I Dream a Dream for You by Bob Hostetler, illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti // JustRead

Welcome to the Blog Tour for I Dream a Dream for You by Bob Hostetler (illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti) hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: I Dream a Dream for You
Author: Bob Hostetler
Illustrator: Benedetta Capriotti
Publisher: Kregel Children's Books
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Genre: Picture Book

A charming read-aloud bedtime book for toddlers 

With its sweet bedtime rhymes, I Dream a Dream for You resembles the classic title The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton. A family of red pandas make their home in the forest. When it's time for bed, Mom and Dad tuck in their three kiddos, and as they all drift to sleep, dreams come to life through the vibrant pictures and story. Parents or grandparents will enjoy reading this sweet bedtime rhyme, filled with dreams and aspirations for their little ones. With amazing, colorful illustrations, this read-to-me story richly shows the love of a faith-filled family with creative, interesting scenes that kids will love to see over and over--and those who read it to them will experience the blessing of God's love, which is meant to be shown and shared with families  

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

My Review: 

When Mama and Papa Red Panda tuck their little ones in at night they tell them of the dreams and prayers they have for their children.

An adorably illustrated board book, written in rhyming verse, is a great one for parents and grandparents to read to the little people in their lives. This is such a sweet read, about wishing all the best for your children, and how you dream of the people that they will become, while letting them know they are loved not just by you, but also by God. 

Overall, this would make a great bed time read to share with the little ones in your life, also makes a great gift!

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

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About the Author

Bob Hostetler is an award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker. His first children's book, Don't Close Your Eyes, and its subsequent success, was a dream come true for him. His fifty other books include the award-winning Don't Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and The Bard and the Bible: A Shakespeare Devotional. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, four Ohio Associated Press awards, and a Selah "Book of the Year" honor. He and his wife make their home in Nevada.

Connect with Bob at bobhostetler.com to follow him on social media and sign up for email updates.

About the Illustrator

Benedetta Capriotti was born in Italy, in a seaside town of the central region Marche. Since she was a child, she has had a great passion for drawing and art. In high school she would draw on Greek and Latin books, so she chose to attend a professional School of Fashion and Technical Drawing. Afterward she joined the Illustration class at the International School of Comics in Rome. In addition to drawing, she likes reading, traveling, and animals, and would like to live in the English countryside.

Connect with Benedetta on Instagram.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a print copy of I Dream a Dream for You and book-related goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 25, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 2, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN 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!

The Christian Capitalist by Rich Sanders // Review + 2 Giveaways

The Christian Capitalist explores various scriptural references that support twin pillars of Christian belief: 1) working hard to make a productive benefit from talents and materials that God has provided all people; and 2) giving generously to share those benefits with our neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ. Through a discussion of Holy Scripture, it analyzes various passages that relate to these concepts  of productivity and generosity, along with two thousand years of history discussing  the good works of Christians as examples. Ultimately, this book develops a philosophy that is uniquely Christian and capitalist: the Gospel of Hard Work and Generous  Giving! 

“As a small business owner, my husband and I have experienced both  success and challenges. The Christian Capitalist reminded me that going to church  isn’t the only way to worship God. By working hard and giving to others, I share the  blessings God has given to me and my family with others.”  

- Elizabeth Cranston, Esq., Chief Executive Officer, Cana, LLC, Washington, DC. © 2024

   Order your copy of The Christian Capitalist today!

Rich Sanders is the founding pastor of Online Home Church in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, which has met weekly online since the pandemic shutdown in March 2020. He earned his Master’s in Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2015. Rich follows a bi-vocational calling, so he serves in ministry and in business. As the retired President of Southern Health Lawyers, he practiced law for nearly thirty years. He has been named annually to The Best Lawyers in America- Healthcare since 2011, and he is a past president of the Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys. Rich is the founder of the charitable organization St. Michael’s Mission, Inc., which is a ministry organized to assist and serve active duty and veterans of the armed services. He is a retired volunteer chaplain at the Interfaith Airport Chapel at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and served as its President of the Board of Directors from 2017 until 2023.

My Review: The Bible has a lot to say on the topic of money, giving, building wealth, and good stewardship. Money can be the root of all kinds of evil if we let it, but it can also be the means by which God can use us to bless others.

Bi-vocational ministry leader and businessman, Rich Sanders does an excellent job of taking readers through what the Bible says about money, and the place that it should take in the lives of Christians, the place of work and giving as well. I liked that the author uses multiple lengthy passages of Scripture in context throughout to give an accurate picture of what the Bible says on these topics. It was amazing to me how the Bible is actually pretty clear about how we should handle money as Christians. 

