My Name is Paul ~ DVD Review

I am always looking for exceptional family movies that have a message and is something appropriate for my family to gather around and watch together. In most cases I have found those movies come from Word Films and when I received an offer to review their latest movie, My Name is Paul, I was more than excited!

The premise is a futuristic version of the retelling of the story of Paul from the Bible, the Christian killer. In this case, Paul is part of a police force to eliminate followers of Christ called the Way from spreading their religion across the city. He is known for capturing and in most cases bringing those cases to trial and even filling the victims without forethought. He believes its simply part of his job and one that his superiors recognize and promote him for.

Now he is on the hunt for their leader, a man named Stephen, who refuses to go into hiding even though the Way followers believe he should especially in light of Paul's recent promotions to find the leaders and bring their to justice. Only just like the Bible version, Paul is confronted through a terrible accident that completely leaves him blind and searching for the real truth and one that will drastically change the life he had been living.

I received My Name is Paul compliments of Edify Media Inc and Word Films for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions in this review are strictly my own. This unfortunately for me was not one of my favorites. I felt it was too poorly made and the characters weren't believable enough to make you care about them enough to want to finish the movie at 100 minutes in length. It simply lacked the passion to make this one work in my opinion and I felt that the story needed more depth to it to make it work for a modern day audience. The message is clear but my family didn't care for it at all. My daughter at 15 left within the first 10 minutes of the beginning of the movie.In my opinion, I would give this one a 3 out of 5 stars. It's great for a rental but not one I would purchase to add to my family library.

For more information about My Name is Paul, Word Films or where to pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

My Name is Paul by Word Films

You can also find Word Films on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest in family entertainment.

The Mirror

If you're a fan of science fiction dealing with time travel woven together with a touch of romance, history and a bit of mystery, you might just want to pick up John Heldt's Northwest Passage Time Travel Series. I've been so privileged to be a part of this journey being invited to review his latest in the series, The Mirror. This is actually book 5 in the series, and follows the journey of Katie and Ginny Smith, twins who live in the year 2020 and find themselves at the Cedar River Country Fair. Having seen most of the exhibits, rides and fair offerings, they opt to check out one final thing before heading home, a throw back to the original fair's exhibits from the 60's which include fire eaters, fortune tellers and even a vintage House of Mirrors.

They take the chance to spend some time with Marta the Magnificent who offers a look into your future for $10 using your choice of the ball, the cards, the palms of the leaves. The girls chose the ball since it seems the most legit and when Marta tells them that they will soon go on an adventure like no other, a strange, mysterious journey much closer to home. She warns them that there will be handsome young men in their future and that these men will be no ordinary acquaintances and will change their lives. She strongly cautions them that they will be gone a long time and they will only have one chance to return. If they are not careful, they may never see home again.

Marta is so panicked by what she sees for both of the twins she refunds their money when the girls begin to get worried with her prediction. Her last words of advice for the twins, "Just take the money and go. Leave the fairgrounds now and go home. I'm advising you as a mother and a person who cares about your safety. Leave immediately. Don't do anything else tonight. Just go straight home and stay there. I beg you."

But like all great stories the girls don't follow Marta's advice and make a final stop before heading home at the House of Mirrors where they step through a mirror and find themselves in 1964. Remembering Marta's warning, they know they can get back but are unsure just how. They know they will only have one shot at it, but they also know that their parents were also given the rare opportunity as well to travel back in time. They just aren't sure how long they will be in 1964 and how they will find their way back. They only know that their parents did it before following the same path to get home, but there are no mirrors around. The fair has now been boarded up and they can only hope to find out when it will be reopened and try to find the same mirror they walked through the first time to get back home. For now the journey will take them in unexpected places and allow them to see family members that have been dead for quite some time. Is there a bigger plan in store for them or will they alter history forever?

I received The Mirror by John A. Heldt compliments of the author for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. This novel is proceeded by The Mine and The Show if you want to follow the story from the beginning to see the parallel time travel adventures from their parents and grandparents. It is interesting to see how teens from a technology advanced period of history have to deal with going back to the 60's and try to fit in. Dating is much different in some aspects than it was where they came from and women dressed much more sophisticated then they do wearing dresses instead of jeans and the girls seem to be rushed to find romance and love before their time runs out. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 in my opinion based on the fact that the girls are a bit promiscuous with their relationships and not too concerned with the consequences of their actions with the boys they encounter and for the majority of my reader base who might find this a cause for concern. I would have liked to seen them spend more time falling in love than simply sleeping with them. All in all, the novel is a wonderful blend of so many elements that the author executed so well and I love how it all worked out in the end.

For more information about The Mirror, John A. Heldt or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Mirror by John A. Heldt

You can also find John A. Heldt on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels. 

The Devil Walks in Mattingly

As I finished the latest novel from Billy Coffey, The Devil Walks in Mattingly, I remember what he told me when I interviewed him on what the reader would find in this one. He told me it will be much darker. And it is. Much darker!

To those of you that are looking for a happy story of some facet of Billy's walk in life, this is NOT that novel. Ir reminds me in fact of the opening line that Jude Law narrates for Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, "Dear reader, there are people in the world who know no misery and woe. And they take comfort in cheerful films about twittering birds and giggling elves. There are people who know that there's always a mystery to be solved. And they take comfort in researching and writing down any important evidence. But this story is not about such people.The movie you are about to see is extremely unpleasant. If you wish to see a film about a happy little elf, I'm sure there is still plenty of seating in theatre number two."

This novel is actually the prequel to Billy's third novel, When Mockingbird Sings. I've been a huge fan of Billy's since the days I first came across his stories on his Blog, "What I Learned Today", and fell in love with his uncanny abililty to do more than just tell a great story. He makes it come alive and makes you part of the action. I wanted to run ahead and read The Devil Walks in Mattingly as fast as possible, because you will always come away changed after reading ANY of his books. This one was NO different, however much like a race horse yearning to run ahead at the start of the gun, this one held me back restrained. No matter how much I wanted to run ahead, this one made me go slow. To say this novel is deep and dark, is an understatement. I believe it's Billy's finest examples of just how versatile of a writer he truly is.

I liken this novel to something a bit of a blend between Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe and M. Night Shyalmalan's Sixth Sense. This is about what we all face when dealing with the guilt of sin in our lives. Especially in this case where the murder of a young boy, Phillip McBride that happened twenty years ago, is now being felt in the town of Mattingly, Virginia by those with guilty consciences, the local sheriff, Jake Barnett, his wife, Kate, and the recluse that lives in Happy Hollow, Taylor Hathcock. Each of them believes that they have had a hand in the murder of Phillip and each have found a coping method that is slowly unraveling at the seams.

For Jake, he is trying to avoid confrontation at all costs in his job as Mattingly's sheriff, including the apprehension of his own father, Justus wanted for the murder of three men. Jake is haunted by nightmares of that fateful day by Phillip to deprives him not only of sleep but in moving forward in his life. Phillip is the spectre with a warning that he is coming back for him and Kate, and no one will escape. But is it really happening or it just the over active imagination of a guilty conscience?

