Grace of God Movie Review and DVD Giveaway

About the movie:

Releases on DVD March 24, 2015

99 Minutes // Genre: Family, Inspirational // Rating:  NR

Stars:   John Ratzenberger 
                (“Cheers,” WALL-E, Toy Story) 

    Erin Bethea 
                (Fireproof, Letters to God) 

   Lorenzo Lamas
                ("The Bold and the Beautiful," "Falcon Crest")

Having lost his faith many years ago, Detective Bill Broadly is called to investigate the disappearance of the local church’s collection plate. As he questions its various church members, rumors swirl as more congregants learn about the theft. When one unexpected church-goer confesses to stealing the funds, the confession resurrects Broadly’s views on God, and helps him see that through faith and belief there really is rebirth and redemption.

Purchase Here

 My Thoughts

This movie was not at all like I expected but I still enjoyed it! The overall theme is the Ten Commandments but I think the film goes into a lot of issues with the church and Christians. They are accused of being hypocrites and the use of the money in the church is also in the film. Thirty thousand dollars goes missing out of the safe at the church and they end up hiring a private investigator to figure out what happened. Bill is against religion of any sort and doesn't trust anyone. It's really a journey for all the characters and what they see as being honest having stole the money or not. The thief is rather surprising and the overall storyline is well written and acting done well. One thing I liked is when the pastor is talking and explaining faith to Bill he says, "We show our love to God by following His commands," For some reason that really sunk in and I like how it's worded. It's not we do it because we feel like we have to but because we want to. I agree with the values of the film and there is a lot of Biblical references that added to the movie in a positive way.

The only thing that drove me insane was the music in the movie. It was just really rather awful and over dramatic. I'm also unsettled about the ending because I felt like Julie, who is abused by her husband (it doesn't show the violence) feels at fault for being beaten. I almost felt like since she was a Christian it meant she needed to just live with him and get over it because "she made a bad choice." In the end they try to make it better but I do wish they would have written the ending a little different in that aspect. 

I enjoyed this movie and I think it had a good message and I was pretty impressed with the acting. 

Four stars. 

GIVEAWAY INFO

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Digital Nature Photography Review

 About the Book

Photography legend John Shaw returns with his much-anticipated guide to digital nature photography, complete with more than 250 extraordinarily beautiful photographs.
     John Shaw is the author of seven previous photography books published by Amphoto: his authentic voice and trusted advice has helped photographers achieve impressive shots in the great outdoors for decades. In his first-ever book on digital photography, Shaw provides in-depth advice on everything from equipment and lenses, composition, and close-ups, to up-to-date information on software filtration and the histogram. In addition, he offers inspirational and frank insight that goes far beyond the nuts and bolts of photography, explaining that successful photos come from having a vision, practicing, and then acquiring the equipment needed to accomplish the intention. Easily digestible and useful for every type of photographer, John Shaw's Guide to Digital Nature Photographyis sure to be the new classic in the category. (Goodreads)

My Review

 I got this book at the most perfect time! A friend of mine thought it would be fun to take a photography class so we have been doing it together at home. It's a DVD class so it's just fun but we have learned a lot. Anyway I thought this book would be a nice addition to the class and I really enjoyed looking at the pictures in this book. The main thing I got from this book was how the author explained the details of how he created the picture. The shutter speed and ISO etc. Many of the details explained in this book were more than I understood. I'm still a beginner so a few of the things I didn't totally understand even after reading the details. I don't think some things are explained very well to those who are new to photography but probably for more advanced. The main thing that really bothered me was the really tiny print. I know this sounds silly but for a book like this I thought there was way too much jammed onto a page in very small print. 

In any case I did learn a couple of things and can take away many ideas for shutter speed.

Four stars.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

• More Info
• Author Bio

An Uncertain Choice Review

About the Book

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice. If Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights the one who appears the most guilty had not already captured her heart. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have mixed feelings while writing this, I so wanted to love this book. The start of the book went really good but after the first few chapters I started to lose interest. I like the setting and time period, I wish there had been more detail on that aspect. The main thing is that there really wasn't much depth in the characters so it was hard to get into the romance and plot. This book is marketed as being for teens or young adults, personally it didn't come across to me that way. I thought it was much more a romance novel than a teen fiction book.

