Saturday, September 14, 2024

I Think I Was Murdered Review





About the Book

 A grieving young widow. The AI program that allows her to continue to "talk" to him. And a message she never expected: "I think I was murdered."


Just a year ago, Katrina Berg was at the pinnacle of her career. She was a rising star in the AI chatbot start-up everyone was talking about, married with an adoring husband, and had more money than she knew how to spend. Then her world combusted. Her husband, Jason, was killed in a fiery car crash. Her CEO was indicted and, as the company's legal counsel, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds take over and lock her out of her office. The final blow is the passing of her beloved grandmother.

Her most prized possession is the beta prototype for a new, ultra-sophisticated chatbot loaded onto her phone. The contents of Jason's email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find were loaded into the bot, and Katrina has "talked" to him every day for the past six months. She has been amazed at how well it works. Even the syntax and words the bot uses sound like Jason. Sometimes, she imagines he isn't really dead and is right there beside her. She knows it's slowing her grief recovery, but she can't stop pretending.

On a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don't know. The cursor blinks for several moments and seems frozen before the reply flashes quickly onto the screen: I think I was murdered.

Distraught, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the northern California redwoods and enlists the help of Seb Wallace, local restaurateur and longtime acquaintance, to try to parse out the truth of what really happened. They must navigate the complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has. And staying alive long enough to do that is far more difficult than either of them dreamed. (Goodreads)








My Thoughts


The title of this book captured my attention and when I saw the authors I knew this was a book I had to read! This is a story that I have thought about often after reading because it is so unique and also terrifying what is possible in our world today! As typical murder mysteries go there is a tragedy BUT the twist- no one thinks it is murder until technology says otherwise. As a reader I was totally fascinated with how this could work and how the AI program (made up of course) worked in figuring out the truth of what happened. I have never thought about technology in this way and I think the the authors did a great job at creating this chatbot. This was a thinking outside of the box plot line and it held my attention until the end. The characters I didn't fully connect with and honestly I didn't love Katrina but the full story as a whole I really enjoyed. I recommend if you are looking for a unique mystery read!

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."














Thursday, September 12, 2024

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust Movie Review




 

Amid political and spiritual turmoil, Reverend David Hill steps up to run for
Congress after an incumbent's sudden death. Battling against Peter Kane, who aims
to erase religion from policy, David's fight becomes a beacon of hope and optimism
for people seeking moral leadership in a divided world.

 


Buy tickets today to see God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust in theaters starting
September 12th!

 

Watch the interview with female lead, Samaire Armstrong.

 


 

 

The film is engaging with a captivating story and has a renowned cast that keeps the
whole family entertained allowing families and friends to discuss how to engage in
this current political climate with courage. Most importantly, this film that demonstrates Christians should be optimistic, excited, and hopeful about the future.

 

 The film stars David A. R. White (GOD’S NOT DEAD, Evening Shade), Isaiah Washing-
ton (Grey’s Anatomy) Dean Cain (Lois & Clark), Samaire Armstrong, (The O.C.), Ray
Wise (ROBO COP), Scott Baio (Happy Days), Charlene Tilton (Dallas), with guest appearances by Governor Mike Huckabee and Newsboys.

 

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon gift card

This is limited to US winners only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



My Thoughts

I have watched the other God's Not Dead movies and enjoyed them. This one is all about politics and for some that might make you think "oh no I don't want to watch a movie about such things". BUT I encourage you to see it! It went a different direction I wasn't expecting and I thought the acting good and the final and main point was made clear. It held my interest the entire time and I am not someone who is really into anything political aside from reading, listening, and voting. Regardless of opinion I would watch this movie with an open mind. It doesn't claim to portray a specific political person and it is mainly making a statement that your vote matters. Apparently 40 million Christians don't vote and 15 million aren't even registered to vote. That is astonishing to me. I know people who don't vote because they don't think it matters (the film even has a scene portraying this) but reality is that if so many people "don't think it matters" it turns into millions of people not voting! THAT does have an impact!

I enjoyed the movie and I found it worth the watch!


#InGodWeTrustMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork


Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this
review. Opinions are 100% my own.


 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Provide a Much-Needed Escape

Top Ten Tuesday: Books that Provide a Much Needed Escape!

Well I would say most all fiction is an escape of some sort. These are some books that I thought about off the top of my head that felt like a good escape into another place. 

 

This story is set in a delightful small town that I wouldn't mind living in.


I loved the fall vibes and humor from this story. I also just enjoyed being taken to another town that has a hockey team. Very fun!
I am not a "sea" person but this book is a delightful journey that takes you to the English seaside.

This story is SO different from what I typically read and it was good to be in a totally different fantasy world.

Prince Edward Island---need I say more?!

This is a cozy creepy escape that would be perfect to read on a rainy or chilly fall day.

I have read this book multiple times and it makes me smile every single time.


This whole series is a fun escape to Scotland.

1750s frontier adventure and it is a perfect fall read!

A chilly suspense kind of escape.




Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Lady Flyer Review

  


 About the Book

Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman’s love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality.

In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition. (Goodreads)


BUY HERE!


