Pastor Stephen Grant?

Stephen Grant is the pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on eastern Long Island. Grant is one of the more unique second-career clergy around, as he once worked for the CIA. Besides theology, his interests include archery, golf, writing, classic films, the beach, poker, baseball, and history. Grant also knows his wines, champagnes and brews. Oh yes, he generally dislikes politicians, and happens to be an expert marksman with a handgun and a rifle, while being pretty handy with a combat knife as well.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Perfect Time for SHIFTING SANDS

Here are three reasons why right now is the right time for reading SHIFTING SANDS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY...

1. SHIFTING SANDS revolves around a pro beach volleyball tournament happening on the West Side of Manhattan. Well, guess what? The AVP Beach Volleyball’s New York City Open is happening on June 7-9. What better way to get ready than to enjoy SHIFTING SANDS? Check out info on the New York City Open here.

2. Until the end of May, SHIFTING SANDS is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month. That means there are great deals on signed books and sets at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month.



3. Through the end of May, the Kindle price of SHIFTING SANDS has been cut from $3.99 to $2.99. Grab it right now!



Reviewer Quote of the Day: Pastor Stephen Grant Novels and Short Stories


Get all of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories by Ray Keating in paperbacks or for the Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Monk-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1793144745/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=, and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Get Caught Up on All 10 Novels and Short Stories Because More Are on the Way from Ray Keating!


If you haven’t caught up on reading all of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, this is an ideal to get caught up on the fun. Why? Because Ray Keating is at various stages of working on the next THREE books. Here are the tentative titles...

1. Deep Rough: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel


2. The Traitor: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story


3. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

Reviewer Quote of the Day: Pastor Stephen Grant Novels and Short Stories


Get all of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories by Ray Keating in paperbacks or for the Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Monk-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1793144745/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=, and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.

Are You Ready for the Next Pastor Stephen Grant Novel?

Get all of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories by Ray Keating in paperbacks or for the Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Monk-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1793144745/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=, and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

4 Quick and Cool Points on the Beach Volleyball Court in SHIFTING SANDS

SHIFTING SANDS: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY is the May Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month. That means the Kindle edition price has been slashed from $3.99 to $2.99. Go to https://www.amazon.com/Shifting-Sands-Pastor-Stephen-Grant-ebook/dp/B07KDYH5NY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=.
Sale on signed books and sets at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month



Check out 4 volleyball points on the sand from the book...

• “Ambler, with her long blond hair pulled back in a ponytail, offered another quality serve, but this time Gale responded with an impressive dig. Sackett then provided a near-perfect set as Gale returned to her feet. On one side of the net, Gale, in a dark blue bikini, jumped into the air, with the tall Ambler, sporting her team’s bright yellow bikini, doing the same on the other side. Gale went for the spike, and Ambler for the block. Ambler’s quick thinking, height and formidable leaping ability went a long way in making up for her team’s relative inexperience. At first, it appeared that Ambler’s block was successful, but after the ball ricocheted off her right hand, it hit the sand a few inches out of bounds.”

• “Khan handled the serve, and an extended rally ensued, filled with spikes, digs and blocks – all appreciated by the crowd – until Gale lofted a soft shot over both Khan and Ambler, who were out of position after managing to return a spike by Sackett. The ball landed in a back corner of the court.”

• “With her back to the net, West backpedaled, glanced over her shoulder at the opponents, looked up at the ball, and then leaped high into the air. With her back still to the net, she swung her right hand into the air, and attempted a blind spike over her shoulder.”

• “On the court, Sackett provided a perfect set for Gale, who jumped in the air, and struck the ball that eluded Ambler’s block. But West managed a full extension dig, and kept the point going.”

Reviewer Quote of the Day: Pastor Stephen Grant Novels and Short Stories


Get all of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories by Ray Keating in paperbacks or for the Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Monk-Pastor-Stephen-Grant/dp/1793144745/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=, and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Spy Stuff: CIA Recruits at a Comic-Con

Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story sees Stephen Grant – former Navy SEAL and CIA operative – attending a local comic-con, where he takes on evildoers with the help of some new friends and heroes. But in case you think this lies too far outside the realm of reality, consider that the CIA set up a booth at Awesome Con in Washington.


Photo courtesy of WJCT.org and Greg Myre/NPR


As reported by WJCT: “Not exactly the place you'd expect a CIA discussion on recruiting foreign spies. And yet CIA staff historian Randy Burkett, wearing khakis and a polo shirt with the CIA logo, was doing exactly that.”

That’s interesting. But no doubt, not as much fun as Heroes and Villains!

- Ray Keating


Monday, May 13, 2019

Celebrate May 13th Pub Anniversary of THE RIVER

Celebrate the May 13th publication anniversary of THE RIVER: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. If you haven't read it yet, grab it today. 


Average Amazon review is 4.3 stars out of 5. And among the positive reviews, Kirkus Reviews says, "A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman."


Signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

Pastor Stephen Grant Character Quote of the Week from REAGAN COUNTRY


The Pastor Stephen Grant Character Quote from REAGAN COUNTRY...

