This is such an intriguing documentary and the book so far has been good as well. We have used it as a homeschool resource and my older kids (13,11) have enjoyed it and has sparked some great conversation. I would definitely recommend this as a homeschool resource for your Bible studies!
🎥 About the film:
Based on Dr. D. James Kennedy’s best-selling book by the same name, it features scholars and experts who investigate the positive impact Jesus Christ has made upon every area of life, including:
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§ the arts
§ modern science
§ education
§ charity
§ the sanctity of human life
§ the elevation of women
§ and many more
Discover just how much Jesus changed the world …
⠀
🎉 Giveaway
⠀
https://www.blessedfreebies.com/what-if-jesus-had-never-been-born.html
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🛍️ Order:
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https://offers.djameskennedy.org/wijhnbb-fg/?utm_campaign=wijhnbb-fg&utm_source=CW&utm_medium=Influencer20221118&utm_content=L2828&PN=41201523
About the Book
Book: In Spotlight and Shadow
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Series: Doors to the Past, Book 11
Publisher: Barbour
Release Date: February, 1, 2023
Elise Malvern has a habit of letting people down. Her former boyfriend who hoped she’d be his bride. Her grandfather who hoped she’d take over the family’s auction company. But mostly she’s disappointed herself. What’s the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist, if she is too scared to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony? Her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall places her in the wings of the stage, but never on it. By accident, she discovers an old stage prop. Her instincts tell her there’s more to the paste necklace than meets the eye. Whether a good idea or not, she accepts help from a childhood friend, who happens to be country music megastar—Peirson Brooks. Peirson and Elise share a history; one she doesn’t care to repeat. The more involved they become in the mystery, the more things get tangled, including her heart.
A century earlier…
Sophie Walters longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more difficult than she imagined. Having spoiled all her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. She watches her dreams pass by from behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew’s Penn Theatre. She finally gets the coveted spotlight, but not for her talent. No, her surge to fame is all one terrible mistake. Somehow, she’s suspected to be a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. The man she pleads for help is none other than the man she jilted at the altar five years before, Sterling Monroe.
A century earlier…
Sophie Walters longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more difficult than she imagined. Having spoiled all her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. She watches her dreams pass by from behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew’s Penn Theatre. She finally gets the coveted spotlight, but not for her talent. No, her surge to fame is all one terrible mistake. Somehow, she’s suspected to be a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. The man she pleads for help is none other than the man she jilted at the altar five years before, Sterling Monroe.
My Thoughts
I have read all of Rachel's books and I have never been disappointed. They have all been excellent and intriguing and this one definitely rose above the top. I think she has such a knack for writing dual timelines that completely draw you in. There is always a bit of everything from mystery to humor, twists and of course swoon worthy romances!!
Although I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines I must admit that I have been waiting for this 1920's timeline since Rachel's first book Above the Fold. (If you haven't read it yet you must!!) I was so glad to have resolution to Sterling and Sophie's storyline. It was great getting to know Sophie better and why she acted the way she did in the first book. The jewel thief twist was perfect in this storyline!! We get to see some past characters and that was just like the cherry on top for me!
We do have to talk about the present timeline... whew the characters chemistry is on fire!! The almost kisses between her and Pierson had me at the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed their storyline as well and I could've read a whole book just about them. The growth that Elise goes through in the story is amazing. She truly grows not only within herself but with God. She starts seeing herself the way God sees her and realizes that she needs to live her life and not follow after someone else's dream. This is all due to Pierson challenging her which I found completely swoon-worthy!
Both timelines were amazing and I didn't know how in the world they were going to connect to each other but they did. There were twists I didn't expect which is always a good thing when reading a book. I read this way past my bedtime and it was completely worth it!
Overall I loved this book but honestly I have loved every book that Rachel has written. She is one of my favorites. The way she writes is enjoyable to read because she truly grabs you. I laughed, awaited in suspense and even shed some tears while reading. The faith thread was present and I love that she puts God in the center of all her stories. I for one can't wait to read what she pens next!
My Rating: 5 Stars/LOVED IT!!
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
About the Book
Book: Within These Walls of Sorrow
Author: Amanda Barratt
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: January 17, 2023
Zosia Lewandowska knows the brutal realities of war all too well. Within weeks of Germany's invasion of her Polish homeland, she lost the man she loves. As ghetto walls rise and the occupiers tighten their grip on the city of Krakow, Zosia joins pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff in the heart of the Krakow ghetto as they risk their lives to aid the Jewish people trapped by Nazi oppression.