Kate is stuck making amends for her guilt, one I related to the most. She keeps a notebook of all the young people she has helped to atone for her sin. She is hoping one day, she will achieved enough good deeds to make up for the one she can't apologize for and for the innocent loss of life she claimed that day when her prank took an unexpected turn on the last day of high school.

For Taylor, he spends his days waiting for just the right moment to "wake" them all up. He suffers from a mental snap and believes that the life his is living is merely a dream and that he is the only one who can help them all. He cautiously spies upon the sleepy residents of Mattingly knowing that the day is close at hand. The one event that brings things to life is the day footprints appear in the Hollow from a protective grove that Taylor is the keeper of, that lead back to Mattingly and back to her. Now he just needs to find the clues to piece it all together, but this will also bring to the town of Mattingly, an evil they have never experienced before and one that will forever change the town.

I received The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey, compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own, unless otherwise noted. This is a novel that showcases much more than a well written story. It shows how far guilt can carry us if we allow it to fester unresolved. It also teaches us the power of forgiveness. People often say that forgiveness is for others, but I beg to differ, it is for us that have been wronged instead. There is freedom in being able to forgive those who have wronged us, no matter what has happened. Those who can't are likely Jake, Kate and Taylor who are stuck feeling justified in keeping those feelings locked inside, and thus become more trapped and tormented than anyone should ever have to. By the time, you get to the end of this one, you will understand what grace truly is and how much freedom there is in forgiveness before you can ever move forward. In my opinion, by far, Billy's finest novel to date. There is such maturity in his writing this novel that is unparallelled in anything I have read and thus the reason for my 5 out of 5 stars. Looking forward to going even deeper Billy!

For more information about The Devil Walks in Mattingly, Billy Coffey or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey

You can find Billy Coffey on Facebook to stay up to date will all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Devil Walks in Mattingly, please visit Thomas Nelson Publisher's website. 

To read more reviews on The Devil Walks in Mattingly, please visit Litfuse Publicity Book Tour Page. 

Billy Coffey is celebrating his new book, The Devil Walks in Mattingly, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway.







 



One winner will receive:




• A Kindle Fire HDX


• The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 5th. Winner will be announced April  7th on Billy's blog. Watch Billy give the backstory of the book here.







Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Billy's blog on April 7th to see if you won.

A Sky Without Stars

Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Frankie Chasing Bear


I did not come to quilt-making easily. The urge to piece together shapes and colors wasn't my gift.

But when I was twelve, Grandmother said soon the quilt might be all that was left of what we once were. By the time your children wrap quilts around themselves, she told me, the star and all it stands for may be a dim memory, lit only by the fire of ancestors, clouded by ruddy smoke hanging in the sky.


Just before she died, Grandmother and I sat together one last time. She stopped to smooth a small wrinkle in the quilt top. "Lakota were favored among tribes," she said. "Our people stood at the top of the hills. The buffalo and the deer bowed to our warriors, and we lived together in peace. The peace pipe showed us how to live, and the stars helped us find good hunting grounds. One day, the sun rose on white men. They brought their religion, but they often did not listen to their God's teachings. We were brought low and herded like animals. They had no explanation, except to point to their Book. We were to love their God and love each other."

Grandmother laughed. "Lakota need no instruction on love." Tears glistened in her tired black eyes. She'd seen something terrible in the smoke, she said for the hundredth time. A red rose, unopened. Blood, a river of blood. Another day was coming, she said, when words from the Book would take place: We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

I dared not remind her she prayed to the God of the Bible. That she stood in two worlds, fully Lakota, fully Christian. I worry it's not possible for me. Indians who go to the church are shunned by their kin and by the whites. Outcasts, their feet in no world at all.

Before we traveled to Arizona, Grandmother made me promise to make this Lakota Star for my son. Sew love into every stitch and remember: a bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars. The quilt will help this child remember who he is, she said. The star will tell him how much he is loved and the light will save him at the last day." (excerpt Prologue).

A Sky Without Stars is the latest novel in the Quilts of Love Series by Linda S. Clare as she takes a Native American turn at storytelling. We meet Frankie Chasing Bear who has begun the task of trying to make it on her own as a single mother leaving her to care for her son, ten-year-old Harold. After growing up among men who drink, first her father and then her husband, Frankie knows that she must do all she can to make sure her son does not follow in his families footsteps. But Harold is facing his own challenges being bullied by a white boy named Orval who finds picking on the Indian child to be his lot in life. No matter how much Frankie tries to help, somethings can only be learned by going through life and enduring the tough trials. Soon Frankie and Harold find an ally in Nick Parker, a Federal Agent who is half Lakota as well and both will find that learning to embrace new challenges and giving up some of the past prejudices are just what is needed for them both to move forward to a new life.

I received A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. I love this take on the Quilts of Love series with the Native American twist for the 15th book in the series. I love how they embrace their heritage and the ways that have been passed down from generation to generation much like the quilt that Frankie is creating for her son, Harold. Quilts are like that in that they generally tell a bit about the person who handcrafted it with love and blessings as pieces are stitched together creating a beautiful work of art, much like how God uses our circumstances to create the person He has in mind as we grow and mature. I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars and it even includes a reader discussion guide at the end.

For more information about A Sky Without Stars, Linda S. Clare or where you can pick up a copy of this novel, please click on the links below:

A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare

You can also find Linda S. Clare on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Sky Without Stars, please visit Litfuse Publicity Book Tour's
Page. 

Don't miss this month's Quilts of Love book, A Star Without Stars, by Linda S. Clare. Linda is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway and joining her fellow Quilts of Love authors, Barbara Cameron and Joyce Magnin, for a Facebook "Spring Fling" party on April 1st.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
• A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare
• Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 1st. Winner will be announced at the "Spring Fling" Facebook Party on April 1st. RSVP today and connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Barbara Cameron, Linda S. Clare, and Joyce Magnin, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of Scraps of Evidence, A Sky Without Stars, and Maybelle in Stitches and join Barbara, Linda, and Joyce on the evening of April 1st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on April 1st!

Eyes on Target

"In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation's call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed.

Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America's finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail." (Portions of the United States Navy SEAL - The SEAL Creed.

If you are a member, it doesn't matter where or when you served. You can show up uninvited at funerals of the youngest or oldest veterans and be hailed as a brother by total strangers. You can phone another SEAL whom you've never met and be taken for a drink. You might show up to mow the lawn of a widow whose husband died before you served. The bonds are strong partly because the group is so small. There have been fewer than three thousand U.S. Navy SEALs in the history of the world and about half of them are still alive. They all know, or know of, each other. The SEALs call themselves a "brotherhood," and they actually are one. What defines a SEAL is his unwillingness to never, ever give up. It requires extraordinary will in all three aspects of human existence: body, mind and spirit. Very, very few men are dominant in all three." (excerpt from Eyes on Target)

The SEAL Code

Loyalty to Country, Team, and Teammate

Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield

Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit

Take Responsibility for your Actions and the Actions of Your Teammates

Excel as Warriors through Discipline and Innovation

Train for War, Fight to Win, Defeat our Nation's Enemies

Earn Your Trident every day.

