Eleanor's Bench // Now Streaming on Pureflix // Review

Eleanor's Bench // Eleanor Thomas’s success as a Washington DC juvenile court judge is challenged when her inner-city past comes to court and demands more than judgment, prompting her to return to her impoverished neighborhood of youth. Will her renewed sense of purpose reinvigorate her faith?

New series “Eleanor’s Bench" is streaming exclusively on Pure Flix now!

https://www.pureflix.com/movie/eleanors-bench

Episode #3 Review:

Eleanor finds herself shaken by the aftermath of the previous episode, wanting to step up for a fractured family. Meanwhile, she is presiding over the case of a gifted young man who finds himself on at odds with the law and his bright future threatened. 

I like how this series does a good job of showing difficult situations, but also the hope through genuine friendships. Eleanor is a compassionate judge, and I liked that she wants to do more than what her job requires to help others in the long term. 

This is an emotional episode, dealing with what happened previously. Eleanor feels the need to reach out and do more yet is also understandably scared of taking that leap of faith. I also liked the themes of being a chain-breaker, and not doing what is always done simply because no else has done something different. 

A turning point episode to be sure in this inspiring and emotional series. It will be exciting to see what happens next in this 6-part series. 

#EleanorsBenchMIN #PureFlix #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Join Pure Flix now and watch Eleanor’s Bench!

Biggest Lessons We've Learned from Eleanor's Bench

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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The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green // Cover Reveal

The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green //  In World War II, worlds collide when performers across the United States unite to tour North Africa in a USO variety show.

Vibrant and scrappy Maggie McCleod tried not to get fired from her wartime orchestra, but she can't keep from speaking her mind, so an overseas adventure with the USO's camp show seems like the perfect fresh start. Wealthy and elegant Catherine Duquette signs with the USO to leave behind her restrictive life of privilege and to find out what happened to the handsome pilot whose letters mysteriously stopped arriving.

The two women are joined by an eclectic group of performers--a scheming blues singer, a veteran tap dancer, and a brooding magician--but the harmony among their troupe is shattered when their tour manager announces he will soon recommend one of them for a new job in the Hollywood spotlight. Each of the five members has a reason to want the contract, and they'll do whatever is necessary to get it. As their troupe travels closer to combat in Tunisia, personal crises and wartime dangers only intensify, until not only their careers but also their lives are on the line.

Preorder today for 40% off and free shipping : https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542729

#amylynngreen #foxholevictorytour #bhpfiction #coverreveal #ww2fiction #bookstoread #tbr #christianfiction #historicalfiction

Sound of Freedom // Movie Review // Win Tickets to See the Film in Theaters!

Sound of Freedom is a powerful new film from Angel Studios (The Chosen, His Only Son) based on an incredible true story! 

Sound of Freedom, based on the incredible true story, shines a light on even the darkest of places. After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death. 

Buy tickets today to see Sound of Freedom in theaters starting July 4th!

  Angel Studio’s goal for Sound of Freedom is for two million people to go see the film in theaters the week of July 4 to remember the two million children who are trafficked every year.

 #2MillionFor2Million 

 You can find showtimes at https://www.angel.com/tickets/sound-of-freedom. New theaters are added daily. 

 If the price of the ticket is keeping you from going, generous fans have Paid it Forward tens of thousands of free tickets for you to be able to see the film opening week. You can get a free ticket at angel.com/freetickets 

 You can help pay for other people's tickets to come to the film at angel.com/freedom this helps us reach our goal of #2MillionFor2Million to help end child trafficking. 

 My Review: 

A powerful film about the atrocities of the child sex trafficking industry, based the true story of Special Agent Tim Ballard. 

An amazing film, with captivating storytelling that gripped the heart while also feeling like an action film. The subject of this film is a difficult one to talk about, because if most of us are honest we don't want to acknowledge that such terrible things happen--but they do. But the filmmakers handled it all really well, we never seen anything explicit on the screen but things are staged and the dialog lets us know what happened. There were a few instances of cursing and crude language as well as times when Tim has to play along with the pedophiles and traffickers to lure them into his trap, so I think that it fit the story and packed the desired punch and shock value without going further. Definitely something to consider when thinking about if the film is suitable for your family. 

Tim Ballard is a Special Agent who is an expert at tracking down pedophiles, he is devoted to his job as well as to his family and instead of hardening him the things he has seen only ignites his passion to do more to save children. I admired his determination and how he found ways around the parameters he was given, calling in favors and the help of solid friends. 

A well done film, gripping, full of action, and clutches at your heart while telling of the heart wrenching reality faced by many children, and telling the story of a courageous man who fought back. Highly recommend taking your friends and family to see this powerful and inspiring film!