Hania Silverman's carefree girlhood is shattered as her family is forced into the ghetto. Struggling to survive in a world hemmed in by walls and rife with cruelty and despair, she encounters Zosia, her former neighbor, at the pharmacy. As deportation winnow the ghetto's population and snatch those she holds dear, Hania's natural resiliency is exhausted by reality.
Zodia and Hania's lives intertwine as they face the griefs and fears thrust upon them by war, until one day, they are forced to make a desperate choice . . . one that will inexorably bind them together, even as they are torn apart.
Amanda Barratt's meticulous research and lush, award-winning writing shine once again in this moving look at a group of unsung heroes who fought for hope and humanity in the most harrowing of times.
My Thoughts
This was my first book by this author and I was more than impressed. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but it took me to a historical journey that I did not quite expect. This book definitely touched all my emotions from the very beginning. There are a lot of books out there dealing with World War II but I have not experienced a book like this. The research was so well done that the author had me on a deep dive search of locations and photographs. I definitely submerged myself in this point of history while reading this book.
Zosia and Hania's story was just a small sampling of the atrocities that went on during the German occupation in Poland. It recounts the journey of those that were punished for absolutely no reason whatsoever. This is one of those stories reminiscent to Schindler's List or Anne Frank. A story that I will not hesitate to introduce to my soon to be high schooler as part of a literature assignment.
Kudos to the author for writing such a great book. This is not a feel good story but it definitely makes you think afterwards about the repercussions that can occur when people stay silent and allow evil to take over.
My Rating: 5 Stars/Excellent Read
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
ECPA best-selling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story—a spin-off of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes romantic, historical fiction, penning stories of beauty and brokenness set against the backdrop of bygone eras not so very different from our own. She's the author of over a dozen novels and novellas including The White Rose Resists: A Novel of the German Students Who Defied Hitler and My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love.
Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her family, where she can be found reading way too many books, plotting her next novel, and jotting down imaginary travel itineraries for her dream vacation to Europe.
Connect with her on Facebook and visit her online at amandabarratt.net.
Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her family, where she can be found reading way too many books, plotting her next novel, and jotting down imaginary travel itineraries for her dream vacation to Europe.
Connect with her on Facebook and visit her online at amandabarratt.net.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Midnight Blue by Suzie Waltner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Midnight Blue Series: Love in Color #1
Author: Suzie Waltner
Publisher: Anaiah Press Publishing
Release Date: September 6, 2022
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
A series of heartbreaking setbacks behind her, Scarlett Sykes is now focused on creating the best life possible for her daughter. One where innocence and joy is not colored by rejection or loss. While finances are tight and Scarlett’s job isn’t ideal for a single mother, her child will always know she’s loved. Especially since Harmony’s father wanted nothing to do with them.
As lead singer and the face of a successful country band, Jake Turnquist’s closest friends depend on him, but life in the spotlight is quickly losing its appeal. At a party celebrating another accomplishment, he’s stunned to discover Scarlett assisting the caterer. Almost ten years have passed, but he’s never forgotten his first love.
In the hours after a surprise revelation, Jake scrambles to orchestrate a way to spend time with Scarlett and Harmony—the family he’s always wanted but never knew he had. He once gave her up to pursue his music. What will he have to surrender to win her back?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub
My Thoughts
Suzie Waltner is a new to me author and I cannot wait to read more from her. This felt like a really quick read but I was completely engaged in the storyline and the characters. I absolutely loved Jake despite his cluelessness at the beginning of the story. He was definitely swoon-worthy throughout the whole story. There is definitely some tension between these characters as they try to work out their past and come together to mend their present to have a future.
The faith threat was present throughout the whole story and forgiveness was at the forefront of it all. If you enjoy second chance romance stories this is the one for you to try. I can't wait to read the next in this series. Hopefully we will get to see more of Scarlett and Jake but I also can't wait to read more from the other characters that were introduced in this one.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it
I received a copy of this book from the author and Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is first and foremost a reader. When she’s not at work or reading or writing, you can find her cheering on the Nashville Predators (hockey) or dancing an hour away in Zumba class. Until her second year of college, her life plan was to become a veterinarian. A fainting spell while watching a surgery performed on a sheep changed that plan. Now she works in the corporate world during the day while creating stories in her free time. Suzie resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She currently serves as the president of the Middle Tennessee ACFW chapter.