I have always admired the hard work and dedication of our armed forces but none so much as the Navy SEALs especially after reading Eyes on Target: Inside Stories From the Brotherhood of the U.S. Navy SEALs by Scott McEwen and Richard Miniter. It truly takes the readers back into the origins of the SEALs, through training, graduation and missions where they were not always supported by our government through the politics that plague getting the job done. 

Both of these authors share some of the infamous stories that we, as readers, may have heard about, but include details most of us have not heard. From Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan where the lives of Lt Michael Murphy, Senior Crew Chief Dan Healy, communications officer Dan Dietz, and sniper Matthew Axelson were lost to Fallujah which claimed the lives of U.S. Navy SEAL Scott Helvenston and three American Blackwater contractors whose bodies were left hanging from a city bridge over the Euphrates river; and finally the Benghazi attacks that have taken the lives of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Gregory Hicks and Tyrone Woods both former U.S. Navy SEALs while our government sat back for hours and did nothing while watching live video feeds sent by drones of what was happening. 

What is appalling reading this is why our government and even our current President did nothing to expedite the rescue of these men even though for weeks Ambassador Stevens asked for more security at the U.S. Embassy in Libya. Due to budget cutbacks they never provided him the assets he asked for even when violence was escalating and numerous attacks to the Embassy showed that insurgents were testing the response of what could be accomplished in small steps. How people sat back knowing there were five possible scenarios that could have saved the lives of Hicks and Woods but none of them were considered. 

Included in this book are detailed timelines of even during the Benghazi attack, sample rescue scenarios from a military expert who believes that help could have reached Benghazi compound in time, as well as the U.S. House Republican Conference Interim Progress Report on the events surrounding the September 11, 2012 Terrorist Attacks on Benghazi. 

I received Eyes on Target by Scott McEwen and Richard Miniter compliments of Center Street Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review and the opinions are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. It does provide the reader with enough details on what was happening during those attacks and what our own government response was and how they continue to intervene in playing politics when it comes to getting in the way of the SEALs getting the job done. It is saddening to see how in so many other situations this would never have happened, but why it unfolded the way it did on 9/11 needs to be addressed and resolved. There is too many questions that still remain to be answered by our own president and those that were in a position to provide help but didn't. I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Eyes on Target, Scott McEwen, Richard Miniter or where you can pick up your own copy of this book, please click on the links below: 

Eyes on Target: Inside Stories From the Brotherhood of the U.S. Navy SEALs by Scott McEwen and Richard Miniter

You can find Scott McEwen on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

To read more reviews on Eyes on Target, please visit Center Street's website. 

Maybelle in Stitches

We all know about women being employed at factories during World War II as an effort to help do whatever they could to enable their men to come home from the war as soon as possible. For Maybelle Kazinski, she is doing her part as a welder in Sun Shipyard, getting ships ready to aid in the war effort. She had only been married for a couple of days to Holden before he was called to report for duty, but it was worth it to know that he would have her waiting for him when he returned, if he returned at all. It seems like the waiting was truly the hardest part and even though working for six days helped to pass the time, she would cringe whenever the doorbell rang expecting the worst.

She just wasn't prepared for that dreaded feeling in the pit of her stomach to take the life of her mother, Francine and leave her alone. She had lost her father earlier and besides Roger, one of her mother's boarders who also worked at Sun Shipyard who she had come to see as a brother of sort, she had no more family left. Her only consolation was her best friend Doris who also had a husband serving overseas. Between the two of them, they did what they could to encourage each other that the war would be over soon and their men would come home.

But life isn't always sunshine and roses! Fate intervenes when we least expect it and for Maybelle it would be when the doorbell rings and a yellow telegram is delivered. The only good thing about the news it contained was that Holden wasn't killed but simply missing in action. But for Maybelle it seemed to be her undoing. On the heels of her mother's death and Holden's MIA telegram she had to find something to keep time from crawling along. When she discovers a crazy quilt of scraps her mother was making as a surprise for her and Holden for Christmas, Doris decides to convince Maybelle that they should finish it. But Maybelle isn't exactly what you would called skilled at sewing or cooking for that matter. Her high school sewing project involved her sewing the zipper of her dress into the neck area instead. Something that is still laughed about between her and Doris. But at least it will help to pass the time between working and sewing.

I received Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin compliments of Abingdon Press and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is the 16th novel in the Quilts of Love Series and one that can be read as a stand alone as each talented author takes their turn at telling a story with the quilt at the centerpiece. Joyce appealed to not only the romance lover in my heart but to WWII lover as well. I loved the background story she researched about women working in the shipyards as welders for Sun Shipyard which she includes at the conclusion of this novel. It makes it so rich to read how difficult it was waiting for men to come home from the war not knowing if they would ever see them again. Hands down this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Maybelle in Stitches, Joyce Magnin or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

You can also find Joyce Magnin on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Maybelle in Stitches, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page.

The End Came With A Kiss

When you hear the words "Zombie Apocalypse" what comes to mind? I'm sure you think undead people rising up from the grave, unable to be killed and eating the flesh of other humans. I thought the very same thing when author John Michael Hileman asked me to review his latest novel The End Came With a Kiss. I wondered how he would be able to pull off something like this from a Christian perspective and how would he keep me entertained enough to sit through another zombie novel.

All I can say is he was correct in saying this is not your typical zombie apocalypse and I was forewarned to not start this unless I wanted to be committed to not being able to do anything else until I reached the end. Congratulations John! You did just that in a way I could have never imagined since I have heard just about every zombie possibility except for this one. WOW! Never saw that one coming. They say beauty is skin deep but in this case it goes much deeper.

Ben Carter is only a handful of humans left. Everyone else has succumbed to the plague that had turned humans into a term he refers to as "loopers." A looper is someone who is no longer alive but looks perfect in every single way. No rotten flesh or bloodied limbs hanging by a thread. These are the people he worked with, lived next door to and loved. Now they are trapped in mindless activities known as looping, doing the same things over and over again as though they are programmed like robots, simply going through the motions without conscience thought. People in his office building are stuck wandering the halls, mindlessly clicking on computer keyboards as though life continued around them without interruption but it has. If something steps into their pattern or loop, if they become frustrated, they become angry and frustrated taking things out in super human strength capacity.

Ben is one of those responsible for the zombies that are now seemingly alive and roaming around town stuck in their endless loops. He never considered his hand in the fate that was dealt to him when his own wife, Katherine, became a looper and one he can't bear to let go of. He has vowed and promised that he would do all he could to find a cure before she became lost in the minds of those around her. All he knows is that one kiss is fatal and would doom him to a life much like the one she and everyone else around her is living. But will he be able to find a cure in time now that he has discovered a fatal flaw in the future of the loopers?

