Love’s Awakening by Laura Frantz A Review

I WILL HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR AND GIVEAWAY THIS WONDERFUL BOOK. IT WILL BE COMING SOON.

ABOUT LOVE'S AWAKENING
Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has left finishing school. But back at her family home in Pittsburgh, Ellie finds that her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks are slaveholders and whiskey magnates, envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future--and Jack Turlock, a young man striving to free himself from his family's violent legacy. How can she betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her into his world?

Series: The Ballantyne Legacy (Book 2)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800720423
ISBN-13: 978-0800720421
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning historical novelist, Laura Frantz, was born into a family who followed the legendary frontiersman, Daniel Boone, to Kentucky during the turbulent 18th-century and still resides there today. Passionate about all things historical, she writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Celtic themes. Her family lineage is Scottish and Irish.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." She is known for the depth of her characterization and research. The author is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.

Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net

MY REVIEW
   Ellie and Jack’s love story is sweet. At the beginning of this novel I couldn’t see any way for them to get together even though they both feel attraction for each other.  Laura Frantz is an excellent story teller and she really is a history author. So many facts and places that happened in history.
  I also like how this book also tells of Ellie’s brothers and sister and how they like or love others. I love the way Ellie and her family love music and play often together.
  Chloe is Jack’s young sister whom no one seems to love except Jack. I really feel for Chloe and want her to have a happy life. Jack is such a good brother to her even though Jack thinks of himself to often.
   This is a very good story, but also very sad. If you love Historical novels Love’s Awakening is for you. I recommend it.

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I received my free copy from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my 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

Burning Sky by Lori Benton A REVIEW

ABOUT BURNING SKY
Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.

When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.

Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage--the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (August 6, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307731472
ISBN-13: 978-0307731470
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God's transforming grace.





MY REVIEW
  Burning Sky by Lori Benton is a very interesting, historical book. I’ve read books before about Indians abducting children, but have never read about how it would be so very hard for the child once grown up to come back and live among the White people. How she could love the white and Indian people.
  In Burning Sky Willa wants to just live her life without anyone else. She has lost both White and Indian family and can’t take the pain of having more family and losing them again.  When she decides this children and men are thrown in her path and she has to take care of them, but is determined not to care or love again. At times it seems like the whole world is against her, but she has God and her White families home so she believes she can make it alone.
  This was a very fascinating book and I enjoyed reading it. It is also a book that teaches us many lessons. I highly recommend it.

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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

Season of a Lifetime DVD REVIEW

ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY
Season of a Lifetime is the true and inspiring story of head football coach, Jeremy Williams and his resilient Greenville Patriots high school football team. For one last season, Williams, who is terminally ill with ALS, will lead his players through a tough Region 4 schedule in their quest for the Georgia state championship. Actor, writer, producer Rick Cohen follows the team, their coach and his family through a season filled with challenges and struggles ultimately showing how family & faith can inspire those who strive towards the impossible.
In 2010, The Williams Family was featured on ABC s hit show Extreme Home Makeover, the same year Jeremy Williams was named National Coach of the Year by the NHSCA.

Actors: Jeremy Williams
Directors: Rick Cohen
Format: Color, NTSC
Language: English
Region: Region 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Word Films
DVD Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 89 minutes

MY REVIEW
  Season of a Lifetime is an extraordinary, highly inspiring documentary. Showing the faith and integrity of Jeremy Williams. He is a person who never gives up and who keeps praising God no matter what happens in his life.  So many times we complain about ever little thing, but we are so blessed with everything we have and above all our health. Watch this DVD to see a truly courageous man and his wonderful family.
    One part of this documentary that I love and find so inspiring is the day Jeremy and his wife find out that he has ALS he tells her we will cry today, but after today we will live life to the fullest, just like nothing has happened. Precious people and they love the Lord so much.
  I love the way Jeremy cares for his players on his football team. They consider him a father figure. That is very special since some of them have no father. He cares and loves his team and family. Also besides Jeremy’s disease his son was born with Spina Bifida and many other troubles. This documentary is truly about Faith, Family and Football. I have never enjoyed and loved watching a DVD as much as this one. I highly recommend that you buy this for your family library.

Official website

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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.”

