Doing What God Asked: An Authors Prayer, by Paula Rose Michelson

God having walked in my own way before I gave my life to you at forty, and cleaved to you since that glorious day, my life has never been more amazing, yet sad as it feels now: amazing for the work you have given me has received allocates, sad because being set apart over and over again means letting go so I can grab hold.

Today, I praise you for the readers comments posted below:

“An awesome cliffhanger! This story was well researched and excellently written! Unfortunately, it is a cliffhanger…so we really want the sequel as soon as possible! It will keep you reading until the last page when you start to look for more!” —Anthony Ort

“I finished reading Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book 1 and it was wonderful! Every day I looked forward to the evening when I could delve into the next chapter! I can’t wait for book two.”

—Cora Bant

“Me encanta! Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing is a “can’t put it down” great read. I absolutely loved Book 1, and I highly recommend it. It is a perfect gift idea. I bought some for Christmas gifts, and I can’t wait for Book Two to come out.” —Tracey Awwanda

“I enjoyed the first novel of the Casa Saga so much that I bought two more copies to give as gifts, and I eagerly await Book Two!” —Avalyn Ava Camp

Yet I wait, sometimes less patiently than I ought, to see how you will use what you have called me to do. Since waiting is hard for me, I cast my concerns upon you, for knowing that you alone know the why and wherefore, I am remained that I am never alone, therefore I praise you all the more!

A Life Long Dream, by Paula Rose Michelson

When Kim Justice wrote, “Secrets, memories, a family torn apart, love, discovery, a life-long dream; how do all these things come together for Naomi? How does a naïve, fifteen-year-old girl grow up in a world that she knows nothing about and has no one to guide her? I was so engrossed in Naomi’s life that putting the book down was next to impossible. I would read in the evening so I could have quiet time to try solve or work with Naomi on how to get through something until, unable to sleep, I would have to get up and finish that part of the book. It did take me a little while to read because I savored every word, sentence, and chapter. All of the characters were amazing. The biblical references were so to the point that I would do some research of my own. I was really interested in the facts of the book. The different cultures were so real that I learned how different things are. I will not go any further because I do not want to give away anymore about the book. It is definitely a must read! Author Paula Rose Michelson is an awesome author. I cannot wait till her next book is out,” I praised God for only He could have made the heart of the matter jump off the page like this!

Although I often thought of writing something others might read, when I began my writing, more than 30 years ago, I had no intention of ever begin published. However, my silent life long dream of being published was realized when I gave my life to Messiah, and he did with it was He chose.  

If you find yourself dreaming, wishing, or praying for significance, I hope you will ask the one who created you what He would like you to do, peruse as He directs, and then give Him all the praise and glory!

Till we meet again, may Messiahs Shalom envelope you.

Purchase a prerelease copy of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book Two visit:

www.PaulaWordsmith.com

This is Much More Than…by Paula Rose Michelson

When my friend, and sister in Messiah, Heather Micaela wrote, “This is much more than a romance and I recommend it to men and women alike. I felt intimately involved in the challenges facing Naomi, Chaz, and the others that are involved in their life. The author has a way of making you really care about the characters. You feel as if you are in that house in Spanish Harlem. I could hear the accents of the people as they spoke; even the way they spoke English as bilingual people was very real. I am eagerly awaiting Book Two,” I had no idea how God would show me that what she wrote was true! Yet that’s exactly what He did when a lady walking her dog stopped to talk to me while I was inscribing Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing a few Sundays ago.

I must share that our discussion seemed decidedly odd since she told me she didn't have time to read fiction. However, her questions were thoughtful, and no one else was walking up, so I answered them in more detail than I usually do. When she told me, she was a Dean at The University of California, Irvine and knew the Dean of Social Services was looking for speakers for the program being developed for the Dream Act Students who would soon enroll, and asked if I was interested, I realized this was an ordained meeting!

Aware that it was the book that caused her to stop and that there is nothing on the marketplace like it, I mentioned that if the University would like the novel, I was certain my publisher could assist since a portion of these students’ expenses is being offset by the government. My publisher agreed! And that my friend is all I have to share for now, except to ask you to lift this up in prayer because I will be contacting the Junior Colleges, Colleges, and Universities in my area to if they would like the book too. 