Coz continued, “Besides, did you get a look at our State Department dynamic duo? Henning and Hundley are not exactly the types who are going to ask questions when two beautiful women pick them up in a café, and then want to have sex on a regular basis. Instead, they’re thanking the Lord above.” 


Friday, May 10, 2019

Check out Ray Keating's Latest Authors and Entrepreneurs Podcast, Episode 36: 5 Minutes on the Need for Another Set of Eyes on Your Book

Ray Keating explains why you need another set of eye to take a close, critical look at your book or other writing project. But it is critical to get someone who you can trust to produce constructive feedback and ideas. After all, everybody has an opinion and most are quite willing to tell you what they think, but is their feedback based on experience and is it constructive? 
Keating goes on to explain that he now provides manuscript assessment and feedback for authors, offering thorough thoughts and suggestions, such as on story, plot, characters, dialogue, clarity, consistency and structure. This kind of constructive feedback is critical for authors and entrepreneurs. Listen at http://www.buzzsprout.com/147907/1116581-episode-36-5-minutes-on-the-need-for-another-set-of-eyes-on-your-book

Celebrate May 10th Anniversary of REAGAN COUNTRY

Celebrate the May 10th publication anniversary of REAGAN COUNTRY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. If you haven't read it yet, grab it today. 


Average Amazon review is 4.7 stars out of 5. 

And among the positive reviews, Kirkus Reviews says, "The villains, meanwhile, are just as rich and engrossing as the good guys and gals. The familiar protagonist, along with sensational new and recurring characters, drives an energetic political tale."


Signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Get THE TRAITOR: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY for FREE!

Join the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Email List! Get Pastor Stephen Grant stuff, including a monthly newsletter and the forthcoming short story titled THE TRAITOR for FREE! http://www.pastorstephengrant.com/contact.html



Spy Stuff: JFK, the CIA and the Bay of Pigs

History.com has published an interesting piece on what went wrong with the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961.



One of the most interesting points:

When the plan, codenamed Operation Zapata, was presented to John F. Kennedy just weeks after he took the oath of office, the newly inaugurated president ultimately gave it his approval. Jim Rasenberger, author of The Brilliant Disaster: JFK, Castro, and America’s Doomed Invasion of Cuba’s Bay of Pigs, doesn’t believe that military planners pressured the new president into making a decision against his better judgment. “I think Kennedy knew very well what he was getting into, but he was in a tough place,” he says.


- Ray Keating


Wednesday, May 8, 2019

3 Reasons for Reading the Pastor Stephen Grant Mysteries/Thrillers: Thumbs-Up Reviews for AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Here are three positive takes on AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL...



1. "Ray Keating's third Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, An Advent for Religious Liberty continues to bring to life this heroic pastor. What pastor doesn't want to be like Pr. Grant? What parishioner doesn't want him as his shepherd?!"  - Tyrel Bramwell, author of The Gift and the Defender

2. "I flew through it with enthusiasm."  - Mary Moerbe, author of Blessed: God's Gift of Love and Family Vocation

3. "It is exciting reading, and tough to put down... There's some really good stuff in here, and it does keep you on the edge of your reading seat... good mystery writing."  - Rod Zwonitzer, host of KFUO's "BookTalk"


Check out the Latest Episode of Ray Keating's Authors and Entrepreneurs Podcast


Noting that authors are entrepreneurs, Ray Keating makes the case that authors need a business plan – an action plan – for each of their books. Without such a plan, authors are simply missing out on opportunities. Keating goes on to explain the service he now offers to produce a business plan – again, an action plan – for authors.


Go to
http://www.buzzsprout.com/147907/1103048-episode-35-5-minutes-on-a-business-plan-for-your-book

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Big News: Cover for Next Pastor Stephen Grant Novel

Here's an early look at the cover for the next Pastor Stephen Grant novel. A big thank you to Ty Bramwell for his cover-creating excellence!


4 Quick and Cool Facts: What's Happening or on the Way?

Check out what's coming or happening now with the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories...



Sign up at http://www.pastorstephengrant.com/contact.html

Pastor Stephen Grant Character Quote of the Week from SHIFTING SANDS



The Pastor Stephen Grant Character Quote of the Week...

Jennifer gave a slight roll of the eyes, and interjected, “I get the feeling you guys are going to start singing a Beach Boys tune.”



Monday, May 6, 2019

Chance to Win a FREE Copy of “The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar 2019”

Between May 6 and May 13 Enter for a Chance to Win a FREE Copy of “The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar 2019” – 2 Winners Will Be Selected at Random – And Everyone Who Enters Gets a 40% Off Coupon to Buy Any of the 2020 “TO DO List Solution” Planners Coming from Ray Keating Later this Year – Enter at https://raykeatingonline.com/contact



In addition, everyone who enters will be added to Ray Keating’s TO-DO List, Authors & Entrepreneurs, and Free Enterprise Economics email lists, and receive a regular newsletter and updates.

Remember, it’s not too late to get organized and to get creative in 2019. Do so with “The Realistic Optimist TO DO List & Calendar 2019.” Again, enter at https://raykeatingonline.com/contact