Review and Giveaway: Wildflower (a movie) March 31, 2016

Film Synopsis
Creatively gifted, college student Chloe Moray (portrayed by Nathalia Ramos, known for BRATZ, Arrested Development, House of Anubis) finds solace from a difficult childhood in her extraordinary art. But when an alarming dream begins to recur nightly, Chloe starts to believe that it might be a suppressed memory and that she may have witnessed a terrible crime as a little girl. Her search for peace takes her on a journey that forces Chloe to confront her past traumas and leads her to cross paths with Josh (Cody Longo, known for NOT TODAY, Hollywood Heights, Nashville), a young man dealing with his own painful loss. Together they find in each other someone they can trust as they seek to unlock a cold-case mystery from years before. But with the authorities blocking the way, Chloe’s new-found hope is challenged in this powerful story of faith, triumph and healing.

Click here to watch trailer.

Click here to visit website.

My thoughts and giveaway:

I’ve never reviewed a movie before but when I saw this one it looked very good and I wanted to see what it was about.

Really, this isn’t the type of movie you might expect for a Christian audience. It really has a thriller, mystery type feel and honestly it’s very heavy.

Chloe is extremely broken and doesn’t have much hope, she’s a very sad character.

Josh has his own brokenness but seems to be able to push through it a bit help Chloe.

There is a major twist in the movie that I never saw coming. Very cool.

I found myself shedding a few tears by the end as Chloe begins to take the offer of hope and healing. Her story is so heart breaking many of us will be able to relate to her.

Overall, a very good movie with an interesting plot.

I was given an extra copy of the movie to give away. Leave a comment by April 7th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I am not responsible if it lost or damaged in the mail.)

A copy of this movie was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

 

Hearing God through Biblical Meditation by Mark Virkler March 30, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Your Secret to Seeing the Bible Come to Life   Have you ever thought, “I read the Bible but it still doesn’t make sense to me”.    People say they hear God speaking to them—do you hear them and think, “Why can’t I hear God talking to me”?  
In Hearing God through Biblical Meditation, Dr. Mark Virkler helps you rediscover the simplicity of hearing from Heaven and reminds you that the ultimate source of divine revelation, supernatural peace, and spiritual direction is sitting on your shelf—the Bible. Learn the secret that brings Scripture to life and positions you to hear God’s voice with clarity and consistency like never before.
 
In this uniquely interactive book you will:  

• discover how to practice Biblical meditation—and start hearing God’s voice on a continuous basis .
• engage in practical exercises that will make your Bible study come to life in fresh new ways.
• approach your time in Scripture as an open door to revelatory encounters with the Holy Spirit.

 
Stop simply reading words on a page and begin hearing the voice of God in your life!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark Virkler, Ph.D. and Patti Virkler, D. Min., have co-authored more than 50 books in the areas of hearing God’s voice and spiritual growth. They are the founders of Communion with God Ministries (www.CWGMinistries.org) and Christian Leadership University (www.CLUonline.com), where the voice of God is at the center of every learning experience. Mark has taught on developing intimacy with God and spiritual healing for more than 30 years on six continents. The message has been translated into over 40 languages, and he has helped to establish more than 250 church-centered Bible schools around the world.

My thoughts:

First, I love the cover of this book. It speaks peace, don’t you think?

I love any book that helps me go deeper into the Word. This book offers a lot of great tips, advice and encouragement when it comes to diving into the Bible.

However, for me it wasn’t what I was expecting. I guess I was looking for something that gave me a verse and then ideas for journaling about it, which is does but it wasn’t in a format that really gave me the desire to do it within this book.

There are a lot of lists for reasons and ways to dive deeper. So for me I didn’t really get into the book. But for someone who is looking for help in this area it really is a great resource. I just already have my own way of studying the Bible that seems to work well for me.

Each chapter is very short, something you can do quickly during your devo time if you choose.

Even though this book wasn’t for me I think a lot of people would enjoy this.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million, Deeper Shopping or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review. 