Every Mothers Dream, by Paula Rose Michelson

Once in a very great while, I find myself living what seems like a dream for I know children seldom give their mothers accolades or written affirmations of who they are or what they do outside of their motherly role. When I sent the first volume of the Casa Saga to my daughter in Illinois, I expected none. I was fairly certain she didn’t have time to read the novel since she and her husband, Matt had just begin a Budget Blinds business and she’d given birth to her fourth child in six years! When I spoke with her weeks after I’d sent her Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One, I discovered the book had been buried under a pile of mail, which wasn’t a surprise given her busy life. Shortly afterward what did surprise and amaze me was reading her Facebook posts about the novel and discovering she’d decided to read a chapter each night. A few posts later, she mentioned enjoying the read! Then her friends, especially those who know me, began asking her about the book. And finally on a glorious Sunday morning, I got a phone call every mother-author would love! It began, “Mom! What did you do!” If Cheryl hadn’t told me she’d stayed up till 2 a.m. reading my book until it was finished, I would have thought I was in trouble. Instead, I was being lauded! 

Later that day, I check to see how Casa was doing on Amazon, I read:

“I couldn’t put it down! I was given Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One as a gift. When I finally found a free moment, I picked it up and was blown away! The story drew me in. I found myself thinking about the characters throughout the day. I looked forward to reading it each night. I even read until 2:00 a.m. one night because I just couldn’t put it down! The story stayed with me for weeks as found myself remembering little pieces here and there. My only complaint was that the book ended! I cannot wait to read Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book Two and find out what happens next!” —Cheryl Henrikson

This wonderful, thrilling, amazing moment continues to affirm my work, and now that I’ve sent Cheryl a prerelease copy of Book Two, I’ll have the added pleasure of hearing from one of my favorite readers once she’s read that book!

Your author inscribed copies of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One and/or pre-purchase of Book Two wrapped for holiday gifting can be purchased from

www.PaulaWordsmith.com

Messiah’s Great Commission and Literature, by Paula Rose Michelson

Once in a very great while you meet someone who gets you; I mean really understands how your hard drive is wired. My friend Teena is one of the few who knew me at times better than I knew myself! Yet her knowing me seemed of little interest to her because she was having the same experience I was only in reverse. Looking back at our first meeting and all that’s transpired over the ensuing years, I realize that within our friendship each of us experienced a reality of the other that’s a dim reflection of what 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. Now that you know a little about my Teena, you’ll understand why I say what I did when you read her comments about Book One of the Casa Saga.

Alberteen Lambert’s Review— “‘I must admit, I did not just read, I devoured Casa de Naomi. While going back over and over a passage to make sure I had ‘tasted every drop,’ I could hardly wait to ask Paula, ‘Where, oh where did you learn to write like this, to get inside characters heads and read their thoughts?’ Then I read somewhere that ‘they spoke to you! Oh, yes, they would do that to Paula!’ As our Shuvah Yisrael Writer’s Group labored with her, praying that this book would glorify God and be a blessing to others, I believe He heard and answered our prayers. I can hardly wait for Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book Two because the author has left us panting for ‘the rest of the story.’”

Until we meet again, may Gods Shalom envelope you.

To buy an author inscribed copy of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One, preorder Book Two, or purchase both visit www.PaulaWordsmith.com. An audio of Book One is available at www.iTunes.com, and books and e-readers can be purchased from www.BarrensandNoble.com, and www.Amazon.com  

Reader Raves for Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One, by Paula Rose Michelson

Yesterday I posted the beginning of Book Two’s Historical Notes. Today I realized I hadn’t shared the reader raves Book One received. Since I always read these comments and many times have selected a book because of them, I’m backing up and taking a few weeks to share what readers said. 

Furthermore, since I love to read a novels back matter when making a choice, I’ll begin today’s post with the back matter of Book One and Two. Then I’ll post the most recent review. You can find my author info at the end of this post.

Fulfilling Messiah’s Great Commission Through Literature

Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One

Fifteen-year-old Naomi wants to practice her faith in public, find her uncle, and help him raise enough money to bring their family to America. To accomplish this she agrees to companion a blind, old woman whose family plans to tour Europe and settle in the United States. Her plans are thwarted when the woman passes away aboard ship, and Naomi is handed over to immigration. While she awaits her interview, an old Ti­a comes to Naomi's rescue and offers to take her in. With nowhere to go and no one to turn to, Naomi agrees and unwittingly enters the country illegally.

This is Naomi's journey from adolescence to womanhood, from frightened isolation and captivity to the noble status of heiress with a mission and responsibility many would shirk placed upon her shoulders. Along the way, she contends with piercing memories, hurtful loss, jealous opponents, a devious lawyer, and a curious priest. Through each step of this journey, she guards two secrets she dare not share with anyone, not even Chaz, the man she has married. Will she keep his love when he discovers who she really is? Find out in the first book of Paula Rose Michelson's saga, The House of Blessing.

