Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon by Stephen Bly-a review

In its prime, the Matador Hotel in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted railroad barons ,governors, foreign dignitaries, famous outlaws, and even a U.S. president. But by 1954, the Matador was a residence for those with nowhere else to go. Six men, who spent their young lives as cowboys in the Southwest, now gather at the Matador for weekly games of cribbage.

One rainy afternoon, one of the men brings his ten-year-old grandson with him to the cribbage game. The boy has on his red straw cowboy hat, his cap gun, and wears his leather bullet belt with the silver-painted wooden bullets. They play cribbage and tell stories - and the boy listens while they pass down a way of life and western tradition that is quickly becoming extinct.

Many years later, the boy looks back and remembers the stories he heard and the lessons he learned on that day when he became a Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon. He finds out he just might not have been born 100 years too late. He discovers good guys and outlaws . . . gentle women and bucking broncs . . . shoot-outs and stampedes . . . tragedies and comedies. And in the midst of it all . . . he gets to live out a genuine cowboy adventure of his own.



Hardcover: 253 pages
Publisher: Center Point Large Print; 1 Lrg edition (June 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602856737
ISBN-13: 978-1602856738
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces


Stephen Bly resides in Winchester, Idaho at 4,000 ft. elev., on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. He's been married 47 years to fellow writer, Janet Chester Bly, and they've co-authored 18 books.
Stephen is father of 3 sons: Russell, Michael, & Aaron. The family includes daughters-in-law, Lois, Michelle & Rina Joye, plus grandkids: Zachary, Miranda (& husband Chris), and Keaton.
As a third-generation westerner, Steve spent 30 years working family ranches and farms in central California.
When he's not writing Steve collects and restores antique Winchesters; studies histories of the Old West; and does construction on Broken Arrow Crossing (a false front western village next to his home). He also plays a par game of golf.
http://www.blybooks.com/


My Review
Six older cowboys and one 10 year old grandson spend the day telling stories and asking questions. Each story they tell would make a great book in itself. How does Stephen Bly come up with so many stories and ideas.
Another excellent book by Stephen Bly. “Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon” is such a fun, exciting book. You will simply love reading and you will feel you are just one of the older cowboys, living out the days of your past.
Even though they are telling stories about their past they still manage to get invouled in a present day adventure, with robbers, women, jewels etc… It seems like trouble just follows these guys around.
This book teaches me several things, one, the older generation has a lot to teach us. Next, life is full of adventure all around us. We all have a story inside of us.
I highly recommend “Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon.” It is a book that you will treasure forever.

You can order this book direct from Bly Books by emailing Jan Grueter at grueter (at) q.com. Just send your name, mailing address and how many autographed copies you want.

Order from Amazon

I received this book from the author for a honest review. Thanks Bly’s!

The Way Home DVD review and GIVEAWAY

"The Way Home: The Inspirational True Story"


On March 31, 2000, Randy Simpkins came home early from the office to help his wife, Christal, pack for a vacation to the beach. Christal asked Randy to load their two year-old, Joe, into his car seat. Instead, Randy left Joe riding his tricycle in the driveway while he went inside to turn off the lights and lock up. They lived on a rural farm in a safe area. Their kids played outside all the time. Randy didn’t give it a second thought to leave Joe for a couple of minutes, figuring he’d be cooped up long enough on the drive to the beach.
When Randy returned outside, Joe was gone. His tricycle was laying on its side, motionless. Randy called for Joe and looked around the yard. He was greeted with an eerie silence. A sudden feeling of panic rushed over him like a wave. Randy did not realize it at the time, but the next eight hours would put him through a life-altering rollercoaster of emotions that would challenge his priorities regarding God, his family and community.






Actors: Dean Cain, Lori Beth Edgeman
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Language: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Release Date: October 26, 2010
Run Time: 89 minutes



Dean Cain, as Randy Simpkins, plays the father of Little Joe and a man at a crossroads in his life. A familiar face to the screen, he portrayed Clark Kent and his alter-ego Superman in the hit TV series “Lois and Clark-The New Adventures of Superman_ (1993-1997) and is the host of Ripley’s Believe It of Not. As a graduate of Princeton University, Dean has worked in both TV and film media.

