Tag Archives: HPI

Christian Novel “The Yoke” Explores Deception, Faith, and Love

December 18, 2016 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Barnabas Mitchell wasn’t always a Christian. In fact, he had a lot of doubts about his faith. As an attorney, faith in the facts and how to present them for the benefit of his clients took precedence in his life.

Carbondale, IL (USA), December 18th, 2016 — Barnabas Mitchell wasn’t always a Christian. In fact, he had a lot of doubts about his faith. As an attorney, faith in the facts and how to present them for the benefit of his clients took precedence in his life. However, all of that came into question when he met Stephanie Schultz.

“Writing this story has been a many year endeavor,” said author Darrell Dunham. “In fact, the original version that I wrote five years ago bears little resemblance to the finished product. As I spent time with the characters and chronicled Barnabas’ journey to turn his life over to God, the story took on a life of its own. Originally the book was based on some of my own experiences questioning my faith and making the decision to put my life in God’s hands. I wanted to create a story that others who are questioning their faith could relate to. In fact, many of the arguments for resisting God that Barnabas shares were direct quotes from my own discussions with others of faith.”

In “The Yoke” readers will be captivated by the story of Barnabas and his nemesis Bill Cushman, who appears to have everything going for him, but who is truly an evil entity with an agenda that will challenge and frustrate our main character. However, at the core, “The Yoke” is the love story of Barnabas and Stephanie and Barnabas and God.

The word “yoke” was originally associated with oxen or work animals and represented a connection between the animal and the farmer. In this book by Dunham, the yoke refers to a number of the relationships Barnabas has in his life; with Bill Cushman, with Stephanie and ultimately with God.

“I reference my favorite scripture as part of the epilogue,” said Dunham.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“This is one unexpected ride,” said Lisa Umina, founder and publisher of Halo Publishing International. “If you were expecting a milquetoast story because of the fact that it is a Christmas novel, you are in for a surprise. Highly entertaining and so well written, I encourage those who are people of faith or who are questioning their faith and looking for a good story to pick up “The Yoke”.”

“The Yoke” is now available at Halo Publishing, Amazon. It is available in paperback for $15.95.

* Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1612445004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481657302&sr=8-1&key

About Darrell Dunham:
Darrell Dunham practices law in southern Illinois. He has been a Christian for more than thirty-five years. He and his wife, Betsy, have five children and six grandchildren. He wrote this book because he believes that there should be more Christian literature written for the benefit of young adults who are looking for encouragement in their faith journey.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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“Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees” Encourages Readers to be Curious and Courageous

December 13, 2016 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

“Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees” encourages children to be curious about the different ways money can be made and grown.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (USA), December 13th, 2016 — Before we can save money, we must first make money. “Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees” encourages children to be curious about the different ways money can be made and grown. The main character, Anthony, is interested in understanding where money is made and with the help of his teacher, uncovers a variety of ways money is made and used.

“How often have we said the phrase ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ never fully appreciating how that might be viewed by impressionable, imaginative children?” asks author Tony Bland. “I wanted to create a book that would help young readers become curious about the opportunities for future income and be inspired to learn more.”

“Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees” is a book about the adventures of a little boy and his desire to learn about the world of finance. It is a story of family values, teacher involvement, and the impact of words on the mind of an impressionable child.

The colorful illustrations, provided by Chad Thompson, help bring to life the ways in which money is garnered and used in our everyday life. Anthony, the main character in the story, understands that money doesn’t grow on trees but is curious as to how money does grow. Together, he and his teacher consider all of the ways in which money is accumulated and used in our life.

“To take care of yourself financially, you have to monetize your intelligence and ideas,” said Bland. “This book is the first in a series that will explore the different ways people can make money. If they are curious, work hard and take advantage of the opportunities that are available, the possibilities for making money are endless.”

“This delightful tale will inspire parents to have important conversations about money with their children,” said Lisa Umina, founder and president of Halo Publishing. “It is a wonderful gift for parents and grandparents hoping to instill a respect for money in their children.”

“Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees” is now available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon, in hard cover for $18.95.

* Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/money-doesnt-grow-on-trees-tony-bland/1125195031?ean=9781612445137

* Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Money-Doesnt-Grow-Trees-Bland/dp/1612445136/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480348641&sr=8-2&keywords=Tony+bland

About Tony Bland:
Tony Bland was born and raised as the only son to parents who divorced when he was nine years old. He is now an executive in the financial services industry with an Undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Connecticut, and a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of North Carolina. From an early age, he had a curiosity about business and sees the same curiosity in his twelve-year old son, Anthony.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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“The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” Inspires Young Readers to Pursue Their Dreams

August 27, 2016 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

First time author, Ashby Bland, brilliantly captures the idea of working toward a goal with a simple, yet profound voice.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (USA), August 27th, 2016 — You’ve heard the quote “if at first you don’t succeed, try-try again.” The main character in this new children’s picture, “The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” brings the idea of being persistent to life. First time author, Ashby Bland, brilliantly captures the idea of working toward a goal with a simple, yet profound voice.

“I want young readers to have the confidence to go for their dreams,” said Ashby Bland, author and recently enrolled freshman at Columbia University. “Too many are quick to tell people they can’t do something; this book was written to encourage readers to set their goals and then persistently work towards achieving them.”

Ms. Bland first penned “The Girl Who Tried to Catch” the Moon when she was just four years old. Over the years she would stumble upon the story and make little refinements but the message always stayed the same. “You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Bland.

People discouraged Ms. Bland from applying to Columbia University, number four on the list of most difficult universities to get into according to the 2016 Hardest to Get survey which ranks 1,349 colleges based on acceptance rates. However, she had a goal of attending college there and set her sights on being accepted. She begins her freshman year this fall where she is studying Creating Writing.

Ms. Bland has been writing short stories, poems and novels since her early childhood and hopes that her first book, “The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” is the start of a series of stories about girls and boys who try different things in their life.

“I know that young readers will be captivated by the colorful illustrations that accompany this inspiring tale,” said Lisa Umina, founder and publisher of Halo Publishing International. “Ashby has written a wonderful story that will help children see that, even if a dream seems impossible, like catching the moon, if you try hard enough you just might be successful.”

“I am excited to see this story come to life and be available for children all over,” said Bland. “I hope young readers are encouraged by this story of having a dream, working hard, overcoming obstacles, and problem solving to eventually see your dream become a reality.”

Certainly for Ms. Bland, this delightful story is a testament to her persistence, problem solving skills and ultimate success.

“The Girl Who Tried to Catch the Moon” is available in hard cover for $18.95 through:
Halo Publishing – http://halopublishing.com/1a-c/ashby-bland.html#the-girl-who-tried-to-catch-the-moon

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Tried-Catch-Moon/dp/1612444962/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471880957&sr=8-1&keywords=9781612444963

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-who-tried-to-catch-the-moon-ashby-bland/1124420099?ean=9781612444963

About Ashby Bland:
Ashby Bland is an eighteen year old writer and artist from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is currently a freshman at Columbia University in the City of New York. In the future, Ashby will continue to create thought-provoking works of art and literature.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Newly Released Dagah: The Great Fish is a Whale of a Tale!

August 26, 2016 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Author Victoria McCarty Pens a Heartfelt Children’s Story of Faith and Trust.

Baltimore, MD (USA), August 26th, 2016 — We are familiar with the story of Jonah, a Bible story of epic proportions told of a man who is swallowed whole by a whale. But have we ever considered the story from the whale’s point of view? “Dagah: The Great Fish” is just that, the tale of a great whale who was called upon by God to participate in a mission far greater than he could have imagined.

“When my friend Inky asked the question – what did the whale think – it inspired me to create a colorful children’s book that would explore the relationship the fish had with God and how he came to swallow Jonah,” said author Victoria McCarty. “The question was asked jokingly but Inky really helped me delve into the story further and imagine what it would be like to be asked to do something far outside our comfort zone. “Dagah: The Great Fish” explores that experience. How do we respond when we are asked to do something we are sure we cannot.

In the story “Dagah: The Great Fish”, the main character is swimming along happily when he hears a voice that asks him to leave the comforts of home, food, and shelter and travel into the cold, dark waters of the unknown. Through a strong faith and trust in God, Dagah travels into a variety of interesting places and plays a major role in the story of Jonah, a simple man that God is also used for far greater good.