#SoundOfFreedomMIN #SoundofFreedomMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Giveaway: 2 free tickets to see Sound of Freedom! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Redemption by Traci Hunter Abramson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Slow to start, this book ramped up the action quickly as I caught up with the character backstory and the members of the Saint Squad. This is my first adventure with this elite team of Navy Seals, so it might have taken me longer to get up to speed on everything that was going on that someone who has read this series before, but I did find that the beginning lingered a lot on the set up, though later it did pay off. 

An action packed romance, with opposites who attracted as Gabe tries to prove himself beyond his troubled past. Gabe has come a long way since his past, and I liked his determination and that he didn't give up doing what was right for what was easy. 

Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable read with great non-stop action after I got past the first bits. A wonderful action filled read with a redemptive theme. 

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

The Pursuit of Miss Parish by Grace Hitchcock // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

 

Book: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: May 31, 2023

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review: 

A charming and adventure filled romance, filled with faith and friendship. 

Belle Parish is ready to make a fresh start, answering the letter of a cowboy in search of a mail-order bride. But when she arrives things that Colt wrote to her about don't seem to match the man that he appears to be, so she calls the wedding off and signs on as a Harvey Girl. 

Belle is a likable and capable young woman, I liked that she holds herself to high standards and quickly proves herself a hard worker. I was glad that she found true friends in Angelique and Harriet who supported her throughout. Even though Colt isn't who he appears to be, I did like that he wants to do better and prove himself to Belle, fighting for her not knowing who she would choose. 

Engaging and well-paced, with a courageous heroine in this action filled western romance. Enjoyable from beginning to end, this book has a full cast of characters, with strong themes of second chances, faith and friendship. I loved the slight connection to the previous book in the series and returning characters, though this book could definitely be read as a standalone. I'm excited to read the next book in the series!

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

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

 

More from Grace

Questions from READERS for Grace Hitchcock

Q: As a mom, how/when do you find time to write?

Grace Hitchcock: I used to walk around the block to my favorite coffee shop in New Orleans, writing with a delicious latte and scone beside me, headphones in with the perfect soundtrack playing waiting for the muse. . . and now days, I write during Sofia the First episodes blaring in the background for my toddler while the baby sleeps and my Kindergartner is in half-day school.

On the days when I can’t get the word count down during those tiny moments, my husband takes the babies for an hour in the evenings and tells me to go write! When I’m on tight deadline with days left to go, the house usually isn’t the cleanest and Laundry Mountain, in all its splendor, may just fall on top of us. Sometimes while on deadline, I get the urge to pause and clean, but if I ignore the impulse long enough, the feeling generally passes. Once the book is in to my editor, it’s time to clean.

Q: What is your favorite source of inspiration for creating the characters in your stories?

Grace Hitchcock: For main characters, I use Names Through the Ages to figure out their names based on their background and once I know a character’s name, it’s as if the heroine/hero stroll into my writing room and I get to know their personality, the story closely following.

For the supporting characters, I have a need/plot point that they need to fill and I build their personality around that need. Not quite as exciting haha but they serve a purpose. But, I always remind myself to try to fill them out because they do not know they are not the main characters.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Grace Hitchcock: One of my earliest memories is writing stories in my little diary in my closet. (Remember the diaries with the locks on them that were super easy to pick, but still dreamy to have a book with a lock on it.)

I started taking my desire to write seriously when I was a senior in high school. I was homeschooled and my mom let me write a novel for my senior English project to test that theory if I wanted to write. It was so fun to write, I knew that’s what I wanted to do, so I got my Masters in Creative Writing and I’ve been typing away ever since 

Q: What is your writing process like?

Grace Hitchcock: I usually begin with a spark of an idea that I at once research to see if it would work with the eras I enjoy writing (Gilded Age and Regency England). From there, I do a deep dive into writing out a chapter by chapter plot, which generally takes about a week to ten days.

Once I have my plot down, I do about a week or two more of basic research and begin the first very, very rough draft that I usually finish at 50,000 words after 3 months of writing.

 

Then, I research any spots that needed improving in the first draft and go full editing mode, pausing throughout the book to research spots that need more description and historical accuracy, which is about two months and then, I do a third round of edits and research while doing a line edit, which takes a month.

 

By the time I get to the 6-month mark, I am more than ready to have a break haha and I send my 75,000/80,000 word novel off to my publisher/editor who does a content edit, sends it back to me for three weeks, another editor does a line edit, sends it back to me for three weeks, then another editor does a copy edit and sends it to galleys (where they format the book) and send it back to me to proof one last time for two weeks! Then, it goes to press at usually 75,000-100,000 depending on the novel. So long story short, 6 months to write and about 2 months to edit!

