Terry Overton
Award Winning Author
In the final book in The Newton Chronicles, Luke, Nathan, and Lydia continue on their quest through time to find Luke’s father. After finding some clues, the trio believes they finally have what they need to get to the time of the first building of Solomon’s Temple. But before they get there, they find themselves jumping through biblical history again—all the way back to Creation, in fact!
From the beginning of everything to the birth of Jesus, time travel is not easy! Will Luke ever find his father? Or will he just keep jumping through history in search of someone who is lost forever?
And most importantly, will firsthand experiences with stories from the Bible influence the faith of a doubter, a pastor’s kid, and a linguist?
The Newton Chronicles: Shepherds, Lions, and Storms Book 3
The Newton Chronicles: Crusades, Giants, and Chalices Book 2
In the second book of The Newton Chronicles, Luke Alexander and his friends Nathan and Lydia are still on the hunt for Luke's father, who has been noted as "missing, presumed dead." But Luke and his friends aren't so sure. After finding a watch in Luke's father's office that helps them jump through time, the three friends are on a quest to find Luke's dad. Searching for the time of Solomon's Temple may be easier said than done, though, as they realize they could be searching over a period of several hundreds of years. From Moses destroying the Ten Commandments to David slaying Goliath, the quest seems daunting. But as he finds more clues along the way, Luke is becoming more and more convinced that not only is his father still alive, but he also needs Luke's help. Journey through the Bible with Luke and his friends as they see firsthand the Bible stories of old and find out more than they ever knew.
The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Temples,
& Crystals
Book 1
Luke Alexander's father is "missing, presumed dead." But Luke is confident that his father has set off on an adventure and needs his help. Searching through his father's office, Luke - along with his friends Nathan, a pastor's kid, and Lydia, a world traveler who knows several languages - discovers some confusing notes about Isaac Newton and finds a strange watch that once belonged to his grandfather. Knowing his archeologist father was on the hunt for Solomon's temple, Luke and his friends decide to start a search of their own. Little do they know that their search will take them on the wildest adventures of their lives and make the stories of Solomon's temple and other biblical events seem more real than they ever thought possible. But will their adventures lead them to Luke's father, or will they only wind up with more questions than answers? Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples is an excellent book for anyone who loves a good adventure and who wants to find the truth that is found only in God's Word. This first book in The Newton Chronicles will make history and the Bible come alive for readers both young and old.
The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society
Book 1 of the series.
The world was not ready for what happened. And in the mountains and valleys of Virginia, a group of young friends wondered what to do in this different world. Their parents and older siblings were taken away, or "disappeared," and have not been seen since that fateful day. Schools were destroyed, churches burned, and books banned. There was no fuel or electricity available for the anyone. Cars and other vehicles no longer worked and were found abandoned beside the roads rusting and in disrepair. Only the World Force military had fuel and vehicles.
The discovery of books, documents, tools, clues, and other teens hiding in the countryside, brought hope to group of friends who met daily deep in the cavern. Follow their journey of hope and adventure through the series: The Underground Book Readers.
Release December 2022.
The Underground Book Readers:
United Forces-Release date March 1, 2022
Book 2 of the Series
In the second book of The Underground Book Readers: United Forces, the World Force tightens its grip on the remaining teens and children of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Increased patrols and drones are seen nearly every day as the group visits their underground cavern to read forbidden books and study the Bible. Are other teens hiding in the woods who need help? Can the Underground Book Readers find others to join their group? Will they at last determine the identity of a mysterious group seen on a nearby mountain? A spy mission is planned to discover clues about people who escaped the rule of the World Force in search of a free territory. But will the spy mission find more questions than answers?
The Underground Book Readers: Convert Connections Book 3
Unexpected delays cannot stop The Underground Book Readers from their goal of escaping the rule of the World Force. They plan to seek the free land beyond the mountains of Virginia and are now more determined than ever. The secret group discovers more books, tools, and clues to use in their planning. But surprise encounters with soldiers and strangers further complicate their efforts. Watching for soldiers, spies, and drones, the secret underground group will locate other people who want to be free. They must attempt to help others under cover of darkness. The World Force tightens their grip and the group soon learns information that puts them at greater risk. They must act quickly. Will they at last figure out how they can escape? Will they find out more about the lost members of their families? And will new members of the group help or hinder their plans? Find out in book 3, Covert Connections.