Engaging and well written, the author did great research and and I can see that he is passionate about living what he preaches. The only complaint I have is that the title could mislead some folks away from picking up this very well done, and helpful book that would be great for all Christians, not just the ones who identify as Capitalists!

#ChristianCapitalistMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this  review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Giveaway #1: 1 copy of The Christian Capitalist (Open to US residents only)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway #2: Additionally, we’re also pooling all giveaway winners across the bloggers into a give away for $500 to the winners’ choice of Christian US-based ministry/organization.(US residents only). To Enter fill out this FORM .

Mike Rowe's Something to Stand For // Review + Giveaway

If you love true stories, you’ll love this collection of real-life tales of American Heroes, all narrated by Mike Rowe!

Join America’s favorite storyteller on an epic journey to the heart of Washington DC. Drawing from his blockbuster podcast “The Way I Heard It,” this cinematic tour de force will take viewers to the frontlines of the American Revolution,  World War II, the Civil Rights movement, and more.

Buy tickets today to see Something to Stand For in theaters starting June 27th!

Review:

Sit back and enjoy some good old fashioned storytelling brought to life along with Mike Rowe, as he recounts the exploits and pivotal moments in the lives of some of America's greatest known and not as widely known heroes.

Well presented and engaging, with high quality re-enactments. It was fun trying to guess who he was talking about before it was immediately clear. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, great for families with older children, I liked the themes of hard work, courage, and gumption that are hallmarks of American history and legend.

A wonderful film to share with fans of American history, or even someone not familiar as it is a real challenge to not be drawn in by Mr. Rowe's engaging, and straightforward storytelling style. A well done, inspiring piece that espouses strong values, courage, and hard work.

Parents should take into consideration some mild language, war imagery, and a story describing cattle castration.

 #SomethingToStandForMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard.

(Note: This is limited to US winners only).

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Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews // Review

My Review: 

A forbidden childhood romance forbidden because of differences in class, Margaret Honeywell has never forgotten Nicholas Seaton. Now at the age of twenty-six, and almost two years past her father's death she must make a match to secure her inheritance. But the marriage must be one approved by her father's solicitor, a man who has it in mind to marry Maggie himself. 

John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare is the heir apparent to his grandfather's title, but questions surrounding his heritage and legitimacy haunt his every move. Maggie falls quickly for the man who reminds her so of her dear Nicholas, but can her second chance at love even stand a chance against the questions surrounding St. Clare's birth, and the conditions of her inheritance? 

An engaging regency era read, with a riveting plot and likable protagonists that you can't help but root for. Maggie is in a tough predicament, but I liked that she had the support of her friends like Jane and her brother George. 

My first encounter with a Mimi Matthew's book, but it will surely not be the last! Well, developed characters, written in a way that brings to life the setting and time period perfectly, with attention to dialogue and manners. Highly enjoyable read!

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

Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles // JustRead + Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Coal Black Lies
Author: Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Believing the bitter lies you tell yourself leaves little room for the sweetness of truth 

Coal miner Joshua Morgan managed to do the impossible--he broke away from the stranglehold of the iron-fisted Barton family and the Company Store, to whom all the miners in the Appalachian Mountains are indebted. But it cost him the life of his young daughter, who was run down by a posse led by Thomas Barton while coming to collect Joshua's payment to the store. 

Five years later, a sweet but slow-witted young girl lands on his doorstep, and Joshua's desire to protect her from the clutches of the Bartons increases his thirst for vengeance. Joshua sets out to discover where the girl came from in order to take down the Barton family once and for all. 

His journey leads him to the truth about the day his daughter died, a reality he finds hard to accept. But when confronted by Thomas Barton himself, Joshua is forced to rethink the dark lies brewing in his heart. If he broke away, could Thomas have also? Despite his misgivings, can Joshua join forces with a man he once despised to free the miners from the tyrannical Barton family and forge a future of peace for both the young girl and himself?

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

My Review:

Joshua Morgan broke free of the coal and the stranglehold of the company store, but finding a sweet child wandering his property, stirs up his quest for vengeance and unearths a motherload of secrets. 

A gripping and gritty read set in the mountains of Appalachia, Joshua and his wife Raney have fought for everything they have to make their own way and stay clear of the murdering Bartons who took everything precious from them. An engaging mountain tale, with so many winding twists, and strong themes of faith, justice, and forgiveness. 

Joshua is fortunate to have faithful friends, in Clive, Manny, and Cleda May. I admired Raney for her steadfastness, and her heart for Aughtie. Aughtie is the sweetest child. Prepare to have your heart stolen!

Overall, this book will have your head spinning with all of the plot twists and big reveals, I loved how this book had its suspenseful moments, balanced with more tender moments, and strong faith themes. Definitely worth the read!

