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Dear Amber Grey Readers,

If you've read the second book, Amber Grey-the lost city, please leave a review on amazon.com--just click on the link below.
Thank you!!
Amber Grey: the lost city

The Police Crisis

Orem Residents: In Good Hands

Over the past decade or so, we’ve been the witnesses of many stories screaming out against our Police Officers in this nation. There is another side, and it’s time to share it.

It was 10:30 a.m., the day after Thanksgiving, and Jennie Maycock, an Orem resident who is in her eighties, was busy cleaning the leaves from her front yard when she took a nasty fall, landing on her left side. As no one was in sight, she began a prayerful pleading for help, and a neighbor drove up and helped her call 911.

Dispatch remained on the line with her until Orem City Police officers Thorpe and Christensen arrived on the scene not two minutes later. Paramedics from Fire Station 2 shortly followed them: Captain Edwards, Cooper, Pearson, and Fray. Jennie recounts being treated with much kindness and tender care as they gently lifted her onto the gurney. They travelled to Timpanogos Regional Hospital where Jennie was observed for 6 hours, and was finally able to leave the orthopedic surgeon’s office with a sling and a large cast, and a bundle of torn ligaments.

She returned home to find that Officers Thorpe and Christensen had finished cleaning the leaves from her yard. The following day at around noon, she received visitors at her front door. The officers were back. They explained that they’d overheard her concern of her injury preventing her from putting up her holiday décor, and that they had returned to offer their help.

Miss Maycock gratefully let the officers in, and they got to work, digging out her Christmas tree, assembling it, and setting it up. They then extracted Jennie’s large wreath from storage and placed it above her fireplace mantle. Officer Christensen fluffed the wreath with care, and, impressed by his skills, Jennie said, “Officer Christensen, I’ve never seen that wreath look so good.” He replied, “My wife taught me.” In leaving, they assured her, “If we’re not too busy, we can come back to help more. We’ll be nearby and just call if you need something.”

Miss Maycock concluded, “In my 47 years of living here, I have never been treated so kindly and gently. They were certainly an answer to my prayers.”

Noteworthy are the words of the Orem Police Department’s motto. (below) Powerful is the message when the weapon of choice can be a rake.

Orem City Police Department: Ready to Protect, Proud to Serve

Article by Author J. L. Coalwell 

                                  

Book Signing in Orem!

Hello Friends! Just in time for Christmas-We'll have copies of both books, Amber Grey-the calm before the storm, and Amber Grey-the lost city, available at the Orem SMITH'S on State Street for 1 day only! I'll be there to sign books this Friday-December 5th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Blackfoot, ID Students

Wow! The touring has begun again, and I had the privilege of spending 2 days with students at Mountain View Middle School in Blackfoot, Idaho. These students displayed maturity and understanding, and a desire to learn and improve. These qualities will take them far in life, and will be the driving force for the continued peace and general pleasant feel of their community.

It's always encouraging to witness hoards of young people clamor for books at book fairs; parents guiding their children and allowing them to spend hard earned money on what they recognize as a key to their child's future success. I'm very grateful to have been invited to participate in this important tradition!

Trailer - "Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm" by J.L. Coalwell

Turkish Sunrise

Turkey is one of those countries that has fascinated me from my childhood. It's home to many of our treasured fairy tales, and it exudes an air of mystery and adventure. Ancient tradition seems to whisper down Istanbul's streets, from it's shops and homes, from the foods, to breathe from it's people. In her escape from The Lost City, Amber embarks on a journey from Damascus across Turkey, finding temporary refuge on an old Syrian bus.

As Lazam had predicted, a pinkish hue rose over the distant horizon about an hour later, and Amber reveled in the awesome scene that grew before her eyes as she twisted her head to the far right, resting her cheek against the next chair up’s headrest. Gold sunbeams lit the underbelly of a huge cumulus cloud that hovered above far-off mountain peaks, its companions remaining violet in the dawn. As the sun became ever more revealed, the colors bled to vast pillars of glowing lavender, magenta, crimson, the spectacle suspended in the infinite, deep blue expanse. As the day wore on, the clouds spread, drifting apart in conflicting upper atmospheric turbulence. When the bus veered away from the scene, Amber twisted to gawk out of the rear window. She reached out her hand, wishing to touch the cold, wet substance, yearning to feel the sensation of being encompassed by such beauty, as though surrounded by living color that she could bind with her lungs, her blood, simply by breathing it.