Lori Beth Edgeman portrays Christal Simpkins, the frantic mother of Little Joe struggling to bring her family back together. She is from Dalton, Georgia and most people will remember her as Candace from the TV hit “Army Wives.”

Sonny Shroyer appears as Ed Walker, a volunteer reliving his past while searching for Little Joe. A veteran of television and film, he is fondly remembered as Deputy Enos from The Dukes of Hazard. He is from Valdosta, Georgia.

Tom Nowicki, in the role of Sheriff Tony Reeves, rallies the search parties in sweeping the surrounding area for Little Joe. This is his second appearance for Red 5 Entertainment-appearing in the 2008 release of “The Conjurer”. Raised in Michigan, Tom now makes Winter Park, Florida his home.

Brett Rice is cast as Fire Chief Gary Thomas who brings his crews to aid in the search for Little Joe. He is originally from Chattanooga and been active on the stage and screen since 1982. Brett, along with Tom , also appeared in Red 5 Entertainment’s 2008 release of “The Conjurer.”

THIS IS A PICTURE OF THE REAL SIMPKINS

My Review
The Way Home starring Dean Cain, is a Christian movie by Lionsgate Productions and is the best movie I’ve seen this year. One reason I love it so much is it is a true story. Randy, Christal and family were just about ready to go on vacation. While getting things into the van, their 2 year old son Joe disappeared.
The 91 minute movie tells of the search and how everyone came together to help. Many churches formed prayer chains and came out to search. Randy is forced to deal with his life and priorities, while his faith is tested, and his marriage is close to falling apart. It shows how the searchers (police, fire etc..) work together and have a big job.
The actors/actresses in this movie are fantastic. A lot of Christian movies can’t say this. Only because they can’t afford more well known actors. It held my three youngest children’s and my attention and no one wanted to miss a single minute. Many times during the movie I was moved to tears. The emotions run high in this movie. The Way Home has the Dove Family Approved seal.
The part of Ed searching for Joe, was really special. Many years ago Ed lost his brother in a car accident and his name was Joe. So even through Ed had heart surgery just a few months ago he still felt he needed to search. He just had to help so someone else didn’t lose someone they loved. It was such a very, very touching part when Ed found Joe.
If you have or did have younger children it will give you an appreciation for their safety. At the end of the movie during the credits it shows the real Joe as he has looked over the years and has grown.
In special features the real Randy and Christal tell the story in their own words. It’s just amazing to hear their story and see how close it is to the movie. It is touching at how much this has changed Randy. His heart is tender and full of love for the Lord.
I know I’ve told you a lot about the movie, but it is so good it just needed to be told. If you don’t buy any other DVD this year buy The Way Home. I love, love, love this movie. I highly recommend this movie.

You can see more about the movie and order it here.

Please feel free to go to the website & facebook fan page.
http://thewayhome-movie.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Way-Home-a-MOVIE-Starring-Dean-Cain/88393118828?ref=ts

“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.”

I’m very happy to announce that I will be giving away a DVD to one my followers. Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address. Last day to enter October 18, 2010.

Here are the ways to get extra entries:

For extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1
~Read and leave a comment on any recent two posts. +2

Make sure to tell me your comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries. You can earn a total of 5 entries if you do all of the above entry options. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email. U.S. residents only!

Yvonne Harris author of The Vigilante's Bride interview and BOOK GIVEAWAY

Today’s interview and giveaway is of Yvonne Harris who has written “The Vigilante’s Bride.”
Thanks for answering my questions Yvonne.

How long did you write before you were published?
I sold the first piece I ever wrote to Woman's Day, the only place I sent it. It was an article on "Children and Clay." When we moved to another state, and teaching jobs were scarce, I took a job as Personnel Director for a hotel chain. I started writing articles on taxes and payroll and employee hiring, things I dealt with every day. About that time, I wrote my first novel, Hindu Kush, an international thriller set in Afghanistan. I sent it out to three publishers, and one of them bought it.


