Yesterday's Gone by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall // Review

My Review: 

Amish time travel. That was all I had to hear to be intrigued. 

After the loss of their third child, Eliza begins to wonder if the whispers about a family curse that she and Jesse ignored when they wed have some truth to them. In a moment of weakness, she takes the opportunity to change the past and must live with the consequences. 

An engrossing genre bending read that follows two sisters as they fight for their futures after a changed choice in the past has more impact than they anticipated. My favorite character was Ruth, she is a fighter determined and a good friend to her sister, and Andrew. I liked that she takes the initiative to make things right and is a problem solver. 

Overall, an engaging read with a riveting plot, about enduring love through the ups and downs of marriage. Strong themes of faith and family run throughout, definitely a very unique read and not my typical read, but still enjoyable!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I Heard the Bells // Release Celebration, Review and Giveaway!

Coming to movie theatres this December, I HEARD THE BELLS tells the inspiring true  story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Learn more at IHeardtheBellsMovie.com

Known as America's Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life...until  the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his  family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it's the sound of  Christmas morning that reignites the poet's lost voice as he discovers the resounding  hope of rekindled faith. 

The perfect film to watch with your family as you prepare to celebrate Christmas!

Review:

The powerful true story of America's Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

An excellent film from beginning to end, it was obvious that this was a labor of love with all of the attention to detail in the set and costume design hat only made this wonderful story of faith shine all the brighter.

Engaging, this movie pulled me in from the beginning, never lagging in pace, with superb storytelling that incorporated some of Longfellow's poetry into the narrative of the story. Well acted, with a beautiful set, and excellent script, this movie doesn't pull any punches in telling this powerful story of a rediscovered faith after heartbreaking tragedy.

A story of hope in a time of turmoil and a nation divided, based on the inspiring true story of the faith that inspired the beloved carol. The best Christian film I have seen in years, you will not want to miss it!

#IHeardTheBellsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Sight & Sound Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

I HEARD THE BELLS is in theaters starting on December 1st, 2022!

Buy your tickets TODAY to see I HEARD THE BELLS in theaters starting 12/1!

https://www.iheardthebellsmovie.com/

Giveaway: One $10 Amazon giftcard 

(Note: Giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A compelling read, emotionally gripping and with captivating characters.

Phil Osbourne is determined to help his friend Melissa regain what she lost so many years ago when she was separated from her sister Lola. Phil and Melissa have become good friends over the years, and he wants to help her in any way that he can. I liked that Phil is an honorable guy, who is honest about his faults and puts others before himself. 

An action packed read, this book felt different from the other books in the series in that we didn't have the camaraderie of the whole team working together like in previous books, but still an excellent read. One of my favorite series that I have read this year!

Overall, an inspiring read, filled with suspense, and faith in this high stakes adventure! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly // Review

My Review: 

An engaging and unique perspective of the tragic sinking of the Titanic.

I've read many books about the Titanic in my life, but never have a I read a book that more than whispered of the Carpathia the only ship to pick up survivors. Told from the perspective of the courageous and humble Captain Arthur Rostron of the Carpathia as well as Kate Connolly a passenger on the fated Titanic the added depth of perspective gives the true story a fresh angle. The chapters go back and forth between the two main characters as they tell their sides of the story. I liked how the author used the alternating narratives to give more information and depth to the story. 

I walked away from reading this book feeling like I had learned so much and had doubled my knowledge of the Titanic by learning about the humble heroics of Captain Rostron, and how hard he worked to save the lives of the survivors. I also liked how Kate's side of the story added emotional depth and gravity to the situation as a survivor. 

Overall, a well written read, well researched and compelling telling of a true life tragedy. A wonderful read for fans of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It's Christmas Again // Movie Review and Giveaway

 IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN is a modern-day musical the whole family will love! 

Jake Young (Lawson Touliatos) wants nothing more than to spend his  Christmas vacation with his girlfriend, Abbey Walker (Leela Owen). So when Abbey  volunteers for her church’s Christmas play, Jake is ready to skip Christmas this year until an unexpected turn of events lands him in a field outside Bethlehem on the  night Jesus was born. While on his journey with the shepherds to find the promised  Messiah, Jake discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Coming this Christmas season, IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN is a modern-day musical the whole family will love!

Buy your tickets TODAY to see IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN in theaters only on 11/29!  https://itschristmasagainmovie.com/

Review: An upbeat and energetic musical about the true meaning of Christmas!

Engaging and clever, this is a fun film for the whole family! Jake is ready to skip celebrating Christmas this year, until he is hit with an experience that changes his perspective.

