Cheryl Ellis Reviews New Inspirational Fiction by Donald James Parker

Title: All the Stillness of the Wind
Author: Donald James Parker
Author Website: http://DonaldJamesParker.com
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
ISBN-13: 978-1-2345-6789-7
Publisher: Sword of the Spirit Publishing
Rating: 5 star

Reviewed by Cheryl Ellis for All Book Reviews

Whether seeking personal peace, finding the path to redemption or satisfying a need for knowledge; your journey could begin by reading this book!

A ‘parable’ is an avenue used to get a point across, by telling a fictional story, allowing the listener to make their own conclusions. It usually pertains to a moral or spiritual idea. Jesus was famous for his use of parables, and I believe that this fictional story would best be described as a modern day parable.

Jeremy is dating Maria and coincidentally, his father, Paul is dating Maria’s mother, Lisa. The women are devote Christians, who know their futures lie with men of similar beliefs. Jeremy has already studied the theory of evolution and concluded that there must have been a creator. The men set out to research religion and it’s many viewpoints, with special focus on Christianity, the arguments for and against. They share their newfound knowledge and acceptance with the women, as their beliefs are discussed or debated.

The comfort level and bantering conversations between the four characters made me laugh, as I learned right along with them. Throughout their search, they ‘weed through’, accept or reject different viewpoints on what man must do, to inherit eternal life. Along the way, they discover there are numerous ways to reconnect with God and inner peace, by way of music, prayer and more.

The couples celebrate their first Christmas together, the happy memory quickly shattered by a horrific accident, which would shake even the strongest of believers’ faith. It is then that we learn about grace, “the ability to forgive people for messing up” and about the five steps of grieving. This is one of the many times that Satan feeds our anger and, only once he has been renounced, is the burden lifted. Love and faith are a true believers path to a good life, and the key to the much believed in, Heaven.

The author, Donald James Parker, has told a brilliant version of a parable, and shown us a way to begin the search for truth. It is easy to read and identify with, not heavy on scriptures. He provides a few web sites as well as scriptures for future research.

Donald James Parker, graduated from Dakota State University with a degree in secondary education, then went on to study computer programming. After 25 years of IT work, his passion for writing took over. The outcome, to our benefit, is a book series involving two generations of the Masterson family. One never knows what the future holds, but I am sure more books are to follow. He is currently working on other books “engaging the cultural climate of the 21st century.”

To review this book was incredible timing. Either divine intervention or just plain coincidence, as it came to me in a time of many questions. It has had a positive influence on my life, by encouraging me to reconnect with my roots and beliefs, on my own search for peace.

I highly recommend reading this book.

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Stem Cells: How To Form an Ethical and Reasoned Opinion

Title: Right to Recover: Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America
Author: Yvonne Perry
ISBN-13:978-1-933449-41-8
Publisher: Nightengale Press
Pages: 324
Price:$19.95
June 2007

Reviewed by Cheryl Ellis, www.allbooksreviews.com

If you have been unable to settle on an educated opinion concerning stem cell research, this well laid out book should end your dilemma.
Stem cell research is being conducted for both medical and scientific reasons. It could be the answer to many debilitating and terminal afflictions including Cancer, Parkinson's Disease, Arthritis, Spinal Cord Injury and many more.
It is clearly evident that Yvonne Perry has spent countless hours researching the two categories of stem cells; adult and embryonic. “Adult Stem Cells” are harvested from umbilical cord blood, the placenta, amniotic fluid and bone marrow. “Embryonic Stem Cells” are harvested from fertilized eggs created in-vitro (outside the body). It has already been proven that adult stem cells can repair and regenerate diseased cells. Stem cells contain pertinent information as to how the cell develops. From this information the scientist can learn what is needed to prevent genes from becoming dysfunctional or produce drugs or treatment to cure the ones that are already diseased.
Without overstepping, Yvonne Perry presents both religious and political opinions. The facts that she enlightens us with are enough that we should all ponder what is really going on in the name of religion and politics. Just how much either can control our present and our future.
The author, Yvonne Perry has surpassed her goal of educating each reader with an honest evaluation of this controversial subject. Stem cell possibilities are without a doubt a realistic aspect of our future yet an ethical and political debate in our present. ‘Right to Recover’ is complete with Index, Appendix and Bibliography, with well laid out current information. She is a freelance writer, author, keynote speaker and ghostwriter. Her books are evidence of her natural desire to assist people along a spiritual path, as they are well researched and challenge people’s belief systems.
I would highly recommend everyone read this book. Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbooks Review
Available through Amazon or order from your local bookstore.