My Thoughts

 

I was so excited to read this book because I didn't know anything about this history! Nancy Harkness Love led quite a life and this book is so well written that it captivates your attention. This is fiction but reads a lot like a biography. The author takes us from when Nancy was young up until her later years and then adds a TON of historical facts and tips at the end. I didn't know anything about the "lady flyers" or WAFS or WASP. Most books set during WWII are in Europe and not what was happening in the USA during that time. I really loved reading from Nancy's perspective on flying but also cultural events and historical accounts. There are SO many details and clearly is a well researched novel. I also really enjoyed the portrayal of Nancy and her husband. Their meeting and life together made me smile often. 

This is historical fiction at its finest! I highly recommend! 


Five Stars.

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."





Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Involving Food

 Top Ten Books Involving Food!

This one was pretty tricky and I had to think to books I read LONG ago! 




















Monday, September 2, 2024

So True a Love Review






About the Book



 Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze. (Goodreads)











My Thoughts


I have been anxious to read this story ever since I first heard it was written! Barker has such a way with writing characters and all of her books are just a delight to read. This story exceeded my expectations! I loved reading every page! Verity and Nathaniel are wonderful and written with depth and emotion that seems very real to life. There is humor that is sprinkled throughout that made me smile often. The romance is superb because it is sweet and true. Ohmygoodness there are some very well thought out scenes that might be my favorite ever! The author added certain touches that just made this book all the better. The mystery is well written and developed and reminded me a bit of Miss Scarlet and the Duke. Needless to say I was hooked after the first chapter and couldn't put this one down. If you enjoy regency historical fiction with some romance and mystery in the plot thread this is a must read! 
I highly recommend!
 
Five Stars!



"I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 













Sunday, August 18, 2024

Never Forgotten Review

 


 

 About the Book

 

 All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.   Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.   Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.   Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?  Enjoy other Gothic Style Regencies from Hannah His Silence When Tomorrow Came Garden of the Midnights The Girl from the Hidden Forest. (Goodreads)



PRE-ORDER HERE


My Thoughts

This is one of my favorite books by this author. She does a great job at portraying what was likely reality in this time period. The cover of this book makes it look like it will be a light and happy story  but it is very mysterious and heavy and gothic. Linder does not shy away from really hard things and this book is no exception. While it isn't graphic there is murder and references to rape along with a lot of anger and grief. There is a good redemption story line also that made this book have a lot more depth. I really love the characters and the mystery is well written. Overall I enjoyed this book and I recommend if you are up for a little mystery that spans continents! 

 

Four Stars. 

 

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."











Wednesday, August 7, 2024

The Cloverton Charade Review



 

 About the Book

 

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.

(Amazon)

 

 BUY HERE

 

 

My Thoughts


I always enjoy a Sarah E. Ladd novel because I never know what to expect. There is usually a mystery and a hint of romance and this story brought both. The setting is a house party and Olivia is "undercover" so to speak to try and assess the value of items in the house while attending the party. I enjoyed the mystery side of things and Lucas is probably my favorite character. The first part of the book moved a tad slow for me since I was eager to get to the mystery and find hidden treasures. But once I got past the middle of the story things started to pick up and I enjoyed the rest. The ending isn't shocking as it wraps up the loose ends but enjoyable just the same. 

Fans of regency fiction should pick this one up!

 

 

 Three Stars.

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Unshakable Moxie Bible Study Review

 


 Unshakable Moxie is an episodic video series that invites you to discover what it means to live a life of resilient faith. 

LEARN MORE  

Unshakable Moxie is a powerful Bible study and 6-episode video series from Our Daily Bread Ministries that explores tough topics including forgiveness, disillusionment, and hardship. When answers don’t come easy, these resources press in deeply to see what Scripture reveals to encourage women to grow in their faith amid challenging circumstances. Lina AbuJamra, who shares her heart in this Bible study, is a woman of moxie who draws inspiration from her life experiences and teaches women how to build their own resilient faith. Each chapter contains a QR code linking to the Unshakable Moxie video series where hosts Moriah Smallbone and Toni Collier take you on faith journeys with special guests including Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Chou Simons, and more. 

 

 GIVEAWAY


 ORDER HERE



  #UnshakableMoxieMIN #UnshakableMoxie #ourdailybread #god-
hearsher #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 

My Thoughts 

I have led women's Bible study for the past few years so I am always on the lookout for something that we can do next. I was excited to look into this study because I saw that Joni Eareckson Tada was a part of it and her story is amazing. I had never heard of this author before reading this study.

The Bible study itself is a small book size which I love. The layout is really nice as it breaks everything down in an organized way and isn't too much information overload. There are questions, you watch the video, and then more questions and deeper study. There are multiple Bible references that you have to look up and that is wonderful! The only thing is that I can not fully back the people being interviewed and promoted in the videos. I recommend that you do your own research but I didn't realize who all was included as Biblical examples/testimonies. There is also a section on scripture meditation, which is fine, obviously we need to meditate on scripture daily. But many of the questions are in regards to our feelings which I don't think is helpful or necessary especially in a group setting. 

I recommend that you do your own research on this study and those involved before picking it up for yourself. I won't be using it for our group study. 

The prayer journal is a nice addition and it is like a hardback binder type journal that is a bit unique and not like a typical journal. The encouragement cards seem to be a popular thing these days. The ones in the kit are nice quality and have great verses on them. I don't really use the cards but I am sure many people will love them!


Many thanks to Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing a sample of the product for
this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced my monetary compensation.