Tuesday, December 26, 2023

The Seamstress of Acadie Review



About the Book

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.


As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future. (Goodreads)




My Thoughts

What an excellent novel! I simply couldn't put this book down. Right from the start I was swept into the world of Acadie and the life of Sylvie. I could just picture the beauty of the setting and imagine her beautiful orchards. The story takes a turn when tragedy strikes and her whole world changes. The historical aspect of this story is astounding and I had no idea any of these things actually happened! The second part of this book is almost like a part two because it is vastly different and really shows character growth. We get to see characters from A Heart Adrift (one of Frantz earlier books) and the reader really gets to know the hero of the story whom I just adore! There is a sweet love story that progresses slowly and was written to perfection. Laura Frantz has written another beautiful novel and it is absolutely a must read.
 I highly recommend!  


Five stars!




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



Top Ten Tuesday: The Ten Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf

 This second half of this year I haven't acquired quite as many books and my reading really slowed down. I hope that the start of the new year will get me back in the reading mode. Here are my most recent additions to my bookshelf! 

Top Ten Tuesday














Some I will keep and some I will give away but these are the newest additions! 







Tuesday, December 19, 2023

The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle Review

 


About the Book

Book: The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle

Author: Daniel Petronelli

Genre: Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration, Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, Action & Adventure

Release Date: October, 2021

In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.
This unforgettable, multi-award winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles and the unwavering presence of God in their lives.
Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts and Stuart, Florida.
He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader where he led a large congregation in praise and worship songs, including two of his original songs: “ Walking in the Light” and “ Providence.”
Dan Petronelli participated in Smith’s Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.
Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today.
This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

More from Dan

“The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle” is an inspiring story about the joy and blessings of faith.
I originally wrote this heartfelt story as a Christmas gift for my family, and it has since become a cherished tradition for us to read together on Christmas Eve. Encouraged by friends and relatives, I was inspired to share this story with a wider audience.
The book features numerous beautiful color illustrations by the talented artist Emily Pritchett.
At its core, this multi-award-winning tale focuses on finding courage during life’s most challenging moments and drawing strength from the Lord, knowing that He is always by your side.
Its captivating spiritual adventure unfolds as a small group of children finds themselves lost in a powerful storm on Christmas Eve, making it an engaging read for children.
This story glorifies the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus.
It illustrates the power of just one tiny seed of faith, showing that with God’s blessings, it can grow in the hearts and change the lives of all who believe.
My earnest hope is that “The Seed of Faith” will continue to take root and flourish in the hearts of readers around the world.
Planting a Seed of Faith in the hearts of our children—what greater gift could we possibly give?

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Certificate, as signed hardcover copy of the book, and a Christmas Tree Grow Kit!!*

(* Grow your own Christmas Tree from seed!
Includes: Seeds, Growing medium, a mini-greenhouse, and detailed instructions)

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY



My Thoughts

 This is a great children's book. It has a fun Christmas story that I wasn't expecting. The main theme I took away from reading this is having faith even the worst of circumstances and also caring for others. It shows how people can change and when caring people persevere they can make a difference that lasts a lifetime. The illustrations are really wonderful and cozy which is perfect for a snowy Christmas read. I think many children will love this story as it has a lot of excitement and will keep them on the edge of their seat as they read or listen. 


Five Stars. 


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

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

The Prince of Egypt the Musical + Giveaway!



About the Musical

 Filmed live at the West End's Dominion Theatre, London, the show features a cast and orchestra of 60 performers, making it one of the biggest musicals ever staged. The Prince of Egypt: The Musical is the must-see event for all fans of musical theatre. Based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film the classic story has been brought to life by Stephen Schwartz’s “miraculous music” (Time Out), including Academy Award®-winning song ‘When You Believe’ and Sean Cheesman’s “astonishing choreography” (The Guardian). This epic, critically acclaimed production tells an inspiring tale of resilience and hope. Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.



