by admin | Jan 5, 2015 | DVD, Giveaways
MY REVIEW:
Overall, “The Identical” was an enjoyable, family friendly movie that featured lots of music. It was a story that emphasized following God’s plan for your life and it did a good job of showing what could happen when trying to follow the dreams of someone else.
I did find the obvious Elvis slant a bit distracting, especially when Elvis was actually mentioned in the film. The young man just looked, moved and sang too much like Elvis for my personal preference. It would have been much more original and engaging without that unmistakeable resemblance.
Otherwise, my husband and I enjoyed the film and were quite happy with the way it ended with family secrets revealed and restoration of the entire family. I thought the actors did a good job in their roles and the cinematography was excellent.
Don’t believe all the bad press about this movie. It is fun to watch and if you like music, it is all the more so.
“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.
ABOUT THE DVD:
The Identical, starring Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green, and Blake Rayne is a redemptive movie about a young man, the son of a preacher, who rejects his father’s desire for him to join the ministry and instead embarks on a career as a rock singer. As he struggles to pursue his dream and rise to stardom, he finds love, pain, success, failure and ultimately uncovers a hidden family secret that reveals who he really is. The Identical is a captivating story about a family restored and a life discovered that lifts your soul and warms your heart.
Click here for the official website!
Check out this special offer from Family Christian —> http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/291528/
Purchasing the DVD from this link comes with The Identity Series DVD (more info on THE IDENTICAL website)
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 | Jan 2, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Although I have not read the previous novels in Myra Johnson’s Till We Meet Again series, I had no problems keeping up with the story in “Every Tear a Memory”. I enjoyed reading about Joanna and Thomas and their families and thought the character development was excellent. The setting of Hot Springs, Arkansas is fairly close to where I live and this novel made me want to visit there soon.
Both Joanna and Thomas had an uneasy relationship with their respective families. Joanna had left home at an early age because of her difficulties with her mother and had intended to stay in France after the war. However her mother’s death and an urgent request for help from her brother brought her home to Hot Springs. Thomas, on the other hand, had remained in Hot Springs due to health issues while his brother shipped out to fight in the war. Feelings of inadequacy and an inability to please his demanding mother were constantly on his mind. When Thomas and Joanna reconnected after many years, they quickly felt an attraction but both realize that their personalities and goals were entirely too far apart for a relationship to work.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Every Tear A Memory” as I watched Thomas and Joanna’s relationship with each other and the Lord develop. I feel certain that I will go back and read the first two novels in this series as soon as I find the time.
This book was provided for review by The Amazon VINE program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Joanna Trapp found adventure serving in France as a “Hello Girl,” one of over 200 telephone operators called upon by General Pershing to serve in the Army Signal Corps, but she still mourns her doughboy sweetheart killed in battle. Returning to Hot Springs, Arkansas, she takes a job as a switchboard operator at the Arlington Hotel and quickly discovers that after her experiences overseas, civilian life proves dull.
Thomas Ballard still regrets he was medically ineligible to serve in the war and feels inferior to those who did, especially his war-hero brother, Gilbert. When Thomas finds himself attracted to Joanna, he strives to match her adventurous spirit, when all he really wants is to settle down, raise a family, and earn respect as a successful businessman.
As romance blossoms, can two such different people learn to accept not only their own but each other’s God-created individuality . . . or will love change them both?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Myra Johnson‘s roots go deep into Texas soil, but after surviving five icy winters and blistering summers in Oklahoma, she and her husband now enjoy the milder weather of Carolinas. The Johnsons share their home with two lovable (and very spoiled) dogs.
Myra’s most recent novels comprise the Till We Meet Again historical romance series from Abingdon Press: WHEN THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (winner of the 2014 Christian Retailing’s Best Award for historical fiction), WHISPER GOODBYE, and EVERY TEAR A MEMORY. Her debut novel, ONE IMPERFECT CHRISTMAS, was a 2009 release from Abingdon Press.
She has also written for Heartsong Presents. AUTUMN RAINS (2009) won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript and was named a 2010 ACFW Carol Award finalist. In November 2011, AUTUMN RAINS, ROMANCE BY THE BOOK, and WHERE THE DOGWOODS BLOOM (Heartsong Presents romances set in Missouri) were re-released as a Barbour 3-in-1 collection entitled GATEWAY WEDDINGS. Other recent Heartsong Presents titles include A HORSEMAN’S HEART, A HORSEMAN’S GIFT, and A HORSEMAN’S HOPE.
Myra writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups. Married since 1972, the Johnsons have two beautiful daughters, two terrific sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren.
by admin | Jan 2, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Brush With Love” is a prime example of why Rachel Hauck is listed among my favorite authors. Every time I open one of her books, I find a well-written story with real-to-life characters who have the same flaws and pain many of us experience. No model perfect heroes or heroines with perfect lives but men and women in need of God’s love, encouragement, and forgiveness.