Amber Grey-the lost city

Our Mind's Eye

A couple of weeks ago, while on a walk with my daughter at the base of nearby mountains, 

We had the incredible good fortune to be enveloped in the most magical sunset we've ever experienced.

A light mist must have hung in the air, as a pinkish glow surrounded us in the near dusk. 

Everything appeared oddly clear though, 

As if a clean new lens passed before our eyes, 

Endowing us with immortal vision. 

As we glanced at the twinkling lights in the valley below, 

We felt transported to a different time and place.

Through these gifted eyes, we'd been moved to heaven's door; 

We'd entered a master's painting.  

An enormous, brilliantly bright rainbow had formed almost above us in the East, 

Quickly mimicked by a shimmering twin that hovered like an echoing crown over the mountains. 

And then we truly felt the life surrounding us as its glowing colors drenched the air we inhaled; 

We became part of the dance. 

We reached out, trying to grasp the stuff, 

Trying to understand what it was made of and why it made us giggle.

To the West, our sun melted into the distant mountain range, transforming it to liquid gold. 

It dripped from the sky as though Midas' hands had swept across the far horizon, 

And all we should do to claim endless fortune was run with the wind and catch it. 

It was the gold that should've been with us under our rainbow. 

Back and forth our eyes darted, attempting to see both at once, to feel both at once.

Oh, and miracle; Mother Nature wasn't done yet. 

Massive rumblings crashed over the earth and the ground under our feet shook, 

Warning us of danger to the South. 

We ripped our eyes from our fairy skies, 

In wonder yet again as a swiftly flying storm raged toward us, 

Casting shadow over the peaceful valley. 

Flashing, flashing, lightning bolts tore from the heavens,

And their growling voices reached us in long, low threatening breaths. 

And then cool rain spattered our upward turned faces. 

I chose to not take any photos.

I told my daughter, "Focus hard on the scene you want to remember, 

Then close your eyes and see it in your head. 

Do it over and over, until it's clear, and remember how you feel right now. 

Your eyes only catch half of what you're experiencing--

Your heart can catch the rest."

Sometimes, the most beautiful visions are the ones we see in our mind's eye.

"Amber Grey-the lost city" Author Tour

http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/News/Local-News/Fiction-author-coaxes-LHS-students-to-embrace-art-of-writing

The 2011/2012, Amber Grey-calm before the storm, book tour was all about teaching high school and junior high school students the importance of the written word. It was designed to reach youth throughout the country and motivate them to reach for higher ground, both in their educational and personal life scenarios. The basic theme was, "You Have the Power to Create a Positive Change".

I feel so blessed by the successes and friendships received during those months, that I've decided to tour again with book 2 of the trilogy, Amber Grey-the lost city. 

Along with personal empowerment, my goal is to inspire our nation's young people to see beyond their personal wants, and reach out to others to create positive relationships.

If you're aware of a high school or junior high school that would be in particular need of a visit, please leave us a message at jlcoalwell@gmail.com

All We Can Do

There is much unrest in many parts of the world, incredible sorrow and devastation. I see men hurting their brothers, sisters betraying those for whom they claim to care, sons and daughters standing in hateful rebellion and dishonor. I see children crying in  the night with no hands to soothe their wounded souls, and the powerful of this world crushing the simple man's hope into painful despair. I see much of this done in the name of order--those who force their brothers and sisters to bend to their will, who claim their opinion of law as supreme.

There are times when I feel so helpless, so distant from many who suffer under evil and tyrannical hands, and, so, I comfort myself with, do what you can do, and that's all you can do…but DO ALL YOU CAN DO. That was, in fact, my late father's life motto, and I take it quite seriously.

As societal groups, we really can differ from each other in our opinions and beliefs, but we all have much more in common than many realize: we love, we pray, we rescue, we cherish, we lift another's burden, we teach, we learn…yes, it all comes back to love. Wherever we live, to whatever religion, nationality, or culture we belong, our fundamental values are the same.

I see a parallel in the controversies between nations, religions, and cultures, and the manner in which we treat each other daily. Do you?