“Dagah: The Great Fish” is Victoria’s own experience in being asked to do something out of the norm. Prior to this story, Victoria has enjoyed writing but it was a very private endeavor. However, with “Dagah: The Great Fish” she felt called upon to create a story of faith and share it with the world.

“My hope is that “Dagah: The Great Fish” will resonate with young readers,” said McCarty. “Children have all experienced times when teachers, parents and other adults in their life have asked them to do something they felt was too difficult. Hopefully “Dagah: The Great Fish” will teach them that through faith and trust in God, who is always at their side offering support and comfort, they can accomplish great things.”

“Not only is this a wonderful children’s story,” said Lisa Umina, founder and publisher of Halo Publishing International, “but it is also a tale that will inspire parents to seek out more information about Jonah and other stories in the Bible that focus on God’s love and the importance of trusting in Him.”

Victoria’s story is accompanied by the beautiful art of her sister, Sarah Holtsberg, who is currently attending college. Her drawings bring the story of Dagah to life.

“Dagah: The Great Fish” is available through Halo Publishing as well as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

About Victoria McCarty:
Victoria McCarty is an art teacher, writer and active participant in children’s ministry in rural Carroll County, Maryland. She resides with her husband, dog, and cat focusing on church activities and creating studio artwork. Sharing God’s word in creative ways is one of Victoria’s passions. “Dagah: The Great Fish” is her first published work.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

Entertainment

Halo Publishing Author Miguel Coppedge Meets with President Obama

February 20, 2016 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Ten-Year Old Author of “The Adventures of FireMan” Provides Inspirational Example.

Washington, D.C. (USA), February 19th, 2016 — Just like many ten-year old boys, Miguel Coppedge dreams of being a firefighter, an NBA point guard or an author. However, unlike most, Miguel is doing something about making his dreams a reality. Miguel has just published the first in a series of children’s books featuring the super hero Kris Schmoove and his best friend Rico G. The boys discover their super powers and together they defeat “The Destroyer!”

“I really like firefighters and super heroes,” said Miguel Coppedge, who wrote this first book, The Adventures of FireMan, when he was only eight years old. “Superman is my favorite and I wanted to write a story that combined two of my favorite things.”

Since writing his first book, Miguel has visited a variety of local churches, schools and daycare centers to read his book. He has visited the local fire station and read his book to two different fire chiefs.

“That was a great experience,” said Miguel. “I’m afraid of heights but I got to put on a uniform and climb up the really tall ladder. It was awesome.”

He is not only a local celebrity but recently had the opportunity to gain a new fan; one of worldwide notoriety.

“Miguel attended the Day of Service at our local Boys and Girls Club and was surprised with a visit from President Obama,” said Yolanda Coppedge, Miguel’s proud mother.

“I got to sit by President Obama and even told him a joke,” Miguel shared. “He laughed! It was great.”

Shortly after President Obama’s visit, Miguel sent a thank you package to the President and within a matter of weeks received an invitation to visit the White House. Miguel Coppedge took a signed copy of his book The Adventures of FireMan, which is dedicated in part to President Obama, to the White House. President Obama responded with a beautiful thank you note signed, “Your friend.”

“Miguel has always been a fabulous child,” said his mother. “When he sets his mind to something, he follows through. I didn’t even know he was thinking about writing a story until he came to me one night with a notebook and said Here, Mom, I wrote a book.”

“We are so excited to have Miguel Coppedge as part of the Halo Publishing family,” said Lisa Umina, founder and President of Halo Publishing. “He is an inspiration and we know that we are witnessing the beginning of his journey as a successful author.”

Miguel has already written a sequel to The Adventures of Fireman and hopes to have it available in stores later this year.

“You are never too young to do anything,” Miguel told a group of children at a recent book reading. “Always follow your dreams no matter what your age.”

The Adventures of FireMan is available for $20.00. Three dollars from each book is donated to St. Ann’s Infant Home (stanns.org) in Hyattsville, MD which is where Miguel lived before being adopted by Yolanda.