Victor Gentile’s Review

"It is not often you get invited into someone's life and home and get to listen to all as their secrets and watch as their life unfolds before you. "Casa de Naomi" isn't just a book it is someone allowing you to move in with them and live closely with them. That is how real Ms. Michelson has made her characters, events and situations. Naomi is a real person, Chaz is a real person. Each of them has thoughts and feelings that are unsaid due to the fact that Naomi has secrets, secrets that she keeps even from Chaz. Secrets that threaten to destroy them. This is a magnificent story and it is just the beginning of the series. This is a story of religious intolerance and anti-Semitism. This is a story of responsibility and family. And this is a romance. "Casa de Naomi" is a lot of fun. You will want time to sit and enjoy this book. You will not want to be hurried. It is that good! I liked this book and recommend it highly!"

Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book Two

Naomi wants Chaz’s love. Chaz loves Naomi but will not forgive his wife lying to him. The attorney wants the estate. The padre wants the couple to reconcile. Nicco wants to marry Lucinda. Lucinda wants to marry Nicco. Neither will wed until Chaz and Naomi are standing with them when they say their wedding vows. Who will get what they want? Find out when you read the second volume of Paula Rose Michelson’s saga, Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing

Author Goes Pink For the Cure!

Paula Rose Michelson is a Messianic Jew. She founded LAMB Ministries, which helps women recover from the trauma and abuse through the effective use of scripture and prayer. She and her husband, Ron, serve with Chosen People Ministries. As the mother of two married daughters, and grandmother of seven, when not writing, speaking or teaching the effective use of scripture, you will find Paula researching her next book or meeting with friends.

Interested in why I’ve gone pink for the cure?

Wonder how this dyslectic artist became an author?

Visit me at www.PaulaWordsmith.com and find out!

Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book Two Historical Notes, by Paula Michelson

Since I finalized the galley proof of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book Two and ordered two boxes of books this week, I’m going to forgo the scavenger hunt and begin writing this blog by posting sections of the Historical Notes from Book Two.

Historical Notes

(Historical Notes From: Wiesenthal, Simon. Sails of Hope, Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1973)

Since research proves that the ships on all of Columbus’s voyages were filled with Spanish Jews baptized into the Catholic faith during the Inquisition, I have begun these historical notes by looking at the admiral’s life.

Earliest comments by Christopher Columbus lead us to believe that he went to sea at the age of fourteen as a cabin boy. However, since a cabin boy received no education in languages or science, one wonders how Columbus acquired this knowledge. While in Portugal, he worked as a cartographer and calligrapher. These professions were seldom held by anyone other than Jews who were Judaized and subsequently returned to the Laws of Moses as Spanish Jews called the Torah. The mystery of this noteworthy man surrounds his marriage to a Portuguese noble woman, who was far above his station in society. His writings mention that Castilian was his mother tongue. Yet some said if dissatisfied with his crews work, he reviled the men in Italian. Others claim that he spoke Castilian with a Portuguese accent.

At eighteen, Columbus said that he was the son of a weaver. However, a lower-middle class tradesman could not have afforded the studies that gave Columbus the ability to learn Spanish, Portuguese, Latin, Genoese, Italian, and Hebrew. Furthermore, unless sponsored by a wealth patron or studying for the priesthood, someone of his rank would have no knowledge of the trades he pursued.

Nest we will look at Columbus around the age of 25… so I hope you’re on board!

The What If Question, by Paula Rose Michelson

Since we've been looking at questions, I thought it might be fun to ask you, "What is the biggest decision you've made that you wish you could unmake?"


If that question is hard for you to answer then you, like Naomi, might have made or felt forced to make many choices. If that is the case, you'll probably be able to answer this question taken from our heroines experiences within the pages of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One.


Today's question: What one choices trapped Naomi into living in the shadows.


Until we meet again, may you feel free to choose, wise enough to know which choice is best, and blessed knowing that your choice affirms you and what you believe.

The Matchmaker, Matchmaker Question, by Paula Rose Michelson

It seems that no matter where we go, what nationality we come from, or what faith we follow there’s always a matchmaker. In our youth, we might have been paired—matched-up—with someone to learn to square-dance. Later we may have been instructed to stand next to so-an-so (another way of being matched-up-with someone) in the back row so everyone could been seen in the photograph. 


Within every group we’ve been part of fragment groups already existed or soon would. From the nerds to the suffer dudes, from the preppies to those who dressed in goth-black each person has a deep desire to be an individual yet a member of a group that not only defines them but sees them as one to be emulated! 