Tell us about “The Vigilante's Bride” the featured book.
This is my first historical romance. It has a western setting--Montana 1884-and I love this genre. I started my synopsis with a short statement about vigilantees and frontier justice to counter the negative impressions that usually go along with vigilantism. I had good guys doing bad things, and I wanted to justify it. Once that was out of the way, the story was easy to write.


What message do you want to be clear to your readers?
That it is never too late to change, and sometimes change is hard. In the case of my vigilante hero, he wants to hang up his guns and live a different life.


What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
I love clay, used to be a potter, and had my own studio. Now I'm a news junkie, interested in politics, a good combination for plots. Until I wrote Vigilante's Bride, I wrote political thrillers. Hindu Kush was the first thriller, followed by one set in Spain, then one set in Russia, all good guys doing bad things for country and honor.

For vacationing, Chincoteague, Virginia, with the wild ponies across the channel, is a great spot if you love the ocean. We used to rent an apartment on the bay, take the turkey and all the fixings and spend Thanksgiving there, eating and looking at the lighthouse.


Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
An ex-cheerleader, I was into figure roller skating and dancing. But, I had a secret yearning to join the Roller Derby. Helmets and knee-pads, little and loud--Oh, I'd have had a great time! Fortunately, I outgrew it.


How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
No, to all of the above. I write every day, but not to a schedule. How long to finish a novel? I don't know. The books I sold before were finished before I sent them out. For the first time in my life, I have a deadline. I'll let you know how that works.


What are you currently reading?
Nothing for pleasure, unfortunately. I have a stack of Texas Ranger books I'm reading as research for the next book. Everything from Lone StarJustice to The American West to My Six Years As a Texas Ranger.


Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
No. I have no luck growing things. Even my cactuses (cacti?) die. I suspect I have two black thumbs. I love sunflowers.


What are you writing now?
A River to Cross, a Texas Ranger story set by the Rio Grande in 1874.


How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.ylharris.com

Thank you so much for this wonderful interview Yvonne. We really appreciate it and wish you much happiness and joy.

To win this book. 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:

For extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1
~Read and leave a comment on these recent two DVD reviews. +2

UPSIDE

BRINGING UP BOBBY

Make sure to tell me in one/your entry comment on this post which
of the things you did to get extra entries. You can earn a total of 5
entries if you do all of the above entry options.
Contest is only open in the U.S. and 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 OCTOBER 15,2010

The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris*a review

Is Her Kidnapper the Only Man Who Can Keep Her Safe?

Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and abducting a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expected to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from his pa, but instead ended up rescuing a feisty copper-haired woman who was on her way to marry Sullivan's dangerous enemy.

Emily McCarthy doesn't take kindly to her so-called rescue. Still, she's hoping Providence will turn her situation for good, especially when it seems Luke Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Luke has crossed a vicious man, a powerful rancher not used to losing, and Emily is the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice.


Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0804-1
ISBN-10: 0-7642-0804-7
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 304
Carton Quantity: 40
Publication Date: Aug. 10
Formats: Paperback

The Author
Yvonne Harris earned a BS in Education from the University of Hartford and has taught throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic. Unofficially retired from teaching, she teaches writing at Burlington County College in southern New Jersey, where she resides. She is a three-time finalist for the Golden Heart, once for The Vigilante’s Bride, which is her debut novel.
http://www.ylharris.com/

My Review
The author wrote to me and told me this, quite interesting:

“I have a couple of things about the book that aren't generally known. For instance, it is based on fact--there really was a vigilance committee by the same name in Montana and run for Granville Stuart (a real man who became an ambassador after he got out of the cattle business in Montana.) My fictional hero ran the committee for Stuart in the story. Stuart's group makes an appearance or two in the story. They were the good guys and Stuart is known to this day as Mister Montana, the man who saved Montana.”

