Today I am spotlighting new Christian author, James E. Tate. This was not a difficult decision after discovering his book, I Go To Prepare a Place - An Allegory of Eternity, on Facebook, James being a new author and the book description. I have come across a few novels that deal with Heaven and this one looks like a very well researched one and resplendent with James passion for the Lord and what He promises us once we go to be with Him. I am very much looking forward to reading this novel.
So let me introduce you to this new, Christian author, James E. Tate. First, let's have a look at his Bio:
I worked for Bell Telephone Company in Oklahoma, Missouri and for Bell Labs in New Jersey. I retired as District Data Systems Manager, and since, have had two of my books published, Tale of Tails with a Thirst for Verse, and I Go To Prepare a Place - An Allegory of Eternity. A few more books are anxiously waiting on the shelf, wondering when I’ll honour them with publication. Over 700 of my articles and poems have appeared in magazines, newspapers and newsletters, and I have served in many capacities in the Fellowship of Christian Writers in Oklahoma, and the Fellowship of Christian Poets in Florida. I’ve taught poetry workshops, and I’ve written prose and poetry columns.
I live in Tulsa with my bride who has stuck with me 68 years. I tell her that if she keeps on doing good, I may keep her around. She is quick to retort, “Don’t you threaten me!” We have a passel of offspring—3 children, 5 grands, 15 greats and two great-greats—as the world turns we keep on counting. Hey, when you’re octogenarians, they add up. We attend church regularly and have filled many church positions down through the years. I still play tennis two or three times a week and ride my mountain bike often. I’m 88 and she’s, none of your business. Thankfully, the Lord has indeed blessed us.
I live in Tulsa with my bride who has stuck with me 68 years. I tell her that if she keeps on doing good, I may keep her around. She is quick to retort, “Don’t you threaten me!” We have a passel of offspring—3 children, 5 grands, 15 greats and two great-greats—as the world turns we keep on counting. Hey, when you’re octogenarians, they add up. We attend church regularly and have filled many church positions down through the years. I still play tennis two or three times a week and ride my mountain bike often. I’m 88 and she’s, none of your business. Thankfully, the Lord has indeed blessed us.
Now let's have a look at I Go to Prepare a Place, released on August 17, 2016, in e-book and printed editions:
Book Description:
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)
We can only imagine the delightful environment of Heaven. Its ecstasy is more difficult to describe than a multi-splendored sunrise, or the captivating beauty of a symphony. However challenging it may be, the author grapples with the subject in-depth to provide realistic, although speculative views of this sacred place, while an exciting plot unfolds. Along the way, ordinary people and biblical characters learn answers to many intriguing questions. Imagine timelessness while you consider this thought: Time is a dimension of life awaiting our venture into timeless eternity.
Come along with the protagonist, Travis Taylor, who shows a newcomer, Josh Jenkins, the wonders of Heaven. Josh experiences Heaven’s utopian atmosphere, adjusting quickly, surprising Travis with astonishing perception. The pair meet legendary characters and learn of their joys and sorrows of life. An underlying question nags at their consciousness—why does the universe have so much space and so many galaxies, if not to be used with purpose and meaning? Unknown to the pair in this fictional episode, their involvement is preparing them for an ultimate assignment on distant planets. A place with challenges and many dangers.
Fasten your seat belts for rapid transit, as you go exploring Heaven, then to outer space with these men. Witness their daring exploits, their joyous discoveries, and savor the moment they make a life-changing discovery—an unexpected encounter, incredible and awesome. Don’t be surprised if this novel motivates you to search your soul in your walk of faith. Enjoy.
I asked James why he wrote this novel and he replied:
I asked James why he wrote this novel and he replied:
My initial purpose for writing this novel was to create a desire for heaven, by showing some wonderful things inside the gates of pearl. We all wonder what heaven and the ecstasy of Jesus are like, and in my attempt to whet reader’s appetite to go there, I researched available sources. The Bible, of course, was high on the list. I perused other books and articles on the subject, plus some interesting reports of near-death experiences, with the person getting a peek at the streets of gold. I began to develop a clearer view of this magnificent place called heaven. Those resources, coupled with my own imagination, equipped me to give readers a vicarious feel for this glorious place—especially through the eyes of the protagonist and other characters.