I received The End Came With A Kiss by John Michael Hileman compliments of the author for my honest review. He has officially won me over from my skeptical opinions of what I imagined this one to be. I have to say, I love his take on this one so much better than anything I have read or watched about zombies. Thank you for writing this one the way you did and it does have me questioning just how much science gets in the way with the finding a cure for aging and for death. One can never tell if something like this could be something in our foreseeable future, but I would hope not. For now, it remains locked away in the words of this amazing science fiction novel and one I can whole heartily endorse with a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own.
For more information about The End Came With a Kiss, John Michael Hileman, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The End Came With A Kiss by John Michael Hileman

You can find John Michael Hileman on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

Iesodo: Faith

Not since Veggie Tales has there been a great series for parents to provide visual entertainment for their children with great lessons to encourage further communication with your kids. Now there is, with Iesodo, pronounced Yay-Sa-Doe, meaning The Way of Jesus, which is a white dove in the bird world that represent the persona of Jesus. As this series begins, we are introduced to the family of birds that reside in a place called Cypress World on the Sea of Gailee that share two episode in each DVD filled with amazing and beautiful animation and music geared just for your kids.

I was invited to review Iesodo: Faith where you introduced to Miracles are Everywhere. The Hopi's are traditionalists and have their own way of doing things sticking to their traditional way of life. When Finch the Snitch conveys that Iesodo and his followers are doing things differently by spreading the good news, they immediately spring into action to put a stop to things. They send the Finch into action trying to find a way to trap Iesodo but when they arrive to speak to a large flock, it seems there won't be enough to feed them all. What will happen? Will they have enough faith to believe in what Iesodo instructs them to do?

In the next episode, The Wind and The Rain, teaches your children what you can do when you are afraid and how having faith helps to know that you can come through things if you remain strong. When the birds venture out on the Sea and the storms begin to get worse, Maggie comes up with a song to help the birds initially but then the waves and wind toss them overboard. They begin to grow afraid until Iesodo reminds them to have faith. He encourages Rocky to step out on the water and come to him in a miraculous retelling of Paul's journey of faith in Jesus. Anything is possible if you just believe.

I received Iesodo: Faith DVD compliments of Zaya Toonz, Rollman Entertainment, Capital Christian Distribution and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. This is such a brilliant series that you will want to make sure you collect all three, Love, Faith and Believe in the series. Directors for the series include Brian E. Ray whose credits consist of Muppet Babies, My Little Pony Tales and Ed, Ed, and Eddy, as well as Colin Brady, whose credits include Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and A Bug's Life. Brady also served as the former animation supervisor for Pixar Animation Studios. Producer Eric S. Rollman, President/CEO of Rollman Entertainment, formerly served as President of Production for Fox Kids and Marvel, and writer/producer Rob Loos is an Emmy Nominee and writer/producer for McGee and Me! Christmas Lamb, Kids 10 Commandments and Touched by an Angel. The Iesodo series also features the voice of Erin Bethea (Fireproof, Amazing Love) as Maggie. So as you can see this is a collaborative effort utilizing some of the best talents to bring you something wonderful for teaching your child biblical concepts that they will LOVE. I easily give this series a 5 out of 5 stars. My only complaint is that I wish this was available when I was growing up! Run time is about 55 minutes and contains some great bonus features like Bible verses, music videos and much more.This has received the Dove Approved Seal.

For more information about Iesodo DVD's,  Capital Christian Distribution, or where you can pick up these DVD's today, please click on the links below: 

Iesodo: Faith DVD

You can also find Iesodo on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest DVD releases. 

You can purchase this DVD on Amazon by clicking here. 

• Actors: Tony Oliver, Erin Bethea, T.W. Gibis, Joey Lotsko, Ron Allen
• Directors: Brian E. Ray
• Format: Full Screen, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Zaya Toonz, LLC
• DVD Release Date: January 21, 2014
• Run Time: 50 minutes

 

Iesodo: Love DVD Review

Not since Veggie Tales has there been a great series for parents to provide visual entertainment for their children with great lessons to encourage further communication with your kids. Now there is, with Iesodo, pronounced Yay-Sa-Doe, meaning The Way of Jesus, which is a white dove in the bird world that represent the persona of Jesus. As this series begins, we are introduced to the family of birds that reside in a place called Cypress World on the Sea of Gailee that share two episode in each DVD filled with amazing and beautiful animation and music geared just for your kids.

I was invited to review Iesodo: Love where you introduced to Birds of a Feather, Fish Together. Jacob and Jack, pelican brothers, seem to have nothing in common besides their ability to argue. It seems that the fish they have been tasked to gather for the Finches wedding will go unfulfilled unless they can find a way to work together instead of constantly remaining competitive. But it will take the wisdom of Iesodo to teach them that they can be more successful if they can put their differences aside and help the Finches by providing an abundant source of fish for their wedding.

In the next episode, Love Your Enemies, teaches your children what it is like when people are treated with kindness over being treated with greed. When the birds have to provide taxes to Zacheus, the Tax Collector, they find that no matter how much they provide, he still wants more. It shows what happens when selfishness takes over someone's life and of course, Iesodo comes along to show him how far a little kindness goes instead.

I received Iesodo: Love DVD compliments of Zaya Toonz, Rollman Entertainment, Capital Christian Distribution and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. This is such a brilliant series that you will want to make sure you collect all three, Love, Faith and Believe in the series. Directors for the series include Brian E. Ray whose credits consist of Muppet Babies, My Little Pony Tales and Ed, Ed, and Eddy, as well as Colin Brady, whose credits include Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and A Bug's Life. Brady also served as the former animation supervisor for Pixar Animation Studios. Producer Eric S. Rollman, President/CEO of Rollman Entertainment, formerly served as President of Production for Fox Kids and Marvel, and writer/producer Rob Loos is an Emmy Nominee and writer/producer for McGee and Me! Christmas Lamb, Kids 10 Commandments and Touched by an Angel. The Iesodo series also features the voice of Erin Bethea (Fireproof, Amazing Love) as Maggie. So as you can see this is a collaborative effort utilizing some of the best talents to bring you something wonderful for teaching your child biblical concepts that they will LOVE. I easily give this series a 5 out of 5 stars. My only complaint is that I wish this was available when I was growing up! Run time is about 55 minutes and contains some great bonus features like Bible verses, music videos and much more.

For more information about Iesodo DVD's,  Capital Christian Distribution, or where you can pick up these DVD's today, please click on the links below: 

Iesodo: Love DVD

You can also find Iesodo on Facebook to stay up to date with all their latest DVD releases. 

You can purchase this DVD on Amazon by clicking here. 