“The Vigilante's Bride” is Yvonne Harris' debut historical fiction novel.
Quite a fantastic start it is. A book I thoroughly enjoyed.
In 1884, Emily McCarthy, who is 18 years old, finds herself in a complicated situation. Emily has grown up in an orphanage, but now they can’t keep her anymore. So they tell Emily that she should accept a bride announcement in the paper and marry a prosperous widower, Bartholomew Axel. Emily doesn’t want to do this, but she has little choice. She will be thrown out into the street if she doesn’t.

Luke Sullivan is working on a vigilante committee to rid the West of criminals, because they don’t have any law. One of the criminal leads him to think that his father suffered the loss of their ranch when he was a young boy to Axel and that he was cheated. So, when Luke wants to try and make things even with Axel. When he over hears two men talking about taking something important to Axel Luke decides stop the stage. He finds some money, but something all together different that he even thought.

This book has it all from love, orphans, Christianity, cowboys and Indians, cattle rustling, gunfights. This is another book that I couldn’t put down. I wanted to keep reading and hated when I reached the end. Truly a fantastic book to read. So I highly recommend this book. Add it to your library. Thanks to Yvonne Harris for writing it.



Order from Bethany House

Order from Amazon

I was graciously provided a copy of The Vigilante's Bride by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly *a review

When tragedy steals her future, can Leah learn to trust again?
It is the autumn of 1920, and Leah Breckenridge is desperate to find a way to provide for her young daughter. After losing her husband and infant son, she is angry at God and fearful about the days ahead. Finding refuge in a boardinghouse run by her late husband's aunt, Leah begins the slow process of mending her heart.
Is it the people who surround her--or perhaps this very house--that reach into her heart with healing? As Leah finds peace tending to an abandoned garden, can she find a way to trust God with her future?
A beautifully simple story about the complexities of life, The House on Malcolm Street is a treasure.

Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3328-5
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3328-2
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 352
Carton Quantity: 40
Publication Date: Sep. 10
Formats: Paperback


Leisha Kelly is the author of several bestselling historical fiction books, including Emma's Gift, Julia's Hope, and Katie's Dream. She has served many years on her local library board, continuing to bring good reads and educational opportunities to her community. Once a waitress, cafe manager, tutor, and EMT, Leisha is now a busy novelist and speaker who is active in the ministries of her church. She lives with her family in Illinois.
http://www.leishakelly.com/


My Review
I’ve read many of Leisha Kelly’s books, but “The House on Malcolm Street” is the best. This book is written in first person both from Leah and Josiah-the two main characters in the story. Eliza is the six-year-old daughter who is sweet, kind, always taking care of her mother.
Leah and her daughter come to live with Marigold McSweeney, {all of the women in her family have flowers as first names} an aunt of her husband's because she has nowhere else to go.
Recently Leah has lost her husband and infant son. Josiah has lost his pregnant wife years ago. They both are living at Marigold’s boarding house and at first they can’t stand to be in the same room. Marigold and her Jewish neighbor Saul are very good friends.
This book is full of tragedy, sadness, mystery, working through problems, helping others, love, finally peace. I would really recommend this book for you to read, keep and share with all of your friends. You won’t be sorry you bought it. Don’t you just love the cover? It’s a sweet, peaceful kind of look.



