About The Book
There is a sense of urgency in the atmosphere as God is transitioning what the world has deemed impossible and unbelievable into the possible and the believable. Don’t be alarmed by the “sudden” moves of God.
Pastor Douglass and his family have been positioned for such a move but because of the dense fog of deception that seems to surround them, some in the Douglass family have created their own beliefs, fabricating their own sense of self; negating the truth, God’s truth, even when truth is staring them in the face. They, like many, are living lives devoid of the knowledge of who they really are and robbing themselves and those they love of their true identity and freedom. Deeply embedded lies from enemy have blinded eyes, impaired hearing and hardened hearts and Angels from the army of God have been deployed. The assignment: the execution of God’s divine design. Dreams, supernatural revelation and actual attacks from man’s ultimate foe will expose all and confirm God’s plan for Xion, Veronica, Zeborah, Bo and Pastor Douglas. Can they handle the truth and surrender? Will the infrastructure of unbelief crumble? The lives of the Douglass family will never be the same and neither will you, because of THE SHIFT !
About The Author
M. Ann Ricks, (Melissa Ann), is a Christian Fiction novelist residing in Bear, Delaware with her excellent husband and two awesome sons. She is a graduate of Rider University and formerly a national accounts insurance executive. Using Jesus Christ as her example, as He shared many parables, she creates stories with fictional characters that contend with real life issues and inserts the Word of God to communicate the genuine and unfailing love of God while making it abundantly clear that Jesus is the ONLY answer. M. Ann is determined to tell the world how wonderfully awesome Jesus Christ is and can be in our lives if we just allow Him to be. She is honored to be used by God to spread His message with the stories she creates with the leading of the Holy Spirit, knowing that He will provide her with stories and the insight that will lift up the name of Jesus as He promised that if He is lifted up, He will draw all men to Him. She is the author Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance, The Son and THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME.
Book Review by Linda Fegins
Author Melissa Ricks’ awesome and life changing story ,THE SHIFT, is a dynamic ,engaging story that unapologetically is Biblically based, and firmly, yet lovingly points you to follow the ways of Jesus Christ and to lay aside every weight and sin. It is powerful, yet not preachy or doctrinal. It is a story of unconditional love, faith, forgiveness and knowing who you are in Christ. The story and life like characters were engrossing. We observe the spiritual battleground between the Holy Spirit and the enemy who goes around attempting to keep the characters bound to negative lifestyles and in a state of feeling unloved and stuck by using lies,secrets, discouragement, shame, and feelings of self-hatred. We see how the truth of God’s Word, love and prayer works in the lives of people to lead them to Jesus and freeing them of the bondage that has held them captive for years. The story addresses issues that people and the church skirt around.
This was an awesome story of faith and unconditional love with a touch of romance. Ricks powerfully and effectively used the characters to demonstrate how powerful and necessary prayer is and how God responds when we pray sincerely. I loved this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and cannot wait to recommend THE SHIFT to my book club.
Social Links:
Website www.mannricks.net
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/Hisblessings4me
Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-Ann-Ricks-Literary-Creations-Author-Melissa-Ann-Ricks/33259926513Buy Link Pre-Order on Authors Website:
http://www.mannricks.net/products/default.html
Describe yourself for our visitors.
Hello Linda! I’m M. Ann Ricks, a woman, redeemed and set free by the life-giving and life-changing blood of Jesus Christ. I’m a wife, mother, Christian Fiction novelist and “Godspirational” speaker, endeavoring to live for Christ ON PURPOSE as a literary vessel, providing Christian literature that will not only entertain but encourage, enlighten, emancipate and prayerfully restore!
How do you find time to connect with God?
Life is most certainly busy for all of us but I have come to realize that I must make time with God a priority. Spending time with Him is a necessity especially for those of us who need to hear from Him to write effectively. Sometimes, I simply sit on the side of my bed and just tell Him how wonderful He is! I thank Him for His protection and the protection over my family. Should mornings not be opportune, I take long showers. I know it seems crazy but I simply stand in the shower. I talk to him briefly, am then quiet immersing myself in the water and His presence and just listen. Time to connect with God is of the essence!
What inspired you to write this book?
