ISBN 0-9741685-9-9 (mystery) 283 pages
retail price $19.95
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From award winning and Boston Globe
best-selling author, Al Blanchard, come twenty-five stories of the mysterious
and bizarre.
Blanchard has long entertained readers with his two mystery
series, one featuring schoolteacher Steve Asher, and the other Boston homicide
detective James Callahan. Now the author has collected, for the first time, is
award winning tales of suspense and murder.
This collection displays the plot twists, surprises and humor
that Blanchard has become known for.
Click cover to read more about The Stalker & Other Tales of Love &
Murder by Al
Blanchard
The Success Train
A Nonfiction Self-Help Chapter Book for Young Children
Gary Crow and Marissa Crow
ISBN 0-9741685-5-6 (children) 73 pages
retail price $9.95
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The Success Train is as informative as it is entertaining. Children need to be taught how to say "yes" to success. An uplifting reading experience written for kids with input from kids. This is the third book in a character building series from the authors, Dr. Gary Crow and Marissa Crow.
Click cover to read more about The Success Train by Gary Crow and
Marissa Crow
Tea is for Terror
A Claire Gulliver Mystery
Gayle Wigglesworth
ISBN 0-9741685-2-1 (mystery) 247 pages
retail price $19.95
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Tea is for Terror is the first novel in the Claire Gulliver mystery series. This series combines travel and mystery in a unique way that allows the reader to solve the crime and experience a new location with each book. You'll really feel like you've "been there, done that" by the end of the book. You'll want to take one along to read on your next trip...if you like mysteries, that is!
Click cover to read more about Tea is for Terror by Gayle Wigglesworth
Under the Sun
A Christian Thriller
David Andrew Smith
ISBN 0-9741685-4-8 (Christian suspense) 337 pages
retail price $19.95
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Under the Sun is David Smith's second novel. He writes with intense
passion as he probes the subject of Christian idealistic values and stereotypes
in today's world. His books answer the question, "Can there be a modern day
Christian hero?" and fulfills that need for Christian youths.
David Smith practices what he preaches in his writing. All profits from the sale
of Under the Sun will be given to Matthew 25 Ministries. How far would
you go to love the unloved?
Click cover to read more about Under the Sun by David Andrew Smith
Washington Weirdos
A Claire Gulliver Mystery
Gayle Wigglesworth
ISBN 978-0-9759621-4-5 (mystery) 263 pages
retail price $19.95
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Washington Weirdos, the second novel in the Claire Gulliver mystery series, is a compelling, edge-of-the-seat drama played out against the background of our nation's capital. Gayle Wigglesworth crafts her novels in a unique way that allows the reader to solve the crime and experience a new setting with each book.
Click cover to read more about Washington
Weirdos by Gayle Wigglesworth
A Writer's Concordance:
Every Thing the Bible Says About Writing
An Inspirational Concordance Series
Sharolett Koenig
ISBN 0-9741685-7-2 (inspirational) 110 pages
retail price $12.95
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A Writer's Concordance: Every Thing the Bible Says About Writing isn't just another religious book or a book about writing. It addresses the basic need of all writers to understand the original intent and purpose of writing. It fills 110 pages with 1085 Bible verses that have to do with writing, books and publishing.
Click cover to read more about A Writer's Concordance: Every Thing the Bible
Says About Writing by Sharolett Koenig
The Yes Bank
A Nonfiction Self-Help Chapter Book for Young Children
Gary Crow and Marissa Crow
ISBN 0-9718758-7-1 (children) 71 pages
retail price $9.95
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The Yes Bank is as informative as it is entertaining. Children need to be taught how to win favor. An uplifting reading experience written for kids with input from kids. This is the second book in a character building series from the authors, Dr. Gary Crow and Marissa Crow.
Click cover to read more about The Yes Bank by Gary Crow and
Marissa Crow
Young Gentlemen's School
New and Collected Poems
A Collection of poems
David R. Surette
ISBN 0-9741685-8-0 (poetry) 128 pages
retail price $14.95
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David R. Surette is a working poet who does readings of his work every chance he gets. You'll want a copy of this enlightening collection.
Click cover to read more about Young Gentlemen's School, New and Collected
Poems by David R. Surette