Order from Revell

Order from Amazon

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

Bringing Up Bobby DVD review

Bringing Up Bobby
When it comes to whipping up a somewhat-edible dinner or passing along faith-focused advice, James Wyler has plenty of experience.
For a dozen years, James has been both big brother and surrogate parent to his siblings. Trusting God to lead his path, James has done his best to honor his deceased parents as he's raised his two brothers and a sister.
Now, as youngest brother Bobby is about to turn 16, everyone returns to the family home to celebrate at a waterslide park—and to finally hear the reading of their parents' will.
Sister Andrea is hoping for the largest share of the pie to maintain her lavish lifestyle. Brother Dennis—make that The Dennis—needs some quick cash to keep the anarchists at bay. (Don't ask ...)
Then there's Bobby. He just wants to figure out what Liz, the new girl in school, likes so that he can impress her. As The Dennis says, Bobby's dealing with "a little bit of the teenage angst."
Add in a hidden stash of cash, an attractive lawyer, a friend dealing with issues at home, and The War Table—where topics of vital importance (or not!) are discussed—and you have a different family kind of comedy. Very different.
Bringing Up Bobby is a quirky story of family, identity, and faith that isn't afraid to show that life can get muddled. And when it does, there usually aren't easy answers to all of the questions.
So grab a plate of tuna casserole and find out if Bobby will discover what Liz is looking for in a guy. And more importantly, will he ever be able to figure out who he is?
Will Andrea get enough stuff? Will James ever have a date?
And will The Dennis be able to stay one step ahead of the anarchists?
In between laughs, Bringing Up Bobby will have you pondering life's important issues ... and wishing your family was as unique as the Wylers.

The Crew
Chris Staron is the writer and director of both BRINGING UP BOBBY and Between the Walls.
Nick Staron is the producer, editor, and cinematographer for BRINGING UP BOBBY, as well as Between the Walls.
Andrew Griffiths, who composed the score for BRINGING UP BOBBY, is a composer, producer and musician from South Wales, U.K.
Nathan Webster is the Media Manager for BRINGING UP BOBBY

The Cast
Marc Thompson (James)graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 1997 with a degree in acting. Since then, he has found much success in voiceover work. He was the voice of Thelma in the Citibank Identity theft commercial. Marc is featured on many cartoons such as "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "GI Joe Sigma Six," "Yu-gui-oh," and "Poke'mon." Marc is also the voice for Star Wars audio books The Fate of the Jedi and Legacy of the Force. Marc has acted in plays off-Broadway and made his Broadway debut in the Tony nominated revival of "Talk Radio."



Alexander Hinsky (Bobby)makes his onscreen debut in BRINGING UP BOBBY. Alex is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana where he actively participated in numerous community theater projects. In addition to acting, he also writes, performs, and records music. Growing up in a musical family, acting and singing have always been a big part of Alex's life. Currently, he is working towards a degree in vocal performance and music business.



Brian Morvant (Dennis)is a New York City-based actor and stunt performer. His feature film credits include BRINGING UP BOBBY, The Penny, Greetings From Bushwick, Amber Dreams, and Tracked. He has also been seen on TV's "The Guiding Light," as well as on the popular videogame-centric web series "A World of Her PWN". On stage, Brian has appeared in the world premiere of "Screen Play" and in "Mother Courage." He also has extensive experience performing in Shakespeare as Hamlet, Prince Hal, Bassanio, Mercutio, Toby Belch, and Caliban. As a stunt performer, his credits include "Kings" and Gnarls Barkley. Learn more at Brianmorvant.com



Liz Bucher (Liz)makes her on-screen debut in BRINGING UP BOBBY. She enjoys singing and playing the guitar at church and teaching Sunday school. Over the last few years she has participated in many missions trips both in the US and abroad. In her free time she enjoys making wedding cakes and training for a marathon.



Jhey Castles (Terry)has worked on several feature-length films including "The Visitation" and many national commercials. Recently, she has studied with the L.A. branch of Second City and worked on her own short film. A competitive ice skater for 10 years, she is also an accomplished classical pianist. In her freetime, Jhey enjoys running marathons.


Adam Misenko (Eric)is a Cleveland-based actor who makes his feature film debut in BRINGING UP BOBBY. His other credits include work in L.A. on national commercials and professional modeling. When he is not performing, Adam enjoys playing "Guitar Hero," a talent that has won him the affection of many cast members.

Reagan Kendrick (Andrea)is a Cleveland-based actress. She has performed in numerous theatrical productions, including Shakespeare. She is often cast as the villain, with BRINGING UP BOBBY being no exception. Her other work includes a short film titled Thirty Nothing and modeling.


