Friday, July 18, 2014

Hacker The Outlaw Chronicles by Ted Dekker ~ A Review~


ABOUT HACKER
My name is Nyah and I'm a hacker. I know things most people would never believe. Things that shouldn't exist, but do.

Seventeen year old Nyah Parks is a genius hacker whose world is unraveling. Deeply scarred from a horrific accident that killed her father and brother, and left her mother with irreparable brain damage, Nyah is barely holding the last shreds of her life together.

Now, her mother's health is deteriorating quickly and Nyah faces the grim prospect of losing her, too. One last ditch hope exists--an experimental brain surgery that could buy her mother more time. But Nyah must scrape together enough money to pay for it before it's too late.

Desperate and with no other choice, Nyah turns her programming skills to cracking the firewalls of the world's largest corporations. She exposes their weaknesses, and then offers her services to secure their systems from hackers.

But when the most dangerous job of her life backfires and forces her to go on the run, she encounters an impossible reality that shouldn't exist, but does.

A hack unlike any other. A hack that will take her beyond the firewall of the human brain itself. A hack, which may be the only way to save her mother now.

What if there was a way to tap into the unseen reality that surrounds us all? Would you hack in? How far would you go to find the answers to your deepest questions? The answer lies deep beyond the firewall.

Tap in, strap in, and experience the mind-twisting ride with Nyah. What you find waiting on the other side of the firewall might forever change the way you see yourself and the world you live in.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing (June 10, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617952753
ISBN-13: 978-1617952753
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling thriller author. Heralded as a "master of suspense" by Library Journal, Dekker has sold millions worldwide, establishing himself as one of the most widely recognized author brands.
He began his career writing fantasy novels that explored spirituality (Black, Red and White) and has since become a major force in the mainstream fiction arena with his recent thrillers, "Adam," "Thr3e," "Skin," "Obsessed," "BoneMan's Daughters," which landed in the #10 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list in 2009, and "The Bride Collector". Dekker has been honored with a Christy Award as well as a Gold Medallion Award for Best Fiction. "Thr3e" and his novel "House" became feature films.

Dekker was born to missionaries and grew up among cannibals of Indonesia, and his peculiar upbringing gives him a unique perspective outside the cultural bubble, allowing him the freedom to share provocative insights in his fiction. After leaving Indonesia, Dekker graduated from a multi-cultural high school and took up permanent residence in the United States, earning his B.A. in philosophy and religion, and then went into business.
In the early nineties, Dekker decided to pursue his desire to write fiction, selling his company, moving his family to the mountains of western Colorado, and writing full-time. Two years and three books later his first novel, a supernatural thriller called Heaven's Wager, was published. Dekker proceeded to write 6 more supernatural thrillers, rising to the top of many bestsellers lists and earning himself critical acclaim and legions of fans. "Thr3e" heralded his launch into mainstream fiction and was followed by "Obsessed," "Skin," "Adam," and "BoneMan's Daughters," all of which hit the New York Times bestseller list.
Ted Dekker's fans are comprised of readers of all ages, backgrounds, and belief systems who love his compulsively readable stories, authentic characters, and universal and relatable themes that he explores from a unique point of view.
He resides in Austin, Texas with his wife and children. You can find him at Teddekker.com and Facebook.com/teddekker.

MY REVIEW
  There has never been a Ted Dekker book that I haven’t loved. He knows how to capture you in a book and keep you there. Hacker is part of The Outlaw Chronicles and I just loved this one.
  Nyah {love that name} is only seventeen, but in her short life she has lived a lifetime. It is full of adventure, but plenty of loss and heartache. She can hack anything and get in anywhere, but the last time she went to far and crimeals are out to get her.
  Her mom is dying and also her best friend. How can she help them and save herself.  Nyah and Austin can only think of one thing that could help going inside and hacking their brains. Could they go deep enough to save her mom and Austin.
  Hacker is full of heart-stopping/heart-dropping suspense. Highly recommended. Love this book.

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This is my own book and no one asked me to review it.

