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.
by admin | Jan 31, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
I have been a huge fan of Lisa Wingate’s books since I first picked up a copy of “Texas Cooking” several years ago. Since then I have read almost everything she has published and the ones I haven’t read are patiently waiting on my bookshelf for me to make the time to enjoy them. I usually have a pretty demanding review schedule because I have great difficulty saying no to books. For that reason, I rarely have a chance to read something on my personal list. Fortunately, Lisa’s novels appear of my review list frequently. Needless to say I was thrilled to have a chance to participate in the blog tour for Lisa’s latest, “Wildwood Creek”.
“Wildwood Creek” takes the reader back to Moses Lake, Texas where most of the locals are friendly and you can pick up a cold drink or lunch at the Waterbird Bait and Grocery and add your favorite quotation to the collection on the wall. Although the locals make an occasional appearance in the pages of “Wildwood Creek”, the story primarily takes place on the site of a historical town from which all the residents mysteriously disappeared. Cast and crew for a reality type television show are in residence in the recreated town of Wildwood and access is restricted to the rest of the world.
The story of Wildwood Creek is told through two points of view – the historical story of Bonnie Rose and the current story of Allie Kirkland who has been chosen to play the role of Bonnie Rose in the television production. Allie has become very interested in finding out what really happened to Bonnie Rose as well as the rest of the former residents of Wildwood and has found herself becoming defensive when hearing accusations against Bonnie Rose, who many believe is responsible for the disappearance of so many. Determined to follow in her father’s footsteps in film production, Allie pushes herself to meet everything that is expected of her. A number of strange incidents leaves Allie wondering who she can trust but she is unable to resist a budding friendship with Blake Shelton, her neighbor on site.
I very much enjoyed “Wildwood Creek” and had no difficulty switching from Bonnie’s story to Allie’s story and back again. Like Allie, I found myself rooting for Bonnie and hoping that she had somehow survived despite stories to the contrary. I loved watching the development of the relationship between Allie and Blake as well as how Blake helped Allie to see the negative actions of others as a cry for help. I loved the way the suspense built through both tales and was quite happy with the way everything turned out at the end.
Although “Wildwood Creek” is the fourth book in the Moses Lake series, it is not dependent upon the previous installments and can be read as a stand-alone novel. Take my advice and pick up a copy for yourself. Better still – get the entire series. I don’t think you will be sorry.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group compliments of the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With love and loss tangled together, how was she to know where her life would lead?
Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father’s unfinished destiny. When she’s offered a production assistant’s job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father’s footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream.
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region’s folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood–including Blake Fulton, Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set–seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn’t know whom she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself…with the most unthinkable results.
Read an excerpt from Wildwood Creek HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women’s Fiction. Lisa and her family live in central Texas. Visit www.lisawingate.com
by admin | Jan 29, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Quilts, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingScraps of EvidenceAbingdon Press (January 21, 2014)byBarbara CameronABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the author:
CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.
I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.
My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).
Learn more about Barbara and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the hospital, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Kathy is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Scraps of Evidence, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Scraps of Evidence has a fast-moving plot that follows a team of St. Augustine, Florida detectives as they work to solve the newest case in what appears to be a series of serial murders that began with Tess’s best friend in high school. As in all the books of the Quilts of Love series, quilts are a featured element in the story. Tess finds that quilting to be great stress relief from her demanding job as a police detective and spends hours at her Aunt Kathy’s quilt shop. Her new partner Logan finds Tess and her many talents to be a bit more attractive than might be appropriate for their job but they work well together and make a good team.
I enjoyed following Logan and Tess through the streets of St. Augustine, a city I have always enjoyed visiting. Many seemingly insignificant incidents are eventually pieced together to create a comprehensive picture that is finally solved through clues in Aunt Kathy’s favorite quilt. I had my suspicions all along but the author kept me in the dark until the end.
Scraps of Evidence is an enjoyable with just the right amount of action, mystery, and romance. I recommend it as well as all the other books in the Quilts of Love series.