Signed copies can purchased through his PayPal link for $23.00 total ($20 for book $3 for shipping)

* Hardcover: 32 pages
* Publisher: Halo Publishing International (September 25, 2015)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1612443729
* ISBN-13: 978-1612443720
* Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches

About Miguel Coppedge:
Miguel is a 10-year old who loves school and learning new things. Miguel loves reading and writing. Miguel also loves video games and playing sports and basketball is his favorite. Most of all Miguel loves to have fun! Follow Miguel on social media:

Facebook – facebook.com/The-Adventures-of-FireMan-1613791605551507/
Instagram – instagram.com/theadventuresoffireman/
Twitter – twitter.com/miguelcoppedge

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

Entertainment

The Ultimate Battle Between Good and Evil Hits Bookstores

January 10, 2016 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Halo Publishing Author James Chinery Pens Fantasy Novel: Bane & Blessing.

Frankenmuth, MI, January 9, 2016 — Bane & Blessing, the first in a series of fantasy novels by James Chinery was recently published via Halo Publishing International. The main characters, Lazarus, Anselm and Mikal face a variety of challenges, adventures and fantastic conflict when dealing with the realities of a world where not everything is black and white.

“I have been a fan of fantasy and sci-fiction since I was a young boy reading Lord of the Rings,” said James Chinery, author of Bane & Blessing. “I wanted to create a fiction world in which characters are faced with decisions and an understanding that life isn’t always easy. There is good and bad and sometimes the lines are blurred. In Bane and Blessing magic isn’t evil; it is how people chose to use their magic that becomes good or evil.”

In Bane and Blessing one of the main characters, Anselm Van Helflyn, who is a newly consecrated mage of the Antiochim, is sent out on a mission to investigate reports of dark magic being practiced in Askani. What he finds will shake the continent, challenge theologians and threaten the peace between man and elf that has existed for a hundred years. Has dark magic returned to Superion? The Superion Union declares no, but the evidence proclaims a more sinister truth.

“In all my readings over the years, I realized that, with the exception of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, there aren’t any fantasy adventure books that depict religious leaders and religious beliefs as a positive influence. As a Lutheran minister, I wanted to create a book that wove a fairer representation of religious beliefs while also recognizing that no one person or idea is perfectly good. However, in Bane & Blessing readers will find that the evil characters are truly evil.”

Although the book has only been available for a short time, readers are already sharing their comments via social media. One reader says: “In Bane and Blessing, the author has created not just a story, but an entire world called Superion set in an austere, medieval era. It is an epic story where the actions of the characters matter to the fate of the entire world.”

A reader on Barnes and Noble had this to say: “As the story unfolds, it shows how newly consecrated magician, Anselm Van Helflyn, is sent out on a mission to investigate reports of dark magic that were practiced in Askani. What the magician finds out will challenge everyone including the ordinary person and theologian. It will threaten the peace between man and elf too. It would seem that dark magic has returned to Superion.”

“I really enjoyed working with Jim on his first novel, Bane & Blessing,” said Lisa Umina, publisher and founder of Halo Publishing International. “Jim’s love of adventure in a fantastical world comes alive on the page and his unique background adds an element of history and religion that inspire readers to look for connections between fantasy and reality. I look forward to reading his next installment.”

Bane & Blessing is available via Amazon and Barnes and Noble; $15.95 for paperback and the e-version is available for $6.99.

* Paperback: 300 pages
* Publisher: Halo Publishing International (December 11, 2015)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1612444393
* ISBN-13: 978-1612444390

About James Chinery:
James Chinery is a former occupational therapist and now full-time pastor and chaplain who has always wondered if there were one or two hobbits lurking in his ancestral tree. He lives in Frankenmuth, MI, with his wife, three children and two unruly yet goodhearted chocolate labs. His interests include fishing, hunting, homeschooling, reading and doing his best to live as both sinner and saint.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. http://www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

Entertainment

Is Believing Enough or Do You Need Hope and Oxygen, Too?

September 27, 2015 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Surviving divorce, raising children and starting over is something Katie Kelley Detmer understands all too well.