Jay Smith (Walter)has appeared in almost 40 plays including work for the Cincinnati Playhouse and the Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati. Jay has also appeared in many films and television commercials. A graduate of Asbury College, Jay studied Broadcast Communications with a minor in Theater. He has studied acting at the Russian/American Performing Arts Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts and at the Point Park Conservatory in Pittsburgh.

My Review
“Bringing Up Bobby” is one of the funniest movies with a Christian theme that I’ve seen. My three youngest children, ages 19, 17 and 16 LOVED it and watched it over and over. You know how hard it is to get and keep a teenagers attention for very long, but this movie did that.
The reason I like this movie besides the hilarious parts {which are all through the movie} is the Christianity that is a major theme. Some movies just stick about God or being a Christian in one part, but “Bringing Up Bobby” has Christianity from start to finish. This movie shows us you can have a riot in life, but still have Jesus at the center.
“Bringing Up Bobby” also is about reading wills, money, greed, child neglect, alcoholism and thinking you deserve everything. It also teaches even when things don’t go your way you can still praise the Lord and keep on with a positive attitude.
Bobby just turning 16 doesn’t know what he believes so his older brother/caregiver challenges him to read the book of John and find out what he believes. For Bobby’s 16 birthday his older brother and sister say they came back to celebrate with him, but we find out they came back for the reading of the will, which happens 12 years after the death of their parents. You won’t believe all of the fun and trouble this family of four and their friends get into. It is so fun and wonderful to watch a movie that is full of love for the Lord and just side splitting laughs.
The special features on this DVD are so cool. The film makers are two young brothers from OH, a great state. Outtakes, Home Movies from the set and Behind the scenes.
I highly recommend this movie for one and all.






Order your copy here
http://www.bringingupbobbymovie.com/



“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.”

Upside DVD review

UPSIDE
It's all how you look at it
From the looks of things, Solomon White has a well-mapped future. Finish his senior year of high school, select an elite university, continue his lacrosse career, and reap the rewards of success on whichever road life takes him.
But a devastating hit on the lacrosse field leaves his world literally turned upside down. Will he be able to gain the perspective needed to face his new reality?
UPSIDE provides a fresh look at life through the eyes of Soli (Randall Bentley, "Heroes"), a young athlete struggling to discover where he's headed, both figuratively and literally. Viewing the world upside down is a challenge few will ever face, but that hardly is the extent of Soli's pressing concerns.
He has trouble at home with his mom, he's trying to end his relationship with his girlfriend, and he has to come to grips with a teacher that thinks he can be much more than he wants to be. Suddenly, Soli's senior year looking nothing like he imagined it would be.
Add in Wren (Leah Sims), an unlikely love interest with a strong faith in God, and Soli must take a new look at everything he believes in.
Can Soli win the heart of Wren, who happens to be blind? Can he believe in something he can't see? Will he find a new direction for his life, even if his eyesight never returns to normal?
When you can't trust your eyes, you still have your voice. This unique story is an inspiring reminder that when life gets you down, there's always an UPSIDE.



SPYPLANE FILMS
Crew
KEN HORSTMANN (Writer/Director)
PETE WAGES (Director of Photography)
CASEY WALLACE (Producer)
ANDREW GREIN (Producer)


Upside is an inspiring film about faith and love that challenges us all to follow the unique path God has for us-Mark Hall, youth Pastor and Lead Singer, Casting Crowns.

The Actors

RANDALL BENTLEY (Solomon White)
Raised in Georgia, Randall Bentley started his acting career after winning an international talent competition at the age of 13. His first dramatic role was on the finale of "Judging Amy." He is best known for his role as Lyle Bennet on the hit NBC TV series "Heroes." His television credits also include "The Unit," "State of Mind," "Love's Unfolding Dream," and others including a recent pilot for CBS. Off the set, Randall is an avid soccer player and enjoys philanthropy, table tennis, singing and playing guitar, and spending time with his dog Sandy. He is currently attending Honors College at the University of Georgia in Athens.


