The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright // Review

My Review: 

A chilling read that binds the past and present day, in a dual-timeline novel of two women, filled with intrigue, secrets, and hope. 

When a young girl goes missing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, it dredges up more than a ghost story.

A captivating tale full of mystery and suspense as Wren searching for answers concerning her connection to the missing girl, and Ava Coons the woman alleged to have murdered her whole family with an ax. 

A gripping tale that kept me hanging on until the very end. Ava and Wren are both two lonely women separated by time, but I like how they both had true friends who stood by them despite the craziness around them. There were also excellent themes of faith, forgiveness, and overcoming the past. 

Overall, a well done read, engaging, with a masterfully entwined dual time -line. I loved Wren's strong friendships with Eddie and his mom, and how they were always there for her when she was growing up. Plenty of twists that kept me guessing, and afraid of accidently revealing any of them in this review! Great for fans of suspense and family secrets!

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/408jiXJ

 *As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

After Death // Movie Review and Win Tickets

Based on the true accounts of New York Times Bestselling authors, survivors give us a peek into life’s biggest question: What happens when we die? 

After Death is a gripping feature film that explores what happens after we die, based on real near-death experiences, conveyed by scientists, authors, and survivors. From the New York Times bestselling authors who brought you titles like 90 Minutes in Heaven, Imagine Heaven, and To Heaven and Back, emerges a cinematic peek beyond the veil that examines the spiritual and scientific dimensions of mortality, inviting us to wonder: Is there life after death?  

Find out more in theaters on October 27!

You can Pay it Forward to After Death to cover the cost of a movie ticket for some one who wouldn't otherwise be able to see it. When you Pay it Forward, you are part  of the first movement in history to share stories that amplify light in this incredible  way. 

Website: LINK 

Pay-It-Forward: LINK 

Buy Tickets: LINK

My Review: An intriguing new documentary from the studio that brought you Sound of Freedom and His Only Son.

For as long as we can remember people have had questions about what happens after we die, this documentary explores the stories of people who have come back from near death experiences and lived to tell the tale, featuring the best-selling authors who have told their own experiences, like Don Piper, Mary Neal, Jeffrey Long, John Burke, and Raymond Moody.

Near death experiences have always fascinated me, as a Christian I have confidence in the promises of God and definitely believe in heaven and hell. The stories have always intrigued me, as it is a rather controversial subject in many circles, so would definitely advise to always compare stories with what we read in Scripture.

The documentary features many prominent experts in the field who have shared their own experiences in best-selling books that have captivated the world for decades. I was especially drawn to the testimonies later in the show that spoke of being given an experience of hell, and afterward being drawn to repentance and lifechanging decisions for Christ. The dramatizations were very well done, with reenactments of the accidents that caused life threatening injuries.

In many ways I found this an intriguing film, presenting a compelling argument for life after death, but in other ways I felt that it could have gone a step further with a clear gospel presentation to drive the message home.

An engaging film that is sure to start conversations, and get people thinking about what happens next.

#AfterDeathMIN #AfterDeathMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Giveaway: 2 tickets to see the film in theaters 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only.

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Spoon to Be Dead by Dana Mentink // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Spoon to Be Dead

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: October 31, 2023

A murder for the holidays is about to shake things up!

Trinidad Jones is starting the festive season with sugary confections and a heaping scoop of worry as her shake shop enters its first Oregon winter. With snow abound and tourists trickling through, she’ll do anything to keep her milkshake dreams afloat, even if it means catering a holiday steamboat party for some new arrivals in town.

But when her good-for-nothing ex crashes through her shop’s door claiming he’s being charged with murder, things go sideways. With clues piling up like whipped cream on a sundae and motives abound, Trinidad and her fellow ex-wives must solve this murder before she’s finally thrown for a scoop.

The third book in the Shake Shop Mysteries following Trinidad Jones who makes sweet confections and solves sticky situations in her small town!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Can Trinidad clear her ex-husband's name of murder and pull off her first successful holiday season at the shake shop? 

Trinidad and the ex wives are back in this small town cozy mystery. Trinidad is shocked when the last person she expected to see asks her to help him clear his name of murder. 

An engaging adventure with a full cast of characters and fun dynamics, in this witty cozy mystery. The third installment in the The Shake Shop Mysteries, I loved seeing many familiar faces again and meeting some new characters along the way too. There was plenty going on, and I liked how it kept me guessing right up till the end. Trinidad and Quinn also find their relationship tested with everything they have going on, and I loved how Quinn showed his support for Trinidad's odd new case. 

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end, with plenty of adventure, humor, and romance. I loved Trinidad's retired service dog Noodles and his big heart. Highly recommend picking up the whole series!

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

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over fifty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com if you’d like to learn more.

