Congratulations Michael Shank for Crossing Over from the Indie Market to Brick and Mortar Stores

I was reading through my Facebook feed the other day when I came across a picture someone had shared. The man who made the post must have thought what he saw was impressive, or he wouldn't have taken the picture.

I'm uncertain if he understood the picture in the same way that an Indie author would, but I know he at least recognized that something awesome was happening! In fact, more than one thing awesome, because as you will see, God's word is being spread like never before, and that is a true blessing. What I saw made me leap for joy for so many reasons. I suspect you will be jumping for joy, too!

Are you Ready? Have I built up enough suspense? Check out this picture below! 

(c) Stephen Sutton

Do you notice those two books on the customer service desk? Look closely. Yes, that's right. It's Muscle and a Shovel and When Shovels Break.

Do you recognize the store? It's Barnes & Noble.

Let me tell you something about Barnes and Noble, they didn't put these books at the customer service desk for no reason. These books are prominently displayed, most likely in the center of the store, for customers to see. Why? Because they are selling.

I don't know if Michael Shank ever dreamed his book would have the success it has had, that it would reach so many lost souls, or cross over from an Indie market to a brick and mortar store, but seeing this image, there large-as-life, reminds me that our books can, too! Keep on writing.

Congratulations Michael Shank! 

When Shovels Break by Michael Shank

This is just one of those books I had to share. If you haven't read When Shovels Break you need to. It was written for Christians who have fallen away, and it is moving mountains getting the erring to come back to Christ.

When Shovels Break: (sequel to Muscle and a Shovel)

"This is a true story about John - a Christian man who is at the brink of suicide. Struggles, discouragement, and John's improper expectations of what God was "supposed" to do for his life caused John to leave his faith and the Lord's body, the church.

John went back into every form of sin imaginable: alcoholism, drug abuse, adultery, and pornography - just as a dog returns to its vomit. John's shame and guilt, his failure to provide for his family, and the loss of all hope that God could ever forgive him brings John to a terrifying moment... holding a shotgun to his chin. He starts to pull the trigger...

Can God forgive this wretch of a man? Is it possible for John to be restored and to be able to return to Jesus Christ? This raw, gritty, true story grabs the reader from beginning to end. It is a story about the real life of a discouraged Christian, and it is a story of hope, love, and the redemption found through the grace of God!

Be prepared – this story will shock you. When Shovels Break is the sequel to Muscle and a Shovel. It is a true, candid, and raw story about a Christian couple who falls away from the Lord, their faith, and the Lord’s church; returning to a world of sin far worse than before their conversion. This true story, written in novel form, addresses the seriousness of Christians who fall away, the possibility of God's love, His grace and His incredible forgiveness!" (Amazon)


From Church of Christ Women Authors

It's easy to see that the world is in a mess. We must open our hearts and teach others the gospel of Christ. We must. Sometimes teaching our family and friends is extremely difficult, but it can be done.  Michael Shank wrote his book Muscle and a Shovel as a tool to convert people to Christ, and it works. I am planning to buy several of them for my family members for Christmas this year.

I have a friend back home who studied the book with her mother, and yesterday her mother was baptized for the remission of sins. It is a beautiful, soul-searching book, and it is a MUST read! I couldn't put it down, and I hope you don't either!

If you don't have a kindle app you can get a free one here: Amazon.com - Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices

Have you read either of these books?