I really love Jody's books and have read all of her previous novels. I was disappointed with this book because I know how Jody writes and this book didn't have the depth.

I give this book 3 and half stars.

I do still recommend Jody Hedlund's books and I'm sure there are many who will enjoy this book more than I did.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

Dauntless Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

My Review

 Dina is a new author to me so I was excited to read something new. I'll be honest, after reading the title and seeing the cover I was dreading that this was going to be like a mix of the Hunger Games and Divergent. I love both of those series but I don't want to read a remake. So that being said this book ended up being much better than I anticipated. I thought the first chapter was a scene right out of Once Upon a Time and things got much more exciting as the story line continued. This is a young adult book, but it certainly read more like a romance novel mixed with Robin Hood era. I liked how the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest survive and the history of Lady Merry who is wanted by the king.

 I LOVE the setting and Timothy Grey was a good character over the course of the entire book. I knew many people who would love this book because it's a survival Robin Hood, they steal and try to survive. There is a lot more romance than I was expecting and while that's just fine, I do think some of the parts were a bit drawn out dramatic. But this was a good book and I do recommend, especially to those who love this time period. 

"I received this book from CFBA Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dauntless Bethany House Publishers (March 3, 2015) by Dina L. Sleiman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

Since selling my first book, I have also become an acquisitions editor for the company. I am a member of the Inkwell Inspirations blog, HEWN Marketing, ACFW, and a contributor to Christian Review of Books. I hold publishing credits in poetry and songwriting, and I was the writer and featured teacher in a nationally distributed instructional dance video for children. I have written several songs about the plight of the Islamic people, which have been produced in association with the Christian Broadcast Network. In addition, I have taught college and high school classes in writing and literature, as well as homeschool classes in the fine arts, and now enjoy teaching at writers conferences throughout the nation.

After a Fashion Book Review

About the Book

Miss Harriet Peabody dreams of the day she can open up a shop selling refashioned gowns to independent working women like herself. Unfortunately, when an errand for her millinery shop job goes sadly awry due to a difficult customer, she finds herself out of an income.

Mr. Oliver Addleshaw is on the verge of his biggest business deal yet when he learns his potential partner prefers to deal with men who are settled down and wed. When Oliver witnesses his ex not-quite-fiance cause the hapless Harriet to lose her job, he tries to make it up to her by enlisting her help in making a good impression on his business partner.

Harriet quickly finds her love of fashion can't make her fashionable. She'll never truly fit into Oliver's world, but just as she's ready to call off the fake relationship, fancy dinners, and elegant balls, a threat from her past forces both Oliver and Harriet to discover that love can come in the most surprising packages. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have read all of Jen Turano's books and I will say her first two remain my favorite. This book is slightly similar to the previous books as the setting seems very similar. I really enjoyed Harriet's character as she is very strong willed but as you read you understand why. The first few chapters set the tone for the book and are very silly and comical. This is a very light funny read with lots of dialogue and unusual circumstances. There were some times when I thought the author was trying a little too hard to be funny and I wanted a little more depth but the ending surprised me and wrapped the story up nicely.

For a light romantic comedy set in 1882 this is a good read!

Four stars.

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."



A Heart's Disguise Book Review

 

About the Book

 

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young woman searches for her lost love at the edge of the West.

The Civil War has destroyed Sarah Montgomery's marriage before it's even begun.

After Sarah receives word that her fiance, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner--despite her strong misgivings. But when Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive--and that Ben Croftner knew it--she indignantly breaks off the engagement and goes in search of Rand.

But Ben Croftner does not take rejection lightly--and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. When Sarah is abducted by her treacherous fiance, Rand finally comes to her aid . . . only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and intends to take her there as his wife. But could Sarah leave her dying father's side for the love of her life? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner? (Goodreads)

My Review

Going into reading this book I knew that the ending would come fast and probably leave me hanging-it's only 96 pages. This is part one of six in the Journey of the Heart Collection so instead of everything being in one big book it's split up. I'm not sure why publishers decide to do this because from what I can see I think it's frustrates readers more than anything. 

It's really difficult to rate this book because I felt like it was more of a prologue than a book itself. But I think four stars is a fair rating.  Sarah is stuck in between the interests of two men and they both want to win her heart. Sarah irritated me a bit but I really love Rand's character and actions. He does the opposite of what I would expect in the end and that made this book collection promising. 