A original new twist on The Christmas Carol, with with catchy songs and choreography that makes you want to dance, along with humor that will have the whole family laughing. I loved how it is a film that engages the whole family with heart and an honest message of hope at Christmastime.

I thought that this was such a wonderful upbeat film, great for all ages. I was impressed with the quality of the songs and dance routines, my favorites were all the ones that took place in Bible times!

If you are looking for a new family movie to watch this Christmas, look no further than this fun-filled, energetic musical!

#ItsChristmasAgainMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Buy your tickets TODAY to see IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN in theaters only on 11/29!  https://itschristmasagainmovie.com/

Giveaway: One $10 Amazon gift card 

(Note: Giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only)

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A Fallen Sparrow by Lynne Basham Tagawa // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: A Fallen Sparrow

Author: Lynne Basham Tagawa

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: August 13, 2022

Ruth Haynes uses the pen name Honorius when she writes for her father’s newspaper. Boston has changed beyond recognition, and her Loyalist views soon get her in trouble. With war looming, what will their family do?

Jonathan Russell hides a guilty secret. The Battle of Bunker’s Hill sweeps him and his Shenandoah Valley family into the war. The unthinkable happens, and he’s forced to deal with both his grief—and his guilt.

Lieutenant Robert Shirley is summoned by his godmother and introduced to the Earl of Dartmouth, who charges him to gather intelligence in Boston. He is horrified but must obey.

Gritty, realistic, and rich with scriptural truth, this story features Dr. Joseph Warren, Major John André, Henry Knox, and Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Bringing the American Revolution to life, this novel is well written and researched. The author does an amazing job of setting the tone and exploring differing opinions during that tumultuous time, I loved how accurate it felt. 

The story initially follows Ruth, Robert, and Jonathan in the stirring of the Revolution, and it worked well as a stand alone despite being third in a series. I liked how the books showed different perspectives and character growth, as well as strong themes of faith throughout. 

Overall, an excellent read that brings to life the historic events that helped to birth our nation, as well as historical figures that helped shape it. A wonderful novel for lovers of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Lynne Tagawa is an educator and author with four sons and five grandchildren. She is the author of a narrative Texas History curriculum, Sam Houston’s Republic, and enjoys writing historical fiction. She lives with her husband in South Texas.

 

More from Lynne

When writing my books, I study all sorts of things: soapmaking, rifles and muskets, and horses. What breeds come to mind when you think of horses?

Here in Texas today, quarter horses are quite common, although you will find a plethora of other types: Arabians, Tennessee Walking horses, Morgans, even Friesens! Interestingly, in the 18^th century, the quarter horse did not exist. Thoroughbreds (“hunters”) were fairly common as well as carriage / early draft horses: Cleveland Bays and Canadians. Narragansett pacers were popular as riding horses; George Washington was partial to pacers, and their descendants include the Tennessee Walker. Ponies and mules thrived in the backcountry.

Exotic breeds were imported as well. I included a Friesen stallion in A Fallen Sparrow because—well, because I could. Friesens were part of the ancestry of one of the very first American breeds: the Morgan.

In my stories, the horses all have names and personalities. I hope you enjoy these characters as well as my human ones!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8

Texas Book-aholic, November 9

Holly’s Book Corner, November 9

Inklings and notions, November 10

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 13

Connie’s History Classroom, November 14

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 14

Betti Mace, November 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 18

Pause for Tales, November 19

Cover Lover Book Review, November 20

Labor Not in Vain, November 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lynne is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of the book, and handcrafted soap based on the soap a character makes!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/22674/a-fallen-sparrow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham // Review

My Review: 

A romance spanning the divide of class, fanned by a shared love literature. 

Generations later a woman delving into her family's shrouded history in hopes of saving her family's beloved bookshop. 

A beautiful novel that made my book-loving heart so happy, about a woman in the present as she learns about her ancestors who fell in love through their mutual love of books. I loved the rich history and how the author brought the worlds the life, from the present day to the idyllic Biltmore Estate, and across the pond to the UK. 

A captivating read, Clara is easy to relate to and cheer for, and I couldn't help but swoon over Oliver and Sadie's novel meeting and romance. A beautifully written timeslip novel that knows its audience of booklovers well. I loved how the modern day story added dashes of mystery and suspense to the sweet romance. Strong themes of faith shine through in both storylines. A gem of a read, with characters who captured my heart. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne // Just Read

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge 

Series: Wishing Bridge #5 

Author: Ruth Logan Herne 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: October 22, 2022 

Genre: Women's Fiction with romantic elements (clean) 

She swore she'd never come back to Wishing Bridge. 

She needed nothing. No family. No links to a past that broke her heart. Heather Johnstone was successful in her own right, by her own actions. She'd built a pristine life and gave no one the right or opportunity to disrupt it, but then her father called... the one person who'd loved her. Who'd cared. 

