The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese // Review

My Review: 

A stirring family drama that explores themes of faith, and complicated family dynamics. 

 Sophie returns home after a disastrous short-lived run on Broadway to keep a low profile and work at the family winery, to makes some money while figuring out what's next. Music producer, August Tate is having trouble letting go when it comes to raising his teenaged sister Gabby. I loved how this book brought the Fog Harbor Trilogy full circle with Sophie and August recording the audio books for Chip at Fog Harbor Books. 

 Sophie has a complicated family that doesn't see things the way she does, I loved how she connected with Gabby, and was introduced to the vibrant deaf community, seeing how Gabby is finding her place and thriving. August is a protective brother, he wants the best for her, but sometimes that isn't a straightforward thing. I liked the complex characters and family dynamics, with strong themes of faith, and family. 

 A compelling family drama, heartwarming, and full of faith, with complex characters and relationships. You could feel the tensions rising. A memorable read, that pulled me in and didn't let go. Highly recommend!

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

Beyond the Clouds by Elizabeth Camden // Review

My Review: 

Broken promises and betrayal in their past, Delia and Finn are thrown together to raise vital funds for the Commission for Relief in Belgium during WWI.

 A compelling historical story of the behind the scenes during World War I, I liked learning more about Belgium and what they were going through during the German occupation and how the USA helped with rations, saving many lives. Finn and Delia were childhood best friends, having a lot of history together, and I enjoyed seeing them slowly work on their relationship. 

A fascinating story, with some real life historical figures. Delia and Finn had both been through a lot separately in their years apart, but I liked that they both challenged each other to remember the good and fight for a future in the present. I liked seeing characters from previous books be incorporated into the story as well. A compelling novel of the first world war, rich in history, with a story of loyalty, faith, and second chances.

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

Deadly Currents by Elizabeth Goddard // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Cressida Dane is on a mission to finish her late father's manuscript, and in order to do that she is determined to separate fact from fiction about the Spector's Bounty. Braden Sanders finds himself helping Cressida because of his ties to her mother's work, while waiting to find a cure for his young niece who is fighting a rare kind of cancer. When Cressida's investigation puts her in the crosshairs of some dangerous people, with dark intentions. 

A fast paced suspense, full of adventure, mystery, and danger. A twisting story that keeps you guessing, with strong protagonists, great relationship building and faith. Braden is a great guy, and I liked how he volunteers to come along for the ride. It was fun learning about floating wrecks, in this fast paced read. There is a lot going on, and pieces that connect and intertwine. 

Braden and Cressida make a great team, working together to discover the truth. I liked that they bonded over a shared faith, and can rely on each other in this high stakes suspense. Highly recommend!

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

A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen // Review

My Review: 

The adventures of the Summers sisters continue, the changing seasons bring royalty to Sidmouth, and three male staff members end up staying at the sister's inn. 

Emily has dreams of publication, and she is enlisted to write a guide book for the area. But a face from the past has her questioning her future. 

A delightful and compelling story, full of faith, and everyday heartwarming adventures in the spirit of Downton Abbey. I liked the full cast of characters with both familiar and new characters. I loved the incorporation of the royal household, and their staff into the story, with baby Queen Victoria. Compelling storylines, with characters that are raw in imperfect, yet relatable  in their humanity. I liked the themes of compassion, family, love, honesty and more. 

A wonderful addition to the series, and I can't wait to see what is next for the Summers sisters. 

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

David's Diary: The Summer Camp Disaster by Bunmi Laditan // Review

My Review: 

David is off to church camp for the first time with his best friend Nate, in his diary and emails home he documents his days as he tries to stay out of trouble and learns to think of others besides himself.

 From the start you get the inkling that David might be a few notches above your average troublemaker, but you can't help but love him as he finds his way. I liked how we see non-neurotypical characters presented, with themes of trying new things, facing fears, and forgiveness. Nate is a good friend, and I liked how David is sensitive to his needs. The story is fast-paced, with fun accompanying illustrations. Great for those who are gaining reading confidence with chapter books. A fun new series for older elementary readers, full of fun and silly shennanigans! 

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

Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer // Review

Review: 

After a tumultuous upbringing, Noreen O'Sullivan has a heart for the temperance movement. 

An engaging story, with endearing characters that you can cheer for throughout. I liked how James admires Noreen's courage to stand up for what she believes, and how they both take the time to understand each other's points of view. James is a fair and reasonable deputy, taking care of the town with grace and plenty of patience. 

This book really has it all, likable characters, faith, humor, and romance. I liked getting to know a few of the other local "spinsters" as well. A full cast of characters in a lively small western town, full of faith, great tension and relationship building, with a lot going on. I liked how the author thoughtfully dealt with the issue of alcohol abuse, and the temperance movement. 

