Recapturing the Glory of Christmas: A 25 Day Advent Devotional by R. Albert Mohler Jr.

My Review: 

If you want an advent devotional that reaches beyond the saccharine sweet, and instead points to the gloriously true reason for wonder during the Christmas season, then look no further than the newest devotional from R. Albert Mohler. 

25 devotionals leading up to December 25th, delve into our need, and God's resounding answer. A Biblically sound devotional, more sobering at times, but all the more glorious in magnifying the reason we celebrate God's fulfillment of His promise. Well written, and great for sharing with your family. I was greatly encouraged when reading this each day, and liked how it emphasized celebrating this wonder all year long. 

Overall, a well-done devotional that can be turned to year after year, and appropriate in every season. It would make an excellent gift, as well as family devotional. Highly recommend. 

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

Journey to Bethlehem // Giveaway and Reivew

Whether you like musicals or not, you’ll love the brand new music in this film, Journey to Bethlehem, starring Antonio Banderas,  Milo Manheim, and more!

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn  between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown.  This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic  Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told—the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique  new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical  is unlike any before it. See JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in theaters beginning November 10th, 2023.

This is a perfect movie to invite your friends and family to! Buy tickets today at  https://tickets.journeytobethlehemmovie.com/

Or Give the gift of giving and make someone’s Christmas brighter by providing tickets  for JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM! https://fandango.egifter.com/journeytobethlehem

Downloadable family discussion guides: LINK 

Downloadable coloring sheets: LINK 

                         Spanish resources: LINK

Website: LINK 

Buy Tickets: LINK 

                    

Buy tickets today at  https://tickets.journeytobethlehemmovie.com/

My Review:

Watch the true meaning of Christmas come alive on the big screen in a whole new way, perfect for the the whole family!

A high quality production, with a brilliant cast and talented cast singings a slew of original songs to tell the timeless story. I loved the touches of humor, and the theatrical style of the film, which made it sure to engage all ages. The films strays from the exact details of the Biblical account, with a dose of modern sensibilities that wasn't really needed, but I believe that it still does an wonderful job of telling of the birth of our Savior.

The perfect film to bring your family to this Christmas season, to remind them of the reason we celebrate. Antonio Banderas was brilliant as Herod, and the songs are catchy and touching, giving the film great re-watch quality.

Highly recommend this infectiously enjoyable film, great for all ages, you will want to share it with all your friends!

 #JourneyToBethlehemMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

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

Giveaway: 2 free tickets to see JTB in theaters! 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only)

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Lynette Eason Presents: Christmas in the Crosshairs by Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood and Sami A. Abrams // Just Read

Lucie's Review: 

Deadly Holiday Hijack by Kate Angelo

Christina and Grey are looking forward to celebrating Christmas together, but a relaxing night at the Nativity Pageant turns into a hostage situation when terrorists attack the church. Can Christina and Grey shut done the hostage situation and get everyone out safe?

A fast paced read that kept me on my toes, full of action and suspense, with great character interaction. I loved seeing Grey and Christina working together as a couple, and how Grey doesn't let his injuries keep him from being a MacGyver-on-wheels to be reckoned with. A fantastic continuation of Christina and Grey's story.

Silent Night Siege by Kelly Underwood

Preston and Laila are looking forward to spending time together for the holidays, when their plane crashes leaving them stranded and fighting for their lives against the elements and a killer who has Laila in his sights. 

A engaging adventure, that tests Laila and Preston's relationship as they brave the unknown together, I liked that though they had their struggles, but found ways to grow their relationship. A fun action-packed read with likable characters and plenty of suspense. 

Christmas Snowstorm Standoff by Sami A. Abrams

Charlie and Lizzie have a Christmas wedding all planned, when a series of unplanned events try to prevent them from walking down the aisle, not the least of them being a killer. Will Lizzie and Charlie make it to their happily ever after?

A lot going on in this action packed conclusion to the Christmas collection. I loved how Charlie is so great with Lizzie's daughter and how excited he is to be her dad. 