And there was no other choice, it seemed. 

She'd go back and face a past that was now tragically changed and fairly unimportant, but that's the thing about growing up. You don't always know what's important until it's too late. 

Hank Reynolds had spent over a decade trying to inspire change. Change in a shrinking town adjacent to Wishing Bridge, and a school district that serviced several towns. Hank took his teaching and coaching seriously. Seriously enough to help no small number of kids find their way to success, but when a tragic flood takes a major toll on the little town of Hopewell, the aftermath stuns the surrounding communities with the loss of life and livelihood. Who can help? Who can help them re-establish the good old days in a place that had lost their grip on good a long time ago? 

Hank knows what the school needs the minute he sees Heather. Northeast Wyoming Central needs an administrator that puts kids first, all the time. Not just when it looks good for a photo op. And when his phone calls bring back more of their high school football teammates, Hank knows something else is happening... Coming back to Wishing Bridge isn't just good for the town and the schools... It's good for the prodigals. 

Because whoever said you can't go home again was wrong and Hank Reynolds intends to prove it, but when Heather's life takes a sudden turn, he realizes something else: sacrificial love means putting others first. Even if it's the person you love more than anyone else on the planet. 

Grab a cup of coffee, a Coke or a spot of tea and join the folks of Wishing Bridge, NY as they gather folks in to help, to love, to fix, to nurture... Welcome back to Wishing Bridge... where prayers and wishes mingle to make dreams come true.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Review: 

 Tragedy brings Heather back to her hometown, to face her painful upbringing, and perhaps find hope?

An engaging read that pulled me in from the beginning, my heart instantly went out to Heather who has always felt second best in comparison to her sister and has worked hard all her life achieving success along the way. A compelling read, with sparkling characters that you can root for all the way through in this wonderful stand alone read. 

I loved getting to know the children, as well as seeing how Hank was so supportive of Heather and her family throughout. He is man of action and faith, and I loved his passion for teaching. 

Overall, a thoroughly engaging read with characters that I easily emotionally invested in. A heartwarming, tear-jerking story of second chances, community, faith, and romance. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Multi-published, award-winning and bestselling inspirational author Ruth Logan Herne has worked with multiple publishers and has published over seventy novels and novellas: Basically, Ruthy is living her dream of being a published author and having a great deal of fun doing it! With words to warm the heart and ease the soul, Ruthy takes her readers on the journeys of some unforgettable characters and situations, but in the spirit of being a true Pollyanna at heart, she loves a happy ending! She has a heart for women as overcomers and that spirit of faith and strength shines through every one of her stories. A mother of six with a seventh "daughter of her heart", Ruthy has fourteen grandkids, runs a busy big pumpkin farm with her husband Farmer Dave, and has an absolute love for God, Jesus, her family, country, dogs, chocolate and coffee....

Connect with Ruth by visiting ruthloganherne.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a lovely book bundle from Ruthy including several books, chocolate, and a $20 Amazon Gift Card... cozy just got a little bit better.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 14, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 21, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Celebrate Christmas with Pureflix // An Angelic Christmas

This is the year to celebrate Christmas with Pure Flix! With 190 movies to inspire and encourage the whole family this season, you’ll experience the difference that positive entertainment can have. 

Start streaming positive entertainment today: https://www.pureflix.com/watch-the-best-christmas-movies-online

“An Angelic Christmas” will remind everyone in the family what it means to embrace forgiveness and let go of past hurts.

Miracles come in small packages. The angel Celest enlists two sisters in her quest to earn her angel wings. In a race to Christmas eve, can they bring faith and forgiveness to their town this year?

Review: A family finds hope at Christmastime with the help of an Angel.

After the death of their father Lauren and Delaney move to new town right before Christmas, their mother is struggling to make ends meet. Maybe a supernatural messenger can help them restore hope to their new home?

A heartwarming and wholesome feel-good Christmas film about finding hope in the hard times, and miracles at Christmastime. A sweet film, it was fun to see the sisters working together and befriending Celeste in this imaginative, warm and fuzzy film.

I thought that this film did a great job of showing how Christmastime helps us to remember others who are struggling, as well as encouraging us to share the love of Christ with others during this special time of year that is all about Him.

A fun movie for the whole family, with strong themes of helping others, encouragement, hope, and faith in God's plan through the hard times.

#PFChristmasMIN #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Pure Flix has made celebrating Christmas even easier this year! Join Pure Flix each week as  we explore new movies and themes that will enhance and illuminate your Christmas season! https://www.pureflix.com/watch-the-best-christmas-movies-online

 Giveaway: 3-month subscription to Pure Flix 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only, and only to those who have NOT won a subscription  in the last 6 months).