She spoke gently, realizing that their bond mustn’t be broken, that their division would be their demise, both literally and emotionally. The unification of their people had been so carefully organized, and to break apart at this crucial moment represented something much more sinister than she cared to ponder. The ties that linked Protectors everywhere was their ultimate desire for freedom and justice, and their love for their fellow beings no matter nationality or ability. But weakness and pride could rip them apart, digging a pit with inconsequential attitudes or opinions. Her grandfather had pressed beyond these blinding limitations, and opened the eyes of many along his way. He was gone, but his precepts had to live on. His, her people must be one in purpose, or none would stand a chance. They must set aside their preconceptions and cultural differences in order to succeed.

“We’re here to fight the enemy, not each other,” she reminded them quietly. “I can’t do this alone—none of us can…"
~ Amber Grey-the lost city

The Essence of Amber Grey: Finding Joy

Using emotion and desire, she can summon lightning, command the winds, the waters move on her whim, but Amber finds little satisfaction in these compared to the Light. The more Amber learns to focus on love, the greater her light grows, and it has an odd effect; those who find themselves enveloped in her glow become part of it. They aren't physically changed, but any darkness they bear is smothered, snuffed out; evil people are virtually paralyzed.

Although Amber is faced with numerous challenges, she learns mankind's most valuable lesson: there is a gift that we can all draw on while we walk this earth--it's called joy. And Amber learns how to find it--she learns to experience true love.

"The message is simply a plea for you to increase your light. When all is complete on this earth, the light we bear is truly all that matters. Most humans are blind to it, for we all bear such, in different degrees, but from you it bares itself to the world, revealing plainly love, peace, and goodness. It is a witness to all that such glory exists."

~Jules Marnet, Amber Grey-the lost city

About Freedom

Freedom is an interesting thing. How easily we give it away unaware, ignorant as we clamp our shackles. It is life, it is breath, freedom is our ladder upward. In its absence love is incomplete, heaven's dew fades in vacant eyes, life is mere existence, we wander in darkness denying ourselves the light. And men and women who cherish choice more than comfort, power, money, even their own beating hearts walk the next life in peace. They've given everything--everything. Let us be grateful for those who see beyond deception and into truth, those who love us without knowing us. And let us become something more!

Book 2 Original Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MEDIA CONTACT: Kathie McGuire
April 5, 2013 Kathie@BrightonPublishing.com
Brighton Publishing signs J.L. Coalwell for her second book in the Amber Grey Series, “Amber Grey: The Lost City”
With vibrantly intense and illustrative scenes along with a notable cast of characters, author J.L. Coalwell once again brings Amber Grey back into the fray
CHANDLER (AZ)—Brighton Publishing LLC is pleased to announce the signing of author J.L. Coalwell for the second book in the highly celebrated Amber Grey series, “Amber Grey: The Lost City.” With a clever eye for details, author J.L Coalwell takes Amber Grey and her friends to the gritty edge and back again...or so we hope. Amber Grey: The Lost City is scheduled for eBook release in mid-2013 and will be available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other leading retailers worldwide. The print version is currently slated for release in fall- 2013 and will be available through Ingram, the world’s largest book distributor.
Amber Grey has a unique gift, one that many would kill to possess—a rare and mystical connection to the earth’s natural elements. It doesn’t take long for Amber to discover that not every gift is pleasant, and hers would ultimately cause a separation from those dearest to her.
Shocked by the sudden kidnapping of her brother and distressed by the tangled web of her own teen romance, Amber begins her own desperate hunt to reclaim that which was taken from her.
But...violence and misfortune shadow her every step, and a growing threat to humanity’s destruction creeps ever-closer.
Lost and disoriented, Amber wakes as a prisoner held within the strange confines of the Lost City, a secret civilization hidden underneath the parched earth of Damascus, Syria.
There, Amber encounters a deadly shadow, and is forced to sacrifice a part of her own soul to save those she cares for.
Those with evil intent—hoping to exploit her gift for their own vile purposes—find that Amber’s will is unrelenting and her resolve is impenetrable, so, instead...she is marked for death.
And now, once again the Storm must be unleashed...
“Crafted with tantalizing details and a taut and gripping plot, author J.L. Coalwell entices her readers to continue deeper into the proverbial rabbit hole,” said Kathie McGuire, director of Brighton Publishing LLC. “Amber Grey: The Lost City stokes the fiery quest for insight into the paranormal with a similar feel to that of Cassandra Clare’s popular The Mortal Instruments series.”
Jennifer Coalwell was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and attended a French immersion school until her high school years. “Writing has always been like breathing to me,” she says. Over the years, Ms. Coalwell and her family have hosted a myriad of foreign students, inviting the Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, and Japanese cultures and—what she describes as—truly wonderful children and adults into their home. J. L. Coalwell lives among the Rocky Mountains of Utah with her husband and five children. Her first novel Amber Grey: Calm Before the Storm is available from fine retailers everywhere.
###
501 W. Ray Road, Suite #4, Chandler, AZ 85225 www.BrightonPublishing.com

Book 2, Amber Grey-The Lost City, Is Available!!!

