King's Faith Movie Review and Giveaway!!!!

My Review:
 Brendan King has lived a hard life, running with a rough crowd, being bounced from foster home to foster home. But he found a faith that turned his life around while spending time in the juvenile penitentiary.
Fresh out of prison he finds hope and security in a new foster home and friends that share his beliefs, but his ties to the past threaten to drag him down, especially when it begins to threaten the lives of those he loves.

King's Faith is a fantastic film, with a compelling plot, and many talented actors. I've seen a lot of Christian films, and sadly I couldn't always in good faith recommend them, but King's Faith is completely different. It has a strong message of faith that strikes a perfect balance in that it isn't overly preachy, yet it wasn't flimsy in its message in a Hallmark card kinda way like other films have been. King's Faith conveyed a strong message of faith, that fit perfectly into the setting and plot.

This movie is honestly the best Christian movie I have seen in a long time, the storytelling was inspiring, compelling, and powerful, this is a movie that I could rewatch multiple times because it was just so well done from the story, and filming, to the fantastic actors.

The reason that this movie is rated PG-13 is because of three scenes of violence. The opening scene shows a blurry flashback of Brendan's old life and how he watched a friend die in his own blood. And two scenes where a gun is waved around a in a forcefully threatening manner. There wasn't any swearing or innuendoes, or sex. But because of the violent scenes parents should let their kids watch this only with discretion, because it may not be good for younger children.

Overall though, I give this movie a full 5 stars, and would heartily recommend it to anyone who will listen! This movie well so well done, and I was engaged from the very start of it. Absolutely excellent!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the film:

Eighteen foster homes. Nine arrests. One life-changing moment.

After Brendan King’s life spiraled to rock bottom, the teen found hope in a new relationship with Christ while serving time in a juvenile penitentiary. Recently released from prison, Brendan finds solace in the foster home of a couple struggling with suppressed grief.

As the city-bred teen enrolls at a suburban high school, he finds support from a group of believers. Yet the bonds of his old way of life—and the gang that wants to know where he hid their stash on a long-ago night—are strong. In his darkest moment, Brendan found faith. Now he must decide if it’s worth the price to hold on to it.

KING’S FAITH is produced by DiBella and Faith Street Film Partners LLC, a Rochester, NY-based collective of filmmakers, churches, investors, and supporters.   

“KING’S FAITH is a compelling story 

which features solid acting and a good storyline.”  

The Dove Foundation

“KING’S FAITH is a very redemptive, uplifting movie

extolling the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

MOVIEGUIDE®

KING’S FAITH stars Emmy Award winning actress Lynn Whitfield (The Women of Brewster Place, Madea’s Family Reunion), Crawford Wilson (Judging Amy, Zoey 101), Kayla Compton (Entourage), and James McDaniel (Malcolm X, NYPD Blue).

 

KING’S FAITH features the themes of courage, forgiveness and overcoming your past highlighted with the important message of youth in foster care. The film prompts audiences to consider many of the questions they struggle with today: How can I stand firm in my faith when life’s challenges put me to the test?   Where do I turn when I feel paralyzed by loss and grief?  Can I find true forgiveness from my wrong choices?

Release Date: October 22, 2013

Run Time: 108 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-13           

Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Special Features: A 10-minute behind-the-scenes feature, commentary, discussion guide, Bible study clips affiliated with the LIVE IT OUT Bible Study

 

 

Watch the trailer/Visit the official website www.kingsfaith.com. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingsFaith

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kingsfaith
 

Enter to win your very own copy of King's Faith!!!!
US residents only please :)


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Christmas Cover Up by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Filled with non stop action, I literally finished this book in record time! I loved everything about this book.

14 years ago Detective Katie Randall's younger sister was kidnapped while Katie stepped out for mere moments that she had regretted ever since. Now she is determined to solve her sister's case, but her only option is to team up with FBI agent Jordan Grey, who's family hates her.

A riveting suspense from the very beginning, I have long been a fan of Lynette Eason so I was very happy to see that she had a new book out. And though this book was a little shorter than her other books, I think that it just made the pace faster and even more engaging.

The characters were strong and both Jordan and Katie were excellent together, the tension between them was amazing.

Overall, a terrifically riveting read, I would definitely recommend it!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Zack Dylan joins the cast of Fifteen Minutes, as a way to save the farm, but overnight he becomes a country music singing sensation and one of the top contenders of the reality show. But as Zack progresses on the show, how much will he sacrifice his values?

