Unsung Hero Movie Review & Giveaway

 

About the Film

When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.

 Buy tickets today to see Unsung Hero in theaters starting April 26th!

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My Thoughts

I have been eagerly anticipating this movie ever since I heard it was being created. I have been a longtime fan of Rebecca St. James and For King + Country and I love to see true life stories in film. This movie does not disappoint. It takes you right into the hard season of life for the Smallbone family. It is relatable and so well acted and portrayed. There are so many scenes that I just loved and a few that really will touch your heart. The thing I think I loved the most about this movie is that there are so many layers. You have Helen who is the mom and she truly is a hero. You then see David's growth over the course of the film and how he deals with his pride and how he humbles himself. The forgiveness with family and the example it shows is so beautiful and evident of how it can be life changing! The family as a whole really stepped up together and it is fun to see how Rebecca's music journey started. Even if you aren't a fan or haven't heard of them, this is a GREAT movie and I highly recommend! 

FIVE STARS!

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon gift card!!! 

US Entries only. 

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 #UnsungHeroMIN #UnsungHeroMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

These Tangled Threads Review

  

 

 About the Book

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I really love the history of Appalachia and especially the surrounding area of Asheville, NC. I was intrigued by this novel because of the history and also the ties to Biltmore. Now this book doesn't spend a lot of time at Biltmore but it really ties in the culture and history of Biltmore Industries and the local people. There is a bit of back and forth on the story line that at times required extra attention so that I didn't get lost while reading. There are some really strong characters in the book but I can't say that I loved Lorna's character. I think I was drawn more to the people on the side and that is really what made this book worth reading to the end. For me it was a pretty slow read but the last few chapters were good and wrapped things up nicely. While this is a slower read it is still enjoyable, it just isn't my favorite by this author. If you enjoy historical fiction you might want to pick this one up! 

Three Stars. 

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

When the Flames Ravaged Review & Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: When the Flames Ravaged

Author: Rhonda Dragomir

Genre: Christian / Historical / Romance

Release Date: March, 2024

 

Will Faith Perish in the Big Top’s Flames?

Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Evelyn Benson’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire.

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.

On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devasting blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Rhonda Dragomir is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky, insisting her home is her castle even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. She has multiple published works in anthologies and periodicals, along with numerous Bible studies studied weekly by more than 10,000 women around the world. Rhonda has garnered numerous writing awards for both fiction and nonfiction, including her selection as 2019 Writer of the Year by Serious Writer, Inc. In 2020 she was also a finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest for her first novel, a 16th century historical romance.

 

 

More from Rhonda

The heroine’s last living family members are struck down in a tragic fire. Will she crumble? Will she tumble into bitterness? Will she forsake her faith? We view life through her eyes and wonder, “What would I do?”

The best fiction sails the vast sea of human experiences and explores how we survive when storms roil the waters. Triumph, tragedy, victories, valleys—though we have not lived through the exact events as the characters, we feel the same elation on the crests and despair in the troughs of the waves.

This is why I love to write historical fiction, especially romance. I interweave my own thoughts and feelings with those of my characters. My words become theirs, and their responses mirror my own as I fight to keep my head above water.

I spent dozens of hours researching When the Flames Ravaged, the story of a horrific circus fire in Hartford, Connecticut on July 6, 1944. I gasped, I wept, and I marveled at the courage of rescuers who sacrificed their own lives to save others. True, live-or-die battles fueled my imagination, and composite characters leaped to life.

At one point, my hero dives into dark water, grasping with frail human understanding to comprehend the scope of the disaster. He decides good and evil are locked in an everlasting struggle, and humans are mere pawns stuck in the middle. Then he asks, “What is the use of serving God if He won’t protect you?”

Who has never asked the same thing when tragedy strikes? Pat answers and platitudes won’t suffice. Only a personal quest to discover an acceptable answer to this age-old question will help us find peace in the midst of the churning sea of doubt.

I hope my novel will toss a live preserver to everyone treading water.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 30

Pause for Tales, March 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Simple Harvest Reads, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Betti Mace, April 5

For HIm and My Family, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Blossoms and Blessings, April 7

The Lofty Pages, April 7

Connie’s History Clasroom, April 8

Labor Not in Vain, April 9

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Cover Lover Book Review, April 10

Inkwell Inspirations, April 10

To Everything There Is A Season , April 11

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 12 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rhonda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card & a copy of the book!!

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 series of books is bringing to light little known tragedies from history. This book is all about the terrible fire that happened in Hartford, CT during the The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. I had no idea that this ever happened so the history and facts surrounding this had me totally invested. The people in the book are created after some real people who were there so it is worth reading the details in the back of the book. Most of the pages are just really heart wrenching. You get to see life before, during, and after the fire and chaos that destroyed so many people's lives. Hank has the best plot line and character development and I really enjoyed his side of the story. He is a little rough around the edges but there is a great redemption theme. 

Overall I thought the author did a fantastic job bringing this historical event to life. 

Four stars. 

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

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

 

 

 About the Book

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

This story takes you on an adventure that you really don't see coming. The plot is wildly unique and different not only from this author's other novels but this genre in Christian fiction. I have mixed feelings after finishing the last page and I sat with my thoughts for awhile. There are so many layers to the characters and the overall plot that it could be worth reading twice to fully grasp it all. Both Lily and Peter go through a lot of character growth and the author did a great job in developing their personalities. Lily is one heck of a unique heroine that keeps the reader on their toes. The overall plot was okay. It got a little slow for me in the middle but the last few chapters really brought everything together. There is mystery and stories upon stories within a story. There is romance and redemption. My favorite part of this plot is the faith story line. I think it really showed how even when we think we can handle it all and when we think we are in control we will soon discover that simply is not the case. God has a plan much more extraordinary than we can imagine. 

 

Four Stars.

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

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall Review

 

About the Book

 A ghostly estate. A handsome caretaker hiding a secret. And the intrepid Hyacinth Bell who is set on solving the mystery of both.

1887, the Cornwall coast

For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall—that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls—but botanist Hyacinth Bell only cares about the estate’s extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love—like an orchid—must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.

What she doesn’t expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor’s caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.

But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth’s worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but she suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.

Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I was not expecting this book to be a gothic romance and I was THRILLED when I realized that the author really went for an eerie mystery. I love the cover of this book as it is perfect for the plot that it holds. Hyacinth is a quirky fun character that is not your typical heroine. She is all about her plants and taking care of orchids and her overall personality is like a breath of fresh air. Lucas is an okay hero but overall Hyacinth really made this story shine. I don't really care for the romance trope of "love at first sight" so I will say that I enjoyed this book much more for the gothic mystery than the romance side of things. Hyacinth starts working at this big estate and there are noises and strange gifts and a possible ghost. Spooky late night investigations and a decent mystery keep you flipping the pages eagerly. I enjoyed this book and the conclusion came together nicely and in a way that wasn't entirely predictable. 

Four 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."