Overall, a great collection of Christmas novellas and continuation of the couples we fell in love with in the Elite Guardians Series. Highly entertaining and well done!

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3toLA3V

 * As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

Journey to Bethlehem // Official Trailer

It is never too early to celebrate the birth of Christ. Take time this holiday season to celebrate God's greatest gift with your family and Journey to Bethlehem! I'm excited to watch the birth of Christ come to life in this brand new musical performance!

About JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told, the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it.

Journey to Bethlehem is coming to theaters 11/10/23 ! 

#JourneyToBethlehemMIN

The Christmas List of Richard Lindsay by Bruce Lindsay, illustrated by Dan Bur // Review

My Review:

A heartwarming Christmas story based on the true story of a young boy growing up in the Great Depression who wanted to bring Christmas cheer to those around him. 

Beautifully illustrated Christmas story about the joy of giving. I loved how young Richard's excitement in giving grew as Christmas grew nearer, as well as his thankfulness for what he had. I especially liked how his mother encouraged him to think of others. 

A wonderful Christmastime read to share with the young people in your life about the joy of giving and family at Christmastime. 

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

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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'Twas the Night Before Jesus by Donna Wyland, illustrated by Courtney Smith // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

 

Book: ’Twas the Night Before Jesus

Author: Donna Wyland

Genre: Picture Book

Release date: Fall 2021

‘Twas the Night Before Jesus is a beautifully illustrated picture book that introduces children to the life of Jesus and God’s promise of an eternal home in heaven. As the melodic rhyme carries children through Jesus’s birth, death and resurrection, they come to understand the true meaning of Christmas.

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Set to the rhythm of the familiar cadence of a Christmastime classic, 'Twas the Night Before Jesus brings to life the true meaning of Christmas in beautiful rhyme. Accompanied by whimsical and humorous illustrations, this book will quickly become a favorite among families at Christmas and all year long. 

My favorite thing about this book was how it doesn't just tell of Jesus's birth, but gives the gospel and the reason for His birth and sacrifice. A quick read, but one that you will want to re-read over and over again! A book that I can happily recommend, a wonderful book to share with the little people in your life, and makes a great gift!

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

About the Author

Donna Wyland is an Award-winning author, editor, and coach who believes in writing books that entertain, encourage, and inspire. Her bestselling children’s book, Your Home in Heaven, sold thousands of copies and was gifted to more than 4,000 children around the world through churches, schools, and various ministry organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Reprinted in 2020 by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., Your Home in Heaven has become a classic story that shares the love of God and the hope of heaven with an increasing number of children. If I Could Ask Jesus, Donna’s premier Christian bedtime story is bringing young hearts closer to God, too.

Donna lives in Ohio with her husband and a couple of bunnies that hide under the bushes outside. She loves to read, ski, jump on the trampoline with her grandson, and cross items off of her personal Bucket List.

 

More from Donna

Donna Wyland’s love for God and for Christmas inspired her to write ‘Twas the Night Before Jesus. Only recently did she discover how many websites offer Happy Birthday Jesus items to help families, Sunday schools, and more to celebrate the real reason for the season. Children of all ages have read and reviewed ‘Twas the Night Before Jesus. It received a rousing 5 stars! Glory to God! You can find some fun resources here!

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, December 4

Blogging With Carol, December 4

Texas Book-aholic, December 5

Author Adventure, December 5

Inklings and notions, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, December 7

Cats in the Cradle Blog, December 7

deb's Book Review, December 8

Splashes of Joy, December 8

A Reader’s Brain, December 9

Library Lady's Kid Lit, December 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 10

Older & Smarter?, December 11

An Author's Take, December 11

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, December 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 13

Mary Hake, December 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 14

Spoken from the Heart, December 14

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 15

Labor Not in Vain, December 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 16 (Spotlight)

Lights in a Dark World, December 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of a hardcover copy of the book and an online $50 Magnolia Market 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/14195/twas-the-night-before-jesus-celebration-tour-giveaway

Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden ~ Review

My Review:

Mary Beckwith lives in a beautiful historical castle, which is the namesake of the prestigious American preserves company, Whitefriars, whose label bears an image of her home.