Taking Naomi as our example, this woman who many wish to emulate is a puzzle to the attorney, but one he’ll rectify when Naomi does…

Scavenger Hunt Questions

Why is the attorney trying to find Naomi a husband?

Why has the priest told the attorney that he’s no longer interested in his schemes?

Why does Naomi agree to meet the man the attorney has selected, and why after many failed attempts at matchmaking why does he believe this is the man for her?

Proverbs 31: 30-31 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Until next time may you hunt for that which is elusive, and when you find it, may you... 

Scavenger Hunt Clue, by Paula Rose Michelson

When writing or reading historical fiction details matter. Since these oft forgotten pieces of information set the stage and knowing them gives the author and reader a template that allows them insight they might not have otherwise, my questions this week are about Naomi's history and journey.

Why did Naomi leave her family without telling them why or saying goodbye?

How did a fifteen year old girl get to America?

Need to refresh your memory? Visit http://CasadeNaomi.blogspot.com for information 

Author inscribed copies of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book 1 www.PaulaWordsmith.com

Buy from iTunes, downloaded into an e-reader with audio button, listen and enjoy.

www.Amazon.com

Scavenger Hunt - Week Three, by Paula Rose Michelson

From the time I was little until today people have always known what mattered to me by the way I acted, what I said, and what I did not say. I'm certain that is as true for you as it is for Naomi, and that is why I have posted today's question. For until we understand what motivates us, a friend, or a character in a a novel, we are emotionally removed from their reality. But once we understand, we know more about them and knowing more might cause us to care.

If asked to describe Naomi in one word everyone Spanish Harlem would agree that word was____?

Scavenger Hunt - Week Two, by Paula Rose Michelson

Since it's always important to understand why characters do what they did, today's question deals with Naomi's background. As before, you can visit Casa de Naomi Reflections for the information, or buy the novel so you can answer this question.

What happened in Spain hundreds of years before Naomi was born to make her family insist they not tell people that they were...?

If you can fill in the missing word, you'll be close to answering this weeks question.

The Scavenger Hunt Begins, by Paula Rose Michelson

Since some of you regularly visit my Casa de Naomi Reflections Blog, I wanted to mention that the answers to the questions I’ve posted here will be found there. If haven’t joined the throng until now, you’ll find the answers to my questions at http://Casa de Naomi.Blogspot.com or you can buy and enjoy your copy of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book One while you're involved in this hunt from my Paula Wordsmith Website http://www.PaulaWordsmith.com at www.Amazon.com or any other online bookseller.

Question One

Why did Naomi run away from home?

When you’ve got the answer, be sure to email me.

In Him,

Paula Michelson

Casa de Naomi Fulfillment Scavenger Hunt , by Paula Rose Michelson

Since this is a new blog, and many have read or are reading Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One, I'm glad you've dropped by http://CasaFulfillment.blogspot.com and hope you'll decided to participate in the scavenger hunt that'll be occurring between now and the release of the second book of the Casa Saga. To play, all you have to do is visit this blog weekly for hints. To understand what they mean, you'll have to refer to Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book so be sure you have one handy because the person who wins will get an author inscribed copy of Casa de Naomi: THe House of Blessing, Book Two

Choosing a Template, by Paula Rose Michelson

I think it was Shakespeare, who said, "...a rose by any other name would smell as..."

"As what?" I wonder.

And as always, it is in the asking that I am lead. So I'm certain that those who know me, and my many readers who understand me through my work, realize that I try to follow Messiah. Therefore, it wasn't by happenstance that I searched for and found an image that speaks of the ending of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book One. For at the end of that book we see our newlyweds, of less than a week, are estranged. Just as the locket pictured on this blog has no picture within it, one wonders if these star-crossed lovers will carry the picture of the one they pledge to love, honor, and obey in their heart. If they do perhaps they will be able to reconcile and unite. That's the question book two answers.

Today! by Paula Rose Michelson

A few days ago, I was wondering when I should begin the Casa de Naomi Fulfillment Blog. Then, as often happens to me when I am still, God reminded me that these novel, and the blogs that I've been writing are not about me, but about Him and You! So today, I'm happy to announce the opening of the second blog in the Casa Saga, and pleased that doing this early will allow us to spend time together before the second book's release, which I'm praying will be in time for holiday gift giving.

If you've stumbled across this blog and would like to read what's posted at Casa de Naomi Reflections Blog please visit http://CasadeNaomi.blogspot.com. To read my Year of 5,000 Books Blog visit http://PaulaWordsmith, to visit my website enter www.PaulaWordsmith.com.

Until we meet again, may Messiah's Shalom (peace) envelope you