San Antonio, TX (USA), September 25, 2015 — Katie Kelley Detmer is an emerging author and speaker looking to touch those around her with a message of faith, family and hope. Detmer always wanted to write, but it wasn’t until after her divorce, the loss of her parents and being a mother of three children that she gained the courage to share her personal story of love, struggles, faith, hope and courage.

In her debut novel Hope & Oxygen, Detmer touches readers and shares her motto of: “It is never as bad as it seems and even though it may be hard, it’s never impossible.” Detmer’s book is geared to women and single mothers, however, fathers will be able to connect to many of the personal journeys Detmer shares such as learning even if something seems dark, impossible, you just need to take the first five minutes…the first step and keep going. Detmer talks about how single parents, wives and husbands need to focus on the first few days, weeks or months and not focus on fives years out from the goal.

“My book covers the seven-year journey I took in getting back into the work force and the dating scene after my divorce as a single mother of three children. It wasn’t easy raising my kids on my own. I had to learn how to balance my life while making sure I kept my focus on myself, my kids and what I wanted to achieve at work,” shared Detmer. “My journey had many ups and downs. I made mistakes, and sometimes people in my life were not honest with me, and I had to protect my kids from it all the best I could.”

Hope & Oxygen is a true story and starts with Katie Kelley Detmer’s earliest memories of a chaotic event that she survived without a blemish. Well, sort of. Detmer’s life has been a series of unexpected events and obstacles that she has had to hurdle. From getting divorced to dating a man sometime after who was trouble but seemed wonderful at the time, and later watching her children go through challenges, including her son being told he wouldn’t be a football player; miraculously, Detmer has always landed on her feet.

“My book isn’t about my ex-husband or why my marriage failed but rather a story about starting over with three kids and traveling down that unchartered path that so many woman travel. I didn’t want this to be a negative or dark book but rather a book of hope laced with plenty of humor even though at the time it may not have seemed funny” said Detmer. “Sharing the trials and tribulations about ‘that guy’ I dated after my divorce was critical to my book as so many woman I have met over the years have ‘that story’. Things don’t always end well in relationships, including marriages. Yes, sometimes an ex can be awful and painful, but my story isn’t about those things. It’s about picking yourself up, dusting off the bad memories and starting over. I want readers to know that things aren’t always that bad and with hope and oxygen, all things are possible.”

Hope & Oxygen takes readers full cycle throughout Detmer’s journey and the tiny opportunities that come along to keep her moving forward through it all.

“Everyone can tell you it is impossible, but it’s not. We do need companionship, be it family, friends or a special person in our lives,” commented Halo Publisher Lisa M. Unima. “I believe it was faith and the importance of her children that helped get Katie through it all. Women email her to share their stories, and that truly shows the inspiration Hope & Oxygen gives readers.”

You can purchase Hope & Oxygen through Halo Publishing’s website (http://halopublishing.com), Amazon and B&N.

Biography:
Katie Kelley Detmer is the proud mother of three children. She grew up in New England, went to college in Boulder, Colorado and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She is an outside enthusiast and has traveled the world cultivating lifelong friendships and memories.

Hope & Oxygen by Katie Kelley Detmer, publisher Halo Publishing, Int., ISBN: 9781612443690; Price: $14.95

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

Entertainment

New Book Encourages Couples to Celebrates Life Even When One of Them Has a Terminal Illness

August 29, 2015 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

The personal narrative of Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer, by Kasey Crawford Kellem is a remarkable memoir that shares her personal struggle, unconditional love for her husband Craig, and their losing battle against prostate cancer.

Cleveland, OH (USA), August 27th, 2015 — There’s more than one way to tell a sad story, but sharing a true story of love, hope, faith and the loss of a loved one to cancer can be painful, difficult and heart wrenching, as well as uplifting and encouraging. The personal narrative of Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer, by Kasey Crawford Kellem is a remarkable memoir that shares her personal struggle, unconditional love for her husband Craig, and their losing battle against prostate cancer.

“We loved, laughed and lived to the very end,” shared Kasey. “We didn’t give up on life just because of a grim outcome. Craig’s life touched many people from family, close friends and strangers who followed our journey through social media.”