Buy or rent The Prince of Egypt on digital starting December 5th!


RENT HERE


$10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Open to US entries only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


My Thoughts

I was so excited to find out that this movie made it to the stage. I loved watching the Prince of Egypt growing up. I love watching stage productions and they filmed this wonderfully. The performers did an excellent job. The music is pretty much the same as what was in the movie though they did add some songs. The scenes are also mostly just like the movie but again some new things were added. I think the people they chose to portray each person was spot on. It is amazing how these people can perform and sing and dance for such a long production. The only thing I didn't love is that they changed the ending a little bit. There is still the parting of the Red Sea but how the brothers part ways was changed drastically. I didn't think that was necessary. Also, how Moses parts the Red Sea is not at all how it was in the movie and I didn't love how the focus was all on Moses' "power" when it was all the Lord. All that to say it is well worth watching.  I would have loved to have seen this in person but the next best thing is watching it on your screen! 


Many thanks to NBC Universal for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 #PrinceOfEgyptMIN #PrinceOfEgyptMusical #MomentumInfluencerNetwork



Tuesday, November 28, 2023

The Shift Movie Review & Giveaway



About the Movie

 In The Shift, a dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller, one man is faced with infinite worlds and impossible choices. When Kevin Garner meets a nefarious adversary known as The Benefactor and refuses his offer of wealth and power, he must escape an alternate totalitarian reality. With survival on the line, Kevin fights to make it back to the world he knows and the woman he loves.




BUY TICKETS

From Angel Studios (The Chosen, Sound of Freedom) comes The Shift! Get your tickets to see this movie in theaters starting 12/1! 

 Featuring Sean Astin (The Goonies, Rudy, The Lord of the Rings), Neal McDonough (Band of Brothers), and Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen), THE SHIFT is a movie you and your friends won’t want to miss!

In Theaters December 1st! 



GIVEAWAY!

Win two tickets to see the movie in theaters. US Entries only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 



My Thoughts


I am a huge Kristoffer Polaha fan and that is why I first took interest in this movie. He is the main actor and truly gets almost all of the screen time. This film is quite a mind bender. I think I could watch it a few more times and still not catch everything that is happening. There are so many details and comments made that it ended up being an intense watch. There isn't any language or scenes that I didn't find appropriate. There is some violence and scenes that include people getting shot but it is filmed without showing all of the gore. I would caution young viewers though due to the violent scenes. My first takeaway from this movie is how our selfishness rules our lives. The Benefactor thrives on selfishness and it is made quite clear how that destroys our lives. It was a really interesting "twist" on the story of Job. It really doesn't follow the Biblical story but it is brought up and quoted. 

I enjoyed this movie because it is different and held my attention. It is a movie that makes you think a bit. I would watch it again. 


Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.


#TheShiftMIN #TheShiftFilm #MomentumInfluencerNetwork



 





Monday, November 27, 2023

Julia Monroe Begins Again Review


 


 

About the Book

Julia Monroe has just turned forty and hopes this next decade goes much better than the last, in which she became a young widow raising two children on her own. With both her boys off to college, it's time for new beginnings, and she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who broke her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to keep her distance from him if she wants any chance of keeping history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend has other plans to throw them together. It seems inevitable that Julia will have to face her past with Samuel, but only if she can work up the courage to embrace the kind of new beginning she never thought she'd see again.

Rebekah Millet will make you laugh, swoon, and cry in this delightful debut novel of first loves and second chances wrapped in the magic of New Orleans.
  (Goodreads)


BUY HERE


My Thoughts

 

This is a fun romantic comedy set in New Orleans. I loved the setting as it really made parts of the story all the more fun to read. This book revolves around the life of Julia, who to be honest, drove me a bit nuts. Yes, it is a funny silly over the top Rom-com. There is a lot of modern day general life humor that most readers will enjoy and be able to relate with. But with Julia's attitude at the start of this book I really struggled to love her character. There is a bit of depth added when we find out more of the back story between her and her long ago ex Samuel. I slowly came around to appreciating the characters as the story unfolded. All that to say that this is a fun lighthearted read. I personally didn't love it but it was still enjoyable. 