Zack is given a once in a lifetime chance, yet along the way he is tested and tempted and asked to compromise his values and tone down his faith. It was hard to read about him making such bad decisions and there were moments when I honestly just wanted to shake him. There were also some side stories about the judges of the show, both who had fame and how it adversely affected both of them.

I really liked Reese and how she always tried to think the best of Zack, even when things didn't look good.

This was a quick read that I zoomed through, because everything seemed to be falling apart and I just wanted everything to get better--fast!

Overall this wasn't my favorite Karen Kingsbury book, but it had some intriguing stories. And shows the downside of fame.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

What Once was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

After the death of her father, Christina is left to run the poorhouse, whose residents are like family to her, and in a way she insulates herself by surrounding herself with those she loves.
Levi, on the other hand is isolated, he keeps to himself and away from the hypocritical townspeople.
When the poorhouse kitchen catches fire, Christina is forced to find a home for each of the former residents and give them a chance to find their own way.

This was a different kind of book from Ms. Sawyer because it wasn't so much about the romance, but about the characters and how so many of them made great strides in their lives to change their life or the life of others. There was a full cast of fantastic characters, my favorites were the couple that owned the general store and how truly kind and loyal they were in standing up for their friends. I also really liked Cora and how she matured and grew spiritually throughout the story. Tommy was also a great character.

Over the course of the book, Christina struggles to balance all of the many responsibilities on her plate, and also she grows in her relationship and understanding of God.

Levi, was great, he was very smart, and in so many ways the exact opposite of Christina, and instead of holding people too close, he pushed them away. It was easy to see why he chose to live the way that he had for the last few years.

There were parts of the story that were slower and hard to read, but by the end it was all worth it. Everything came together, all the little story threads came together into a big beautiful picture.

Overall, this was a very good book, and very different, but I liked that, and by the time I finished the book I was really glad that I had read it.

I received this product from the publisher in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Author's Web site

More Info

Read Chapter One

Author Bio

Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore ~ review

Astor's Review:

Brinna Caruso was kidnapped as a child and left for dead in the middle of the desert, now she and her rescue dog, Hero are the number one team on the force to be called in kidnapping cases.
Detective Jack O'Reilly is ready to go back to job after the death of his wife in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, now he is bent on revenge and bringing his wife's killer to justice.
Together Brinna and Jack make a fearsome team, but will the scars from their past prevent them from moving on and looking to a brighter future?

An action filled book, the first of a brand new series by Janice Cantore. Critical  Pursuit  is very different from the other Christian Suspense books on the market, mainly because it isn't a romance. It is all about the story, and the characters who are still coming to terms with their pasts.

Jack and Brinna, though at first they seem very different, are more similar that they know, both of them struggle to understand how a loving God let such horrible atrocities happen to them.

This book was full of action and adventure, but also had a surprising emotional and spiritual depth to it that I wasn't quite expecting, but was pleasantly surprised. The chapters were short, but made the book fast paced and nearly impossible to put down!

Overall, a very good beginning to what is sure to be a fantastic series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Bride for Noah by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Noah writes a letter to his aunt and uncle as a joke, telling them to send a wagon load of women west, his aunt is naturally mortified, but his uncle takes him seriously. His first recruit is Evie, their former housemaid.
Evie is shocked by the idea, but when she realizes that she doesn't love her fiancé and that he doesn't love her in return, she decides to take a chance on a fresh start.
When Evie and the other women arrive, Noah is dumbfounded, he never expected his uncle to take him seriously, and now the lumber camp is swarming with women!

I was fascinated by the fact that this novel is the fictitious account of a real life event, and there was a lot of history incorporated into the story. The setting is realistic and truly gives a sense of what it must have been like to have been among the first settlers in a new area.

My favorite historical character was Chief Seattle, the authors did a great job of portraying his as a wise, at times humorous, man of faith.

This books has a full cast of characters many of whom are at differing stages of their relationships. It was fun getting to know them all. Noah's Uncle Miles was a huge part of the story and was something of a big dreamer and schemer.

Overall, this was an interesting read based on historical facts and events, I loved how the people of Seattle had a vision for their town to be a place free of liquor and other vices. Thought the pace was a bit slow at times I appreciated the research that went into it, to tell this tale of the birth of Seattle.

Disclosure Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Rebecca's Christmas Gift by Emma Miller ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
When Rebecca arrives for her first day of working for the bishop she is shocked to find the house a mess, because the bishop's young daughter had decided to make pancakes for breakfast all by herself.
Caleb is even more surprised to see Rebecca, because he didn't even know she was coming to help out. Ever since his wife died, Caleb has struggled to bear the burden of being the district's bishop as well as raising his young daughter.