 

More from Dana

It seems like just yesterday that I was dreaming up decadent freakshake recipes for book one in the Ice Cream Shop mysteries and here we are in book three! It’s Christmas time in Upper Sprocket and there’s a wedding in the works, but most surprising of all is the appearance of Gabe Bigley, the cheating ex of Trinidad and her two besties. You can imagine there is going to be a hefty helping of murder, mayhem and merriment in this next installment in the series. Hope you love book three as much as I do!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14

Bigreadersite , October 14

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 15

Lighthouse Academy, October 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

Simple Harvest Reads, October 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 19

For Him and My Family, October 19

Betti Mace, October 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 22 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, October 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 23

Blossoms and Blessings, October 23

Labor Not in Vain, October 24

Holly’s Book Corner, October 24

Lily’s Book Reviews, October 25

Splashes of Joy, October 25

Pause for Tales, October 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 26

She Lives To Read, October 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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/285e7/spoon-to-be-dead-celebration-tour-giveaway

* Post contains affiliate links

The Two-Cent Piece Audiobook by Dennis Conrad, narrated by Jen Leigh Pengelly // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

 

Book: The Two-Cent Piece Audiobook

Author: Dennis Conrad

Genre: Christian 1800s Historical Fiction

Release Date: August 2, 2023

Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she give them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces, and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first with the word ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Ann gives six of her special coins away, hoping the message on the two-cent piece will strengthen each person’s faith.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review: 

A beautiful story of faith, family and the power of prayer. 

Young Anne gives each of her three brothers a treasured 2 cent piece before they go to fight in the Civil War, hoping that the words minted on the coins will be a reminder and encouragement while they are away. 

A wonderful story that brings out the author's love of coins and their history, as well as a strong message of faith. A great story to share with the young ones in your life, brought to life by the compelling narration. I was intrigued by the 2 cent pieces from the story and it inspired me to do some research of my own. Such a wonderful book, great for age 5-8 especially. 

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

About Author

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

He retired as a professor of Speech Communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

He became a life member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1973. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.

Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

Learn more about coin collecting. Dennis offers free resources for children on his website about coin collecting: https://dennisconradauthor.com/coincollecting4/

More from Dennis

Collecting Coins Can Change Your Life! It Did Mine…

As a child, my friends and I wanted to know everything about coins.

We learned about coins through stories: Who was on each coin? What were coins made of? How were coins made? Where were they made? Why were some more valuable than others? and How could I start collecting on my limited budget?

Coin collecting is a hobby where collectors never stop learning! For example, when I started to watch coin prices, without realizing it, I was learning basic economics.

Over the years, I kept adding to my collection. Decades passed. I attended coin conventions, read books and articles about coins, and remembered where I had found and/or acquired each coin.

One day, my wife looked at me. “Will you ever sell your coins?”

“No.”

That is when I heard God’s still small voice.

God pointed out to me that my coins had become more important than Him. Without my realizing it, my coins had become an idol.

At that time, at the top of the market, I sold my collection without regrets, and used the money to pay off my home mortgage.

Now, God has given me the privilege of writing stories about coins, and encouraging others to embrace a hobby that has given me a lifetime of joy.

Blessings to you and yours,

Dennis Conrad

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, October 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

Lights in a Dark World, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

A Reader’s Brain, October 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 22

Labor Not in Vain, October 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Lots of Helpers, October 25

Cover Lover Book Review, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 27

Girls in White Dresses, October 28

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, October 29

Giveaway

To celebrate his tout, Dennis is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover copy of the book!!

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/28b28/the-two-cent-piece-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

 * Post contains affiliate links

Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter // Review

My Review: 

Return to Riverbend in this stirring series conclusion. 

Charlotte Honeycutt is shocked to learn the secret of her origins, and that she has siblings that she has never met. Meanwhile she hires Gunner, a lifelong rolling stone to help her train horses on her ranch. Can Charlotte and Gunner trust others and each other to find lasting love?

Charlotte longs for connection after the death of her mother, and finding her siblings seems like the perfect way to find it. I enjoyed seeing the Robinson clan, along with their growing families. I was kinda surprised to see another book in the series, after assuming that the previous one would be the last, but oh, this latest addition is the perfect conclusion I didn't know I needed, bringing everyone together and tying it up much more neatly. 

I liked how Gunner was supportive and encouraging of Charlotte finding her family, as well as how he is ready to jump in and help her with whatever she needs. 

Overall, a heartwarming and compelling romance, with strong protagonists, and a moving plot. Strong themes of letting go and choosing to stay, alongside forgiveness and family. Great addition to the series!

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3ZETRNg

 * Post contains affiliate links

The Bachelor and the Bride by Sarah M. Eden // Review

My Review: 

The Dread Penny Society is at it again, as the Mastiff again rears his head, and a series of grave robberies point to a dastardly alliance.

Dr. Barnabas Milligan has been keeping a secret, and his friends are shocked to learn the reason by his assumed bachelor status. I was happy when I saw that this book would be about Dr. Milligan, as he has been a wonderful and compassionate friend to his comrades in the Dread Penny Society. It was fun seeing Barnabas and Gemma reconnecting and working together to get to the bottom of the string of deaths. 