Three Stars.

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






Sunday, November 19, 2023

A Courageous Betrothal Review with Celebrate Lit



About the Book

Book: A Courageous Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 7, 2023

A wounded lieutenant, a woman fierce enough to protect her family, and an American Revolution with everything at stake.

Red-haired, freckle-faced and almost six feet tall, Jenny White has resigned herself to fame over love. Possessing the courage and wits to guard her younger siblings against nature, natives, and loyalists in Georgia’s “Hornet’s Nest” gives life meaning until she meets scout, Caylan McIntosh.

From the time Jenny nurses the young lieutenant back to health after the Battle of Kettle Creek, she can’t deny her attraction to the vexing Highlander, who seems determined to dismantle her emotional armor. But when Georgia falls to the British and Caylan returns to guide Jenny’s family on a harrowing exodus into the North Carolina mountains, will his secrets prove stronger than his devotion? Or will their love be courageous enough to carry them through the battles ahead.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

 

 

 

More from Denise

Welcome to the Hornet’s Nest…the setting for A Courageous Betrothal. In my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series, we started with my September release, A Counterfeit Betrothal, in 1813. We’ve moved backward in time to middle Georgia, where the conflict between Patriots, Loyalists, and Native Americans became so intense during the American Revolution the area was dubbed “the Hornet’s Nest.” Little is known about this portion of the war, but it’s not just the setting that makes A Courageous Betrothal unique.

If the story sounds faintly familiar, that’s because it was originally Across Three Autumns of Barbour’s Backcountry Brides (2018). That’s why it’s a short novella instead of a full-length novel. The story became a free agent just in time to join my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier. It was a perfect fit not only because of the subject matter but also because some of the real people and places show up in this story as well as the novels of the series.

Another thing that sets A Courageous Betrothal apart is its heroine. As authors, we occasionally create characters who take on life and burst off the page. That’s Jenny White. Maybe because she was based on a real person, Nancy Hart. Six feet tall, red-haired, pock-marked, and a crack shot, Nancy was called “Wahatche” or “War Woman” by local Indians. She spied for Colonel Elijah Clark and captured Loyalists and British soldiers on more than one occasion. Her exploits are echoed in Jenny’s.

So are her insecurities, which make her relatable. Jenny’s given up on the notion of finding love. Men always prefer women like her dainty younger sister. And then she meets Caylan McIntosh, a scout for Colonel Clark whose Highland heritage makes him an ardent admirer of Jenny’s strength. Her doubts—along with the shorter word count and the time needed for love to grow between wartime encounters—are a reason I chose to write the novella solely from Jenny’s POV.

By no means does Jenny outshine Caylan. He’s still probably the most swoon-worthy hero I’ve written. Here’s a little snippet of him persuading Jenny to dance.

 

The unseen fiddler took his cue. The notes anchored themselves inside Jenny’s chest, with invisible strings tugging her toward the sound. Caylan and presumably several other Scots started a jig. From his fancy footwork and agile leaps, the lieutenant appeared dead sober. She found herself propping the pitchfork against a wall and drifting closer in the shadows, her mother’s previous warning drowned out in the waterfall of lilting notes.

When the musician warbled into “Soldier’s Joy,” a woman faced off with her husband. As they greeted and turned, two frontiersmen leapt up to join them. Caylan looked around as though searching for a partner and noticed Jenny standing just outside the circle of light. He came toward her, hand outstretched.

“Come, lass, will ye dance with me? Ye know this one.”

Indeed, she did. She had seen settlers perform the steps on the Yadkin River. Before Jenny had time to think, Caylan whirled her into the circle, and a man dancing a female part grabbed her for a ladies’ chain. She caught a brief glimpse of Gabriel’s alarmed face as she whizzed past.