Everett Wooten is a businessman, with a instinct for flavor who has worked hard to maintain the reputation of his family's brand. He is intrigued by Mary, who is the affectionate caretaker of the real-life Whitefriars and a pile of walking contradictions, he admires her passion for life and love of people. Everett is a man of business, with big dreams, and a drive to get things done, but he is not without his own quirks.

I absolutely adored this delightful Christmas novella about Colin Beckwith's (from A Dangerous Legacy) sister, Mary. It was so wonderful to go back and visit the Beckwiths and Drakes at Christmastime and get to know more about Mary and her life at Whitefriars. I loved how Everett and Mary brought out the best in each other, and get to show each other their very different worlds. Enjoyable from beginning to end, I was so happy to revisit many of my favorite characters!


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

Days of Fantasy for Christmas: Day #7 Embers by Ronie Kendig & Character Interview

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Ronie Kendig for

Days of Fantasy for Christmas

Embers
(Abiassa's Fire #1)
By Ronie Kendig
Epic Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 432 Pages
October 16th 2015 by Enclave Publishing

HE'S COMING FOR THEM. AND THE KINGDOM.

Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?

Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does it comes with a terrible price: Haegan's disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This act unleashes their father-king's wrath.

Haegan must flee the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Interview with the Haegan Celahar

1. Prince Haegan, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

The most interesting thing? I suppose that I have endured these last ten years on a feather mattress without the use of my body and that my ears burned by the ramblings of an aged accelerant. All thanks to an enemy determined to crumble House Celahar and the Nine Kingdoms.

2. What do you do for fun?

Flames. This query feels like a jest. The most fun a person in my situation can have is having an intellectual duel with my aged tutor and guardian. Make not the mistake that because he is old, he is slow. Sir Gwogh has one of the keenest minds in all the Nine Kingdoms.

3. What are you afraid of most in life?

My greatest fear is yet again failing those I love most. I failed my father when I lost the use of my body and the Flames. I fear my father will not have the warrior he needs to defend the Nine against our fierce enemy, Poired Dyrth.

4. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

Books have been my life. The Histories. The Parchments. The Legacies. And all stories put to quill and parchment, for without the use of my legs, I have travelled across all Primar through books and stories. But dare I confess the Histories were my favorite? Reading about my ancestors and their feats, wielding the Flames at the behest of Abiassa Herself!

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would walk. And run. And join my father’s elite fighters, the Valor Guard. But ‘tis a fool’s fancy to think of things. It only serves to depress and distract. I will focus on what I can accomplish—learning from the Histories and Legacies, to someday be wise counsel for my sister’s rule.

6. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

A pet? What need would I have for a pet? I would not wish the cold and cloudy windows of my prison on my enemies, so I would not task an innocent to endure such than as soon relegate my enemy to the cold chambers and cloudy windows I endure such misery.

7. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

To the moment I was poisoned. I would toss aside my plate. Shatter my glass. I’d stay strong. Be the son my father wanted and the prince kingdom needed.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author of nearly thirty titles. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband live a short train ride from New York City with their children, an English Cream Golden Retriever, and a retired military working dog. As life is diverse and full, Ronie would have that fun and diversity in what she writes, taking up the quill for both paramilitary thrillers and speculative fiction. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Want to join Ronie on her writing adventures? Start with her newsletter, then track her down on social media:

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│BookBub

Tour Schedule

(Links won't work until the posts go live.)