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Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Dream of Kings

Author: Sharon Hinck

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: October 11, 2022

The Future Never Sleeps

In the glacial nation of Norgard, Jolan the Dream Teller serves every seeker, whether peasant or high lord. Though she loves using her gift, she struggles to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court and the jealousies of the Guildagard.

When an old man’s nightmare imparts a dire warning, Jolan realizes her entire nation is in danger. But before she can sound the alarm, she is betrayed by the guilds and sold into slavery in a rival kingdom far to the south. As a slave in a foreign land, at first Jolan can’t see beyond her singular focus: return home to warn Norgard of the coming calamity. After facing new dangers, making new friends, and forgiving old wrongs, she must fulfill the purposes the Provider has set before her.

Only then can she face a decision that could cost her the man she loves, her calling, and her freedom—all to save a people who abandoned her.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: 

A sweeping fantasy re-telling of Joseph, and God's presence in our sufferings. 

Jolan is a dreamteller in the courts of Norgard, highly favored by the king, when she is stolen from her home, sold into slavery in a foreign land, and betrayed by those she loved. Can she still believe in a good Provider through one trial after another? 

An engaging and suspenseful adventure, my heart went out to Jolan from the beginning, and I loved the rawness in how her story was told. The story doesn't shy away from questioning the hard times, and even though the storyline is familiar it still kept me guessing how it would all unfold. 

This is the first book I've read by Sharon Hinck, but I will definitely be checking out her backlist after this one. The characters came to life on the page, with honest feelings, emotions, and growth. I also loved the strong spiritual elements of the story, filled with faith truths. 

Overall, an excellent standalone novel, riveting and adventure filled. Highly recommend for fans of fantasy, faith, and superb storytelling!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” novels praised for their strong spiritual themes, emotional resonance, and imaginative blend of genres. She earned an MA in Communication (with a major in theatre and thesis in dance) from Regent University and spent ten years as the artistic director of a Christian dance company. That ministry included three short-term mission trips to Hong Kong to teach and choreograph for a YWAM dance/evangelism team. She taught classical ballet and liturgical dance for twenty years, and led workshops on dance in worship. She’s been a church youth worker, a dancer/choreographer, a church organist, a homeschool mom, and an adjunct professor of Creative Writing for MFA students. One day she’ll figure out what to be when she grows up. When she’s not wrestling with words, she enjoys speaking at churches and conferences and has taught at Minnesota Christian Writer’s Guild, the national conference of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and Realm Makers. A wife, mom of four, and grandmother of three, she lives in Minnesota and is a member at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. She loves visitors at sharonhinck.com.

 

More from Sharon

Have you ever found yourself in a place you didn’t belong, through no choice of your own? When I began writing Dream of Kings, I was caring for my mom as she dealt with Alzheimer’s. The whole world was stuck in lock-down because of the pandemic. And I was facing limitations caused by health challenges. So it’s no wonder this story question arose for me: how do we respond when we are in painful, unfair, and unfamiliar places? Is there room for God to bring good from difficult circumstances?

 

Jolan the Dream Teller has already experienced heartache before the book opens, and perhaps believed it was time for an easy road. Instead, she faces betrayal and the loss of everything she holds dear—her calling, her friends, her nation. Everything familiar is ripped away. But the Provider shows up in unexpected places and through unexpected people.

 

The question that began my brainstorming led to an adventure I didn’t fully expect. Dream of Kings became a celebration of the purposes of God and how they unfolded in one woman’s life. Courageous adventures, unselfish compassion, and unexpected romance fill Jolan’s journey.

 

As NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee described it: “An epic fantasy and absorbing page-turner, Dream of Kings has it all—intrigue, romance, and characters as interesting as they are endearing.”

 

But while Jolan navigates foreign kingdoms and the halls of power, she represents every one of us who find ourselves in a place of struggle. My longing is for this story to stir courage and inspiration for every reader grappling with a difficult road or a dark valley. I am so excited for readers to join Jolan on her journey!

 

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

For Him and My Family, November 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 2

Inklings and notions, November 3

deb’s Book Review, November 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 5

Through the fire blogs, November 6

Mary Hake, November 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 8

Blogging With Carol, November 9

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 10

Worthy2Read, November 11

Labor Not in Vain, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Book Club Network, November 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharon is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Hardcover copy of Dream of Kings, the e-book of Devotions for Dreamers, bookmarks from my other two series (Sword of Lyric, and Dancing Realms), Quoca Tea (from the book) and 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2244c/dream-of-kings-celebration-tour-giveaway