In the memoir, Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer readers experience some of the uplifting events and ways Kasey and Craig celebrated, danced and enjoyed life. “You have a choice in this world and we chose to believe,” said Kasey, and believe they did. With a cancer diagnosis hanging over their heads, Kasey and Craig paid it forward by encouraging others also battling cancer and hardships to find the joy in life around them. Kasey and friend, Harry, even started a trend based off the concept of a Flash Mob to help uplift not only Craig, but family, friends, co-workers and complete strangers with what they dubbed a Love Mob.

Kasey is a big believer, teacher and role model of being resilient. Living with Multiple Sclerosis and having lost her mother eleven years ago, she knows how to overcome challenges. “My mom used to say, ‘If this is the worst that can happen to you, then you’re lucky,’” said Kasey. “Craig also had a motto: ‘This too shall pass.’ Because we believed and celebrated life, laughed, dreamed and were surrounded by loving people, we were able to get through the hard times.”

In Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer readers will relate to the love and devotion Kasey and her husband Craig experienced as they believed and celebrated to the very end. Much of the memoir draws upon memories and social media posts Kasey shared on Facebook throughout their journey with cancer. “When I sat down to write after Craig passed, it was very raw and fresh to me the experiences we went through. I found going through my timeline and being able to reflect was very cathartic and therapeutic. I wasn’t able to process what was happening to us at the time. I was on autopilot. I couldn’t let myself get emotional. I had to be a rock for my husband. But now, I was able to see what happened and how we made it through to the end. Writing this memoir has helped me process everything. I’m not bitter. I don’t play the ‘What if’ game. We lived…we believed,” shared Kasey.

Kasey Crawford Kellem’s raw honesty reveals every emotion she faced and the various thoughts that raced through her mind after her husband Craig was given his death sentence. Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer is not exactly happy. It’s not that kind of book. However, it will linger long and hard in the minds of readers and show life is worth living no matter the outcome. But it’s not a cancer book either…because cancer books suck.

“In the midst of a cancer diagnosis, most patients and family members find it difficult to retain the information they hear. Having a loved one live with a terminal diagnosis for an extended period of time is fast replacing sudden and unexpected death as a norm,” said Halo Publisher Lisa M. Umina. “In this emotional rendition of Kasey and Craig’s battle with cancer, Kasey encourages people fighting this dreaded disease to never lose hope, to keep believing and to celebrate life to the every end.”

You can purchase Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer through Halo Publishing’s website (http://halopublishing.com), Amazon, B&N and local bookstores.

Biography:
Kasey Crawford Kellem, a school counselor, has devoted her life to helping others facing adversity overcome their challenges and be resilient. She earned a bachelor and master’s degree in special education and an educational specialist degree in counseling. Kasey is the author of five Mind Over Matter children’s books: Believe; Love; Relax; Laugh; and Dream. She is a recent widow, stepmother, sister, daughter and friend to many.

Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer by Kasey Crawford Kellem, publisher Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN: 978-1-61244-379-9; Price: $14.95

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

Entertainment

Successful Businessman Shares Personal Journey to Self-Discovery and Faith

March 31, 2015 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Greg Grandchamp is not trying to sell you on his religion, in fact, calling himself a Christian had no impact on his life until he grew in his own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and realized how many people were what he now calls, “Cardboard Christians.”

Colorado Springs, CO (USA), March 31st, 2015 — Greg Grandchamp is not trying to sell you on his religion, in fact, calling himself a Christian had no impact on his life until he grew in his own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and realized how many people (himself included) were what he now calls, “Cardboard Christians.” Wanting to change this stereotype in his own life, and in others, he set out to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. His goal, to stimulate awareness and increase the understanding of what being a Christian is really about, and help others enhance their own faith and restore their sense of connection to true Christianity.

“To the world, it is as if we are trying to build our numbers and that isn’t what Christianity is about. It is a life commitment and Jesus should be our center or life is meaningless,” says Grandchamp. “I want people to understand Christianity isn’t about following rules, rituals and guidelines either. It’s not about a nice person being nicer. It’s about acting like a Christian and being able to share your faith… a testimony of Christ.”

Grandchamp’s debut novel, In Pursuit of Truth (published by Halo Publishing, Int.) is about how Christianity today is often viewed by others as judgmental, hypercritical and condemnatory.