Dear Readers,

I'm absolutely thrilled to finally share Amber Grey--The Lost City with the world! I LOVE this book! It's the continuation of book 1, Amber Grey--Calm Before the Storm. You can pick up the ebook by clicking the link below which leads to Amazon.com, or head to barnesandnoble.com. Please leave your reviews! Hardcopies should be available in a couple of months, but ebooks are 1/2 the price, so why wait??

I'm excited to receive feedback, and please, help us spread the word!!

http://www.amazon.com/Amber-Grey-J-L-Coalwell-ebook/dp/B00L73YFUK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403546512&sr=8-1&keywords=Amber+Grey-the+lost+city

Amber Grey-The Lost City (update)

I can hardly stand the wait to get book 2 of the Amber Grey Trilogy, Amber Grey-the lost city, out to everyone! All the edits are complete! The Ebook will come out very soon, and the hardcopy will follow shortly afterward. Both versions will be available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. If you'd like an autographed copy, please send me a personal message on the 'Amber Grey Fan Club' Facebook page, and I will get back to you. More info coming soon!

Snatch It Up

I've spent about twelve years of my life as a piano instructor, and then two more years teaching preschooler music classes using a program I created: Little Music Masters. I loved it! It was fascinating to observe the wonderful personalities and individual talents displayed by each of the hundred or so students I had the pleasure of educating. Uniqueness was particularly apparent in the preschool-aged children, I suppose before society had the audacity to squelch some of their non-conformities.

During this time, I learned about one of the most valuable attributes that a human being can possess: pure determination and will-power.

Many are born with 'natural talent' in music, in others a gift in mathematics may be obvious, and sometimes the less-noticed, but much more valuable blessings of patience, ability to nurture, or to be generous, kind, forgiving, etc. may be noted. Sadly, the gifts of the Spirit can be less evident in our society. If you are so fortunate as to be naturally talented in one facet or another, please, own it. Make it great, and then share it with the rest of us! None of it matters if we don't develop what we've got.

What's the point in taking music lessons if you don't practice? What's the point in being on the track team if you don't run? At times, an individual's natural potential is recognized and encouraged to grow, but I'm here to tell you that potential can disappear if it's not exercised and used.

I've seen average students excel and become great performers because of their sheer will, their work ethic, and their drive to succeed. They saw something they wanted and chose to make their desire a reality. It works. You can create your own success if you want it badly enough.

Dream of becoming something great? Take it, snatch it up, make it real; choose it. The key is not what you're born with, it's what you choose to become.

"Amber, it’s not up to me, not up to Hollistair, not even up to your good grandmother. It is as it’s always been; whatever you want, you need to snatch it up,” he grasped his hand in the air, “make things happen—but, go about it cautiously. If you knew how many are waiting to help…"

~Leman Hirsch, Amber Grey-the lost city

Who We Are

“…it is never the task of the oppressed to change for the oppressor. In other words, we live our lives giving mankind the best we have to offer, and if our best offends another, we cannot change it, nor should we. It is a part of us; it is what makes us who we are.”

~Julia Grey, Amber Grey, calm before the storm

No one is born perfect, and, yes, we all have the opportunity to improve ourselves, as we should, but much of what we do possess when we come to this this earth is irreplaceable, invaluable, special and unique to each of us. These distinct attributes make each of us who we are, and are our foundation for growth. They are the seeds of greatness.

Yes, you can be great in your own way. It’s an invigorating prospect, and one that requires much introspection and perseverance, but every moment you spend choosing to build yourself in a positive manner is a moment of magic.

Would you lovingly toil for years creating a masterpiece, and allow someone to crush it? Wouldn’t you do everything in your power to protect it? Please, please, value the good you create enough to defend it when others might try to tear it apart!

Ever make a mistake? Ever do anything you regret? Then fix it. Learn from it. Don’t repeat it. Move on, and use your experience to help others.

Can we do any better than our best? No. Is that good enough? Yes.