• Actors: Tony Oliver, Erin Bethea, T.W. Gibis, Joey Lotsko, Ron Allen
• Directors: Brian E. Ray
• Format: Full Screen, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Zaya Toonz, LLC
• DVD Release Date: January 21, 2014
• Run Time: 50 minutes

 

Tide and Tempest

Sometimes the hardest thing to deal with besides the loss of love is trying to find a way to move forward and find a way just to get through the day. But for Tillie McGrath, she's still carrying the past around with her trying to find a way to make restitution for her unforgiven sin. When she arrived in America two years ago with her fiancè Braedon McKillop, she had hoped for a much different life than the one she received. Leaving Ireland against her parents wishes and running away with Braedon promised her a life of love and adventure. But life would rob her of all that happiness. Braedon died during their trip aboard Caitriona Marie leaving her alone and with their child. They never even had a chance to be married, but no one else knew that. It seemed that this life was due to be and she even lost her baby never having had the chance to get to know her.

Tillie now feels that looking back it was a series of bad mistakes that God is punishing her for and vows to do anything she can to get back into His good graces again, volunteering at the local church, and attempting to open a orphanage to help care for the cities children in an effort to earn her penance. But when Captain Keondric Morgan returns after two years to check on her welfare, she isn't quite sure what to make of concerns. But Captain Morgan has never forgotten Tillie and even he carries a guilt that he must now resolve. During a deathbed confession of the ship's doctor, he learns that Braedon's death wasn't an accident, he was murdered by the doctor. What he didn't realize in providing Tillie the opportunity to spend Braedon's final moments together would cost her her life.

Now it seems whoever was responsible for her husband's murder is concerned that Braedon confessed something to Tillie during his final moments, something that could lead the authorities straight to them if word gets out. Now when they realize she is living at the boarding house, it makes her an easy target to eliminate. But Captain Morgan and his younger brother Cass agree to stay at the boarding house in an effort to figure out who is trying to kill Tillie and protect her against all costs. But is it possible that both of them can fall in love with her at the same time and will either one be willing to accept whomever she choose and bow out gracefully? Or will their love blind them to protect Tillie in the process?

I received Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is the third book in the Edge of Freedom series and is a must read for Historical fiction fans. I must add the beginning of the book started out really slow for me and I struggled to find a rhythm to keep on going through the novel. However by the time you get through the first handful of chapters you get hooked. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first two books in this series, but I was able to pick this one up and get an idea of what happened earlier thanks to Elizabeth's introduction in the beginning chapters of this novel. Perhaps that is why it was so hard at the beginning to get into. However, that being said I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Tide and Tempest, Elizabeth Ludwig or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig

You can also find Elizabeth Ludwig on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Tide and Tempest, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

On The Rocks

After dating her boyfriend Ben from college for the last few years, Abby Wilkes is making preparations for her wedding. Armed with her best friend Grace, she's spent the day trying on wedding dresses looking for just the right one. She has found it in a $4,000 Vera Wang gown, only she wasn't prepared for what would hit her out of left field. As Grace was perusing Facebook, she watched as Ben's status update went from Engaged to Single in just minutes as the same time, Abby's phone began a flurry of incoming text messages. I mean how could the love of your life, break up with you without telling you, but had no problem telling Facebook?

In Erin Duffy's latest novel, On The Rocks, the premise is set for what happens when Abby is confronted with her engagement being called off on Facebook. How does one get over that? How do you keep from not picking up a weapon of some sort and taking out your frustrations on the one person who truly deserves it?

"After I saw Ben's Facebook post changing his status to single and telling everyone he had ever met in his life (except me) that we were over, I did what any red-blooded American girl who had been trying on wedding dresses for impending nuptials would have done: I went directly to his apartment and tried to break down the door with my fists. When that didn't work, I walked halfway down the hallway, and took off in a full sprint, and charged the door with my shoulder like they do on TV cop shows, but since I'm only five-two and weighed 110 pounds at the time, all I managed to do was bruise my shoulder so badly I couldn't raise my arm above my head for six weeks. I probably could've tried ringing the doorbell like a normal person, which would have alerted me to the fact he wasn't home, but adrenaline and shock will make a girl do really stupid things."

It's nice to know that I am not crazy after reading On The Rocks and realizing I, too, have probably done or thought about the things Abby has. I couldn't imagine what I would do if after that much time invested in someone didn't work out and found myself on the dating scene single one again. Wait, I actually can because after 10 years of being with someone and learning he had cheated, I found myself doing just that at 31, just like Abby. Erin truly writers from a girl's heart although I would have loved to see this story written without all the profanity that Abby and Grace use in this novel. The storyline however can't be missed. It is why I can still give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars based on my own rating system.

Abby must find a way to get over stocking her freezer with quite literally all Baskin Robbin's 31 flavors of ice cream and learn to stop sending pointless text messages to Ben. Her best option is to take Grace's suggestion to spend the summer at a beach house, and learn to find a way to move forward without adding pounds to the equation. If you have ever experienced a bad breakup before, this is the perfect novel for you! I absolutely LOVE it and most of all LOVE Erin's writing style. It's legitimate, honest and real just like things are without the happily ever after ending. This is simply one of the best novels I can recommend for a summer reading list.

I received On The Rocks by Erin Duffy compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This is the second novel from Erin Duffy and is available for sale in April  2014. (ISBN: 9780062205742; ISBN10: 0062205749; Imprint: William Morrow ; On Sale: 4/22/2014; Format: Hardcover; Trimsize: 6 x 9 Rough; Pages: 320; $25.99;)

For more information about On The Rocks, Erin Duffy or where you can preorder a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

On the Rocks by Erin Duffy

You can also find Erin Duffy on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on On The Rocks, please visit William Morrow's website. 

Poison Town

Jack Crittendon has a new mission, as an investigative reporter for The Dispatch, he is turning the tables on the man he just interviewed Leonard Bendickson III, CEO of Demler-Vargas, the fiberglass manufacturer in Trenton City. Since taking the helm as CEO thirteen years ago, Bendickson has steered the Fortune 500 company to unfathomable heights. The $7.9 billion corporation has consistently surpassed Wall Streets expectations on its way to becoming one of the world's most prolific manufacturers of fiberglass - all kinds of fiberglass. Although Demler-Vargas has been the subject of complaints about air pollution from Trenton City neighbors over the years, Bendickson insists the company has worked diligently to comply with OSHA and the EPA.

But there is something sinister and unsettling when Jack discovers that those around him that he knows are dying from similar symptoms. He wondered just what the truth was. Were pollutants from Demler-Vargas hurting employees and neighbors? Were they what killed Travis Randall's mother and made his father, Galen sick? But if Demler-Vargas was hiding something, wouldn't OSHA and the EPA caught on and stopped them? Was Bendickson lying, or was he running a clean shop as he claims?

The more Jack tries to uncover the truth, the more it seems that someone is out to make sure those secrets stay buried. When it gets personal however, and his wife and mother-in-law become victims of a random car accident, Jack begins to dig deeper into the truth. He is aided by Derrick Whittaker, on of Jack's best friends who has been assigned that beat and together they slowly begin to uncover things that don't make sense, especially when their editor, Cecil Barton, will only allow them to spend no more than a hour a day working on this investigation. He seems to think that in the past, Amy Sheets has tried to do much the same thing, but now has moved away to be closer to her aging parents and discovered nothing. But is that really the reason why she is no longer working at the office?