LEAH SIMS (Wren Woods)
Leah Sims lives in metro-Atlanta with her husband Andy and two cats. She graduates from Kennesaw State University in December 2010 with a degree in Communication. When she's not fervently studying, Leah can often be found wandering the aisles of the nearest Barnes & Noble, singing on the worship team at her church, reading, hanging out with friends, or dabbling in screenwriting at local coffee shops. (Leah enjoys any excuse to lurk at local coffee shops.) Leah became interested in acting at six years of age when she dreamed of being a voice for animated movies. She began acting at the age of ten with Master's Academy of Fine Arts, a home school group for children interested in drama, music, art, and history. In high school, Leah branched into community theatre and finally took the leap into film during her sophomore year of college. UPSIDE is Leah's feature film debut.


TAYLOR ST. CLAIR (Mrs. Buck)
Taylor St. Clair has been performing professionally for more than 30 years. She has been in more than 35 theatrical productions including the premieres of Del Hamilton's Burning Bridges and The Troll; Jim Grimsley's The Existentialists, The Earthlings, and White People; Deena Metzger's Dreams Against The State; and Nicholas Kazan's Southern Comfort. She has also appeared in nine films including UPSIDE, Mona's Pets (Audience Award Winner at the International Short Film Festival in Clermont-Ferrand, France), Jinx'd, The Death Priest of Zeburon, and Evolution Creek (yet to be released). Taylor has trained with Joe Chakin, Steven Kent, Clayton Landey, Eric Morris, Ellen Stewart, Mike Pniewski, George Watkins and Paul Weber. Currently she is doing scene study at Creative Studios of Atlanta, writing her first play, and continuing her studies in French.

BLAIR JASIN (Cody)
Blair Jasin was born and raised in Carmel, Indiana before moving to Georgia when he was in high school. He recently graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia with a degree in theatre and a focus on performance. He has been working in the business for a few years, shooting everything from commercials to music videos. UPSIDE is his first full-length theatrical film. He currently resides in Atlanta and is continuing to work as an actor with many projects in the works.

JEREMY HARRISON (Craig Parker)
Jeremy studied theatre at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and has been a working actor in Chicago, L.A., and Atlanta, where he now resides. He has appeared in several commercials, industrials, and independent films. His stage credits include The Summer House in April, The Rocky Horror Show, Moonchildren, Stories Gone Wilde, Pirates of Penzance, Everyman, and A Tale of Two Cities.


KAY COPELAND (Cindee)
An Atlanta native, Kay Copeland began performing onstage in dance at age three. From there, she moved to church, school, and community musical theater. Kay has been pursuing her career in film and television in New York City since graduating from high school. She has been in various short films, independent films, and commercials. Kay recently completed a conservatory at Michael Howard Studios, where she was a student for two years. Playing Cindy in UPSIDE is her first feature film role.

My Review
“Upside” is a really super movie. A tender love story and it is also about a young man finding himself. In “Upside” everyone is telling Solomon what to do with his life and at first he doesn’t really think about doing anything else. His mom tells him to go to the college she did. His coaches tell him to play Lacrosse. When Soli is hurt while playing Lacrosse his vision becomes impaired. This changes everything for him. Soli meets a blind girl-Wren and at the same time his teacher Mrs. Buck introduces him to a writer/teacher Craig Parker who mentors Soli. He shows him he has talent in writing. Craig encourages him to think for himself and find his true potential in life.
I like this movie because Solomon is being pushed from one path to another until he starts to consider his options in what really matters in life. The best part is Solomon finds Jesus. Wren is a Christian and she takes Soli to church, he’s not really happy about it at first. Wren shows Soli you can have fun being a Christian even when you are a blind Christian.
“Upside” is a wonderful movie to have and view with your family, friends, church members. The movie teaches you to “Live the life you’re meant to.”
I recommend this for all ages. So buy it today and enjoy a wonderful movie. I know you really want to find out what Solomon decides.


http://www.upsidemovie.com/



“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.”