It's a love story to start out with and I am curious to see where it leads.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

In the midst of end-of-war celebrations, Sarah discovers her betrothed was keeping a devastating secret in Colleen Coble's A Heart's Disguise. Will Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the only man she’s ever loved? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

Celebrate book one in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!


One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession (blog tour coming in April)
• A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge (blog tour coming in April)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

One Last Thing Book Review

 


About the Book
 
A hope-filled soon-to-be bride makes a discovery about her fiance that rocks her world and provokes a maelstrom of decisions and self-discovery.

Tara Faulkner has dreamed of her wedding and the life she and her fiance Seth will share in their hometown of Savannah . . . and by all accounts, it should be a charmed one. But when she discovers three weeks before the wedding that Seth is seriously addicted to pornography, Tara's dreams are shattered.

She must decide whether she will stand by Seth, but she also must let go of the dream she shaped for herself and discover a real vision for her life--and where it will come from. With all else falling apart, Tara encounters an unexpected--and unlikely--group of women mentors. They help her peel back the layers of shaming secrets and begin to clearly see the real issues of her generation.

In the end, she's able to make a decision based on God's vision--not her own. (Goodreads)



 My Review

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue and have enjoyed their previous books. This one, I liked but I'm not sure what to take away from it. This is a touchy subject about pornography and I agree with the authors in the fact that it's wrong. So the book starts out as expected, Tara discovers her fiance's secrets and her world is shattered. They are both wealthy southern families and that is where I think this book takes things a bit over the top. I totally agree with and enjoyed reading about the woman's point of view and the anger and the confusion. I also liked how it was written, but everyone in the book finds it to be scandalous. This surprised me because honestly stuff like this is encouraged not disapproved of by many people. I felt like the story line was a little unrealistic in this because everyone was on Tara's side and I really don't find this to be true in real life. I also thought the ending didn't really give much closure to the story. I just finished reading and felt empty and not sure what I gained from the storyline. 

That all being said I still think this book gives a good idea on what would go through a woman's mind when this type of thing happened. I agree with the author's point of view and I wish our culture would realize how damaging this is to so many people. 

Four stars.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."






 

Mercy's Rain Review

 

About the Book

 

When your life is built around a father's wrath, how can you trust in the love of Father God?

Mercy Roller knows her name is a lie: there has never been any mercy in her young life. Raised by a twisted and abusive father who called himself the Pastor, she was abandoned by the church community that should have stood together to protect her from his evil. Her mother, consumed by her own fear and hate, won't stand her ground to save Mercy either.

The Pastor has robbed Mercy of innocence and love, a husband and her child. Not a single person seems capable of standing up to the Pastor's unrestrained evil. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands.

Her heart was hardened to love long before she took on the role of judge, jury, and executioner of the Pastor. She just didn't realize the retribution she thought would save her, might turn her into the very thing she hated most.

Sent away by her angry and grieving mother, Mercy's path is unclear until she meets a young preacher headed to counsel a pregnant couple. Sure that her calling is to protect the family, Mercy is drawn into a different life on the other side of the mountain where she slowly discovers true righteousness has nothing evil about it--and that there might be room for her own stained and shattered soul to find shelter. . . and even love.

Mercy's Rain is a remarkable historical novel set in 19th century Appalachia that traces the thorny path from bitterness to forgiveness and reveals the victory and strength that comes from simple faith. (Goodreads)

My Review

This is a tearjerker storyline. The first few pages will squeeze your heart and you will want to yell and scream and be angry. At least that was my reaction....

Mercy is a young woman and we enter her life while her dad is preaching and trying to make a point about God. His twisted sick mind and actions end up killing a man. This leads into the life of Mercy who escapes her life and finds a refuge. There are many flashbacks to her life from when she was younger and these are the gut wrenchers. I don't want to giveaway many details but there is abuse, murder, rape, and serious pain. This isn't not a light read by any means. BUT the author splendidly captures the love of God and healing. What I liked the most about this book is that it took a lot of time for forgiveness and love to happen. It took time for peace and I think that's more realistic.

I love the message portrayed and the characters. This is a new author to me but I do hope she writes more. Also, the cover is beautiful and so simple! 

Must read!

5 stars!