The characters were well developed and I think that Amelia really flourished the most over the course of the book. I especially appreciated Rebecca's wisdom and understanding in dealing with Amelia. Many of her ideas came from her childhood memories of her parents.
The dialogue between Caleb and Rebecca helped their working relationship transition into friendship.

This story really reminded me of Beauty and the Beast, because Rebecca was a lovely person inside and out, while Caleb was scarred on the outside and let that get in the way of how he related to people.

The Amish setting was very realistic and if you have read any of the other stories in this series you will remember some of the side characters. This is a book sure to please lovers of Amish fiction!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith, illustrated by Breezy Brookshire ~ Review & Giveaway!!!!!!!!

My Review:

Audrey Bunny is the heartwarming tale of a little girl and her beloved bunny, that shows God's great love for us despite our imperfections.

This was a sweet read, with beautiful illustrations that complemented the story perfectly. This would be a wonderful book to read with your children or younger siblings, I loved how such a simple story conveyed such a wonderful truth.

Definitely a keeper :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About Audrey Bunny

From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She'll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.

Publisher: B&H Publishing

Hardcover with jacket:  32 pages 

Release Date: October 1, 2013

$14.99

Let author Angie Smith tell you more about this book:  http://youtu.be/hB6YFDowXxs

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

 

Stay Connected: 

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http://youtu.be/hB6YFDowXxs

https://www.facebook.com/bhpublishing

https://twitter.com/bhpub

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Now I am excited to say that we have a hardcover copy of Audrey Bunny to give away! US Residents only please :)

 

 

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Burning Sky by Lori Benton ~ Riveting Debut!!!

Lucie's Review:
This book grabbed me from the very first page, and didn't let go until the very last page was turned down, with its wide spectrum of characters, each with their own story and secret. I was riveted to the page, and I just wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next, yet at the same time I didn't want it to end.

Willa was a strong practical heroine, that you can help but immediately admire. She had been through so much already, that I was hard to see her go through much more, and all I wanted was for her to have the happiest ending imaginable. Willa had such an inner strength about her, she did what she had to do, even if it meant risking it all.

Willa is a young woman who walks in two worlds, even though she was taken captive against her will by the Indians so many years ago,  her people still treat her with rudeness and suspicion. The one ray of light was Willa's friend Anni who is a loyal friend who supports Willa even when she doesn't understand her choices.

Willa finds Neil MacGregor hurt and unconscious in the woods, so she takes him to her parent's place only to find it abandoned. Neil has his own past to hide, but he has a great sense of humor and strong faith.

Joseph Tames-His-Horse has loved Willa ever since the Indians took her and named her Burning Sky, but she was adopted into his clan so that he could never be more than a brother to her, but even so he follows her to her parents house in hopes of convincing her to come back to the People. Joseph is a strong man, with a sincere faith in Christ, who seeks to do God's will even when it is at war with his own.

Richard Waring wanted to marry Willa, before she was taken, and after she was stolen he searched high and low for months. But he also has his eye on her parent's land. Willa's parents are mysteriously missing, and it is assumed by everyone that they were Tories and the state is going to auction off the land, unless Willa can prove other wise.

There were so many fantastic characters. 2 of my favorites are Matthew and Maggie, who are young "half-breed" children who Willa takes in.

This book has it all, it all drama, intrigue, great dialogue, and compelling characters, with a fresh plot that had me glued to the pages. One of my favorite thing was how well the author seamlessly added Indian and Scottish words without losing the meaning of what they were saying or explaining everything. This is a tale of hope, healing, and second chances. This book is definitely going into my list of top ten reads this year, I highly recommend it!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

You can read an excerpt and check out the book here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307731470

Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendon ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

From the very beginning it would seem that Anna and Edward are anything but Perfectly Matched.

On their wedding day, directly after the ceremony, Edward gives Anna a list of her duties. Anna is a young woman not even eighteen, she has no idea what it means to be a wife. She never learned to cook or care for a house, but she is willing to learn and works hard to improve her skills.
Edward expects his life to run like clockwork, and he has a hard time understanding her impulsive nature, but to his credit he also has a list for himself of how he can show kindness to his new bride.
Is it possible that they could be a perfect match?

This book was filled with well researched historic places and settings, though I was a bit curious as to why Edward would have felt that he needed to order a bride considering that there didn't seem to be an extreme lack of women around. But I admired how both of them had a high view marriage and were determined to stick with their commitment.

At first their relationship is more physical than anything else, but as they get to know each their relationship grew and they found a true marriage. I loved how welcoming Edward's family was to Anna, and  how the animals that Anna took in filled out the story and brought humor to the story.

“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."