Q: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Grace Hitchcock: In this business, just about every author gets a rejection from a publisher . . . even by publishers who later accept them!

When I began sending out one of my first manuscripts, I thought it was pristine, but after about 15 rejections, I put it on the shelf and focused on a new manuscript with fresh eyes and new goals based on some of the industry professionals’ suggestions. Six months after I shelved that first manuscript, I went back and looked over it . . . the professionals were right. It wasn’t ready and it would require a lot more love (aka bleeding edits) before I attempted to send it out again. Sometimes, time is what you need to get a fresh perspective.

But it is also important to remember that when you get a rejection letter, they are not rejecting you. They are rejecting the work. And as much as you see it as a work of art, the publishers see it as a product. They are there to sell a product and if the product isn’t ready, it won’t sell well, so take heart and “hone your craft” and focus on any feedback you received that has merit.

That critique was very hard for me to hear haha but it helped push me to keep learning, attending writer conferences, and following my dreams. Over the years, I have had novels rejected by Barbour, Bethany, and Kregel, but I tried again and again and eventually signed with each publishing house! So keep it up! You can do it!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 16

Vicky Sluiter, June 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 17

She Lives To Read, June 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 18

Texas Book-aholic, June 19

Alena Mentink, June 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 20

Bigreadersite, June 20

Connie’s History Classroom, June 21

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 22

Betti Mace, June 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

Karen Baney Reviews, June 24

Blogging With Carol, June 25

For Him and My Family, June 25

Labor Not in Vain, June 26

Mary Hake, June 26

Cover Lover Book Review, June 27

Holly’s Book Corner, June 27

Splashes of Joy, June 28

Pause for Tales, June 28

Jodie Wolfe -Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 29

Lights in a Dark World, June 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of The Finding of Miss Fairfield AND The Pursuit of Miss Parish with bookmarks and book magnets, 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/2658d/the-pursuit-of-miss-parish-celebration-tour-giveaway

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings. 

Another school year comes to a close and teacher Brynna Phillips' life is in a tailspin, so she accepts the invitation of her co-worker Jan to accompany her on a RVing adventure to Sonoma. The trip brings up memories of a former flame, and they decide to see if they can find him. But finding Leroy is just the beginning. 

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith and friendship. An enjoyable quick read filled with a full cast of colorful characters, great for fans of feel-good romantic films. I especially liked how Jan and Mike were supportive and just the right amount of pushy to encourage Brynna to do what she needed to. Jan was probably one of my favorite characters because of her straightforward manner and big heart. I also liked getting to know Leroy's family. 

Overall, this was a quick read, simple, but full of charm. There were times when I thought that things would get resolved faster if they would just talk to each other, but nonetheless a charming read. 

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

The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner // Review

My Review: 

A character driven coming of age story of two sisters growing up in 1950's America chasing their dreams. 

A beautifully written book that pulled me into the lives of sisters Bertha and Flossie Harding. Bertha has a gift for playing ball, while Flossie is a bookworm with an impulsive nature, and a strong sense of justice. I loved how immersive the book was, bringing the fifties to life for me through their unique and individualized viewpoints. There were many times when Flossie made me laugh out out with her matter of fact take on life and her friendship with Lizzie was one of my favorite parts of her story. 

This author knows how to tell a thought provoking and engaging story with characters that feel as real as your best friend, and she continues her winning streak with this latest novel. This was the first book that I've read about the HUAC investigations, and I found it very intriguing and scary how neighbors turned on each other like that. 

Overall, a wonderfully written and engaging novel sure to linger long in your memories. I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age tale of love, growing up, baseball, books, faith and all the things in between!

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

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Ashley Scott needs a change of scenery so she moves across the country to Hope Harbor to take on the project of turning a historic cliffside mansion into a wedding venue. 

A compelling read with captivating characters that caught my attention from the start. I especially enjoyed Rose, who is a spirited, but reclusive, older woman and how she welcomes Ashley into her world as they work together on bringing their vision to life. They enlist the help of Jonathan Gray a war veteran who likes to keep to himself, with scars that are more than skin deep. 

A compelling read filled with a captivating cast of characters, as well as familiar faces from the previous books. I have enjoyed these hope harbor books so much and I can't believe this is the ninth installment to the series, though this book can also be read as a standalone. It was so fun seeing the three of them working together and opening their hearts over the course of the story. 

Overall, an engaging read with a compelling and heartwarming storyline set in a beautiful coastal town. I couldn't help but cheer for Rose, Ashley and Jonathan all the way through this compelling read. Highly recommend!