"I received this book from Kregel for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Pirate and the Firefly Review

 

 About the Book 

Oliver loves pretending to be a pirate, but learns that blindly following others doesn't leave him with a good feeling inside.

In this Scripture adventure, kids join Oliver as he rights the wrongs done by his so-called Pirate friends. Through it all, Captain Oliver learns that following God's way is the true way to wisdom!

The second book in the “Nightlight Chronicle" series brings entire sections of Scripture to life via imaginative, fantastical stories that use a passage from Psalms to help children understand and applly biblical truths to their lives. Each book in the series will depict Oliver wearing a different costume as he imagines and adventures his way through God's Word with the help of Phineas, the firefly. Based on Scripture from Psalm 1, "The Pirate and the Firefly" aims to address the felt needs of children ages 4 to 8 including courage, confidence, friendship and more with biblical truths about God.

My Review

 This book is such a fun but realistic way to teach kids about Psalm 1: 1-3 and not being bullied by other kids. The book stars with Oliver following his friend's actions while stealing from a candy store. Then from there he is pressured from his peers to "walk the plank" and numerous other things. Throughout the book he is always asking his mom what does God think about different things. In the end he doesn't tell his mom what's going on but talks about things with the firefly who shows him in the Bible what God says. After that point he begins to see the other kids differently and stand up for himself. Instead of knocking over a girls wagon, they help her out. 

I think this is a good book that teaches this Psalm with a new perspective for kids. 

Great for ages 4-8. I think the target is boys but I think it's a great book for girls as well. 

"Thanks to the publisher B&H Kids and Shelton Interactive for sending me a copy for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Amanda Jenkins is passionate about communicating biblical truths to kids in a way they can understand and connect with. Amanda lives just outside of Chicago with her husband, Dallas, and their four young children. She is also the daughter-in-law of Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the best- selling Left Behind series.



Tara Mcclary reeves is the author of Don’t Tell That to Beasley and one of her joys and privileges as a parent is daily pointing her two teens and toddler to Jesus. She is thrilled Amanda Jenkins agreed to join her on The Knight and the Firefly and is prayerful their collaboration will equip parents and children to focus and depend upon the Lord. Tara and her husband, Lee, live in Davidson, North Carolina with their 13-year- old twins, Caroline and Daniel, and 14-month-old Harrison. She blogs at www.rememberyourraisin.com.

Escape Through the Wilderness Review

 

 Goodreads

Title: Escape Through the Wilderness
Author: Gary Rodriguez
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Pages: 254
Genre: Teens/Children
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Sixteen-year-old Savannah Evans walks with a slight limp thanks to a gymnastics’ accident that dashed her Olympic dreams, but didn’t stop her from attending an adventure camp in Idaho. At Camp Arrowhead, she quickly befriends Jade Chang and Rico Cruz, but Conner Swift taunts Savi because of her injury.
When the four are teamed together for an overnight white-water river rafting adventure, Savi refuses to get in the same raft with Conner. Unfortunately, the director will not reassign her.
A fun expedition down the river turns into a nightmare when their raft slams into a huge rock and their adult guide disappears down the river.
Without their guide and desperately trying to steer an out-of-control raft, they pass the “last chance” marker and enter the larger rapids. With Jade pinned between the raft and a rock, and Rico clinging to a lifeline, Savi must cut the raft free.
When the four drag themselves out of the river, they’re bruised, beaten, lost, and twenty-five miles from camp. Because of late-night campfire tales of Vexel, a vicious animal that roams the nearby woods, Savi and the others are terrified.
Savi becomes the unlikely leader who tries to guide the group back to Camp Arrowhead. Limited supplies, injuries, and the constant threat of Vexel—who Savi fears is stalking them, complicate the harrowing return trip.
Readers will enjoy dramatic survival scenes and the group working together, solving problems, and learning to overcome adversity.

 My Review

This book is considered young adult and I enjoyed it immensely! I think the plot is great and intense, I couldn't put it down at times. The characters are very well thought out and I think the dialogue and interaction of the kids was spot on. Everyone meets at camp and they end up going rafting when everything falls apart. I've been rafting so it was much easier to picture things in my mind and while I stuff like this doesn't happen all the time, it does happen. Anyway the main part of the story is the kids alone in the wilderness pretty far away from anything trying to survive. I liked this part and it's obvious the author makes things a bit more scary and unrealistic to real life. Usually wild animals will leave people alone unless there is food or they feel threatened but in the book it seems like they are being hunted by animals the entire time. I wouldn't want my kid to read this and not ever want to hike in the woods again. Considering I grew up in the mountains and hiking and seeing mountain lions and bears, this part of the story was a bit exaggerated for me but it adds the to scary story line.
I think it's a great book for young adults and it would create some good conversation.

