The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals and Temples
About the Book Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples
Book: The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples
Author: Terry Overton
Genre: Middle-Grade Christian Fiction
Release date: November 22, 2022
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 traveller who knows several languages – discovers some confusing notes about Isaac Newton and finds a strange watch that once belonged to his grandfather.
Knowing his archaeologist 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.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts on Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples
What a fun new series for kids! This book is geared towards middle-grade children and really brings the Bible to life in easy-to-read language with lots to spur the imagination. My kids loved this book!
My older kids all grabbed the book to read on their own. I’d say ages 12 and up read on their own. Then I used it as a read-aloud for the entire family which included children from the ages of 16 months up to 17 years. I have to say I quite enjoyed the book as well and we can’t wait for more in this series to come out!
Grab this book to get some history in your kids plus a good dose of the Bible and an even greater dose of imagination and fun!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
About the Author of Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples
Terry Overton obtained her PhD in Psychology and her Ed. D. in special education. She taught in public schools and was a school psychologist and a professor before retiring in 2016. She began her second “career” after retirement and now writes Christian fiction books and devotionals and hopes to share the Christian worldview through her writing.
Her novels, middle-grade readers, and picture books seek to entertain readers through the travel experiences and characters included in her books. She currently resides in Laguna Vista, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. She enjoys Biblical history and general Bible studies, writing, and enjoying family and friends. Terry has seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
More from Terry
I wanted to write this book as a way to teach middle grades and early teens about Bible history and the importance of Jerusalem in world history and in current history. In order to grab the attention of this age group, the book uses humor and suspense to transport the three main characters, Luke, Nathan, and Lydia, throughout the Bible and ancient and current history.
Here is how it begins:
Chapter 1
The truth is, I wish I had never found it. Or at least, I wish I had found it along with a set of instructions. It started in church. Not that I fancied going every week like my mother. But I go. I am not crazy about talking to the old ladies each week who still want to pinch my cheek and tell my mother how much I have grown. I am not wild about the church windows, the candles, and all of that. There is not much to look at during church except the backs of people’s heads and the preacher. Thankfully, I figured out how to sneak my phone into the church by tucking it inside my zippered Bible.
Paying attention to a long-winded preacher—even if it is Nathan’s father—is a lot to ask when you are not yet fourteen. So, pretending to listen while looking at my phone was a skill I had mastered. I sit there calmly, pretending to listen while disguising the moves I am making on my phone.
And then, I hear the name “Isaac Newton” in the middle of the sermon.
That is when it really started. If I had known the length and complexity of what I was about to begin, I might have changed my mind. I guess I could ignore the name Isaac Newton and continue playing Fortnite on my phone. But my curiosity is alive with the name Isaac Newton ringing in my ears.
So, it begins.
***
Luke is referring to a time-travel device that he and his two good friends find and accidentally set off. The problem is they do not know how to control it. They discovered the device as they researched the travels of Luke’s missing archaeologist father. Luke believes his father was searching for the original Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem when he disappeared. Now, the three suddenly find themselves in precarious positions and environments and must figure out how to survive, find Luke’s father, and somehow return back to the current time.
Blog Stops for Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples
Bigreadersite, January 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 7
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 8
Sylvan Musings, January 8
deb’s Book Review, January 9
Mary Hake, January 9
Texas Book-aholic, January 10
Aryn the Libraryan, January 11
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 12
Cover Lover Book Review, January 13
Vicky Sluiter, January 13
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 17
Book Zone Reviews, January 17
Blogging With Carol, January 18
Lights in a Dark World, January 19
Mornings at Character Cafe, January 19
For Him and My Family, January 20
Giveaway for Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples
To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Click the link below to enter.
Rita Wray
I like the review and cover.
Erin S.
Thank you for visiting my blog today!
Debra Pruss
I love Terry’s heart. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Erin S.
Yes and her books for kids are so good!
Amy Woolard
My daughter would love this book! This one sounds like a great adventure!
Erin S.
It’s really good. My kids can’t wait to see the rest of the series.
Anita Yancey
I really like the story, the characters and the cover.
Erin S.
The cover is adorable. I loved it.
Tracie M Cooper
Love the title and its perfect for my friend’s son!
Erin S.
Oh I hope you get the chance to grab a copy so he can read it.
Bea LaRocca
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples, this sounds like an exciting book to read with my grandchildren
Erin S.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today and reading my post!