So many are believing the lies of the enemy. Although stating that they are Christians, many are still in bondage. They have yet to be delivered from fear, shame, guilt and even rebellion. Jesus is waiting. He hasn’t forgotten about us regardless of how far we’ve strayed and His love is unending. He is an EVER present in the times of our greatest challenge. Hearts have been broken and even hardened as a result of the enemy’s lies. It’s time for the eyes and hearts of the hurt and confused to be opened so that they can truly experience the freedom and power that being a true and unapologetic follower of Christ affords. We need to pray, act and believe that the eyes and hearts of the hurt and confused to be opened so that people can truly experience the freedom and power that being a true and unapologetic follower of Christ affords.
Who are your favorite authors and why?? Favorite books?
J. California Cooper is one of my favorite authors. She is a master storyteller and a writer that succeeds in making the reader an active participant in her stories .The Wake of the Wind written by Ms. Cooper is one of my all time favorite novels. Michele Andrea Bowen is my unofficial literary mentor. I love her and her books as she isn’t afraid of sharing the truth of God’s word! She is a bold sister in Christ! Her approachability, honesty and imagination is a blessing! (Church Folk and Holy Ghost Corner) Frank Peretti is also one of my favorite authors as he truly has the gift to share with his reader what is transpiring in the supernatural. His books have blessed me as they have provided much spiritual insight. (The Oath, Piercing the Darkness)
Tell us about your journey to publication.
Inwardly, I knew that I was not destined to be a “corporate woman” and when my position was eliminated, I had inkling that it was God-ordained, at least for me. Years prior to this event, I’d resolved to reconnect with the Master and sought to draw nigh to Him. I don’t think I would have been able to really hear God if I hadn’t been reconnected to Him. “Tell the world about Me with the words I will give you,” is what I heard. Believing that God would give me the words, I began to write my first book; Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance. My husband said something that enables me to write with confidence; “If God told you to write, then write, and stand on His promises.” I’m so excited and honored to be used by God to spread His message with the stories that I create. I will continue to do so for as long as He provides me with the stories and the words that will draw all men to Him.
Tell us about your current book?
I’ll let the synopsis peak your interest… There is a sense of urgency in the atmosphere as God is transitioning what the world has deemed impossible and unbelievable into the possible and the believable. Pastor Douglass and his family have been chosen for such a supernatural transition but because of the dense fog of deception that seems to surround them, some in the Douglass family have created their own beliefs, fabricating their own sense of self; negating the truth, God’s truth, even when truth is staring them in the face. They, like many, are living lives devoid of the knowledge of who they really are and robbing themselves and those they love of their true identity and freedom. Deeply embedded lies from enemy have blinded eyes, impaired hearing and hardened hearts and Angels from the army of God have been deployed. Dreams, supernatural revelation and actual attacks from man’s ultimate foe will expose all and confirm God’s plan for Xion, Veronica, Zeborah, Bo and Pastor Douglas. Can they handle the truth and surrender? The lives of the Douglass family will never be the same and neither will you, because of THE SHIFT!”
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
Honestly, as I began to write THE SHIFT, the ideas just started flowing. I’ve always wanted to incorporate the truth of the supernatural into my writing. I want people to see past what they can physically visualize in the “natural”. Knowing that there is underlying spiritual aspect to everything that one may encounter is essential. Believe it or not, I had a totally different premise…. But GOD! He knows what He’s doing and I’m learning to be obedient. There’s nothing like the HOLY SPIRIT! Each idea for THE SHIFT was a divine whisper.
What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?
We have the awesome opportunity to be everything God says we are because of Jesus’ unstoppable and unshakable affection towards us. He can fastrack, (hence, THE SHIFT) our lives into ones of true purpose. Lives that will give Him glory! All He desires is a YES!
Where can visitors find you online?
Please feel free to visit my website and, www.mannricks.net. You may find my novels on all online literary establishments. (i.e.: www.amazon.com / www.bn.com). For speaking engagement, Literary Dialogues and book club gatherings, please feel free to contact me directly using: Godsauthor@mannricks.net. I have an Author’s Page on Facebook: M. Ricks Literary Creations.
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
I have always enjoyed and had an interest in the art of writing. It was a “hidden love” for many years. Not until the pregnancy of my eldest son did I feel a need to unearth my hidden love and write. When I resolved to reconnect with the Master and sought to draw nigh to Him, did the desire to write become stronger and strangely, to my surprise, an urgent need. I realized that this could be my way of bringing souls into the Kingdom of God. Writing and inserting the word of God can in many cases transport you into the presence of God and that’s what I would love to share with all who read my stories.