I received Poison Town by Creston Mapes compliments of David C. Cook Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This could be any real company today as chemicals continue to surface in our food sources and water supplies that are being linked to certain types of cancer and illness that seem to multiply the closer people come to living next to these manufacturing plants. In this case, it is more than just the poisons from the fiberglass plant that are infecting people, it's also greed and justice that are tearing families and businesses apart. But will Jack's now dormant faith come to light in time to save them all or will he fall victim to the same fate as everyone else? You'll have to pick this one up to find out. This is the second novel in the Crittendon Files and I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. The first novel in the series is Fear Has No Name in which the reader gains insight into the back story of the issues between Jack and his wife.

For more information about Poison Town, Creston Mapes, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Poison Town by Creston Mapes

You can also find Creston Mapes on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Poison Town, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page.

The Well

Ever since reading The Thief, Stephanie Landsem's second novel in The Living Water Series, I felt I missed out on her debut novel, The Well. I was so impressed and lost in her novel, I had to read this one just to see where it all began and to satisfy the longing in my book lover's heart. You know when you find an exceptional author, you have to pick up everything they write. I was not disappointed in my discovery. Thank you to Howard Books for generously sending me this copy to read and review without any monetary compensation for a favorable review.

One of the things that make Stephanie's novels so exceptional is she doesn't leave out any details when taking a known event from the Bible and expounding on the details that we don't know. Given that very little is known about the Samaritan women at the well that Jesus encounters, I love how Stephanie elaborated on what her life must have been like to bring her to that fateful life changing encounter we all know about from the Bible.

In the novel The Well, the reader is transported back in time to the Samaritan village of Sychar, where we find ourselves meeting the famed adulterous woman, Nava who is once again bringing much shame and disgrace not only to the village but more importantly to her daughter Mara and her disabled brother Asher. Knowing that her mother has completely lost sight of what this could bring to her family if anyone discovers what she is doing, Mara takes on the role of the mother, providing for the care and feeding of her mother and Asher. Since they are among the poorest in the village, they are only able to get by with the charity of the women in town who leave whatever they can spare so Mara and Asher won't go hungry. But Mara knows the charity will only last for so long as she manages to care for her family any way she can.

Fate intervenes when Jesus comes to the town of Sychar and meets Nava at the well. Just when it looks like things will get better for their family, those in the town that seek revenge instead of grace won't stop until they ensure that the laws of God are upheld in town. But once her mother is brought before the court, will there be anyone willing to stand up for righteousness against the odds? You just might be surprised at how well Stephanie writes the conclusion of her debut novel.

I received The Well by Stephanie Landsem compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest opinion. The one thing I didn't realize is how she will preserve some of these characters for their reprising role in The Thief. I don't want to spoil it for you but trust me, if you love Biblical Fiction, you will definitely want to pick up The Well and The Thief. This is such an exceptional journey because you feel as though you're not just reading the story but actually living there. Just the violent act of stoning is something I am glad we don't do any longer and it seems it would be a painful and slow death at the hands of people who believe their are justified in their actions. This reminds me of mob-like vigilante's of the ancient days. I easily give this a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Well, Stephanie Landsem or where you can pick up a copy of The Well today, please click on the links below:

The Well by Stephanie Landsem

You can also find Stephanie Landsem on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Well, please visit Howard Book's website. 

Vintage -

Behind every piece of clothing is a story. That is what makes Hourglass Vintage something unique than your usual retail clothing stores. There is the story of how each item found its way into the store and thus the reason why Violet Turner had desperately wanted her store to succeed. She took the time to understand the purpose behind acquiring each item she sold. She had hoped with each rent payment she made that she would someday own the store she ran and the apartment she lived in above. It was one of the very reasons she entered into the contract with Mortenson & Son Properties Inc.

The last thing she had ever expected to see what a man in her store serving her an eviction notice. Knowing she can't possibly afford to fight this with a high price attorney, she meets with Ted Mortenson to see what options she has. (1) she can pay the market rate for the building, which is around a million dollars, or (2) take a compromise offer of two months of rent and vacate the property in a couple of months. Violet knows she can't possibly come up with the down payment to buy back the building and meets with her life long friend, Karen Young who is an attorney who offers to help her stall the process to give Violet more time.

Meanwhile Violet receives an offer from her friend Betsy Barrett, a wealthy women who was a member of a local women's organization to consider taking on a young pregnant girl, April Morgan who needs a job to help her cope with the recent break up with her boyfriend Charlie. It will enable her to put her math skills to work aiding Violet in establishing a system of organization within her shop and keep April from worrying too much about her future as a mom, now that Charlie cancelled their wedding plans thanks to the encouragement of his wealthy parents to pay for his medical school costs.

As the story progress we get to meet quite a few of Violet's customers who are going through their own personal struggle which brings them into her store. It's more about finding hope through common circumstances as each of the women in Violet's life gives her more than just articles of clothing to sell in her store, they are giving her a piece of their past lives and in some cases ones they don't want back.

I received Vintage from Susan Gloss, a debut novel in The Friday Night Knitting Club compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions in this review are strictly my own. This novel does contain some profanity as a caution to readers who would be caught unaware picking this one up. I would have liked to have seen the author omit it since it's not necessary to move the novel forward or pertaining to Violet's character. I am a huge fan of antiques and vintage items because of the history behind each one you pick up much like the items in Hourglass Vintage which become the chapter starters in this novel. The story toggles between Violet's customers as each share their struggles in both their past and present lives through the articles them bring into her store. I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion based on my personal rating system.

For more information about Vintage, Susan Gloss or where to order a copy of this novel, please click on the links below:

Vintage: A Novel by Susan Gloss

You can also find Susan Gloss on Facebook to stay up to date with all her novels.

To read more reviews on Vintage: A Novel please visit William Morrow's website. 

Childless

In an effort to curb the downward fall of the world's economy, a task force has been created to look for more innovative ideas as part of President Lowman's Youth Initiative. Now in looking for greater incentives for potential transition volunteers to expand the Youth Initiative. Greater incentives meant increased pressure. Make it easier to say yes so it would be harder to say no. America needed more of the elderly and disabled to get with the program. They were, after all, debits. They cost more than they produced. They spent personal wealth on themselves rather than releasing it to the younger, healthier generation. That is why so many had come to label them, "selfish parasites" draining rather than fueling the economy by requiring time and attention from otherwise productive workers and entrepreneurs; those who contributed. Those who paid taxes.