Friday, July 11, 2014

When Calls The Heart~The Dance~A Review~

ABOUT WHEN CALLS THE HEART-THE DANCE
New miners arrive in Coal Valley to help with the final stages of reopening the mine and the town decides to celebrate with a dance at the end of the week. One of the new miners, Billy Hamilton has taken a special interest in Elizabeth and she is flattered by the attention. Meanwhile, pregnant widow Carla Noonan has moved in with Abigail and Elizabeth so the women can keep and eye on her for the remainder of her pregnancy. As Elizabeth and Billy's relationship develops, Jack becomes suspicious of Billy's motives for pursuing Elizabeth so persistently. Dove approved. Approx. 87 minutes.




Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Studio: Word Entertainment
ASIN: B00KSON3L6
Actors: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Lori Loughlin


MY REVIEW
  I really enjoyed When Calls The Heart - The Dance. It is a Hallmark movie inspired by the best selling series by Janette Oke.
  This DVD doesn’t go along with the book series. It tells a story of the Elizabeth from the book series niece Elizabeth.
  It is continuing from the first DVD when Elizabeth goes West to teach those that no one else wants to teach. In this DVD men from another town come and help run the coal mine and they have quite a few adventures. Not all of the adventures are good ones either.
  I really enjoyed the part when the widow Carla is close to having a baby and no one really knows how to help or deliver a baby, but it all comes together.
   Some things are getting stolen and some lives are changing. Some good and some bad in all situations. I know you will love this DVD The Dance. I highly recommend it.


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“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.”

The Perfect Summer ~DVD Review~

ABOUT THE PERFECT SUMMER
When 17-year-old Jake and his mom move to live with his grandfather in a quiet coastal town, Jake is certain it’s going to be the worst summer of his life; he can’t even find decent wi-fi! But when he catches the eye of a beautiful surfer girl, Jake begins to think that there’s more to life than the internet. Now, with the help of his legendary grandfather, Jake will go from surfing the net to surfing the waves.






Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Word Films
DVD Release Date: August 5, 2014
Run Time: 120 minutes

MY REVIEW
   The Perfect Summer is such a fantastic DVD. It is highly entertaining and full of lessons and hope. Some of the actors in this superb movie are Eric Roberts, Sydney Penny, Louis Mandylor, Adam Horner, Katie Garfield with Jason Castro.
  Jake and his mom have to move in with her father, because her husband died and she can’t make it where they use to live. It’s hard to change where you live especially after losing such an important person in your life.
  By the description on the DVD back it seems to be such a simple story full of sun, fun and romance, but The Perfect Summer is really a deep movie where many emotions are shown and how this young man grows up and where he puts his priorities.
  You will enjoy the fun and sun, but also feel such love and heartache. The feelings run deep in this DVD. It really is an enjoyable one to watch and one to learn from. Highly recommended.

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“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.”

Shaken by Kariss Lynch ~Book Review~

ABOUT SHAKEN
When her world is shaken, will her foundation survive?
Idealistic and sheltered with a passion to change the world, Kaylan Richards leaves her comfortable life in Alabama to serve in poverty-stricken Haiti. Despite her inexperience and the opposition of a voodoo priest, Kaylan develops a love for the country and the Haitian people. But something deadly is about to strike.

It is the worst earthquake the country has ever seen, and in its aftermath bodies, buildings, and broken lives litter the streets. People she cares about are dead, and Kaylan is caught in the middle of the destruction, questioning a God who said He was good.

Navy SEAL Nick Carmichael never planned to find a girl he loved more than his country. Now she is a world away, trapped in a deadly situation nothing could have prepared her for. Can Nick’s love help Kaylan heal and show her the God who never abandoned her, or will tragedy shake even the most rooted faith?

Series: Heart of a Warrior (Book 1)
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Realms (February 4, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1621365352
ISBN-13: 978-1621365358
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kariss Lynch began her writing career in third grade when she created a story about a magical world for a class assignment. Chasing her dream into college, she received a degree in English at Texas Tech University and fell in love with writing faith-based fiction about characters with big dreams, adventurous spirits, and bold hearts. Kariss is a diehard Texan, born and bred in Dallas, where she now works as a writer for a local communications ministry.


MY REVIEW
  Shaken book one in the Heart of a Warrior series by Kariss Lynch is a very good book. It tells of Kaylan and her best friend Sarah Beth going to Haiti before the earthquake in 2010. How they wanted to help the poor and give them hope and a future. They are in Haiti when the earthquake hits.
  It also is a story of heartbreak and love. Nick and Kaylan knew each other for a year or so and then he went with the SEALs and broke her heart. Now he is back. What has changed and how will they get along?
  Shaken is broken up in four parts. Each part she is either at home in Alabama or in Haiti. You see Kaylan as she works through her heartaches and troubles and how she finally lets God take control.
  I enjoyed Shaken and think you will also.