Review and Giveaway: The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson March 28, 2016

About:

“The Red Door Inn took my breath away! Highly recommended!”–Colleen Coble, author ofThe Inn at Ocean’s Edge and the Hope Beach series

Marie Carrington is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle’s Victorian B and B–and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn’t expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they’ve got–and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

My thoughts:

I had never read anything by Liz before. I honestly got her confused with another author when I requested this book. I have to say I am so glad I made that mistake because I might not have requested it otherwise.

I really enjoyed this story. The setting is amazing (Prince Edward Island), almost as wonderful at my favorite vacation spot (Mackinac Island).

It’s clear from the beginning that Marie is broken, the question is what broke her? Liz does a great job of slowly revealing her wounds.

Seth’s wounds are revealed a bit sooner which helps us to better understand where he is coming from in his distrust of Marie.

Marie questions God and whether He still hears her. Who hasn’t been there? I know I have.

There are many other great characters in this story that round out the whole plot and I am very excited to meet up with them again in the next book that will come out in the fall.

I have found a new author to keep an eye. If you enjoy a good romance with a lot of depth then this is a book you will enjoy.

Visit Liz here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

Leave a comment by April 4th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I am not responsible for books lost or damaged in the mail.)

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter March 24, 2016

About:

She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever.

My thoughts:

Denise is a wonderful author. She comes up with great plots, settings and characters, this book is no exception.

The Goodbye Bride has everything you have come to expect from Denise and if you haven’t read anything by her I have to ask what are you waiting for?

Such an interesting plot with Lucy only remembering loving Zac and everyone else remembering what she did to him.

The mystery behind what has been going on in her life in the last seven months will keep you turning pages. Something suspicious is going on with Lucy’s ex-fiance. She ran away from him, but why?

The turmoil Zac feels with Lucy will have your heart aching for them.

I love the perspective that possibly Lucy lost her memory just so her and Zac could be brought together for a second chance.

A wonderful read for any romance lover.

Visit Denise here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

An e-copy of this book was given to my through the BookLook Blogger program in exchange for an honest review. 

Still Restless by Jan D. Hettinga March 23, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

Find the inner peace that your heart longs for

Many things prevent us from allowing God to be the manager of our lives. For some, it’s a longing for social justice they don’t see Him bringing about. Others fear losing more than they would gain. Still others have been wounded and believe a God of love would have stopped the hurt from happening. In response, we create our own kingdoms, attempting to organize life to get what we want. The problem is that we are not truly equipped to run our world well, no matter how hard we try.

Still Restless relates good news: God has always had time for honest seekers, even when they have hard questions or objections for Him. The proof is in the life of Christ. Jesus met for one-on-one conversations to share the way to truth and life, and He rarely used the same approach twice. The gospel is designed for everyone, no matter one’s experiences or personality.

Jan Hettinga walks through these gospel encounters to demonstrate how talking with Jesus is a good thing to do, particularly in today’s fast-paced modern world. Conversations with Christ lead to a spirituality that shuts down evil and empowers good. They produce a faith that surrenders control right from the beginning, embracing the relief of following a leader who cares for you.

What would you give to travel back in time to make an appointment with Jesus, to talk to God in flesh and ask your questions face-to-face? Hettinga uncovers the path to that opportunity today. Get ready for the conversation of a lifetime and a manager you can trust completely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jan D. Hettinga is pastor of leadership development at Cascade Community Church in Monroe, Washington, and pastor emeritus of Northshore Community Church in Bothell, Washington. He is also founder of the Northsound Church Planting Network in Seattle, and currently serves as chair of MissionsFest Seattle. Hettinga’s previous work includes Follow Me: Experience the Loving Leadership of Jesus.

My thoughts:

Who doesn’t feel restless?Who doesn’t need more peace that only Jesus can give? I certainly do. So I was really looking forward to reading this book.

The book speaks a lot of truth and gives great examples of people who are discontent and restless and looking for something more.