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

Dedicated to the One I Love by Beth K. Vogt // Just Read

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dedicated to the One I Love by Beth K. Vogt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Dedicated to the One I Love 
Author: Beth K. Vogt
Publisher: White Glove
Release Date: June 20, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

She doesn’t believe in love anymore. He doesn’t either.  

They’re perfect for each other. 

Beloved romance novelist Kylie Franklin walked away from her pen-name career as bestselling and award-winning Veronica Hollins the day her husband died. Her loyal readers are eager for the final book in her sensational series. But Kylie’s given up on love, both fictional and in real life. Behind her back, Kylie’s agent contrives a way to get her writing again. 

Joe Edwards has made a name for himself with his popular military suspense novels under the pen name Tate Merrick. Yet he can’t quite break onto the bestseller list. What his books need, his publisher suggests, is some romance. Joe flat refuses. However, his publisher is determined and hires Veronica Hollins to save the day—and his career. 

Veronica and Tate quickly realize they’re Kylie and Joe, good friends who connected online via a popular word game and their mutual love of trivia. Surely they can wrangle their alter egos into this literary collaboration. But as the deadline looms, their differences threaten the romance developing off the page.  

From a Christy Award-winning author comes this charming mash-up of hidden identities, literary tug of war, and falling in love when you least expect it.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Review: 

A charming second chance romance about two novelists reluctantly writing a book together, filled with heart, humor, and faith. 

 Best-selling author Kylie Franklin doesn't want to write romance anymore, now that the love of her life is gone. Joe Edwards writes suspenseful military novels, but needs that extra something special to make it to the next level. Their agents decide to solve both of the authors' problems but having them collaborate on their next project. 

An engaging and enjoyable romance with a fresh original plot, endearing characters, plenty of wit and great interaction. I loved that they weren't your run of the mill romance couple, they were a little more experienced in life. It was a fun read from beginning to end, with great character development and relationship building with a strong thread of faith, and a great plot. 

A wonderful read, with stellar characters and a heartfelt story of second chances. Definitely worth the read!

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

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About the Author

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, releases June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people.

Connect with Beth by visiting bethvogt.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Etsy Gift Card, a print copy of Dedicated to the One I Love, a box of typewriter themed gift note cards, Novel Teas Book Lover Teas, and a 24 oz insulated Tervis Floral Tumbler!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 19, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 26, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Breaking New Ground by Amy Clipston // Review

My Review: 

A charming fake-relationship romance set in the heart of Amish country. 

Korey Bontrager returns home knowing what he is coming home to and hoping to mend bridges between himself and his family. His family welcomes him with open arms, but it doesn't mean that returning home isn't a little awkward seeing his brother and former girlfriend married. 

Savannah doesn't want to jump into a relationship just because her friends are dating now, but their nagging is getting hard to ignore. So she and Korey decide to fake a relationship to get everyone to leave their love lives alone. 

Korey and Savannah are both likable characters from the start and I could easily see how they brought out the best in each other. Korey has come a long way in accepting how things are now, and I liked seeing his more mature side as well as his friendship with Toby. Savannah is a caring sister, and a supportive friend. 

This was a fun fast paced read with compelling characters and a sweet romance. A very enjoyable read with compelling characters, strong faith, and good character growth. Definitely recommend!

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

Methods of Malice by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Cooper and her Bible Study get swept into a colorful web of mystery and murder when they join a production of It's a Wonderful Life.

An engaging read from the start with a full cast of well developed and distinct characters paired with a engrossing plot that kept me guessing. I loved this book from the minute I picked it up, catching up with Cooper and her friends as they work to unravel the murder while dealing with some larger than life personalities. 

It had been a while since I read the last book, and I had no problem just jumping right in. There is a lot going on, but I had no troubles keeping it all straight. I liked the the interaction between the characters as well as the relationship between the sisters. 

Overall, this was an engaging read, filled with mystery, faith, and humor. Highly recommend this wholesome and engaging cozy mystery!

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

Texas Ranch Target by Virginia Vaughan // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A thrilling suspense, fraught with danger as Brett and Jaycee try to outrun the killer.  

Jaycee is a brilliant hacker hired to test a security system, the job looks legit, but it all goes terribly wrong, and she finds herself fighting for her life forced to put her life in the hands of a handsome stranger. 

A fast paced read with a riveting plot and engaging characters. I liked that Brett wants to help keep Jaycee safe and get to the bottom of what is going on and how it is connected to his friend's murder. There is good interaction throughout, and I liked that they share a Christian faith. 