December 1st: Launch

December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams - The Songkeeper Chronicles

December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse - Mark of the Raven

December 4th: Evangeline Denmark - Curio

December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison - A Gift of Poison

December 6th: J.M. Hackman - Spark

December 7th: Ronie Kendig - Embers

December 8th: C.E. Laureano - Oath of the Brotherhood

December 9th: Belle Malory - The Twelfth Keeper

December 10th: Melissa McShane - Voyager of the Crown

December 11th: J. Ellen Ross - The Remembered Queen

December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood - Silver Hollow

December 13th: Melissa Wright - Blood & Brute & Ginger Root

December 14th: Morgan Wylie - The Age of Alandria Series

December 15th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):

- CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark

- A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison

- THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory

- SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner's choice) by Melissa McShane

- THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross

- SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood

- THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright

Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):

- ORPHAN'S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams

- MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse

- SPARK by J.M. Hackman

- ABIASSA'S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig

- The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano

- SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie

Ends December 19, 2018

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Days of Fantasy for Christmas: Day #3 Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse & Character Interview

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Morgan L. Busse for

Days of Fantasy for Christmas

Mark of the Raven
(The Ravenwood Saga #1)
By Morgan L. Busse
Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
November 6th 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person’s dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.

As she discovers her family’s dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people–or seeking the true reason behind her family’s gift.

Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Character Interview

1. Who are you?

I am Lady Selene of House Ravenwood, first daughter and heir.

2. What is your family’s gift?

That’s a secret. But since you seem to already know, we are known as the House of Dreamers. We can walk inside people’s dreams. How do we do that? By touch. When I touch a person while they are sleeping, I slip into their mind, into their subconscious, into their deepest memories. Seems like a pretty awesome gift, right? Until you find out that your job is to search out secrets within a person’s mind or…or find their worst nightmares and make them relive it over and over again until their heart gives out. *shudders

3. What is your greatest wish?

Greatest…wish? Well, um, I wish that I might rule together with my sisters, and maybe find a better way to use our gift of dreaming. The problem is Amara and I don’t get along very well. Mother is always praising me and hardly ever speaks to Amara. Amara resents me for that. The thing is, I never wanted Mother’s praise or attention. I wish Amara could see that.

4. What is your greatest fear?

Aren’t these questions a little personal? All right, fine. My fear is becoming just like my mother. When I dreamwalk, I create an emotion connection to the sleeper. But in order to make them relive their nightmares, I must bury my emotions or else they will overtake me. I think at some point, my mother’s heart died. How else can she be so callous about hurting others?

5. What do you hope for your future?

I want to have the freedom to pursue why we were really given the gift of dreamwalking. I can’t believe it’s only to hurt others. There has to be a better, nobler reason. But I can’t do that under my mother’s control. So I will need to escape someday. But I don’t know when I’ll have the chance.

Coming Soon in the Series

Flight of the Raven

(The Ravenwood Saga #2)

By Morgan L. Busse

Christian Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages

April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family's destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new life as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill. 

While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself.

With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: embrace the Dark Lady's offer, or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other offers freedom. But time is running out, and soon her choice will be made for her.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series, the Carol Award-winning steampunk series, Soul Chronicles, and the Ravenwood Saga, a new fantasy series from Bethany House coming November 2018. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Pinterest│BookBub

Tour Schedule

(Links won't work until the posts go live.)

December 1st: Launch

December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams - The Songkeeper Chronicles

December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse - Mark of the Raven

December 4th: Evangeline Denmark - Curio

December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison - A Gift of Poison

December 6th: J.M. Hackman - Spark

December 7th: Ronie Kendig - Embers

December 8th: C.E. Laureano - Oath of the Brotherhood

December 9th: Belle Malory - The Twelfth Keeper

December 10th: Melissa McShane - Voyager of the Crown

December 11th: J. Ellen Ross - The Remembered Queen

December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood - Silver Hollow

December 13th: Melissa Wright - Blood & Brute & Ginger Root

December 14th: Morgan Wylie - The Age of Alandria Series

December 15th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):

- CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark

- A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison

- THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory

- SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner's choice) by Melissa McShane

- THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross

- SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood

- THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright

Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):

- ORPHAN'S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams

- MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse

- SPARK by J.M. Hackman

- ABIASSA'S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig

- The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano

- SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie

Ends December 19, 2018

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