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Thank you to Booketeria for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Thursday, July 10, 2014

DVD GIVEAWAY and Review of Ragamuffin

ABOUT RAGAMUFFIN
Ragamuffin' is based on the life of Rich Mullins, a musical prodigy who rose to Christian music fame and fortune only to walk away and live on a Navajo reservation. An artistic genius, raised on a tree farm in Indiana by a callous father, Rich wrestled all of his life with the brokenness and crippling insecurity born of his childhood. A lover of Jesus and a rebel in the church, Rich refused to let his struggles with his own darkness tear him away from a God he was determined to love. As he struggled with success in Nashville and depression in Wichita, Rich desired most of all to live a life of honest and reckless faith amidst a culture of religion and conformity.



Actors: Michael Koch, David Leo Shultz, Wolfgang Bodison
Directors: David Leo Schultz
Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Millennium
DVD Release Date: July 8, 2014
Run Time: 96 minutes

ABOUT RICH MULLINS
  Singer and songwriter Richard Wayne :Rich” Mullins was best known for his worship song “Awesome God” which has been embraced as modern classics by many Christians. His music has been covered by many artists, including Caedmon’s Call, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, John Tesh, and Hillsong United. Mullins first solo hit, “Awesome God,” appeared on his third album and brought his music to a wider audience. Rich Mullins was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Gospel Music Association on April 29, 2014.


MY REVIEW
   Ragamuffin is based on the life of Rich Mullins. He wrote and sang many wonderful songs. His most famous in my eyes is his song Awesome God.
  This story is very, very interesting and at the same time very sad. He loved the Lord, but also fought against things that brought him down. He didn’t feel loved and his Dad said things to him that really upset and hurt him throughout his life.
   I like how he never put people down, because he knew that God loves you even when you do something wrong. He also knew that God doesn’t care if you don’t wear a certain kind of clothes or your hair and bread weren’t always in place.
   This DVD is 2 ½ hours long and I just loved it all. It kept my interest all of the way through and made me realize even though people may be in music or singing and praising the Lord they may not always be happy or have a happy life.
  Very good, interesting DVD that I highly recommend. I know you would love to own it and watch it over and over.
 

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“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.”

ONE PERSON WILL WIN A DVD OF THEIR OWN. HERE IS WHAT  YOU DO TO ENTER

Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower  +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1

Contest is only open in the U.S. and  CANADA void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org.  ENTRY DEADLINE  JULY 26, 2014

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC;s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”) : Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject  to eligibility verification.”

Sunday, July 6, 2014

A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge A REVIEW




ABOUT A TABLE BY THE WINDOW
A Table by the Window
A Novel of Family Secrets and Heirloom Recipes
Hillary Manton Lodge

Heirloom recipes, family secrets…and a chance for love

The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?

After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.

Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way?


Series: Two Blue Doors
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307731758
ISBN-13: 978-0307731753
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of A Table by the Window, Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA Bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during an internship at Northwest Palate Magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring her most recent hometown of Portland, Oregon. She shares her home with her husband, Danny, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shiloh.


MY REVIEW
  A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge is an O.K. book. The first five chapters in my opinion are very boring. I was very glad that in the sixth chapter things started to pick up. If they didn’t this book would have taken me a very long time to read.
   Another thing I didn’t care to much for in this book is all of the talk about food and the parts with the different language. I think the author could have put a page in the front or back to explain what the different language meant.    Almost every single page talks about food, eating and restaurants. Maybe if you love food you would enjoy this book.
  Juliette was an O.K. girl, but just didn’t have it all together and she was quite fickle, but Neil is what saved the book. He was an upright, all together kind of guy. He just seems like he is calm and knows what he wants in life.
  So  even though I’ve said all of that I still think this book is worth reading. Also you will find many recipes at the end of the chapters. I’m going to try one, but not interested in most.