Delighted with the actual women who joined them, the men paid courtly attention that caused Jenny’s face to flame. But none more than the sensation of Caylan’s eyes, warm amber in the firelight, fixed on her every time they met. The roughened strength of his large hand made hers feel small.

When the song changed, Jenny gave an awkward curtsy and tried to back away, but her partner caught her arm. “’Tis just a Cumberland Reel.”

“I know no Cumberland Reel. Remember, we do not dance.”

“Oh. I did forget that.” But Caylan’s smirk hinted otherwise. “Seems to me Wahatchee would not grow lily-livered at a wee promenade. See, ’tis only a skip step, toe to heel?”

Jenny turned her lips down. “Wahatchee has a mother.”

Caylan threw his head back and laughed. “What? That slip of a woman has a Highland princess like you all a’cower?”

“I am English, sir.” She clasped her hands behind her petticoats.

“Well, pardon me, my lady,” he retorted with mock offense, “but yer regal bearing and coloring beg otherwise. I wager some hint of Celtic besmears the White family past…far back in the recesses of time, no doubt.”

The “regal coloring” went up in flames. Jenny repeated what she’d heard her mother proudly state many times. “We come from pure English stock.”

“Well, then, I dare ye to prove a proper English lady has no fear of a Cumberland Reel.”

“Those are break teeth words, McIntosh. If I chose, I could dance until daybreak, and still be dancing long after you collapse.” So saying, Jenny stalked to the tail of the reel and waited for the laughing Scotsman to follow her.

Just like firing a gun, riding a horse, clearing brush, and swimming, dancing provided no challenge. Jenny did all physical things well and with endurance. What she had not expected, however, was the way Caylan’s obvious approval made her feel. It answered a craving deep inside that she had attempted to discredit for years. Not to mention the brush of his fingertips, the pressure of his hand on her waist, spread the bonfire to her bones.

From that moment to Jenny nursing Caylan back to health after the Battle of Kettle Creek, through the climactic, real-life exodus of civilians from Georgia to the mountains of North Carolina, Caylan fights for Jenny’s trust with as much determination as he fights the British. I hope you’ll be swept away by their romance amid the dangers of the Hornet’s Nest. And if you like Scottish characters, stay tuned for book three of the Scouts Series, coming in January and set in 1775 on the border of Georgia and South Carolina.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 10

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 11

Simple Harvest Reads, November 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 13

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, November 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 15

Pause for Tales, November 16

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

Cover Lover Book Review, November 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 19

To Everything There Is A Season, November 19

Holly’s Book Corner, November 20

Connie’s History Classroom, November 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


My Thoughts

 This book is a novella and I didn't realize until the end that it was originally published as part of the Across Three Autumns in Barbour's Backcountry Brides Collection. It is a fun thing to have a novella printed as a single book and this story has a beautiful cover. I liked the historical aspect of this short story and the setting is also good. I struggled a bit with loving the characters and a few bits of dialog I was surprised to find in the pages. Nothing bad per se but they did take me out of the story as I wasn't expecting to read about "wenches". All that to say this book was fine. It wasn't my favorite since I really didn't enjoy the characters even though I really wanted to. 


Three Stars.

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

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Love, Unscripted Review





About the Book

 She thought she’d scripted the perfect boyfriend. But she’s convinced that the actor cast to play him doesn’t know a thing about real love.


Frustrated with the sad state of her dating life, restaurateur Chloe Culpepper penned a single romance novel featuring the man of her dreams. Upon the book’s publication, the hero resonated with thousands of women, catapulting the book to the top of the bestsellers list and earning the novel a movie option.

Chloe is thrilled a production company wants to bring her movie to the big screen and film it right in her hometown, Stillwater Bay, South Carolina. But when the producer casts Liam Hamilton—a notorious Hollywood playboy—for the part of her beloved Ledger, she’s appalled. He’s just like her unfaithful ex-boyfriend—and her duplicitous father. How can Liam possibly understand, much less portray, the wonderful character who captured her heart and made her readers swoon?