The Underground Book Readers:
The Escape Book 4
The world was not ready for what happened. And in the mountains and valleys of Virginia, a group of young friends wondered what to do in this different world. Their parents and older siblings were taken away, or “disappeared,” and have not been seen since that fateful day. Schools were destroyed, churches burned, and books banned. There was no fuel or electricity available for anyone. Cars and other vehicles no longer worked and were found abandoned beside the roads rusting and in disrepair. Only the World Force military had fuel and vehicles.
The discovery of books, documents, tools, clues, and other teens hiding in the countryside brought hope to the group of friends who met daily deep in a cavern. But now, additional dangers are closing in. As the Underground Book Readers increase in number, they learn of new threats. It will now be more important than ever to plan an escape. A new law threatens to place some of the members in military service. Can they remain safe? Can they escape? Follow the adventures of the Underground Book Readers in book four, The Escape.
Oddball Ornaments: The Story of Christmas
The ornaments in the attic are excited. It's almost Turkey Day, and they know when they start smelling turkey, they're going to be pulled down out of the attic and hung on a tree for the humans to enjoy. After all, Box Day is all about admiring the ornaments, isn't it? But when Grandma joins them for Turkey Day instead of Box Day and brings a bunch of new ornaments with her, the Oddball Ornaments know something isn't right. Determined to find out the source of Grandma's sadness and what Box Day is really about, Nutcracker sets out on a quest to climb to the top of the tree to ask Angel about the true meaning of Christmas and discovers the truth is much more wonderful than they could ever have imagined.
Oddball Ornaments: The Story of Forgiveness
Every Thanksgiving, the Oddball Ornaments are pulled out of the attic and hung on the tree to enjoy the holiday season with the humans. Last Christmas, the Oddballs learned that "Turkey Day" and "Box Day" weren't about them but about a special Baby. This Christmas, the Oddballs are going to learn even more about this special Baby and why love means you are always ready to forgive.
Writing with a Christian Worldview
Sabal Palms Christmas
Christmas has come again to Sabal Palms; but with the unusually warm temperatures, Elaine is finding it hard to get into the Christmas spirit. Her friends have created a Christmas tradition of taking on a new adventure each year, and this year, Bonnie has decided they should all be in the town’s Christmas boat parade. Maybe their new adventure will help Elaine revive her heart for Christmas.
But a mysterious stranger has come to Sabal Palms who may make this Christmas even more interesting. When the ladies head to their friend Ramon’s tree lot to purchase their Christmas trees, they are introduced to Chris, a sullen and depressed man who seems to have some problems of his own. As the ladies prepare each other’s houses for Christmas, they notice Chris around town acting suspiciously.
Elaine is feeling God calling her to speak to Chris face-to-face instead of using her writing as she had in the past. But will Elaine find the right words to say to soften this stranger’s heart? And will Elaine finally be able to celebrate Christmas?
America of We the People
America of We the People is a brave conservative statement of the country’s condition. We stand at the chasm between freedom and tyranny. As we struggle between independent capitalism and socialism, this inspirational patriotic book reinforces pride in the United States of America, the Constitution, and Judeo-Christian values.
America of We the People was awarded the Firebird Book Award for socio-political and political categories. It underscores the love of our great country through a collection of famous quotes, original poetry, short essays or musings, and Scriptural references. If you are looking to read short works of heartfelt poems, quotes, and essays valued by those who follow an American and Christian way of life.
Topics include patriotism, soldiers who see war for the first time, September 11, 2001, Benghazi, Afghanistan, faith in America, first responders, the Vietnam and Korean Wars, and topics of the current times such as vaccine mandates, media, liberty, and identity politics. The book is dedicated to military servicemen and women, veterans, and first responders. It was written in memory of those who died defending freedom and fighting against terrorism.
A portion of the sales of both the paperback and ebook versions go to the Tunnel2Towers Foundation for veterans and first responders.
Both Sides of the Border (2021)
Inspired by True Current Events.
Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez are on a quest to America to find work and to save their family, who has been devastated by their father's accident and the drought in their home country of Honduras. But making their way to America would be too expensive for a family stricken by poverty. With only their faith in God to see them through, the teenaged siblings set off for their new home, despite the threat from the cartel, corrupt police officers, starvation, and death.
Meanwhile, Eva Jordan is determined to start a new life on the American side of the Mexican border, hoping to shake off the scars from a horrible marriage. Despite her mother's concern for her daughter living so close to the border, Eva decides to take a vacation to the other side to sharpen up her Spanish and relax before her new job begins. She is struck by the beautiful towns of Mexico, but slowly, her eyes are opened to the dangers that are knocking at her front door.
When a hurricane washes away the border walls, will the two sides collide in hatred or unite in perfect harmony?
Five Stars From Reader Views
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Both Sides of the Border
Terry Overton Ambassador Books (2021)
ISBN 9781649600585
Reviewed by Ashley Hooker for Reader Reviews (07/2021) 5* A Fresh Outlook on Immigration
In "Both Sides of the Border," Terry Overton has given us a story so relevant that one cannot ignore the immigration issues our country faces. Her story is poignant, yet fresh. She also shows the reader that God has everything to do with our circumstance and outcomes.
In the story, readers learn about a young woman named Dolores and her two brothers, Emilio, and Ernesto. They are from a close-knit family in Honduras and are migrating to the United States to help their family survive and join them later. Dolores and her brothers travel from Honduras to the Mexican border with a guide. From there, they had to cross a river and walk, catch trains, and hide from officials. On the other side of the border in Brownsville, Texas, a young woman named Eva has moved into her new apartment and is about to start a new job. She is excited and ready for this next chapter in her life. Before starting work, she goes on a Mexican vacation by bus. She tours the beautiful cathedrals, eats local cuisine, and develops a close friendship with a man named Steven.
What I learned from this book is that on both sides of the immigration issue, people are hopeful for a new life. Dolores and her brothers are looking for new opportunities in the United States. They believe that there are good people who will give them work. The conversations between the three never mention the dangers that lie in the U.S. Eva believes that Mexico is a beautiful place filled with opportunities. She doesn't realize the dangers all around her. Her friendship with Steven starts out well. Steven lives in Mexico and informs Eva of the cartel and gangs in Mexico. What she learns about Steven brings this danger closer to home.
"Both Sides of the Border" gives a fresh take on immigration. It made me think about the risk each immigrant takes to come to America. As an American, I tend to forget that there are people in our world that believe we are the land of opportunity. Dolores and her family believed that.
Their parents sent their children on a journey that could ultimately take their lives. It was dangerous, but they were willing. Eva reminded me a lot of myself. When I have traveled, I tend to think like Eva. I don't dwell on the dangers. I see most things through rose-colored lenses.
When Eva meets Dolores after a hurricane, she knows her reality was and is not real.
Overall, "Both Sides of the Border" is a book for any age and person. Overton has made me think about why immigration happens and how not everyone gets on a boat and lands at Ellis Island. Before we judge others for leaving their country, we need to walk a mile in their shoes. We need to be aware and willing to help when we can. Immigration affects us all and Terry Overton has succeeded in developing a clear, poignant representation of that fact.
Both Sides of the Border
Praise & Reviews
red
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5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 8, 2021
Verified Purchase
Both Sides of the Border by Terry Overton presents a beautiful reading experience, bringing characters together like fine lines falling from the artist’s brush. The narrative takes us on a journey from Honduras to Texas as Delores and her two brothers travel on their perilous journey to find a new life. We experience the savagery of murder, sex trafficking, and extortion offset by the extreme selflessness of those strangers sharing the bond of human kindness in torturous conditions. The vivid descriptions of their trials and tribulations present striking differences to the travels of Eva, who, as a college professor, is undertaking a parallel journey through tourists’ eyes.
The courage of these daring characters explodes on the pages of this gripping novel as we travel with them and the characters they encounter!
For Delores and her brothers, each step is a journey into the unknown fraught with danger. Turning towards Eva, each mile on her tour bus is full of new adventures.
Moving through the chapters produced empathy for Delores and her siblings, as she desperately attempts to flee the cartels and corrupt police authorities to find a better life across the border.
Eva and her interactions with her southern charm mother added a lighter tone to this adventure that gave relief and an opportunity to catch one’s breath before the next adventure began.
The author’s descriptions of border towns and the life encountered within them frame this intricately woven story of two women pursuing the American dream.
Eva and her challenging relationship with Steven gives an insight into how we at times can be deceived by a handsome face and seduced by the magic and mystery of a different colorful culture.
The merging of their storylines through the events of nature wreaking havoc in their surrounding world eventually restored my faith in human nature and the belief that good can and often will prevail!
I can thoroughly recommend this book which has allowed a glimpse into the heart of two polar opposite families who choose to pursue a better life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2021
Does God hear our prayers when we ask for protection knowing that what we’re engaged in and pursuing is illegal and against His nature?
Maybe the proponents of situation ethics will smile and say that border crossing, though illegal, is the right thing to do considering the dire situation the siblings are faced with.
But that aside, with ‘Both Sides of the Border,’ Overton has hit the ball way out of the park.
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About Terry Overton
Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God's call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her debut novel, Both Sides of the Border, is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women's Fiction. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather, playing golf, and spending time with their friends and family.