"I received this book from Pump Up Your Book and the author for free in exchange for an honest review."   

About the Author:
My name is Gary Rodriguez, and I live in California. I’m the president of LeaderMetrix Inc., a consulting company that specializes in senior-level executive coaching, organizational development, and conflict resolution.
Previously, I worked for eighteen years in the radio business as an executive where I spent several years as one of the original managers of Infinity Broadcasting.
Following a successful radio career I became the president of a non-profit organization for a season.
As a young man, I spent a tour of duty in the U.S. Army where I was recognized as the youngest Drill Instructor in the Army’s history at age 18 years. I was also awarded the Silver Star (the nation’s third highest award for valor) while serving in a combat zone.
Over the past few years, I’ve written three non-fiction books and then I decided to write a novel.
My first book, Purpose-Centered Public Speaking, was published in 2009 and was re-published this summer (2014). Then I wrote a companion workbook designed to help people implement the principles taught in my first book. Next, I wrote Overcoming The Fear Of Public Speaking. And this past year, I wrote my first novel, Escape Through The Wilderness.

For More Information

• Visit Gary Rodriguez’s website.
• Connect with Gary on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Gary at Goodreads.
• Visit Gary’s blog.
• Check out Gary at Authors Den.
• Contact Gary.

F.I.T. Healthy, Happy and Fit God's Way Review

 About the Book

Achieve health the right way from the inside out! Many diet and fitness books claim that losing ten pounds in ten days will bring the health and happiness we are looking for. But the truth is that health and happiness requires more than a few weeks of intense dietary restriction or physical exertion. The journey to health isn't a sprint. It's a marathon. We succeed by combining our faith with our fitness and doing real life with God. Only in Him do we find the strength to make health a lifestyle. Everything else is just a temporary fix with an unending cycle of deprivation, overconsumption, and exhaustion. F.I.T. is different than any other diet or training plan. It calls women who are struggling with their health and fitness to a Faith Inspired Transformation shifting their focus from what the world says to what the Word of God says. With each of the ten steps, renowned fitness expert, model, and writer Kim Dolan Leto provides the inspiration and practical tools necessary to live a healthy life that honors God and brings the lasting results we all crave. (Goodreads)

My Review

I've read a lot of diet type books. Many are similar when it comes to what you should eat, how much you should work out, and drink water. This book has all of that but also includes ways to stay connected with God. Faith Inspired Transformation is the goal along with treating your body physically. This book ended up being a lot bigger than I thought and seemed more like a textbook type. There are many verses that Kim relates includes throughout the book. There are also questions that relate to your health and relationship with God at the end of each chapter. My favorite part is after the questions the author gives strategies in which to fulfill a goal-which is so helpful! It's hard to be creative and come up with realistic goals and I found these to be helpful. There are also a DVD series that she does but I didn't do them so I can't say much about them. 

Find out more at Kim's Website. 

 If you need a change in your life this is a good book to start with! 

"Thanks to the publisher for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review."

The Wood's Edge Review (Five stars!)

 

About the Book

 

At the wood's edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald's wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.

When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood's edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin's absence, another unaware of his twin's existence. And for Anna, who loves them both--Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him? (Goodreads)

My Review

I just don't know where to start! This story was fantastic and surpassed my expectations in every way!  I love Lori's writing and the depth of history that she includes in her books. The story is about Anna and Two Hawks, but we don't really get to them until later in the book. The start of the book is all about Reginald and his wife escaping and surviving and then raising Anna and William. I actually really liked how there were so many years detailed in this book. Anna is ten months when we meet her and we get to watch her grow up! 

I also really loved reading about the Oneida's! Such a fascinating history and culture are intertwined within these pages it's simply wonderful. The writing is top notch and captivating until the end. ALL of the characters are very well developed and I feel like I got to know them personally. Another aspect that blew me away was very strong belief in God and living it out. Lori did a great job portraying our Creator to shattered lives in this book and it makes it a winner all the way around. There is romance and forgiveness and anger and family and then-the books ends! I truly did not want it to end but I am so excited to read the next book in the Pathfinders series!  