Connect with Suzie by visiting suziewaltner.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a Everything But the Book Cozy Reading Basket: sherpa throw, I'd Rather Be Reading mug, I Read Past My Bedtime socks, 12 oz orange spice candle, portable power bank, book cozy, and some reading snacks plus a $20 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 16, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 23, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
About the Book
Book: Her Heart's Desire
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Series: A Season in Pinecraft, Book 1
Genre: Christian Amish Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: January 3, 2023
Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she's amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber. The handsome and charming carpenter is taken by Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky--including a girl he's supposed to marry.
When someone from Mary's past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that's nothing compared to what's coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.
When someone from Mary's past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that's nothing compared to what's coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.
My Thoughts
This book is a pretty quick read. It introduces us to three young Amish women trying to escape their normal routines and hometowns. They are what most would consider wallflowers. While they do not know each other they become fast friends on their way to Pinecraft, Florida. Their similarities bring them closer to each other throughout the trip.
This story was good and being that it is the first in the series it introduced you to a lot of characters. I felt like there were too many storylines going on to truly appreciate each characters and see any growth. I also felt like the storylines, that perhaps had a bit of conflict were quickly resolved leaving you kind of wanting a bit more. There were also some relationships that moved a bit quick but left us hanging without resolving some issues or details that were brought up in the story. For example Michael's storyline I felt like we needed to know a bit more and perhaps that will develop more in the next couple of books.
Overall I thought this was a good story. I felt it read more like a young adult book so I would definitely recommend it for that age bracket.
My Rating: 3 Stars/ Liked it
I received a copy of this book from the publisher Revell. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
About the Book
Book: Engaging Deception
Author: Regina Jennings
Series: Joplin Chronicles, Book 3
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: December 13, 2022
Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it's only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny--not knowing that she'll be working for her idol, Joplin's leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.
Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny--she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What's worse, Maxfield's current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder's work.
As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive's involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?
Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny--she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What's worse, Maxfield's current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder's work.
As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive's involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?
My Thoughts
I of course read this series completely out of order but honestly I didn't think I missed too much. I felt like this could easily be read as stand alone book. The only thing you will miss out if you haven't read the whole series is the dynamics of the family.
I really enjoyed Olive's story. She had huge dreams of being an architect in a time where it was uncommon for a woman to hold such a position. She definitely had great talent that was being hidden despite her projects coming to fruition through the hands and voice of her cousin who acts more like a hillbilly than an actual architect. Everything unfolds when Maxfield comes into her life. She takes the position of nanny at his house and he is actually a very prominent architect.
I have to be honest Max drove me a bit bonkers. He was so clueless about the person who stood in front of him. I felt like there were plenty of clues for him to piece things together but alas... you will have to read it and let me know your thoughts.
Overall I thought it was a great story and a great addition to the series.
My Rating: 4 Stars
I received a digital copy of this book through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
About the Book
Book: A Mark of Grace
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Series: Secrets of the Canyon, Book 3
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date:
Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth's entire livelihood is put at risk.
Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as the head chef at the El Tovar. But with the continuing thefts at the hotel, and his growing affection for Ruth, Frank's career--and his heart--are in jeopardy.
As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar and forge a new path for the future together.
Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as the head chef at the El Tovar. But with the continuing thefts at the hotel, and his growing affection for Ruth, Frank's career--and his heart--are in jeopardy.
As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar and forge a new path for the future together.
My Thoughts
What a great conclusion to this series! It was great to return to the Grand Canyon to the El Tovar Hotel. Mrs. Woodhouse once more paints such a picturesque scenery that you feel like you are right there with these characters seeing all the beauty that they see. I enjoyed being back with the Harvey girls and seeing Ruth's story unfold. Her journey to find who she really was great and I really liked how her friends help her see beyond the superficial and rely on God who looks beyond all of that and focuses on the heart.
The love interest Frank was great and at times I felt bad for him. I just wanted him to scream at the top of his lungs how he felt about Ruth but everything was perfect as it usually is in God's timing.
There is plenty to read in this book. Not only the characters transformation and faith journey but there is also some action and twists I wasn't expecting. Definitely a great read and I highly recommend the whole series!
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Liked it
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty-five books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader's Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared with over 1,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in the Poconos where she's traded in her hat of "craziest mom" for "coolest grandma." Connect with Kim at:
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