Sun Moon // Movie Review and Giveaway

“Sun Moon” is a beautiful story about discovering joy and purpose despite cultural differences and difficulties.

Kelsey is running from failure, heartbreak and humiliation. In an attempt to under stand God’s purpose for her life, she goes to Taiwan to teach English. Will her leap of faith pay off?

Watch Sun Moon exclusively on Pure Flix starting May 5th!

https://www.pureflix.com/movie/sun-moon

Review:

A feel-good film about second chances and new beginnings. 

A young woman takes a job half-way across the world after being left at the altar, forging friendships and finding a regained sense of hope. 

I enjoyed this wholesome and hopeful film. I enjoyed seeing Kelsey grow in confidence and regain her hope over the course of teaching and learning alongside the children in Taiwan, opening up and befriending Horace. I especially liked how she bonded with the children, getting to know them, encouraged them, and also let them see another side of her. One of my favorite parts was the play that they put on re-telling a famous Bible story, it was so cute. 

I liked how Horace saw her, and was supportive of her even when the future was unclear. 

Overall, a very enjoyable film, with great character growth and a feel-good, wholesome romance and storyline. Great for fans of rom-coms who want a little more depth.

 #SunMoonMIN #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).

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Double the Lies by Patricia Raybon // Review

Review: 

An innocent gesture of kindness leads to Annalee being framed for the murder of a young barnstorming pilot. 

Annalee takes on the case, and proving her own innocence depends on it. A wonderful follow up to the first book in the series, picking up shortly after the events of the previous book, Annalee still has questions about her origins, and is exploring her new relationship with Jack. 

Fast paced and full of adventure this is a quick read, I liked the continued development of the characters as well as meeting all the new faces in this twisting mystery. I especially liked Mrs. Mason and her gruff, motherly ways. 

Overall, a fun adventure and great addition to the series. It will be fun to see where it goes. 

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

Before You Meet Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer // Review

My Review: 

A lovely 30 day devotional from authors Tricia Goyer and Robin Jones Gunn, filled with encouragement and sound wisdom for young women. 

Heartfelt and encouraging this was a well written devotional, with sound advice and beautiful prayers, with space for reflection. Each chapter was concise but with room to ponder as well. I think that this book could be enjoyed by all ages, but was definitely more skewed towards teens and young women in their early twenties. As someone who is older, still single, and has seen most of my friends married with a handful of children, there were somethings that were really great and encouraging, and other things that were well intentioned, but just not quite one size fits all. 

Overall, a wonderful heartfelt read for young women, I liked that the authors shared personal stories from their own lives and how they met their husbands. A faith-filled read that is encouraging, but also inclusive to people who have had different past experiences. 

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

Mail-Order Bride Substitute by Linda Ford // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Bride Substitute

Author: Linda Ford

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Release date: March 29, 2023

Olivia comes from a rich family, but it hasn’t protected her from malicious rumors. A marriage of convenience as a mail-order bride to Riley Shannon is exactly what she needs for a fresh start. Especially when he makes it clear he wants no romance. Something she is in complete agreement with. She’ll go in place of her friend, Sylvia, who has changed her mind about the arrangement she made with Riley.

Riley has bitter memories of loving a rich woman who doesn’t care to embrace ranch life. He has no intention of repeating that lesson. When Olivia steps from the train, offering to be his substitute bride, his answer is a resounding ‘no thanks.’ But Olivia isn’t about to take no for an answer and makes her way to the ranch, determined to prove she is the answer to his prayers.

What will it take for these two to overcome the barriers to their love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review: 

An engaging prairie romance of convenience. Oliva is a likable heroine from the beginning, a brave problem solver, going into the unknown to marry a man determined not to fall in love. 

An enjoyable western romance, the third in a series, though it stands alone quite well. I liked that Olivia has supportive friends and family, she is willing to try new things and doesn't even though she is against some mighty tough odds. Riley isn't the best at first impressions, but he is a good man who is thoughtful and kind, though he has been hurt in the past. 

A well written read, with a sweet romance that had great elements of meaningful interaction and relationship building. I really liked getting to know the characters and see them get to know and trust each other, as well as seeing Olivia's sister-in-law's help her adjust to ranch life. I loved the western setting and the marriage of convenience plot, which was well executed with wonderful characters. Well worth the read!

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

About the Author

Linda Ford is a multi-published author who makes her home in rural Alberta, Canada where she is near enough to the Rockies to see them every day. She didn’t always want to be an author. In fact, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, her dream came true. She married a rancher. They had four children then adopted ten, an experience which has given her much fodder for the happy-ever-after stories she writes. Growing up on the prairie and learning to notice the small details it hides has given her an appreciation for watching God at work in His creation. Her upbringing also included being taught to trust God in everything and through everything—a theme that resonates in her stories.

Mail-Order Bride Substitute is her 100^th title.

 

More from Linda

For the most part, I write westerns.  Historical western romances to be exact. Now I’m not a cowgirl. I don’t even ride horseback. (Shh. Don’t tell anyone.) So, you might well ask, what qualifies me to write stories of this era and these kinds of people?

 

Well, I could list a number of reasons. 1) I had a father who liked to visit museums and tell stories about settling the west. Not only that, but for a few summers when I was very young, my mother and my siblings accompanied him to live in a…well, the best way to describe it is to say it was a cabin on wheels with nothing inside but a few cupboards and rough bunk beds. You could say I experienced pioneer life firsthand albeit it through the eyes of a child 2) As a child, I read anything I could get my hands on, including Zane Grey. I fell in love with his heroes, his heroines and his settings. 3) I dated and married a man who lives to watch westerns. And as a good date and later, a good wife, I spent many hours watching them. 4). I still love those larger-than-life heroes (aka cowboys) and the stubborn but kind heroines.