Another delightful addition to the Dread Penny Society, with strong protagonists, and a riveting plot interspersed with "bonus" stories. One of the penny dreadfuls was a romantic fairy tale quest, and the other was a chilling mystery of scientific phenomena. 

Overall, an enjoyable read with plenty going on and likable characters, with a sweet second chance/marriage of convenience romance. Gemma is a clever and courageous heroine, willing to stand up to her past, which I admired her for. Another fun, clean read from the Penny Dreadful Society.

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3POMvSV

 * Post contains affiliate links

Her Alaskan Companion by Heidi McCahan // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A cute heartwarming romance with a canine matchmaker, who brought a smile to my face.

Scout is a friendly and mischievous golden doodle, who loves to sneak out and visit Lexi, Heath an Scout's next door neighbor, who is widowed and pregnant. A sweet romance with a cute premise. I could see why Heath was more hesitant to risk his heart, but it was fun seeing a softer side of him as he got to know Lexi. 

An enjoyable story about giving love a chance, and finding love with the help of dog. Heartwarming with great themes of faith and a dramatic ending to boot! A great little quick and sweet read. 

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/46sAcCg

 * As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

Faith's Mountain Home by Misty M. Beller // Review

My Review: 

A story of second chances and love in the mountains of Montana. 

Nate Long is working hard to right the wrongs that he committed while running with an outlaw gang, and standing by his brother through his recovery. He can't help but be drawn to the lovely Laura Hannon tending to his injured twin, but can she see past his mistakes?

Nate is a likable hero, I admired his determination to pay back the people that he and his brother stole from in the past, and how he is willing to sacrifice his own comfort to make it possible. Laura is very kind and despite everything that she has been through, keeps looking for the best in people. I loved how they bonded over their shared faith and hearts for helping others. 

This was a quick read with likable characters, set in the rugged frontier. A wonderful conclusion to the series, with protagonists who don't let their pasts define them. I liked the strong themes of faith and second chances as well. A wholly enjoyable read. 

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3PIB6Fm

 * As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky // Review

Review: 

A compelling dual timeline story of two women 100 years apart, bound together by Longdale Manor, faith, forgiveness, and the choices we make.

 

A beautifully told story, with well developed characters and strong themes of faith and forgiveness woven into the very fibers of the story. Art Historian Gwen Monroe finds a journal while working at Longdale Manor, discovering a poignant story struggling faith that resonates with her own searching heart. 

I especially liked Charlotte's story set in 1912, as she makes a new home in the Lake District on a sheep farm, after uncovering a terrible secret about her family. I liked how she finds true friends in Ian and the local pastor who helps her hold to what is true.

Overall, a touching story of faith through the troubled times, told through two main characters, with excellent emotional depth, and growth throughout. Highly recommend this beautiful dual timeline story, great for fans of historical and contemporary fiction alike, with strong faith themes, well done characters, and romance. 

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/45iGbbL

 * Post contains affiliate links

Birthright Outlaw // Great American Pure Flix Movie Review + Giveaway

About the Film: 

Her father said her birthright was sealed. A frontier pastor’s love told her otherwise. But when their daughter is kidnapped by her outlaw grandfather, can this couple trust God—and each other—to rewrite their destiny?

A movie for the whole family, BIRTHRIGHT OUTLAW is an old-fashioned Western with a twist of fate—and faith. BIRTHRIGHT OUTLAW stars Sarah Drew (MOMS’ NIGHT OUT, “Grey’s Anatomy”), Lucas Black (LEGACY PEAK, “NCIS: New Orleans”), and Olivia Sanabia (“Just Add Magic”).

Watch Birthright Outlaw exclusively on Pure Flix starting October 13th!

Watch Birthright Outlaw Movie Online (pureflix.com)

My Review: 

An action-packed adventure, with strong themes of marriage, family, faith, and doing what is right!

 Reverend Jeremiah Jacob and his wife, Martha's, lives are upended by a surprise attack that results in the kidnapping of their daughter, bringing to light a secret that threatens their family.

A thrilling western adventure for the whole family! The newest film from the Burns Family Studio celebrates marriage and family, with a message of faith and forgiveness in this engaging adventure starring Lucas Black and Sarah Drew.

A well done film, I loved the western setting and twisting plot. Jeremiah's world has been turned on its head, but I admired how he is still determined to fight for his family no matter what. There is a lot going on, and it definitely kept me on my toes trying to guess what would happen next. One of my favorite parts was Rose sharing her story and how her faith has changed her heart. 

Hold onto your hat! You will not be disappointed with this exciting family films that has something for everyone, with action, humor, romance, and a solid core of faith. A winner that I can't wait to share with my friends!

#BirthrightOutlawMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Great American Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this

review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Watch Birthright Outlaw exclusively on Pure Flix starting October 13th!

Watch Birthright Outlaw Movie Online (pureflix.com)

Giveaway: 3-month subscription to Pure Flix

(Note: This is limited to US winners only, and only to those who have NOT won a sub-

scription in the last 6 months.)

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