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

Also Available

 

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About the Author

Cindy K. Sproles is the author of devotions published in newspapers across the country and a teacher at Christian writers conferences. She spent her formative years showing off her beloved Appalachian Mountains to others, and she and her family still live in the mountains of East Tennessee.

Connect with Cindy at cindysproles.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a print copy of Coal Black Lies plus book-related swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 24, 2024. 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!

Jesus : A Deaf Missions Film // Movie Review and Giveaway!

Be among the first to experience the first full-length feature  

film about Jesus entirely in ASL!

God’s story is unstoppable when it is in the heart language of a people group. JESUS: a Deaf Missions film, uses Deaf actors to bring the story of Jesus to life from a Deaf perspective for a Deaf audience.

68 out of 70 million deaf people are waiting to encounter Jesus. We are ready to make Him seen ... would you join us? 

https://jesusdeaffilm.com/

Buy tickets today to see JESUS: a Deaf Missions film in theaters starting June 20th!

Buy Tickets Here

My Review: 

A large-scale undertaking with resoundingly powerful results. For the first time ever see a Jesus film made by the deaf for the deaf, entirely in ASL with a whole cast of deaf actors to bring this magnificent story to the big screen in a way never before seen!

I loved how everything about this film was oriented towards the deaf, with no audible dialogue, though hearing audiences will hear drama enhancing music, nature sounds, as well as the signing. I grew up in a church that had a very large deaf ministry that my family was a part of, and it was so amazing to see this film, and how much care was put into making it. I also am excited to share this film with my friend who works as an ASL interpreter, as I know she will want to share this with some of her clients and the people she works with!

A powerful film about the greatest story ever told--because it's true! A talented cast give life to this film, that runs 2hrs and 20 mins in length. It does a good job of showing the afflictions faced by those who Jesus healed, their pain and their rejoicing. The film doesn't shy away from the more graphic scenes, so take that into consideration when deciding if this is something your children should see. 

A well-done film that will surely be a powerful tool in spreading the gospel for years to come!

#JESUSaDeafMissionsFilmMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only).

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Texas Ranch Cold Case by Virginia Vaughan // Review

Lucie's Review: 

While searching for answers to her mother's death, Ally Fulton finds herself in a killer's crosshairs. Tucker Harmon offers his protection, as he seeks to help her find answers and clear his family's name. 

A fast paced read, with a lot going on, great character development and interaction. Definitely a hard to put down, twisting plot, with plenty of action, and big reveals along the way. I liked the themes of redemption.

A quick read with likable characters, and a mystery riddled plot, with plenty to unravel. Action-packed with lots of suspense. A great standalone, but also a great conclusion to the series that brings all the siblings together. 

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

Dolphins in Danger by Bill Myers // Review

My Review: 

The 5th in this fun filled family series, finds the Mulligans once again coming to the aid of animals in need, as Lisa rescues dolphins, Nick learns how to fly a plane, Julie learns about following rules, and Jenelle stands up for what is right. 

A laugh-out-loud hilarious read, with a full cast of characters and a mischievous monkey, name Winona. A truly engaging read that can be enjoyed by all ages, great for young readers gaining confidence with chapter books, or as a read aloud for the whole family

A highly enjoyable book that I read in one sitting, I appreciated the solid themes of faith, and lessons of following rules and trusting God. Winona is a hoot! I look forward to following this family on more adventures in the future!

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

What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Separated for years, Hez and Savannah are pulled back together when Savannah falls under suspicion for murder. Together they untangle a web of secrets, and lies, in this second chance romantic suspense. 

An thrilling suspense that brings a separated couple back together as they fight for their lives and answers. There is a lot going on, but it also has a heavy ominousness to it, with parts told from the bad guy's POV.

I liked that Hez's cousin shares his faith with him, and encourages him to make positive choices. I liked how Savannah and Hez started to rekindle their relationship, and worked together to sort everything else. 

Overall, a suspenseful read with a lot going on. I appreciated the complex relationship aspects that Hez and Savannah had going into things, and how it ramped up some of the tension. Great for fans of heavier suspense reads. 

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

To Spark a Match by Jen Turano // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Adelaide Duveen is swept into a world  of intrigue and suspense after stumbling upon a mysterious meeting during a society party. After five failed seasons, Adelaide believes that she is well on her way to being a spinster, but could a chance encounter change everything?

A fun read with a fantastic heroine, in a fast paced, banter-filled adventure. Adelaide has a quick mind, and is willing to do what it takes to help Gideon's mission succeed. Gideon is attracted to Adelaide, and I liked that he was trying to protect her from the things in his life that could be a danger. Adelaide has a wonderful set of friends, and I loved seeing familiar faces along the way.

Overall, an engaging read with an excellent plot, many laugh out loud moments, and over the top characters. Highly entertaining in the best way!

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