An embarrassing and contentious first meeting does little to allay Chloe’s fears about Liam. The man hasn’t even read her book! But one thing she she must win him over if she’s to influence his role and save the integrity of her movie.

Due to the deceitful tabloids and, okay, some minor commitment issues, Liam Hamilton’s reputation—and career—is in jeopardy. On the advice of his manager and best friend, he offers a bargain with the wholesome author of his upcoming if she will appear in public as his steady girlfriend during the making of the movie, he will take her direction on the role of Ledger.

Could a little quid pro quo offer a solution to both of their problems? Or will the bargain cause more trouble than either of them could’ve possibly imagined? (Goodreads)






My Thoughts

I enjoy books by this author so I was excited to read her upcoming release. This story is completely predictable but it is fun. Liam is my favorite character and I just loved all of the scenes with him and from his perspective. Chloe is fine but near the end of the book I was a bit annoyed with her and her attitude. She blames other people basically for her own life choices and it drove me a bit nuts. (You can't expect to live like the famous people and not have the media dig into every aspect of your life. We all know this.)  Aside from that I really enjoyed this story. It is fun and flirty and silly and cute. It is a light easy read and it would be great to read on vacation. This book could very easily be a TV movie.
It is a fun read and while not my favorite by this author I still enjoyed it. 

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."















A Beautiful Disguise Review




About the Book

 Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father's death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend's father as a potential traitor.


Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the most elite guard, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they're creating a new secret intelligence branch, he's intent on showing his worth. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend's sake, and she's more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can't possibly be as noble as he seems. (Goodreads)




My Thoughts

I decided to read this story because it is the start of a new series and many people have been loving it. I enjoy unique historical fiction and this boasts a lot of quirky characters and elements. Lady Marigold is not what you would expect and has quite the side job. A pet lion is an added bonus. This reads like a historical spy story only with a bit more flair. Marigold and her brother are a fun team and their spying adventures hold this story together. Merritt is a good hero. There is a sweet love story but it wasn't the main focus in my opinion. This book was just okay for me. I know many have loved it but I had a hard time fully getting into this story. I really tried but for some reason it just isn't the book for me. I still enjoyed bits and pieces of it but it just wasn't my favorite. 

Three Stars. 

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
























Saturday, November 11, 2023

Surprised by Oxford Movie Review + Giveaway!

 


 About the Movie

 Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives
at the University of Oxford with the goal of attaining her PhD. Through a turbulent
friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery,
vulnerability, and love.

 


 

 You can now watch SURPRISED BY OXFORD from the comfort of
your own home! Rent or buy today!

 

 

 GIVEAWAY! 

The giveaway is for a free Vimeo download code to watch the film.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

 

 

My Thoughts

This movie is based on the memoir written by Carolyn Weber. I didn’t fully realize this until the very end of the film.

I had no idea what to expect before watching this and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The acting is really great and the setting of Oxford is just beautiful. I loved all of the architecture and the different shots of the buildings in different scenes. I was completely engrossed in the story from the start which I was worried that it could be boring and it certainly is not. There is some mild cussing and a few of the scenes show college partying but nothing graphic in my opinion. There are some references to sleeping around and shock at people being chaste and it actually creates interesting conversation in a couple scenes which I thought was good. One of the main people chooses abstinence and gets push back because of it.

Basically this film tells the story of Caro as she is confronted with different beliefs and her reaction and growth on what faith means. I enjoyed how the love of literature is portrayed and the references to different authors. I think the movie left out some details that the book better explained but it is difficult for movies to fully grasp stories like this. There is a sweet love story and it was well written and acted. The ending had a fun twist and tied up the movie nicely. Overall I really enjoyed this movie and would watch it again. 

 Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own.

#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork