Woman of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter A REVIEW

ABOUT WOMAN OF COURAGE
Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and enters the work of a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future.





Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; GLD edition (April 4, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616260831
ISBN-13: 978-1616260835
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

MY REVIEW
  Woman of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter is such a fantastic book. It is full of action and adventure with each new chapter. There never was a dull part in this story.
  The characters seem so real and their trials and tribulations  seem to really be happening. I haven’t read many of Wanda’s books, but this one is my favorite by far.
  In Woman of Courage it is a story of heartache, fear, hate, but also such love, warmth and forgiveness. The characters learn that just because one person in a group treats you bad, doesn’t mean the whole group is the same way.
  I’m just surprised at the many things that happen in this book. How one tragedy seems to lead to another, but the characters keep going and they make it through.
  I was quite surprised and pleased at the ending of Woman of Courage. It ended just like I wanted, but didn’t know that it would happen in that way. Really a book that I highly recommend.

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Thanks to Handlebar Marketing 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

NEW DVD WINNER of Ragamuffin

I had to pick a new winner for the Ragamuffin DVD.

Glogirl informed me she won this DVD on another blog.

So the new winner of this fantastic DVD is

TDYEarth.

 I will be emailing you soon to get your info.

Thanks again to everyone and congratulations to
TDYEarth!

Giveaway Winner Ragamuffin DVD

Glogirl wins the DVD Ragamuffin the life and story of Rich Mullins.

I will be emailing her soon.

Thanks to everyone who commented and come back often.

More great giveaways to come.

Blessings,

Veil of Tears DVD REVIEW

ABOUT VEIL OF TEARS
This gripping new documentary film tells the untold story of millions of women in India who are culturally oppressed for no other reason than the fact that they are women. However, despite the centuries of oppression, there are those who are reaching out and bringing hope to these women.

These are the faces of true survivors. Those who have withstood a lifetime of adversity in the face of a culture stacked against them. Take a heartfelt journey through the eyes of these women, and others, who unveil their personal stories of persecution, rejection, abandonment, tragedy and even triumph. Get a glimpse of the true resilience of the human spirit and the hope that has changed the lives of millions like these and is helping change millions more.

Narrated by Grammy-Nominated Recording Artist Natalie Grant, this film was shot on-location across the stunning nation of India in some of the most remote tribal villages in the world today. This is a journey where few outsiders have gone before.

While the film, "Veil of Tears", brings into focus the truth behind a dark reality existing in the world today, we are excited to highlight the hope being given to countless millions of women each day through the work and ministry of GFA.

Proceeds of this film will be donated toward our continued efforts to change lives on a social, educational, health and spiritual level. We invite you to take a moment to learn more about the mission of GFA and how you can be a part of our movement to rescue generations of women from persecution and rejection and into the hope of Jesus Christ.
http://veiloftearsmovie.com/


Directors: Kyle Saylors, Kenny Saylors
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: Word Films
DVD Release Date: August 19, 2014
Run Time: 89 minutes

MY REVIEW
  Veil of Tears is quite a DVD. It tells about the life cycle of women in different parts of India/Asia. How very horrible the things they have to go through. In Asia women aren’t treated like human, but more like animals. Having a female child is the worse thing that can happen, or not having enough money to pay the man to marry a woman.  Another really sad thing is young girls are made to marry at a very early age, they are slaves and if they become a widow they are cast out from everyone and everything they know. The woman is considered bad luck if her husband dies and it’s like her fault.
  What {besides all of the above} I found very disturbing is that an alarming amount of women commit suicide. Many, many women are made to get abortions if they know they are having a girl. In these countries about ¾ of the people are male. They kill off all of the girl babies.
  There is a group of people called Gospel for Asia and also Bridge of Hope who are trying to help these women to have something to hope for and part of that is reaching the men and teaching them the gospel. They learn that God loves the women and wants the men to treat them as human and love them. Some of the girls and women haven’t felt love until they come to these churches.
  My feelings on this DVD is that it really opens your eyes and makes you want to help. I also wish that in the DVD they would have spent a longer time talking about the good that is coming from these organizations and the hope that they have. Over ¾ of the DVD talks on the bad and ugly lives these women have to endure.
  This DVD is a really good way to show your church or group about what needs to be done and how we can do it. I recommend it.

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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products 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.”

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren A REVIEW

ABOUT WHEN I FALL IN LOVE
Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

Series: Christiansen Family
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414378432
ISBN-13: 978-1414378435
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.

Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives.

For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.


MY REVIEW
  When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren is book three in the Christiansen Family series. It is a nice story that I enjoyed. I like how Max and Grace became friends and how their relationship sweet, but a different kind of love story.
  Grace is a very loving, charming kind of person that takes no one for granted. She is always putting everyone ahead of her and likes to fall in the background. She feels like she never wants to leave home and never wants to be away from her family.
  Max is a very highly strung person who doesn’t want anyone to get to close to him. He wants to protect others and also himself.
  Both Grace and Max love to cook and find themselves going to the same cooking vacation. They become partners on the vacation and find out that they really are quite comfortable being together. Will Grace overcome her shyness and will Max open his life to new adventures?
  I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I think you will like it.

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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers 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

The Last Hunt by Mike Dellosso~A Review~

ABOUT THE LAST HUNT
Who knows what secrets the forest holds?

Every year the men of the Bishop family went to their cabin in Maryland’s Darlington Woods for a few days of hunting and eating and card playing. But twenty years ago, on a night when the winds whipped and the snow swirled, something dark and horrifying happened. And it was the last hunt for all of them.

File Size: 168 KB
Print Length: 27 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Darlington House (April 17, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00CEMCECY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Dellosso is a husband, father, and author of six novels of suspense including Scream, Frantic, and Fearless. He also writes under the pen name Michael King (A Thousand Sleepless Nights). Mike lives with his wife and four daughters in southern Pennsylvania. He's not afraid to admit that the woods of northern Maryland freak him out.





MY REVIEW
  The Last Hunt-a short story by Mike Dellosso is quite interesting, but I say to short. It is really, really good and captures you and leaves you wanting more.
  I would like to have known more of what happened and how it happened in this story, but the authors sort of leaves you hanging.
It is very short or about 27 pages, so it is easily read. I got this book on my kindle and just started running/walking on my treadmill and listening to a book makes it go much faster and makes things more interesting.
  If you want a short story that is exciting and will keep in interested you will love this book. I truly did enjoy it, but like I said wish it had more to it. Will recommend it. Right now it only 99 cents on Amazon for your kindle.

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

DVD When Calls The Heart-The Dance giveaway

When Calls The Heart-The Dance
  DVD GIVEAWAY
This DVD is based on Janette Oke’s books When Calls the Heart series.  These group of DVDs are Hallmark movies and I truly enjoyed them. Here is the link of the review I wrote http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2014/07/when-calls-heartthe-dancea-review.html

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.

Michael Landon Jr. – Director:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.

About Word Entertainment:  A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Love & The Outcome, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records, Word Worship and Fervent Records.


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Dynamo by Eleanor Gustafson~A Review~

ABOUT DYNAMO
Jeth Cavanaugh is searching for a new life along one of Pennsylvania's mountain ridges when he stumbles upon a stable of show jumpers owned by Rob and Katie Chilton. Throw in a volatile gaited stallion named Dynamo, and Jeth will do anything to work there. He earns his living by training and showing Rob's jumpers, but Dynamo is his primary passion.

Everything changes when God enters his life—in the unconventional form of a hard slap by an old girlfriend—and ignites a new, greater passion within him. But along with fervor comes fear at the undeniable evidence of God's hand on his life. Inexplicable events, both good and bad, make him moan plaintively, "Why does God do this to me? I get the feeling I'm being set up for something."

He is, indeed. Jeth's life is anything but predictable, much like the God he serves. The real Dynamo and his ultimate trainer emerge out of an excruciating mix of disaster and brokenness, which are never beyond the reach of redemption.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (April 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 162911006X
ISBN-13: 978-1629110066
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellie Gustafson writes pretty good books these days. She's been working at it long enough to learn a few things. It all started in 1978 with her first published article, "I Saw a Thing Today," about a couple of weasels she met on a stone wall in Vermont. A bunch of short stories and other articles followed, and then came Appalachian Spring. BIG learning curve. The editor slashed characters, whole chapters, and made a lot of red marks everywhere. Had to rewrite the entire book--on a brand-new Apple IIe computer that she had no idea how to operate. The novel was well received, however, which led to more novels and more painful learning experiences.

In many of her stories, Ellie explores the cosmic struggle between good and evil in light of God's overarching work of redemption. Having graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois--where she met her husband while teaching horsemanship (funny story there)--she has since been actively involved in church life as a minister's wife, teacher, musician, writer, and encourager. A host of other experiences, from mice wars to house building, help bring color and humor to her fiction. She does like to laugh a lot.

She and her husband live in Massachusetts, where he teaches online college courses in philosophy. They travel a fair amount, spend time with three children and eight grandchildren, and enjoy camping at the family forest in Chester, Vermont.

Some have said that her latest novel, Dynamo, is her best book, so old dogs can learn from experience!

MY REVIEW
  Dynamo by Eleanor Gustafson is such an excellent book. I thought it would be good when I read the back, but nothing prepared me for how fantastic it is.
  Jeth made mistakes in life like we all do, but he learned many lessons from his and tries to live differently.  Rob and Katie believe in Jeth and not many people ever had. Jeth knows nothing about God, but he has plenty of questions and not the ones you would expect.  Another wonderful character in this book is Maybelle. She isn’t in many scenes, but she plays a huge part as being Jeth’s angel and always is there to help him with whatever life throws at him.
  Nothing is common about this story.  It is so full of love, peace, forgiveness, life and loss. It is really, really a book to read. Eleanor Gustafson is a new author to me, but she is now a new favorite. If her other books are half as good as Dynamo they would be worth reading. I highly recommend Dynamo.

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Thank you to Whitaker House 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

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.

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

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.”

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

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