 

Mail-Order Bride Substitute is the third in a 5-book (and counting) series of Montana Mail-Order Brides. I like creating families and have done exactly that in this series. There are four brothers—the Shannons–and then their friends who see how successful their marriages are and decide to try this mail-order bride business for themselves.

 

I tend to create strong families and this series is no exception. Mrs. Shannon was a kind, guiding mother. Mr. Shannon was tough as old leather yet fair. Their sons do their best to honor them. I also prefer settings that include mountains which is why I have set this series in beautiful western Montana.

 

I love these stories. Or maybe it’s the cowboys and the brides who gather their courage around them to travel west to marry—and yes, tame—these young men.

 

Incidentally, this is my 100^th book to be published.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, April 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 16 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, April 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 20

Connie’s History Classroom, April 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22

Cover Lover Book Review, April 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 24

Mornings at Character Cafe, April 24

For Him and My Family, April 25

Holly’s Book Corner, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Pause for Tales, April 27

Labor Not in Vain, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of 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/2566d/mail-order-bride-substitute-celebration-tour-giveaway

All That is Secret by Patricia Raybon // Review

My Review: 

A year after the death of her father Professor Annalee Spain receives a clue about his death, implying that it wasn't an accident. 

An engaging and fast paced historical mystery, though the beginning was a little choppy and some of the choices didn't quite feel true to the sensibilities of the times, the action packed, twisting plot kept me engaged and delivered an explosive ending. Annalee is on a quest for answers about more than her father's death, though perhaps she doesn't know it at first. I liked her friendship with little Eddie, her determination and heart for others. 

Annalee though a theology professor at a Chicago Bible college, has her doubts about God, and I liked how this book has a strong message of genuine faith and a relationship with Jesus. 

Overall, an enjoyable adventure, fast paced and easy to read, with colorful characters and a web of deception in Colorado. Building suspense as the plot rises to a crescendo, with a satisfying ending and space for a sequel. 

 

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

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Lillian Doyle is shocked to find that what believed her entire life about her father is a carefully constructed falsehood. Upon her father's death she travels to claim her inheritance, and discovers a side of her family that she never knew, as well as chance to find love on her own terms. 

I liked how Lillian get's a chance to be out on her own, outside of her mother's plans, making new friends. She is smart and has business sense thriving in the new town and newfound freedom. I liked Jonah's mother and her words of faith and friendship towards Lillian. 

A little bit slower to start out, but it grew on me and I liked the gradual character development, strong faith, and dash of mystery along the way. 

Overall, an enjoyable read, well written, in an early 1900's setting. 

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

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Everything that Avery has always believed about the man who raised her is turned on its head when she finds hi standing over a dead body, gun in hand. She teams up with FBI Agent Marc Wilkins to find some answers, but the more clues that they find the more questions arise.

An engaging read, though it took awhile until everything started to fall into place. I liked that Avery was personally challenged to take a look at her own personal faith, while she and Marc look for the truth. A tangled web of deception, everything is not as it seems in this suspenseful tale that kept me guessing. 

Overall, a story that kept me guessing with likable characters, though it took awhile for things to really start rolling. I liked the strong threads of faith that ran throughout, as well. 

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

Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen // Review

My Review: 

A sweet proper romance set in the Edwardian era, about a young couple who bond over their love of motorcars and adventure. 

Spencer Hayes dreams of starting his own parts company for motorcars, but with no great wealth of his own he is hoping to gain investments into his business through his connections. He calls on his old school friend Andrew Wooding, and upon arrival is surprised to see how much Lydia has grown into a beautiful and adventurous young woman. But her brother already has a wealthy older match in mind for her. 

An enjoyable read, with wonderful characters in this lighter clean romance. I liked Lydia's friend group of "Wendys" how they supported each other and their passion for literature. It was fun seeing Spencer and Lydia connect over their shared interests, and I could understand why Andrew was more serious and why he thought he was doing what was best for his sister. 

Overall, a delightful, quick read, that was fun, and sweet. 

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

Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson // Review

My Review: 

Following three women this book explores how each of their lives take unforeseen twists, but God was in control all along. 

Cassie George and her young daughter, Lark, return to the Georgia Coast to care for her ailing Aunt Shasta, while there she receives a mysterious manuscript that tells a riveting tale that evokes memories from her past. 

A compelling read about three very different women, told in a way that makes it feel more character driven until it all takes a turn as the story progresses. I liked the strong themes of family beyond the bonds of blood, and that way that God works things out for good. Lark is such a sweet child and I loved the way that she communicated with Shasta, and her friendship with Marshall. She is so unabashed about how she says things in her own little way. 

Overall, this was a compelling and surprising read that had me invested in all three of the storylines and characters, with a beautiful message of faith and hope. A memorable women's fiction read, engaging and gentle, weaving a powerful story.

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

Hers for the Summer by Jill Kremerer // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Eden Page isn't sure what's next, so she reluctantly agrees to watch Ryder Fanning's 5 year old twin girls, but just for the summer...

I loved how Eden is so great with Harper and Ivy, doing interactive projects with them and getting to know their individual likes and dislikes. Eden knows that Ryder doesn't want to fall in love again, but she can't help but notice what a great dad and caring person he is. 

A heartwarming romance with an adorable set of twins. I liked that faith was important for both Eden and Ryder in this heartwarming western romance, as they get to know each other and wonder about a possible future. An enjoyable quick read!

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