“People feel very uncomfortable talking about Christ. They don’t want friends to feel pushed. I want people to feel at ease to talk about Jesus Christ and his role in our lives,” states Grandchamp, “There is no middle ground if Jesus Christ is who he says he is—then that, changes everything! You can’t be blasé. You have to accept or reject him. It’s your choice, but you need to know both sides first.”

Too often people are turned off by what they see in religion. Many feel religious practices are bound by rules and regulations. Grandchamp asks readers to ponder and answer the question, “Who is Jesus Christ?” for themselves.

“Greg, in his book ‘In Pursuit of Truth,’ tries to dispel false assumptions of religion and show true Christianity is nothing more—and nothing less—than a relationship with Jesus Christ. He really reaches out to the reader to deepen their relationship with Christ. There is and can be a harmony between spirituality and everyday life. So many are understandably fearful of getting out of their comfort zone and taking those barrier-busting leaps of faith,” says Halo Publisher Lisa M. Umina.

You can purchase “In Pursuit of Truth” through Halo Publishing, Amazon and B&N.
Cost $11.95 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-61244-339-3
Available in both print and eBook.

Biography:
Greg Grandchamp lives in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife of 30 years. He and Norma have four adult children and five grandkids, who they adore. Greg and his wife love to RV in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Greg is a senior executive in the mortgage industry and brings his faith into his business world. He is an accomplished public speaker and trainer, but mostly loves teaching the Bible in a way that touches hearts. For more information, visit http://www.halopublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

Entertainment

School Counselor Teaches Resiliency to Combat Future School Shootings

December 13, 2014 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Releases third book called, “Relax”.

Westlake, OH (USA), December 12, 2014 — Middle School Counselor Kasey Kellem says about 50% of the students she works with have problems with anxiety. That’s one of the reasons why she wrote the book “Relax.” Recently released through Halo Publishing International, it’s the third book in a three-part series called “Mind Over Matter” or M.O.M. Geared toward pre-school students, each book teaches a certain characteristic of becoming resilient.

“Everybody faces adversity at some point in life,” says Kellem. “The earlier children learn how to become resilient, the easier it will be for them to deal with the challenges and obstacles that come with life.”

Through her research, Kellem found that teens and young adults are not prepared to handle adversities such as bullying, conflict, divorce, abuse, death and disease, which may occur in their lives.

“This lack of resiliency, I feel, has been the cause of increased school violence and shootings,” says Kellem.

She studied 9 school shootings along with the most recent one at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Almost two years ago to the day, on Dec. 12, 2012, Adam Lanza fatally killed his mother and then shot 20 children and six adult staff members before he took his own life. The troubled boy was a target of relentless bullying who also dealt with disease and divorce.

Kellem’s books teach on the five characteristics of resiliency: 1.Believe that you can get through adversity; 2. Surround yourself with those who love and support you; 3. Take time and find ways to relax; 4. Set goals and follow your dreams; 5. Maintain a sense of humor. She says these characteristics help kids develop social competence, problem-solving skills, critical consciousness, autonomy and a sense of purpose. Kellem says all the students responsible for school shootings dealing back to Columbine in 1999 were missing one or more of these factors.

Kellem says she and her husband both practice the five characteristics of becoming and staying resilient. Currently, she lives with Multiple Sclerosis, while her husband is fighting metastic cancer.

“We live with hope and a positive attitude despite the stressors in our life,” says Kellem. “We are surrounded with loving and supportive people and we look for humor in everyday situations. We still keep busy but find ways to relax each day. Finally, we still believe in our dreams and that we will overcome our challenges. This is what gets us through life.”

You can purchase The Mind Over Matter (M.O.M) books including “Relax” through Halo Publishing. Each sells for $16.95

“These books are also designed to be decorations on bookshelves, nightstands, or desks in a child ´s bedroom or playroom which will serve as constant resiliency reinforcement,” says Halo Publisher Lisa M. Umina.

Biography:
Kasey Kellem is a middle school counselor and a former special education teacher, who has devoted her life to help children who are facing adversity to become resilient. She has earned a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Special Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Counseling. She is a devoted wife, stepmother, sister, daughter and friend.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com