In the second novel in Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruners series set in the future 2043, Childless picks up on the heels of it's predecessor Fatherless. We now see the evil that dwells behind the scenes promoting the latest politcal agenda that is facing this generation where there are more senior citizens than young people. The economy has been challenged with reducing health care for it's aging population while trying to increase the younger generation of productive workers. Transition is simply a generic term for sanctioned suicide of the elderly with the governments assistance to reduce the rising costs of health care for senior citizens and the disabled. Now it seems that Congressmen Kevin Tolbert has discovered "bright spots" places in the world when the economy is improving when families increase the number of children they have as well as reduce the number of transitions that happen.

But like all great political suspense thrillers, there is always a twist. Now it seems that in light of the upcoming verdict in the case against NEXT, Inc, the judge Victor Santiago is receiving death threats to consider how he will vote against the lawsuit from a transition's family member and how it would affect NEXT, Inc in the public's eye. Whenever a family member transitions, their inheritance is passed along to the family. Pending the verdict in this case, all cash disbursements are currently on hold until the case is settled. This isn't what Matthew Adams had planned on when he convinced his elderly mother suffering from dementia to transition so he could go to college instead of spending her dwindling bank account on her prescriptions and medical care. Now it seems that it might be on hold indefinitely if the verdict is unfavorable for NEXT, Inc.

But in this novel children aren't being born as families learn they are expecting. In fact, it's quite the opposite, fetuses are being sold at $2000 each to a embryotic's supply company to utilize for skin care and skin grafting procedures. It seems like nothing is off limits. Even your baby can be genetically screened before birth to help parents increase the likelihood of delivering a healthy baby and even the sex of the baby can be guaranteed. They offer this option as a way for families to reduce the lifelong medical expense due to disability and disease. Even now most health care physicians won't even accept insurance unless the parents have undergone the prescreening process.

I received Childless by Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. This is a chilling look at what could very well be the future of the world if we continue on the trends we are now seeing happening all over the world, from physician assisted suicides to abortions. In fact Dr. James Dobson shares his thoughts in a note at the beginning of the novel where "places like Japan and Russia are already experiencing the economic turmoil caused by too few children trying to support a growing pool of aging citizens. In this novel they deal with what happens when sex is severed from the life-giving joys of maternity. Be forewarned, such questions require depicting ugly realities that come when we disregard the beauty and sanctity of the marriage bed." I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars.  I can't wait for Godless, the third novel coming out in the fall of 2014.

For more information about Childless, Dr. James Dobson, Kurt Bruner or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Childless by Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner

You can also find Dr. James Dobson on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

To read more reviews on Childless, please visit Faith Words Website. 

Fatherless

"Free To Thrive
By Julia Davidson (RAP Syndicate)

A friend of mine recently informed me she wants to have a child. She's not religious, but her parents are devout Catholics. They have an opinion on the matter. Actually, two opinions.

First, they want their daughter to find a partner (husband to use their word) before becoming a mom - something less than 25% of women do for good reasons I've covered in earlier columns. (Why do religious fundamentalists criticize our generation for avoiding parenthood yet complain when single women choose motherhood?)

Second, my friend's parents disapprove of a practice that has become standard medical procedure, even among heterosexual domestic partners. In vitro selection (IVS) brings enormous benefits to parents, children and society. But they've cautioned their daughter against 'engineering her child" by vetting common genetic imperfections. They believe IVS puts humans in place of God and fear we have become "picky shoppers" rather than "grateful recipients" when it comes to the "gift of life."

Caving to parental pressure, my friend postponed her selection appointment. I suppose I should celebrate the decision. One fewer carbon footprint polluting the planet. But I hate to see her give up something she wants just because her parents view technology as a moral bogeyman.

These are the facts. Eight out of ten women who wish to have a child use in vitro selection, otherwise known as common sense. In our day and age, why would anyone risk giving birth to children with costly health challenges? Women no longer have to fear receiving bad news after teh birth of a child due to unforeseen disabilities and complications. Only children born to parents who opt out of the genetic vetting process risk the heartache, burden and expenses associated with the most common disabilities and age-related illness. Those expenses, by the way, will end up hitting federal and state budgets as "faith children" survive their well-intentioned but misguided parents. You and I will inherit costly care and medical obligations associated with our aging parents and grandparents.

If my friend decides to have a child, I hope she will give the baby the freedom to thrive by eliminating the risk of unnecessary disease and disability. I only wish we could give the same freedom to those of us already burdened by both." (excerpt pg 81-82.)

It's the year 2042 and while the world struggles to come to terms with a failing economy in every country, they notice that this is the first time the scale are tipping downward. This is the first time that senior citizens outnumber the younger generation. This places a burden on not having enough productive hands necessary to maintain the standards of productivity while the high cost of caring for seniors is skyrocketing. The only solution is to provide transition services to those who have become more of a debit than an asset to their families and society. They can opt out of life through volunteering to transition and leave their wealth behind to their families. But surely something like this is only for fictional novels right? Or is it?

Best selling author and speaker of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson has teamed up with Kurt Bruner to write the novel Fatherless, which was inspired by the foretelling of the ominous trends discussed in this novel by the late Chuck Colson. They use this information to write a very chilling story of what could happen when the very old outnumber the very young. With a decline in marriage and parenthood fueling an unprecedented drop in fertility, then the growth in global population will soon end, then reverse. We are already seeing this happen in places like Japan and Russia. Just what importance is there in a world where growing up with the protective love of a father becomes the exception rather than the norm? I think these two brilliant authors have given us a taste of what may lie ahead of us in the future if we continue this pattern.

I received Fatherless by Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own unless otherwise noted. While this is a fictional based novel, we are seeing more approval for physician assisted suicides among the terminally ill or aging that simply want a way out rather than liquidating all their financial assets. What happens then when people stop having children or opt to avoid getting married when they can have a baby in a lab and thus move on with life without the benefits of the family unit. Through a variety of characters this is the premise of Fatherless. This is the first book in the series with Childless and Godless being added to the series. Just the opening and closing stories alone are chilling in their future implications. I easily give this a 5 out of 5 stars for every single person to read, especially believers who know the truth that comes when light is revealed in dark places.

For more information about Fatherless, Dr. James Dobson, Kurt Bruner or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Fatherless by Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner

You can also find Dr. James Dobson on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords; Reprint edition (October 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455513105
• ISBN-13: 978-1455513109
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches

To read more reviews on Fatherless, please visit Faith Word's website. 

The Devil Walks in Mattingly

As I finished the latest novel from Billy Coffey, The Devil Walks in Mattingly, I remember what he told me when I interviewed him on what the reader would find in this one. He told me it will be much darker. And it is. Much darker!

To those of you that are looking for a happy story of some facet of Billy's walk in life, this is NOT that novel. Ir reminds me in fact of the opening line that Jude Law narrates for Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, "Dear reader, there are people in the world who know no misery and woe. And they take comfort in cheerful films about twittering birds and giggling elves. There are people who know that there's always a mystery to be solved. And they take comfort in researching and writing down any important evidence. But this story is not about such people.The movie you are about to see is extremely unpleasant. If you wish to see a film about a happy little elf, I'm sure there is still plenty of seating in theatre number two."