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Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Give Joy Sweepstakes July 1-21



About the Sweepstakes

Summary:
In bestselling author Lauraine Snelling's new novel, Heaven Sent Rain, Dinah Taylor has an orderly life, and that is just how she likes it. A balanced bank account, a perfectly furnished luxury apartment, a satisfying career as a scientist and CEO of her own company, and an uncomplicated personal life. Then her well-ordered world is thrown into chaos when she finds a seven-year-old boy and his scruffy dog sitting alone outside her office building.

To celebrate the release of this heart-warming novel, FaithWords and author Lauraine Snelling are pleased to present the GIVE:JOY Sweepstakes.  This sweepstakes features three spectacular prizes, each closely connected to the story, but each prize also comes with a twist: you “Enter to Give”, rather than “Enter to Win”!

This is your chance to do something beautiful and make a difference for a friend, family member, shelter, church, or charity.


Timeframe & Notifications:

This giveaway starts July 1, 2014 and ends July 21, 2014 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday July 22, 2014, and announced at laurainesnelling.com.


GRAND PRIZE:

GIVE:JOY Grand Prize
HELP & HOPE SUPPORT GIFT

In Heaven Sent Rain, Dinah meets an extraordinary little boy named Jonah, and his dog, Mutt. Jonah faces a life of struggle, hunger, and poverty, but his courage in these challenges inspires Dinah to step outside her well-ordered world and do something wonderful for him. Through her choice, Dinah discovers joy is found not in getting more for herself, but in giving to make someone else’s life better. Our Grand Prize winner will have the same opportunity for joy, with their choice of :

• A $250 VISA gift card for a friend in need, or
• A $250 donation to the faith-based charity, church, or shelter of their choice



SECOND PRIZE:

GIVE:JOY Second Prize
BLESSINGS & BLOOMS SURPRISE BOUQUETS

A mysterious thing happens to Dinah several times in the story: flowers! Beautiful encouragement bouquets—with no sender's name—appear on her office desk during difficult times when she feels she can’t go on. In honor of Dinah's secret flower sender (you'll have to read the story to find out his or her identity) we're offering our Second Prize winner the chance to become a secret flower sender themselves, and brighten the day of a sick friend, a new mom, a military spouse, a weary co-worker, or some other deserving person in their life, with:

• A 3-month gift subscription to ProFlowers Bouquet of the Month Club



THIRD PRIZE:

GIVE:JOY Third Prize
VALIANT VET ENCOURAGEMENT GIFT

Like Jonah's dog, Mutt, the animals in our lives are priceless sources of help, comfort, and unconditional love. No one understands this better than our story's hero, veterinarian Garret Miller. Throughout the book, “Dr. G” works tirelessly to save and heal people's furry friends, including Mutt, and an injured service dog named Valiant.

And Like Dr. G, many real-life veterinarians and animal shelter workers make all the difference in the lives of our animals, often giving services beyond what's billed. Our Third Prize winner will have a chance to do something extra special for their favorite vet or animal shelter, with:

• A $100 veterinary/shelter donation to be used toward treatment of an animal whose owner cannot afford to pay for veterinary care, or
• A $100 Starbucks card sent to the veterinary/shelter staff as a special encouragement gift

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.laurainesnelling.com/html/giveaways.html 
and complete the entry box, anytime between July 1 and July 21.
About the Book


Book Title: Heaven Sent Rain – by Lauraine Snelling

ISBN:089296913X
Book Summary:

Dinah Taylor has an orderly life, and that is just how she likes it. A perfectly furnished luxury apartment, a satisfying career as a scientist and CEO of her own company, and an uncomplicated personal life. But all of that changes when she meets seven-year-old Jonah.

The boy shows up one day, a scruffy dog by his side, in front of her office building. Dinah knows nothing about kids and even less about animals, but after she buys him breakfast, he shows up the next day...and the next. She tries to learn more about him, to help him, but he's remarkably skilled at evading her questions.

And then, late one night, he calls her in a panic--his dog has been badly injured. Dinah rushes them to a local animal clinic, where she meets Garret, a veterinarian with a thriving practice and a passion for drawing.

Though Jonah takes to Garret right away, for some reason neither understands, Dinah and Garret just don't mesh. But for Jonah's sake, their lives continue to collide, and slowly the relationship between these three strangers begins to change.


Book Info & Sample Chapter:

Can be found at http://laurainesnelling.com/html/othernovels.html