Ginger Winters is the perfect representative for many women who for one reason or another feel less than adequate and hide behind whatever walls they have built to protect themselves from being hurt by others. Like Ginger, most of us fail to look to the Lord for our affirmation but give up when we realize we may not receive it from the people around us. Tom Wells was a wonderful hero who continuously attempted to encourage Ginger as he gently pushed her toward the Lord.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ginger and Tom’s story. I always appreciate Rachel’s strong message of faith that is included in each book as well as the depth and realism of her characters. Although I acknowledge that “A Brush With Love” was necessarily short due to its format, I would have liked to spend much more time with these characters.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ginger Winters is a gifted hairstylist with scars no one can see. The last thing she expects from the New Year is a new chance at love.
Overcoming a childhood tragedy, Ginger emerges from the pain and trauma with a gift for bringing out the beauty in others. From the top big city salons to traveling the world as personal stylist to a country music sensation, success was almost enough to make Ginger forget her she would never be one of the beautiful people.
Almost. Now that she’s back home in Rosebud, Alabama and running her own salon, the truth remains: Ginger is still that girl, forever on the outside looking in. But she needs her confidence this weekend. She’s the acclaimed “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.
When high-school crush Tom Wells Jr. also returns to town and shows up at her shop looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her locked away from love, Despite Tom’s best efforts, Ginger can’t forget how he disappeared on her twelve years ago and broke her heart. Can she ever trust him again?
When Tom challenges her to see her own beauty, Ginger must decide if she will remained chained to the past or move freely into a new, exciting future.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Rachel’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as “The Wedding Dress,” “Love Starts with Elle,” and “Once Upon A Prince.” She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, “Softly and Tenderly,” one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
Find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/.
“Fire” up the romance in the new year with Rachel Hauck‘s newest book, A Brush with Love, by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway! And be sure to catch a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-released How to Catch a Prince!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway only runs for a week, 12/30 – 1/5. Winner will be announced January 6th on Rachel’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Jan 1, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Unfamiliar with the author, I took a chance and agreed to review her novel “One Among Men”. I was unsure what to expect when I began to read but soon found an honest and compelling story that grabbed my attention and held on to the very end.
Samantha Hart is a fairly new Christian with a past she would like to forget but its memories continue to plague her. She is convinced that she can never live up to the standards set by her best friend. When Samantha takes a job as resident director of an all male college dorm, she finds herself challenged on every level but her caring spirit and unshaken standards soon earn her the respect of even the most difficult resident. One particular resident, Chris Johnson, challenges Samantha in a totally different area – her heart. Strongly attracted to Chris, Samantha is uncertain whether to trust him because of the mixed messages she picks up from him.
“One Among Men” is a very well written novel that is easy to read. With plenty of drama, humor, romance, and suspense, it was difficult to put down. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and especially liked Samantha, Chris and Preacher. I would very much enjoy another novel featuring these characters.
I can say that I am very happy that I took a chance on “One Among Men” and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary novel with a strong Christian message. I look forward to more novels by Connie Almony.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Her job requires she live with 500, hard-partying, college guys. She can handle the 499, but it only takes one to lead her into danger.
Samantha Hart is looking for purpose, like her missionary best friend, but is forced to take a job as the resident director of the all-male party dorm at the major state university where her prodigal past haunts her. She must avert the pitfalls of a woman in her position as well as the dangerous forces that threaten her life.
Chris Johnson, a rock guitarist, has come back to school as a music major, and finds himself in a business relationship with the ruthless supplier of an on-campus drug ring. He’s intrigued by the lady RD, while learning more about his musical gift and the God who gave it to him. Can he manage his two worlds without risking Samantha’s life?
Read an excerpt from “One Among Men” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
She’s just a suburb gal from the Baltimore-Washington megalopolis. And that’s what Connie Almony’s fiction is about, a diverse population which is truly, and beautifully, colorful.
Trained as a mental health counselor, she hopes you won’t hold that against her. Though this training helps her delve into the motivations that drive her characters, she promises not to therapize you.
Her favorite things to do include listening to awesome Christian Contemporary music (like Third Day and NeedtoBreathe) and read great stories with colorful characters while spending time with her adoring family. She loves to brainstorm with her almost thirteen-year-old daughter, who writes chapter books on the side, and share peaceful moments with her sixteen-year-old son (who’s like a gentle breeze).
The bantering style of her characters is inspired by her husband’s deep love of mischief, particularly that which craves a sharp response ;o). Still, she loves him anyway … which covers a multitude of sins. She’s been married almost twenty years and counts each one better than the one before.
See more on ConnieAlmony.com