This novel is actually the prequel to Billy's third novel, When Mockingbird Sings. I've been a huge fan of Billy's since the days I first came across his stories on his Blog, "What I Learned Today", and fell in love with his uncanny abililty to do more than just tell a great story. He makes it come alive and makes you part of the action. I wanted to run ahead and read The Devil Walks in Mattingly as fast as possible, because you will always come away changed after reading ANY of his books. This one was NO different, however much like a race horse yearning to run ahead at the start of the gun, this one held me back restrained. No matter how much I wanted to run ahead, this one made me go slow. To say this novel is deep and dark, is an understatement. I believe it's Billy's finest examples of just how versatile of a writer he truly is.

I liken this novel to something a bit of a blend between Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe and M. Night Shyalmalan's Sixth Sense. This is about what we all face when dealing with the guilt of sin in our lives. Especially in this case where the murder of a young boy, Phillip McBride that happened twenty years ago, is now being felt in the town of Mattingly, Virginia by those with guilty consciences, the local sheriff, Jake Barnett, his wife, Kate, and the recluse that lives in Happy Hollow, Taylor Hathcock. Each of them believes that they have had a hand in the murder of Phillip and each have found a coping method that is slowly unraveling at the seams.

For Jake, he is trying to avoid confrontation at all costs in his job as Mattingly's sheriff, including the apprehension of his own father, Justus wanted for the murder of three men. Jake is haunted by nightmares of that fateful day by Phillip to deprives him not only of sleep but in moving forward in his life. Phillip is the spectre with a warning that he is coming back for him and Kate, and no one will escape. But is it really happening or it just the over active imagination of a guilty conscience?

Kate is stuck making amends for her guilt, one I related to the most. She keeps a notebook of all the young people she has helped to atone for her sin. She is hoping one day, she will achieved enough good deeds to make up for the one she can't apologize for and for the innocent loss of life she claimed that day when her prank took an unexpected turn on the last day of high school.

For Taylor, he spends his days waiting for just the right moment to "wake" them all up. He suffers from a mental snap and believes that the life his is living is merely a dream and that he is the only one who can help them all. He cautiously spies upon the sleepy residents of Mattingly knowing that the day is close at hand. The one event that brings things to life is the day footprints appear in the Hollow from a protective grove that Taylor is the keeper of, that lead back to Mattingly and back to her. Now he just needs to find the clues to piece it all together, but this will also bring to the town of Mattingly, an evil they have never experienced before and one that will forever change the town.

I received The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey, compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own, unless otherwise noted. This is a novel that showcases much more than a well written story. It shows how far guilt can carry us if we allow it to fester unresolved. It also teaches us the power of forgiveness. People often say that forgiveness is for others, but I beg to differ, it is for us that have been wronged instead. There is freedom in being able to forgive those who have wronged us, no matter what has happened. Those who can't are likely Jake, Kate and Taylor who are stuck feeling justified in keeping those feelings locked inside, and thus become more trapped and tormented than anyone should ever have to. By the time, you get to the end of this one, you will understand what grace truly is and how much freedom there is in forgiveness before you can ever move forward. In my opinion, by far, Billy's finest novel to date. There is such maturity in his writing this novel that is unparallelled in anything I have read and thus the reason for my 5 out of 5 stars. Looking forward to going even deeper Billy!

For more information about The Devil Walks in Mattingly, Billy Coffey or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey

You can find Billy Coffey on Facebook to stay up to date will all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Devil Walks in Mattingly, please visit Thomas Nelson Publisher's website.

When Calls The Heart - Lost and Found

Nashville , Tennessee- When Calls the Heart Produced and directed by Michael Landon Jr. and inspired by the best-selling books by Janette Oke, tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young high society teacher receiving her first classroom post in a prairie town in the Western Frontier. Also stars Lori Loughlin as Abigail Stanton, a widow and mother whose husband, along with a dozen other miners, was killed in an explosion at the local mine.When Calls the Heart- “Lost and Found” is a feature length film from the first two episodes of the When Calls the Heart television series.When Calls the Heart television series debuted on the Hallmark Channel to more than 3 million viewers, making it the No. 2 for the night on all of cable for the primary telecast at 9 p.m and No. 3 overall in households.Distributed by Word Entertainment, The DVD will be available to purchase in Christian Retail February 25th, 2014.

Synopsis“When Calls the Heart” tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coal mining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin plays Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion.The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter. Living in a 19th century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

My Review:

I've been completely addicted to this series since I watched the original movie When Calls The Heart. Then I was excited to learn that the Hallmark Channel had decided to pick this one up as a series and continue the story from best selling author Janette Oke. In this DVD, When Calls The Heart: Lost and Found, we find that Elizabeth Thatcher has left her wealthy and prominent life to journey west to become a teacher in Coal Valley. She believes despite all her father's misgivings she can do what they believe she can't. Armed with nothing more than her clothes and some books, she is soon the victim of a stage coach robbery that leaves her with little more than the clothes on her back. She arrives at the request of the women of Coal Valley that have suffered the loss of their husbands and older children in a mining explosion. Their only hope is that Elizabeth can educate their children so that they don't have to become miners when they grow up.

But Elizabeth isn't at all prepared for what she is hoping for and thus no matter how hard she struggles to fit in, she is more of a challenge than she thinks. From learning to deal with issues that the children are facing to establishing the school in a saloon during the day, there are numerous laughs to be found along the way. Elizabeth's biggest ally is Abigail  Stanton who has lost both her husband and son in the mining explosion. Yet both women persevere despite all the odds against them. Abigail dispenses motherly wisdom to Elizabeth when she feels overcome by the challenges facing her on the frontier and the two become friends.

Jack Thornton arrives as someone Elizabeth's father has hired to watch over his daughter while she insists on taking up the teaching in Coal Valley. Soon the sparks fly between the two even though they fight the attraction brewing between them. Yet after some time, Elizabeth soon discovers that Jack is more than just a friend and the harder they try to fight their romantic feelings the more they each are drawn closer together.

I received When Calls the Heart: Lost and Found compliments of Word Films, The Hallmark Channel and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my honest review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. It's so wonderful to know that in a world where choices in television and movie entertainment is becoming challenging for families that a series like When Calls the Heart comes along. Completely suitable for all ages in your family it reminds me of Little House on the Prairie from my own childhood. This series is directed by Michael Landon Jr and produced and written by Brian Bird and will be one that I am sure you will LOVE. My entire family LOVES this series from my youngest daughter at 15 to my husband. This DVD will be the start of an incredible journey for you and your family and one I can easily give a 5 out of 5 stars too! This is the first DVD in the series!

You can find out more information about When Calls the Heart: Lost and Found, Word Films, the Hallmark Channel or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today by clicking on the links below:

When Calls the Heart: Lost and Found by Word Films and the Hallmark Channel

You can also find When Calls The Heart on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest information on the series. 

To learn more about Word Films, please visit their website or Facebook page.