There is a lot going on, and the pages flew by for me as I had a hard time putting it down. There is a lot to love about this read, and I loved how Brett's family welcomes her. 

Overall, an engaging read that you won't want to put down!

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

God's Country Song // Streaming on Pure Flix 6.16.23 // Win a Subscription!

“God’s Country Song” is a heartfelt movie on what it means to be a father and place your family before your ambitions. Watch as Noah rediscovers his faith, reconnects with his own father and follows  God’s plan for his life.

Only God knows if Noah can be the man and father he’s meant to be. Will Noah stop chasing  selfish dreams, heal broken relationships and start down God's path for his future?

Watch God’s Country Song exclusively on Pure Flix starting June 16th!

Link: https://www.pureflix.com/movie/gods-country-song

My Review:

Noah Brian is a rising Country Music Star blazing his way to a successful career when a surprising turn of events has him going back home to face his past in hopes of making a future for his son. 

A heartwarming romance, a story of second chances and fresh starts. I liked how Noah's manager was willing to tell him tough truths and encouraged him to make positive changes in his life, praying for him along the way. Noah has a wonderful family, and I liked how they welcomed JJ into their lives, as well as asking for accountability. JJ is such an adorable child, I loved how he has a big heart for others. 

This is a story of forgiveness, faith and second chances, with characters that you can cheer for, as well as great music. I liked the strong message of faith and second chances. A wonderful movie that families with older children can watch together. 

Content is PG. Drinking is shown, but in a negative light. A child is born to an unmarried couple years in the past. Some kissing. A drunken fistfight. 

#GodsCountrySongMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

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).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard // Review

Lucie's Review: 

An action packed read that kept me on the edge of my seat with all of the twists and turns.

A great start to a brand new series from one of my favorite suspense authors. Autumn Long is the police chief in small town Alaska working hard to stay on top of the sudden influx of crime and bodies being found, all while a local dissenter is gunning for her job. I admired her faith and determination to keep pushing despite everything that seems to be working against her. 

Grier is looking to keep a low profile, but he he can't stand idly back and not help Autumn when she asks. But his secrets are putting them all at risk. 

A high stakes read with non-stop action, great characters development and non-stop action throughout. I loved how the book kept me enthralled and holding on tight to find out what would happen next. I will warn readers that if more grisly suspense reads are not your thing, then be warned there are a fair amount of murders, bodies found, and intense moments. 

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this thrilling adventure and I can't wait to see what comes next in the series!

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

The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham // Review

My Review: 

Ava Burcham is a talented young woman with a big heart and a curious mind that isn't a stranger to trouble. She is determined to find out who killed her father, but she may be getting into more than she can handle poking around the bootlegging businesses of Appalachian Mountain folk. 

An engaging read that brings to life a fictionalized account of the Carroll County Courthouse Massacre, which was an event that I was not terribly familiar with before reading this book. The author did a great job of bringing to life the lives of the mountain folk and staying true to the history. 

Ava is a kind-hearted heroine, with a quick mind and a shadow hanging over her heritage. I liked her heart for helping others, and how she likes to brighten the lives of others. Jeremiah is a patient and protective hero, who loves Ava no matter what. Granny Burcham was probably my favorite character, with her heart and wise words of wisdom. 

Overall, an entertaining read with likable characters, an engaging story, and solid message of trusting in God. Great for fans of Appalachian fiction and romance! 

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

Hopefully Ever After by Beth Wiseman // Review

My Review: 

An unlikely friendship forms between Samuel Byler and Eden Hale when she comes to stay with her cousin Yvonne for a few months in the summer. 

A charming romance that brings back familiar faces and new friends as well. My heart went out to Eden, who has had a rough upbringing. She surprises her hosts, but many in the community judge her to be a bad influence. I liked how she encourages Samuel to be thankful for his family. 

A charming read by one of my favorite Amish fiction authors. I loved the friendship and familiar faces. I especially liked how it continued to follow Yvonne and Abraham. 

Overall, this was a well written and engaging read with great character development, and filled with heart.

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

Shielding the Baby by Laura Scott // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Officer Danica Hayes and her dog Hutch find themselves working to solve a double murder while protecting the victim's brother and his infant son. 

A heartwarming and engaging adventure, with wonderful characters that were easy to cheer for. I loved how Danica's dog Hutch adores baby Caden and is very protective of him. 

The first in a new series, this was a fun read, with great relationship building and interaction throughout. A little lighter on suspense than typical in these books, I didn't mind at all as it was still very enjoyable and the dog's love of the baby was so cute!

Overall a great read, I liked how Luke was inspired to be a better man for his son and grew in his faith. This was a very entertaining read, and a great start to a series!

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