by admin | Feb 3, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“It Had to be You” hit me right where I live. As a self-professed “behind the scenes support person”, I could easily identify with Eden who considered herself the family cheerleader. Over and over Eden’s self-image echoed in my own soul. Ingrid’s letter to Eden at the very beginning seemed to be God speaking through her to me also.
Possibly one of Susan’s deepest novels, “It Had to be You” was also a wonderful love story with more than one sub-plot woven through it. I loved how Eden and Jace’s opinions about each other changed as they became better acquainted. I also loved how they were each able to help the other learn the true depth of God’s grace for them personally. There were many lessons to be learned in the pages of “It Had to be You” including the need to let go and let your loved ones fail if that is what it takes to bring them closer to God. More than one example of sacrificial actions for the benefit of others were quite touching.
Once again Susie Warren has produced a superb novel that showcases her unique writing ability as well as her excellent understanding of the human soul. I have loved all her Deep Haven novels and the Christiansen Family series has upped the ante. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and am hoping it will feature Owen.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.
Read an excerpt from “It Had to be You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
by admin | Feb 2, 2014 | DVD
MY REVIEW:
My husband and I just finished watching “Unstoppable”, an independent film narrated by actor Kirk Cameron. Struggling himself with the age-old question of “why do bad things happen to good people”, Kirk attempts to offer hope to those who suffer. Beginning with the creation story and ending with the resurrection Kirk illustrates the consequences of man’s rebellion and sin through history.
Kirk’s passion for Christ and his drive to share God’s truth with others and to encourage them in their Christian walk is evident throughout the entire film. Personal stories are interspersed with Biblical examples in this relatively short documentary. Kirk’s emotions were apparent as he described the death of a young friend that inspired the making of this film. I felt that Kirk was both eloquent and concise with his message.
Kirk may or may not have answered the question to everyone’s satisfaction but we felt that his conjectures were valid and encouraging as well as thought provoking. Watching this DVD with a group could be an excellent springboard for discussion.
This DVD was provided for review by
Laura Beth Stubblefield
FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network.
ABOUT UNSTOPPABLE
Inspired by the death of Cameron’s close friend who succumbed to cancer at the age of 15, Kirk Cameron takes viewers on an inspiring and hope-filled visual journey to better understand the biggest doubt-raising question in faith: “Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering?”
Going back to the beginning—literally—Kirk investigates the origins of good and evil and how they impact our lives … and our eternities. UNSTOPPABLE will prompt audiences to consider the role that pain and suffering has in our lives, as they affirm their personal views on faith, and encourage conversation starters about God, suffering, and hope.
In theaters for only two weeknights (Sept 24th and Oct 3th, 2013), UNSTOPPABLE: A Live Event with Kirk Cameron sold a staggering 260,000 tickets and reached a theatrical gross of over $3.2 million dollars. In just two nights this independent project sent a loud message – audiences want thought-provoking and meaningful entertainment.
Kirk Cameron is best known for his memorable role as “Mike Seaver,” a cultural icon of the 80’s, with his mullet hairstyle, cool glasses, and wisecracking comebacks. More recently he enjoyed much success with the No. 1 grossing inspirational film of 2008, Fireproof, and his recent documentary, Monumental. Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, were on-screen sweethearts during their Growing Pains years and are the founders of Camp Firefly, where terminally and seriously ill children and their families are provided an all-expense paid retreat (www.CampFirefly.com). Together, Kirk and Chelsea live in California with their six children.
Visit the official website: http://unstoppablethemovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unstoppablethemovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnstoppableDVD
About Provident Films:
Provident Films, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, produces, markets, and distributes faith-based films. The company is part of Nashville-based Provident Music Group, which has been one of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three decades. Films from the company have included Courageous, October Baby, Fireproof, and Facing the Giants. More info is available at ProvidentFilms.org.
GIVEAWAY:
One reader of this blog will win a copy of the Unstoppable DVD. To enter, please leave a comment telling me why you would like to win a copy. Deadline for entry is Friday, February 7. Entries from United States and Canada only please.
Please read the disclaimer below before entering:
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
by admin | Feb 1, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The final installment of Amanda Cabot’s Westward Winds series, “With Autumn’s Return” was an enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to a wonderful series.
Elizabeth, the youngest Harding sister has completed her medical training and has established an office in Cheyenne, Wyoming in order to be close to Charlotte and Abigail. Believing the residents of Cheyenne to be more progressive thinkers, Elizabeth is disappointed to find that they are no more accepting of a female physician than people back East. Nevertheless she is determined to be the best doctor she can be and hopes that she can change the minds of at least a few.
One of Elizabeth’s first encounters is with her new neighbor, attorney Jason Nordling and it does not go at all well. Sparks fly when she reacts with anger to his disapproval and the reader immediately senses that an interesting path to romance could develop for these two. And interesting it is with Elizabeth so dedicated to her profession that she can’t imagine having time for a husband and children, and Jason convinced that a woman like Elizabeth could never be the type of wife he needs. Naturally God has other plans for them.
The plot moves along at a fair pace with more than one sub-plot woven into the whole. A romance between Harrison and Gwen develops nicely and a bit of murder and mystery is thrown in for good measure. I liked how Elizabeth was so dedicated to caring for others than she tried to do the right thing no matter what the busybodies and gossips thought about her. I liked the emphasis on how a marriage should be a partnership with husband and wife working together without strict roles defined by their gender.
Once again I recommend a novel by Amanda Cabot for all who enjoy historical romance. You cannot go wrong with this author!
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s planning on instant success. She didn’t plan on love.
When Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne to open her medical practice, she is confident that the future is as bright as the warm Wyoming sun. Certain she’ll have a line of patients eager for her services, she soon discovers the town may not welcome a new physician–especially a lady doctor. Even Jason Nordling, the handsome young attorney next door, seems to disapprove of her chosen profession.
When a web of deceit among Cheyenne’s wealthiest residents threatens to catch Elizabeth and Jason in its snare, they must risk working together to save one of Elizabeth’s patients–even if it means falling in love.
Read an excerpt from “With Autumn’s Return” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, as well as Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming. Find out more about Amanda and her books HERE.