However, I felt the stories where slightly incomplete that we never got around to if those people found peace and how that happened.

I guess I just had different expectations of the book then what was delivered and I had trouble connecting.

Overall, a good book just not what I expected.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon,  Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million, Deeper Shopping or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review. 

Review and Giveaway: Change of Heart by Courtney Walsh March 21, 2016

 

About:

A Colorado senator’s wife, Evelyn Brandt seems to have it all. But her carefully constructed life comes toppling down when the FBI crashes her society brunch with news that her husband has been arrested for embezzlement, and he’s far from repentant. It turns out this was only the start of his indiscretions—for which he has little regret.

As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close—and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse—his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation.

Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend—and his own mistakes—stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?

My thoughts and giveaway:

There are a lot of things to love about this book. The plot itself is intriguing and then you bring in a cast of wonderful characters.

If you read Courtney’s book Paper Hearts you will be overjoyed to revisit some characters from that book in this one.

But there are also several new characters as well. Evelyn is a woman looking for her identity after everything comes down with her husband. His betrayal is deep and she quickly learns he can’t be trusted and doesn’t want to change. I love when she stood up to him.

Trevor has always loved Evelyn but has tried to move on with little success, but there are added layers here that will keep you guessing as to how this will all play out.

A great romance that will have your heart aching for the characters.

Visit Courtney here.

Watch the book trailer here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

Leave a comment by March 28th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I am not responsible for books lost or damaged in the mail.)

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Miriam by Mesu Andrews March 11, 2016

About:

The Hebrews call me prophetess, the Egyptians a seer.
But I am neither. I am simply a watcher of Israel
and the messenger of El Shaddai.
When He speaks to me in dreams, I interpret. When He whispers a melody, I sing.At eighty-six, Miriam had devoted her entire life to loving El Shaddai and serving His people as both midwife and messenger. Yet when her brother Moses returns to Egypt from exile, he brings a disruptive message. God has a new name – Yahweh – and has declared a radical deliverance for the Israelites.Miriam and her beloved family face an impossible choice: cling to familiar bondage or embrace uncharted freedom at an unimaginable cost. Even if the Hebrews survive the plagues set to turn the Nile to blood and unleash a maelstrom of frogs and locusts, can they weather the resulting fury of the Pharaoh?Enter an exotic land where a cruel Pharaoh reigns, pagan priests wield black arts, and the Israelites cry out to a God they only think they know.

My thoughts:

This book wasn’t what I was expecting but it was very good none-the-less.

We get to dive into the life of Miriam, Moses older sister. At this point in the book is an old women but much wisdom. Moses is not around at the beginning, he is off in hiding.

Mesu paints a harsh picture of the Hebrew life under Egyptian rule and I couldn’t wait for Moses to show up and lead the people out.

Mesu obviously does a lot or research in her books to write the way she does and bring this time to life.

You will meet many different people from the Bible and get to see a new perspective of them.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction.

Visit Mesu here. 

More info. here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. 

The Edge by Dave and Joanne Beckwith March 10, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK: Sharpen your edge in life as you discover why God designed you with built-in weaknesses, and how He perfects His power in your inadequacies, failures, and frailties. Pretending to be strong is a great weakness—humbly acknowledging weakness is a great strength. God promises His power works best in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). In this six-week personal growth journey, you will dig into God’s Word to discover how to transform your mind, release resentments and regrets, and deepen relationships through an understanding of strengths and weaknesses. Daily “Time Outs” are included for your personal time with God, and the “Strength Team” curriculum included provides what you need for a successful six-week small group. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dave and Joanne Beckwith serve with Standing Stone Ministry caring for pastos and their spouses and leading week long retreats for pastoral couples. Dave also works with church leadership and serves as lead pastor for churches during transitions. Dave is senior pastor emeritus for Woodbridge Church in Irvine, California, where he served as senior pastor for nearly 20 years. Dave and Joanne are both graduates of Biola University where they met, and Dave did his pastoral training at Talbot Theological Seminary.

