The Christmas Story

by Lynden Rodriguez
published by Lulu.com

 

The story of the Nativity is an ancient one, and bares retelling again and again for little ones. Follow the story of how an angel visits a lowly virgin, and how it changes the course of the entire world.

This story follows the Biblical tales of the Nativity, and is suitable for small children.

Go to this link to view publication:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lynden-rodriguez/the-christmas-story/hardcover/product-20603986.html

DRUMWALL: the Thrill of a Life-Time

Based upon the works of St. John of the Cross' the Dark Night of the Soul, and St. Teresa of Avila's work, the Interior Castle, Drumwall is a science-fiction free-fall into a pristine, barbaric world where a Carmelite priest's faith is pitched against man, the elements, and his own psyche. In it are contained echoes of the Book of Job and the Psalms. This is truly a story for those who are familiar with all of these works. For those who are not, it is still the thrill of a life-time, never to be forgotten.

Drumwall is a mix of Carmelite Spirituality and the Old and New Testaments. This story is not just a step forward into the future, but a monumental recall of the past. What was old is now new! This is an exciting read for young and old alike, and an exciting step into the supernatural realities of mysticism, prayer and their ultimate outcome in the life of one man. Drumwall is now available at Lulu.com, in download, paperback and hardbound, and at Amazon.com with Kindle options.

Carmelite Science-Fiction Thriller

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA ADVISORY
Catholic PRWire

SAN BERNARDINO, CA (NOVEMBER 1, 2008) - Author Lynden Rodriguez has written a science-fiction thriller entitled Drumwall (ISBN: 978-1-4357-2408-2). This is Ms. Rodriguez’s first novel about a mining colony on the planet Cumaro, beginning with the arrival of a new parish priest. Father Andrew Zamora discovers that his predecessor may have met a terrible fate, and soon begins to realize that he too is imperiled by the local tribal Chieftain, Lord Banyon. The novel is now online at Lulu.com in digital and paperback formats.

Nicole Givens Kurtz, eBook Reviews Weekly: “Rodriguez writes, “It was as though a light had suddenly been turned off, and he was plunged into darkness. In the midst of it all, what he feared most was that because of his failure to protect the helpless, he had lost his way to God.” A prophet amongst the nonbelievers, (Father) Zamora must hold on to his faith, even if it means his life. Maintaining faith in a faith-less civilization is Zamora's test and Rodriguez pulls it off beautifully. …Drumwall is a well-written tale of the humanity that exists in each person. Rodriguez creatively and smoothly infuses religion, science fiction, and discovery.”

Vincent Malzahn, Catholic Writers’ Association: “The barbaric locals test this priest’s faith and inadvertently push him along the spiritual journey we are all meant for yet few take up with any earnestness! While many (might) shy from this mighty novel, they will be the same who shy from the Cross of Christ! This is what Christian SF is meant to be! I offer my highest recommendation!"

Katherine Lively, Catholic Writers’ Association: “Drumwall is the story of one man's struggle to maintain faith in a resistant society. Set in the future on another world, Drumwall is a story relevant to today, a story to be treasured.”

Kassandra Washington, Timeless Tales Reviewer: “Drumwall is a captivating tale that thrusts an unsuspecting, confident priest into an alien world, where the fabric of his faith is challenged.”

Marylou Roblin, OCDS, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Secular Order, Redlands, C.A.: “Stunning novel…a tour de force – loved it!”

Lulu.com: Lulu.com is the premier marketplace for digital content on the Internet, with over 300,000 recently published titles, and more than 4,000 new titles added each week, created by people in 80 different countries. Lulu is changing the world of publishing by enabling the creators of books, video, periodicals, multimedia and other content to publish their work themselves with complete editorial and copyright control. With Lulu offices in the US, Canada, the UK and Europe, Lulu customers can reach the globe.

Lynden Rodriguez is a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Community at El Carmelo Retreat House in Redlands, C.A. She currently serves as the Director of Formation. Ms. Rodriguez is employed with Human Social Services in the Department of Children’s Services, San Bernardino, C.A. She was Chief Editor for the Social Services newsletter, the Moot Point for eight years, and is currently a contributing writer for the Department of Children’s Services Newsletter.

Contact:	Lulu.com Publisher http://www.lulu.com/content/2059428 CA, 92407 US Lynden Rodriguez - Author
Keywords:	Carmelite, Catholic, science-fiction
Category:	Catholic Publications

Source URL: http://www.catholic.org/prwire/headline.php?ID=5249

4.0 out of 5 stars DRUMWALL - Captivating!

By Katherine Maria Scott (Virginia USA) - view all of my reviews

Drumwall is a captivating tale that thrusts an unsuspecting, confident priest into an alien world, where the fabric of his faith is challenged. It was just another assignment at an isolated colony on the planet Cumaron. The mining colony Olgatec sat behind the fortress the colonist call Drumwall; a fitting name for an edifice of cisterns. Father Andrew soon discovers that the assumption that the prior Priest Menlo met with unfortunate circumstance two years ago was in fact a mysterious disappearance that prompted the departure of the Protestant minister to a mental health facility and transfer requests for the remaining staff. The Mother Superior and her nuns were the only religious staff left; a fact that was not relayed to the Provincial.

Despite the assurances from the Colony Administer that the colony was safe, Father Andrew quickly becomes apprehensive in regards to a placement of a garrison and the colonist Dr. Reed, who did not consider the native people of Cumaron as equals. The neglectful treatment of a Mautlaut women and her demise during childbirth is the first death to plague the priest. His failure to protect the woman from a doctor filled with anger and hate influenced his endeavor to remain true to God, his faith, and his vows. Soon the Father makes it clear; he will not turn a blind eye to cruelty and is determined to finish the work Father Menlo began: translating the word of scripture to the Mautlaut language. A coincidental find of ancient writings allows Father Andrew to master the language of the Mautlaut quickly.

However, Father Andrew's undertakings were halted when a kindness he paid to a Mautlaut slave boy who was stolen from the rival Danon tribe offended the tribal Lord Banyon of the Mautlaut. Banyon was a man who acted in malice and vengeance without considering the consequences. Thus began Father Andrew's many trials and trepidations, while the guilt of many souls weighed heavily upon him. He experiences first hand the brutality of a pagan culture, yet finds kindness from those he would not have thought could posses such traits. He comes face to face with images of what he may become if he falters in his faith and often wonders if he can resist the temptations. His bewilderment of why he was allowed to live, forced to live, after enduring such pain and lost slowly fades as he realizes God has a plan. He and his visions were a necessary element to that plan. He stands firm in his beliefs while growing into a stronger man and realizes one man and his faith may change a world. This is a tale that was well written and will be liked by those interested in science fiction, particularly those who may ponder how religion will fit into the worlds of tomorrow.


© Katherine Maria Scott, Scott Writing & Com. Design