Camp DVD review

Eli's life is a nightmare. His mother is a drug addict who neglects his care, and his transient father floats in and out of his life. Eli is filled with rage from the physical abuse he has received from his father but he longs for his love and approval. On his 10th birthday Eli is taken to the hospital by police who respond to a domestic disturbance call. Eli is removed from his home and is placed in Locustwood, a facility little better than a youth prison. In this environment Eli spirals downward, becoming an angry and scared creature.

Meanwhile, to impress a potential new client, investment advisor Ken Matthews signs up to be a camp counselor and gets paired with Eli. When the kids arrive at camp, the chaos begins. Ken and Eli bunk in a cabin with counselor Samuel, back from his second tour of duty in the army, and Redford, a kid who thinks he is an alien. Determined to hate camp, Eli is way more than Ken can handle.

Over the course of camp, Ken’s heart is broken as he learns about Eli's dark past. Eli slowly opens up to Ken as he starts to love Eli unconditionally. Eli begins to have hope.

An unauthorized visit from Eli’s father to camp sends everything spiraling out of control. Now Ken must decide what he is willing to sacrifice so Eli will understand the meaning of unconditional love.

Actors: Michael Mattera, Miles Elliot
Directors: Jacob Roebuck
Format: 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: Word Films
DVD Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 111 minutes

Michael Mattera

Miles Elliot

Inspired by true stories, CAMP is a feature film about investment advisor Ken Matthews (Michael Mattera), who volunteers to go to camp to impress a new client, but finds himself paired with an angry, troubled 10 year-old camper named Eli (Miles Elliot, "The Mentalist"). While fictional, the film draws from the experiences of Writer/Director Jacob Roebuck and Producer Emily Shubin's time spent at Royal Family Kids camp. More on RFK here.

The film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some violence, a crude gesture and brief language. Run time is 1:50.
WORLD PREMIERE OF 'CAMP' TELLS STORIES OF ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN

Roebuck Media is a privately-held New Mexico-based Limited Liability Company specializing in films that entertain, edify and inspire the audience. Their first feature, Coyote County Loser, was distributed by CURB entertainment and Monarch Home Video, and is available on DVD, BluRay, Netflix and iTunes digital download.


MY REVIEW
  Camp is a very touching, inspiring DVD. Your heart will go out to Eli as he is forgotten and abused, but also you will watch as he goes to Camp and she how most of the counselors want to help and comfort these children.
  Ken just wants to be a counselor to look good so he will win a business deal. He really doesn’t care about Eli or any of the other children.
  During this DVD you will see the struggles, heartbreaks, the healing and melting of hearts and attitudes. It is such a refreshing film that shows us we need to be involved and help others. Especially those who can’t help themselves.
  Things start to get better between Eli and Ken, until Eli’s father comes and all kinds of troubles and chaos happens. Will things change and be better or will trouble and violence continue?
  I really enjoyed this movie, because it is put together from a real life situation. I recommend it. It will open your eyes to how some children have to live.

Learn about and buy Camp here


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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.”

Trapped by Irene Hannon A REVIEW

When librarian Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James "Dev" Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn't just dangerous--it's deadly.

Chilling and at times terrifying, Trapped is the latest thrilling read from Irene Hannon, the queen of romantic suspense. Hannon outdoes herself with this fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.

Series: Private Justice (Book 2)
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800721241
ISBN-13: 978-0800721244
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, www.irenehannon.com

MY REVIEW
  Trapped by Irene Hannon is book two in A Private Justice series.  I really enjoyed this book. It is full of mystery and intrigue which I love in a novel. The characters are very likable and interesting.
   The title Trapped and front cover are excellent. They really make the story more alive.  Darcy is my favorite character in Trapped, because she doesn’t give up. She keeps trying to get out of a horrible situation. Darcy also learns lessons that we all need to learn, be happy and thankful with what you have. You could always be in a much worse situation.
  Laura is also an interesting person because she doesn’t want to and won’t give up on her sister. She keeps going and is a sweet person whom is only doing what she knows to do.
  Dev is someone who cares and tries to find the truth and has many ways to do it.
  Mark is the villain and makes a fantastic one. He has been through so much in his life from the beginning, but he lets it control him and he tries to make everyone in his life perfect. He is very interesting also. So this book has many characters who are exciting and fascinating.
  I recommend this book and think you will love it because it is so gripping.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my 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