Dave and Joanne were married in 1969, and they have two married daughters, four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. They enjoy the outdoors, hiking and riding recumbent bikes around Southern California.

My thoughts:

This book brings into the lives and lessons of the authors, things God taught them through some of their toughest times.

You will be reminded that even in the hard times, an often, mostly in the hard times, God can reveal new things to us and us closer to Himself.

This book is broken down into forty days so you can read a little bit at a time and absorb the message.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review. 

Grace be a Lady by Heather Blanton March 7, 2016

About:

Act like a man … Think like a lady. A Historical Western Romance with a Big Twist.  Banished to the dusty cow town of Misery, WY for an alleged affair, Grace Hendrick wants nothing more than to get her son away from the clutches of his abusive father Bull. But if she dares return home to Chicago, Bull has promised to whisk their son out of the country and away from her for good. Besides, he’s sure she’ll resort to prostitution to survive. Grace, desperate and furious, instead concocts a daring plan to beat Bull at his own game.

Thad, the middle son of the oldest, most successful cattle baron in Wyoming, is busy building a ranch and his faith in God. One chance meeting with Grace, though, batters his focus–and his morals–like a hail storm in July. When Grace’s brother Greg is hired by a local widow, Thad figures the kid is the straightest path to Grace’s heart. But what is he thinking, playing with fire … ? Isn’t he a better man than to steal another man’s wife? Even an abused one?As friendship and love blossom, Grace and Thad will discover truths that threaten the foundations of everything they believe. But the truth will set them free … won’t it?

My thoughts:

I purchased this book because I had heard a lot of good things about Heather and her historical novels so I thought I would give her a try.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written with interesting characters and a plot full of surprises.

I couldn’t wait to see what would happen between Grace and Thad and I just knew her nasty old husband would show up eventually but when and how?

If you haven’t read anything by Heather and enjoy historical romance I think you will be pleasantly surprised and glad you found a new author. I highly recommend her work and hope to read more in the future.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

Be the Miracle by Delores Liesner March 4, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK:  Whether we title these unexplainable happenings miracles, God-sightings, or some other name, people love to hear of such occurrences. Why? They increase our faith by providing evidence of the miraculous in our everyday lives and heighten awareness of God’s desire to minister personally to us and through us. Unique connecting verses, defining thought, key words, and personal challenges will help the readers go beyond the “good for her” feeling and bring each story’s teaching to life in their own daily walk. Many will find comfort knowing they are not alone in hearing God’s voice or direction. Others also will deepen their walk with God, gain the courage to listen for God’s voice, be a noticer of others’ needs, and practice hearing and answering God’s call to deliver a specific answer to a specific person. Sometimes walking in faith seems risky because it means obeying even if the directions don’t seem to make sense. When Abraham brought Isaac in faith up the mountain for a sacrifice, he risked all believing that God’s character would not fail him. God did keep His promise and provided a lamb, and Abraham passed the test of trust and faithfulness. What do we risk daily for the Lord? These life-vignettes encourage readers that risking embarrassment is a small price for the incredible joy of seeing God work over and over again. How can YOU put hands and feet to your faith and BE The Miracle for someone else?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Writing, Speaking or as God’s delivery girl, Delores lives life passionately and humorously revealing dynamic hope and confidence found in the heritage of our personal God. She writes from Racine, WI. Is a CLASS graduate, and has published hundreds of stories, devotionals and articles. As columnist, writer and teacher. Delores is represented by Linda Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency. Contact her at website/blog Be The Miracle at http://deloresliesner.com or email delores7faith@yahoo.com. Supporting Fullness of Life Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ – providing treatment funding for children with life-threatening illness.

My thoughts:

This book is full of wonderful and true stories about seeing God show up in amazing ways.

I think we sometimes believe miracles don’t happen anymore, that they are days gone by. But I don’t believe that is true at all. I think we just need to open our eyes more and see all that God is doing around us.

This book will be an encouragement to those reading it and also will show you ways you can be a miracle in someone else’s life.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review.