Five stars and highly recommend especially for historical fiction fans! 

Find out more about Lori and her books here!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review." 

 

Night is the Hunter Review

About the Book


They call it pulling the trigger.

Not by a killer in the night, but by a judge on the bench.

Twenty years ago, Judge Ray McMullin proved to the people of San Francisco that he could pull that trigger by sentencing Israel Dominguez to death for a gangland murder. But it meant suppressing his own doubts about whether the punishment really did fit the crime.

Now, as the execution date nears, the conscience-wracked judge confesses his unease to former homicide detective Harlan Donnally on a riverbank in far Northern California. And after immersing himself in the Norteno and Sureno gang wars, which left trails of bullets and blood crisscrossing the state, and in the betrayals of both cops and crooks alike, Donnally is forced to question not only whether the penalty was undeserved but the conviction itself.

Soon those doubts and questions double back, for in the aging judge's panic, in his lapses of memory and his confusions, Donnally begins to wonder whether he's chasing the facts of the case or just phantoms of a failing mind. But there's no turning back, for the edge of night is fast closing in on Dominguez, on McMullin, and on Donnally himself.

 My Review

This was my first book by Steven Gore and I have to say, while it's not my favorite I still liked the perspective. It's very intriguing to read about different points of view and this is mainly from the judge who tells people their fates. I can't imagine that kind of life or what must go through the mind of a judge, even years later. So this book takes you to Harlan Donnally and his interaction to solve the puzzle. Like I said my favorite part of the book is the perspective and there were a few times the book got a little slow for me. Overall I think this was a good read and I'd be curious to see what else the author comes up with.


"I received this book from TLC Book Tours for free in exchange for an honest review."






NIGHT IS THE HUNTER is on Goodreads, and a few purchase links are Amazon, IndieBound, and Barnes & Noble.

Then Sings My Soul Book Review

About the Book

When Nel Stewart returns home due to the sudden death of her mother, she realizes her beloved father, Jakob, is struggling with dementia. With the reappearance of a high-school sweetheart, deliveries from Ukraine addressed to her, and the discovery of a mysterious, vintage aquamarine gemstone, Nel senses God is pulling her into the past to restore their faith and their futures. Told partially through Jakob's flashbacks of fleeing genocide-ridden eastern Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, the novel combines elements of mystery, history, faith and romance to reveal how God redeems the broken years ... and our future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Then Sings My Soul, go HERE.

My Review

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed Amy's first book and I had no idea what to expect with this one. It's not at all what I was expecting but I liked it in all it's uniqueness. Amy's writing style is clever and deep. She gets to the nitty gritty of a person and their heart and I think that's what makes this book good. There were some moments when I thought the story was a bit slow. I enjoyed reading about Jakob and the mind of an older man. He is 94 and facing dementia, I can't imagine what that must be like and this book portrays it well.

Nel irritated me and I wish she didn't. She is growing in this book and I really enjoyed the art/jewelry aspect I just loved Jakob's story more.

This isn't a light read but it's a good story.

Four stars.

"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Then Sings My Soul David C. Cook (March 1, 2015) by Amy Sorrells

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.

When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.

Betting on Hope Review

About the Book

A bet gone wrong. A small town's meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it's beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie's bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career--and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he'd like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru's fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do--for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart's desires.   (Goodreads)

My Review

Any story about cowboys I am all for reading. So of course I jumped at the opportunity to read this book! I have read one previous short story by Debra so I was excited to read this story. This is a fun story that starts with an awkward interview that ends in a rather amusing way. From this the story continues to tell about Maggie learning how to ride a horse and trying to get along with famous cowboy Tru. You can only imagine what happens from here it is rather predictable. There is a side story about a young teenage gal who is pregnant that I think I enjoyed reading about as well.

For a fun very light romance read this is a great book. At times I wish there was a little more depth but still enjoyable.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review".

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Lv6bBc  

About the author:

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Find Debra online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Saddle up for a new romance from novelist Debra Clopton, Betting on Hope! In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.

Enter to win a Kindle Fire HD 6 to celebrate the release of Betting on Hope! 

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of Betting on Hope

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on Debra's blog.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}