I worried over the book like a dog gnawing a bone, many months while the novel grew. I sent drafts to a few friends and received encouragement, but I was not happy with it. I set it aside, pulling it out from time to time. I tinkered with it a few years and gave it some new titles in the process. It still seemed incomplete. I wondered if God, in his omniscient wisdom had bigger plans for this vast universe—and perhaps for this book. Did He create innumerable galaxies and trillions of stars for special purposes not disclosed to humans? Aha! Outer space! This was what I needed for the second half of the book—a thrilling planetary exploration for some of the main characters. Trips with dangers, intrigues and life-changing discoveries. An odyssey sanctioned by Jesus Himself! I know, that’s a stretch, but this sci-fi twist is an author’s prerogative, right? In eternity and it’s inevitable lengthiness, how else would distant cousins (if they exist) be evangelised? To provide this aspect, my imaginings went into orbit, sailing beyond the horizon, the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and into the unexplored universe. The book grew. Is there a sequel? Maybe.
After reading this it might be beneficial to read an excerpt, just to get a hint of what to expect, so here is one and the explanation why James chose this:
I worried over the book like a dog gnawing a bone, many months while the novel grew. I sent drafts to a few friends and received encouragement, but I was not happy with it. I set it aside, pulling it out from time to time. I tinkered with it a few years and gave it some new titles in the process. It still seemed incomplete. I wondered if God, in his omniscient wisdom had bigger plans for this vast universe—and perhaps for this book. Did He create innumerable galaxies and trillions of stars for special purposes not disclosed to humans? Aha! Outer space! This was what I needed for the second half of the book—a thrilling planetary exploration for some of the main characters. Trips with dangers, intrigues and life-changing discoveries. An odyssey sanctioned by Jesus Himself! I know, that’s a stretch, but this sci-fi twist is an author’s prerogative, right? In eternity and it’s inevitable lengthiness, how else would distant cousins (if they exist) be evangelised? To provide this aspect, my imaginings went into orbit, sailing beyond the horizon, the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and into the unexplored universe. The book grew. Is there a sequel? Maybe.
After reading this it might be beneficial to read an excerpt, just to get a hint of what to expect, so here is one and the explanation why James chose this:
After Travis and Josh spent much joyous time in heaven, they were surprised by a visit from Michael. The imposing archangel helped prepare them for an assignment on distant planets.
---------------Start of Excerpt:---------------
Michael stroked his white beard, partly covering his bronzed cheeks. With a smile in his bright eyes, he said, “As I inferred, it’s hard to wrap our minds around the thought of eternity. With the new and exciting things you will be doing, you won’t have time nor inclination to be bored.
“Some are going to special assignments on Earth after its makeover. Some elsewhere out in the universe. Some noteworthy people have already been given assignments, for example—Moses, Joshua, Daniel, and Philip from Bible days, along with a post-Bible group consisting of Abe Lincoln, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Billy Sunday, and Peter Marshall—these and many more are preparing to go soon. The list goes on to include thousands of others.”
“My, my! I don’t feel like being included in a special assignment along with those heavyweights,” Travis exclaimed.
“Have you considered that most of those mentioned felt the same way early on? You will grow into it. And when necessary, you will have Divine help in doing so.
“Now, let’s get on with this discussion. Although some of your past contacts have told you things that helped prepare you, you men need to learn much before venturing to your new assignment on distant planets.”
“Sounds important. Where? When?”
-------------End of Excerpt:---------------
Since its release in August 2016, James seems to have started off with reviews on a good footing. Here are some of them:
Amazon Top Customer Reviews
By Hanna on September 29, 2016
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I found this book to be captivating! The intrigue of the story development gives Christians food for thought, and it holds your interest to the end. It is a great read!!
By Rosybook on September 20, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I loved the surprising development of the story. Very exciting, entertaining and realistic.
Five Stars By Janice Edge on September 24, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
If this has whetted your appetite to buy this novel or to read a further excerpt, please click on the BUY or PREVIEW icon below.
Great read!!!
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Readers and reviews are an author's best asset, so I encourage any reader of Christian science-fiction/fantasy, supernatural, inspirational fiction to consider reading I Go To Prepare A Place and submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media you subscribe to).
Peter is a dedicated Christian writer who reads and reviews Christian books with a science fiction theme. His unselfish work has helped many authors get a boost by broader exposure. "I Go to Prepare a Place" is one of his latest reviews. Check out the book on Amazon written by James E Tate. Another book by Tate is "Tale of Tails with a Thirst for Verse."
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