Growing up in the Midwest was a privilege, having two great parents was an honor. Serving my country during Vietnam, when America lost the right to draft its children, was a responsibility all Americans need to take seriously. Being in possession of an MBA led me into banking and business. The former a good fit, the latter an exercise in trial and tribulation. Life revealed to me the people who populate our world. These inhabitants wear many different hats and possess a wide range of abilities.
From these highs and lows came the stories which I am now publishing. All of my books have references to my experiences and social connections.
These books challenge conventional thinking but are grounded in reality. You can read the beginning of each book below.
Click on this button below to enter the Kings of Little Egypt video series. There will be ten videos total.
Come meet the Kings and glimpse their world during Prohibition, the Great Depression, the Roaring Twenties, and WWI.
One hundred years ago the melting pot that is America brought three brothers from their farm in Fairfield, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri where they would begin a career in crime unmatched in Illinois history. The Shelton Brothers, Carl, Earl, and Bernie would go on to rule southern Illinois in the ’20s, ‘30s, and ’40s. Along the way, they crossed paths with Al Capone, Frank Nitti, Charlie Burger, Blackie Harris, Art Newman, Connie Ritter, Buster Wortman, and no small assortment of slightly lesser lights. They were so powerful in their control of gambling and bootlegging that Al Capone and his minions made a peace pact with the Shelton Brothers to not venture south of Peoria. It was a grudging sign of respect for the power of the Sheltons.
Episode 1: The Hanging of Charlie Birger
Episode 2: The Killing of Carl Shelton
I highly recommend Oblivion’s Reach. While I do read and enjoy this genre, I don’t read it exclusively. This book appealed to me because it reminded me of the Left Behind series that I read and loved in the late 90s. As suspected, this book is similar to Left Behind. Part science fiction, part inspirational, part romance with a lot of action and excellent character development.
I believe both believers and nonbelievers will find this book appealing. I appreciate that it has a Christian story line without a completely religious feel. The story contains elements of real life: Love, lust, murder, sin, evil, grief, loyalty, friendship, greed, doubt, and so much more. I think the gospel message is clearly embedded within the plot without being an overpowering theme that might be a turn off to nonbelievers.
One of my favorite elements of the story was near the end when prayer became such a major focus. The prayer group was praying and they called on so many others to pray. When “the good guys” said they were not able to appear until and unless someone asked for help. That’s a very powerful message!
As I read, found myself wondering about the author. Some parts contained so much detail that I wondered if he was ever in the military or had any type of law enforcement experience. The story contains specific information about firearms and ammo and surveillance that it almost seems the author must have that kind of a background or did very thorough research on the topic.
This is a really good story of good vs. evil!
This book gave me a whole new perspective on the power of angels in our daily lives. Just because we don't see them doesn't mean that they are not there.
The bible includes many promises of God's Spirit intervening in our lives and Michael and Don do an amazing job of crafting a story that plays this out in an "end times" scenario.
This book will inspire you and open your eyes to the power of both Heaven and Hell that battle for the souls of mankind on a daily basis.
"Oblivion's Reach" will make you reflect on your life's journey and what possible divine interventions you might have witnessed.
This is a saga of a man who has little time to discuss or know his true religious beliefs but as life happens, he ultimately realizes after he is protected by Angelic Warriors.
This story sets the stage for the final earthly battle between good and evil. The characters is this tale react, not knowing how much of an impact they could make in such a battle of supernatural powers.
They do not shy away from their responsibility of trying their best to save life on earth as they rely on any resource available including strengths of each other and even the power of prayer.
A must read for all!
Oblivion's Reach reminded me of the Left Behind series, which was extremely popular in the '90's. How it differs is that it sets the stage slightly earlier to the days preceding the Rapture, so we can see how the "wars and rumors of wars" are leading up to the ultimate battle between good and evil. The novel is packed with too many memorable characters to mention in one review, but suffice it to say that I found them believable and even reflective of people you find in day to day life. I also know how Michael Stafford deals explicitly with doubt and struggles of faith and shows how those struggles can not only make you a better person but strengthen your faith and the faith of others around you Oblivion's Reach is a thrilling novel that lovers of Christian fiction will truly enjoy.
Even though this is a work of fiction, I think readers find it interesting to be able to relate to the real places that they know. And it makes it believable even to folks who have no ties to southern Illinois at all. I believe this would appeal to both believers and nonbelievers. I appreciate that it has a Christian storyline without a religious feel. The story contains elements of real life: love, lust, murder, sin evil, grief, loyalty, friendship, greed, doubt and so much more. Personally, I don't believe in the rapture but I was able to overlook the fact that I disagree on this detail because I found almost everything else to be completely accurate. It was the same way when I read the Left Behind series. Thank you for letting me read this, you have done a great job!
This book is very exciting and extremely creative and well written. I am normally not into fiction but this one is so true to life and prophetic.
The book brings people into the supernatural and the way that prayers are really answered. It shows very clearly how God can conquer darkness on the earth, how angels are really here to fight for us, and how we just have to believe and ask. I believe this book is a wake up call for the people walking in the earth today, yet it comes in a book form that anyone can understand. It's very good! I suggest anyone read it, it could be life-changing!