A riveting western read, and start to a what is sure to be a fantastic new series. I loved James, Noreen, and all the ladies in the Society of Spinsters, it was such a fun read, with great dialogue, interaction, and stirring characters arcs. Highly recommend!

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

As Sure as the Sea by Jamie Ogle // Review

My Review: 

The story of St. Nicholas of Myra like you've never heard it before. 

A companion or sister book to Of Love and Treason, with a scattering of familiar faces, but also a solid stand alone novel. Demitria and her brother Theseus eek out a living as coral harvesters, diving deep for the hidden treasures of the ocean. Demi and her brother use their boat to gather provisions to help feed the other Christians, but as the persecution increases the risk grows. But a friend in the form of Nicholas of Myra comes to their aid, when Theseus is injured. 

A captivating story of ancient Rome, showing the hardship and persecution of the early church. I liked how it showed the early church caring for each other and living each day knowing the cost of their faith. 

An engaging read, I learned a lot about ancient history and Nicholas of Myra. Such a great read, enjoyable storyline and core of faith. 

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

He Calls Me Daughter // Movie Trailer

A powerful new film about how "A Heavenly Father" changes everything. 

From the award-winning director of the Kendrick Brothers’ documentary Show Me the Father, He Calls Me Daughter is a poignant exploration of father-daughter relationships and the lasting impact they have on a woman’s life. Through honest stories and thoughtful insight, the film examines the deep “father wound” many women carry. He Calls Me Daughter reveals how faith in Jesus Christ brings healing, transforms lives and restores identity. A Heavenly Father changes everything!

HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth—and who long for love that feels safe. This honest exploration of father-daughter relationships reveals the lasting impact they can have on a woman’s life. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing. At the heart of the movie is an encounter with Jesus—a perfect heavenly Father who sees, stops, and calls His daughters by name. HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw—One who offers peace, belonging, and restoration. 

 He Calls Me Daughter is releasing in theaters March 17 & 18 only.

Get tickets now: fathomentertainment.com/releases/he-calls-me-daughter/ #HeCallsMeDaughter #HeCallsMeDaughterMIN @hecallsmedaughterfilm

Still Hope // Get Tickets for February 5th!

Still Hope is a movie where awareness about human trafficking meets compassion and recovery begins. Freedom is just the beginning.

 Hope, a teenager from a tight-knit community, finds herself in danger when the person she believes to be a new friend proves unsafe. Taken from all she knows, Hope is forced into sex trafficking and stripped of her identity. After finding freedom from her captors, Hope discovers that survival is only the first step. Inspired by true stories, Hope’s journey is a powerful illustration of the courage it takes to walk the complex path of recovery. 

 Get tickets now to see this powerful film in theaters February 5!

https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/still-hope/

 A portion of ticket proceeds will go towards organizations that care for victims of trafficking.

My Review: 

A powerful story of recovery and true freedom through faith. 

This story deals with a difficult topic, and I think that it did a good job of realistically showing how she had no choice and day by day her hope was stripped away. But more than that it showed recovery in an honest and raw way. Hope questions God's goodness, and struggles to trust when all her trust was taken away. When I first started watching I thought it would be your typical faith film, but I was wrong! It is so much more, not shying away from hard questions and topics, struggling with faith, throughout and with the aftermath. 

 A cautionary tale, that can be a good conversation starter with your children about social media use, and strangers online. It deals with a very real and difficult topic, and it does a good job of showing it with gritty realness, but not being overly explicit or graphic. Good for families with teens, though parents may want to preview. 

A well done film, with a powerful story, talented cast, and solid core of faith. An inspiring story of redemption, recovery, and hope. 

 
Many thanks to Studio 523 for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

 #StillHopeMIN #StillHope #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 “Every person needs to see this film!” -Natalie Grant

 When you purchase a ticket to Still Hope, you help shine a light on the fight against trafficking and amplify the hope this film was created to share! 

https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/still-hope/

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard (Note: This is limited to US winners only).

Still Hope- $10 Amazon Giftcard

In the Light of the Sun by Angela Shupe // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Two sisters, both talented singers, separated by oceans during WWII. 

Caramina Grassi longs to become an opera singer like her sister Rosa, who lives in Italy. But when the Japanese come to the Philippines, Caramina and her family must flee to go work on a rice farm in the jungle. The story follows the hardships faced by the sisters, as they wait out the war, facing an uncertain future, leaning on faith and bonded by their love of music. 

Based on a true story of hope, faith and resilience. An engaging and compelling read, that has the author drawing from the life experiences of her mother and aunts. A well told story that shows a well known time period from an angle I'd never read before. It was fascinating reading about things experienced in the Philippines, as well as Italy. 

A powerful and compelling story, realistic, and gritty, with inspiring themes of faith. I admired how Cara's family was determined to stick together and face things as a family. This is my first time reading this author, and this novel is a masterful debut. Highly recommend. 

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